Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1914-10-21
tCoD11ieht. 1914 81 0nafiss aeribnsfS sossS
CHAPTER Xxx.
Turning the Tables

Through the door which the aide
had left open the division chiefs, led
by Turcas, nled in. To Westerlins
they seemed like procession OF
ghosts. The features OF one were the
features Of all, craven with the weari
ness of the machines treadmill. Their
harness held them UP. A moving plat
form under their feet kept their legs
moving. They grouped around the
great mans desk silently. Turcas, his
lips . half-opened seam, his voice that
Of crinkling parchment. acting as
spokesman.
THE enemy seized his advantage
he said. when he found that our re-
serves were on the march, out Of touch
with the wire to headquarters"
Westerling forced smile which he
wanted to be knowing smile.
However. we had not prepared our
positions for the defensive" continued
that very literal parchment voice.
They began an assault on our left
flank first and we've just had word
that they have turned it. Nor is that
tho worst Of It. They are pressing at
other vell.cAosen points. They threat.
On to pierce our center
! Our center!" gibed Westerling.
You need rest. Our center. where we
have the column Of last nights attack
still concentrated! II anything would
convince me that have to tight this
war alone-I-" westerling choked in
irritation.
Yes. The ground 10 such that 1t Is
4 tactically safe and advantageous
move for Lanstron to make. He strikes
1t the vitals of our machine"
But what about the remainder of
the force that made the charge? What
about all our guns concentrated in
front Of Engadir?"
Il was coming TO that. The rout Of
tho assaulting column was much worse
than We had supposed. Those who are
strong enough cannot be got to re-
form. Many were 20 exhausted that
they dropped in their tracks. Our
guns are 1t this moment In retreat
or being captured by the rush Of the
Browns infantry. Your Excallency.
the crisis 10 sudden, Incredible
Our wire service has broken down.
We cannot communicate with many Of
our division commanders" put in Bel.
ltni. the chief Of intelligence.
Yes. our organization. 20 dependent
on communication. IL in danger Of dis
ruption." concluded furcas. ITO avoid
disorder. we think It best to retreat
across the plain to our own range"
At the word retreat" Westsrling
sprsng to his feet, his cheeks purple.
the veins of his neck and temples
sculptured as he took Q threatening
step toward the group. which fell back
before the physical rage Of the man.
all except the vice-chief. his mouth .
thin, ashy line. who held his own.
You towards" Westerling thun.
dered. Retreat when We have flve
millions to their three!"
I'VE have not that odds now" replied
the parchment voice. All their men
are engaged. They have caught u ut
a disadvantage. unable to use our num-
bers except in detail in trying to hold
on In face Of"
Il tell you we cannot retreat" wes-
.terlins interrupted. That IL the end.
I know what you do not know. a.n
In touch with the government. Yes. I
know"
This brought fresh alarm into faces
which had become SGT Il, grim stoicism
by many alarms. II the people were In
ignorance OF the losses aud the army
In ignorance OF the nations feeling.
the officers of the star were no less in
ignorance Of what passed over the
long distance wire between the chief
of star and the premier.
Il know what 10 best-I alone!"
westerling continued. driving home his
point. Tell our commanders to hold.
Neither general nor man 10 to bulge.
They are to stick to the death. Any
one who does not shall hold up to
public shame - poltroon. Who
knows but Lanstroa's attack may be
q council of desperation? The Browns
may b worse OF than we are. Hold.
hold! II we are tired. they are tired.
Frequently It takes only IN ounce mofe
of resolution to turn the tide Of battle.
Hold. hold! Tomorrow will tell . diff
ferent story! We are going to win
yet! Yes, we are going to win!"