The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-12-22
$50 French Soldiers In
Foes Lines Since Aug. q
Fugitive Fighters Cut OFF From Retreat in Belgium in
Early Stages of War Have Been Harassng Ger
mans for Almost Four Months
FOUND SAFE REFUGE IN FORESTS OF ARDENNES

that tho Germans were unable TO dis
cover the exact location of the hostile
force and although strong bodies of troops
have been sent against II every search
has failed. Cavalry and infantry troops
have ventured as far into the forests as
they have dared, but so thorough
knowledge OF the ground have the fugi-
tives acquired that they have been able
to conceal themselves successfully every
time.
During the first few weeks OF their
forest life the soldiers might have sue
ceeded In getting over the border had they
accepted the offers OF the inhabitants to
furnish clothing with which they could
disguise themselves as peasants and pass
through the German lines as refugees.
These offers, however. were refused.
German Commander Killed.
On one occasion In the village OF IIouyet,
on tho Leese, twenty kiometers from
Dinant. the fugitive soldiers had a narrow
escape. German force, which the French
believed TO be small. had occupied the
royal chateau dArdenne and was making
merry with the contents of a we'll Allied
larder and wine cellars of the place. while
the few remaining inhabitants In the viii
lage were starving. The commander Of
tho French soldiers decided 10 put an
end to this condition Of aNairs and UNDER
took personally to trap and capture the
German commander. The surprise of the
latter can well be imagined when during
morning stroll he came suddenly face
to face with French officer in full uni
form who ordered him to hold up his
hands. lie drew his revolver instead, but
the Frenchman was quicker and shot him
dead.
The report was heard by the sentry
al the chateau and brought a strong force
or Germans on the run. The French SOL
diers were waiting nearby to assist their
chief. but one glance was enough to see
that they were greatly outnumbered and
all He'd back TO the woods, not one being
even wounded.
similar incident had occurred only
Few days before at Beauraing. ten miles
away, where n German captain had been
Killed, and the military authorities there
upon decided TO mako a thorough search
OF the forest to round up the French
troops. More than 1000 men took part
n the search. but not a Frenchman was
ound.
Meanwhile the attacks have con-
tlnued and the Germans In the regions OF
Houyet. Geduine. Saint Hubert, Beauralng
and Givet are terrorzed No officer dares
venture out alone. no stranger is allowed
TO pass. VI. Speyer, the Belgian Senator.
who has taken charge OF the feeding OF
''t' A''lhHliIS OF these regions,
has been subjected TO a close watch dur
ing all HIS visits. and he is practically the
only one tolerated In these towns.
The authority fui iiis story saw the
French commander only two weeks ago
and succeeded in getting through the Ger.
man lines and back to Paris At that
time the German military authorities had
posted throughout the two Belgian pr,v.
inces OF Luxembourg and Namur the FOL.
lowing announcement addressed to the
fugitive soldiers:
French soldiers:
We know where you are and have full
information regarding your strength. In
your own interest we advise YOU TO sur
render and promise that you! lives will be
safe. II you refuse every one OF you will
be shot"
On the following morning the Germans
were amazed to find written in a bold
hand across several OF the posters the
following line:
IF you know where we are why don't
you come and get usP'
And underneath appeared the signature
OF the French commanding officer. with
his full name and rank and the number OF
his regiment.