Catoctin clarion., 1914-03-12
The Treasure of
Spand0n
Copyright. 1918. by W. G, Chapman,
An Audacious Hazard of Nkoa Independent Agent, as
Related by His Lieutenant, Summers
BY H. M. EGBERT

many meddling with external affairs
is discouraged. Nikolai stepped off
and proceeded toward little archway
which led to the quarters of the COM
manding officer. Presently the two
emerged together.
Your Excellency," said Nikolai, 81
have now fulfilled the emperor's in
structions. You yourself, doubtless,
have received orders as to the disposi-
tion of these shells. | shall proceed
to unload them, with the help of your
men, and my machanic here will ex-
anime each shell separately for any
possible defects sustained in transit.
He is the chief foreman of the ord
nance branch of the Krupp factory"
The commanding offer acquiesced
and when, at his command, which was
issued through several subordinates
files of soldiers in fatigue dress
came swarming In the center of the
square, indicated that the shells were
to be unloaded. The men fell to with
a will Each shell was an enormous
burden for single soldier and soon
the sweat was streaming down their
faces. 1t was midnight before the last
of the ammunition was safely stacked
in the square.
Nikolai produced a small hammer
from the pocket Of his overcoat and
handed it to me. Tap the shells
lightly" he whispered. Some are
defective-you understand? You are
acquainted with their mechanism
| had not served to no purpose in
the British Royal artillery. piled
my task, calling to NikOlai frequently.
The soldier had withdrawn; the com
manding officer, who stood watching
us, showed signs Of fatigue. After
half an hour, while his yawns grew
visibly longer, Nikolai spoke.
Your excellency," he said, Il re-
gret to say that my mechanic here
finds quite number Of defective time
fuses. To remedy this work will re-
quire several hours of hard work"
The commanding officer came over.
He looked at the shells. II see moth
ing wrong with them" he said peer
ing through his glasses.
land have no doubt that in a pinch
all would prove serviceable. Never
theless, the Krupp factory feels a Pc
culiar responsibility in this matter,
and, with your leave. this fellow shall
adjust the defective ones"
LAS you please replied the COM
manding officer shortly. Captain Kup-
penheim will superintend the matter"
He turned toward his Office to give the
order. Nikolai, beckoning me, followed
him.
The office was small, well-furnish-
ed room connecting with the officers
quarters by small psasage-way,
which cut it off from the rest Of the
house. He turned to-his desk. Niko-
lai was close upon his heels. In an
ante-room | saw an orderly doing
over a fire. Upon the desk was bell.
The officer bent over to press it.
And suddenly Nikolais arms were
round his throat, one hand pressed
upon his mouth. The officer struggled
valiantly, but he was perfectly help
less in Nikolais grasp, Instantly
had improvised a gag and thrust it
into his mouth; then, with lengths of
cord which lay scattered around the
apartment, we bound his limbs and
trussed him like q fowl. We rolled
him into a corner, where he lay glar-
ing at US in an indescribably comical
manner, utterly helpless. looked into
the ante-room. The orderly was snor-
ing peacefully.
THAT was the crux of the prob
lem," said Nikoli. Now all is plain
sailing. It's lucky we found that
cord"
The Office was in confusion. Piles
of papers and wrappings lay all about.
In one corner was a screen. Nikolai
placed it in front of the officer and mo-
toned to me to step behind it.
Hold your revolver to his head"
he said. "The slightest sound or
drumming of limbs and he dies" He
said this in tone loud enough to be
perfectly understood by the helpless
officer.
But then we were little uncertain.
1t seemed incredible that we could re-
main there long undiscovered. Niko-
lai called the orderly.
go to bed" he said. eve do not
need you
I had expected that the soldier
would question this command from
stranger, but tho German soldier Is
trained to implicit obedience to the
word of superior. He simply saluted
and marched stiffiy out of the door.
Then at Nikolai's word, | raised the
officer, and together we carried him
into the ante-room, where we deposit
ed him upon the hearth before the
fire, with a pillow beneath his head.
All this while my thoughts had been
running on the gold. But Nikolai was
not yet ready He had told me to make
doubly sure that his plans would not
miscarry. He called after the retreat
ing orderly. The man turned.
Send Captain Kuppenheim here"
he said.
Two minutes later the captain came
running in, drew himself up and sa-
luted
Captain Kuppenheim," said Niko-
lai, returning the salute, 81 have the
honor to inform you that you will re-
ceiye your orders from me-" And he
showed him paper-Heaven knows
how many of them Nikolai had forged,
or how he had done so-bearing the