The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1914-04-10

Madame said, there is little
enough OF happiness In the world SO
little that when 1t comes it should be
welcomed, even byathose who may not
share In 1t"
And bent nearer and whispered the
truth. 4s,
"Sylvia!r muFmured Il the young
countess. incredulously "a spy! And
she brings this-this shame on met,
Sylvia turned. standing unsteadily.
For long time they looked at each
other in silence. their eyes wet with
tears. Then Eyre lifted Sylvia's hand
and kissed 1t, and led her away.acl clos
ing the door behind.
The countess still stood in the CEN
ter Of the room, transfxed, rigid, star
ing through her tears at the closed
door. With deep drawn breath she
Strengthened her shoulders; her head
dropped: she covered her face with
clasped hands.
What have, / done?' she cried.
brokenly what have done that this
shame should come upon me2"
You have done nothing" I said.
neither for good nor evil in this
crisis. But Sylvia has; Sylvia the
spy. That man should give up his
life for a friend is good; that a woman
offers hers for her country is better.
She has done her duty; the sacrifice
is still burning; pray it may spare
her and spare him"
The countess looked at me scornful-
~. Il think that we are not fitted to
understand each other
Tt remains, = said, 'for me to thank
you for your kindness to us all, and for
your generosity to me in my time of
need. It is quite useless for
me to dream Of repaying it.
shall never forget it. -. ask
leave to make my adieux, madame
She flushed to her temples. but did
not answer.
As / stood looking at her, a vivid
flare of light flashed through tie win
dow behind me, crimsoning the walls,
playing over the ceiling with an. in
fernal radiance. At the same instant
the gate outside crashed open, hub
bub Of voices swelled into roar; then
the outer doors were flung back and a
score Of men sprang into the hallway,
soldiers with the red toEch-light dane
ing on rife barrels and bayonets.
And before them, revolver swinging
in his slender hand, strobe Buckhurst,
a red sash tied across his breast, his
colorless eyes like diamonds.
Speed and Jacqueline came hurrying
through the hall to where / stood !;
Buckhurst's smile was awful as his
eyes flashed from Speed to me.
Behind him, close to his shoulder,
the torch-light fell on Mornac's smooth,
false face, stretched now into fero-
cious grimace; behind him crowded
the soldiers of the commune, rifles
slung, craning their unshaven faces
to catch glimpse Of US.
'Buckhurst," | said, what the devil
do you mean by this foolery?" and /
started for him, shouldering>my way
among his grotesque escort.
For an instant looked into his dead
ly eyes; then he silently motioned me
back; dozen bayonets were leyeled
forcing me to retire. inch by inch.
The Countess de Vassart was al
ready in the hall, facing Buckhurst
with perfect composure.
He turned and addressed us, suave-
ly. bowling with horrid, mock defer
ence to the countess:
In the name of the commune! The
ci-devant Countess de vassart is ac-
cused of sheltering the individual Scar
lett, late inspector of imperial police;
the individual Speed, ex-inspector OF
imperial gendarmes; the Individual
Eyre. under general suspicion; the
woman called Sylvia Elven, German
spy. AS war. delegate of the COM
mune, am here to accuser
Il accuse the woman. Sylvia Elven
of communication with Prussian
agents; of attempted corruption of
soldiers under my command. | accuse
the cheyenne Eline Treoourt, late
ly known as the Countess de Vassart,
Of aiding, encouraging and abetting
these enemies Of France!"
He waited until the short, fierce yen
of approval had died away. Then:
sCalI the soldier Rolland!" he said.
My heart began to hammer in my
throat. Il believe it's going hard with
US" ! muttered to Speed.
Listen, /" he motioned.
listened to the wretched creature
ROLAND while he told what had hap
pened at the semaphore.
you say he bribed your" asked
Buckhurst. gently.
Yes; I've said it twenty times.
haven't II"
And you took the bribes?"
The wretch laughed outright.
And you believe that you deserve
well Of the commune?' smiled Buck
hurst.
The soldier grinned and opened his
mouth to answer. and Buckhurst shot
him through the face; and. as he fell.
shot him again. standing wreathed In
the smoke of his own weapons.