Fulton County tribune. (Wauseon, Ohio) 1883-1925, 1914-04-03

Madame" 1 said, there is little
enough of happiness in the world-so
little that when it comes it should be
welcomed, even by those who may not
share in it."
And bent nearer and whispered the
truth.
'Sylvia!" murmured the young
countess, incredulously. "a spy! And
she brings this-this shame on mel"
Sylvia turned, standing unsteadily.
For long time they looked at each
other in silence, their eyes wet with
tears. Then Eyre lifted SyIvia's hand
and kissed it, and led her away, 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 l done?" she cried,
brokenly have done that this
shame should come upon me?"
"You have done nothing" 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; l pray it may spare
her and spare him"
The countess looked at me scornful-
ly. Il think that we are not fitted to
understand each other"
'1t remains" said, 'for me to thank
you for your kindness to us all, and for
your generosity to me in my time of
need ~. 1t is quite useless for
me to dream Of repaying it. -.
shall never forget it. I 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 the win
dow behind me, crimsoning the walls,
playing over the ceiling with an in
fernal radiance. At the same instant
the gate outside crashed sopen, hub
bub of voices swelled into roar; then
thefouter doors were flung back and a
score of men sprang into the hallway.
soldiers with the red torch-light dane
| ing on rife barrels and bayonets.
And before them, revolver swinging
| in his slender hand, strode Buckhurst,
red sash tied across his breast, his
colorless eyes like diamonds.
Speed and Jacqueline came hurrying
through the hall to where l 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 leveled
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, bowing 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 ot
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 accused
Il accuse the woman Sylvia Elver
of communication with Prussiar
agents: of attempted corruption O
soldiers under my command. / accuse
the cheyenne Eline Trecourt, late
ly known as the Countess de Vassart
of aiding, encouraging and abettini
these enemies of France!"
He waited until the short, fierce vel
of approval had died away. Then:
"Call the soldier Rolland!" he said.
My heart began to hammer in m.
throat. 81 believe it's going hard witt
u.s." / 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 you?" aske,
Buckhurst, gently.
Eyes; I've said it twenty times
haven't II"
And you took the bribes?"
. The wretch laughed outright
"And you believe that you deserv,
| well of the commune?" smiled Buck
, hurst
The soldier grinned and opened hi
mouth to answer, and Buckhurst sho
; him through the face; and, as he fell
, shot him again, standing wreathed il
/ the smoke of his own weapons.
II think" said Buckhurst, in a pleas
antly persuasive voice, that there viii
: be no more bribery in this battalion
He deliberately opened the smokini
i weapon; the spent shells dropped on
by one from the cylinder, clinking ol
the stone floor.
Mono more bribery" he mused
touching the dead man with the care
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