Rocky Ford enterprise., 1915-04-02

bleuT SCdTleltp BIC duueup anu hSio
out her shabby gloves with gesture
of despair; II am reduced to very
little-I have scarcely anything left,
and l am weak enough to long
for the scent of the winter violets on
the boulevards."
1t was late in the afternoon when
the last Prussian outpost hailed US.
had been asleep for hours, but was
awakened by the clatter of horses, and
l opened my eyes to see dozen Uh-
lans come cantering up and surround
| our carriage. One of the troopers tied
a white handkerchief to his lance-tip.
| wheeled his wiry horse, and. followed
| by a trumpeter, trotted on ahead OF
us.
Presently. very far away on the
gray-green hillside, / saw bit OF
white move. One minute, two. three.
ten passed. Then. distant galloping
sounded along the road. nearer, near
er; three horsemen suddenly wheeled
into view ahead-French dragons. ad-
vancing at solid gallop. The Uhlan
with the flag spurred forward to meet
them saluted, wheeled his horse and
came back.
And now the brief ceremony was
over and our rusty vehicle moved off
down the hill, while the Uhlans turned
bride and clattered off. scattering
showers of muddy gravel in the rising
wind.
| / dozed towards sunset, waking
when the Countess stepped back into
the carriage and seated herself by
my side. Then, after a little, l slept
again. And 1t was nearly dark when l
was awakened by the startling whistle
of locomotive. In the dark southern
sky luminous haze hung.
"The lights of Strasbourg." whis-
pered the Countess, as l sat up, rub
bing my hot eyes.
looked for Buckhurst; his place
was empty.
'Mr. Buckhurst left US at the rail.
road crossing" she said.
Left us!"
"Yes! He boarded train loaded
with wounded. He had bust
ness to transact in Colmar before he
presented himself to the authorities
in Paris. And we are to go by
way of Avricourt-"
execute his programme. But the alb
rupt. Internal precision Of the man
Jared me unpleasantly.
In the dark felt cautiously for my
diamonds: they were safe In my hip
pocket
Presently our carriage stopped be-
fore Q tremendous mass Of masonry
pierced by an iron. arched gate.
through which double files of farm
wagons were rolling, escorted by Gus
toms guards and marines. and we en-
tered Strasbourg In the midst Of a
crush of vehicles. The Countess and
our Alsatian driver helped me to the
platform. ] looked around with dread
at the throng. being too weak to battle
for foothold; but the brave Alsatian
elbowed a path for me, and the Count
ess warded of the plunging human
cattle. and at length found myself
beside the cars where line-soldiers
stsod guard at every ten PAGES and
gendarmes stalked about, showing the
frantic people into double files.
caught the sleeve of captain OF
sendarmerie who was running to enter
a first-class compartment.
he snapped in surprise.
'Try to make room for this lady in
your compartment" ! SAID.
Willingly, monsieur. Hasten. mad
anne: the train is already moving!"
and he tore open the compartment
door and swung the Countess to the
car platform.
l suppose she thought I was to fol-
low. for when the officer slammed the
compartment door she stepped to the
window and tried to open 1t.
"Quick!" she cried to the guard, who
had Just locked the door; help that
officer in! He is wounded-can't you
see he is wounded?"
The train was gliding along the as
phalt platform; l hobbled beside the
locked compartment. where she stood
at the window. #
The cars were rolling a little faster
than could move along.
"A safe journey. madame" stam-
mered. catching at the hand she held
out and brushing the shabby-gloved
fingers with my lips.
Il shall never forgive this wanton
self-sacrifice," she said, unsteadily.
Then the car rolled silently past ME.
swifter, swifter. and her white face
faded from my sight.
The stauon-master passed, a hag-
gard gentleman in rumpled uniform
and gilt cap; and as he left the office
by the outer door the heavy explosion
of rampant cannon shook the station.
Can you get me to Parish" asked.
Quick. then" he muttered; this
way-lean on me, monsieur! / am
trying to send another train OUTPUT
Heaven alone knows! Quick, this
wayi"