The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-06-08


watching, saw him accosted by the
sentry, heard his reply; moment la
ter he heard the discharge of a rifle
He crept stealthily forward. hopins
that the traitor had paid the price
without inquiries or the shame of q
court-martial. But. as he drew near
he saw Philippe being marched away
Half an hour later Captain Janviel
walked into the camp where the SOY
was being held. pending the hasty
converting of a court-martial. The Of
ficer in charge, who had not interro
gated the man, and had only caught
a glimpse of his face, was unknown
to Janvier. However, the latter, az
his senior, issued his commands.
Il wish to interrogate the prisoner
he said, displaying his papers which
showed him to be in charge of one OF
the advanced companies.
Philippe, seated upon the floor, was
writing a last letter by the light of q
piece of candle that had been supplied
him by the good-hearted sentry. He
looked up at his brother.
so you have come to gloat over
mel" he said
mo, Philippe" answered Jean Jan
vier wretchedly. Il was writing a let
ter home an hour ago. told my ia
Their that l was sure you were fight
ing on the side Of France. As an
Alsatian l can understand that you
might honorably have chosen the Ger
man side. perhaps, but-a spy!"
AN honorable profession, brother
for man who is debarred from more
active service by physical disqualified
tion," replied Philippe. IAN injury to
my arm, brother, makes it impossible
for me to WELD a rife or sword"
But how comes it that you are. on
the German side?"
Il have no kindly thoughts OF
: France or my family who have dis
carded me-" burst out Philippe i'm
petuously, rising and standing before
Jean with folded arms.
And Jean Janvier, looking at him
felt his heart moved with pity. Phil
ippe was still the same loving, cratic
brother as of old. Hitherto he had
felt grieved for his fathers sake only;
now it was for Philippe.
You realize your fate,' he said
gently. Come. Philippe, there is
some mystery here. Tell me how you
came to choose the German side"
He was astonished at the vehe.
mence with which his brother burst
out into his story. He listened in
establishment He had not dreamed
that Philippe, too proud to ask assist.
ance from his father, had suffered mis-.
cradle poverty, that he was desper-
ately in love with girl, and, seeing
no hope OF marriage, had chosen to
accept the German offer of a sum of
money, sufficient to enable them to
live comfortably. He had taken a
desperate risk, and was prepared to
pay the penalty.
Take this letter and mail it to her."
said Philippe, handing him the enve.
,lope. 1T is my only request of you"
Jean Janvier took the letter me.
chemically. His eye fell on the super.
scription. 1t was addressed to Ce.
.leste .Paquin.
He did not reel or stager, but stood
looking at 1t gravely. And by degrees
it was borne in on him that the su-
'preme chance which he had coveted
had arrived In one way only could
he untangle the skein of fate, set Phil
tppe free to marry the girl, pay the
penalty for France, and gain that
death which he coveted He explained
to Philippe.
The latter grasped his hands i'm.
pulsively.
mo. no, Jean; 1t is too great sac.
rtfice." he said.
1T is only fair return for what We
have made you suffer-" answered Jean.
You will exchange clothes with me,
walk out of the hut, and make your
way to my quarters, which are DOUBT
less known to you. My pass will get
you to the Cernay road, where you
can doubtless rejoin your friends. One
thing / ask Of you. you will find an un-
letter to my father in my
quarters. Add postscript to the ef.
feet that you, Philippe Janvier, are re-
turning home to take my place, and
say that died fighting for France"
And the thought of Celeste Paquin
overcame Philippe,s resolution. He
flung his arms about his brothers
neck and embraced him
Ten minutes later. with last hand.
clasp ana words of love Jean Janvier,
now dressed in the imitation uniform
Of his brother. conducted him to the
door. He watched him walk past the
sentry and then, sinking upon the
remained in a stupOr for the
of the night.
At dawn the court-martial con.
vened. Jean Janyier. very cool and
collected. faced his brother officers.
He saw the colonels face turn gray,
he heard his cries of incredulity.
Gentlemen, spare your protesta-
lions, he said. Il am in the pay of
Germany and l glory in dying for my
adopted country"
The colonel turned his haggard face
,pon those of his brother officers.
II he confesses, there Is no more to
'ay," be said.
Jean Janvier. stripped of his insig.
Tia. was led out to face the rifles of a
iring squad
Before the bullets found Judgment
n his breast and brain he saw a Wis
on of the years to come. Philippe at |