The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1915-04-16

was carefully shrouded to prevent It's
rays being seen from distance. On
the ground, wrapped in his blanket
lay Jean Renault, thinking of Alys
and dreaming of his contract with the
Metropolitan Opera company. Also
he thought of the possibility of his
being shot. and his flesh grew cold
Overhead there was faint whirring
sound. Dimly he made out a great
bird-like shape lowering down in his
direction. He sat up and then laughed
softly. 1t was an aeroplane, and now
1t touched the earth almost noise
lessly.
A scout OF course. Renault turned
over and tried to sleep. But few
moments later dark figure edged
toward him. A hand was placed upon
his shoulder and he sat up, startled
m. lie General wishes to see you, -
said the man, and then, reckoning to
Renault to follow, started of through
the darkness.
Renault arose. He busted off his
clothing and twirled his mustache.
He. Jean Renault, must make a cred
table appearance before his com.
mandant-this man, a mere soldier,
not yet, If ever he should be, world
known figure. Doubtless, thought
Renault, the general wished him to
join his staff.
But just inside the flap of the COM
mander's tent sharp voice awakened
the tenor from his reverie.
"Renault," said the grizzled vet
eran Of Sedan. my aeroplane scout
has just reported that the enemy are
invading France. They have crossed
the border and are marching between
our column and that of the Marshal
LIE Fevre. AS they proceed they are
wrecking the telephone and telegraph
wires. Our wireless outfit is Grip
pied. I must go back so years in
warfare and send an orderly with dis
patches because I dare not risk be-
traying our position by using rockets
or firebrand signals"
How interesting" remarked Re-
nault with a smile.
The general scowled. There is one
man in my ranks who can pass the
German lines without detection-at
least without being hindered. 1t is
you, Renault."
Renault swelled out his chest One
man in the army of France-Renault
Naturally, in time of danger the gen.
eral would turn to him. 1t was to be
expected.
You are known throughout the
world as a singer-a play actor" the
general continued Renault over
looked the slip of the tongue and ac-
cepted the compliment.
Il wish you to carry a dispatch to
Marshal lie Fevre." the general went
on. IF overtaken by the enemy you
will admit that you are Jean Renault,
the famous singer-say that you are
fleeing to catch a steamer for Amer
lea to fill your theatrical engagement
there. In that event they will prob
ably believe you, and even permit you
to pass on as a noncombatant Here
is the dispatch. Civilian clothes will
be supplied you, and you will start at
once in an automobile"
Rerault was about to reply. He
was planning an impressive speech,
but suddenly the general turned upon
his heel and disappeared. An order
ly hurried the singer from the tent.
gave him clothing, and babe him
change.
1t was too hurried-not effective
enough, Renault told himself But a
few minutes later, disguised as him
self, the worlds greatest tenor found
himself speeding along a rough road
in high-powered motor-a messen.
ger of France.
1t was only trip of so miles. Run
ming cautiously through the darkness
without headlight, the chauffeur
should make it in an hour and a half
n so powerful a machine. But now.
after 40 minutes of rapid running. the
chauffeur suddenly brought the great
Ear to standstill. Ahead was some
and now from its direction
dashed searchlight. Dimly Renault
made out another automobile. 1t was
filed with officers in the field uniform
If Germany.
Now was his chance, the time to
lct. his task being to deSetve these
officers by pretending to be what he
'eally was, and not a soldier of
france. He saw revolvers leveled at
lin and his companion. He heard
'ther machines drawing up. It was |
he advance guard-the scouting party |
Of the invading army He would |
quickly satisfy their questions and
hen proceed at top speed to warn
darshal LIE Fevre.
But suddenly his brow clouded. In |
he uniform of colonel of German
lussars he recognized his old-time
Berghoff. And at
he same time Berghoff recognized Re.
ault. Berghoff would vouch for the
ruth of his story, would identify him.
nd he would shortly be upon his way
gain. However, something in Berg.
offs smile chilled him, and he trem-
led.
1T is Renault, the notable tenor,"
reclaimed one officer. "Coward-he
, fieeing!"
"Capital! thought Renault. 1T
ill be too easy"
But Berghoff was beside the car
ow. He grinned. and the blue mole
pom his nose offended Renault as It
ad never done before.
"Fleeing?" queried Berghoff. NAV.
e. But let us see. Search HIM"
he German soldier-director com.
landed
A trooper babe Renault descend,
IA Ala N' L