Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1916-10-11

llOnS. but ne Nau not long 10 pOnuef
upon that; for Major Won Brenig
straightway resumed his catechism.
'You have six. rooms" he continued.
Two of these viii be occupied by my
self and officers for the night. You
will have them prepared at.once. two
beds each. The other four rooms will
be shared by the infantry who will be
stationed here. For them you will
need make no preparations"
Henri Christophe bowed obediently.
you have ground here-enough to
Craze two hundred horses the mat
ter-offact major proceeded. you
have three cows two horses, a hay
stack. plenty of chickens and pigs. Is
that not rightf'
Eyes, m'sieu, quite righty the Inn
keeper replied. He was staggered.
stupefed, by that amazing and accu-
rate inventory.
"All these we shall take; but we
shall of course pay for Them" the off,
Ger told him.
And then Sergeant Schmidt returned,
with little Jeanne covering beside his
bulky figure. At the sight of her ia
Their she rushed across the room and
chung to him, a piteous spectacle
"Ah, mon pere, am afraid am
afraid" she stammered.
He patted her gently.
There, there, Jeanne-they will not
hurt you" Henri Christophe said.
Major Won Brenig looked with some
slight perturbation upon the sight Of
the frightened girl shrinking against
her natural protector, as If he still had
power TO shield her from all evil.
No, my pretty little one, we are not
devils" he said. I'VE will not harm
yen. l am father myself"
"There-what did l tell you." ex-
claimed the relieved Henri.
"You are quite safe. my child" the
major added-"so long as you obey"
Already the summer air vibrated
with the far-off boom Of heavy guns.
And now bugle in the street outside
blared an order to the troops that were
filing past the Lion dor.
"Oh. papa" the little creature cried.
But Henri Christophe knew that the
situation must be faced.
Now, Jeanne. will you prepare the
rooms in four and six-two beds in
each? In the others these gentlemen
will sleep" He bent over her in order
to emphasize his words.
'But we have guests already" she
reminded him.
Her father turned rueful face upon
the major.
"Ah, m'sieu, had forgotten. We
have two dodgers" he explained.
"Who are they?"
zone is an American gentleman.
m'sieu; and the other Frenchwoman. e"
"Well. put them out of their rooms.
We must occupy them"
"You hear. Jeanne?" Christophe said.
soul, mon PEREZ"
"Then hurry, my childr he urged
her.
Major Won Brenig gave her one last
order.
And tell those two-those guests
they shall report here to me at once"
"Oui, m'sieu" Jeanne Christophe
hurried away then.
"And now. m'sieu. go to prepare
your dinner" her father told the officer.
Just a moment! You have here no
firearms of any description?
'None, m'sieu."
"You have no telephone?"
'None, m'sieu."
Major Won Brenig wheeled about
then, and waved his hand at some
large placards which his men had al
ready fastened to the walls of the
room.
NOW. my friend. you see those proc
lamations?" he inquired.
ayes, m'sieu"
1T is well that you heed Them" the
officer said sternly. 'If there is any
attempt at communication with the
enemy. If there is any attack on our
men by civilians from this house or
any other house. the inmates Of that
house, together with the mayor of your
town, whom we hold as hostage. will
all be shot. 1t is a warning to others.
We do not wish to do these
things, but this is war, and we must
protect ourselves. You under
stand?"
Perfectly. SIR" said Henri Chris
topic.
I'VE shall take what supplies we
need" the major continued, "but any
officer or man who refuses TO pay you
a just price. you will report to me,
and he will be punished If you de
mand an unjust price, you will be pun
ished."
Yes, m'sieu."
The subdued innkeeper had already
started to leave the room when the
officers keen eye caught sight Of some
thing that Immediately interested him.
At his feet he noticed hasp and pad
lock. And with characteristic German
thoroughness he at once desired to
solve the mystery.
Wait! What's thisr" he demanded.
Only the entrance to the wine Gel
iar!" Christophe told him.
open ftr'
yes. m'sieu." Henri Christophe
stopped and unlocked the heavy pad
lock. VOLTA, m'sieuP' he exclaimed
as he lifted the trapdoor.
Good" said the major as he
peered into the dark cavern. Later
or you will bring up some wine. 1t
VIII be excellent for tonight"
4. 4