New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-03-10

St. Johns for the sole purpose OF max
ing him a prisoner He assumed that
news of his presence on board had been
telegraphed from New York 20 -.
Johns.
The Bergensfjord did not stop. how
ever, and in the morning when no land
was TO be seen Won Wedel regsined his
composure. Il was not until the ship
got into Bergen. however. that Il be-
came known why she went so close 20
ST. Johns.
Feared Term at Atlanta.
The real reason for the change OF
course was because six German stow
Always. who had hidden in the forecss-
tie. had started $4,000 fire while try
ing 20 cook their meals. and the skip
per wanted TO hug the shore until that
fire was put out.
IL was learned on board that Won
Wedcl also had an American passport,
and fearing he might be sent back 70
face a term in Atlanta, disposed OF it
when the ship was approaching 81.
Johns. He conhded 10 his roommate
that he would prefer 10 be a British
prisoner Of war than be sent back 10
America 10 face a term in Atlanta.
On the tenth day out OF New York,
az 8 a. m, the Bergensfjord was
brought 70 a halt by two shots from
the converted British cruiser Nicknor,
formerly the p. and o. North Cape
cruising yacht Viking. She carried
ten guns, and her decks swsrmed with
men. Every German on board the Ber-
gcnsfjord was nervous. She was then
north Of the Farce Islands, but no one
knew the position except the captain
and his officers
Arrested at Sea by British.
A boat came out from the Nicknor
with ten marines. six petty oficers,
two flag signalmen and q Lieutenant,
all of them heavily armed. Two ma
rines went direct 20 the wireless room
10 prevent the sending of messages;
the signalmen took up a position or
the bridge. and the others guarded
every exit Of the ompanionwsys. while
the lieutenant went TO Captain lrgens
and showed him 4 telegram, which
read: Seize Won Nedel. slias Spiro,
passenger on 5. S. Bergensfjord.'
The skipper admitted that he had
a passenger named Spiro. and the
lieutenant, going direct 70 Won Nedel 3
room, ordered him 20 get out OF bed
at once With pistol at his breast
Won Wedel and his companion were
marched 70 the shippers room, where
they we're examined for five minutes.
He admitted being Spiro, but denied
that he was Won WedeL
Mr.. Creelman. although III, got out
Of his bed and pleaded with the lieu
tenant to give Won Wedel chance TO
regain his composure. This was
granted. 4 cup Of coffee and roll
we're brought to him, but II did not
bring back the rose 10 mis- pallid face
or calm his trembling frame Finally
the man broke down, became hys-
terical. and tearing his hair shouted !:
What's the use? What's the use?
an Won Wedel"
CoIlapses When Arrested.
The lieutenant, seeing that the pris-
oner was IN state Of collapse, gave
him about an hour TO get ready, and
then took him away with two other
German passengers and the German
stowaways.
I'm glad ] got him" the Lieutenant
said TO Captain Irgens. I'VE had egh
teen cruisers detailed 20 overhaul this
ship. They formed line from Iceland
down 70 the Scotch coast. II you man
aged 70 get through that line, captain,
We would have caught you anyhow, as
We had two cruisers waiting for you
outside the three-mle limit A. Ber-
gen"
The marine who stood guard IN Won
Wodel's room said that the Nicknor
had been out two weeks, and was or
dered to 20 into Liverpool, and IN
structions we're given 10 take Won
" edel direct 20 that port.
She steamed away, leaving the Ber-
gen sfjord 70 be conveyed by Two de-
strovers % Falmouth for further
search. That was the last that was
ever heard from the Nicknor. She
never arrived in Liverpool. and week
alter the British Admiralty gave out
all on board were lost.
Wife Fled on Ryndam.
Just about the time the Nicknor vent
10 the bottom the Holland-Americs
liner Ryndam arrived in Rotterdam
yi-h Won Wedeps young wife, who had
an American passport and travelled
Inder her maiden name. Lena Weiman.
An effort was made by the American
Consul 20 take up her passport, but
he managed 20 keep il and is now liv-
ny in Berlin.
Won Wedel married the daughter Of
he late G.. Weimsn, editor OF the
'Deutsches Journal" Mrs. Won Wedel
vas an artist and illustrated short
stories her husband wrote for German
publications. Mrs. Weimsn is now lIv-
M in Bay Ridge with relatives OF her
missing son-in-law.
Won Wedels friends and relatives in
his country and in Germany have
failed 10 learn what became OF him.
like the officials Of the Department Of
h r.ice ,her have cnncluded that re