Connecticut western news., 1916-03-02
A FAMOUS VICTORY
By F. A. MITCHEL

mes Tn AlSHcp knocked at the door uI d cottage. X girl came to the door. and he asbe1 her if he might be ar- ,0mmOdated for the night which was coming on. She called to her mother in the German tongue. The young man knitted his brows. He had ex- pected to find French inmates.
 The mother came and spoke to the stranger. speaking French with German accent. He told her that he was travelling and since there was no other house near either she must ad- init him or he must bivouac for the night. She consented to admit him.
 The young man was about twenty two years old and handsome as pie ture. X winning smile began to play about his lips the moment he spoke to the girl, and his eyes indicated his admiration for her. He said nothing about the terrible war that was going on nor did his hostess or her daugh- ter. Nevertheless he assumed that they sympathized with the German cause. For Frances lost province has at least as large a population of Ger mans as French. As to the young man, he was plainly French.
 Now though these persons did not talk about the war, it was evident that the visitor, being a Frenchman within the German lines, was living with sword suspended over him. True, the country near about was not occupied by troops except in small bands. but any German soldier meeting q French man there would require him to give an account of himself. At bedtime the stranger took candle and went to the room that had been assigned him locked the door after him and went to bed. but not to sleep. There was that on his mind that precluded sleep. Life was on the one hand, death on the other. He was liable to be clutches by death.
 The girl about midnight, armed with a pair of pliers, went to the guests door and, feeling with her implement for the end of the key. finally succeed ed in turning it. Opening the door, she stole into the guests room and to chair beside the bed on which he had put his clothes. She was about to withdraw them when she felt a hand on her wrist.
 Let me go," she said in low voice
 Certainly" said the visitor. You have doubtless made mistake in the room."
 He released her. and she withdrew . He knew well what her object had been in trying to take his clothes. She suspected he was spy and that i'll his pockets would be found papers containing information he was taking to the entente allies.
 In the morning when he came down to breakfast and bade the girl good morning his face wore that same win ming smile. She did not respond, evi- dontly steeling herself against him. When he started on his journey she had on her hat and coat and gloves.
 II am going with you," she said.
 Il am delighted"
 You are a spy, and I intend to turn you over to the first German officer we meet"
 "Oh, no, you won'tr'
 "Why notY'
 Because they would stand me Up and shoot me"
 II have considered all that"
 But when 1t comes to seeing me shot down you will regret what you have done"
 All this the Frenchman said with that same irresistible smile on his lips,
 Give me the papers you are bear ing and you may go free for all me-"
 Tt is beyond your power to free me-"
 Why so?'
 You have made n prisoner of my heart, and my heart will not be re leased"
 It was evident that the shot had hit. The girl was winged. But she was not ready to surrender.
 My feelings may drive me one way, but my duty is driving me another. am capable of sacrificing my feelings to my duty"
 Then do so."
 The only weapon he carried was a revolver. Taking it from its holster at his hip he tossed it to her. It fell at her feet. He folded his arms and stood looking at her with that smile which was having the same effect upon her that the eye of a serpent would have on bird.
 Do your duty to your fatherland. The papers you wish are on my per son, but you shall not have them with out first killing me"
 She was not yet conquered. Taking up the weapon she cooked it, advanced to within a few feet of him, put the muzzle against his breast and said:
 "Give me the papers or I will sacri- ice you to my duty"
 II love you" was his only response.
 "Once more, give me the papers"
 "Once more, love you"
 They stood, the eyes of each fixed on those of the other. The battle w~xed hot, but not with weapons of death. It was a fight of love against duty. Without that smile duty might have won.
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