Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1916-11-30


hint that behind his urbanity and seem
ing good nature there lay an immeasur-
able capacity for the stern duties of a
German patriot, who would unhesitat-
ingly kill any who might stand in the
path of victory.
Again [ get you" Mr.. Brown said.
"But what are you going to do with
me-"
81 shall give you pass through our
tines that will take you safely back to
Brussels"
Charlie heard him with dismay.
'But want to go to the 'front.'" he
protested.
You have surprised a certain move
ment of the German army" the major
pointed out to him. "It is best you go
to Brussels"
Some objection had already leaped
to Charles lips when the door from
the street was thrown open and uni
formed man-an officer-pushed across
the threshold. Advancing into the room
he exclaimed as he saluted:
"Ah, my dear major!'
Both officers clicked their heels to-
gether. And as he returned the salute
Major Won Brenig told the other that
he had been expecting him.
Charlie Brown had started at the
sight of the new arrival. And now he
moved nearer to the man.
by George, it's old Sreetmanr' he
cried.
Il beg your pardon-who is this
man." the arrogant Streetman Che was
now Strassman) asked the major.
Charles Brown, journalist from
the United States" Major Won Brenig
explained.
Henry Streetman remembered
Charlie then.
'Oh, yes! l recall him." he said dis
agreeably what is he doing with us ?"
I'VE found him staying here" the
major told him. MY men nearly shot
him as an English spy"
''It seems almost pity they didn't"
Streetman observed, with a dark look
our way" he said.
Mr. Brown thought it about time TO
resent Streetman's insolence.
Really, didn't meet you in Russia
some years ago? he inquired.
Streetman eyed him cOOlly.
mo, neverr' he snapped. Il have
never been in Russia"
Haven't your" Charlie exclaimed
with a fine show of innocence. why
I've heard"
You'd best keep what you've heard
70 yourself" Streetman interrupted
him. He stepped close to Charlie so
that the major could not hear what be
said. And he scOwled at the American
like the heavy villain of some melo-
drama.
But Mr.. Brown paid scant heed to
the menace in the fellows eyes. Some
how, he felt that he had established
fairly cordial relations with the major
-Streetmans superior officer. And he
did not believe that it lay within the
spy's power to injure him greatly. At
the warning the fellow half whispered
to him Charlie merely smiled.
Think SOP" he tainted the threat
ening Streetman.
Yes! Remember now you are in
side our lines" And drawing the ma
1or to one side, Streetman said-"Ma-
jor, what shall we do with him?"
''Send him back to Brussels" Won
Brenig told him.
Perhaps we can find a better fate
for him than that. Is he safe
here?" Henry Streetman remembered
that the American had shown plainly
enough-that afternoon at the house of
Sir George Wagstaff-that he was in
sympathy with the enemies of Ger
many. And now had come an oppor.
tunity to make the fellow pay for his
animosity.
HE is quite safe" Won Brenig said
And turning to the sergeant he ordered
joining room.
Sergeant Schmidt at once proceeded
TO carry out instructions. And Selling
one OF Mr.. Browns ears in firm grip
he started him out of the room.
''You will remain here temporarily
as my guest" the major explained
But 1 should not advise you to at
tempt to leave"
Listen, pIondy-" Mr.. Brown ad
tured his evil genius-for so the enthu
siastic sergeant appeared to him-''con
fidentially, because l know you won
repeat it, if the French army misses
you I'll never forgive them"