The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1916-08-16
A FAMOUS
VICTORY
BY F. A. mitchell

lines In Alsace knocked at the door o
cottage. A girl came 10 the door
and he asked her II he might be &C
eommodated for the night which wa
coming on. She called to her mothe
in the German tongue. The youni
man knitted his brows. He had ex
pected to find French inmates.
The mother came and spoke to thu
stranger, speaking French with a
German accent. He told her that h,
was travelling and since there was nc
other house near either she must ad
NIT 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 a pic
ture. A 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 thai
they sympathized with the German
cause. For Frances lost province has
at least as large population of Ger.
mans as French. AS to the youns
man, he was plainly French.
Now, though these persons did moi
talk about the war, II was evident that
the visitor being a Frenchman within
the German lines, was living with a
sword suspended over him. True, the
country near about was not occupied
by troops except In small bands, but
any German soldier meeting French.
man there would require him to give
an account of himself. At bedtime the
stranger took a candle and went te
the room that had been assigned him.
locked the door after him and went te
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 clutched |
by death.
The girl about midnight, armed with
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 a
chair beside the bed on which he had
put his clothes. She was about to
withdraw them when she felt hand
on her wrist.
Let me co. she said In low voice.
Certainly" said the visitor. You
have doubtless made a 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 a spy and that
In his pockets would be found papers
information he was taking
to the entente allies.
In the morning when he came down
10 breakfast and babe the girl good
morning his face wore that same win
ling smile. She did not respond, evil ,
lently steeling herself against him.
When he started on his journey she
1ad on her hat and coat and gloves.
Il am going with you" she said
II am delighted"
you are a spy, and intend to turn ,
-ou over to the first German officer we ,
meet" ,
"Oh, no, you won't" I
"Why not?"
Because they would stand me up
nd shoot me-"
II have considered all that" I
But when it comes to seeing me
hot down you will regret what you Z
ave done"
All this the Frenchman said with Z.
hat same irresistible smile on his lips. y
Give me the papers you are bear
az and you may go free for all me-"
1T is beyond your power to free
le."
why soy"
You have made prisoner of my :
cart, and my heart will not be re- !,
.ased." -
1t was evident that the shot had hit. r
he girl was winged. But she was =
OF ready to surrender.
MY feelings may drive me one way,
ut my duty is driving me another.
N capable Of sacrificing my feelings
} my duty" ~
Then do so.' y
The only weapon he carried was a "
yolver. Taking it from its holster at )"
IS hip he tossed it to her. 1t fell at
er feet. He folded his arms and stood
oking at her with that smile which
as having the same effect upon her NJ
at the eye Of a serpent would have al
bird. m
do your duty to your fatherland. ia
he papers you wish are on my per- al
n, but you shall not have them with m
It first killing me-"
She was pot yet conquered. Taking
} the weapon she cooked it. advanced =.
within a few feet of him. put the sc
uzZle against his breast and said: %
Give me the papers or | will sacri. ca
e you to my duty" W
L love you" was his only response.
Once more. give me the papers"
Once more. love you" ne
They stood, the eyes of each fixed on me