New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-10-22

Only little space separates him from this
plateau. But Karl Kreschke realizes the i'm
possibility of pushing up through the crack
ling fire directed at him and his comrades.
At this moment he hears some one call HIM
by name:
"Kreschke To the left. past that little pro-
lection, it is easier going"
He follows the advice. He had recognized
as Achtermann's the voice which called to him.
But he was only half conscious that II was
really Achtermann who had spoken. He turns
mechanically to the left, and there, under the
shelter of little strip Of woods, he finds en-
easy approach, which Achteruiann had spied,
and by which ne can take IN the flank the
small hostile outpost defending the plateau.
With dubbed musket he PUSHES &c the en-
ennv. striking at them with the stock, and
while under his maddened blows, reinforced
bv the blows Of some Of the comrades who had
followed him, the enemy cease firing, the
other soldiers, who have pushed on with Ach-
termann, quickly reach the plateau ard then
take the ridge, from which the French guns
shoot over their heads into the depths beneath.
It was q hot and bloody day. Only lew
of those who undertook the desperate task
Of storning the hill remain unhurt- Many,
very many, have fallen. Many, very many,
are wounded-among the latter Kreschke and
Achtermann.
They were brought with the other seriously
wounded into the hospital, into the same big
hall. Their beds stood close together, and yet
they did not know it for many days, not until
Achtermann heard his name spoken by MS
near neighbor He heard Kreschke IN his de-
liriuup. repeat that name in tones of wrath and
scorn.
Again and again the same thing:
"Achtermann! He is the first up there! But
If had not dubbed them down 1t could never
have happened
Achtermann knew that what his corrade
said in his delirium was true. He knew that
he would probably not have reached the height,
and certainly would not have reached 1t first,
II Kreschke had not cleared the way for him.
And Achtermann realized just why it grieved
the comrade SO deeply that he had been the in
struurent to help him, Achtermann, achieve
such honor. He was conscious also OF the
wrong he had done 10 Kreschke the day before
the battle. And he had only one wlsh-that
he. who felt himself so near to death from ms
own wounds, should live long enough ana tna'
the comrade. who lay there in raging fever,
should also live long enough, to permit him to
ask and TO receive forgiveness Tor the insulting
language he had used.
So W asked the sister whether his neishOOr
was likely TO pull through.
with Gods help. yes" she answered. "rhe
surgeons are hopeful"
And finally the crisis seemed to have passed
The patient on the adjoining cot became quieter
and auieter. After some days Philip Achter-
mann was able to give a friendly nod to his
comrade. and Kreschke answered the greeting
with a similar, though feebler, one.
Then the major suddenly entered the hail.
followed by an orderly.
"Philip AchteTann," said the officer, as ne
sIo,ylv annroached the wounded mans bed, "His
Majesty. our supreme War Lord, has bestowed
on YOU the iron cross, on my recommendation,