Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-08-10

am Henri inflStODne, he an
nounccd in quavcring voice even as
Sergeant Schmidt was starting to
search for him
"0h. you speak English" the major
said.
Yes, m'sieu.' Christophc did not
know why he had committed that
breach Of policy. Rlit he was too
( frightened even to rcproach himself for
the inadyertence.
You ire the proprietor Of this inn"
the officer demanded.
YES m'sieu.'
Major Won Brenig barkcd out an or
der to his men. And straightway they
closed both the shutters and the great
door that gave upon the street Mean
while the major examined his papers
further.
You have a daughter" he an
nounced ut length. Jeanne Marie
Christophe. and Il servant LOUISE
Henri Christophe told him that the
facts We're SO.
Where are they the officer asked
him then.
The servant fed with the Others"
Christopbe replied. "My daughter is
In her room, m'sieu" He turned
toward the door through which little
Jeanne had sought asylum. But Major
Won Brenig stopped him.
mo, shall do that" he Informed
him. And at his bidding Sergeant
Schmidt sprang forward to find the
girl. Her father simply pointed toward
the proper door. And his heart sank as
he realized the fright that would seize
the tlmid little thing at such a sum
mons. But he had not long to ponder
upon that; for Major Won Brenig
straightway resumed his catechism.
You have six rooms he continued
1.-TWO of these will be occupied by my
! self and officers for the night You
will have them prepared at once, two
beds each. The other four rooms will
be shared by the infantry who will be
stationed here. For them you will
need make no preparations.
Henri Christophe bowed obediently
"You have ground here--enough to
Craze two hundred horses" the mat
ter-offact major proceeded. "You
have three cows. two horses, hay
stack, plenty of chickens and pigs Is
that not right? 2"
Eyes. m'sieu. quite right the inn
keeper replied. He was staggered
stupehed, by that amazing and accu-
rate inventory.
"All these we shall take: but we
shall of course pay for them" the otli-
Ger told him.
And then Sergeant Schmidt returned
with little Jeanne covering beside his
bulky figure. At the sight of her IA
Their she rushed across the room and
chung to him, a piteous spectacle.
"Ah, mon pere, | am afraid am
afraid" she stammered.
He patteG her gently.
There, there, Jennne--they will not
hurt YOU Henri ChriStophe said.
Major Won Brenig looked with some
slight perturbation upon the sight Of
the frightened girl shrinking against
her natural protector, as if he still had
power TO shield her from all evil.
NO, my pretty little one, we are not
devils" he said 1--WE will not harm
you. | am father myself
"There-what did | tell you" ex-
claimed the relieved Henri.
"You are quite safe, my child" the
major added-"so long as you obey"
Already the summer air vibrated
with the far-otf boom of heavy guns.
And now VI bugle in the street outside
blared an order to the troops that were
fling past the Lion dor.
"Oh, papa" the little creature cried.
But Henri Christophe knew that the
situation must be faced.
"Now, Jeanne, will you prepare the
rooms in four and sX-tWo beds in
each? In the others these gentlemen
will sleep He bent over her in order
to emphasize his words.
But we have guests already" she
reminded him.
Her father turned Il rueiul face upon
the major.
"Ah, m'sleu, had forgotten. We
have two dodgers" he explained
who are they?'
"One is an American gentleman,
sieu; and the other Frcnchwoman."
well put them out of their rooms.
We must occupy them"
You hear JeanneY Christophe said.
"Oul, mon pere."
Then hurry, my child" he urged
her.
Major Won Brenlg gave her onc last
order
And tell those two--those gncst9--
they shall report here to me ut once"
"Oul, msicu' Jeanne Christophe
hurried away then.
And now, m'siru. 20 to prepare
your dinner her father told he officer.
Just moment. You have here no
firearms of any descriptiont'
"None m'seu."
You have no tclcphone"
None m'scu"