Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-08-11

save thSf" he asked thoughtfully.
"Non2, m'sieu"
Baum, said the major, make sure
he is telling the truth that no one
could escape that way
Lieutenant Baum saIuted and. de
taching A fashlight from his belt he
descended the steps that led into the
cellar
Now you may go cook dinner" the
major tod the innkeeper
Once rid Of prelmlnaries. Major Won
Rreng addressed himself to Larry
Redmond, who all this time had been
silent onlooker to the proceedings.
"Ah. You must be Captain Karl"
he said.
Eyes, Herr Major" Larry answered
Il was told that you had only just
reported-your papers said on some
special mission. Can be OF assist
ance?"
Il thank you, major; but at the mo-
nent there is nothing" Larry told
him.
Perhaps you will dine with me?"
Major won Brenig said He was hos
pitable man. And he understood that
Captain Karl was held In high esteem
by his supeliors.
II thank YOU, Herr Major. Auf vie
dersehen" Larry replied And he
walked to the door. He was not keen
To dine with the German officer. and
face his frankly scrutinizing eyes. and
pexlaps have embarrassing questions
fired at him But he saw no decent
way of declining. And there was al
ways the chance that such mingling
with enemy officers might yield valu-
able information. If he should be
caught-well. that was all in the game
4 Lieutenant Baum, returning from
the wine cellar. announced that he had
discovered no opening other than the
one furnished by the trapdoor in the
floor
Good" the older officer said. "Now
shall 60 to my room and change my
boots. | have not had them off for
over A week"
You have not questioned the French
lady or the American" the lieutenant
reminded him.
II shall leave that to you and Ser
goant Schmidt" the major replied
y It was only a few minutes before
Lieutenant Baum had summoned Ethel
before him He asked her name
II am Madame de Lorde," She told
him.
"A Frenchwomant he inquired.
ayes, m'sieu."
he regarded her narrowly.
You are perhaps woman spy
they say the French have many spies.
must search YOU he announced to
her CONSERVATION.
"Oh, monsieur, may speak private
~ with you:' she begged him.
"Well, what is itf'
"Only ! wish to show you some
thing
"What trick is ths?" he asked with
asperity.
But Ethel only smiled at his gruff
ness. Lieutenant Baum was Il good
looking chap
surely YOU nre not afraid Of me
one little woman" she said archly.
And very pretty woman" His
hand sought his mustache again.
"Wel, what is It, madamey
Ethel drew him slightly to one side.
All but three of the infantrymen bill
lcted upon Henri Chrlstophe had with
drawn. But the remaining guard was
all eyes and ears FOR this cross-exami
nation Of possible spy.
Here, please she said to the lieu
tenant From the bosom of her gown
she had drawn forth n small gold
medal, which hung upon ribbon
about her neck.
He looked ut II closely, for Lieu
tenant Baum was no man to take I'M
necessary risks Thoroughness was his
middle name.
From the German secret service
the WihelmStrasse,' he exclaimed
when he had satisfied himself Your
pardon, madame. | did not under
stand And hc bowed deeply.
She acknowledged his apology witt
the slightest of mods. And with an MS
sumed calm that she was rar from lpcl
Ing, she said to him in confidential
manner.
II am here on confidential mission
and one thing at once | must know
Tell me, lieutenant, by which road dc
. we march to attack the fortress at ths
. 9naaaAlunl,l