The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1917-06-03

the deck in order to refresh my mud.
died senses. I was walking up the
deck when suddenly I saw before me
several OF the personal suite, who sa.
luted as the Kaiser. naughty and
erect, passed with quick, angry step.
As he approached I saw a figure
emerge and stand in his path. 1t
was that Of Won Lantzsch.
Gives Back the Blow.
The Kaiser lifted his hand, and,
with some imperious words; struck
the man who stood in his path.
In a second Won Lantzsch, in a
fury of passion, raised his fist, plant.
ing a direct blow at the Emperor
jaw, sending him spinning against
some deck chairs.
Wild shouts arose from the officers
who had been chatting near, two OF
whom rushed toward the Emperor.
But the latter had instantly recovered
himself. and with q grim smile con
tinued his walk, and went below.
Naturally, we all expected the Hus-
sar captain to be put under arrest
But he was not. He entered my cabin
smiling and merry an hour afterward
the only man who had dared to
give back blow for blow to the EN-
peror.
Among the encourage there was, Of
course. much gossiping. The cause OF
the fracas was to them a complete
mystery. What had occurred pre-
viously in my cabin was unknown to
them. and as a loyal servant OF his
majesty at that time II was not my
place to reveal anything Whatsoever
OF a private nature. Therefore the
amount OF whispering that went On
on board that evening may be readily
imagined.
Just before midnight. as I was about
to turn In, received a command TO
go to the Emperor's cabin wherein
he worked.
On entering I found him seated at
his table, his uniform tunic unbutton-
ed. his hair slightly ruffled. by which
knew that he had been writing
hard.
Won HeItzendorff." he said, as I
stood beside his table, you are wit
ness of the insults placed upon me
this afternoon. Does any one except
ourselves know what occurred IN
your cabinZ'
81 have not told soul. your maj
esty," was my reply.
s'But the officer who has raised his
hand against the sovereign TO whom
he swore allegiance may have done!
he said. There Is bu: one way In
which he may atone for his offense
against majesty. Hand this 10 him"
Ordered to XIII Himself.
And he gave me a letter addressed
in his own hand-addressed with all
Won Lantzsch's titles and distinctions.
II was sealed with the Emperor's
well-known black wax
Ten minutes later handed the cap
tain the Emperor's letter.
He tore it open. read its contents,
and then gave a queer, nervous laugh,
1t seemed to me.
Thanks. Heltzendorff. 1t was my
turn tonight to be on duty with His
Majesty, but I did not feel equal to
it. Good night"
Early next morning. one OF the i'm
perial stewards entered and, awaken
ing me. asked me to 81 to Captain
Won Lantzseh's cabin.
On entering found him lying dead
on his berth with blood oozing from
a pistol wound In the temple.
Upon the little shelf OF the folding |
was q note addressed to |
me.
On opening It I found the words
scrubbed in pencil:
Dear Heitzendorff-I have taken |
my life at the order OF His Majesty. |
Am I not q loyal subject after all?-
BY noon the body OF the KaIser's
victim had been landed at Bodo, |
where It now reposes in the little
cemetery beneath those high snow
clad crags which rise against the
grey turbulent sea-
Many fantastic reports have been
whispered concerning the incident, |
but, being one of the actors in the
drama, am able here for the first
time to reveal the actual truth.
ICopy't. 1911, by the Wheeler Syndicate. Incl |
Another OF Count Won Heltzendorff's |
pnh1fshad