Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-08-14
RICHARD A1UHEN
: Y .
,>(gRW cUODER AEzGl0LZE

I'm the end it Will be for peace,
Major Won Brenig said gravely, "the
peace of the world For this is Il just
war-and justice must triumph"
"But what OF these poor people
these nOncOmbatants-w streamed
through here a little while ago.
at is the habit of an invaded coun.
try to proclaim the invaders as bar
harianS." The Tcuton replied warmly.
"But we Germans are not barbarians.
We are simple people fighting only
for our fatherland."
And the ruined towns--destroyed
homeS-and civilians shot
But Major Won Brenig had always
an answer ready He was an honest
man, and he was convinced of the
justice Of the German cause
IF we are fighting soldiers we treat
them as soldiers" he pointed out But
If men or women lurk behind closed
shutters or on housetops to shoot our
men we shall burn the house they live
IN and if there is resistance we shall
Kill all those who resist. 1t Is regret
table, but we must stop guerrilla war
fare We must fight under the laws Of
civilization"
Another roar rs of distant thunder
interrupted Charlie Browns next ques-
ton.
and YOU call that civilizations" he
demanded, while the windows of the
Lion d'Or ratified under the shock Of
the distant cannonading.
~ do"
II am your guest" Charlie said So
far as he was concerned. he had heard
enough In fact. he had heard almost
too much for his own peace Of mind.
Il think we'd better not continue this
discussion or we might get into an ar
gumcnt-and that wouldn't be diplo,
matte"
quite sou the major agreed. par
tlcularly as | like Americans. :.
And would not wish to see any OF
/ lIi'lu tOllI' " mann, Ht duueu slS-
niticant,Y.
In his reply there was more than
hnt that behind his urbanty and seem
inc good nature there lay an immeasur-
able capacity for the stern duties Of
German patriot, who would unhesitat-
ingly kill any who might stand in the
path of victory.
again get you" Mr. Brown said.
"But what are you going to do with
me-"
81 shall give you pass through our
/ Tines ihat will take you safely back to
Brussels
Charlie heard him with dlsmay.
! "But | want to 90 to the front" he
protested.
"You have surprised a certain move
ment Of the German army the major
pointed out to him. 1T is best you 90
/ to Brussels"
Some objection had already leaped
/ to Charles lips when the door from
the street was thrown open and uni
formed man-an officer--pushed across
the threshold. Advancing into the room
he exclaimed rs he saluted:
"Ah my dear major"
Eoth officers clicked thel heels to.
gethcr. And as he returned the salute
Major Won Brcnig told. the other that
he had been expecting him
Charlie Brown had started at the
sight of the new arrival. And now he
moved nearer to the man.
"By George. It's Old Streetman.' he
cried
Il beg your pardon--who is this
MANI the arrogant Streetman (he was
now Strassmam asked the major.
Charles Brown. journalist from
the United States" Major Won Brenig
explained.
Henry Streetman remembered
Charlie then
"Oh. YES, recall him." he said. dis
agrceably. what is he doing with us?''
ave found him staying here the
major told him MY men nearly shot
him as an English spy"
at seems almost Il pity they didn't,
Streetman observed, with dark look
at the newspaper man. "lle may he in
our way" he said.
Mr.. Brown thought 1t about time to
..... .,., ,,,a,'o t,,sninnpo
"Rcally. didn't meet you In Russ'a
some years agof" he inquired.
Strectmnn eyed him coolly.
mo. never" he snapped. Il hnV'
never been in Russia"
Haven't youT Charlie exclaimed
| u-ith ~ nnn uhow of innocpupp wv IN