The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1917-04-02
.HowaRegiiment
Was Saved
By RICHARD MACKLEY

the time no enemy very near him, and
he sent for his daughter, Sonia, to
come from Moscow to visit him But
there might be fighting at any mo-
ment. So the colonel wrote his daugh-
ter to come with as little baggage as
possible and be ready to get back at
short notice
When Sonia came she was escorted
by Paul Schumsky, citizen.
Didn't l write you," said the colo
gage?"
Yes. papa"
Then what did you bring that
weakling for?'
''Well. he offered to be my protector.
and r.
Protector! Do you suppose that
whippersnapper could protect any one?
Why, he'd need nurse himself
If he needs one Ill take care of
him."
The very next day the colonel's at
tention was diverted from Schumsky
to an attack of the enemy. He had
barely time TO tell his daughter to get
back to Moscow as fast as possible
when he was called upon to head his
regiment in battle.
The Russian position was on a low
ridge that rose abo~e the surrounding
country. The Germans straightway
began to make pair of pincers of
themselves, their favorite strategy,
driving In the Russian TANKS When
they had their enemy in the shape OF
horseshoe they proceeded to drive in
the heels and soon cut off the Russian
communications. Colonel Ullendorf.
realizing that unless he could be re-
enforced his command would be cap
tured, was in despair. He sent several
officers to the rear to beg for succor,
but none of them got through. When
he was meditating surrender he was
told that man I'm citizens dress had
come from the rear and desired to
speak with him. Then who should APP
pear but Paul Schumsky, his clothes
half torn Off his back, dirty. begrimed
with powder and bleeding.
Great Scottr cried the colonel.
How did you get through?
Fought my way"
with II messenger"
Yes, colonel"
"A promise of re-enforcements?"
mo, colonel"
Then what in thunder Is It'll"
Il proposed marriage to your daugh-
tar mud In ROT IN
A group of officers standing about
broke into laugh. The colonel looked
as II he didn't know whether to laugh
or to cut the citizen down with his
sword. Presently an idea struck him.
Since you have come through. may
be you can go back"
II can try"
We'll, go back and send me re-en.
forcements. IL you succeed you shall
have my daughter"
Scarcely had the words been spoken
when Schumsky betook himself to the
rear SO rapidly that it occurred to those
viewing him that his legs were a great
advantage to him. Being on an emf
nence, they could see him at a great
distance. a German horseman saw
him and gave chase. The ground was
rough, and Schumsky was better
jumper than the horse. Then he sprint
ed over a field. rifles popping at him
on both sides. He fell, but got up and
went on. this time with limp.
Uhlans started for him, but he led
them into a strip of timber. emerging
on the other side, while they remained
In the wood. Again he fell. and when
he arose he limpcd some more. Final
ly he disappeared from view I'm the dis
lance and was not seen again. The
colonel. who had been watching him
through a pair of glasses. lowered
them and muttered:
IF he gets us succor he can have
Sonia, and I'd give him dozen other
daughters if | had them. Thank heav-
Ell. night is coming on, The enemy
can't drive us to the wall before morn
ing"
Soon after daylight the sound Of fir
Ing was heard In the Russian rear,
and after awhile a force was seen
constituting a wedge that was driving
apart the heels of the German horse
shoe. The approaching line advanced
rapidly, and the colonel. mounting his
horse rode to meet It. There he found
the officer in command. who was be-
ing piloted by Paul Schumsky. Paul
cut ridiculous figure He wore n
derby hat. bobtail coat and spats
over his shoes
I've won her. colonel,'' he said en-
Enthusiastically. waving his hat
The colonel gave him look Of min
gled admiration. contempt and graft
tude.
Yes. you've won,' he said In
snarling tone. but 60 and get OF that
toggery and put yourself into a uni.
form before go back on my word"
With that he turned to the officer
commanding the re-enforcements for
consultation. The result was that the
Germans were driven OF and Colonel
Ullendorf's regiment was saved from