Evening Star Newspaper, August 6, 1898, Page 18

18 NOOO ORIO ONTO OME OOO DIO eS How Vansittart Came Back to France. ee WRITTEN FOR THE EVENING STAR BY LOUIS TRACY, IN (Copyright, 1898, by Louis Tracy.) ed i 7) DOIN PG OWT WOW OWONNE ANE ANOWE CH rs ; 3 ( Kaek 2 Lae) (se) (se hse) ex red ae bitter experience and ] happened this time.. Germany has forced ny painful hours. My | a pretext for as though I had again lost “But God has ordained it ust bear it, even though I fall d. The post of lookout man nto me. The and now ‘Full ration of the Ger-! 1890.) March CHAPTER I. eror, “4 King and Two Emperors.” | » history repeats itself. The war of | 1870 is to be fought again and again, and, | h the same issue.” 5 no hope of a peaceful settle- van there be peace between 2 rob- his victim. Germany is resolved must be crushed. Crushed she to the utmost bounds of humilia- “How s and ss you go hack ag uv’nor, and a hand in the game. ; rruption came m Arizons Ji! and Ey- tting with Varsittart eiyn in a ca which lay motionless on a silvery lake in the heart of the Adiron- dacks. For a moment no one spoke. It would seem that this privileged adherent had blurted out the millionai ough:, and possibili In than was her wont, h to Frunce . Twen- that can is he same existence to d to defend time when I for trouble. time had De e I didn’t v | f y to be vexed with | m I'm sorter fixed the | n t in our hands. Kings | ar the same rules.” with you. Bu don’t wu: ars forth you amazed Bat to Jerome, 1 the ot y were impulsive Texan had e thought which for da; a shadow upon Ev it who | er to leave pas brigh’ still prevailed in Ber- 3 domineering presence was 1 chamber. “A to Teutonic as- ied ruler of the them to be still his empire a3 -n the first chan- reign of blood and 2us period w aimed the ingly since Van- the arid Sahara into a lands and vineyards. The f the people nsion in the trade | world. Germany, soured by ness of her own colonial effort: the novel ation of being | ie by her mer- sen od by was no $ against Engiand | while J as an 2 emperor. eace, was even France rs should have i by reco: cir greatest enemy. a Bismarck, ‘must rests on its | to enrich hi: y an impoveri: d utinous. The na- | increasing mil- | »€ met out of a fallin, e, to the Germ imple. The he must but th of Hohenzollern may go No wonder, then, that elyn Vansittart at heart in t st of pleasant or tha emotions were y with the joyous springtide he knew full weil that France, would in the hour of extrem- the one man in wh the i unbounded faith. And she be the first to admit that nor alike offered her husband of action. ng happine he man ‘m the str. 4 cnly by some bricks and ives are very similar, whe ish the telescopes of the g¢ utes of quiet thought revealed tion more el Arizona Jim. i iImed somewhat, half. cular, Mm vencured to It'll do no. good for anyhow. This is a big ones at that. ant some one to do the em. That's more’n half the s hez bin, ever since the days nezzer.”” shed outright the extraor- Even his wife smiled as in Faif- » you drag in Nebuchad- cried Vansittart, when he Was able to speak. “Cos he thought he-couid live on grass, it kep’ him goin’ for seven bloomin® conceit put them in better humor. hey were about to resume their inter- rupted fishing when Jerome caught sight of d walking toward them down the which stood their summer residence. ed him in ence until he rge of the lake. Then he put mouth-and shouted: gram for Evelyn.” “A eablegram for me" repeated Evelyn in astonishment. From whom, I wonder? Paddle in at once, Jerry. Surely there is nothing amiss with mother. or aunt. I had }and t absence. My plac ar upon ws, Acting under the specific instructions of the kaiser, a German gunboat accompanied a trading vessel to Gabes and attempted to land a cargo of goods in defiance of cur customs regulations. The officials invoked the aid of the captain of one of our warships, on duty at the port, and he ordered the Ger- mans to desist. This they refused to do unless compelled by force, whereupon our officer fired a blank cartridge by way of warning. It was sufficient, but there can- not be the slightest doubt that this paltry incident will be made a cause of war. We are, God knows, ill prepared for a cam- paign, though we have strained every nerve to rengthen our resources since our ene- ‘S$ cruel design became apparent. We are alore sn this quarrel. We cannot ex- pect England to interfere and Russian friendship has sudaenly become frozen. On, my dear Bvelyn, do not you cesert us! I ask you to spare your husband to aid us in this terrible crisis. I know not what to urge in behalf of my request, but the need of my beloved France impels me to preter it, if necessary on my knees. The king or Liancourt would have cabled to Mr. Vansit- tart, but I told them to leave the appeal to me, for I am assured that the decision will rest with you. I cannot think that you will deny me. With Mr. Vansittart direct- ing affairs, my pecple will be hopeful. In his absence they will march to death, brave but despairing. “Your afflicted HONORINE.” When the familiar name left her lips, Evelyn turned and hid her face against her husband’s shoulder. Jerome put his arm around her. “It has come sooner than we thought, | ™y girl,” was the best he could find to say. Dick Harland dug his hands into his Pockets and looked at them fixedly; Ari- zona Jim felt that he required sustenance, »k a surreptitious bite at a plug of toba The news aroused In Vansittart a serious train of thought; his mind wondered back decade, when fancy free he had met the utiful Howorine de Muntpensier, whose bition to occupy the position to which med herself entitled by birth was revealed to him by her refusal to be his wife. Unused to defeat, and with his great alth, he had repaired to France, and aged himself in the vast scheme of ir- ating the Great African desert. The en- Sy, skill and tact with which he had overcome all difficulties had endeared him to the French people and raised him to such influence and power as to enable him to place Honorine on the throne, but not as his wife. He learned the difference be- tween ambition and pure affection; wedd e sister of his old schcolfellow Harland, and now, after a brief period of relief from business cares, felt that his presence on the field of action was necessary to pre- serve to the French nation the great col- eny that had grown from his labors. At last Evelyn regained her self-control. She said firm! the decision rest with me, Jerry?” Doe! Yes.” ‘Then we start for France at the earliest moment." We" Yes, we. I refuse to remain behind. If you go without me I will follow by the next steamer.” : fy dear girl, there is the boy to think Te will be well looked after during our is with you.” be it, sweetheart. This war will make an old man of me, so we will age together. Dick, wire to New York and ask when the Seafarer can sail for Europe.” “And at the same time I will answer the queen.” Evelyn was grit all through. The day was a Tuesday early in May. An hour later they learned that the Sea- farer would be ready at 2 o'clock on Thursday afterroon. “Then Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock we sail.” cried Jerome cheerily. “‘Now, Dick, I have been making a few plans al- jy. How can I best purchase, for the speediest shipment, 20,000 strong, well-con- ditioned herses? They must be up to weight, and sound in wind and limb. Any- thing over fifteen hands and between five and eight years old will meet my require- 0 ments. eae ee ee oe ee In a room of the imperial palace that stands cn the famous boulevard Unter den Linden was gathered a notable conclave. The emperor, impulsive, exuberant, brave to rashness and daring ‘in theught, sat at the head of the council table. With him were the chief officers of the army and the responsible ministers of state. Scme one had suggested a further sound- ing of the views held by the great powers. “Great powers!” cried the emperor. “Great weaknesses, rather! Which of them Then i Lead the First Regiment. will stir ship or soldier to aid France? No. The quarrel will be left to us, in the hope that the struggle will weaken both. Al- ready Austria and Italy have taken care to declare their neutrality, and from St. Petersburg I hear that Russia ts resolute in keeping aloof. England will not inter- fere. A hint that Egypt and the Transvaal shall be her portion of the spoil will ren- der her complaisant—until I tell her that triumphant Germany has assumed the rights of conquered France on the Nile. But encugh; we are resolved. When will the three army corps be mobilized, General von Waldersee?” The officer addressed, staff, instantly replied: “We can commence to throw 150,000 men across the frontier on Thursday night at 9 o'clock, your majesty.” “Why at night? Is there no fear of un- certainty or confusion?” “None, sire, for us; much for the enemy.” “Then { lead the first regiment of the center column!” “That must not be.” It was Prince Ho- henlohs, the imperial chancellor, who spoke so emphaticaily. the chief of the @ letter only yesterday. Why dcesn't Dick call out its contents?’ Had she been on shore she certainly would have examined the printed enveiope to see if it gave any indications of the nature of the interior Message. Z She did not walt to land before she cried: “Who is it from, Dick?” “From the Queen of France.” “What is it about?” “It will best convey its own me: Thinking {t was from home I opened it. It is written in the private code used by the king, Liancourt and Jerome, so I have translated it and here is a fair copy.” —— teok the manuscript and read it aloud: “Dear and True Friend—The expected has “How! Must not! ting words to me. “Possibly, sire, but I cannot school my tongue to conceal my thoughts. Your tmajesty’s impetuosity and carelessness of danger are too well Known that I should lend voice to a proceeding which might risk your person in a frontier affray at the very inception of our enterprise.”” Emboldened by the chancellor's outspok- emness several officers concurred with him, “Well, well,” and the emperor turned to @ map with an air of annoyance. “You are These are scarce fit- right, I su . But, mark not al- ways will I yield to these ay precautions. I had thought it would in- rit the troops to know that their Jeader ion tegen te trot sane “The project is worthy of your majesty, THE EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 1898-24 PAGES. but the gain is not to be measured against the le loss. Who, then will act as my personal rep- resentative? The emperor's deputy, at least, must be the first soldier to set foot on French -soil.” “Surely no man’s name can contend the right with mine.’ All eyes turned upon the new speaker, Col. Von Moltke, nephew of the renowned stfategist, who maneuvered the German armies with such faultless skill during the war of 1870. “And none shall,” cried the kaiser en- thusiastically. ‘‘Yours be the honor to lead the column, colonel, and Friday’s sun shall see you major general.” “When will your majesty declare war?” “An! I had forgotten. Telegraph to our ambassador in Paris that he is to demand his passports on Thursday evening.” So it will be seen that whilst the King of France left affairs of vast importance to his royal consort, the Emperor of Germany also launched his thunderbolt by deputy. The other emperor, Vansittart, was the only one who actually traveled to the front at that fateful hour on Thursday. CHAPTER II. Flags—British and Otherwise. Three German army corps entered France simultaneously at ‘different points. One line of march, from Metz by way of Gravelotte, Mars la Tour and Fresnes-en- Woevre, followed the historic route of the last war. Here the French had set up a formidable barrier of men and guns back- ed by the splendid fortress at Verdun. The second attack had also been foreseen. The concentration of Bavarians at Thion- ville, or Diedenhofen, as it is rechristened by the Germans, caused the French stait to expect and prepare for an immediate junction of the two corps in French terri- tory. In the result they were not mistaken. But the third was unpleasantly new. Vast numbers of troops were gathered at both Strasburg and Mulhausen. From each of these centers the natural advance across the frontier was, in the one case, by Saar- burg, north of the Vosges mountains, toward Luneville and Nancy; in the other, through Alt Munsterol toward strongly fortified Belfort. In either event the French would have op- posed a bold front to the invaders. General Daubisson, who, in his capacity as govern- or of Paris, was commander-in-chief under the supreme control of the king, was cha- grined rather than alarmed when he found that the southern German column had se- cretly detrained at Markirch and was able to push cavalry vedettes through the heart of the Vosges as far as Fraize, almost with- out striking a blow. On the Friday morning the eyes of the world were bent on Paris and Berlin. The two cities comported themselves according to their moods, Paris yelping with excite- ment, the German capital throbbing with earnestness. The King of France bore himself bravely before his people. Only in the comparative secrecy of the rebuilded Tuileries he showed the agonized apprehension that pos- sessed him. His one thought was might arrive too late. “We were at least warned soon enough to have prevented this misfortune,” he cried. “Why did we not bring him here a fort- night ago?" “Your majesty forgets,’ said Liancourt, “that Mr. Vansittart believed, as we did, that Germany would not commit this out- rage upon humanity without even plausibie excuse. “Yes, yes,’’ murmured .Henri, “but the best of explanations will not disguise the fact. One short week of his counsel and presence would have achieved so much. One week too soon, rather than too late!” “Your majesty cannot believe that the armies of France will be beaten from the field within a week?” “Liancourt,” and the king turned to his faithful minister with keen emotion in his face. ‘‘Let us not deceive each other. You know, better than I, perhaps, what our enemies can accomplish even in that brief period. It is for my brave soldiers, un- ready, ill-equipped, worse fed, that I grieve. You and I, my friend, can die at their head, but what will that avail France! France, my country, so happy, So prosperous, so iit: Ue deserving this wretched fate!” Liancourt could only urge the king to abandon useless regrets and do all within his power to repair defects. He realized, in their full bitterness, the truth of Henri’s words. In the palace near the lindens William I, who, for all his dash and waywardness, is a methodical German, had retired to rest and slept soundly after the telegrams ar- rived announcing the departure of the three columns. He rose early, fresh and vigor- ous, ready to proceed to the front as soon as he learned that the left bank of the Meuse was in possession of his troops. General Von Gossler waited upon him the moment he appeared. “'Tis fitting,” cried the kaiser, “that on this of all days I should be greeted by the war minister. What news, Von Gossler?” “Excellent, sire. The fight is in the ene- my’s country. We have seized the desired positions, the armies are consolidating and probably the first battle will be in progress he the time your majesty reaches the fron- er.” Yet the general's visage was not as cheerful as his intelligence, and the empe- Tor's quick eye noted the discrepancy. Is aught amiss?” “In one respect I have tidings that your majesty will regret to—’” Quick! What has happened?” “Colonel Von Moltke was shot by the French picket as he drove them over the Woevre bridge.” "Shot! Wounded, you mean, I trust.” “No, sire. Shot through the brain. ‘The only place to hit a Moltke! “What say the papers about the war?” The emperor, who was more deeply moved than he cared to admit, picked up a copy of the Zeitung and turned to the columns of foreign intelligence. The first para- graph that met his eyes caused him to ut ter an exclamation. New York, Thursday.—Shortly before it became known that Germany had declared war against France Mr. and Mrs. Vansit- tart and suite sailed for Europe on board their yacht, the Seafarer. ‘The famous tmil_ lionaire’s sympathies for France—indeed, he remains a naturalized French citizen coupled with the fact that the yacht’s des- tination was kept a secret, that Vansittart in the Adirondacks most unexpectedly. formation concerning his intentions is abe solutely refused at his New York estate nee tn Any, ory he cannot cross the At- ic under eight days, as t! isa ag-knot beter y! he Seafarer eneral Von Gossler wondered what had so disturbed his royal master, but he was not long left in doubt. rning upon him wit Wilhelm roared: ee fe “Why was I not told of this sl Of w-w-what, sire?” ee “Of the departure of this Yankee adven- turer, sit! ou pice Admiral Hollmann at oneé. Quick, if you Bap at onet you would retain Utterly at a loss to know what this storm portended, the gereral rushed from the room, and the kaiser Strode to and fro ina towering rage. -He had not forgotten the way in whic! Vansittart, when president of the French, had played political poker with him. Ho ranted no more “raising” at his hands, but had cooled somewhat by the time the secretary for the navy ra flurried von Gossier.” eee bak With the “Admiral,” he shouted, well-defined routes across “Yes, sire.” “Read this. “there are four the Atlantic?” tain depends upon the success of one of They must start forthwith, and mis conflict with French vessels at any cst.” it was thus that, twelve hours Seafarer passed the Sandy Hook lightship and turned her smart figure head eastward four fast and well-armed German cruisers sailed from Hamburg and Bremerhaven in. tent upon her capture or destructiof. The stars and stripes fluttered in the breeze over her taffrail as the gallant little ship plunged steadily onward through the long Atlantic rollers. Reuter’s correspondent was not mistaken in describing her as a 16-knot ship. Her small size, 2,000 tons, and her owner's de. sire to be able to voyage in her anywhere, precluded a higher engine power. 5 OF he third sey ‘out, scutherly course, they plunged into th heel of a fog that had swept down ‘from the Newfoundland banks. But to Evelyn the chilly mist was refreshing, and she walked the deck, leaning on her husband's arm, with a sense of exhilaration at the vastness a oe Cgedree’ rae During tart'’s it in Net Yerk he had done much. Not = after the with much poring over maps and jotting dcwn of memoranda. e This evening Evelyn protested against so much preoccupation, and, carried him off for a constitutional before dinner. During their walk they ‘noticed Arizona Jim leaning against a ventilator away for- ward, gazing fixedly into, the wall of fog. Jim was wrapped in a brown study, and locked so serious that they both laughed. “What are you thinking about so deeply, Jim?” inquired the millionaire. Bates started. “I was thinkin’, boss, that things air tolerable thick ahead. “Here, do you mean?” “Nit. S'long as we keep tootin’ the fog- horn I guess we're all right here, if the other feller does the same.” “In France, then?” “Yes, guv’ner, that's, the locality. You won't find no Injun signs.on rocks to help fix this business.” “Why, Jim, you are the one man in the werld I should not suspect of doubting the future. Have you lost faith in me?” “No, guv'nor. Not I. Nary a bit. What you sez goes. But you'll have to kill off a blamed lot of Germans.” Evelyn clutched Jerome’s arm more tight- ly. Bates had an unpleasant knack of re- vealing the truth without any circumlocu- tion. For the first time she realized that the conquest of men meant carnage—that her husband might be called upon to direct red and horrible war. Next morning, while Evelyn was pouring out a third cup of coffee for Jerome and Dick, the captain of the Seaferer hurriedly entered the saloon. “There's a British man-of-war about three miles ahead on the port bow, sir, and she_has signaled us to stop,” he said. “To stop? An English ship? Arco you quite sure she is English?” cried Jernr “Quite certain, sir. She is the fast cruiser Hawke. I iknow her well by sight. What shall we do?” “Obey the signal, up now, I wonder? ‘They went on deck anda scrutinize? the handsome warship, for the overnight fog bad wholly disappeared, and the fine v sel supplied a human jnterest to the vast Panorama of blue rolling sea and suplit sky. ‘The Hawke, first-class cruiser, 7.350 ton. of 12,000 horse power and carrying twe guns, was evidently in earnest. She slightly altered her course in order to come nearer, and when half a mile ahead slowed down to lower a boat. An officer took his seat in the stern sheets, and the steady pul eight strong-armed _bluejackets brought him alongside the Seafarer. Within hailing distance he cried: Is Mr. Vansittart aboard?” Yes,” replied Jerome. “I am he.” “I am very glad I have fallen in with you. I wish to speak with you privately.” by all means. What's HE INVOLUNTARILY MADE “You wil not find a cruiser quite so com- fortable as this magnificent vessel, Mrs. Vansittart, but my officers and myself will be delighted to entertain you.” “I cannot express my gratitude,” began Jerome. “No need, sir, But time presses.”” A bustle of stewards, some agonjzed mo- ments for a French maid, a few™tinstruc- tions to the captain of the Seafarer and the whole party were seated in the Hawke's gig, which bounded willingly to- ward the warship. All that morning and afternoon there was much jubilant activity on board the Hawke. “Strike me stiff,” said a sturdy A. B. who was hoisting ammunition from the forward magazine, “I didn’t play for a shindy this trip, but you never knows yer luck.” “If things goes right today we'll ‘ave a fair old beano, Bill,” growled his mate, hoarse with the effect of nearly swallow- ing a quid when he caught the gunnery lieutenant’s eye fixed on a suspicious lump in the side of his cheek. Arizona Jim sighed as he listened. A six- chambered revolver was a trivial thing be- side a six-inch quick-firing gun. For the only time in his life he envied his fellow men. At three bells in the first dog watch, or in shore phrase, p.m., the Seafarer, having ignored previous signals, was com- pelled to shut off steam in obedience to a gun fired across her bows by the German belted cruiser Das Rheinland, 6,500 tens, ten guns, commanded temporarily by Vice Admiral von Grudenau. The order was imperative, and the mat- ter at issue important; for the distinguish- ed officer himself, escorted by an armed boat's crew, pulled off toward the Seafarer, and the watchers from the Hawke could easily, distinguish an animated colloquy in progress on ther deck between Von Grude- nau and the Yankee skipper. Tt soon ended. The German did not re- turn to his own vessel, but rapidly ap- proached the Hawke. Hie was received with ceremonious cour- tesy. After compliments, as they say in the east, he explained: “My imperial master, the German emper- or, being at war with France, demands th> person of a French subject, one Monsieur Jerome K. Vansittart, who, I am informed, is on board this ship, which ies the flag of Great Britain, a neutral nation.” He spoke as a man incensed at bsing set back in the moment of success. “I beg to refer your imperial master, the German emperor, to my royal mistress, the Queen of England,” was Capt. Hamilton's > reply. hat, sir, is a subterfuge, and you know it,” cried the vice admiral, pale with sup- pressed anger. “I emphatically demand the A STEP FORWARD. Suiting his actions to the words, he quickly climbed the rope ladder which had been lowered and gained the deck of the Seafarer. With smiling courtesy he introduced himself I am Capt. des Voeux Hamilton of H. M.S. Hawke, which you see there. I have information of great importance for you. Shall we go to the saloon?” rome led the way, saying: My wife and brother-in-law may accom- pany us “Assuredly, Mr. Vansittart.” Once out of earshot of others, the officer explained his strange appearance in mid- Atlantic, He began with a question. Do you know that war has broken out between Germany and France?” Evelyn uttered an involuntary exclama- tion. Even Vansittart was surprised by the suddenness of the announcement. “Surely matters have not reached that tage already?’ he exclaimed. “There can be no doubt about it. ‘The German armies commen the invasion of France on ‘Thursday night. I left Ports- wouth at noon on Friday, and several slight affairs had already taken place on the frontier, while in military circles it was generally believed that the first pitched battle would take place yesterday, Sun- dey, somewhere in the neighborhood of Mars la Tour.” : Jerome was powerfully moved, but his anger at this catastrophe only manifested itself by a tightening of the lips as he sald: “This is indeed grave news for me, Capt. Hamilton.” “I fear my next item will be more mn- pleasant, in so far as it affects you per- sonally. ‘Our foreign office is naturally keep- ing avery close watch on all naval move- ments atthis moment. A trustworthy Ham- burg correspondent warned Whitehal! by secret telegrapnic code that four Germen cruisers had put out to sea in a great hurry early on Friday. He learned by some means that their object was to catch you and pre- vent you, at all hazards, from landing in France. Your yacht is an American ship, but defenseless, and you are reported to be a French citizen. Nice diplomatic dif- ferences can, however, be adjusted :onths hence, and even large personal inderanities paid. Meanwhile you would be accommo- dated with a residence in some remote German castle. I think you follow me. You have friends in Whitehall, Mr. Van- sittart, so—here I am.” i “Capt. Hamilton,” said the millionaire, warmly, “I am deeply indebted to the Brit- is government and to you Personally. But tell me. At sea I amc helpless. The Sza- farer is not-a fast beat.: may presum- ably expect capture atsany moment?” “Hardly. The Hawke: can-slip away from anything the Germans. have, and we had, say, 2 couple of hours start from Ports- nouth. But one of the quartet will cer- tainly fall in with you this afternoon or evening.” “Are they entitled to)board my yacht and seize her?” “They are not. But I know what I or you would do under similar circumstances —leave others to settle the rights of the case, eh, Mr. Vansittart?”” + The Anglo-Saxon is very,much alike on both sides of the Ae. They all, even Evelyn, inned in concert “Avnet are your orders, captain?” said Jerome, after a pause. “My orders are to find you and assist you.” : ‘Without qualification?” “Absolutely.” “In the absence of an American man-of- war, I am justified in asking your protec- tion under circumstances that savor of pi- racy?” “Well, you see, ah ja ee ae Ee one and help a tera genes EA eyents from the Ger- of view—a single shell would Ae ee settle your business during the argument.” Deel fie Mit 1 were to. ask youts fol tense for 6 small househo! delivery to my custody of this gentleman whom I see standing hers,” ‘And I as emphatically refuse to comply with your demand.” “On what grounds, sir?” “First, besause Mr. Vansittart, his wife and brother-in-law are the honored guests of H. M. S. Hawke, and consequently of the British government. Secondly, Because you fail to adduce proof that Mr. Vansit- tart ts a French citizen. Thirdly, if he were, and on board this ship, it would, un- der the circumstances, require the whole German navy to take him off it.” The German was ready to burst with Tag2. Full well he knew that he had been tricked by a specious artifice, arising from Wholly unexpected conditions. Yet he dared not and would not return to Bremerha without attempting to serve his count this ticklish affair. sacrifice of hi potent enemy? He involuntarily made a half step for- ward, and his right arm crossed to his sword, but Capt. Hamilton and another of- ficer sprang in front of him, and Arizona Jim's hand fell to his hip. There are times when a six-shooter is more conveni2nt than even a six-inch gun. The incident passed so quickly that it might have been imaginary were it not ac- centuated by Evelyn’s slight cry of alarm. Von Grudenau, with a rigid bow, said: “Further conversation is useless. I must obey my orders. With you permission, sir, i will return to my vessel As he spoke his eyes wandered along the lines of the Hawke. He could not fail to Se2 that she was in fighting trim. Capt. Hamilton followed his glance and smiled. ‘Will you not do me the honor of prolonging your visit and inspecting the Ship? She will bear scrutiny, I can assure you.” ‘The other politely waved the offer aside. “I have no option but to try what fore can do,” he said. “Any course you may see fit to adopt will afford me equal pleasure. But this is not a personal matter, sir. I am in duty bound to tell you that your ship is overmatched. You are rashly risking a useful vessel and the lives of your crew in striving to carry out your unreasonable instructions.” Again Von Grudenau bowed, and without further speech quitted the Hawke. Not un- dil he was well clear of her did he notice that the British man-of-war was now inter- pas between the Seafarer and Das Rhein- land. Capt. Hamilton at once turned to Jerome. “Mr. Vansittart, all non-combatants must be taken to safer quarters.” The millionaire had expected some such request. “Well,” he said, “if I turn my back on ths Germans this time it is only that I may have a better Jook at them aft- erwards.” The Seafarer now made off as fast as her serew could revolve. By the time Von Grudenau reached his own ship she was out of practical rang> end the Hawke was slowly moving ahead. The frame of the fine cruiser seemed to throb with suppress- y in Why not strive, at the lif2, to rid Germany of one nonsense about range-finders. ftlness, the first German projectile fairly struck the companionway near which Van- sittart had stood. Iron splinters and shat- tered woodwork kicked up a rare eommo- tion in the locality, but Hamilton’s nice cal- culation of Von Grudenau’s objectiv2 was equally successful in averting of life oz mb among bis a ‘Thereafter—f confessed aft>rward that they expected the top of the cylinder to blow off. Suddenly the door opened and Lieut. BlomfieKl entered. “Capt. Hamilton wishes you to come on deck,” he said. From the calmness of his ton> he might | have been conducting them to witness a re- gatta. The people on the Hawke had just passed through an extremely sensational and diverting p>rformance. Events soon became intelligible. The third shell from the Hawke had smashed Das Rheinland’s rudder, and when Capt. Hamilton discovered his opponenf’s helplessn2ss he ordered ‘Cease fire.” | The Hawke's casualties amounted to three men killed and ten wounded, together with some broken plates and wrecked top- | hamp=r. Von Grudenau lost everything, as he was captured in La Manche by a smail French squadron sent out for the purpose of inter- viewing him and his three consorts. CHAPTER IIT. A Council of War. “What shall T tell the people, sir?” said the r-presentative of the Figaro when he met Vansittart on board the Seafarer as she swung to her berth in the inner harbor at Havre. “Tell them,” said Jerome, hat France and I conquered the Sahara—surely, then, we are equal to the lesser tack set us by Germany ‘May I be informed as to your personal intentions?” “Only this, that I go direct to Paris to consult with the King. But, monsieur, a word in your ear. Mak> much of the help given me by the British warship. Quote it as an earnest of English good will to France. This war will not be an affair of moments, and when the stress comes it will j be well to have England at our back. Do you understand?” Fully, monsieur. Your wish2s are law to every-patriotic Frenchman And now,”” said Vansittart, “let change roles. What news have you? ‘The journalist glanced around nervously to make sure he was not overheard. “Ill, monsieur! Frane> is unprepared. The newspapers claim victories won for our arms, but each such victory heralds a Ger- man advance. I fear the worst and have abandoned hope. Who can extricate us from this miserable position?” The millionaire had long ago measured the French character, and knew how to mold it to his will, “I have come from America to make a strong effort, monsieur. Confidence begets success. Tel’ France to be confident.” ‘The Figaro used the phrase aga headline next day. No intelligence, not even the unexpected declaration of war, had created such a thrill of excitement throughout the coun- try as the announcement of Jerome’s land- ing. And when the 1 boring wires bore to every center of population the full details of his sensational escape in mid-Atlantic, coupled with his first ch2erful words of en. ccuragement, excitement passed from fever heat to delirium. The netism of the hour spread to Next day the northern Germ: ained a severe check in the When an apparent able flank was turned by a Fren de, each member of which fc ught with zor and determination that upset th ntific calculations of their opponen SprY of the fighting line was hy the emperor!” with joy. ansittart reached Lazare he found soldiers imminent danger of cenfii ties had detailed thousan¢ the © to t the infant: But the people weuld not be repressed. They nted to see, to cheer, to touch their idol, and for a little while their frenz3 us sus the Gare St and populace in t. The authori- of men to line ai reet ard three regiments of cavalry threatered to end in bloodshed. Sverybody saw him, everybody cheered him, and all were supremely delighted. This was one side of the question, t otrer presented itself when, an hour aft he revched the Tuileries, "he joined the king and his principal officers of state ir the council chamber. Here glocm took the place of jubflation, With downcast and saddened faces the chief men in France made him cognizant of the bitter truth. d to invite reproach by their word: sglected army, epleted navy, deficiency in guns and stores, skeleton di- visions and inferior commissariat—these were the rusted weapons they opposed to the burnished panoply of Germany A plethoric treasury was their worst in- dictment. Money was being lavished now, but was it not too late? Only once did Vansittart betray resent- ment. When he heard of the meagerness in munitions and supplies he said, doubt ingly and surprised: “Can this be possible with Pompier at the head of the department?” Silence fcllewed his question. The mem- bers of the council looked at each other, until the king passionately explain “I protested against it, but ccurt influences were too strong for me. Admiral Pompier was placed on the re- tired list, the department was split up into naval end military branches and they are controlled by the Comte de la Feray-Mi and Baron de Champmai respectively. “Are these gentlemen at present discharg- ing the same responsible duties? said Waustes rt, with asperity in his tone. “It is not their fault, probably. Lian- court, will you see to it that Pompier is recalled by telegram, and given complete ecntrol. If he thinks these titled nonenti- ties can help him, let them be retained. If not, they can be provided for elsewhere.” Liancourt smiled. This man, inscrutable to others, was an open book to Vansittart. It was easy to see that he rejoiced at the end of palace intrigues. One member of the council was not pleased at this first indication of the mil- lionaire’s methods. The fat, pompous, fussy Duc de Tangier, who became secretary of the navy because he owned a successful yacht, rose and pro- tested angrily. “Your majesty, it is a matter of prece- dent that in such a serious matter as that involved in the proposed change the opin- | the North sea and the Balt } tic | ber, moi ion of the responsible authorities should be sought. I, as head of the naval service, pretest against Mr. Vansittart’s method of cealing with this council, headed as it is by your majesty in person.” “Who are you?” said Jerome, coolly. He felt assured that he must speedily assert himself, else he would be thwarted con- stantly by every jack-in-office who had sprung into existence beneath this mush- rocm monarchy. “The Duc de Tangier, sir.” “Was it upon your recommendation that Admiral Pompier was removed from the office to which I appointed him “Yes, it was. Let me add, sir, that your words—-" “Are generally obeyed. Monsieur le Duc, I give you the alternative of sitting down with a closed mouth er being dismissed from your post.” The duc sat down. Vansittart continued: “Lest there be any doubt concerning my attitude, I now tell you plainly that in the present desperate state of France there must be one com- mander-in-chief. If I am = fill that im- portant place, I will listen to your coun- sel, but my orders cannot be questioned. Insubordination here means dismissal, in the field death. Are these your terms, or do I return to the United States?” The king, who had cultivated some de- gree of tact since he ascended the throne, cried: “If you leave us, Vansittart, you must take the queen and me with you. We shall not be wanted in France. Come, Tangier, ery ‘Peccavi.’ If I am king do not forget that Mr. Vansittart is ‘the emperor.’ ” The crestfallen due apologized, hand- somely enough. Thenceforward he was the millionaire’s keenest supporter. “And now, Liancourt,” said Jerome, “what is the position?” Liancourt unfolded a map. “Ten days ag he said, “the German emperor sim- ultaneously threw three army corps across the frontier. Three severe battles have been fought, besides several minor engage- ments. Although not routed the French troops have been beaten by superior num- bers, by superb concentration, and particu- larly by overwhelming artillery fire. The northern German column, commanded by General Kreuznach, occupies the right bank of the Meuse, and has lodged a_ division across the river at Montfaucon. The cen- ter attack, led by the emperor in person, is also in possession of the Meuse, Verdun being threatened and in momentary Gan- of investment. General Daubisson bes, wever, offered stout resistance on both lines of advance. He was served The only efficiently mobilized troops in France are already at the front. The Ger- man armies have halted to consolidate and bring up resery Here they are vastly stperior to us. Suppe t their next | {crward moye be effe > see bow we can hope to ar march on | Taris. ‘You summarize affairs rapidly,” cried he king, with some bittern He r 1 this terse version of his own © sive the cannot ene r majesty, we ma; put, as you have & urselv: . ere is the fleet?” stecting the Gal massed squadrons at Marseilles, Toulon, Brest « Cherbourg, and the broke in the Due de Ta “And the German fie o far as we know, resting © hind the guns of Bremerhaven, Ham and Kiel. They cannot hop: B neglected though it m Vansittart ignored the momenia casm of the concluding remark. ° “Let every available ship be sent from all the points you have named, monsieur, into we man commerce, ports, navy and forttfi Cable instructions to commanders of vessels in distant parts of the worid to sall for the nearest German colo: occupation there. This, I thiuk, h: be put in operation at once.” The duc rose, but he murmured single Gernian cruiser in the Mediterr. can do infinite damage to (ne Sabes.” I have not forgotten sald Jerome, quietly, and the secr the navy, in his new-born zeal, rus’ petuously from the room to his admiralty headquarters. Vansittart took some and began to draft a memorandum, the others watching him curiously. hout ceasing to write he inquired: “Is the secretary for war pres ‘I am here,” replied Gen. Ville “Are you well supplied with horses?” “On the contrary, I have had difficulty in collecting an additional 40,000 which have been requisitioned at the fron “But you have them “My lists are nearly complete. I to begin forwarding them in ™mcrrow.” ‘As for forage?” Fortunately we are well found in that solitary respect.” “Good. I want you to collect 10,000 horses, strong and fast, and in good condition, t gether with a week's supplies for them 5,000 men, at Sedan, as soon as po: ‘At Sedan!” broke in several utter astonishment. Sedan lay to th “Even lean Sahara works that p writing materials irtend batches to- of the present theater of operations. In any case, it was a pl: e of evil omen to the French mind. Jerome paused a moment in his writing, pulled the map toward gim, scrutinized it for a moment, and exclaimed: “Yes, it 1s easily accessible by rail, is just the right localit No one questioned him. not wishful to op ventured on a sug: “We can hardly ¢ eur. I pledged my that he should ha rge n to ¢ 40,000 with- * said Jerome, still writing. “I bought 20,000 before | states, They will all reach H Brest or Cher and unday d comment ing looked at with face nt in his own. some- Lian- he years younger as arest neighbor changed, then.” usly. was his next ere question “He commands the cay ivision with the main army,” said Villeneuve. “Capital! The right man in the right place. I am sorry that he should have to relinquish ‘his post for a time.” At last he ended his task, and carefully revised the manuscript. The watchful council noted that he appeared to be very particular as to its phraseology. Several times he corrected it and onc: ght the istance of the king as to the exact sig- ance of a French idiom he had used. satisfied with the production, nifi When quite he folded the document and handed it to Villeneuve, saying: “General. I intrust the execution of the task detailed therein to you, Daubisson and Le Breton. Have ac- curate copies made for the instruction of both those officers. Your part of the work will make itself clear on perusal and no one else must be cognizant of its nature.” “What you have ordered will be done,” erfed the war minister, In unconscious par- aphrase of Arizona Jim's favorite declara- tion. He at once quitted the assembly to attend to V ittart’s mysterious ndate. “There, d the millionaire, with the contentment of one who has finished with @ weighty undertaking. “I hope to hear the first news of that piece of work from England.” Fro.n England!” said Henri, with undi guisedi amazement ‘es. Your majesty must be aware of old that I thorough appreciate the press. ‘The correspondents of the enterprising En- glish journals will, I have no doubt, inform us as to the success or failure of my first personal blow at the German host I may say in conclusion,” he a4@e4, “that I was not idle before I safled from New York. My agents are buying arms, ammunition, horses and equipment, to- gether with some special requirements of ry own, at every possible center in Eng- land and America. They are all consigned to a mythical individual named Hiram P. Sloker of Boston, M but I have no Goubt that they will eventually, and very soon, I hope, find their way ‘to various French ports. The authorities must be in- structed to look out for them, and the said about ther® consignments the better. As I have already remarked, the press can render us great service, but it can do us even greater injury by making our secrets known to the enem you have brought us new Wife, my friend,” said the king, seizing Vansittart’s hand impulsively. “You have plenty of life,” ful answer, “but you need rousing a bit Believe me, France will arise from this su- preme trial more powerful, more dignified, than before.”’ “She will be bankrupt in gratitude,” cried Liancourt, “Nay, that is impossible. Of all cow tries, she pays most dearly for slight se vices. Now, to protect the Sahara.” He wrote a telegram addreseed to the British foreign secretary: “The exigencies of the campaign compel France to icava the Sahara canals at Gabes unprotected, Your interests, however, demand that they shall not be injured by any hostile power. Full explanations will be given to the Brit- ‘sh ambassador in Paris.” “Germany will think many times before she acts once so as to impel Great Britaia to actively side with us in this struggle,” ke explained to these present, and the Tessage was dispaiched. When the council dispersed Jerome sought his private apartments. He missed Evelyn, and in response to his inquiries was told that the queen, worn out with nursing her ailing child during the harass- ment of recent everts, was taking a much- needed rest, while his wife was looking after the infant prince: otherwise Honor- ine would not’ have left the boy with his attendants. Jerome smiled when he reflected that even in this troublows tims the two moth- ers would find more to say concerning the youngsters than about affairs of state. As he commenced a letter to Pompier, Arizona Em entered Vansittart laid down his pen for @ mo- ment, and Bates took the cue. “There's bin a big talkec, guy’nor?* ‘Yes, Jim, there has.” “D'you rec'liect, boss, when we started west last trip, cs I said that the French could cook bully an’ fight well, but were no good at thinkin’, so they'd be sure to want you again?” “I remember it quite well.” “An’ they cid want you, I guess?” “Jim, when you grow too old for a fight you can set vp asa prophet.” Was the chee . 7 About the same hour in the afternoon the Germas emperor learned of Vansit- tart’s arrival in France, from the same source that the latter looked to for infor- mation, the English newspapers. “Von Waidersee, we must defeat Dau. bisson at earliest eS “No sire, but $5 ER cious to cross the Meuse in force until we are reinforced.” “Nonsense,