The Argosy, January 1906 — page 77: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE RAVENS OF THE RHINE. “It is not necessary, Herr- Captain; J am not a Frenchman,” said he. The German lowered the revolver. “Are you an inmate of this place? What have you there?” he demanded. “Il am John Bosworth, an American, and this is Mademoiselle de Luynes.” The German’s gazé shifted to the girl, then to the bodies upon the floor. “Ab!” said he. “ But the firing? ” “It was the Franc-tireurs. 'They at- tacked the house and shot the Marquis de Luynes; in five minutes more, had you not come, they would have hanged me to one of those trees out yonder, because I took the marquis’ part and— they accused me of being a German spy.” The Uhlan thrust the revolver into his belt. “But if you are an American what are you doing here, and why did they accuse you of being. a German spy?” asked he sharply. Bosworth related briefly what had oc- eurred; the Uhlan shrugged his shoul- ders. “Tt seems these Frenchman are en- gaged in fighting one another. I see no reason to doubt your word, Herr Bos- worth, but I must detain you as a pris- oner,” he said. “T won't object to that, for my first day in France is not filled with pleasant recollections,” replied Bosworth dryly. Then: “And mademoiselle? ” “Ts free to go where she pleases after daybreak,” answered the Uhlan. A shot, followed by an irregular vol- ley, came ringing through the night. A grim smile touched Bosworth’s lips. “T hope yowll get the leader of the Franc-tireurs, and, if you do, you'll give me the chance to say a few words to him,” he muttered. Then, remembering suddenly the young French girl, and fearing he had neglected her too long, he turned. He had expected to see Mademoiselle de Luynes shrinking back in terror in the presence of the dreaded Uhlans, but he was treated to a surprise. It is true the girl’s face was ashen in color and her lips trembled, but her eyes looked fear- lessly upon the Prussian invaders. He had intended to explain gently, to comfort her as best he could, but, in the face of her attitude, he only asked: 259 “Mademoiselle understands German, does she not?” “Yes,” answered the girl; “ enough to follow what the officer has said. Tell me, monsieur, tell me why they should make you a prisoner ? ” “Oh,” answered Bosworth lightly, “that comes. under the rules of war, I suppose, and they will let me go press ently. As for yourself, there is nothing to be feared from the Germans. But may I inquire what are you going to do? By to-morrow or the next day the Prussians will be gone, and we have seen what your own countrymen may do. Will you go to Paris, or is there some one here upon whom you can depend?” The girl’s lips quivered. “ First, monsieur, I will bury my father; afterward I do not know what may follow.” | “But surely there are servants—some one upon whom you can rely until your brother shall return ? ” “Those that remain are old, for the men have gone into the army, and my father kept but few servants, monsieur.” The voice of the Uhlan officer broke in upon them. “‘ Pardon,” said he, “ but I should ad- vise that the Frdulein retire; you can see this is no place for a woman.” Bosworth threw a hasty glance around the room. The apartment, in truth, re- sembled a shambles: the carpet, the walls, the furniture were spattered with blood. “Mademoiselle,” said he _ gently, “may I be permitted to take you to your room? ” “Under escort of one of my men,” broke in the Uhlan. Bosworth bit his lip; he had forgotten he was a prisoner, subject to the will of his captors. “ You need not fear I will try to run away. In the first place, I have had plenty of excitement for one night; in the second, I am getting terribly sleepy,” said he dryly. : “T do not think any one will run away to-night,” returned the Prussian harshly. Mademoiselle de Luynes crossed the room and knelt by her father’s side; for a moment she remained motionless, then arose and approached the German officer. comicbook cor