CAPTAIN TOM.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVI, Issue XV, 11 April 1896, Page 418

CAPTAIN TOM.

A NOVEL. fil’ ST. GEORGE R.lTll HORSE. Author of * Doctor J-ck,' ’ Doctor Jack o Wife,’ etc. CHAPTER XVIII. A TAP ON THE SHOULDER. Their condition seems more hopeful now that they have diecovered in their fellowtraveller one who ie capable of taking the helm, eo to speak, or at least manipulating the ship of the clouds. All trace of the rival balloon has been lost; whether it has been destroyed or swept away toward the Belgian frontier, it is next to impossible to say.

Their desire is to drop at some place within the boundaries of France, where the despatches can be sent by courier to the geneial.

If left to themselves, Captain Tom and Mickey would not know how to delay the progress of the balloon, but the professor’s wife directs them to again lighten the load, so that they may shoot up and reach a more favourable current of air.

Thus they drift along in the sun-hine for hours, while the war of the elements goes on below. The air is cold, and they suffer to some extent from this, but it is a dry, bracing atmosphere, entirely different from any they have experienced upon the earth. Captain Tom looks at his watch, and discovers that it is nearly noon. At the same time he realises that it has been many hours since he tasted food, and is actually hungry. There is no neighbouring restaurant to drop upon and supply this aching void. What was it the dying professor had said about all supplies being on board ? Every well-regulated ship carries provisions on a cruise ; it doesn’t make any difference whether it sails the air or on the sea.

With the inspiriting thought the adventurous soldier of fortune begins to cast about him. and speedily discovers a hamper into which he peers. There are certain supplies for the balloon, and a small package, which, upon being opened, discloses enough edibles for a single decent repast.

Thus they are provisioned for the time being, and a mug of cold tea gives them drink.

The female ;uronaut gently but firmly refuses to touch a bite. Captain Tom knows the reason why, and his heart re proaches him for the deception he has put upon her with respect to the man she loves ; he calls himself a brute over and over again, and yet dares not undo his work, for much more depends upon their safe arrival than the life of one man. When France is in the toils, what does one Frenchman’s life represent?

The storm is passing away below, but it is not safe to descend even yet. Captain Tom asks questions concerning the manipulation of the balloon, not from idle curiosity, but with a motive in view. He believes the time will come when he may use the know ledge thus attained to good advantage. •You see, we are drifting almost west now. The upper current will soon control the lower. Already the edge of the st}rm is breaking over the Rhine, and before midnight it will be upon Berlin. Thus their guide shows them many things that are useful, and Tom does not hesitate to ask questions. The day is declining. Below them the clouds are dispersing before a strong westerly wind, and glimpses can already be had of the earth. Captain Tom, among other things, has come across a pair of field glasses of fair power, and, knowing the value .of these things from experience, he quickly adjusts them to his sight. This makes it a pleasure to look down upon the earth—!»e can even see men and women running about and pointing upward, proving that the balloon has been discovered through openings in the clouds.

Where are they? Captain Tom has a map of the country handy and spieads it out. Then he again surveys the scene. The peasants bolow undoubtedly wear the costume of the French people, but he believes they are very near the border. Thus he notes the flowing of a river, takes a glance at a distant town, marks a tailroad destroyed, and points out what has undoubtedly been a terrible battle field not many months before. Snow mercifully hides much of the dread work, but enough remains to tell the truth.

• That is Sedan,’ says Captain Tom, pointing downward, and all look with strange emotions upon the field where the last- of the Napoleons lost his throne. What shall they do? To descend now would be dangerous, for this part of the country has been in the hands of the enemy for some time. Still, they cannot remain where they are long, since the current ot air will wend them on toward the Rhine. Should such a thing occur they

would have more trouble than ever in making their escape, for even the |*easants would be intensely hostile. A hurried consultation ensues, and it is finally decided to remain as stationary as they can until night falls upon the scene, when they will risk all by a descent. At length the face of the earth is blotted from their vision, which gives those un used to the sight a queer sensation, for around them the sun still shines brightly.

When the flaming orb finally ducks behind the black storm clouds still scurrying along in the west, the guide announces that the time has come for their descent.

This is always perilous, and especially so when dropping into inky blackness, with a swift current of air in the lower region. It is a strange sensation that passes over Cap

tain Tom when the professor's wife opens a valve, and allows a certain amount of gas to escape. He had experienced the dreadful nial de mer in crossing the English Channel, as even old sailors do, and can compare this peculiar qualm to nothing else.

Full directions have been given—the two men stand ready to cast over a few sand bags at the proper moment to ease their descent.

They strain their eyes to see through the inky wall of darkness below. Straight almost as a plummet they fall, and Tom realises why so much gas has been allowed to escape when he hears the fierce rush of the wind around them

But for this the air-ship must have become the sport of the atmosphere, and have

been catried many miles away, if not over turned.

Almost directly below Captain Tom discovers a light, ami upon this he keeps his eye. Thus he is able to tell when they draw near the earth, where the atmosphere is heavier.

‘ Now !’ comes the signal, and over like a shot go the weights ; others follow in their wake, until the balloon no longer sinks, but moves along some twenty feet) or so from the earth.

Quick as thought Tom tosses the grapnel, attached to a long and stout rope, overboard. Presently ho feels it trail along the ground—now it grasps an object—there is a slight shock, and they go swinging on—it must have been a fence, or something, which has given way. Again the grapnel clutches hold, and tremendous shouts are heard as a terrified peasant ie dragged along. They call to him to fasten the anchor to some tree, but he is too badly frightened, and thinks only of escape from its clutches. At last comes another shock, and this time it seems to be permanent. By main strength they shorten the rope, for the balloon is not powerful enough to worry them.

Another anchor is cast out, and finally Tom himself slides down the rope to make fast. Thus by degrees the air ship from Paris reaches terra firma almost on the border of France.

By this time several peasants have become bold enough to draw near. \V hen they hear the voyagers address them in their native tongue, they show new interest. Captain Tom believes he can trust these people, and tell- them that they are from Paris with important despatches that must reach General Chanzy at the earliest possible moment.

Will they' assist their compatriots in Paris ? Where can a good horse be bought? They stand ready to pay any reasonable sum for such an animal.

• The white-headed peasant whom Captain Tom addresses in' this confidential way seems to grasp the situation, and immediately despatches a youth with hair like tow for a horse from hie own stable. He gives Tom to understand that bis three sons have been conscripts in the army, two being now dead, and that the cause of France is so dear to him that he ie ready to sacrifice the other boy, or even his own life, in the good work. All the same, he eagerly accepts the Napoleons Captain Tom hands to him in payment for the horse. Truly, patriotism is sometimes combined with thrift. The old peasant has news for them—news that makes Captain Tom grow anxious Strange though it may seem, the Prussian balloon, last noticed in the warring clouds just over the German camps around Paris, has descended not a mile away from their location.

Its descent was tragic, since one of the two occupants met his death, the other being badly injured, as he was dragged along over the ground for some distance until the trailing anchor caught in an old artillery wheel half imbedded in the frozen earth.

The balloon collapsed later, but the one living voyager, after having his wound dressed, kept scanning the heavens for signs of the balloon that carried the French dispatches, and undoubtedly must have discovered their presence above. All this Tom learns while waiting for the horse to arrive. He thus discovers that at any minute it is possible for the Germans to come upon them, for there are regiments still quartered near Sedan, and it must be positively understood by this time that the second balloon has come down.

He inwardly groans, and prays for the coming of the horse—that the professor's wife may escape in a way the old peasant suggests. At that time he is utterly regardless of himself.

Later on it will do to remember the personal matter that has taken him out of Paris, and pursue his plans if the circumstances will allow.

At last the horse comes. The precious packet ie hidden on her person by the brave madam. A grasp of the hand, a few parting words with the peasant, and they hear the sound of her horse’s hoofs upon the road no more. She will follow the river some forty miles to Verdun, and if the railroad ie in operation continue her journey by that means—if not, she must trust to fortune and the patriotism of the French people to take her to the presence of General Chanzy. Captain Tom turns around as the last hoof-stroke ceases to be heard. Now he can think of himself and what lies ahead. He suspects that they have descended close beside the wall of a fine old estate, and his questions confirm these things. Before the battle, this was one of the finest places outside the palace for the space of a hundred miles—now much of it lies in ruins. Here the French charged the enemy, who, hidden by walls and trees, mowed them down - - artillery fire was turned upon the house, and the whole place made so hot that ib no longer sheltered stubborn Prussians, with their deadly needle guns,

Under the cross - questioning of the American one tact is brought out —it is something Tom has been especially grasp ing for, and 'when he seizes it al last he feels a glow of triumph pass over his entire frame. The owner ot this magnificent estate has made his own gas, and the peasant distinctly remembers the little tank adjoining the retort, being behind a small rise of ground, has escaped injury during the bombardment. This is glorious news. No wonder it enthuses Captain Tom. It seems as though there might be a sweet little cherub aloft looking with a favouring eye upon his fortunes.

He loses no time, but, leaving Mickey in charge of the balloon, climbs the broken wall, followed by the friendly antique—the peasant who once owned a horse which he has sold to the government for thirty Napoleons, to be the bearer of dispatches that may mean the.salvation of France. Captain Tom bears no hard feelings. Why should he. when this man leads him to the retort, and to his everlasting joy he finds the tank more than two-thirds full of gas. Surely Providence smiles upon him. As it will be impossible for him to bring (he balloon among the trees over the wall, some means must be found by which the coveted gas can be conducted to the de pleted air-ship.

He has a long and hazardous journey before him—more than four hundred miles must be covered before he can reach Berlin, and it is positively necessary that the balloon, which has already done so nobly, should be put in the best possible condition in order to win future success.

Upon mentioning his dilemma to the old peasant, the latter opens the lid of a box, and Captain Tom fairly hugs himself in delight, for there, disclosed by the rude lantern his guide carries, lies a long, slender hose, used for some purpose in carrying the gas from the tank to another reservoir nearer the house. He cares not a sou why the hose is here; he only realises that it serves him like a godsend — meets his every requirement. Seizing it, he attaches one end to the tank, and leaves word with the peasant to turn on the gas when he calls out. Thus he carries the hose over the wall—it seems as though everything must have been arranged

to suit his circumstances, tor he makes pure it will be long enough. In less than ten minutes they can be mounting upward into unknown space. Will that time be given to them ?

He fastens the hose, and gives the signal. The hissing of the gas can be heard, and the balloon regains its buoyant shape. Just as Captain Tom is chuckling over his success, he feels a tap of authority upon his shoulder, and turning, face* a giant ot a German officer, boots, sword, chapeau, and all.

CHAPTER XIX. BEYOND THE RHINE. The spectacle is refreshing, to say the east, and Captain Tom calmly surveys the officer who has touched his arm with such authority. He looms up above the American, and upon his fat face can be seen a grin of satisfaction, as though he realises that he has taken a prize. ‘ The dispatches ?’ he says, in German, while the awed peasants look on in stupefied wonder.

‘ I have none/ replies Tom, nonchalantly, and his reply appears tn anger the Teuton, whose hand now clutches his arm. •Then you must come with me. You hear? We have a rope ready for a spy. You are not French—you come out from Paris,’ he grunts. ‘That is true —I’ve had enough starvation. I’m in search of a square meal,’ declares Captain Tom, with Philadelphian assurance. •Aha! that is what we will give you. A royal welcome awaits the man who tells us all that happens inside the walls of Paris. Herr Bismarck shall see you himself - he shall be glad to make your acquaintance.’ ‘Come to think of it, I don’t believe 1 care to make Herr Bismarck’s acquaintance just now. Our opinions differ with regard to various things.’ ‘ Shall you come, rascal ?’ hotly exclaims the German. • Not at all, my friend,’ coolly replies Tom. •I will shake your teeth out, as a dog shakes a rat ! You don’t know me.’ ‘True, we have not been introduced, which shows the poor manners of these

people. However. I have seen about alljjf you I care to. Take notice, Mr Officer, that 1 have something grasped in my right hand with which I cover your stupid head. One pressure of the finger, and you will measure your six foot two upon the ground. They will dig your grave here. Hark ye, man, be so good as to remove your hand from my arm—your grasp has become deuced unpleasant.' The huge Bavarian officer hears and understands, for his eyes have looked into the loaded chambers of a revolver before now. There is something about the American that tells him to beware—that the other will keep his word and send him over the dark river into eternity with little compunction if he dares to disobey. ‘My men—they are not far away. If I call, they will come like a whirlwind,’ he mutters. His words have little effect on Tom, who sneers at his obtuseness. ‘ I believe you, my good fellow, but what would that avail you ? They arrive in one minute, which is good time for such slow coaches as Bavarians—they find you lying here with a hole in your foolish head, while we are shooting far up into the sky, safe.’ The huge officer growls a hearty curse. This tells Captain Tom that he has given in to fate Every moment is precious, for there can be no telling when some of his men may fall upon the scene, and even the presence of one fellow with his needle gun might destroy the balloon, and make their position desperate. ‘ Mickey McCray,’ he calls out. ‘ On deck, captain dear,’ comes a soft voice. ‘Sergeant, do your duty, search this man for weapons, and confiscate any firearms.’

‘ Sure, I'm wantin’ some meself, and I'll do it with the greatest ot pleasure.’ The Bavarian would resist, but a stern word from his captor convinces him that such a move would not be conducive to health. Captain Tom has influenced him, as he does all with whom he comes in contact—convinced him that he means exactly what he says. There is •• great deal in this personality. So the Irishman does his duty, and, knowing the value of time, makes quick

work of it. He finds one revolver upon the Bavarian, which he confiscates.

• Now,’ ways Captain Tom, when he sees that the search is over, ‘ start him going, Mickey, and then jump into the basket.’

No sooner said than done. The Irishman grasps hold of the big Bavarian, and whirls him right about face. His manner is enough to tell the giant what comes next.

‘Git, ye rascal ! make tracks now it is, or by me grandfather’s ghost, I’ll walk over yees,’ and as he thus ejaculates, the man from Erin urges the officer on by moans of several well-directed kicks.

Aided by his fears and this batteringram in the rear, tho Bavarian starts on a run, all the while bellowing out hasty orders to his men in a jargon that is almost unintelligible, until finally his long sword becomes tangled up in his fat legs, and tho giant makes earth almost tremble with the violence of his fall.

Our friends have not waited for this, however. Captain Tom springs at once into the car of the balloon, and drawing a knife, stands ready to cut loose at the proper moment, for the air-ship has been secured by ropes instead of the anchor that held it at. the descent. Mickey loses no time, but as soon as he sees the tall Bavarian started on the down grade, his arms rawing the air like the oldfashioned wind mills of Holland, he turns and makes for the basket, this time managing hi* entrance better than on the former occasion. • Ready fo cut loose, sergeant,’ comes from Tom. ‘Give the word, captain dear, and it’s mesilf ’ ‘ Now !’ Captain Tom waits until he feels that Mickey has freed his side of the balloon, and then, quick as a flash, his keen blade severs the stout rope. They shoot upward as though sent from a gun. ‘ Parbleu !’ shrieks the old peasant, in a delirium of joy at seeing them defeat the enemy who has long held the natives down by the nose. ‘Good-night, friends,’ calls the American. They can hear the huge Bavarian howling to his men to hasten—ordering them to fire at the balloon, but mixing things up in such a ridiculous manner that it is really a

wonder they do not take him at hie word and give him a volley. These Hounds grow fainter ae the balloon cleave* t he atmosphere and mounts upward. Besides, they yut the benefit of the strong south wea’cry breeze that follows in the wake of the Htorm.

This is so violent that Captain Tom concludes to seek a milder sphere, and allows e balloon to continue rising.

When the instrument indicates a height of two miles they find themselves in a gentle wind that seems to bear them in the direction desired. Satisfied, they float u Sounds from below have long since ceased to reach their ears, and all that can be heard is the vibration of some cord attached to the balloon. A strange sensation it is truly, this floating above the world, but Captain Tom grows accustomed to a novelty very soon, and to see him manage the airship one wou'd readily believe him to be an experienced teronaut. The atmosphere is e’ear below them, m d they can see clusters of lights now and then that indicate the presence of some town. They do not seem to care much for sleep, at least hours pass by while they drift, and neither has as yet expressed a desire for slumber.

The soldier is studying the situation, watching the air currents, and noting how his ship is carried along. He is overjoyed when, by the aid of the stars, he makes out that they are heading almost directly for the Herman capital. Truly, it is better to be born lucky than rich. Hi* thoughts naturally roam ahead—he wonders where Linda and her charge may be. Will he follow them to Berlin? What a strange freak of fortune that has thrown this chance in his way, and yet, after all, how naturally it all comes about

Finally he feels his lids get heavy, and leaving Mickey in charge, with positive instructions to arouse him should anything out of the common run transpire, he settles down for a few hours’ nap. The ballon has hardly a motion—such easy travelling Captain Tom has never experienced on I and or sea, and he speculates upon the good time coming, when all travellers may sail by air ships. Thus he falls as'eep. At the proper time Mickey arou-es him and gets a bit of a nap himself before dawn comes.

The first thing that greets their eyes upon looking down at the earth is a river—it is rather tortuous in its course, and presents a remarkably picturesque appearance, oven when seen with snow upon the ground • The historic Rhine,’ remarks Tom, who has in limes past floated fur scores of miles upon the bosom of thia same liver, from Strasburg to Cologne.

With its palace*, castles, picture-quo inns, monaster.es, and cottages embowered in shrubbery, the Rhine has no equal in the world for scenery. Its memory haunts the traveller wherever he roam 4, and however weary he may be with picture-galleries, churches, andsuch sights, the thought of the storied Rhine always come* to him like an inspi.ing breath of air. They drift across.

It is indeed a strange journey to take, from Paris to Berlin by balloon, and especially so in war times, when railroad travel is almost impossible except one is armed with potent passes from the powers that be.

Their slow drifting, that has only carried t hem a hundred miles in ten hours, becomes a t hing of the past, for with the i ising of the sun they seem to reach a current of air that drives them on with the speed of an ex press train.

How exhilarating it all is. The panorama spread out below them like a great map is ebnstan*ly changing. After crossing the Rhine they see a few towns and villages. Theo comes a dense fores, dark and forbidding. Captain l orn thinks of the fabled Hartz Mountains and the B ack Forest, about which so many German legends have been woven. It is about an hour before noon when Mickey calls his attention to the sun glinting upon the water of another river. This munt be the Weser. They make fine progress, and Captain’s Tom’s heart beats high with hope. He has always made it a point to succeed in everything he undertake 4, and begins to have high hopes of saving the girl he loves. At the same time he frank’y admits that much credit must be due the favouring winds that have wafted them on their way. About two o’clock they find themselves nearer the earth than before. This does not come from any dropping of the balloon, which steadily sails on. It is because the nature of the ground has changed, and they are now really above tho famous Hartz Mountains. Captain Tom has one fear—some hunter may put a bullet through the great silk bag above, and once the gas find* even a minute outlet, it will rush to escape, with the result that a fearful split follows, ami then — well, they will go into eternity with light ing speed.

Ho dares take no risk in this thing, so out goes a few more sand bags, and the balloon ri*es. They know the Elbe River lies not more than thirty or forty miles

beyond, and hence keep on the outlook for thia broad stream, beyond which is Berlin

It is almost dark when they see the river far below them. Eagerly Tom look* to the north, and utters a cry of satisfaction. • Do you see those lights, Mickey ?’ he asks.

‘ A city it is, sure.’ • Madgeburg on the Elbe. Old fellow, we’ve come from Paris almost as straight as the crow flies.’ • And whin do we r’ach Berlin ?’

* A few hours more. Let me study my map. I don’t want to make any mistake.’ Darkness falls, and Anda them speeding on with their wonderful steed just as fresh as at the start. Not a word is spoken now.

Captain Tom standsand watches—he has allowed a small portion of gas to escape, and they hate descended until they are now not mote than half a mile above tho earth, which lies there wrapped in mysterious darkness.

Thus far fortune has indeed boon kind, and oven tho winds have bee.i tempered to their necessity. In a sudden storm the inexperienced aeronaut might have done the wrong thing, and by a single mistake have sent himself and companion to a cruel death Thank Heaven, such an emergency has not risen, and they are now nearing the end of the strangest journey on record, without an accident to mar its success.

The American is indeed grateful for the great favour shown. It gives him cau s e for hope that the future may also be favoured with success.

They draw near a city—lights gleam brightly ahead, and Tom gravely announces :

‘ All out for Potsdam !’ ‘Say, do we change cars here?’ calls Mickey. ‘Keep your seats for Berlin. All ab >ard I’ They rush over Potsdam, and on again into the darkness beyond. CHAPTER. XX. POOR FRANZ. * Be the holy smoke, there goes a train. It’s a race between us, so it is !’ cries Mickey, calling the attention of his com panion to a line of lights oil to the left that seems to be moving in the same direction as themselves'.' ‘I wonder,’says Tom, jokingly, ‘whether that’s the lightning express from Paris. It would be quite a joke if we beat it in.’ Many a truth is spoken in jest, and Captain Tom little suspects that the train whose lights he so carelessly watches bears a b?ing very precious to him in one of the numerous compartments—the very girl for whose sake he is even now risking his own life in an invasion of hostile territory. Such are the freaks of fate. ‘ Look yonder,’ calls out the aeronaut. ‘I see more lights Sure, it’s a great city that lies beyond,’says Mickey, in some excitement. ‘ That is our destination, my boy— Berlin. All hands leady to make a landing.’ Captain Tom knows what danger lies before him, and he gives plain dii ections as to what shall be done. The sand-bags are hell in readiness to go overboard, also the graj pling iron. Then he pulls the cord, as directed t>y the profes-or's wife. Dawn goes the balloon with a rush—a hissing noise tells that the gas is escaping, and Captain Tom, feeling that their descent is rapid enough, allows the valve to close. T hen ho grasps a sandb »g in one hand and the grapnel in the other, straining his eyes to see what sort of region they are about to drop upon. When he gives the word, Mickey relieves ihe balloon of much weight, so that the downward rush becomes a gentle settling. Then out goes the anchor, and speedily takes hold. In le s than five minutes they are upon the ground. Captain Tom has decided upon his course- A lamp cannot be hidden under a bushel, and if the balloon remains here, inflated, all Berlin will know by morning that strange voyagers are in their mi Ist. He understands a trick or two, and without delay allows all the gas to escape from the great bag, which, when collapsed, a most fits in the basket or car. If this can be secreted now, all will be well, and the evidence of their arrival will not be apparent. Tom leaves Mickey with the balloon, and starts upon a tour of investigation. He finds near by some s? raw stacks, and one of these promises an asylum for the air-ship. At present his sole idea i® to hide it, tor he does not dreatn he will ever again sail the azure skies as an aeronaut. Back again to Mickey he hastens, and between them, by hard work, they manage to get the balloon to the straw stack. Here an hour is spent in systematically secreting their faithful air-ship, during which time they are annoyed by a little cur that persists in standing afar off and barking. Both feel the effect of their long fast, and

something to eat must be obtained before they can proceed to business. A light shines from a cabin near by, and thither the two daring invaders make their way. • Leave it all with me,’ says Captain Tom.

His object is to avoid doing anything that will bring them to the attention of the police. When upon the We* tern prairie* of his own native country, Tom has more than once fought fire wit h firn. He believes in the remedy. To effectually prevent this

cottager from communicating with the police, he will pretend to be a member of Berlin’s * finest,* and such is the tear felt by the coinmcyi people for the secret agents of the government that the rack would hardly cause the man to betray him. Before knocking on tho door he takes a survey through the window. An humb e peasant and his wife are seen. The man looks stupid, bnt the cottage has a thrifty appearance, and the hungry Yankee smacks his lips as he sees the array of provisions tho good wife has stowed away in a peculiar dresser at one end of the room. He immediately makes up his mind that nothing short of an earthquake or the sudden appearance of a German troop will cause him to forego an assault upon that well-stocked larder. With the butt of his revolver he knocks upon the door of the cottage. The sound alarms the couple within, and it is the woman who finally answers the summons. When the door is opened Captain Tom marches in, followed by his faithful shadow, both with an extremely military step. The cottager, amazed, stands and tiembles—his mouth is open, and his whole expression indicates sudden fear. ‘ Your name?’ demands Captain Tom, who is an excellent German student, and as he speaks he draws out a formidable document. ‘ Franz Schleisenger,’ the poor devil manages to stammer out, his eyes glued upon the paper, as though he imagines it is his death warrant. • J ust so,’ nods the strange visitor ; * here it is in plain black and white. lam ordered to search your cottage for concealed weapons, bombs, printing presses, anything everything that can be used by the accursed Socialists to injure the government. In a word, my good man, you are under suspicion. 1 am an officer of the Seciet Service of King Wilhelm. I will search your house. If I find anything suspicious, you and your frau shall sleep in a dungeon. On the other hand, if you are innocent, I shall so report you at headquarters. Lead on.’

His looks, his manner, are imparious—no wonder the wretched Franz cowers before him. The good wife is twice the man he ever pretends to be. She smiles upon the foimidable agent of the government. These people fear their rulers much more than they love them. * Franz has no heart. Look to me—l am the head of this house. 1 will show you about, butyou will find nothing—absolutely nothing. Nevertheless, Captain Tom makes the search, but it is a very short one. The woman, who is young and comely, smiles to think that her blandishments have made a friend out of this government officer, who could at least have given them much trouble had he wished. Her stupid hu-band grins and frowns by turns —the latter when he sees the audacious inspector chuck his comely wife under the chin in a familiar way as he compliments her upon such a thrifty home. ‘I shall be sure to speak a goo I word for you, Franz. Y T ou are doubly blessed in keeping aloof from those fire brands of Socialists, and in the company of so handsome a wife. If I had time I would happily sit down and take a bite with you here, for my business has not allowed me to eat any supper, and I am sure so good a housewife must cook to perfection.’ Artfully done. With true German hospitality Franz and his wife beseech them to tarry and sup with them—the former because it pleases him to be on good terms with a member of the secret police, and his wife—well. Captain Tom’s flattery has won her heart.

The Yankee pretends Io consult with his assistant, who all the while fingers his hat in an agony of mind lest his captain may decide that they are in too much haste. Then Tom looks over his documents, nods hie head, and smi es in his cheery way.

* We will stay,’ he announces, whereat the cottager and his wife begin to set the table.

What they place upon it make the mouths of the hungry men water, plain food though it is. They have not seen such a spread for months, thanks to the army that besieges Paris. Soon they go at it with avidity. The good woman’s eyes open as she watches her viands disappear. But Tom does not forget that he has a tongue that can pour oil on troubled water, and to the very end, though her husband sits there aghast at the slaughter, she continues to press one thing and another on her guests Mickey has not spoken a word—simply because he is unable to speak German —but his companion informs the woman, as has been agreed between them, that his assistant is dumb.

All things must have an end, and when the two adventurers have fully satisfied the demands of their appetites they arise. The next thing is to enter the city. At such an hour a pass-word may be necessary, for all Germany is in a measure under military rule while this life and death struggle with France goes on. * Assure ine of your loyalty to the go-

vernment once more. You have heard the pass word that permits you to enter the city ?’ The man, eager to show* that he is of some consequence, at once replies :

• “The Watch on the Rhine ! ’' ‘Good ! I am satisfied. Madame Schleisenger, allow me to pay you for our entertainment. It is in French money — since the Sedan there is plenty of it floating around, and there will be more before we are done with those frog-eaters.’ She protests, and yet accepts the Napo leon. Frugal people are these folks of tho Fatherland The two travellers are now ready to de parr, and Captain Tom congratulates himself that they have secured the muchneeded supper without having aroused any su picions to the eflect that they are other than they seem. • A word of caution, my good people, at parting. There are others under suspicion —they may be your neighbours. Keep silent about this visit. It will pay you to whisper it to no one. Good night.’ With this they depart, and Captain Tot. throws back a kiss to the comely frau, which Franz pretends is meant for him, as he returns it, stepping in front of his wife. The ia?t glimpse they have of them, poor Franz is rudely thrust aside, while his better half stands on the cottage steps waving them farewell, and blowing innumerable kisses from the tips of her fat fingers. Mickey ha? had hard work to conceal his merriment, and when Captain Tom removes the stopper, fearing he will burst with sup pressed steam, the Irishman bends over and shakes like an aspen leaf. He believes the man who can manipulate an affair like that need not fear the w r h le of Berlin, and Mickey never once que-tions the ultimate success of the project that brings 1 hem here to the heart of the German country. Berlin, nest ed upon the River Spree, lies before them. W hat strange ad ventures may they not experience ere they leave behind them the gay capital of the German world. Fortunately, Captain Tom has been here before, and is quite at home. He has even spent month® in the art galleries, the tea gardens, churches, concert gardens and upon the streets of Berlin, watching the throngs that pass over the titty bridges spanning the River Spree. This knowledge promises to be very help ful to them at this time, when all their energies must be devoted to the work in hand.

Although Berlin is really an inland city, she has the small River Spree for commerce. Beside?, canals connect with the Elbe on one hand, and the Oder on the other, so that the queen of German cities is not badly oil with regard to water communication.

When Captain Tom was last here it was in the piping times of peace, but he knows what it means to bo on a war footing, and, as we have seen, he prepared for it when he forced the pass-word from the ignorant Franz.

As at Paris, the city gates are closed at a certain hour, and no one can pass in or out without the proper countersign. Still it is probable that a man as versatile as Captain Tom would find some other means of securing the pass word, even if he had to creep up close to the gates, and wait until some one came along to give it to the guard. They walk along the firm road which Tom has reason to believe will lead them to the city. The American is not without a plan of action, and has already made up his mind what he shall do when once with in the shelter of the walls.

He is not friendless in Berlin, and can, he believes, depend upon one person to aid him, unless accident has befallen Carl Reuter since last he looked him in the face.

Ah ! now they are near the gates of the metropolis. What if the words given by Fianz be false —a nice pick's they will find themselves in, to be sure. Tom’s motto at present is ‘no risks.’ So they soon lie in wait, within hearing of the guards, who laugh and joke each other, glad perhaps that they are looking after the interests of Berlin rather than facing death in the rifle pits around Paris. Then some fellow shuffles up and tries to pass beyond the gate*, but being unable to give the magic word, he is hustled of! co the guard house without ceremony, on suspicion.

Capton Tom gives his companion a dig in the ribs, as if to draw his attention to what must be their fate if they fail to pass. Presently a man appears driving a donkey in a little cart—the guards know him well, as he takes vegetables and egg* into the city every day, but their training causes them to go through with the same formula, which would be put to a general if he happened to come along. Thus the two figures crouching near catch the answer the man in the cart gives. It is : ‘The Watch on the Rhine !’ Those inspiring words have sent the

German armies forward to victory in thia campaign—it will ever after be a national song.

There is no more need of delay. The two balloon adventurer?, who have come all the way from Paris with but one stop, ure now ready to enter the gates of Berlin, hospitably opened to receive them. Perhaps they may find it more difficult to get out than it is to get in. Much depends on their actions while guest? of Berlin.

( HAPEER XXI. EVEN THE WALLS HAVE KARS IN BERLIN.’ They are in Berlin at last. The magic words have admitted them without a quest ion, though Mickey declare? the officer of the guard looked at him very sternly, and he ha? a dim recollection of hav ing met the man before somewhere, under peculiar circumstance?, though for the life of him he cannot remember where or when the meeting took place. ‘I m*y think of it later : it doesn’t matter a bit, we’re inside now,’ he remark?.

Perhap? he may change his mind and decide that it does matter a great deal ; but, • w here ignorance is bliss Tis folly to bo wise,' and the Irishman is happy in hi? lack of knowledge.

As is quite natural, Captnin Tom head? for the most prominent »tias?e in the city. When one desires to see the throbbing pukes of the great metropolis, a straight course is steered for the magnificent avenue known as Unter den Linden. It is only about a mile long, with the palace at one end and the Brandenburg gate at the other, but of majestic width, and with tree? shading the walks in the summer time, bordered with the finest houses in Berli>>, this avenue is a sight to see and never to be forgotten.

When they turn into the avenue, Captain Tom heads in the direction of tho palace. I’he house that pjssessts the deepest interest for him is not more than t wo stone -’ throw away fr «in the great building? where Wiinelm resides, the King of Ptussia. whose dream it is to form an empire of all the German States, and thus rule all Germany.

The hour is not late, and the night cleat and bracing, t-o that throngs can be seen upon the pavement. Berlin complacently reads the news from Paris, and knows that etc many days are gone the proud city of the Gauls, which was ones under the wonderful Napoleon, tho chief of the work!, will bo in the hands of tho German Army. Their time of triumph is close at hand, and upon nearly every face a smile is seen. There are foreigners in Berlin at this lime, plenty of them, so that the presence of our two combines does not attract un--11-ual attention.

They have a queer feeling when they compare this sleek looking, well-fed crowd with the anxious, pale citizens recently seen upon the Champs Elysees, or pushing along tho streets of the Faubourg St. Honore. The thought of Paris makes Torn sad : he lias a deep, genuine affection for the French capital, and a love for tho people. The terrible situation has not fully come upon him until now, when ho looks around to see all the evidences of plenty and comforts and compares the prospect with what lies in tho past.

In the shadow of tho immense statue of Frederick the Great, the two men pause. Captain Tom has had a whiff of a fair cigar, and can stand it no longer. He secretly counts over his money, and finds to his joy that, he ha?, among other pieces in his pocket,a German coin. That silver groschen will get him a weed. Joy ! He demands of Mickey where he saw the nearest cigar shop. As all Germany smokes incessantly, tobacco is sold in many places, and one can be supplied with as good a weed as any where in the world, though they run rather dark and heavy to suit the taste oi the people. Spain is tho only place your light smoker can have his particu'ar bill tilled, for there the natives dote on cigarette? and mild tobacco with a wonderful fragrance. Tom soon plunges into a shop, and joins his companion, puffing vigorously at a cigar, a look of contentment on his face.

• This is b!i?s !’ he murmurs. ‘ I tell you it is solid satisfaction, Mickey. I invested more than 1 expected — see, here’s a package of loose stuff for your pipe. No more villainous stems ground up—take it and be happy.’ Mickey utters a low cry, eagerly tears open the packet, tills his pipe, and applies a match.

There were men in Paris during the siege who suffered more from the scarcity of good tobacco than they did from food. Such is i he result of habit.

Feeling a thousand per cent, better, the two men again saunter along. Their actions are deliberate, for they want to excite no suspicion. To attract attention is the last thing they are desirous of doing. Captain Tom is well posted and he knows when he comes opposite the house for which he is all eyes. His eyes run over the building. Like tho majority of houses in Berlin, Dresden, and other German cities, its front is stuccoed, and the lower or ground floor used for business purposes.

Above, the floors arc divided into what in France or New York would bo called flat-.

Here they go under the name of f/aye, and run upward in rents as one ascends. In Berlin it is not unusual to live over a store, and many of the fashionables have their homos over places of business. In New York this would kill one’s standing in society, but across the Rhino they have

other means of one's place in the social scale besides the house you live in. Having made sure that this is the building B Captain Tom turns his eyes on the first rtagt. Lights are seen there. The sight of them thrills him through and through. Unless he has made a mistake with tegard to the house, Linda Dubois has reached Berlin. That means a great deal to him. To make it positive is now hie first desire, and leaving Mickey again to watch the passers-by, he saunters into the store under the Hats. It is a fancy grocery, and the proprietor is a stout pleasant-faced man. Tom ignores a clerk, and saunters upto the head party, when a little conversation in high German ensues between them, which might be translated thus : 4 Good evening, sir. lam an American, stopping with my family at the Hotel Royale ; and as business will be apt to take ine away. I desire to find a furnished itage. where my folk* may be comfortable through the summer. Price no object.’ The man ot business smiles and nods. * I do not comprehend why you come to me, mynherr—l do not rent or sell.’ ‘Very true ; but you know every person in the neighbourhood — they all deal with you, of course’—this makes his listener very proud, for it is a select quarter—‘and you might be apt to know of any vacancies. They do things differently here to what I’m used to. I had a friend in Berlin, a Mademoiselle Linda Dubois; but to my sorrow, I found upon arriving that she was away, and had been for months.’ Ah ! how the unwary Teuton’s face lights up. He puts his hand on Tom’s shoulder. ‘ Mynherr. joy. The lady you mention is no longer abroad. She has returned home—this very night she came, looking as lovely as ever, and that, you know, is saying a great deal.’ ‘How know you this?’ asks Tom, seemingly in great surprise, the arch villain. ‘ Mynherr, the lady has the first etage abo\e this store ; she stood where you are, not one hour since, and told me to send up many things in haste, that they were starved.’

‘ They ? Then this lady was not alone ?’ ‘She had a young iraulein with her—( have seen her before, J believe, though 1 thought Myra was nearly blind.’ He has said it. Captain Tom’s heart thumps against his ribs with excitement. Meta is here—she has come all the nay from Paris with the plotting Linda, never dreaming that the other is laying a snare for her feet.

Tom mutters something about seeing the lady on the morrow, when she is rested ; and then, thanking the proprietor of the store, he passes out.

Mickey hovers near, happy in being able to blow blue clouds of genuine tobacco smoke above his head. This pleasure has been denied him so long that the aromatic taste of the weed is very sweet. One thing Tom fears—he has so much foreign money on his person that if he tries to pass it right and left, suspicion may be aroused. He must seek a moneychanger and put somo of it into German notes and coin. Here again his previous acquaintance with the city serves him well. Dodging down a certain narrow street, ho quickly reaches a place where he has had dealings in the past. The man remembeis him as a profitable customer, and from this Polish Jew Captain Tom secures all the change he will need for some time. Again outside, he hails one ol the hackney droskies that rattle along, makes a bargain wiih the driver to take them to a certain number on a strasse called Grun, and away they go. Captain Tom is in deep reflection while they move along with a motion that would probably excite derision in the mind of a New York cabby, for in Berlin no one ever >eemB to be in haste ; there is plenty of time for doing everything—life is too short to hurry.

At length, when Tom’s second cigar is just about burned out, the vehicle draws up They have reached their destination. Before dismissing cabby, Captain Tom means to see if his friend still resides here ; in case the result is a negative one he will have to go to some hotel ; the du Nord used to be hi- favourite in times gone by. He chuckles to think this is not Russia, where the traveller is compelled to hand over his passport to the proprietor at the time of taking board, ami as he cannot go away without this important document, the hotel people have a dead sure thing on payment. Should such a system have come in vogue here since the war began, our friends can hardly expect accommodations at a hotel.

He gives the knocker on the door a brisk rat tat, ami the sound reverberates through the house. Somehow he feels as though the building must be empty, the noise is so loud, bnt no, a light appears, some one unfastens a chain at the door, and the next moment Cirl is before him. Tom has his hand in an instant—they are old friends, and Carl owes his life to the quick wits of tho American. It is a long

story, connected with a gang of bandits in Corsica, and need not be told here, but Carl has never forgotten. Knowing that he is sure of a welcome. Captain Tom waves his arm. Mickey re cognises the signal, and dismisses the driver of the hackney drosky. They need him no more. All are soon within the house. Carl endeavours to seem glad to have Captain Tom as his guest, but the keen eyes of (he Yankee from Philadelphia discerns the fact that he is unea«y. Why should this be so ? Is he aware of Tom’s sympathy with France, and does he suspect that the other is in Berlin on some desperate mission ? The American looks deeper, and soon guesses that it is on account of his own affairs that Carl, usually so genial, looks troubled.

With an effort he chases this feeling away and begs Tom to relate his adventures, for he knows the other has something to tell.

Nothing loth, the American branches out. He is a good story-teller, and can invest an adventure with much interest, although modest in all that relates to his own prowess. The brave are never braggarts.

So he tells all that has happened since last he saw Carl Reuter, who of course is greatly interested in what concerns the siege of Paris and the doings of his old friend. When the narrator reaches the dramatic scene where he cuts loose with the balloon, Carl’s face lights up with sudden joy: to the surprise of Tom, he detects a fierce light there. Still the German student says nothing, but smokes away at his pipe in the phlegmatic manner of his race, although it is evident he is thinking deeply. At the conclusion of Tom’s story he bonds over and seizes his hand in a fierce grip. ‘ A wonderful time you have had, my friend. I quite envy you. How we would have enjoyed that trip together. You say the balloon is safe and uninjured at the

straw etacks of Franz Schleisneger. I know him well. That is good. An idea enters my mind. You may hear more of it in the future. Just now tell me your plans.' Captain Tom trusts Carl with everything; he knows the other, though a singular fellow, is as true as steel. Their meeting some years back at the university, was peculiar, and somehow quite a friendship sprang up between them. Lately they again met in Corsica, and together defeated the plans of would be bandits. He telle Carl what his hopes are ; if Meta can be warned she may fly with him. At any ra:e she must be saved. Carl shakes hie head several times, as though he has hard knots to unravel What can he bo thinking about? Captain Tom knows the man well, and begins to suspect something. Can Carl have been getting himself into trouble since last they sauntered along Unterden Linden. He knows tire nature of these German students—they are inclined to be wild and reckless. Russia is always on the verge of an outbreak through her students, who, being young men, seem to have a desire for greater liberty than the statutes of their country allow.

What if Carl has entered into one of the deep and dark plots which occasionally startle the civilised world ? It is not unlikely. He has always been a venturesome spirit, and there is an underground current in Germany which ordinary eyes never see — where desperate men, and women, too, are bound by fearful oaths to accomplish some desired object, whether it be the death of the reigning ruler, or the annihilation of some obnoxious officer.

Tom is nothing if not frank, and when this idea gets into hie head, he cannot rest until he has it out with Carl. So he bluntly asks his student friend what hangs heavy on his mind.

Carl laughs in a forced way. • Your eyes are as keen as ever, Mynherr Tom There is no concealing anything from you. Know, then, that to morrow morning I am about to engage in a duel.’

‘ Bah I that does not disturb you, Carl. You have been concerned in too many,’ laughs Tom.

‘ But this time it is with swords, and I am but a poor swordsman at best.’ ‘ Well, here am I. In an hour I can teach you three tricks, any one of which is warranted to deceive your antagonist, providing he is not a marvel in the art of selfdefence. '

Carl’s whole expression changes ; joy beams from his face, and it a moment he has thrown himsolf upon Tom with an embrace.

• Do this, my fri« nd —show me how I may kill this man, and you earn my double gratitude. It is his life or mine !’ he cries. • Oh, of> !’ thinks Tom, * a love affair—rivals, no doubt,’ for he cannot imagine anything else affecting Carl so. ‘I think we will have no trouble about that. You are an apt pupil, Carl. Consider the thing done, and your honour vindicated. But tell me, who is tho lady ?’ - Eh ?’

• For of course there is a lady connected w’ith this affair—who ever knew it to be otherwise ?’ and Tom, who has had considerable experience in the ways of the world, nods sagely. • There is no lady in this matter,’declares Carl. • What I Then this man is not a rival 1’ ‘ Not so.’ • Then, in the name of all that’s won ler ful, how is it you hate him so bitterly? How has he injured you so that you long for his death ? Como, lam curious—you know 1 am as dumb as an oyster, Carl, and Mickey here—why a crowbar couldn’t open his bull dog jaws. Speak !’ The German student glares about him and bends his head nearer, while he mutters :

' Even the walls have ears in Berlin. The man I tight is a notorious police spy—he suspects, and he is doomed—l was selected for the work—he had the choice of weapons, which was unfortunate. If I fall, the next will take it up. Now, my friend, you understand !’ CHAPTER XXII. THE FENCING DEN IN THE GRITN STRASSE. Yes, Captain Tom grasps the situation —he realises that Carl Reuter, with the im petuous manner that characterises the German student, has joined some inner circle of Socialists, who are perhaps in sympathy with the Nihilists of Russia, and seek to overthow the reigning power. In the land of the White Czar, there have of late been a number of tremendous upheavals —men and women high in the confidence of the powers that be have been detected plotting the destruction of the ruler, and bombs have been exploded even in the W inter Palace.

All through Europe a spirit of discontent underlies the fair surface—it is like the slumbering volcano, ready to burst out at any time. Tom knows full well there will soon be a terrible reign of blood in Paris — perhaps the plotters in Berlin aim to stir up a rebellion before the great armies come back. He remembers the draft riots in New York city while the soldiers were away, for it happened that Captain Tom was at that time on his way to the front after being home on a furlough, and fought like a hero during those three days, by the side of the police, and he hopes it will never be hie fortune to see such eights again. A battle is well enough, but mob violence must always be repulsive to a soldier. ‘ Yes, I comprehend, Carl. You have united your fortunes with some secret society. Don't think I’m going to moralise — you know I never did that in the old times. You understand your business beet —besides, I never did profees to have much knowledge about politics in this benighted country. I have no interest in your connection with Socialists.’

‘ Pardon, mynherr, but that is what troubles me—you are bound up with the people of the inner circle.’ Carl almost whispers the words ; and, as may be expected, they cause the American intense surprise. He looks cool enough, however, as he steps back and surveys hie c >mrade.

‘ Explain yourself, Reuter. I never did like riddles, you remember.’ • Easily done. lam violating no pledge in telling you, for you are no friend to the authorities. In the first place, you can come to mo for assistance, and, as you have heard, I am connected with the most desperate league ever known in Berlin, for the purpose of emancipating the people from their military slavery. But this is not all. The woman against whom you are pitted is a member of our order. •Linda Dubois I Impossible I' cries Tom. •Why impossible?' coolly demands the student, who has taken a pair of light but deadly swords from a drawer, and is testing them across his knee, until each bends almost double. •Because I know her to be devoted to the German cause. Why, man, she has risked her lite in Paris because of her love for Germany,' and Captain Tom looks hie expected triumph.

* Softly, my friend, you must not forget what I eaid about the peculiarities of our walla.’

* I beg your pardon. Carl.* * As for Linda’s patriotism, my friend, are we not all risking our lives for the country we love, just as truly as she did. It is not against Geimany we war, but against her rulers. If we are discovered, death awaits us, or at least, imprisonment for life in some gloomy fortress, where our bones will rest for ever. We know this, and still we love the Fatherland so well that we take our lives in our hands and accept the risk.’ * You say she is a member of your order.’

* Yes ; and when I heard she had come back to Berlin I believed—until you corrected me—that her arrival had something to do with a grand coup de main, with which the Sons of Germany mean shall startle the world.'

Captain Tom of course cares nothing about all this, eave as a means to an end. Why has the Alsatian beauty brought the young girl to Berlin ? She has a double reason for bating her, and may have some terrible plan of vengeance forming in her brain. Tom likens her to Corsican girls he has seen, who love with the affection of a tigress, and destroy all that comes in their way as remorselessly as the reaper mows the chaff with the wheat.

•I am thinking, Carl—would it be possible that this same Linda Dubois might be in secret league with the police ? Some times it happens that the authorities learn through a traitor all about such societies as your Sons of Germany ; at the proper time there are arrests made, a number of young men, with perhaps an officer or two of note, and even some women of society, disappear from the circles that knew them. It is whispered that they have been concerned in treasonable affairs, and finally the whole affair is forgotten. I have known of several whose fate to this day is a dark mystery—a terrible uncertainty.’ Carl smiles and shrugs his shoulders.

'None know the risks we take better than ourselves, mynherr We hold our lives cheaply—for Germany. Even in the army we have our colleagues among officers of rank. It is such a conspiracy as that which existed during your late war, for the removal of your President, only far more general, and with a nobler purpose. On a certain day we strike, and 10. Germany is free.’

Captain Tom sighs—he has seen others engaged in the same spasm for liberty, and their fate will undoubtedly be Carl’s. * Tell me what you think of what I said about Linda Dubois being a spy.’ * It is possible—but we are bound to trust her. She knows the result of treachery—every member is sworn to take the life of a traitor. What you have hinted at will put me on my guard. I shall watch her. if she is found to have communication with Count Marborg, the head of the secret police, or any of his agents, it will go hard with her. But come, my dear captain—your promise to teach me a few tricks.’ * With pleasure. Shall we have the bout here ?’ rising and removing his coat. * There is a larger room back. Come, we will light it up. If you do not like these foils, there are others on the wall.* While Carl lights up, the American glances about him and sees that he is in what must be a gymnasium. It is something new Carl has started since last Captain Tom visited Berlin, and he explains that it is a club-room where the Turners, a club of athletes, meet. No doubt all this is in the nature of a blind to deceive the police, and the students and others who gather here at stated times are bound together by other ties than would unite a mere society of athletes.

Upon the walls hang foils, boxing-gloves, guns, pistols, wire masks, gloves and scores of things usually seen in a fencing den.

Tom selects a foil that suits him, and ad justs a wire face-protector.

It does not matter much to him how the duel comes our, save that Carl is his friend. He does notjeven know the man against whom the student has pitted himself, but by reason of his friendship, he is resolved to teach Carl what ho knows about the use of a sword. Perhaps it will benefit him in saving Meta. Who can tell how strangely these things work. He puts Carl through his paces, and they have a pretty bout that interests Mickey, who claps his hands and cries ’ bravo !' when Captain Tom with a peculiar turn of the wrist, twists the sword out of Carl’s hand and tosses it to one aide. The soldier is a scientist—he has the art down to a fine point, and Carl is greatly pleased. He sets himself to learn with the assiduity that only a German could exhibit. Captain Tom’s estimate is not overdrawn, and in an hour Carl has the three tricks mastered. His enthusiasm is great—he squeezes Tom’s hand. ‘ You builded better than you knew, Mynherr Tom. Wait and see. If I live through this little affair of honour, perhaps I can find a way of repaying my debt, I have a plan—you shall hear it

later. The cause of German independence has been advanced by what you have taught me this night,’ he exclaims. It is growing late, and our friends are tired. They would get some sleep, and the student of the strasse Grun shows them to a room where there are several cots.

* Make yourselves at home. In the morning the old woman who keeps house tor me will cook your breakfast. As for myself, you know at the rising of the sun 1 am either a dead man, or else the secret o’ the Liberty Band is sate.’ So he leaves them.

The small windows look out upon the strasse, and as Captain Tom loves plenty of fresh air, he has one partly open. Tired men usually need no lullaby. The last sound Tom hears is the call ot a watchman on the corner below It is not far from midnight then. He does not sleep soundly, waking a number of times. Once he believes he hears subdued voices outside, and creeping to the window, he listens, but the only sounds he catches are the songs and shouts of a party of hilarious students passing along some neighbouring strasse. Thus the night passes away, and morning arrives. With the coming of dawn various cries are watted in at the window, for Berlin awakens early. Waggons rattle along the narrow strasse, and voices in earnest conversation proclaim that the people are astir.

What is the news from Paris’' This is the first question on every lip, for the flower of the Prussian Army now besieges the French capital, and those in Berlin daily fear least something may happen to cheat them of their prey. Rumours are rife of another French army attacking the Germans in the rear and bursting the bonds of steel that have so long held Paris captive.

Captain Tom arises and dresses. Mickey slumbers on, and seems to be enjoying himself so hugely that the other has not the heart to arouse him ; nor is it at all necessary. Passing down below, ho sees no sign of Carl, but on the table a note lies, addressed to himself. He reads : ‘ l am alive, look for me at 8.30. Carl.’ Glancing at his watch, he finds it only lacks an hour of that time now, and de terminee to get a breath of fresh air. Passing outside, he strolls along. The sun shines cheerily, just as though there might be no such things as sin, and crime, and death in all the world, and particularly in the prim, quaint city of Berlin on the Spree. People pass him by—he notices everything, because of an observing nature. Soldiers there are in plenty, for Berlin, with its neighbouting military town ot Potsdam, serves pretty much for a recruiting station, whence goes regiment after regiment to the front. Von Moltke plays the game of war as an expert does chess—ho does not forget his line of defence, and at the same time keeps up a vigorous attack. His is the combination that nine times out of ten wins.

Captain Tom presently receives a shock. As he stands with the crowd upon the stone flags that constitute the pavement, to see a regiment marching for the cars, and bound for over the Rhine, he discovers, not ten feet away, the tall figure of a Uhlan captain. Something familiar about the man’s back causes him to draw hie hat down over hie eyes. Can it be possible?—this the prisoner of La Roquette, and in Berlin ’ Thoughts surge through his mind. He remembers that the last he heard of Johann Strauss, the valiant Uhlan had been rescued by a daring party of hie compatriots, who in some mysterious manner must have found their way inside the lines.

It is within the possibilities that he could reach Berlin if he was on the same military train that has carried Linda. Does his presence mean evil for Tom and hie cause ? The soldier of fortune fears so. Concealing himself, as well as possible, he waits to make sure there can be no mistake, and as tbe big officer strides past him in the direction of the arsenal, he knows Johann Strauss has indeed come to share in the closing scenes of the life drama in Berlin.

Guard-houses and sentry-boxes there are everywhere—soldiers are continually presenting arms as some officer rides by. The scene would astonish an American if he gazed upon it for the first time. Tom turns to retrace hie steps, and almost runs over a man who has been standing behind him. He hastens to apologise in his best German, and at the same time curiously observes the other, who is clad in civilian’s dress, and looks like a sedate burgher. There is an expression ot settled melancholy upon hie long, cadaverous countenance —possibly ho is troubled with a bad digestion. At any rate. Captain Ton, sees nothing that he fancies there. The citizen bows, and with a rather ostentatious manner, Tom fancies, declares

no harm ha® been done. He seem-* ready to seize upon the occasion for entering upon a little conversation, and ask® a few question® concerning military matters in the State®, which Tom cannot but answer, although a little rattled overbid nationality being so easily guessed. As a usual thing ho has been taken on sight for some English lord ; not that he think® thia any great honour, as the American spirit of independence is too thoroughly bred in the bone. Somehow Tom imagines hi® companion i® too inquisitive by half, and he retreat® within his shell, so to speak. At length, observing by his watch what the hour is, he begs the pardon of the melancholy burgher, and turn® on his heel.

By the time he reaches the bouse on Grun strasse it will be half way between the hours ot eight and nine—breakfast will be served, and if Carl is alive he should be on hand.

A brisk walk, and he reaches the narrow street. Jn®t as he turns into it, rapid steps sound close behind, and a hand plucks his sleeve. Turning, he see® Carl, but with a look of deep perturbation upon his young face. ‘ Carl ! Thank Heaven, you live ! Victory has come to you I Tell me, did the tricks I taught you come into good play ? You are wounded ’ ‘ Bah ’ it is a trifle. That counts for nothing—but I have just received a terrible shock. As I was passing along, 1 saw a man standing behind you in such a way that, turning, you must almost fall over him—l saw you engaged in conversation with him, and my heart stood still.’

* Confusion 1 Carl, why this talk? 1 have said nothing to attract attention. My words were all praise for Germany and its ruler®. I was cautious.’

'Very true, Mynherr Tom, let us admit that; but you know not to whom you spoke.’

‘ A stranger, truly—a worthy burgher—’ ‘ My friend, it was that most terrible and detested of men, Count Marborg, the head of the secret police I’ (To be continued.)