314 1111

In a quarter of an hour some twenty yards of leaden gutter pipe were brought to the Major,

Then, with innumerable prudent pre- cautions, he had a little round hole bored in the edge of the trap-door, and having laid out an aqucduct from the pump to this cpening, announced with an air of satis- faction: “We are going to give these German gentlemen something to drink.” A wild cheer of admiration burst forth, followed by shouts of delight and roars of laughter. The Major organized gangs of workers, who were to be employed in relays of five minutes. ‘Then he commanded : “ Pump 1?2

And the on handle having been put in motion, a little sound rustled along the pipes and slipped mto the ecllar, falling from step to step with the tinkle of a waterfall, sugeestive ol rocks and hittle red fishes.

They waited.

An hour passed ; then two, then three.

The Major walked about the kitehen in a fever, putting his car to the floor from time to time, trying to guess what the enemy was domng and whether it would soon capitulate.

The enemy was moving now. ratthng, of spcaking, of splashing, could he heard. Then towards cight in the morning a voice 1ssucd from the grating: “I want to speak to the Ifrench officer.”

STRAND

Sounds of

MAGAZINE.

Lavigne answered from the window, with- out putting out his head too far: “Do you surrender 27

“TI surrender.”

“Then pass out your guns.”

A weapon was immediately seen to appear out of the hole and fall into the snow . then aosceond, a third all; and the same voice declared s 1 have no more. Make haste. Iam drowned.”

The Major commanded ;= Stop.”

And the handle of the pump fell motion- less.

Then, having flled the kitchen with soldiers, all standing armed, he slowly lifted the trap-door.

S drenched heads appeared, six fair heads with long light hair, and the six Germans were seen issuing forth one by one, shivering, dripping, scared.

They were scized and bound. Then, as a surprisc was - apprehended, the troops sct out m two partics, onc in charge of the prisoners, the other in charge of Maloison, on amattress, carried on poles.

Rethel was entered in triumph.

M. Tavigne received a decoration for having taken prisoner a Prussian advance- guard s and the fat baker had the military medal for wounds received in face of the cnemy.

CUPHLE SIN GERMANS WERE SEEN ISSUING FORTTHL