Nothing better illustrates the severity with which the Germans act than the little manual of conversation which terminates the _Tornisterwörterbuch_, published by the Mentor publishing house in Schöneberg, Berlin. It is a small dictionary, costing 60 pfennigs, and intended, as the title indicates, to be carried in the soldier's knapsack. The French dictionary and the English are conceived according to the same method; after information concerning the country in question they give a summary of the rules of grammar; then comes the dictionary properly so-called, with phonetic pronunciation; finally, a few common phrases, which to us are the most interesting part of the book, since their choice naturally reflects the requirements of those expected to employ them. Here are a few passages from paragraph 4: _Service of Outposts and Patrols_. In each passage we copy all the phrases without exception, so as to avoid misrepresenting the spirit of the work; and this spirit, as will be seen, is ferocious. The volume is not dated; but the 42nd edition, from which we quote, describes (p. 44) the French campaigning uniform of 1912. These phrases were therefore printed at least five years after the second Hague Conference (18th October, 1907). They show clearly that the acts of cruelty committed by the patrols against those who refused to betray their country were not improvised by the cavalry taking part in these reconnaissances, but were systematically premeditated. P. 175-- Silence! Speak only when I question you! You seem to me a suspicious person. Where is your pocket-book? I must search it. Remain here for the moment. At the first attempt at flight you will be shot. Sir, where does this road lead? P. 176-- Is this village occupied by the French? When did the troops arrive there? What is roughly their composition? Roughly? Two or three companies? How many officers, roughly speaking? Have they any artillery? How many guns? Have you seen cavalry too? Tell us the truth. The least lie might cost you your life! P. 177-- Has the village been placed in a state of defence? Are there no cross-roads leading to the windmill? Remain by my horse. On the first attempt at flight, or if you try to mislead me, I shall send a bullet after you. Stop here! I will call the miller myself. Hey! Miller! Have any French troops passed this way? You lie! Here are visible traces, and quite fresh ones. A little manual of conversation costing 20 pfennigs--_Deutsch-Französischer-Soldaten-Sprachführer_, by Captain S. Th. Hoasmann, is conceived on the same lines. Here are a few examples. The soldier, making a reconnaissance, declares: "Speak the truth or you will be killed!" In the chapter on "Posts and Telegraphs" we find the phrase: "It is forbidden (on pain of death) to send telegrams." And the sentinel should be able to say: "If you lie you will be shot," etc. ARTICLE 50.