Then comes the longed-for war. Nay, even before the war he is sent by the War Office to Germany as a spy on the enemy's military power near the frontier. Perfectly familiar with the German language, he enters upon his hazardous career. How delightful is such an adventure to a brave and patriotic man! Absolutely alone, with a German passport in his pocket and a street organ on his back, he wanders from town to town, from village to village, grinds out tunes, collects coppers, plays the part of a simple lout, and meanwhile obtains, in all secrecy, plans and sketches of fortresses, stores, barracks, camps, etc., etc. Foes and perils lie in wait for him every minute. His own Government has left him helpless and unprotected. He is virtually an outlaw. If he succeeds in his purpose, honours and rewards of all kinds await him. Should he be unmasked, he will be condemned straight off to be shot or hanged. He sees himself standing in the dark and gloomy trench, confronted by his executioners. Out of compassion they fasten a white cloth before his eyes; but he tears it away and throws it to the ground with the proud words, "Do you not think an officer can face death?" An old Colonel replies, in a quivering voice: "Listen, my young friend. I have a son of the same age as you. I will spare you. Tell us your name--tell us, at any rate, your nationality, and the death sentence will be commuted to imprisonment." "I thank you, Colonel; but it is useless. Do your duty." Then he turns to the soldiers, and says to them in a firm voice in German: "Comrades, there is only one favour I would crave: spare my face, aim at my heart." The officer in command, deeply moved, raises his white pocket-handkerchief--a crashing report--and Romashov's story is ended. This picture made such a lively impression on his imagination that Romashov, who was already very excited and striding along the road, suddenly stopped short, trembling all over. His heart beat violently, and he clenched his hands convulsively. He gained, however, command over himself immediately, and smiling compassionately at himself, he continued on his way in the darkness.