"With that the major wrenched the telephone from its wires and ripped the wires out, leaving the outside wires, that were underground, for his engineers to destroy. Marie, eyes now flashing, was led from her home and taken to the office of the general commanding the operations there. Soon after her arrival her uncle came, in charge of two soldiers. Then the examination began. Not one bit of information would the girl give. At last the commanding officer turned to the Padré.
"'It is my belief that you are responsible for this spying. It is not my wish to shoot a Padré, but you shall be taken out and shot immediately!'
"'No, no, no!' cried Marie, now thoroughly aroused. 'He knows nothing of what has been done. I swear it, monsieur! It is Marie who has informed the French of what the hated Prussians were doing. I—'
"'Ah! You admit it! It is well. Take her away. Take the Padré away also, but keep them separated.'
"Marie left the commander with head erect and eyes flashing. Her only concern was for her uncle, whom she feared would be shot. She had no doubts about herself Of course, they would shoot her and she gloried in the thought that she was to die for France.
"After her departure the Prussian general devoted several minutes to deep thought.
"'Of course, Herr General, she will be shot,' said the major who had made the capture.
"'No!' answered the commander, with emphasis.
"'Not shot?' questioned the officer in amazement.