REVENGE.

Evening Star, Issue 3300, 17 September 1873, Page 3

REVENGE.

A FRENCH PHANTASY OF THE FUTURE.

A German paper, the Deutchse Zeiiung, publishes after the style of the “Battle of Dork}ng” an imaginary account of what is to happen in }Bs2 when France will again try conclusions with Germany. Paris is supposed to have been beleagured for forty-eight days, and on the point of capitulation, when there arose ayoung French mathematician who possessed a secret missile, the use of which would cause “armies to scatter like air.” He is introduced to the President, who approves of them ; they are put into execution, and cause the utter destruction of the army of the Red Prince. How Bismarck is informed of the disaster is thus narrated : What pen can describe the condition of the panic-stricken army after this mysterious catastrophe ? Bismarck’s proclamation, attributing the disaster to a band of French guerillas, had pacified the soldiers in some degree, and further to divert the mind of the army, it was announced that Paris was at once to be assaulted, simultaneously from the four points of the compass. “Wo must make a finish of the French business,” said Moltke. Early next morning the German cannon opened fire and belched forth a belt of flame along the entire line. ‘ For five days and kmghts two thousand Krapps made ceaseless havoc, and the missiles ejected would have made iron mail for every Parisian fortress. At first the French returned the fire with energy, but gradually their fire slackened, and by degrees, as the end of the fourth day approached, but a few guns from isolated forts made a response; and on the fifth night of bombardment the beleagured city’s thunder was altogether hushed. Still yet continuous poured forth the Prussian fire, until the evening of the fifth day. At evening, the order “cease firing ” was given. Now followed a silence profound as death, a silence that seemed unnatural after the fearful detonation of the five previous days. Just at this time the Crown Prince had arrived on the summit of a neighboring hill, where Moltke with his staff were stationed. There also was Bismarck. At a quarter-past seven there galloped up to them an adjutant who rapidly communicated a few words to Moltke, as rapidly communicated them to tfye CrdwA

Prince. “All is ready,” were the words, “220,000 Prussians are formed iu line ef attack to storm and take Paris on the southern side.” The Crown Prince gave the command : “ Forward.” At the same moment a shot came from the French quarter, then a second, then a third, then a fourth, and still continued in slow succession. “What means this,” murmured Bismarck? A twelfth shot is heard, and simultaneously a flame is seen behind the breast works, and a white light spread over the hill on which they stood. A few seconds more, and fifty such lights arose, revealing the position of the Prussian storming troops. So great was the light, that every man could bo recognised. For a lookcr-on the sight was astounding. For the first time Moltke found himself outdone by the enemy, whose watchfulness he had always underrated, and he became disheartened, distracted. He looked around, and saw his men begin to quail. The look of fear in others brought back courage to his brave heart. “We will lose 20,(j00 more brave men,” said he, “but it must be so. To-day w r e conquer or die.” Quietly, as was his wont, he gave his adjutant particular commands, then turned his glasses to where he knew the leaders of the storming party were posted. He saw the commander draw his sword and his mouth form the word “march,” when, God in Heaven ! man and horse vanished in a whirl of fire, and a phalanx of soldiers at the same moment fell like sheaves in autumn ; yet no artillery was seen to flash. Hooted to the earth as if by some unknown transfixing power each warrior became. A superstitious awe overcame them, and a sense of endless terror forthcoming. A hail of shot was rained on the closely packed battalions. No flash or crack of Heaven-mocking artillery came from the enemy, yet still ceaseless fell explosive shells, riving with fearful slaughter the living columns around. The officers in vain tried hard to rally their men ; again came the word of command, but the fear upon them was greater than discipline. Under the murderous rain, which came whence none knew, the voice of authority was unheard. Regiments, battalioi B squadrons, batteries, dissolve themselves. 100,000 men throw away their arms and flee. The unseen army which had rained upon them a deluge of death seems in advance of them as they flee. On left and right—before and behind them—everywhere fall deathdealing flames. Of the confused mass of once perfect human machines there were thousands from whom terror took the power to move, and grovelling upon the earth, they begged grace of Heaven. But, great Heaven ! what a sight met their despairing, upturned eyes. Twenty giant birds, with outspread wings, rose swiftly in the light blue firmament, and at a dizzy height flitted in the vault of heaven. Without doubt they were the mysterious agents that had brought ruin, devastation, and death to the Prussian army. A maddened frenzy now spread through the German troops. Everywhere they sought shelter, but to no avail, for .the. dire flock above them sent destruction that could not be eluded ; no house, no wall, no cave was secure: even the very earth was riven, all was rent and destroyed by the hellish devastating fire. The morning sun showed in all its horrors this unequalled tragedy. Everywhere was demolition, and dead bodies, and worse than all, everywhere were the groaning heaps of the dying, while distracted soldiers, iu their fear completely disorganised, rushed hither and thither beyond all control, until in despair their officers ceased their efforts to array their men, and became themselves distracted. The giant birds have done their work and returned again to Paris. Still on the hill stands the Crown Prince, speechless and motionless, gazing on the destruction around him. Throwing a last look on that terrible harvest of death, he grasped his holster, Moltke caught his arm. “Your Highness,” said he, “ you have no right to die ; seek you the Emperor and then go back to Germany; it must be,” Then turning to Bismarck, who bowed acquiescence with a significant look, the Prince was led away by the latter, who was wondering within himself whether they should be able to reach Perri&res.

Left alone, Moltke remained motionless. His aides de camp feared to tell him it was high time ho got to a place of safety. Yet the need was imminent, for already could be hoard the sound of trumpet and cymbals, and serried masses were seen advancing. Now the French array took the attacking side, and were prepared to follow the fleeing foe. Still rooted to the ground stood Moltke, buried in deep thought. Around him alone remained his bodyguard, faithful and immovable. The wild idea struck him of falling on the French cavalry with his handful of men, to die a soldier’s honored death, or a death that Napoleon the Third had looked for for twelve years without finding; but why should he devote his brave adherents? At length the great strategist beckoned an officer, directed him to headquarters to hurry tho march of the Emperor, and to protect him with his men. “And your Excellency ?’(the officer ventured to ask, “I—I,” said Moltke, “1 stay.” “We will never desert your Excellency,” replied the officer. “Who has command here?” said Moltke, “do as you are commanded.” The officer bowed, turned with the rest, and rode away The French were now scarcely a hundred [feet distant from Moltke, who, placidly gating on their movements, looked as he would have looked on evolutions at a review. Then quietly he dismounted, let loose the bridle of his horse, which stood quiescent beside him, looking on him with fond intelligence. He drew a revolver from his saddle-bow, gave a last look at the French squadrons, and placed the muzzle to his right temple, pressed the trigger, and fell lifeless to the earth. Immediately afterwards, the chasseurs d'Afric scaled the mount where the General and staff had passed the night. A horse neighed mournfully close to Moltke’s corse, announcing to the French commander its rider’s fate. He having approached, took off his hat in honor of the fallen brave, “Bear his body to Paris,” commanded he, “ See that he is buried with all military honors ; ’tis all that remains of him who was called Von Moltke.” With a deep sigh Bismarck awoke. “ Have I but dreamt all this ?” he ejaculated. For a moment he lay thoughtful, then summoning his attendant, he directed him to fetch the Engineer-in-Chief, who in less than an hour made his appearance, to whom he said—“ In three months from this we must have navigable serial ships ; go construct them.”