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"Yes," was the unanimous answer. "Then he dies," Major Tempe said, solemnly. "You were to have been his victims; you are his judges. "Grunsdorf is three miles from here, in the woods, not far from Saverne. A party will be told off, presently, who will be charged with the execution of this sentence. "I have now another duty. The corps has been saved from destruction.
"It is the schoolmaster of Grunsdorf who has sold you to the Prussians; who wrote that letter to their general, telling him of your intentions, which has caused these great reinforcements to be sent; and who has offered to guide a force to surround us, tomorrow night." Another low cry of horror and indignation broke from the men. "Is it your opinion that this man has deserved death?"
A scoundrel of a schoolmaster at Grunsdorf a village somewhere up in the woods turned traitor; and sent a letter to the general, bargaining that he should be taken on as a spy, at some fabulous salary, and offering to begin by leading the troops to the village where these franc tireurs are hidden." "An infamous scoundrel!" the major said warmly.
"This lane which we are following leads to Grunsdorf; which, according to the information I collected before leaving, cannot be above a mile distant. Now, we must be cautious. It is quite possible that a detachment of the enemy may have been sent up to the village, and in that case we might catch a Tartar. Even if there are no Germans there, we must be cautious, or the bird will escape.
"Now, my lads, you have already received your instructions. Change your things, and go forward at once." The distance was farther than they had expected, and it was nearly dark before the boys entered Grunsdorf. There was no one moving in the quiet village, for a fine rain was falling as the boys walked slowly along. "There is no one to ask, Percy.
Then he rose, and said in a solemn tone: "As sure as the sun shines, and as sure as my name is Edward Tempe, so sure shall that schoolmaster, of Grunsdorf, be hung before tomorrow morning! "Lieutenant Ribouville, order the assembly to be sounded, and form the men here in hollow square. "Messieurs Barclay, you will fall in with your company."
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