In a war-torn France, a German colonel, von Gramm, grapples with mysterious attacks on his troops in the Norman town of Les Andelys. Despite his efforts to retaliate, the assaults continue, leading him to offer a reward for information. A peasant, Francois Rejane, reveals that Count Eustace of Chateau Noir is behind the murders, driven mad by the death of his only son during the war. Colonel von Gramm dispatches Captain Baumgarten and a small contingent to arrest the count. They stealthily approach the chateau, but upon entering, they find the count is absent. Baumgarten decides to wait for the count's return, securing the premises and settling in for the night. As Baumgarten dines, the count unexpectedly appears, revealing his knowledge of the German officer's presence. The count, imposing and fierce, engages Baumgarten in a conversation that quickly turns hostile. He recounts the brutal treatment his son endured at the hands of German soldiers, particularly focusing on Baumgarten's own actions. The count's narrative is filled with pain and vengeance, as he describes how his son was captured, mistreated, and ultimately died while trying to escape. The count's story culminates in a dramatic confrontation where he metaphorically places Baumgarten in the same position his son faced—confronted with death. The count's rage and sorrow manifest in a physical assault on Baumgarten, who is left bloodied and humiliated. In the end, Baumgarten is released, but not without a profound sense of defeat and shame, as he is forced to confront the consequences of his actions and the brutal realities of war. The narrative explores themes of vengeance, the impact of war on individuals, and the moral complexities faced by soldiers on both sides.
By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1926 · Genre: Historical Fiction, War Fiction, Drama