22 MAY 1915, Page 3

In justice to Kuepferle it should be said that the

letter which he wrote in English on the prisoner's slate before he hanged himself was distinctly to his credit. It runs as follows :—

" To whom it may concern. My name is Kuepferle, born at Sollingen-bei-Rostat. I am a soldier, with rank that I do not desire to mention. In regard, on my behalf, lately I can say that I have had a fair trial in U, Kingdom, but I am unable to stand the strain any longer, and take the law in my owe hands. I fought battles, and death is only a saviour for me. I would have preferred the death to be shot, but did not wish to ascend the scaffold as a — (here was a Masonic sign), and hope the Almighty Architect of this Universe will lead me in the unknown lands in the East. I am not dying as a spy, but as a soldier. My fate I stand as a man, but can't be a liar and perjure myself. Kindly I shall permit to ask to notify my uncle Ambros Droll, Sollingen-boi-Reetat, and all my estate shall belong to him. What I have done I have done for my country. 1 shall express my thanks and may the Lord bless yours all.—Yours, KIJEPFSIILL"