Question

1. what detail gives a clue to the country in which \the strange - looking man\ is set?

the use of the german word \herr,\ meaning mister
the reference to a tiny village in the mountains
the fact that most of the men had gone to war
the american nationality of the storys author

Explanation:

The use of the German word "Herr" directly indicates a connection to Germany. A tiny village in the mountains could be in many countries. The fact that most men had gone to war is a general situation not specific to a country. The author's nationality doesn't determine the setting of the story.

Answer:

the use of the German word "Herr," meaning Mister