The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-05-08

party might be able to return to rescue the
castaway, in two weeks perhaps. The little
bundles of life rolled and toppled and fell
and bounded a hundred feet below them
by the side of the ioe-nipped whaler. Then
the Aeropole sped on again.
The passengers fancied they heard a cry
Of JOY overtake their wonderful flight.
Through glasses they saw Il skeleton stag
ger to the ~heaven-sent provisions, and
fall upon his knees. and lift upon his hands
and bless them.
There was moisture in the eyes of Ser
geant Willtwlg as he looked. Jack and
Royal, who at first had expressed mutinoua
signs Of dissatisfaction at what they were
pleased to call "a unique case of inhuman-
ity," became silent. They began to respect
their leader profoundly. A man who could
be as hard as steel, and as soft as fleece when
tenderness was required, was one to follow.
What does she gauge, Mr.. Ball?" de-
manded the commander of the tutor, as il
putting from his mind the moving sight.
Only one hundred and twenty-eight,
sir; we are slowing down. What does il
mean?'
The inventor cast a despairing look at the
sergeant and groaned.
Sergeant Willtwig nov drew the mem-
bers of this polar expedition about the door
of the engine room and spoke:
Gentlemen. the machinery OF our air
ship has become deranged."
Not ont of gear" interrupted the in
ventor with q hectic blush of pride. EVERY
part is MI right. 1t simply is losing power.
1t won't 60"
terri" cried Royal impulsively, thinking
himself intensely practical.
what does she gauge?" asked the in
ventor, with n nod ut the tutor.
"One hundred and twenty seven.''
You see! She is losing every minute.
| call 1t a case of nervous prostration.'
explained the inventor sadly. II hnve
locomotive id like q Thoroughbred horse.
1t has it's moods. They get off their feed.
They are apt to suffer for Il lack Of energy.
Their suddenly the disinclinntion of work
passes off, and everything goes all right.
All engineers understand this" he urged,
gazing into the inorednlous faces of his
companions. "lt is not i%nfrequsnt or alb
urd Now my engine hsre-this electrical
machinery-is OF a higher order. 1t is
more like n human beng. 1t is as sensitive
as q woman This is u terrible
journey. MY engine understands it. She
is troubled; she is frightened; she has ner-
vous Prostitution; she ia refusing to work,
is cold, cold and dangerous, and she is
my child!> Az he spoke he patted a
huge coil of wire with unuttsrable tender
ness.
"You see" proceeded Prof. Wilder with
shaken voice, the responsibility we have
put upon her has been too prolonged.
When you were boys didn't you let the old
cat die out AS you called 1t, when the
swing stopped gradually of it's own volt
tion2 Here il Il gradual collapse. She is
slowly but surely giving out" He again
looked Mt tho tutor inquitingly.
IA hundred and twenty answered tho
tutor grnvelv. Gentlemen. If we had not
gone back to the shipwreck, even at this
rate of decrease of speed, VIZ should have
attained the pole.h
And il she had stoppod-pansed for an
instant-she might not have been able to
start again for Il week or perhaps u month.
We simply could not descend to tho poor
fellows relief. The machinery needs a
thorough rest" TIL inventor spoke rs if
he were n nurse tending an overworksd
and wearied patient, and, indeed, perhaps
he was right.
"Ihis IL II GO. How near can Wa oome?''
exclaimed Jack Hardy. II vote We go back