Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1897-08-06
AN AERIAL FLIGHT.


riokety grape arbor, partially support
ing myself by the tips of my fingers as
l olung to the second story window sill.
Marie leaned as far out US was con-
sistent with safety and rested her hand
caressingly on my shoulder. Although
my love for the maiden was intense,
could not for IA moment forget the un-
certainty of my foothold, neither could
forget that the sleeping room window
of my sweetheart's father was directly
beneath me.
"Neverr' he had said. when l offer
cd myself to him IN u prospective SON.
in-law. "Neverl No daughter of mine
shall marry penniless inventor"
During the many stolen interviews
which had followed the adverse deoi-
sion Of the obdurate parent we had dis
cussed the situation from all points, and
ever with the same results. At last we
had decided to separate for IA season
that might the more fully devote my
time to the solution Of the problem by
evolving from my mental Workshop
some practical creation which would
bring to me both fame and fortune.
Marie was modern woman in every
respect She had been caught ON the
psychological wave that was sweeping
around the world and was familiar with
all the osophies and 'ologies that 40
companied the movement. She was an
adept In mind reading and fairly prof.
Gent in the later science of telepathy.
Watch for messages, dear Jack,
she whispered, as she gave my shoulder
gentle pat and drew herself within
the window. "You will hear from me
often. Perhaps l may need you. Who
can tell2'
At this point the brittle frame be-
meath my feet cracked ominously, and
without further farewells clambered
down and started out on my mission.
Ted Brown, my college chum and
conhdant, was fully as enthusiastio an
myself over the many experiments and
inventions had essayed, and when he
hoard my story he entered heartily into
my plans, which. II perfected, would
revolutionize modern traffic and travel.
One month later found us in the
heart Of the Rocky mountains and far
from the beaten trail Of prospeotor,
sportsman or adventurer.
Our pack animals were already be-
ginning to show signs of collapse. no &C.
we're had been the fatigues of the noun
tain journey.
Realizing the imprudence of farther
advance skyward, we were about to turn
back and seek some sheltered valley In
milder atmosphere, when felt gen.
tie pressure on my shoulder. Involun-
tarily l turned, expecting to see my
oomrade beside me. only to find him
several feet away, pulling with all his
might the cinch strap on one OF the
puck animals | lifted my foot to the
stirrup, and again ! felt the pressure
on my shoulder, this time more foroibly
than before, and VOICE. could swear
it was Marie 's--sounded In my ear:
''Turn to tho right. .
In an instant her parting words flash
cd upon my mind, and almost unoOn-
stiously turned in the direction indi-
Gated
What could dor Our plans were al
ready made. Should yield. how could
1 explain to Ted in a satisfactory man
ner this sudden change In our move
mentsr
Suddenly, without waiting for the
dreaded explanation, shouted to him
al sprang to my saddle, leaving him
to follow, as was quite sure he would.
As drew near the mountain u zig
eng seam, " hich reached from the sum
nit downward, developed into q well
defined cleft, broadening ut tho base,
l. "a. xK,iIa
through which recklessly plunged
without thought Of what danger
might await INC.
Scarcely half dozen steps brought
me out into an open space.
In ages agone some terrible subterra.
mean upheaval had partially cleft the
peak, and through all the countless
years that had followed the action Of
frost and water had gradually worn
and crumbled the sides Of the gorge un-
| til there was formed an open circular
space several feet in diameter and near
| ly surrounded by solid wall Of rock.
1t Is needless to 90 into details con-
corning tbs progress Of tbe.work. There
were the usual seasons Of experiment
and failure, Of hope and dependency,
but through it all the great creature
grew, until it nearly filled the little cir
cular space.
A long, slender, hollow body, fitted
up with motor and comfortable seats;
Il huge pair of outspread canvas wings
and fan shaped rudder, altogether I'M
like any other aerial sailer that had yet
made its appearance. And during all
the time occupied in the construction Of
this birdlike navigator had been so Of
ten encouraged and advised when ap-
parent failure confronted me by the
same voice that had led me to the spot
that it really seemed as If Marie was as
fully identified with the success Of my
undertaking az myself.
Gan aboard" shouted Ted NJ we took
our seats and opened the valves that
controlled the mysterious power.
Straight as an arrow and a. swift we
arose from the little inciosure. The sky
was starlit and clear, and the whole
panorama Of the rough and ragged coun-
try was fast disappearing before we
thoroughly realized that our venture
was a success We moved at fearful
pace, judging by our aerometer, which
clicked with the regularity Of a clock a.
II marked the miles and degrees
At dawn our aerial navigator wa
safely anchored within the rock in
closure, and we were wrapped in GU
blankets under our tents Ned was sool
snoring, but. excited and unnerved as
] vas, l could not sleep and at last threw