Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1897-08-26

rescue part ana not tho WhOle OF MS
subjects. He would not try to save him.
self or any Of bis family" ="
The. clouds still covered the sun, but
on tho eastern sky its rays were shining
gloriously. Ever and anon there sound
ed from afar low Eumbltng as If the
earth were swelling with heat.
Johnston left the two lovers together
and went to the door Of the electric ap-
ditorium, and over tho heads Of the
breathless crowd he watched the great
mirror. After few moments Waldmeer
appeared and spoke:
prince Marentel is operating with
great difficulty. A large quantity Of bis
explosives has been injured by water,
but he hopes there is enough lett intact
to serve his purpose. The final explo-
sion viii soon take place The greatest
peril hangs over Alpha"
Waldmeer's reflection was becoming
indisttnct, and siok at heart the Amer
lean elbowed bis way through tho
muttering crowd into the corridor.
Hero he met Branasko, and together
they walked back to Thorndyke and the
princess, who were mutely Watching
the signs IN the east Just then the sun
slowly emerged from the cloud.
"Lookr' cried Bernardino in horror.
1.-THE cloud is not moving, the sun has
not stopped. 1t is going down, and we
shall soon be In utter darkness Oh, it
rs awful-to die IN this way"
The king had Just returned, and he
overheard her words. He came hastily
to the edge Of the balcony and gazed at
the sun The others held their breath
and waited.
His face became moro rigid. He sway
cd little as he turned to her.
You are right, my daughter" he
groaned 1T is going down. The cow
ardly dogs in tho east have deserted
their posts. It Is going down. 1t will
sink into tunnel filled with water, and
the light of Alpha will be extinguished
forever. We are undone. Say your pray
srs, my child, your prayers, I tell YOU
for IN infinite God Is angry at our pre-
tensions"
Don't despair, father" And Ber-
nardino put her arms gently round the
old mans neck. "You understand the
solar machinery. Could you not stop
the sum-"
The eyes Of the old man flashed. He
seemed electrified as he drew himself
from her embrace and looked anxiously
over tho balustrade to flying machine
in the street below.
II might reach the east in time," he
cried. "Yss, you are right was act
ing cowardly. The fastest airship in
Alpha is ready, and Nanleon can drive
1t to its utmost speed. II tho worst
comes, shall see You no more. Good
by!" He kissed her brow tenderly, and
her eyes filled as he fastened away.
Down below they saw him spring light
ly into tho gold mounted car, and the
next instant tho graceful vessel rose
above the palace roof and sped like an
arrow across the sky toward the east
A faint cheer broke from the lips Of
tho crowd, which seemed suddenly to
take new hope from the kings de-
parture. Some Of them waved their
hats and scarfs, and many watched the
airship till 1t had disappeared In the
murky distance.
"He may not get there in timer
crted the princess 1T seems to be go
Ing down faster than 1t ever did before,
and he has great distance to CO."
The little party on the balcony were
silent for long time. Presently Ber-
nardino turned her fearful eyes to the
face Of Thorndyke.
"The smoke and steam do not seem
10 voluminous. Do you think all will
go well?"
The Englishman slowly shook his
head. ~ don't want to depress you
more than you are, but think at such
a time we ought to realize the worst.
It Is true the clouds arc not SO heavy
and the earthquakes are less frequent,
but unfortunately 1t Is owing to the
fact that the volume Of water has been
turned away from tho pit into the tun-
neil Be prepared for the worst. II your
father cannot reach the machinery IN
the east soon enough, our light will go
out, and, worse than that, If Prince
Marentel should fail in his next venture
with explosives all hope will be gone.
II have never desired to live so much
as now," she answered, inolining with
an air of tenderness toward him. Il
never knew what 1t was to fear death
till-till you came to u.s."
He made no reply. There was q lump
in his throat, and he could not trust his
voice to speech. Branasko and Johnston
left them together to go into the cleo
trio auditorium. They returned IN great
haste.
"The prince is ready for the explo-
siun," painted Johnston. "Thorndyke,
old man, this is simply awful. 1t Is not
like standing up to be shot at or being
jerked through the clouds in balloon.
It seems to me that out there Is the end
less space Of infinity, aud that all the
material world is coming to an end.
My God, look at that hellish fire, the
awful smoke and that black sky! Oh,
the blasphemy Of such paltry imita-
tion Of the handiwork Of the Creator1
We are damnedl ! say damned, and by
just and angry God" "
Don't be fool" said Thorndyke,
and he threw warning glance at Ber-
nardino, who, with staring, distended
eyes, was listening to Johnston.
"No, he is right" she said In low
tone. II have never seen your world,
but know my people must be woefully
wrong. In your land they say men teach
things about inflnity and an eternal life
for the soul, and that ono may prepare
for that life by living pure and In striv-
ing to attain high spiritual state Oh.
why have you not told me about that7
It Is the one important thing. have
long wanted to know If my soul will