The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1897-08-21

He held like instrument to the one
used by Waldmeer, and through 1t
spoke:
Venus, one of the great stars, has
been shaken from the armament. 1t
fell In the suburbs Of Telmantio, and
many lives were lost "
That was all, and the figure vanished.
Presently Waldmeer reappearsd. He
seemed to be standing nearer the pit,
for the entire background YVES af,ame
Volumes Of black smoke now and then
hid him from view, and thick show
or Of ashes and small stones was fall
ing round him. He spoke, but his voice
was drowned in deafenipg explosion,
and the whole landscape about him
seemed afire. In the 6emidarkness hun
dreds Of protectors could be seen strug-
Cling in the rushing water, moving
stones and building dam. Waldmeer
again faced his faroR audience and
spoke:
prince Marentel has turned the
course Of the stream. All now depends
on the success or failure Of his final test
with explosives, which will take place
In about half an hour"
ave ought to 90 outside again, sug-
gested Bernardino a. Waldmeer's i'm
age disappeared. my father might
want us.
Seeing no one In the kings apart
ment, they passed through IL to the bal
cony. Half the sky was now covered
with mingled fog and smoke, and the
sun could be seen only now and then.
A drizzling rain was falling, a rain
that brought down clots Of ashes and
SCOT, but this made no difference to the
throngs in the now muddy and slippery
streets. They stood shivering in damp
and soiled clothing. their clearing eyes
fixed hopelessly on the lowering signs
in the west.
Johnston noticed bent figure crouch
ed against wall beneath them.
It was Branasko.
"Who is itp" inquired the princess.
'Branasko, the companion Of my ad-
ventures" he replied.
"Call him to u.s." she said eagerly,
and the American went down to the
Alphian.
As they entered together Branasko
uncovered his disheveled head and
bowed most humbly.
"You look tired and sick and hungry.
Have you eaten anything todayf" she
asked.
"Not in two days." be replied.
The princess called to q frightened
maid who was wringing her hands in a
corridor.
"Give this man food and drink at
once," she ordered, and Branasko, with
a grateful bow and glance, withdrew.
Johnston followed him to the door.
Fear nothing" he said. IF the
danger passes, we are safe. The king
has promised to pardon me, and he will
do the same for you.
"There Is no hope for any Of US, " re-
piled Branasko grimly, ''but do not
want to die with this gnawing in my
stomach. Adieu."
If the worst comes, IL there any
chance for Us to escape from here to the
outer world2" the Englishman was ask
Ing the princess when Johnston turned
back to them.
"For few hundred, yes-by the
saltwater ships-but for all, no. And
then my father would not consent to
rescue part and not the whole Of his
subjects. He would not try to save him
self or any of his family"
The clouds still covered the sun, but
On the eastern sky its rays were shining
gloriously. Ever and anon there sound
cd from afar low rumbling as If the
earth we're swelling with heat
Johnston left the two lovers together
and went to the door of the electric au-
ditorium, and over the 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 left intact
to serve his purpose. The final explo-
sion will soon take place. The greatest
peril hangs over Alpha"
Waldmeer's reflection was becoming
indistinct, and sick at heart the Amer
lean elbowed his way through the
muttering crowd into the corridor
Here 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.
"Look'' cried Bernardino in horror.
"The cloud is not moving, the sun has
not stopped. 1t is going down, and we
shall soon be in utter darkness Oh, it
is 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 more rigid. He sway
cd little as he turned to her.
"You are right, my daughter, he
groaned. ut is going down. The cow
ardly dogs in the east have deserted
their posts. 1t is going down. 1t will
sink into tunnel filed with water, and
the light Of Alpha will be distinguished
forever. We are undone. Say your pray
ers, my child, your prayers, I tell you,
for an 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 sun2'
The eyes Of the old man flashed. He
seemed electrified as he drew himself
from her embrace and looked anxiously
over the balustrade to flying machine
in the street below.
II might reach the east in time," he
cried. Eyes, you are right. was act
ing cowardly. The fastest airship in
Alpha is ready, and Nanleon can drive
1t to Its utmost speed. If the worst
comes, shall see you no more. Good
byi" He kissed her brow tenderly, and
har evoa f1lled' as~he hastened away