The Washington times., 1903-04-05
CHAPTER XxxIII.
A BATTLE.

Norbert. Virgil. the doctor and kad-
dour hurried to the storeroom.
No one was there, and the window
was closed. But that might have been
owing to the draft that blew from with
in whenever ii was open.
What was your thief iike?" asked
the somewhat incredulous doctor.
Z only saw his back. replied Smith,
and the back looked as if its owner
wore a respirstor; but It was like an
ordinary mans back"
Very likely" muttered the doctor.
An ordinary man in the moon. You
are dreaming. Smith! Have you beer
at that bottle of port2"
"Oh. sir" said the valet I've not
had drop this morning. mean since
we rose: for, in this wretched country.
one never knows whether it be morning
OF evening"
you are quite sure you saw some
one escape through the window" asked
Norbert.
u am ready to make an affidavit Of
the fact said Smith matestically.
We VIII spare you that trouble But
V must sift this matter TO the bottom
The doctor and smith were left in
the Hall of Motors Having provided
themselves with firearms and donned
their respirators. the three went out by
the window.
This window gave access TO the turn
ing to the right that branched of the
circular passage. and il looked on TO
the building that had done duty as the
lodging Of the controlling commissioners
and the prison of Kaddour- This build
ing had no direct communication with
he interior Of The observatory. and
hence it had been overlooked lately.
Norbert remembered it must contain a
small supply Of air; and as such a com
modify was in no wise 10 be despised he
went straight TO the door.
Just as he touched ii a shot was fred
through circular opening. Il burnt
his hair without doing him further in
jury. The ball lodged in the wall and
knocked several splinters of it,
THE enemy Is there." said Norbert
TO his companions, as he stood close up
against the wall signing them 10 do the
same
The precautiou was not useless. Two
more shots succeeded the first.
virgil would rot wait any longer he
threw himself on the door and tried TO
burst it open. But it was locked and
perhaps barricaded on the inside. It
was impossible to break it in
There is only one thing TO be done 90
he said. in a low voice. Let US slip be
hind the outer wall, and. getting on the
top, fire At the windows"
The advice WAS 100 good not 10 be fol
lowed In less than three minutes the
three had climbed up the outer wall by
the slope. They lay down on their faces
on the dry grass and opened we'll sus-
tanned fire from their breech leaders.
The windows and woodwork were shjv-
cred TO pieces: but no one replied.
They are watching for us to uncover
that they may take aim at u.s." said the
experienced Virgil. Put We know 9
trick worth two Of that. my fine fellows
You shall uncover hrst!''
Seeing that no appreeiable effect was
produced. Norbert ordered them to Are
on the door. n flew into pieces at the
third shot.
To the breach shouted Norbert.
sliding down the slope, Virgil and Kad
dour with him.
There was 10 one The besieged had
vanished Doubtless they must have
taken refuge in the adjoining room. Nor
bert fred. therefore, at the second door.
II they are ordinary men they must
capltulate for want Of ali" said the
! young astronomer.
] This opinion was corroborated BY the