Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1903-09-25
AS they entered together Branasko

AS they entered together Branasko
uncovered his disheveled head and
bowed most humbly.
lyon lock tired and sick and hungry.
Have you eaten anything today?" she
asked
mot in two days." he replied.
The princess called to a 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, is there any
chance for US to escape from here to the
outer world?" 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 a 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
ed from afar low rumbling as if the
earth were 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 his
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.
"Lookp' 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
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
ed q little as he turned to her.
You are right, my daughter, he
groaned. 1T is going down. The cow
ardly dogs i'll the east have deserted
their posts. It is going down. 1t will
sink into tunnel filed with water. and
the light of Alpha will be extinguished
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 sunp'
The eyes Of the old man flashed. He
seemed electrified as he drew himself
from her embrace and looked anXkously
over the balustrade to flying machine
in the street below.
II might reach the east in time, he
cried. ''Yes, you are right. was act
ing cowardly. The fastest airship in
Alpha is ready, and Nanleon can drive
it to its utmost speed. If the worst
comes, shall see you no more. Good
byr' He kissed her brow tenderly, and
her eyes filled as he fastened away.
Down below they saw him spring light
ly into the gold mounted car. and the
next instant the 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
the crowd, which seemed suddenly to
take new hope from the kings de-
parture. Some Of them waved their
hats and scarfs, and many watched tho
airship till it had disappeared in the
nrrky distance.
HE may not get there in time"
uied the princess 1T seems to be 90
Ing down faster than it ever did before.
and he has great distance to Co."
The little party on the balcony we're
silent for long time. Presently Ber.
nardino turned her fearful eyes to tho
face Of Thorndyke.
"The smoke and steam do not seem
20 voluminoua Do you think all will
go well?"
t11 b Cog,l,nusSLl