Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-01
THE VANISHING FLEETS
from
Continued from pass 10

of information. The cotere saw before it the
necessity of either abandoning the hope of
teaching China drastic lesson and announcing
its secret to the world. or meeting the British
squadrons and holding them hostage in the in
terest of peace. They chose the latter alter
native. and thereby was caused the strangest
chapter in the history of war.
Like that other sally outward to the Western
seas. this one was timely. 1t was made when
the British fleet might be met beyond the
reach of wireless telegraph communication. and
the departure from the key was also under
cover of darkness Again there was a resem-
blance to the Japanese affair, in that the APP
pearance of the radioplanes created surprise
and CONSERVATION on the warshlps. Here
however, the similarity ended The Anglo
Saxon mind knows no such thing as surrender
when once it is stirred to the depths of its stub
bornness. 1t can read only two answers to the
riddle of conflict-victory or death. as has
been attested by many hard fought battle
on land and sea.
The armada of Great Britain had sailed with
apprehensions. being fully cognizant that it
was invading territory of mystery and danger
and the vigilance of its watch. therefore. was
never relaxed. The CONSERVATION caused by
the first sight of the aerial fleet was immedi-
atelv followed by hurried clearing of the
decks for action. although defeat in battle
against such overpowering odds was toregone
conclusion. No gun was fired however. and all
stood expectantly awaiting declaration of
intent IIO1Il Ltle 1IlO1lSLeIS vi di WllSl
come upon them in the full glare of the after
noon sun.
With slow and stately majesty the radio
planes approached each flying the flag of the
United States and beneath it the emblem of
truce. The Dreadnought. answering slug
of water from its bow. was in the heart OF the
formation, and in its ponderous might seemed
fearless of anything afoat Toward it the
foremost radioplane directed its course. drop
I'LL
level with the great fighting tops, while the
officers of the battleship watched with amaze
ment its splendid control. Not till then
there visible display of life aboard it. port
opened and into the blackneSS of its frame
Bevins emerged, while directly behind him
stood the scientist who had recovered. and
was to witness the first full demonstration of
the power he had evolved. On the bridge of
the battleship the British Admiral stood, sur
rounded by staff officers.
Good afternoon Admiral" the American
hailed "Glad to see you. How do you like
the looks of us?"
Across Fields face fitted half smile. I'VE
are very well indeed. Admiral Bevins; but
can't say we are particularly glad to see you,
or sure that we like you until we know more.
Clever invention that. Must have been CON
ceived by an Englishman.
Behind the United States officer wlthered
little figure became imbued with sudden
frenzy of passion and threatened to interject
an unpleasant Ie1ndIk, Out DEVILS CIeCkeu
him with laugh and grew serious again.
Admiral" he said. my country isn't at
war with yours. You understand that"
Field looked relieved. and lost somewhat of
his air of set defiance. At the head of his men
he crossed to the end of the bridge where he
might be nearer the one addressing him. The
nervous strain of the situation was being
rapidly diminished. Frankly, I'm glad to be
treasured" he replied There are lot of
things we'd rather know"
And which shall be glad to explain if You
and a dozen of your immediate subordinates
will come aboard as my guests.
The invitation was Immediately accepted :;
but it was a trying interview for the Britons
The machine on which they were received was
the Roberts, which was the latest production
of the plant on the key. 1t was larger than its
predecessors, and had been made the most
pretentious. 1t was elegantly appointed
Amidships it contained a drawing room on
which the most careful workmanship had been
lavished The guests gathered round a huge
mahogany table, whose polished top reflected
the light from the colored ports of the DOME
and were served with refreshments before
Bevns required to the object of his visit. He
drew from his pocket an official packet and
laid it open before him.
Gentlemen" he began, "of course you are
interested in all that you have seen, and in the