Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-11-24

IlleIl WHICH war Vessels Oh The HeeL DenedUn
were to be their individual prey. Now the
small shells were fairly rending the air around
them. The sharp cang of metal against metal
and quick explosion told that hits were being
made, and through the ports the radioplanes
which suffered could be seen to rock con-
ing with death which was clamoring for adj
mission to its prey. Shot and shell swept
through space; but higher and higher scared
the radioplanes, while the old war dog studied
the formation of the fleet below.
my God! Seventeen is hit! Seventeen is
hit!' screamed the lookout, and the Admiral
and Norma stared through a side port.
In long, weird, dizzy circles like wounded
man striving to recover his balance, radio
plane was dropping slowly down toward the
waters, Intellectually fighting to regain its bal
ance. The four-inch shells had done no dam
age; but the far outlying cruiser had made an
accidental hit with heavy gun. Engaging
here and there in erratic SwoopS, the radio
plane continued to plunge. From the waters
below came the sounds of exultant cheering.
The enemy were gaining heart. They had
found what they believed to be chance for
hope and a vulnerable spot in the Americans
armor. Norma started back to her levers; but
the Admiral called excitedly:
Look, look Good boy, Nineteen! Good
boy!"
Again she looked through the port, and was
transfixed with the daring attempt of another
radioPlane. Nineteen, with its big white let
CeIS DlaZ1nR In Lle ngnL, ndd taken a SW1IL
downward shoot.
It's Brockton and Jenkins! It's Brockton
and Jenkins!" Norma called in excitement,
knowing that the Rear Admiral and the little
scientist were manning that craft.
Then before she could say more, Nineteen's
object was made plain. The great radioplane
shot to lower altitude than that of its Grip
pied fellow, dove here and there like a bat,
caught a simultaneous speed, and rounding
upward in def swoop poised itself firmly
instant the two, locked together and over
weighted, slid slowly downward through the
air, and then Nineteen seemed to gather itself,
came to stop. hesitated for a moment, and
began steady upward movement.
AS if divining its purpose, two other radio
planes Swooped down toward the stricken
monster till their sides touched, and then,
like group of warriors carrying a wounded
comrade from the field, assisted the ascent into
the upper void. Focusing their fire on the
scream of shot and shell broke into a PAN
demonium until the air around churned
as by demons wrath.
Up-up they went till they were mere
specks against the dome of the heavens, where
they were beyond range and in the profound
silence of solitude. The others of the fleet,
led by the Norma, fastened to soar toward
them; but before they could get within speak
ing distance the wireless brought to all radio
planes this message:
directly below her dynamos. The jar caused
a temporary break which cut off the current
for short time This is nearly repaired. No
damage of consequence has been done, and
she will report for duty within two minutes"
Bevins and Norma looked at each other with
great relief. THANK God for that" the Ad-
miral said, and it was echoed by his subordinate.
They turned again to the port, and they
did the specks above disintegrated, and
in a few moments Seventeen, repaired, and
again capable, was in line of battle. The
cheering below ceased but from the doomed
batteships and cruisers continuous hail of
Intellectual shots were fired, while the Admiral
of the aerial fleet, his plans formed, was
calmly sending orders.
Number One will engage the cruiser on the
extreme right Two will attack the battle
ship on the port bow of the flagship. Three
will take the battleship on the extreme left"
and so on, ending with the declaration that
the Norma would open the engagement by
striking the Ito at the head of the triangle.
Fighting" Bevins turned away from his
signal box when the last confirmation of his in
structions had been received and looked at the
girl in the hood. At that high altitude the early
rays of the sun were shivering the gloom of the
interior through the glass ports in the dome.
AS if in glory of silver she stood before him,
outwardly calm and emotionless: but in the
splendid poise of her body, the expectant
waiting of her hands. and the steady scrutiny
of the dials before her, she was the embodi-
ment of Sufflciency FEELING his 1oolr and