The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1908-07-24

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splendid exhibition of speed and ham
ding they were dumbfounded. The
Roberts then rose in one quick lift
until 1t was above the plane Of altitude
assumed by the other machines, poised
for a moment, and came to q stop. In
all this time no one had spoken q
word. Now they turned to the Amer
icanss unloosing their convulsive
clutches from the seats and liberated
from the spell.
admiral, do you think there is any
gunnery that can hurt us, anything
that a overtake us, or that If we
wish to we may not master the
world?" he asked in a voice Of ex-
IRENE quiet.
Fields shrugged his shoulders hope
lessly, made a grimace, and looked at
his fellows. Gentlemen" he said in
a dry tone, "it seems to me that we
should without any delay accept the
hospitality which the United States
has extended so ~courteously."
The others appreciated the grim
humor of the situation, and in like
vein ~acquiesced. The surprise which
they had undergone was nothing
compared to that with which, as the
day waned, they witnessed the lifting
Of their craft from the waters. With
the utmost care the task was accom-
plished, and everything made ready
for the westward journey. Only one
mishap occurred beyond the necessary
damage to the ships, and that, was not
discovered until the following day. "A
sailor Of the Dreadnought, maddened
by the spectacle he had witnessed,
had unleashed a life raft unobserved
and thrown himself and 1t into the
water by the use of its tackle at some
hour of darkness when the vessels
were travelling. at slow speed and
close to the surface of the waves. Bev-
ms grieved more over this incident
than any other; for he had set his
heart upon a bloodless victory.
Thus 1t was that on the following
day there rested in the Chesapeake a
feet whose fires were banked, whose
men were prohibited from shore
i leave and whose chief officers were
guests in the principal hotels Of New
York and Washington under pledge Of
secrecy. But In this they might take
heart; although some slight damage
had been inflicted on the vessels. in no
instance did the flag come down, and
from each staff f1oated the union jack
unsullied. Communication between
ships and shores was interdicted; so
even the Inhabitants Of the borders.
could do no more than look and guess
as to how the feet had. sailed in with
out attracting attention or meeting
with rebuff.
Another report came from China
that the feet Of the dragon was still
under waiting orders; hence there was
nothing for the administration to do
but mark time, which 1t did with poor
grace. Within a few days, however,
a o disturbing report came from
Europe by way Of Canada. the usual
source Of communication. It was to
the effect that the kaiser, learning Of
the disappearance Of the British feet,
and believing 1t destroyed, was show
ing quick signs Of aggression. Vainly
the administration hoped that his
belligerent intentions might be Owe
estimated; but the passage of days
proved that he might be a menace to,
the general plan.
Il was hourly expected that the pres
ence of the radioplanes would be re-.
quifed in the west to meet the Chinese.
In view Of this necessity, It was de-
cided to dispatch Brockton and Jen-
kins to Berlin on a mission Of diplo-s
macy. They were ordered to visit the
kaiser at night, landing at q time and
place where they could escape obser-
walton, induce the emperor and his
chancellor to get aboard the radio
plane, and then, after 1t had been
demonstrated that Germany would be
powerless In the event Of war, to de-
liver messages announcing that the.
United States purposed to gain what,
support she could for q worlds peace
voluntarily, but would compel 1t II
need be.
jenkins was familiar with the Ger
man capital, having been naval at
tache there for Q number Of years. It
was he who evolved the details. The
American ambassador was unaware OF
his country's defense until informed
on the night Of the arrival, and was
speedily enlisted in the enterprise.
Through him the kaiser granted the
interview. which led to his visiting
the radioplane which had been brought
to rest beyond the outskirts Of the