The Detroit times., 1908-05-07

I length II interposed itself between
them and the earth like a soft, dia-
| phanous curtain.
When the curtain had been entirely
drawn across between them and the
world. Strong put his pipe back into
his pocket and braced himself TO once
again play the tune which he had
threatened on the bright ivory but
tons.
Now for the world he said. and
burglary"
The "Di" sank softly down; the
hawk OF the air had lowered long
enough. Now she swooped toward her
prey. but the swoop was stayed 100
| feet or so above the pine wood behind
] the bungalow.
! Strong turned the ''Di" round and
headed slowly across the river. north
east and so made for st. Nicholas
church.
| All below them was very still and
silent. The mist was thick.
The tower OF the church rose up
against them quietly out OF the dark
ness.
Now. we will see," said Strong
how We can steer her" And he put
the DR. gently in against the belfry.
| AS they were getting alongside the
parapet OF the tower Strong took his
| coat of and hung II over the star
board OF the gunwale OF the airship.
Don't want TO scrape her" he said
| With a soft bump the "Di" came to
standstill alongside of the tower. the
propellers purring above her.
What on earth are You going 10
do?" asked Langley.
! Strong. still coatless. rolled up his
shirt sleeves and put his hands on the
| parapet.
Il am going to unship bell" he
said, and put IL on the handiest tomb
stone in the graveyard. Tomorrow
they will find ii there, and tomorrow
night London will be ringing with the
news of the bell that is not ringing
ST. Nicholas church is about to afford
mystery that probably never will be
explained at all Just think how you
and | would feel if we had any inter
est or any pride in any particular
church, and were to wake up In the
morning and find one of It's cherished
bells reposing in the graveyard. while
! the locks OF the church were intact
and there was no evidence of any kind
Va thAl VI OtiANA WiSts
! But what IS the purpose OF the
/ joke asked Langley.
1T isn't joke, my dear chap" said
/ Strong 1T is test: II is a test OF
the Dis efficiency and test OF our
own daring. II we can do little thing
( like this. we can do a much better
one later. simply want TO see how
we can steer your ship before | pro
Z Anunnrafn HanI- fuh
Langley. looking a little puzzled
peered at Strong In the darkness. but
he said nothing.
Strong stepped on to the platform
OF the tower and began 10 proge in
the darkness. He did not make much
sound. and presently Langley heard
hatcher being scraped somewhere
within the spire. The matches went
out and all was silent A few min
utes later Strong thrust his head and
shoulders over the parapet. and his
face wore broad grin.
1T is only a little 'un." he said. but
as much as / can carry" He drew
back, and with a heave OF his shout
ders hoisted brazen bell 10 the para
| pet
Langley looked at the bell a little
I doubtfully. 1T is bit OF weight.
he said. Il will give her an extra
touch--only' be quick"N
The propellcrs overhead purred q
/ little more loudly. while Strong strad
died the parapet. squeezing the shell
OF the "Di" between his leg and the
wall of the tower With a grunt and
a swift jerk of his whole frame, he
lifted the bell and placed 1t quare on
7 the deck OF the "Di" A second later
hew sa on board himself. and they
were sailing slowly downward
Now for another test" he said
we will have TO see II the IL will
i stand. just IS one sees that horse
can stand let's fetch her up on the
patch thes--."
l'7Down Az down went the "Di" TIL
kshe hung Just above the path, Strong
played on a button. and four steel legs
shaped IN telescope fashion. ran out
from the bottom OF the airship and