The Paducah evening sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1906-1929, 1908-07-23

Inc ngntS OF the motel entrance
were full upon them. bringing out in
detail to the curious guests who were
gathering on the marble steps the
men with barred heads and the gray
bearded English gentleman in the ma
chine. They saw him nod TO the
chauffeur. who was looking back. saw
the latter turn to his work. and then
the machine leaped away into the
broad drive toward the nearest park
entrance. And TO the amazement OF
the onlookers the men in uniform
stood AT salute until the machine had
disappeared. Not even then did they
disperse. but stood there silently
watching the skies. Pedestrians Joined
the group. specializing as to the cause
OF this uniformed gathering.
Several minutes elapsed. and then
from one and another came startled
ordinations. Up from the silent
park, soaring above the trees and
shrubbery with stately sweep. came
a strange row OF brilliant lights. The
secret was out at last. and the Amer
lean officers gave a frantic cheer.
which was Joined in b. the English
men. and taken up by the crowd. As
II to recognize their parting shouts.
the searchlights OF the Roberts In daz-
cling ripples Of color hared suddenly
upward and round in fan-shaped
sweeps, which we're finally directed
full upon the streets below. At a
comparatively low altitude the craft
went slowly across the city and head
ed toward the Atlantic. while men
upon the pavements beneath took up
the cry. until from all sides windows
opened and the people rushed into
the streets for a sight Of this mysteri-
Gus aerial visitor. Reaching the low
eryedge Of the city. the radioplane shot
up aud up until II was a speck Of light
against the stars. took one last cir.
cling flight and with marvellous
speed disappeared in the east. And.
while America was gaining her first
| knowledge OF this incredible flying
machine. the Roberts was shooting
away in long straight track for the
old world.
The king had watched the sights
below as long as they we're visible.
Through his glasses be had seen the
streets become filled with excited
men. women ana children. and their
shoutings had come to him family
above the hum OF the dynamos The
glimmerings OF the great harbor
dimmed and died away, and here and
there could be deserted the lights OF
the slow steaming patrol ships keep
ing the outpost watch upon the sea.
When the last sign OF life had van.
ished, be turned TO his companions in
silence. thinking Of all that had taken
place within the few recent hours.
Only a short time ago they had en-
tered this aerial chamber, standing in
dread Of the unknown terror Of the
waters and the meracing silence OF
this western continent they were leav-
ing behind. Only a few hours past
they had trembled at the powerless.
ness OF their nation and shudderingly
awaited the shock OF invasion.
Now they were going back TO Eng
land bearing news that would upset
old ideas, remove oil fear for the IN.
ture. and ally her with the most pow.
erful nation history had ever known.
They had sailed away furtively with
darkened ports. and we're now return.
ing in a glare Of white light. careless
OF who might observe. Events had
followed each other in such remark
able sequence, with such astounding
rapidity, that II wearied the mind TO
follow them. The king was ponder.
ing over the new situation when with
no preliminary notice every light In
the radioplane went out and they were
left In darkness.
From without and through the open
door came the voices OF the admiral
and engineer In conversation:
1T can't be an enemy"
Hardly; but we dare take no
chances"
What do you think II Isl"
Il don't know. A minute or two
will tell II they have seen US
The king and his countrymsp