The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1909-05-20
THE Man
Who Stole
The Earth"
By ". Holt Whifs
CHAPTER Lxv.-(continued.)

4 ~
The king looked at them long and
viciously, then turned his back on
them. He saw argument was useless.
he was slowly beginning 10 recognize
that he was indeed a beaten man. He
had imagined that his presence would
have inspired some enthusiasm. at
least sufficient enthusiasm 10 arouse
attention and few cheers. That
would have been a beginning. IL
would practically have been a victory.
But he met with nothing but a stony
and crushing silence.
lie saw plainly enough. indeed, that
practically everything had been lost
except his dignity. and IL was by no
means conducive TO his dignity 70
stand calling upon troops who paid No
heed TO things.
Therefore he sank back into his
seat and told Ludwig To drive 10 the
balloon ground, He was determined
to make one last bid for the recovery
OF his stolen kingdom.
| But even as the car turned about
Hertz hurried into the palace and got
into communication with Langley. SO
that Langley was forewarned and fore.
armed
The king found the balloon ground
hinged with troops. Langley was at
the gate with a handful OF troopers OF
| the guard.
He stepped forward as the king got
out OF the car and made him a mock
bow.
Welcome. your majesty" he said
| You are very insolent," said the
king
Il am treating you with the respect
you deserve" said Langley.
He grinned. rather savagely for him
through his glasses and wiped his
hands on piece OF waste.
His lank figure was not lovely. for
what sleep he had been able 10 steal
t during the week he had taken In his
clothes.
Langley made him another little
/ bow.
Perhaps he said. you would like
10 see over the works
THAT is precisely why l am here. .
said the king.
| They went into the light OF the arc
lamps which illumined fhe balloon
ground as though it were day. and the
! kings quick eye noted the work in
progress.
From three sheds came the ring Of
hammers on anvils. The bulls Of two
airships on the stocks were practically
complete: the third airship, he real.
lied, was not only complete but ready
for fight.
The men were standing by IT,
Wildney was In charge. and was
I I-N,~ 81 EalN A.
officers whom Strong had selected 10
man the State before he made his
dash on ST. Petersburg. II was up
TO this little group that the king
walked
Gentlemen" he said quite quietly.
making his third and last attempt 70
win his countrymen back 70 him, II
have returned 10 my own"
An own" said Langley. (which Ia
not yours This ship is the property
OF the king OF Bahama. and Mr..
Strong is dictator OF this country $
destinies You will be kind enough to
be a shade more careful in your Ian.
guage"
The king turned his back on him
and began again.
Gentleman
But now it was Wildney who cut
him short.
81 allow no man. he said. TO In
terfere with the men under my COM
mand. ! will now begin 10 give your
majesty a little demonstration OF our
abilities"
Turning about, he ordered the Off.
GERS 10 get into the airship. They felt
/ little nervous In the presence Of the
late king. and gladly turned to their
duties.
Officers of the king OF Balkania!"
he cried.
| But he got no further, for Langley.
stretching out a sinuous and grimy
hand, grabbed him by the collar and
dragged him back. Hands off. please. "
he said.
Now" he added. turning briskly TO
his majesty. Il have no desire to be
! fmpnffte to yeu%T have consulted with
Mr.. Wildney and Captain Hertz. who
! represent Mr. Strong In Ills absence.
and we have decided that, while you
will be allowed TO wander about as
YOU please so long as you care to re.
main. you will not be permitted to be
actively mischievous
! ne StdtS 10 aocut w mani Gil %
cent. and | shall be grateful IL you
will not interfere"
The king drew back and muttered
angrily to himself. lie wondered II
this declaration OF Langley's were
justified or whether II were merely an
/ idle boast.
/ But speculation on that point was
soon ended. for Langley. approaching
Wildney. gave him certain orders and
almost Immediately the State lifted
and went up.
| tTo re CouftnuedI
Java's coffee crop this year is esti'
mated by the Dutch colonial govern
ment officials at 100000 pounds.