The Columbus journal. (Columbus, Neb.) 1874-1911, 1909-05-12

the darting hawk would have had
more chance than they before this on
slaught. This gigantic embodiment of
doom was leaping down upon them
with such terrific velocity and at such
an angle of flight as to preclude all
possibility of defense. Irresistible.
implacable. and noiseless, it was
plunging for the final thrust. Its very
method of attack was 50 surprising
and SO unexpected that they were
awed with fear. helpless, benumbed,
despairing and conquered. They were
men done to death and suffering the
agonies of wounds before the blow had
fallen. 1t was all accomplished with
such rapidity that not even the E;ost
terrified lad time to rush TO the rails
and throw himself into the sea. When
the instant of death seemed imminent.
they were paralyzed into inaction and
covered together. waiting for the
shock of humiliation.
And their suspense. although of a
different nature. was scarcely more
keen and heartbreaking than that of
those in the radioplane which was
hurting at them.
The admiral was still crouching like
a man prepared for blow. when Nor
ma with quick energy tilted over an.
other lever and checked the descent
Those within the shell felt their hearts
come back to the normal and were
once more able to breathe freely. It
was like the application of a powerful
brake to falling elevator, save that
there wac no abrupt jar, no discordant
sound Of steel on steel, and no shock
of friction.
Look out! Look OUT" they heard
her call. Hold fast, We're going to
strike!"
And then. even as they sough. po-
sitions of security, the great radio
plane felt sudden. sharp conclusion
of impact as the top of the fighting
mast struck its bottom plate, crumpled
like a match. and went crashing down
ward, a debris Of twisted, useless
steel. Even within the chamber there
penetrated to them the terrified
shieks and despairing cries of the men
of Japan.
Another quick smashing blow almost
threw those at the dynamos from their
feet, more cries were heard without,
and then, for the small part of a Sec
ond there was silence and immobility.
Even the storm of fire from the other
ships had ceased.
Norma alone seemed endowed with
power Of movement, and sprang quick
ly from lever to lever and switch to
switch, issuing her battle cry. 1.-The
dynamos! The dynamos!" she called
Full speed, and stand clear for fear
of accident! I've thrown the magnet
currents! Quick! all your power be-
fore others can train gun on u.s."
Her voice was sharp and decisive, and
her words snapped like lashes, driving
them to action. Steady, steady"
With almost the instantaneOusness
of its stop. the radioplane shivered and
throbbed with increased energy. The
dynamos hummed and reared, the
Norma quivered like q race horse
under a cruel whip, then steadied
itself. seemed to gather its forces to-
gether, gave one mighty lift, and be-
gan to ascend. The frightened cries
from without subsidized in stupefaction.
The fighting admiral with clenched
fists was running the length of the
staring through the lower
ports, and hoarsely voicing his exulta-
ton. his eyes flaming with the joy of
victory.
Out on the sluggish waves which
had now changed to q coldly cleaning
gray the other vessels Of the japanese