The Columbus journal. (Columbus, Neb.) 1874-1911, 1909-06-09
ZLNz7AZED
" -
EMzZz

throne may never show surprise-so
runs tradition-but on this night an
expression of establishment burst from
one Of her sovereigns as he entered
the yawning portal of the strange ma
chine. Up to that moment neither he
nor his companions had entertained q
belief that the American engine Of
destruction could be other than some
powerful, speedy. and invincible sub
marine. Now in the cloak of fog and
darkness, within sound of the roar OF
traffic past his palace gates, In the
midst Of his own garden. he found q
formidable monster with undreamed-
of might.
With his companions he was ushered
through shadcwy comparatively
without hearing the stealthy closing Of
the port through which he came. Nor
was he aware as he entered the bril-
liantly lighted drawing room amid
ships. that already ne had been lifted
into the light Of stars and was flying
through space over the Atlantic ocean
at a speed of 600 miles an hour. It
was incomprehensible that before his
first questions had been answered the
ribbon Of the channel had been passed
and Ireland had lost itself in the
eastern horizon. Gravely interested
and steadily courteous, he inspected
the radioplane under the guidance Of
the inventor and his daughter, who
made known to him its capabilities.
and 1t was his own suggestion that
the trip might be extended to the
Chesapeake, where the fleet Of the
Lion was moored. For once the first
lord of the admiralty showed eager
ness, and was visibly pleased when
Bevins said there could be no objec-
ton to the kings desire.
Between the inventor and the king,
as they sped westward, there was es-
tablished a friendship. Gruff and
querulous "Old Bill Roberts, demo-
cratic to the core, and respecting men
only for their real worth. found in
this quiet, selfcontained guest one
whom he could admire. And to the
monarch the scientist was the most
interesting man he had ever met, con-
sidering that his past achievements
had gained worldwide fame, to be
capped with the surprising creation
of this aerial masterpiece. From time
to time he glanced at the stately
American girl, who sat silently beside
the prime minister. He found him
self puzzled by the brooding wistful-
ness of her eyes and specializing as
to what yearning had mirrored it's
sadness in their depths.
Not until Bevins had recounted the
tale of the western battle did the king
realize that on occasion the supple
hands of the girl might become things
Of steel, and that within her was a
soul of fame. She begged permission
to retire before the admiral had fairly
begun his story. and was not there to
hear that stern old veteran of the
seas conclude with the trenchant
statement: 1T was not l, your majes-
ty, who won the battle that day; 1t
was that slip Of a girl who led the
cohorts of the Eagle down upon
them. 1t was she who clasped the
flag in her arms when the battle was
DONE"
The men in the room leaned forward
in silence when Bevins ended. They
had been carried away into theorealm
of imagination to picture the stirring
clash Of mighty arms and valorow
deeds. Before anyone could speak an
officer appeared at the door.
II have to report that we are above
the Chesapeake, sir" he said to his
superior.
It was the breaking of reverie, the
sharp call from the past to the pres
ent, and the king rose expectantly.
The lights of the Roberts flashed out
and left them in darkness. The ports
below opened, and they grouped them
selves round them. with night glasses
rendered by their host
ITO BE CONTINIIEDN