The Rice belt journal. (Welsh, Calcasieu Parish, La.) 1900-19??, 1909-09-10
ILLUSTRATED
III S
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Idu Deen ldNlsneu. Inc guests gain
cred round a huge mahogany table
whose polished top reflected the light
from the colOred ports of the dome
and were served with refreshments be-
fore Bevins required to the object OF
his visit He drew from his pocket
an official packet and laid it open be.
for him.
Gentlemen" he began, "of course
you are interested in all that you have
seen, and in the attitude of the United
States. What | shall read to you are
my orders. | have come out here to
meet YOU for the purpose, first of all,
that you may hear them"
The Roberts had assembled to an al
titude above the others of the Ameri.
can fleet, and was resting in mid air.
1t was very still, the light hum of a
small dynamo from behind the parti-
tons being the only disturber of 81.
lence. He opened the document and
read:
You are instructed to intercept the
British fleet and assure its officers Of
the good will of the United States to-
ward his majesty, King Edward VII,
and all his subjects. You are to ex.
plain to them that the United States is
compelled, in pursuance of its adopted
policy formulated at the commence.
ment of the war with Japan, to main.
tain the secret of its power until such
time as it is deemed expedient to an.
nounce it to the world. You will then
endeavor to induce the British feet
to surrender itself into your hands as
guests of this country, assuring those
in command that all damages accru.
ing Will be repaired by the United
States. You are to use all due caution
to avoid injury to life, property, or
pride, and to transport the entire feet
TO the waters of Chesapeake bay, after
which for a brief period the officers
and men OF Great Britain will be en-,
tertained by the United States"
Bevins stopped and looked into tho
faces confronting him, which en
pressed variety of emotions, runnins
the gamut from stoidity to wonder
and from compliance to indignation
The British admirals yisage was
frowning one. Your country asks
too much" he said, almost explosive
ly. And really it volunteers no ey.
PLANTATION of its acts or intentions
Some of his companions nodded thei,
heads in approval. I'VE can't ar,
cept."
BeVlns reopened the parchment. 80
must then read you the concludins
clause" he said, and began:
1T is strongly desired that there hs
10 clash at arms; but in anv even,
you are to return with the fleet"
There was brief silence in the room
which was broken by Fields wbo
Jumped to his feet. Bevins rose anil
ne other officers did likewise, The
threatened unhappy conclu,
ions; but Bevins held I'D a restrain.
ng hand and went on:
Here! Before you underestimate
ne force of this last clause. LET me-
i've you a demonstration of what wo
an DO and how difficult it would no
or you to offer any defense or effec.
I've resistance whatever"
He turned to speaking tube gave
curt order and requested his yisi.
ors 10 iock through the TRANSPARENT
orts, which were suddenly opened he.
eath their feet. The Roberts swent
p into the air to such a prodigiouo
eight that the internal pressure
salnst her shell became terrific she
as at such an altitude that no mortal
eng could have withstood the strain
III only her splendid anchorable con.
and cohesive qualities kent
ei HUN hvlng apart. The world no.
," was reduced in appearance unit,
surface was obliterated IN DIN
aze and the shadows of the SIN wara
''hed against its eastern outline
IN great circles she descended unit,
e water again became visible then
e vessels upon it, and last Of all =
e crests of the waves. Now sho
'ooped lower and then at a speed y, 4
larry ooo miles an hour whipped a
laignt line close above the tons ~
e nghting masts, slowed down ana
nlrled in and out, about and above
e nllllsn ships as easily as would
'allo" in playful flight. On tho
cks OF the vessels men storos ~
ae-eyed amazement at this demon
,ne ar at first fearing that control
d oeen lost and the lives ,f thoso
oara We're in jeopardy. Then at the
'enuiu exhibition of speed and han.
hs 'hey We're dumbfounded The
'nelts then rose in one ou;oe rft
III 1t was above the plane Of altitude , .
'"iiieo Dy the other machines poisad
moment, and came to a ston ~
~ ms ''me no one had spoken
iu' NOW they turned to the Amor
w. unioosing their convu,sivo p
''ches from the seats and liberated .e
IN the spell. ''"'ea Sc