The Detroit times., 1909-05-20
The Man
Who Stole
The Earth "
BY W. Holt Whits
CHAPTER CxV.-(contInusd.)

The king looked at them long aud
viciously. then turned his back on
them He saw argument was useless.
He was slowly beginning To recognize
that he was indeed 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 bad been lost
except his dignity, and il was by no
means conducive To his dignity to
stand calling upon troops who paid no
heed 10 things.
Therefore he sank back into his
seat and told Ludwig To drive TO the
balloon ground. lie was determined
10 make one last old 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 handful OF troopers OF
the guard.
tie stepped forward as the king got
out OF the car and made him a mock
how.
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 sayagely for him.
through mis- glasses and wiped his
hands on piece OF waste
His lank figure was not lovely, for
what sleep he had been able TO steal
during the week ne 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 | am here.
said the king
/ They went into the light OF the arc
, lamps which illumined the balloon
= ground as though IL were DAY. and the
| kings quick eye noted the work in
| progress.
: From three sheds came the ring OF
hammers on anyils. The bulls OF two
sirships 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 II.
Wldney was in charge. and was
| speaking earnestly 10 the half-dozen
officers whom Strong had selected 70
man the State" before he made his
dash on ST. Petersburg. II was up
to this little group that the kins
walked.
Gentlemen" he said. quite quietly
making his third and lasr attempt &C
win his countrymen back TO him, -
have returned 20 my own"
An own, said Langley, which Is
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.
"Gentlemen"-
But now II was Wildney who cut
him short
II 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 on
GERS TO get into the airship. They felt
q 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 OF. please >
he said
Now" he added. tirning briskly 70
his majesty. II have no desire TO be
impolite 10 you. have consulted with
Mr.. Widney and Captain Hertz. who
represent Mr. Strong in his absence,
and we have decided that while you
will be allowed TO wander about "a
you please so long as you care to re-
main. you will not be permitted TO be
actively mischievous.
The State is about 10 make an as-
cent. and shall be grateful II you
will not interfere"
The king drew back and muttered
angrily to himself. He wondered II
this declaration OF I.angley'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.
Ito ne Conruurf.l
Java's coffee crop this year is esti
mated by the Dutch colonial govern
ment officials at 100000 pounds.