Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-07


We are still beyond sound, he declared, 81 and
who knows but when the comes up and sweeps
away the fog shall find ourselves above land?
Think how glad should be! l should then climb
up over the outside rigging and find way to release
the gas from this bag that has abducted u.s. SO we
could descend with proper dignity and unbroken
bones"
Unsmiling she listened and watched him. and there
was something OF unconcealed admiration and at
lection IN her candid eyes: He clambered stfly up
the network, while she TREMENDOUSLY cautioned
him, and Their outward until from the dizzy turn of
the rigging he could inspect the upward slope of the
dull, vanished shape. He was white when he re-
gained the car. and his face betrayed some new
knowledge bordering on disaster.
What is it," she breathessly queried You
saw something that alarmed you You tell me,
my-my friend"
He tried to evade reply. He knew that the end
not far distant for he had found that either the
gas was less expansive or was escaping Baggy folds
were gradually replacing the hardened plumpness of
the silken shell. dull sound, still distant was be-
coming painfully audible to his superacute
He tried to talk constantly so that she might not
and more constant until she paused and wild eyed
stared at him.
The seal" she said in whisper. The SEAL
It's becoming more insstent in dull
menacing, and cruel monotone.
YES he answered, scarcely louder lit is the
seal"
Like one distraught he tore loose f.om her. and
his apathy gave way to period of extreme action.
He tore the fra seats loose and them overheard
into the mist; but the balloon did not perceptbly
v.
He slashed at the rope nettngs round the cage
and threw those Everything had been done
that could be done. The inevitable end only
few minutes retarded.
SUDDENLY and smiling he stepped over to her
~ and held out his hand. Wondering at his action
she accepted 1t and then started back alarm,
reading his intent
"Goodbv,'' he said quite clearly I'm going now
I'm the last of the ballast that be spared. And
before | 60 | you to promise me to fight to the
last. Don't lose hope 1t makes my going little
easier to have known you and to realize that my
last personal action has been in trying to do some
thing for one WE'LL care for
She clutched her around him as he started
for the edge of the denuded and held him back
mo, no, no! Not that" she insisted her voice
rising to shr1ll entreaty. Don't leave alonei
You must not! You shall not!
He paused and tried to unclasp her hands; but
they chung more desperately, He hestated to
force on those slim fingers which were lntert wined,
and so for an instant rested. In a measure she
gained command of her voice while the din of the
hungry sea came nearer.
Your going would delay it but little while she
pleaded. 1t is hopeless and II afraid to die
alone To go down into the waters alone and stay
there forever-alpne!
He made another attempt to gain his freedom;
but she prevailed.
Promise you will stay! That when the last
comes you will hold me tight against your breast!
l am no longer brave. l am frightened!'
Holding her in his arms, he promised. and in the
weary drag of minutes she again became calm, as
though resigned. She buried her face against him,
and he knew that once more Shc was praying. The
balloon dropping more rap lily through the mist,
and he knew that in few moments they could see
the codly flashing waves beneath. He drew his coat
up round her head keep her from seeing the thing
of horror.
1T is the end?" she asked.
Still looking down into her eyes, he gravely
no lded.
Her went up trhe higher, and she drew
his head toward her own upturned face All" she
said. You have been SO kind considerate,
brave! l shall die easier While holding to you and
She had drawn his head still lower and very