Omaha daily bee., 1910-09-18

it. hurriedly packed their dunnage, and
embarked. They were a gay party: Vir-
ginia was full of laughter; her color rose
and her eyes dilated as they took the
stream early enough, 70 the captains re-
lief, to let them through the New Canal.
from Strong's Bayou to the Lagoon by
daylight; for there were ghosts in this
region by night
do you see any signs OF a Storm
asked Mrs. Stott noting his upward
glanees.
No. ma'am" he returned. "Ah was
Just tryin' to make out IL Aid eve seen
that craft bsfo aloft than"
The craft alluded to was a great silver
Condor. cleaning in the sun, her rudder
q dark line across her bow. and along her
side the stripe Of a narrow aeroplane.
Virginia studied her absorbediy with her
field glasses. She was standing over from
Mobile, and was now above Montrose,
sailing low as IL for a short voyage.
Il think" said Virginia, that she's the
Roc. I'm sure OF it!''
Yes, ms'am," replied Harrod and not
another word was said, until the captain
saw the airship' librating, sinking balanc-
ing like hawk. far to the eastward.
She's lynn to-" said the captain. THAI
goes her lift down"
Why" asked Virginia wonderingly
what can she want over there in the
woodsT'
She's jIst about owe yo' home, ma'am,"
said Harrod.
Virginia grew pale and asking for the
glass. scanned the great aerostat with the
lowered lift. like a nexus, to the ground.
Cant you go little fasterT' said she,
laying down the binoculars.
"Aftah we clear Weeks Bay" said the
captain, wen go raght brisk, miss. But
we CANT go much taste hyah Ah'm
afraid"
His tones were low, sympathetic, respect
, ful. Injurious. perfectly courteous. She
felt Gained. Why be agitated! She could
, not be forced to return with the Shaynes;
, and what chance was there. for that mat
ter. for them to find this speck of a
. launch. and they so high above it and SO
far away?
Once clear OF the channel they stood for
I the south shore, the engines firing in
continuous explosion, as the captain threw
on the last speed. The bay was a great
mirror A fishing schooner, becalmed with
: all sails set. floated like a cloud above hei
, own elongated image; the cumulus clouds
cleaned in peariy immensely from the
, CLASSY depths. more imposing than in the
, sky; and the pursuing gulls occas 'onally
: embraced their own white wraiths as they
dipped in the wave of the wake. the real
kissing the ideal So thought Virginia
/ forgetful of the great aerostat at CArson's
Landing, forgetful of everything except
= the calm bay, the speeding boat, the meet
ing before her-the real kissing the ideal
=. suddenly with little scream She leaned
out 10 look upward past the awning. In
the water. instead OF bird or sail or cloud
q she had seen, coming up from the depths
!. under their rail- the Roc, under full
speed her great engines purring like tiger
. cats. her screws shimmering, her giant
p. hull respondent bubble Of steel. Look
ing up, Virginia saw her overhead, and
covered back into the boat; for peer.ns
!. over the rail and calling like an evil bird
was snberberg.
=, Shall All answer the hail. miss1' asked
: the captain.
mo-" whispered Virginia. Take ne
>, notice, ] beg OF YOU, captain"
The Roc swept on like a meteor, leavini
i. the launch behind. Virginia asked tn,
' captain II he supposed she hal beef
recognised
n All reckon not. miss" said he. "Jis
chance meetin. An reckon"
The captain told OF accidental meeting
:, of sailors in strange parts, OF encounter
: In the woods and OF experiences along IN
Waterside Of Mobile and Pensacola. tn
Roc dead ahead. her reflection wimplinl
= in the water like a stripe of nickel plate
!. was miles away, and Virginia breathe,
= freely. She was not frightened she toll
y herself-but she did-'t care TO meet tn
e Shaynes, or SilberberE
She's come 70. raght owe the Inn" sal
the captain. We're ove'haurn' her"
Is there no way Of getting 10 Thee
dors." said Virginia, adopting languag
= that drew q smile from Mrs. stott. Eek
eept BY passing them2''
mo. miss" said The captain. It's that
away o. none"
Virginia sat under the middle of IN
awning, quite IN a tremble. The boa
- slowly threaded the shelly entrance 10 IN
Bayou. ana passed the wharf Of the Inr
- The people on the quay were craning theI
nseks at the descent OF the passenger
y from the Roc.
Hurry Captain. hurry" urged Virgins
All can't, ma'am' said he "Ahu he
:. TO lie TO q minue. fob that boat New,
rear. miss; 20 AL rA<ht via 49,"