The Washington times., 1911-08-21

sery of Gim-ra. after breakfast
the following morning. Fl always
thought the old Iellow was pray
ing as he looked down into the great
courtyard of the gomba, and 1 think so
yet.
experience and there can be no question
that IL tried his nerves to the full limit
of their endurance. With bulging eyes
and flowing name he held on as # mo-
mentarily expecting to be dropped onto
the hard stones beneath, though some
times l doubted if it were not the in
stitution that he dreaded even more
than the fall
But in an hour he had recovered his
equanimity and was pointing out the
way.
1T was the valleys of the Kim range
that deceived you," he was saying. mo
TIbetan is governed by them. once
launched upon their treacherous course,
one may wander to his death-indeed,
many have done so!''
The old man inspired us with conf
dence. There was a feeling that the end
of our troubles was at hand. The as
lsurance with which he directed every
turn-named every peak and greater
Ieminence-spoke Familiarity Of the val
leys, the giachugs, rest houses, and
jongs, the taos chus, and chiangs-trad-
Ing posts, rivers, and lakes-gaVe US a
feeling of assurance unknown for many
& day.
With the recovery of his nerves, Faith
er Keat wanted to know all about the
airship-what made 1t go and what held
Il up. Gwynne explained that he had
discovered a principle inherent IN Ger,
tain minerals which, when treateu
chemically. practically neutralized the
attraction of gravitation, and that II
as a marvel about TO revoluuomze
rial navigation throughout the world;
Je went on to say that the mineral
rare one, there being only one
deposit of it, so far as he knew,
the world, but that 1t was possessed
the marvellous quality of self-propa-
ton or extension, something IN the
ure of yeast, and that he firmly be-
ed his present supply, If used in
er' atmosphere, would last life
m but if not he knew where TO re-
Fo the old man would have
q Ty: the truth Of what he heard
we idence not before him. He
had nea. IF balloons, yes, but this was
a wonder he had never dreamed Of.
The young ladies also drew forth his
interest. He wanted to know II we had
cen making a tour through Tibet with
Ir wives, and when told that the Miss
arneys were not related TO us, ne
poked grave, as If suddenly suspect
that he had fallen into evil com
eny.
+ Gwynne explained the situation as
best he could, telling him that the girls
had no living relative. and that they
had been left orphans in foreign land,
and that through an extraordinary com
bination of circumstances we rad been
"ble to help them.
They are Christians.and Americans.
w could do 10 more-or no less he
added
The old fellow bowed his head rever-
entity. He seemed to be asking a bless
ing upon the party. I was rot quite
sure whether he approved OF our ac-
ton or not, but presently he looked up
and said:
I'VE are all brothers and sisters in
the greater truth. May we each re-
member it while the power 10 aid one
another lasts. Heavens blessing upon
you"'
heavenward as he said this, while an
expression Of ineffable peace rested up
on his features.
. As we advanced southwark and into
lower attitudes. our power increased.
The airship waxed strong with the sun
her speed was greater-the strange
force that filled her seemed alive.
Each night by the cheerful freight
we camped, sang, and were merry:
Several houses had been passed and
avoided, our provisions lasting better
than we had supposed they would.
But there came time when We must
halt. 1t was chaidam,, OF place Of
Great wonder was expressed by all
who saw us as we settled into the open
space behind the buildings. In few
minutes We were surrounded by saw
age crowd of long-haired, open-mOuthed
men, women, and Children-Tibetans
Cinnamon. Pamirs. Goloks, and tribes
men.
It was cheering to see even this mot
ley gathering of human bethgs after
our long, lonely, and anxious voyage;
and, although we did not like the looks
of all Of them, we anchored the air.
ship, and left 1t to the care Of Father
K0at, who inspired the utmost respect
from everyone.
But our stop at the Chaidam was not
long. Provisions were soon bought and
stored away in the airship, and by the
middle of the afternoon We were ready
to continue our journey.
There was a great shout OF applause
- VS rose again. and Father Keat
leaned over the rail and extended his
blessing to all below.
Again we were floating into the SOUTH
while the air was steadily growing
warmer. We were steering directly for
Calcutta, which, with our increased
power, We hoped to reach in a few days
more.
Father Keat was preoccupied. Some
knotty problem engaged his thoughts
His answers to our questions were
hort and irrelevant.
Swynne and l looked at each other
riringly. Was the old man Ill?
asst he spoke.
must leave you at the next
halt" he said. there's a question l
should like to ask before We part. From
anoth, it would be impertnent, but
from me, whose days are nearly ended,
/ trust you will not think So
Go ahead and say whatever you
wish" Gwynne returned. L promise
that nobody shall be offended"
1T is this proceeded the priest. 81
know men-I have studied them for
sixty years, and since meeting you
have observed many things. Now, don't
cry out in silly words of disapproval at
I'm a mind-header-I know you all-yes
and know that you are all in love.
Not with some far-off CT eature in
distant land, but your sweethearts are
here, close beside you in the al ship. |
could sort them out, If necessary, and
will do so If you wish. But-what
have TO say is this, let me marry you
here and now, in mid air. Such thing
was never done before"
Everybody laughed, but nobody denied
the old mans allegation.
II confess that I'm in love with jill,
] answered; but I've never asked her,
and don't care to be turned down 50
high up in the clouds.
Never fear! said Father Keat Il
will answer for her. And you" he add
ed, turning to Gwynne.
Il don't think il would take a mind
reader to tell what / want II Jack
jumped out of the airship, l should go
'headlong after her."
Exactly! AS have known it all the
time. And now, ladies, If yoU will kind
1 GnN hnr q IOnl