El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1911-07-31
By Garrett P. Serviss
Illustrated by Parker.

mug away Will us pIlsOHcrs
But we were powerless to interfere
the Eagle lowering and dipping like q
wounded bird over the lake and refus
ing to answer her helm. We could not
even return the fire, for neither Of oul
guns could be brought to bear. and Il
they could have been we might have
killed the prisoners as they were car
ried aboard
1 managed to signal the other aeros
to close in. doubt if they noticed the
signals, but they endeavored to close
Just the same. I saw the blue flashes
from two or three of their guns as
they swept down over the trees to the
lake, but the shells exploded in the
forest beyond, and minute later the
Chameleon rose like g. frightened hawk
in short, swift spirals. making straight
up into the darkening heavens
The Skylark, which recognized by
her rig, darted after her. and l saw
several shots fred, but evidently with
out effect, and the Chameleon, sud
denly changing her ascent to hori-
zontal course, rushed away with amaz-
ing speed, while the Skylark continued
to chase her. The other three moved
confusedly about. and shouted to the
Osprey to drop down by Us.
"Here," ] said to Lieutenant Osborn.
her commander. take charge Of the
Eagle and beach her. I'll take the o.
prey with my crew, and you can trans
fer yours to the Eagle. Quick. nowg'
The transfer was effected in less
than FIVE minutes, and Immediately
rose out Of the shadow of the trees.
commanding the Grow and the Bobo-
Link to follow me at full speed Mr..
Grayman and the secretary. of course.
accompanied me aboard the Osprey. It
was desperate move, but the only
thing to be done. as the Eagle had
become utterly unmanageable.
When we had attained a considera-
BILE elevation we caught sight Of the
chase far OF to the north. the heav
ems yet retaining a twilight glow. The
Skylark Yves far In the rear. but keep
ing nobly at her work and occasional
iy firing a gun. to which there was no
response
The revenue f1iers were all built on
the same general plan. so that l ran
no risk OF confusion or uncertainty
for my men In transferring them. /
wanted my own crew because knew
every man of them like q book. and
particularly wanted Ethan and the
engineer. l should have liked to give
Ethan his own gun. but, of course.
when every second was precious, no
transfer Of armament could be thought
of. AS soon as the chase was located
/ ordered top speed and then took Mr..
Grayman and the secretary into the
cabin for a consultation They were
greatly cast down by the unfortunate
turn that the affair had taken. partic-
ularly the Millionaire, who fairly groan-
ed:
Hes run or with Helen. and now
he'll Kill her. Oh, why did we under
take this7'
Mr.. Grantham evidently felt that the
responsibility rested on him. and he
showed no disposition to shirk It Nei-
Their was he altogether discouraged,
and he started to inspirit his friend
Gentlemen" ! said respectfully.
pardon me for saying that we have
no time now for talk of this kind. It
Is not for that that / invited you into
the cabin Mr. Grantham, you have
done me the honor to put me in COM
mand- Ii / am to succeed from this
time forth / must be unhampered
wanted to ask you. Mr.. Secretary, If
you would be willing to leave me in
absolute control | have hitherto felt
that / ought to consult you in critical
moments. l do lot want to do that
N the future. Our only chance is In
having a single responsible commander
and no divided counsels."
You are entirely right" exclaimed
he secretary. 81 believe it's my fault
hat Payton got of. From this mo-
nent you are In absolute control. I'll
simply be spectator"
Mr.. Grayman said nothing. and /
was greatly gratifed
/ went Immediately on deck, the 9TH
MS following. | was delighted to per-
.eive that the Chameleon was still Wis
Bile, though dim In the distance, with
he Skylark doggedly churning after
Ter and yet firing from time to time.
Close behind US rushed the Crow and
he Bobolink. l visited the engineer.
Jim. do you know the Osprey's mo-
orsr' asked
I've been aboard her often" he said, |
and know her whole makeup pretty /,
veil"
what is her best speed?"
"Jack"-the regular engineer Of the |
)sprey-"often told me he had made |
80 miles,"
See if you can't work it up to a |
hundred and forty"
Il don't believe it's possible" replied |
I'm. "but I'll bust her If you say So"
Il don't say bust her. but say see
What is the very best that's in her."
''Oh, If l only had the EagleP be re-
pended
mo use wishing for what you can't |