The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-07-31

Dack 10 ny WHICH.
 After awhile the Chameleon came down in the brush close to the point where our parachute lay. Payton dis appeared, and another man took his l place. The way in which they expos | ed themselves in surrounding the rocks I convinced me that Payton knew very well that had no other weapon than l a pistol.
 I now told Miss Grayman to renew her watch, being extremely careful not | to expose the least part of her person and to give me warning if any one tried to approach the rocks from her | side. I did not know at what moment the rush might come.
 There were yet several hours of day light, and if 1 could stand Payton of long enough I felt confident that our friends on the Osprey would manage to ground her if they could not re- verse her course and would come to our rescue I counted a great deal on the sagacity of MT. GranthaIh and the experience and devotion of Ethan Haight.
 On the other hand, we were without provisions and water. l felt the more because he must understand that aid would reach us before long, and l was puzzled at his delay after the arrival of his two men from the Chameleon. But presently I discovered the req son and felt my face turn pale. Out of the brush where the Chame- leon lay a kite began to rise. The wind was in such a direction as to carry it directly over us. I knew instantly what it meant, and it made my heart sink. Without explaining my motives, for they had not seen the kite, immediately led the two girls into a corner of the rocks, where a ledge projected so as to make kind of roof, while in front of the bears den thus formed another ledge rose, leaving only an irregular. narrow open ing. I hurried them in here, saying:
 ''I think they are going to fire shell at us, but in here you will be perfectly safe," and l turned to leave them.
 "But you," exclaimed Miss Gray man, detaining me. with an expression of concern that thrilled me-''you must not expose yourself while we are GOV eredp'
 "I'll look out for cover" returned, 'but I must first make sure what they are about
 knew we'll enough what they were about. It was evident to me now that the Chameleon carried the drop ping bombs that were used in War, and that Payton was going to drop one of these missiles upon us with the aid of at that time had come into use as an auxiliary in such cases.
 If the top of the rocks had been as exposed as he naturally concluded it to be his cunning would have had its reward and we should have been blown to bits; or, at the very least, put hors de combat so that he could safely rush the stronghold.
 1 watched the manipulation of the kite with the keenest anxiety. hoping that some accident would come to it. But Payton was skillful and in a few minutes he had it poised exactly over the top of the rocks. I was familiar with such tactics.
 I could see the round black bomb depending from it, and the string that controlled it's descent, the pulling of which would cause it to fall. In my desperation took quick aim with my pistol and fired, for the thing was not 0 hundred feet above us, hoping to cause an explosion in the air. But of course I missed, and an instant aft erward I saw the string jerked and the fearful missile began its descent
 I ran and dodged into sloping crevice at the side of the inclosure.
 In two or three seconds the explo- sion occurred. The effects were fear ful. It shook the whole rocky emil hence, sent fragments flying in every direction and ground the rock where the bomb struck to powder I felt an excruciating pain in my left ankle. which had been left exposed, but was out of my hiding place in mo- ment, limping to peephole.
 At the same moment Miss Grayman appeared, ashy pale and trembling.
 All now happened xs I had expected Payton, seeing that he had hit the exact spot aimed at, shouted to his men and.came running forward. An other man ran at his side.
 Quick to your lookoutp' called to Miss Grayman; "but, for Gods sake don't show yourselfv'
 At the same time I got ready for Payton. I meant to make sure of him now. Hardly second had elapsed when Miss Grayman said in fright . sDed voice:
 "Three men are coming on a run!'
 S'1'll take care of them," I replied. "Keep yourself under cover"
 It was Payton that I wanted. He being disposed of, felt in my exalta- tion equal to dealing with the others. The pirate and his companions ran with the speed of deer
 Presently he was within twenty-five yards. I could not be mistaken in him-a broad breasted mark, making straight for my pistol. leveled through a triangular crevice. I felt that I could not miss him. and growing through my clinched teeth, i've got you nowr' I fred
 But at that very instant Payton's foot caught and down he fell. my bull let singing over him. His wits work