The evening times., 1911-07-08
CHAPTER XIV.
A NAv1GAToR's NERVE.

CHAPTER XIV.
A NAvIGAToR's NERVE.
Now. 1t SO happened that Stephen
was contriving some plans Of his
own. This was in accordance with
+. the Holt nature. To have yielded
meekly to his mothers wishes; to
have resigned the conquest Of Juan
itas heart and admitted his failure in
the controlling motive around which
all else now revolved in dull obscur-
ity, would be a reflection upon the
reputation Of his indomitable and in
vincible sire. His sturdy millionaire
father, thus discredited, would feel
humiliated; Of this Stephen had no
doubt. The Holt record for doing
things" must be maintained. In the
matter Of success there must be no
blemtsh upon the family escutcheon.
Thus persuaded, Stephen put new en-
ergy into his efforts, already at stage
sufficiently fervent to set a whole
realm on fire.
When his dirigible was again in the
air, a full mile above the undulating
hills; with his capable navigator at
the wheel, the airship's planes now
set for greater attitudes, the blades
Of the white propellers revolving at
utmost speed, the morning light from
the east striking them full and fair,
until. to the Sonora and Susie, watch
ing from the veranda, and to many
others who were witnesses Of the
fight, the purring wheels, like two
great chrysanthemums hanging grace
fully from what resembled an oblong,
fantastically-colored vase - Stephen
emerged from his luxurious compart-
ment at the rear of the swaying car
rier, closing the door behind him. He
spoke to the navigator.
Head 'er to the northwest" said he
in whisper.
Il supposed we were going to the
San Madres." replied the navigator.
ITO the northwest, Airskootsky."
This was pleasant, sportive term
applied to Ivan Petroffsky when
Stephen was in a condescending mood.
How far away?" inquired Ivan.
ITO the Grand Canyon-anywhere
New Mexico-Arizona-away from
the spying world
Then Stephen returned to the COM
partment. He was not there alone;
there was one other-Juanita Guer-
zero. She was with him by invitation
"A very pressing d invitation, many
times repeated in the past few days.
yet never accepted until now. At first
her mother had objected. Afterward,
when the novelty of a dirigible at San
Enrique had worn off, and Bolston,
on his recent arrival from Washing
ton, had flown in it with Stephen to
the picturesque San Madres, the Sen
ora's prejudice against airships had
been overcome in some degree. Sure
ly, she thought, there could be no dan
ger, and Juanita would return the
same day.
So, Juanita was with Stephen in the
compartment, and Ivan had been in
structed to take a northwesterly
course for an indefinite destination.
OF course he would not disobey the
orders Of his affluent employer.
1t was now time for the midday
meal. To have luncheon among the
clouds would be rare experience for
Juanfta. So, Stephen touched a
spring; polished mahogany board
came down from the wall. 1t filled
the narrow space between Juanita and
him. as they sat facing each other
In the wicker seats. Then he opened
his larder 1t was filled with food Of
many varieties and in great quantity,
sufficient for long voyage. In anoth-
er cabinet there were divers bottles,
some of them containing special vim
tages not unlike that of which Eph
Fox and Eva Farnum had partaken
at Fox's private room in the c. @. D.
building, when he kissed Eva and
complimented her on her beauty. It
was, indeed, promising prospect,
thought the millionaire's son, who was
never quite so happy as now.
In no time at all, the maghogany
board was covered with choice viands
and tempting nectars. Juanita's ap-
petite had been enhanced by the ex-
hilarating air. She ate and she talk
ed. Her eyes sparkled like diamonds
with countless facets, only they were
softer and more beautiful than the
most costly Of precious stones. These
dark and glorious gems were suifused
with soulful love. Stephen was in
Elysium. Still, Juanita would not
partake Of the nectar. This was a
great disappointment to him; he had
expected her to act differently, here
In the seclusion Of hts compartment,
away from the restraining influence
Of the Sonora. 1t was all so very
cozy, with none to sec nor interfere
with anything that might take place.
So It was that Stephen drank for
both Of them until he was overfiowing
with prosperity. He told Juanita Of
his father. Of his great wealth, one
half of which would some day be his.
He told her Of the Holt summer home
in the mountains, OF their great winter
palace in the city, where 20 many dis
tinguished people were won't to a.
semble, and he described his fathers
elaborate dirigible.
1T 10 much larger than mine" said
he. Dad lives in It. He travels al