The Washington times., 1912-03-15

The Second Deluge eARRETF = = SERVES

nent was hopelessly buried. and even on
the high plans of the Middle West the
1ury or the downpour might have spread
universal disaster and destroyed nearly
all the vegetation; but. in any event. it
was there alone that the means of pro"
longing life could be sought.
with the problem squarely before his
mind, he was not long in finding solu-
ton. His first step was to make a thor
ough examination OF the aero, with the
hope that the damage that IL had suf-
fered might be reparable. He had all
the tools that would be needed, as it
was the custom for express aeros to
carry complete equipment for repairs;
but. unfortunately, one OF the planes OF
the aero was wrecked beyond the posi-
bility of repair. He knew upon what
modern airship depended. and he did
not dare undertake a voyage with a
lame craft.
Then the idea occurred to him of try
a machine Of the very latest type, and
made of levium, consequently II would
float better than wood.
II the opposition of shipbuilders, in
cited and backed by selfish interests,
had not prevented the employment OF
levium in marine construction, millions
OF lives might now have been saved
but, as we have before said, only a few
experimental boats Of leVium had been
made.
Moreover, like all aeros intended for
long trips, this one had what was called
boat bottom" intended to enable II
to remain atioat with its burden in case
OF an accidental fall into a large body
OF water. Pludder saw that this fact
would enable him to turn the wreck
into raft.
1t would only be necessary TO reshape
the craft little, and this was the
easier because the aero was put together
In such manner with screw-bolts and
nuts that 1t could be articulated or dis
q a
had entire confidence in his engineering
skill, and in the ability of the three ex-
perienced men of the crew to aid him.
He decided to employ the planes for
outriders. which would serve to increase
the buoyancy and stability.
AS soon as he had completed his plan
In his mind he explained his intentions
other members Of the party were al
first as much startled as surprised by
the idea of embarhng on a voyage OF
l,lCO miles In so questionable a craft,
but Prof. Pludder assured them that
everything would go well.
But hoy about the propulsion?' p
on the wind; and We've got no sails"
Pludder. Il shall use the engine, and
rearrange one of the aerial screws sc
mat II VIII serve as a propeller. l dc
not expect to get up any great speed
but If we can make only as much as
Two miles an hour we shall arrive on
the borders of the Colorado upland, 5000
teet above the sea, within about twenty.
three days. We may be able to dc
better than that"
Nobody felt much confidence in this
scheme except its inventor but IL ap.
peared to be the only thing that could
be done, and SO they all fell to work
each aiding as best he could. and after
| four days of hard work the remarkable
craft was ready for its adventurous
Prof. Pludder had succeeded even bet.
| ter than he anticipated in transform.
ing one of the aerial screws into a pro-
peller. Its original situation was such
that it naturally, as 1t were, fell into
! the proper place when the hull wa.
partly submerged, and, the blades beinl
! made of concentric rows of small plates
there was no difficulty in reducing then
| to manageable size. The position OF
at all. '- 'e'
| n Continuation OF This Story VIII
| He Found In TOmOrrOWIs
Issue OF The Times,