The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1913-04-21
THE [LYiEG MIN
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have already announced" silence
had fallen at his appearance, abrupt
and almost GREATNESS, a silence that
came so suddenly that it left mouths
open and half uttered words lingering
upon lips, but already the spell was
rapidly dissipating and a dozen
tongues trembling in their eagerness.
Then the storm of questions broke.
From every side and all at once came
ordinations, greetings and swift in
quiries as the guests came pressing
eagerly forward upon him, but Doris
lmperiously waving them back silenced
them until she had formally presented
him to those present whom he had not
heretofore met That over, however,
the vocal outburst came again in ques-
tions thick and fast, some serious and
filled with thought, some frivolous,
some nonsensical, yet each tinged with
the peculiar intouation OF highly strung
nerves, for despite their doubts rest
lessness was strong upon them. For
a moment he tried to answer them
serially.
And is there really no hope for US
professor-no hope at all of escaping
your sky dragon?"
Yes, madam. Always where there
is life there should be hope"
Il understand that you have stated
that this strange wanderer is abou
the diameter OF this state, and appear
to be a body complete in itself rattle
than a giant fragment torn from som'
mass. Now how do you explain"
Il beg your pardon, sir. / make N
attempt to explain"
you said it was apparently comin
from out of the center of space.
had always thought that we were i
the exact center of space"
And 80 we are, madam. So, also
Is everywhere else"
"And you have no consolation wha
ever to offer us?"
Eyes. If one must die l think
preferable to perish in a collision {
worlds rather than by microbe."
"And you are certain 1t will annih
late us-destroy US this very evening
'I can only hope that my fears al
wrong and that you will perish by tn
microbe after ALL" He raised his han
appealingly.
Ladies and gentlemen, please graz
me mercy. At present have nothir
to say that you have not alreaC
heard. And if you will only be p
tient few hours! For if | am CORE
and we are standing upon the vert
Of eternity, what matters an attemptt
explanation at this time? And if
am wrong and we escape, tomorro
will certainly have it's tale to unfold
He stepped backward pace, bowin
and Judge Fulton taking him by Il
arm turned upon his guests.
IF you will pardon the profess
and myself for a few moments viii
/ show him about the place. 1t is
first visit here, you know" Despi
their protests that Desmond belong
to them the elder pair wandered aw
together among the trees, leaving t
others in little clusters to resur
their speculations or once more ia
up their lighter talk and restless We
derings.
For the second time that event
Alan found himself temporarily ale
with his hostess. She was dressed
pure white-March's favorite color
on her-a quaint heirloom of unc
tain history upon her bosom.
eyes we're full of seriousness, her
skin even a trif1e fairer than usual
he thought, and her mouth swee
grave For while Doris was beyC
all question worried and anxious tn
was no fear In her voice, look or IN
ner.
And what do you say about it al
this marvellous forecast?" she smi
as they paused. March loved her,
knew It and sometimes took a w
ans advantage of lovers devoti
you have always pretended to
that you were so excessively int
gent, you know. l shall not be sa
fed Euntil you have settled the WI
matter one way or the other"
shook his head helplessly.
Il cansay what l think, WI
is this. have great resi-
for Professor Desmond's ability
Judgment, yet all mankind is full
error and false reasoning. Theref
in common with everybody else
only hope that he is mistaken. By
way, Doris, have told you yet tom
that / am still in love with you
really do not remember" She SD
her head imnatieutl"
To-,