The Huttig news., 1913-07-12

put all those who could see the eagle shouted huzza. Only one man bit hiF lips nervously, the Count von Wer denstein.
 The American flag saluted the cheer ing men, then white flag of truce ap peared beside it.
 T bring the greetings of the people of the American continent, and want to communicate with the commander in chief" came a clear, strong voice to the ears of the men on the flagship
 The generalssimus waved his hand toward the eagle. If you will ascend the observation tower we can converse comfortably" added the voice to him.
 The great chancellor went toward the elevator that carried him up to the tower, and the eagle descended un- til 1t was on level with the top of the tower. Opening a side window, the bird man leaned out and saluted the count.
 Here we meet, face to face, your excellency!"
 The Chevalier di Leon!"
 The chevalier is no more, your henor; l am Napoleon Edison"
 Mr. Edison, you are worthy of your names, both of them"
 Thank you, sir!" humbly.
 q presume you have come to renew your offer"
 "The time of offering Is gone, your excellency.' Napoleons voice was cold and cutting. The count was sur- prised.
 'I have come to your excellency to deliver the message from the United American Republics"
 Yes? I am listening"
 'The navy of the European confed. eracy entered American waters with apparent warlike intention and de stroyed the first isolation line The United Republics took note of this un- lawful action and hence give you warning that unless the navy under your personal command is removed from these waters immediately, the United Republics of America will cut you off from your resources and make prisoners of all the vessels that linger in the zone where they are at present
 Twelve hours are given for re. treat!"
 The Count vou Werdenstein lost his temper on hearing these words an6 took them for personal insult.
 Gan I see the papers that make you The bearer of such an impudent mes. ssge?"
 Napoleon moved the wheel trifla and the bird slid toward the count. who took the sealed package from his
 "The bearer, Mr Napoleon Edison Is the all-powerful representative oi the President of the U R. of A
 tSigned) ASTRA PRUDENT. fSeaD President. The count smiled and said while fold 1 ing the paper: "Tell to those who sent | you that I, Count von Werdenstein I commander in chief of the navies an( | armies of the European confederaey will break down all the resistance tha may be before me, and will land an, occupy the countries that you call tn, United Republics of America. The warning that you give me will not be | considered, neither will your actions 1 be feared. I am headed for the Amer ican continent and I will land"
 This is your final answer. your ex cellency?"
 "It is.''
 Please listen to me for a moment, mt az a couriar and ranracaptafiva but as man to man
 Not so very long ago I was your prisoner, and when I told you that l would escape, you only laughed. I escaped, and am standing here before you as proof that l can do what say. Count von Werdenstein. how will you answer for the mass murder that you will be responsible for? We have tried to avoid conflict"
 You speak as if mighty army and navy were at your elbow! What can you. single man, do against the force back of me-"
 Then you will not believe me, will not heed the warning I give you? Count, look into your own heart' I. SlHeIe HldD, nave tue power to Seuu you, with all your force, to the bot tom of the sea. I, alone, plead with you to return to your own land and let your armies and navies disband, for If you don't, many will never see their loved ones again." The count was impressed by Napoleon's sad voice, but there were many things to he considered, and. above all else. his own pride. A thousand deaths would be easier to account for than the fact that he, Count von Werdenstein. at the command of a single man in an odd airship. turned homeward and abandoned the invasion of America
 When he spoke, there was bitterness in his voice:
 "Mr Edison, something tells me that you can do az you say. ] know that, yet I will forget it until arrive on American shores; l will not hesi- tate for a second, I will go forward to win or die. If there is only one chance in a million. will try it. No shame shall besmirch the name of Werdenstein.'
 ''I am sorry, Count von Werdenstcin huf we must dafeud oiIr country and