The Huttig news., 1913-06-28

saved the country from foreign invasion ana the continent had been united under one government. with Prudent as presi- ueht. For half century peace and pros peflty had reigned. The story opens with ffesident Prudent critically ili His death IS IS hastened bE the receipt of message rom Count Von Werdepsten Of Germany that he has at last succeeded in peue- tratns the rays. Dying he warns his d,aughter Astra that this means d foreign inVasiSn. He tells her to hurry to tie island of Ciryne. but dies before he can tell the location of the place.
 CHAPTER II-Astra is nominated for the presidency by the continental party.
 CHAPTER III-Napoleon Edison calls on Astra, informs her that he was a pu- Dli of her fathers, and promises to help her. He gives her ring made of a new ly discovered substance which, he says. Wlll solve the problem of flying.
 CHAPTER Iv-Chevalier di Leon ap- pears In Europe. He notes that prepara- tions have been completed fer an n- Vasion Of America He calls on von Werdenstein and offers him the secret of making gold.
 CHAPTER Vile demands in return absolute disarmament and peace The cheVaher Is suspected of being ar Amer lcan He is seized at night and carried or In an aeroplane.
 CHAPTER VI-Astra is inaugurated as president. She receives a message from edison. whose long silence has worried her. that he has been a prisoner far tive months on the island of Helgoland and iIas just escaped. He announces that the cenfederated fleet of Europe has sailed for America. He promises to call on her the following night
 The President was at ner office early the next morning. Her first of ficial action was to consult with the military commanders. then to send out proclamation to all the republics of the greatest union of the world, giving them detailed instructions re. garding the defense of the continent
 In accordance with the decision of the most competent military men. General Eugene Grant Gunner was ap- pointed commander in chief Of the con. tinental armies of America. Exten- sive arrangements were made to en- list those who were willing to take up arms for he defense of their country, and the old form of national guard tactics were revived
 Astra labored day and night though she prayed that God would prevent the bioodshed for which she was pre- pairing her people. Such were her thoughts and still no ne.s came from the man who had promised so much. from whom she expected so much.
 Her cheeks began to lose their color, and her large eyes often looked longingly into the distance. "Why does he not come? Why does he not send a message?"
 The Vice-president, MT. Hale, was announced to her one evening. He bowed deeply before her as the Pres ident, then with the familiar air of close friend, he took Astra's hand ln his.
 My dear girl" he began, "I am much troubled; your efforts will un- dermne your health. The roses on your cheeks are already turning pale You should think of yourself in the interest of the union, or you will be ,ll My dear Astra, you know how much I--I adore you He had re tained Astra's hand, but at these words she slowly withdrew it.
 T first saw you when under the care of your father, watched you de- ,velop, strong and beautiful. I wish you would let me carry at least part of your burden I am man and l can stand more than a frail woman. :"
 The girl president blushed, taking this for encouragement, MT. Hale con tinued "Astra, love you, will you be my wife,"
 The statesman stood helpless before the girl who smiled kindly at him.
 "Sit down, MT. Vice-presldent, and be good enough to listen to me-"
 He obeyed and Astra sat down op posite him.
 Your proposal honors me, MT. Vice president; I am sorry that am un- able to accept It. The times that we are living in are such that matters such as this would be out of place. and while you have all. my sympathy, I cannot tell you that you have my love-"
 A sigh escaped her lips: she thought of the man whom she loved, for whom she felt that she was created. She yearned to say some soothing words to the friend of her father, but just then a sharp ringing sounded through the whole suite. It was a signal for extremely important communications and she left hurriedly with glance pleading for Hale's pardon.
 A moment later Astra was in the library putting the electro-s stylograph in working order with shaking fingers. She could hardly believe her eyes; the pointer of the machine was on the ls- land of Helgoland, the great German fortiication.
 The machine was at last adjusted: i: the sparkling stopped and the strong. manly voice of Napoleon Edison WAS heard. His picture appeared on the helioplate. lowing smilingly toward the girl whose heart was beating painfully. Her blood rushed to her head as she responded to the greet ing.