Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1913-07-18
CHAPTER VI.
Tho Message From HeIooIand.

The Message From Heleoland.
The election wa over. Astra Pru.
dent. daughter Of Hannibal Prudent,
had been elected President Of the
United Republics OF America. The
dignifed Ambrosio Hale won the Vice
presidency The elections OF the south
ern republics took place at different
dates. but throughout the continent
the continentals were IN power.
The girl, upon whom future respon-
sibilities rested heavily, was strength
ening herself for coming events. She
was occupied consulting politicians,
generals, admirals, making flying trips
to the Notifications that were rapidly
going up, o. being remodeled accord
ing to the new requirements Of the
times.
Constantly she expected news from
the man she had seen only once. the
man whom she looked upon as the de-
1iverer of the American continent, and
Also the man she loved.
Days, weeks, months went by. The
day of Inauguration came. She had
expected confidently that she would
hear from him. or see him on the day
she took the oath at the capitol. but
she pas disappointed.
The whole American continent cele.
brated the day. but it was empty OF
Joy for her. the President.
She appeared in white, simple,
beautiful, unadorned except for the
ring which he had given and she al.
ways wore. She looked like a bride
On her way TO the altar with the man
she had chosen.
The ceremonies occupied almost the
entire day, and the evening was spent
at the ball given by the continental
lists. Throughout the congratulations
that were received q shadow wa how.
ering over all.
It was late when Astra arrived at
her home. She looked over the cor
re~spondence that awaited her. There
was no line from the man whose hand.
writing she had never seen, no news
whatever from Napoleon Edison.
Yet he had said, "You will hear
from me as soon as I can tell you
something definite. When you need
me | will be at your side ready to
help you"
With these thoughts to console hen
she bent her head to sleep.
The President was at her office
early the next morning. Her first Of
fetal action was to consult with the
military commanders, then to send
out a 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 o n
tinental armies of America. Exten-
sive arrangements were made to en-
list those who were willing to take up
arms for The 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 bloodshed for which she was pre-
pairing her people. Such were her
thoughts and still no news 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 hooked
1ongingiy into the distance. why
does he not come? Why does he not
send a messenger"
The Vi~ce-president, Mr.. Hale, was
announced TO her one evening. He
bowed deeply before her as the Pres
idsnt, then with the familiar air of o
close friend. he took Astra's hand IN
his.
MY dear GIRL" he began, r am
much troubled; your efforts VIII UNI
dermine your health. The roses on
your cheeks are already turning pale
You should think of yourself in the
interest Of the union. or you wnl be
III. My dear Astra. you know how
much FL adore you" He had re-
tanned Astra's hand, bu. at these
words shs slowly withdrew It
II first saw you when under the
care Of your father, watched you de-
velon stlong and beautiful l Wieh