Williams news., 1914-04-02

The midnight visitor was Hannibal Prudent, the greatest scientist of the new world.
 The President spent the morning preparing dispatches for the represen- tatives of the European and oriental nations. He gave them twenty-four hours to order their vessels from American waters, advising them that if they had not obeyed the order in that time the United States would not be responsible for their future. The new laws that had been formu- lated by the United States govern ment and which were 30 objectionable to the powers would stand, and the United States would see that they were enforced.
 Three days later Hannibal Prudent created a current of the impenetrable 2 ray that isolated the whole Ameri- can continent from the rest of the world.
 Fifty years had passed: fifty years of independent peace. The Central and South American republics had joined the great United States and a confederacy was formed that secured their independence and the freedom of commerce.
 Those fifty years of peace had ere ated wealth, happiness and a scientific progress such as had never been eQualed.
 Now the man whose genius had made this possible lay dead, and his last words urged preparation for war.
 Astra sat before her fathers desk; before her lay document that de- manded careful study-the will of her adopted father
 She did not look at the long list of bonds and stocks; she did not care for the vast wealth that from now on would belong to her alone. The pa per she was reading contained far reaching instructions, prophetic in- sight into the future. The last page was a farewell letter:
 My dear Astra, knowing that I am nearing the limit of human existence, and that rest awaits me after long and full life, set down such facts as will enable you to make the best use of the knowledge that I, the old tree. wish perpetuated in the blossoming plant; 1t is you who will be respon- sible for the coming prosperity of the country. God gave you broad mind that has developed to it's fullest ca pacity under my care and I am proud of you, dear girl; you are chosen to do great things for your country and humanity.
 There is only one man on earth who is worthy of calling you wife; you will find this man, or he will come to you, as you two are ordained mates, comrades.
 When I go to my rest feel that I will leave turbulent times behind me. My 2 ray will not remain impene-i trable forever, and when the day comes that it is destroyed, the coun- try will need a brave, competent man to drive away the dreadnaughts. He will come, as he has been fully in- structed. Trust in him, my dear daughter.
 This country was not developed to be blasted by war; the adventures of warfare and strife are not for it. Our Creator selected this country to pro- mote freedom, equality and science. Thundering cannons shall never more sound on our shore; our land shall be land of love and peace.
 I have labored hard to spread this gospel. After I am gone the task is your inheritance. dear Astra.
 Before I die will tell you where to find the one man competent to assist you and will further instruct you in your duty.
 God bless you, my daughter. you have ever been my joy and pride"
 Astra put down the paper, and. star ing out into the beautiful garden, mur- mured to herself: Hurry to the Island of Cirynith! Cirynith? I have never heard of the place, and he left no spe- cific instructions"
 The entrance of John, a faithful old servant, woke her from her reveries. With shaking lips he announced that a reporter for the Hourly Stylograph wished to see her.
 Folding up the documents, Astra locked them in the safe, then said, q will receive him at once in the green room"
 The servant left. Astra hesitated for a moment, then she said aloud, with quiet determination:
 Father, I will accept the inheri- tance. I will wait for him to come and help me; will take the burdens on my shoulders and faithfully carry out your teachings. God help me to!"