Cheyenne record., 1914-04-16

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 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.
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 message7"
The Vice-president, Mr.. Hale, was
announced to her one evening He
bowed deeply before her as the Pres
ident, then with the familiar air Of a
close friend, he took Astra's hand in
his.
my dear GIRL" he began, I am
much troubled; your efforts win un-
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 will be
Ill. MY dear Astra, you know how
much IL adore you" He had re-
tanned Astra's hand, but at these
words she slowly withdrew it.
Il first saw you when under the
care Of your father, watched you de-
velop. strong and beautiful. wish
you would let me carry at least part
Of your burden. I am a man and l
can stand more than a frail woman"
The girl president blushed: taking
this for encouragement, Mr.. 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, Mr.. Vice.president, and
be good enough to listen to me-"
He obeyed and Astra sat down op-
posite him.
Your proposal honors me, Mr.. Vice
president: I am sorry that I 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 sharp ringing sounded through
the whole suite. 1t was a signal for
extremely important communications
and she left. hurriedly with a glance
pleading for Hale's pardon.
A moment later Astra was in the
library putting the electro-stylograph
In working order with shaking fingers.
She could hardly believe her eyes; tho
pointer Of the machine was on the Is-
land Of Helgoland. the great German
fertilization.
The machine was at last adjusted;
the sparkling stopped and the strong.
manly voice of Napoleon Edison was
heard. His picture appeared on the
helioplate. bowling smilingly toward
the girl whose heart was beating
painfully. Her blood rushed to her
head as she responded to the greet
ing.
Your excellency. I have to report
that the confederated feet of the Eu-
ropean monarchies started for Ma
deira today. have been a prisoner,
but an hour ago ! escaped. Tomor.
row at 1000 p. m. l will be at the
Crystal Palace to tell you everything"
Il am 80 very. very happy that l
have at last heard from you!"
Edison bowed; in the hazy back
ground Of the picture she could see
another man holding a steering wheel
in his hand. and beside him was the
faint form OF a woman watching Edi-
son.
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,I#'
NJ