Williams news., 1914-05-07

tQ1S TOT SnCOuraSom6uCs MT. f1dl6 con tinued: "Astra, I love you. will yox be my wife?"
 The statesman stood helpless before the girl who smiled kindly at him.
 ''Sit down. MT. Vice-president, 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, 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. 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-stylograph in working order with shaking fingers. She could hardly believe her eyes: the 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. lowing smilingly toward the girl whose heart was beating painfully. Her blood rushed to her head as she responded to the greet ing.
 Your excellency. have to report that the confederated fleet of the Flu. ropean monarchies started for Ma deira today. have been prisoner, but an hour ago I escaped. Tomor- row at 10:00 p. m. will be at the Crystal Palace to tell you everything"
 'T am so very, very happy that I have at last heard from you!"
 Edison bowed; in the hay back ground of the picture she could see another man holding steering wheel in his hand, and beside him was the
  son.
 'I will be there at ten. your e1- cellency.'
 "T will expect you!"
 The picture vanished She leaned over the plate that had. second ago. reflected the image of the man In whom she placed all her hopes
 As she took the paper out of the machine to see the message she pom dered: The message came from Hell goland, and he says he will be here tomorrow. How can that be?"
 Recalling that the Vice-president was waiting for her, she went back to the green room. #
 "A very important message came," she said to Hale, in extenuation of her long absence. Then, after short pause. she added: T may as well tell you now, the confederated European fleet is on it's way to Madeira" The Vice-President gasped. And you have connections with Europe. your excellency?"
 She smiled at his surprise. Not connections; only one, but that one I believe in implicitly" Then there will be a session of the union ministers tomorrow%
 Not tomorrow, but very likely the day after.'
 Shortly after this the Vice-president left and Astra retired to her private apartment, giving out orders no one should disturb her until the next morning. ft
 When the tired, but now happy girl was alone, undisturbed, she kissed the ring with the word "Cirynith" on 1t, and looked up to heaven with joyful eyes. The man who gave her the ring | was coming.