Williams news., 1914-05-28

The great chancellor went toward the elevator that carried him up to the tower, and the eagle descended un- | til it was on a level with the top of the tower. Opening a side window, the bird man leaned out and saluted the count.
 Here we meet, face to face, your | excellency!"
 "The Chevalier di Leon!"
 "The chevalier is no more, your honor; I am Napoleon Edison"
 "Mr. Edison. you are worthy of your names, both of them"
 Thank you, sir!" humbly.
 q presume you have come to renew your offer"
 The time of offering Is gone, your excellency." Napofeon's voice was cold and cutting. The count was sur prised.
 T have come to your excellency to deliver the message from the United American Republics" Yes? I am listening" ''The navy of the European confed eracy entered American waters with apparent warlike intention and de
 
 United Republics took note of this un- l lawful action and hence give you warning that unless the navy under your personal command is removed from these waters immediately. the United Republics of America will cut you off from your resources and make prisoners of all the vessels that finger in the zone where they are at present.
 Twelve hours are given for re treat!"
 The Count von Werdenstein lost his temper on hearing these words and took them for a personal insult.
 Can see the papers that make you the bearer of such an impudent mes sage?"
 Napoleon moved the wheel a trifle and the bird slid toward the count. who took the sealed package from his hand. He broke it open and read:
 The bearer, MT. Napoleon Edison. is the all-powerful representative of the President of the U. R. of A. (Signed) ASTRA PRUDENT.
 (SeaD President. The count smiled and said while fold ing the paper: Tell to those who sent you that I, Count von Werdenstein, commander in chief of the navies and armies of the European confederacy. will break down all the resistance that may be before me, and will land and occupy the countries that you call the United Republics of America. The warning that you give me will not be considered, neither will your actions be feared. am headed for the Amer ican continent and I will land"
 This is your final answer, your e0 cellency?"
 '1t is."
 Please listen to me for moment. not as courier and representative, but as man to man.
 Not so very long ago I was your prisoner, and when I told you that l would escape, you only laughed. escaped, and am standing here before you as proof that I can do what say. Count von Werdenstein, how will you answer for the mass murder that you will be responsible for? We have tried to avoid conflict
 You speak as if mighty army and navy were at your elbow! What can you, single man, do against the force back of me?''
 Then you will not believe me. will not heed the warning give you [? Count, look into your own heart! I, single man, have the power to send you, with all your force, to the bot tom of the sea. I, alone, plead with you to return to your own land and let your armies and navies disband. for if you don't, many will never see their loved ones again." The count was impressed by Napoleon's sad voice, but there were many things to be considered, and, above all else, his own pride A thousand deaths would be easier to account for than the fact that he, Count von Werdenstein. at the command of a single man in an odd airship, turned homeward and abandoned the invasion of America.
 When he spoke, there was bitterness in his voice:
 "Mr Edison, something tells me that you can do as you say. I know that, yet will forget it until I arrive on American shores; I will not hesi- tate for second, will go forward to win or die. If there is only one chance in a million, will try it. No shame shall besmirch the name of Werdenstein."
 q am sorry, Count von Werdenstein, but we must defend our country and liberty. I will now remove the flag of truce and return to America and from this second on you can consider me an enemy"
 He closed the window, touched a lever and with one mighty beat of the flexible wings the machine ascended at least hundred feet. The count looked after Napoleon. His face was pale as he hurriedly de- Scended to tha bridge