The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-12-19

Owen was pux1led. Tho aefoplane DID
not form any part Of his present plans Be.
sides. he was . little nervous. for behind
the bushes from which he had just emerged
he knew that Balthazar and RaveIli lay
hiding. He had brought them there in the
hope of capture, but the presence OF the
aviators had foiled them.
However, he managed q CHEEKY answer
and followed Harry and Pauline to the
house.
Ravelli went through the bushss and
Joined the aviators. Balthazar followed MIN.
That's a great machine wonder" aid
Ravelli.
.You bet it is." said the airman. "but
r used to run one myself" said the ais.
graced soldier. ignoring the inquiry And
moving. as II fascinated, around the machine.
Come along" commanded BalthA1Ar. And
grounds to the wood gate and out into the
road.
Harry ana Pauline were In the library
when the telephone bell rang. about three
hours later. AS Harry answered the call. his
face suddenly blanched He shot sharp
hurried questions over the wires and. snap
ping down the receiver. turned with look
of dismay to Pauline.
what is it-what has happened?" she
cried. 1t was seldom that Harry showed
alarm.
called back to her - be was running to
the door.
She dew after him to the garage. I'm
coming, too" she cried.
time for parley. He helped her to the seat
OF the racing machine. and they shot down
the drive.
Owen stood gazing after them with look
OF almost plying triumph. He was called
back to the library by the renewed ringing
of the telephone bell.
The voice of Balthazar sounded Uvof The
wire.
master. we have gone too far The nrs
is spreading to the houses. and the wind
sweeps it on. The firemen are helpless"
owen. coldiy: -They are on their wy 70
you. Do as we arranged to do"
"But the fire will wipe out the town.
MASTER"
''what is the town to me? Have your
men got their flremen's clothing4''
Eyes. Master. Shall we help to save the
factory?"
Let it burn. II you do the work paid
you to do. can spare a factory"
1t was q hilltop ten miles from burn.
ing Braithville that Harry and Pauline in
their speeding car first saw the smoke
shroud with its lurid lining that marked .
city's doom.
''1ts. the whole town going" said Harry
in q choked voice.
Pauline shuddered ana gassd. fascinated.
at the far-duns battlements Of flame. They
sped on.
As they drew nearer the smell of not
smoke reached them, and they could hear
the roar OF the wind-drfven flames. on the
MIL descending to the town they could sec
house after house burst into flame: and.
now, fiocking like driven beasts along the
road. came the fire refugees-men Women
and children, carrying their small belong.
fngs. weeping shouting and afraid
At the verge of the town . companv NJ
nremen that had evidently hurried from =
nearby village without apparatus. ran from
q SIDE road as Harry's car approached.
MI Marvin, called one Of the men
dash1ng to the side OF the machine; "ouF
CHIEF has asked II he can see you. There n
q chance Of saving part Of the town BY using
dynamite
Harry stopped the car and jumped out.
You had better wait here" he said to
Pauline.
mo: I'm coming with you," she declared.
This way" said man. His com.
panions followed. arc and Harry ana
Pauline moved up the side road.
Another man in freman's uniform came
running to meet them. AS he reached Harry
he struck him q blow in the face, knocking
him into the arms Of his followers Two
men seized Pauline. In the din Of the fee.
Ing people on the main road and the roar -
the fire, their cries were unheeded
Gag them first" said Balthaxar, takinR
on his fireman's helmet Then back to th0
automobile"
ITO be continued next weele.)