Williams news., 1914-04-09
CHAPTER ii.-continued.

CHATTER u.-Continueo.
 One of them. noticeable for his tall. upright figure, clear>eyes and bronzed face, hastened to the helioboard; he was followed by a short man. whose rotundity more than made up for his lack of height The tall man with the bronzed face eagerly watched the sparkling news, as he had been cut off from any form of communication on the Tube Line for fourteen hours. The sparks at that moment were print ing some uninteresting commercial news. but soon the following notice ap- peared:
 "The cremation of the ex-PresideEt, Hannibal Prudent. will be held at 400 p. m Thursday"
 "Too late!" whispered the stranger sadly. removing his hat. Friend San tos, we are too late. How happy. how contented he would have been had he received the news I wanted to give him personally before he left" He took the arm of his friend. Come. Santos, we have some hard work in store"
 They took the elevator to the aero station of the depot, where they board ed the south-bound aero bus. A few minutes later they landed at the ter race of the American Hotel.
 The same morning Astra received several committees offering their sym pathies and condolences. When the last one had gone she sank exhausted on a couch. She had rested but a moment when a servant brought in card. She sighed wearily and made a motion of dissatisfaction when she read the name "Ambrosio Hale."
 The man was admitted. As be en- tered he bowed deeply before the weary girl who stood there in her black gown, looking like an angel of sorrow. The exquisite face had taken on a new beauty through her af1icrion. which the newcomer quickly noticed.
 T have come, my poor. suffering girl, as a friend of your father. Dur ing these days of sorrow your wom- ans heart needs the aid of strong man. Your father honored me with his intimate friendship. and want to ofier you my services"
 Thank you very much, MT. Hale Your kindness touches me. It Is good to know that there are friends upon whom can count during these sad days. My beloved father, however. made such far-reaching arrangements that hardly think there is any need of your assistance. But 1 thank you with all my heart"
 With these words she offered her hand to Hale, who retained it in his grasp greedily.
 T also want to tell you something confidential, my dear Astra: The Con- tinental Club feels that this coming election will bring the long expected event-that is. the nomination of the of the Continental Club rests on you!"
 Astra smiled serenely.
 Should the country select me for its executive. I shall be glad to serve, and will do my best to carry out the plans formed by my father for the fur. therance of the United Republics.
 She looked at the man whose ferret. like eyes could not leave her face whose thick lips were parted. showing ! row of gleaming teeth. In spite ot pis handsome appearance Astra had png ago discovered some bestial trait in him, and had often wondered how ier father could extend his friendship 10 such a man. These thoughts fitted through the brain of the girl. then an lfterthought came and she asked:
 MT. Hale. can you give me any in formation in regard to Q place I can aot find?"
 T will do my best. my dear Astra. taid Hale, as Astra hesitated.
 "Do you know a town, a district rillage or any other place by tn, rame of 'Cirynith?'"
 MT. Hale thought for moment, ther Admitted that he had never heard O he place.
 Astra felt come satisfaction.
 As Hale left the crystal palace, h, net the tall, bronzed man who hat trrived on the fourteen-hour limited rom San Francisco that morning, oI he broad stairway that led up to tn,