The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1915-09-24

heard the SOUND or hOotbeats long
before the rest OF US crowded around
her. For the moment we all stood
ready to repel an attack from any
quarter.
But It was not meant for US. II was
Woodward at the head OF a score or SO
of cavalrymen. With him rode 3
tramp on a horse which was strangely
familiar TO me.
"oh!" cried Elaine, there's the man
who saved mel"
AS they passed, the tramp paused
moment and looked at us sharply. Al
though he carefully avoided Elalnes
eyes, / fancied that only when he saw
that she was safe was he satisfied to
gallop off and rejoln the cavalry.
Around the old hotel. in every direc
tion, Del Mars men we're searching
for the tramp and Elaine, while in the
hotel another search was in progress
Have you discovered anything2
asked Del Mar entering.
mo, SIR" they retorted.
"Confound IT," swore Del Mar, 60
ing upstairs again.
Here we're also men searching
Find anything" he asked briefly.
mo luck" returned one.
Del Mar went on up to the top floor
and out through the open scuttle to
the roof. That's how he got away, all
right" he muttered to himself, then
looking up he exclaimed under his
breath, as his eye caught something
far off, THE deuce-what's that?"
Leaning down to the scuttle, he
called, "Jenkins-my field glasses
quick!"
One of his men handed them to him
and he adjusted them, gazing of in
tently. There he could see what
looked like a squad of cavalry gallop-
ing along, headed by an officer and
roughlooking individual.
"Come-we must get ready for an
attack"
In the laboratory-dinirg room his
men, recalled, hastily took his orders.
Each of them seized one Of the huge
black rubber, newly completed gas
bombs and ran out, making for grove
near by.
Quickly as Del Mar had acted, 1t
was not done 80 fast but that the
troop of cavalry as they pulled up on
the top of a hill and followed the di'
recting finger Of the tramp, could see
men running to the cover of the grove.
Forward" shouted Woodward.
AS If all were one machine, the men
and horses shot ahead, unt1 they came
to the grove about the old hotel. There
they dismounted and spread out in a
semicircular order, advancing on the
grove. AS they did so, shots rang out
from behind the trees. Del Mars men,
from the shelter, we're firing at them
But it seemed hopeless for the fugi-
tives.
Ready" ordered Del Mar as the
cavalrymen advanced, relentless.
Each Of his men picked up one Of
the big black gas bombs and held 1t
high up over his head.
Come onl" urged Woodward.
His men broke into charge on the
grove.
Throw them!" ordered Del Mar.
AS far as he could hurl it, each Of
the men sent one of the black globes
hurting through the air. They fell
almost simultaneously, a long line OF
tbor, ocob bron lyi,oy into q Thousand
bits. Instantly dense, greenish-yellow
fumes seemed to pour forth, envelOp,
ing everything. The wind which Del
Mar had carefully noted when he chose
the position in the grove, was blowing
from his men toward the only position
from which an attack could be made
Againsl Woodward's men as they
it seemed as if a tremendous,
wall of vapor were ad'
vancing from the trees. 1t was only
before it completely wrapped
them in its sitting, choking, suffocat
ing embrace. Some fell, overcome,
Others tried to run, clutching fran
tically at their throats and rubbing
their eyes.
Get back-quick-til it rolls over,
choked Woodward.
Those who we're able to do so picked
up their stupefied comrades and re.
treated, as best they could, stumbling
blindly back from the fearful death
cloud of chlorine.
Meantime, under cover of this weird
defense, Del Mar and his men, their
own faces covered and unrecognizable |
n their breathing masks and goggles .
dashed to one side with a shout and |
walking and running be-
lind and even through the safety Of
heir impregnable gas barrier.
More slowly we of the hunt had fol
owed Woodward's cavalry until, some |
distance off, we stood, witnessing and /
at the attack. To our ut
er amazement we saw them carrying |
)ff their wounded and stupefed men, |
We hurried forward and gathered |
lbout, offering whatever assistance we
'ould to resuscitate them.
AS Elaine and helped, we saw the
figure Of the tramp borne il
md laid down. He was not com
,letely overcome, having had presence
# mind to tie handkerchief over his
lose and mouth.
Elaine hurried toward him with ar
of sympathy. Just recoy-
ring full consciousness, he heard her
With the greatest difficulty, he
eemed to summon some reserve force
lot yet used. He struggled to his fee
nd staggered off, as though he would