Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1916-06-14
me-" she told him in turn-'T knew
you must. was praying that you
might be spared to me, my dearest"
CHAPTER XXI. No.
Winds of the Mornino,

! wings OF the Morning.
About half past six Lanyard left the
dressing room assigned him in the bar
racks at Port Aviation and, waddling
quantity in the heavy wind.proof gar
ments provided at the instance Of Du-
croy. made his way between two hang.
srs to the practice feld.
Now the eastern skies were pulsing
fitfully with promise of dawn; but
within the vast Enclosure Of the aero.
dome the gloom of night fingered SO
stubbornly that two huge searchlights
had been pressed into the service of
those engaged in tuning up the motor
Of the Parrot biplane.
In their intense, white, concentrated
glare-that rippled oddly upon the
wrinkled. oily garments of the dozen
or so mechanics busy about the ma
chine-the under sides of those wide,
motionless planes hung against the
dark with an effect Of impermanence-
as though they were already afloat
and needed but a breath to send them
winging skyward.
At one side number of young and
keen-faced Frenchmen, officers Of the
corps, were Longing, overlooking the
preparations with alert and intelligent
interest.
On the other, all the majesty of Mars
was incarnate in the rotund person of
M. Ducroy, posing valiantly in fur
lined coat and shining top-hat while
he chatted with an officer of tall, ath.
letic figure who wore an air Of uncom-
mon efficiency together with his await
ing uniform.
AS Lanyard drew near, this man
brought his heels together smartly,
saiuted the minister Of war and strobe
Off toward the flying machine.
Captain Vauquelin informs me he
will be ready to start in five minutes,
monsieur" Ducroy announced. "You
are just in time"
"And mademoiselle?" the adventurer
asked, peering anxiousIy around.
Almost Immediately the girl came
forward from the shadows with smile
apologize for the strangeness Of her
attire.
She had donned, over her street
dress, simple leather garment which
enveloped her completely and but
toned tight round wrists and ankles.
Her small hat, too, had been replaced
by leather helmet-cap which left
only her eyes, nose, mouth and chin
exposed, and even these were soon to
be hidden by heavy veil for protec'
ton against scattering OIL.
"Mademoiselle is not nervous-eh?"
Ducroy inquired politely.
Lucy smiled brightly.
81? Why should be, monsieur?"
81 trust mademoiselle will permit me
to commend her courage. Pardon! l
have one last word for the ear of Cap
tain Vauquelin."
Lifting his hat, the Frenchman
Joined the group near the machine.
Lanyard stared unaffectedly at the
girls face, unable to disguise his Won
der at the high spirits advertised by
her rekindled color and brilliant eyes.
''Well?" she demanded gayly. Don't
tell me don't look like fright! I
know do"
Il daren't tell you how you look to
me-" Lanyard replied soberly. "But
I will say this, that for sheer. down.
right pluck, you"
Thank you, monsieur! And you?"
He glanced with deprecatory smile
at the timsy-looking continuance to
which they were presently to intrust
their lives.
Somehow" said he doubtfully, Il
don't feel in the least upset or exhil.
arated. 1t seems little out of the av.
erage run of life-all in the days
work."
81 think" she replied, that you're
very like the other lone wolf, the fic-
titious one-Lupin, you know-a bit Of
a humbug. II you're not nervous, why
keep staring hither and yon-as If you
were rather expecting somebody's
II you wouldn't be surprised to see
Popinot or De Morbihan pop out Of the
ground-or Ekstrom!"
"Hum!" he said gravely. II don't
mind telling you now, that's precisely
what am afraid Of"
'Nonsense!" the girl cried in open
contempt. What could they do?"
Please don't ask me-" Lanyard
begged seriously. Il might try to tell
you"
But don't worry, pleased" Fugitive
ly her hand touched his arm. Were
ready"
1t was true enough. Ducroy was
toward them again.
"All is prepared" he announced in
sonorous accents.
In sober silence they approached
the machine.
VauQuelin kept himself aloof while
Lanyard and young officer helped the
girl to seat on the right Of the pilots
and strapped her in. When the adven-
turer had been similarly secured in the
place on the left the two sat, impris-
oned, some six feet above the ground.
Lanyard found his perch comfort
able enough. A broad band Of webbing
furnished pport for his back, another
crossed his chest by way of provision
against forward pitching, there were
tests for his feet and cloth-wound
grips fixed to struts on either side for
lis hands.
He smiled at Lucy across the empty
;eat, and was surprised at the clear
1859 with which her answerinu srni1o