The Press., 1916-11-30
The Chase of An Aeroplane And What Resulted
 TherefrOm.
By AGNES G. BROGAN


 When the house that had been build ing opposite where Madge Carlton lived was finished, the refuse removed and the grounds had been leveled and sodded Madge looked upon the place with envy. The house was as dainty as a Swiss cottage. On the grounds
 here and there were little clumps of evergreeps, while the whole was sur
 rounded by hedge. .I'n bet that house." said Madge to
 herself, twas built by an artistic archi- tect and the grounds were laid out by
 landscape gardener" Madge had a taste for pretty places and the burden of her desires was to be mistress of one. The house oppo- site suited her exactly. The next passion to covetOusness | that took possession of Madge Carlton was curiosity. Who would occupy Ii when finished? Would it be an old
 woman living alone, with no one to comfort her? Would 1t be a middle aged couple with many small children! Would there be an unmarried man in the family, and would he be-nice! pressing 1t. It was not: Would he be heroic? Would be be manly? Would he be honorable? No; 1t was not any of these alone, but all in one, and that one was expressed in the word nice. She hoped there would be a single man in the new house, that he would be nice, and on these hopes rested a third. We shall see whether or not this third hope was gratified. One morning large posters decorated the town where Madge lived annOunc- ing that an exhibition would be given by an aeronaut. Every member of her family except Madge was on tiptOe of excitement to see the performance. On the morning of its occurrence she was sitting on the porch. She was looking at the new house opposite which was now occupied. From it she turned her gaze upon the throng who passed continuously on their way to the city pleasure grounds, where the famous bird man was due to arrive in his wonderful aeroplane, and to give there his exhibition. Her own family had gone long ago, and Madge had shaken her head in decided refusal at her brothers invitation to join them.
 No, thank you," she answered. II wouldn't walk as far as the corner on a hot day like this to see all the aero planes in the world. This cool veranda suits me much better"
 She rocked back and forth now, en- toying the light breeze which softly Tapped the awnings. her little bars arms clasped high above her head. The last footfan died away, and the shady avenue was unusually silent, when presently there came from out the sky a loud humming noise as of a giant bee. Nearer 1t drew-still nearer. echoing and resounding in the stiffness, until at length, pellmel from verandas and doorways, people ran flOcking into the street:
 Tt is coming" they called to each other; 'it is coming; 1t is here"
 Madge leaned forward excitedly High across the cloudless blue, with great outstretched wings like some monstrous bird, there rushed a dark object. Onward 1t went, straight as an arrow, never swerving from its course, never ceasing in its mad flight until screening trees hid 1t from view of the watchers.
 Wildly the crowd gave chase, hoping to get another glimpse in the next clearing of this wondrous. whirring thing.
 Without an instant's hesitation Madge, who had scorned her brothers enthusiasm, now breathlessly followed the crowd. Over the lawn and down the street twinkled the heels of her little white shoes. She fell at the curb and when a kindly hand assisted her to rise hurried on again without a civil thank you" With fine disregard she tripped lightly across the road before the very lamps of racing automobile.
 There it is!' said a triumphant voice.
 "WhereT she cried.
 Above the tallest tree," the voice answered.
 q cannot see It," Madge said impa- tiently.
 A hand reached over her shoulder, pointing upward.
 If you will look exactly where I tell you," the owner of the hand suggested. you will see it''
 T do now" she replied. Ut is grow ing smaller. It must be very high up"
 About 1900 feet" the voice answer ed exultant1y.
 ,-Madge gave a little cry of disap- pointment
 "0h. it is goner'' she said. Cant we see it farther on?''
 The man looked around quickly.
 This way" he called, and ran swiftly up wide, graveled path. She started bravely in pursuit. then stood still
 II cannot go another step," she an swered wearily.
 The man turned back.
 Let me help you," he said, and i'm mediately slipped his arm beneath her own. It was very strong arm Madge accepted its aid unquestioning- ly and was conscious of comforting sense of protection throughout her confusing flight. They rested at fast upon broad cxpanse of lovely lawn.
 Stand just here. ~tife man com manGed. and you will have an unob- stircted View"
 Madre the willful meekly obeyed, gazing ill awed silence until the ship of the sky" hfd s:,i.el far into the dis tance. it's throbbing engines sending back no sound. T.,rn with its disap- pearance her strange excitement seem ed to vanish. She turned half dazed- ly, to look into the eyes of her compan- ion.
 Where are wc:" sie asked slowly.
 The young man in turn regarded his with puzzled air.
 II don't know" Inc stammered. Then his dark eyaS fwiui. Iptl .'I looks like