The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1917-04-07

Realizing what she meant, and
fearing lest her resolution might give
way under further strain, l guided
her back to the skeleton body of the
machine
"Throw your light here, De Vigne,
SO the lady can see" ordered. Now,
Mademoiselle, place your foot on this
cross-piece; now on the other. Yes,
that is right, you can support yourself
with the guy-Wire. This Is the hardest
part-getting on board. There is only
one step more; take the seat to the
left; now you are all right. Wrap your
coat tightly about your knees, and press
the edge down under your feet so the
wind cannot get underneath; the air
will be chill outside"
l struggled into my own coat, and
pulled on my gloves, looking up to
where she was perched, her face plainly
visible In the light.
"You are comfortable?" 1 asked,
feeling my voice would encourage.
eyes, but are you not coming?"
teIn a moment; there are few things
to be attended to below first. You
better put on your gloves; they are
in the coat pocket. Now, De Vigne,
douse that light, and we'n throw open
the doors. Kelly, take hold here.
They were heavy enough to require
the strength of all three of us to roll
them back, yet made little noise.
The cool night air poured in through
the wide opening, and there was a
dull gray haze visible along the eastern
sky, the first faint ghmmer of APP
preaching dawn. The stars were paling,
and there was already sufficient re-
Election of light so as to reveal row
of houses between us and the horizon,
although the wide field In our front
remained dark with shadow. l en-
deavored to study the surface, but
could see clearly only for few feet,
yet the depth of open space was amply
sufficient, and the land appeared
level, and reasonably smooth. But
for my passenger I should have felt
no restraint, but with her still in
mind, I walked forward hundred feet,
perhaps, testing the ground for possible
pitfalls, and returned satisfied. The
two men fingered at the door, De Vigne
testing the propeller.
Now, boys, get In here, and roll
her out. Take hold of the frame oppo-
site me, Kelly. Carefully now, so as
not to jar things going over the sill.
Hold tight to both arms of your seat,
Mademoiselle; now all together-easy
therel little more to the right, De
Vigne. She clears; that Is enough"
We were safely outside, the sky above
dark but clearing, the pale stars still
cleaning fitfully, the only sound recog-
nisable the rattle of a far-off street
car. Behind US was the black shadow
of the hangar, its wide door yawning,
and the monoplane, with light frame
work, delicate tracery of wires, and
widespread wings resting there on
spindle wheels, in that spectral light,
appeared phantom-like and unreal.
I laid hand on it almost dreaming,
as gazed up at the girls indistinct
form perched in the seat above. I
could not see her face, yet knew she
would be staring down at US in anxious
fear lest something occur TO send her
away alone.
$50 far so good" I said cheeriIy,
to hearten her. Now, Kelly, you do
exactly as De Vigne nothing
more, or less You understand what
you are to do afterward, De Vigne
Oui, Monsieur .
"There is to be no talking, only to
the consul. y
0ui, Monsieur
I shook hands with him, and climbed
up through the light framework to