The Washington times., 1919-03-03


reported preparing a small amount
OF gold from copper" On account Of
HIS scientific standing it received con-
siderable credence, but not much came
of it.
The next question propounded by
the major was 'supposing that we
should change all the lead in the
world into gold, what would the effect
be on its price? 1t would seem that
unless we could control its distribu-
ton as is done in the case OF the
African diamonds, or our meat sup
piled by the Five Big Packers, the
price Of gold would soon be reduced to 20
cents an ounce or less, and the lead
would be cornered.
No one endeavored to answer. Made
line suggested that efforts be made
to carry out the experiments on the
triangle and chart, communicated to
them. All were agreed that this
should be done
! The psychological moment had
come. All who are to participate in
the great fortune were present. 1t
was up to Madeline Common to 'piay
square"-and she did. She said: mo
one had as yet seen the authentic
chart except her father and herself.
1t was in her possession, sewn in one
OF her garments. She forthwith de-
| livered the chart to the three men for
its safekeeping. 1t was theirs to
! guard, and from IT to develop the Sc
cret so far as it resided in the chart.
The other chart which has had such
a devious route and checkered career
] was made of the same material as the
Igenuine one. and contained some Of
the other elements, but was largely
! camouflaged. You win recall that WI
| frr.NN fri
made, but found that they lacked
something.
The men were greatly surprised,
but their faces beamed with happi-
ness. Their coveted prize was still
| in sight. It was now their duty and
privilege to take the next step.
The Bureau of Chemistry was called
up. and the possibility of doing some
unofficial work for and by Govern
ment officers was discussed. 1t was
explained that one OF the expected
results of the work would be great
relief and beneht to suffering human
ity. The reply was that Congress did
not authorize doing work for private
parties, whatever may be its object.
Baked again. After a short confer
ence the Bureau OF Standards was
communicated with. The facilities OF
that institution were placed at their
disposal
Every provision was made for Mad
! eline's comfort, safekeeping and pro-
lection. The three officers winged to
Washington with the chart in their
possession. Application was made at
the Bureau OF Standards to do the
work. It was necessary for each one
Of the men to be Identified.
Uniforms did not gain admittance.
4 u
one was given an Identification card.
They were then ushered through a
series of subterranean chambers and
finally emerged in the room assigned
them. It was & beautiful place. They
were given the use Of lock box In a
large safe in which to deposit their
Yaluables.
The first few days were spent in
getting the essential apparatus for
! the first part Of the work. The use
OF the radium supplies presented
some difficulties as will be seen later.
The charts was heated for one-haIf
hour in a furnace kept at a tempera-
ture Of 240 degrees, by means Of an
electric current Some forms were
developed, but they were not intelli-
gible 70 any Of them. The chart was
then boiled in liquid air for one hour.
This did not result in anything visi-
Bile. So far everything had gone well.
Difficulties were seen ahead. Neither
one Of the men had much knowledge
OF rAdium or how to use it, 1t was
considered unwise to bring in a stran-
ger. It was too serious a matter.
Could Madeline help out? Has she
had the necessary experience? 1t was
decided to put the vaIuables in safe
keeping and consult Madeline. The
airplane soon landed them on the
Blue Ridge Mountains. The girl was
delighted TO see them, greatly i'm
proved and happy in her surround
ings.
After a few moments conversation
they took a short hike through the
mountains. The girl set the officers a
pace not soon to be forgotten. She
was in her element After returning,
dinner was ready, and only those who
have had similar experiences know
what an appetite such walks develop.
Twilight found the three ensconced
In a sequestered place talking over
experiences. An unusual motion at
tracted Captain Henderson's attention.
On looking up he saw a shutter-eyed
face gazing on them. The hiding
place had been found. The observa-
ton was communicated to the group.
eSS SdlQ AdQellne, i nave naQ my
suspicion aroused during the past day.
A woman answering the description
Of Mrs. Thayer has been seen, and Il
might be well to leave these quarters
tomorrow.
Major Knowles told Madeline that
they had gone as far with the chart
as they felt safe, and now come for
instructions and assistance. Neither
one knows much about radiUm and its
properties. We do not consider it
wise to call in a stranger on so i'm |
portant a matter. We thought posi- |
bly, you could help out. The radium |
and apparatus are at our command, |
and the chart is locked up in one of |
Uncle Sans safes, guarded by trusty |
employees. We have the key to the |
lock box"
81 certainly can help in that mat !
ter" responded Madeline. Let us |
plan to leave here early in the morn |
ing"
Lieutenant KimbaIl slept in the fly |
ing machine to protect it against pos |
sible vandalism. The protection of |
Madeline was vouched to the care OF /
the captain and major. The night |
passed without any disturbance. |
Morning found them rested. After a /
hurried breakfast they left for Wash |
ington, where they arrived in good |
spirits. A sedan was taken to the |
Bureau OF Standards.
After some rcd tame naruissiop