Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 January 1914 — SERIAL STORY [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

SERIAL STORY

—=Tta Isolated Continent A Romance of the Future

By Guido von Horvath and Dean Hoard

St2i°dStKSit “* SYNOPSIS. For fifty years the continent of North America had been Isolated from the reat of the world by the use of Z-rays, a wonderful Invention of Hannibal Prudent. The. invention had saved the country from foreign Invasion, and the continent had been united under one government with Prudent as president. For half a century peace ana prosperity reigned in this part of the world. The story opens with President Prudent critically 111. His death Is hastened by the receipt of a message from Count von Werdensteln of Germany that he has at last sucoeeded in penetrating the rays Dying, he warns Ws daughter Astra that this means a foreign invasion. He tells her to hurry to the Island of Cirynlth, but dies before he can tell the location of the place. Astra Is nominated for the presidency by the continental party. Napoleon Edison calls on Astra. Informs bar that he was a pupil of bar father's, sad promises to help mr. He gives her a ring made of>a neWb discovered substance which, h* says, will solve the problem as flying.

CHAPTER IV.

Europe. The Zugspitse is the highest peak In Germany; it belongs to the Alps and a panorama can be seen from the perpetually snow-covered summit that Is worth whHe. At the foot of this giant is the town of Partenkirchen, a great place for tourists, bat since the Isolation of the American continent the number of visitors has diminished somewhat. One crisp December morning a tall groung man on sUls slid down from one of the snow-covered side hills of the Zugspitse. He wore an Alpine costume and carried on his back .the usual satchel of the mountain climber. The sack evidently was heavy,-yet he parried It easily. —= ' The early sportsman stopped for a second or two Just about the Ttrolean and Bavarian border. After a short meditation, he started forward, and with the agility of a master of the ■port elid downward. Jumping down ■teep slopes, and soon landed in the ■valley. He took a peculiar Held glass from his knapsack and directed it toward the great peak, moving it until he found a spot that looked to the ■unaided eye like a red dot ob the mountain side. It was the deserted •castle of the great Prince Luipold, once reigning prince of the kingdom of Bavaria. When he had focused the glass, he saw a round, ruddy cheeked man rubbing his hands vigorously. “It must be somewhat cool there,” smiled the sportsman. He drew a red handkerchief and made some circular movements In the air with the fluttering linen, always WllfMn through his glass. \ Then, ■with a satisfied expression, he placed the glass and kerehief in their respective places and started toward the town. The narrow, winding streets were almost deserted and he used his skits even through the town. There were several hotels around the square; the Golden Eagle and the ■Red Star were the most promising looking, and he selected the latter. Unfastening the straps of the sklie, he cast them over his shoulder and entered the famous old hotel. At the sound of the stranger's footateps In the hall a big, white-aproned pan, whose head was covered with a Turkish fee, appeared In the doorway at the end of the hall; in his right hand hs held a murderous looking knife and in the left a fork. He greeted the newcomer with great respect; it was surprising to see a guest at this time of the year. The man of ■the skils leaned his knapsack and the against the wall and said, ”Guten morgen, Herr Wlrthl” The big German threw fork and knife on a table and rubbing his hands on his apron to remove the grease, took the stranger's sack and carried it into the office. There he put a long, official blank of reporting paper before him, together with pen and ink. It took a long time for the stranger to fill out all the somewhit impertinent questions, but at last it was done. ,On the last line he wrote in large, round characters the name: “Chevalier Sonapo E di Leon." "What can 1 do for you, chevalier?" asked the hotel-keeper, who had used the time to remove his apron and put on a clean coat. "First of aH, I want some breakfast. then a room, as 1 would like to •pend a few days here.” The host's face shone with pleasure and he led his guest into the small 4taing-room. ; i The chevalier's eyes wandered around searchlngly; they seemed to penetrate into every nook, and corner. The host returned, fallowed by a (girl, who pot a enow-white cover on me of the tables, then steaming hot veils were brought in with coffee, but-

splendid appetite. When he had finished, the host offered him some cigars. but he smilingly refused, assuring him that he never used them. “They are real Saharan, chevalier." "Saharan? Is that a new brand?" "Not exactly; we have had It for ten years, ever since the successful irrigation of Ztlie desert. I understand that it 1b even better than the once famous Havana.” The stranger looked at the host thoughtfully, then with some hesitation <he asked: “What ie the name of the engineer who planned that project? I have quite forgotten.” "You are not a German, chevalier, otherwise you would know the man whom all the German-speaking nations regard with hope; his name is Count von Werdensteln.” The young man started, but recovered himself quickly. "How foolish, I have nearly spilt my coffee. Yes, Werdensteln; I remember the name now.” I "He in oar Bismarck, Moltke and Edison, in one person." The young man stared at the host for a second, “Quite a remarkable man.” "Indeed, sir, he was selected as commander In chief by the International Federation, for the war againEt America.” “I am sure it is a very happy selection." “Well, sir, he is a great man indeed, bat I do wish, and I am sure many others wish so too, that instead of militarism, he would devote hlB energies to the betterment of the people."

“To industrial, agricultural and financial developments; Is that what you mean?" “Yes, sir, and above all else, to lifting the burdens from the citizens. You know what we Have to Buffer under this terrible military rule.” “I am a stranger, my dear host; I name from where the coffee and slender palms grow, so I don’t know much about the happenings around here. However, I am interested and pray that you tell me mors." The good host of the Red Star was happy to find some one who was glad to listen to his talk; this stranger even took his notebook out and dashed some interesting details into it Later on he found a queer little newspaper, the Koelnlsche Zeitung, and read the news section with much interest. The same morning he inquired for the best tailor in town and Herr Sohulz, the host, telephoned for him. When the little tailor arrived he took measurements, showed fashion plates and goods, but the chevalier left the selection to him, stipulating that All he wanted was the latest to cvery-

thing. Hie tailor touched the cloth the chevalier’s /Jpine coat was made of and examined it closely with an air of surprise "This is something new to me,” he eald at last. "I never saw a weave like this.” He looked questionlngly at the chevalier, hut he seemed to be busy with the fashion plates and did not answer. However, at the tailor’s request, he removed his coat and that little man looked searchingly at the lining, bopjng to find the maker’s name. His eyes grew large when be saw a small tag bearing the name of a Chicago manufacturer. Thred daye later'the new clothes were ready; the Chevalier di Leon paid for them in gold. It did not matter that the mint stamp was quite old; Indeed, some were of the nineteenth century, and none of the pieces were later than 1919. The curious little tailor noticed this fact, also; he shook his head again, but kept quiet That quality was still golden. The same evening the stranger left by the slow local train for Munich,

that old art center. He selected a promising hotel and was soon settled for the night Upon his- inquiry for the quickest route to Berlin the Aero-Electric Line was suggested. It made the trip In blx hours. "It Is quite ingenious," thought the chevalier. Pour tremendous cigar-shaped aluminum balloons were attached to each other; the whole aerial train was at least 500 yards long. The first and bal loons bad very high powered dynamos, and both were connected with Home Ingenious device to the rail that was supported on tall Iron columns. "Not a bad Idea," thought the chevalier as he mounted the Aero-Electro tbe next morning. "It is In some way similar to the old electric car system; they economize on the rails ailid the roadbed, but Ist ms see—ths gas? Tss, It pays, after all, and It is quicker,"

The chevalier selected a plaee Where he wa#i able to see both sides of the train, and took out his field glass. It was cold on the upper deck, hut he did not pay much attention to that; he was too busy watching the-country below. He saw many interesting things with his extremely powerful glass, but at almost every town that they passed he observed military maneuvers, notwithstanding the cold and deep snow. “Oh, what a waste!" he thought, then retired Into the large saloon, because the wind had risen and was unpleasantly cold. He sat down at the reading table and looked through a number of periodicals.- There he found picturea of almost all' the monarchs and also a very good plcturfe ,of Count von Werdenstein. Just below this picture was an article that did not Bpeak very highly of this genius. The paper was ultra-socialistically inclined, and the article pointed out the futility of the militarism of which the count was the advocate. The chevalier took out his little notebook and wrote the name of the author there. The paper was edited in Berlin and he did not anticipate mtich trouble in finding Paul Kalmar through the editorial office. The aero-train was half afi hour late on account of the high wind, but finally arrived. , -The traveled took a taxicab and at random told the chauffeur to* drive to the Metropole Hotel. It was one 6f the old-fashioned places left over from the nineteenth century, but It was excellently equipped with all modern improvements. The Chevalier dl Leon did not stay long in his rooms, but after a short consultation with the clerk left the hotel and mingled with the crowds on the street. ,

The beautifully decorated xtores showed Christmas splendors and luxuries. The Ah Clegt lßßauty oftho town Impressed him. At one and of the nark stood a magnificent equestrian monument of Colossal size The horse was bounding forward; the face, with upturned mustache and fierce eye was familiar. All the muses of art And science were gathered about the base in a fantastic but expressive Manner—but, in front of them, holding the most prominent position, wad Mars! The chevalier shrugged his shoulders; "It does seem that monarchism cannot exist without the sword.

The palace guard marched by, a company of the 221st infantry regi ment. Their helmets glittered, they wore grayish cuirasses, and carried clumsy looking riflee; they had no bayonets, but short pistols in their belts. Thd jnusic boomed tn warlike tones and the unlformed men marched in stiff, unnaturally long steps. The chevalier shook his head again, and turned sadly into a side street At the editorial rooms of the Freue Gedanken he gave hie card to an Attendant and asked to see Herr Paul Kalmar. “Are you a poet?” the boy asked Inquisitively. “No, indeed, not even an author.*

This seemed to please the boy, who hurried away; he soon came back with a smile. "Third door to the right" The next moment Chevalier dl Leon stood before Herr Paul Kalmar, wbo Invited him to be seated. The/ultra, socialist was a mild, calm giant with very light brown hair, but his greenish eyes held sparks of courage and dogged determination. The tall chevplier seemed to tmprees him favorably, and he listened with a quiet air. "I have come from afar to see you, Herr Kalmar. I read your article about Count von Werdensteln, and as I have an idea that probably will influence the count to preach peace instead of war, I wish you would kindly listen to me and give me your advice.” “I also am a man who wants peace. Chevalier di Leon, and I will be glad to discuss that theme with you; If you will give me a few minutes' time I will take you to the Case American puid we can talk and eat at the same time.” "I am sure it will please me very much." Half and hour later they were on the balcony of the famous Case American In a cosy corner among the palms and vines. The big German ordered an epicarean lunch with Mosel wine; he listened attentively and ate with a relish. The chevalier's words seemed to meet with his approval. “To prove my good will, to win tala influence, I am willing to give him the secret of gold manufacturing.” These words were said so enthusiastically that a beautifully dressed woman Who sat at the neighboring table looked up from her plate and gased at tbe bright-eyed chevalier. —“Notso loud, my dear man, not no loud; even the walla have ears." The advice came somewhat late, for the woman already had noted ths chevalier’s words, and now shs watched them from beneath heritong, silky eyelashes, but it was In vain; shs could not hear another word. After the long lunch Herr Kalmar and the chevalier entered a taxicab. "To the palace of the honorable chancellor. Count von Werdensteln," thundered Kalmar In the ear of ths taxi driver. Mr. Kalmar seemed to know how to reach his excellency, the iron-handed chancellor, as a gorgeously liveried attendant soon conducted-them Into the presence of the man they songht Chevalier gi Leon stopped for a moment when he )>eheid the man whose face he had seen only In print; he stopped with a trace of caution in his manner. USUI (TO BE CONTINUED.»

A Tall Young Man an Sklis Slid Down From One of the Snow-Cov-ered Side Hills.