Classic Audiobook Collection - The Airship Boys in the Great War by De Lysle Ferree Cass ~ Full Audiobook [adventure]

Starting point is 00:00:00 The Airship Boys in the Great War by Delilah F. Cass, Chapter 1, what the newspaper told. Great Guns, exclaimed Alan Hope, bending down over the newspaper which he had spread out upon the table in front of him. Ned Napier, who was deep in a pile of blueprints on his desk, glanced over at his chum. Great Guns exactly describes it if you're reading those accounts of the war in Europe, said he, with a grin, or maybe you'd better say the greatest guns, because that's what they're using over there just now. But then we shouldn't worry as long as they aren't shooting up the good old stars and stripes. That's just it, Ned, we should worry, answered Alan. His face puckered into unaccustomed wrinkles, in his eyes still swiftly scanning the pages of the newspaper before him. We ought to worry about

Starting point is 00:00:57 this piece of news because it concerns a mighty good friend of ours. Who? How's that? Where is it? cried Ned, swinging around in his swivel chair so as to face the other boy. Seeing that Alan was still staring as if bewildered at the paper, he arose and hurried over to the table. Leaning down over Alan's shoulder, at first he could only see flaring headlines of three and four-inch blackface type. As Ned's eye, roved down the outspread sheet, however, it finally was caught by a smaller subhead, sandwiched in between reports on the latest scandal on the subway investigation, an alleged atrocities in Belgium.

Starting point is 00:01:41 He gave a gasp of mingled astonishment and consternation as he read the following. American War correspondent in prison will be tried as a spy. Associated Press Syndicate. Mulberg via Brussels, November 13, delayed by censor. Robert Russell, said to be an American newspaper man, has been arrested here and put under guard pending trial as a spy by General Habercomf, commanding the division of the West Battalion. The Germans are taking every precaution to safeguard the secrecy of their maneuvers, and this

Starting point is 00:02:22 arrest is said to be only one of their determined efforts to discourage. the presence of alien war correspondence. Russell is in grave danger of being shot, unless he can satisfactorily explain certain papers found upon his person at the time of his arrest. No wonder that both Ned and Allen turned pale and looked at each other in a dazed, stupefied sort of way. Bob Russell was one of their oldest and dearest comrades,

Starting point is 00:02:54 a lad only slightly older than themselves who had gone through innumerable adventures with them. He had so often accompanied them in sensational exploits that his name was often linked with theirs, the airship boys. He had accompanied them on the famous 12-hour flight of the ocean flyer from London to New York. He had braved death with them in Mexico when the airship boys put a stop to the smuggling of Chinaman into this country. He had proved himself an intrepid comrade when they had dared wild Indian tribes in Navajo land in search of the hidden Aztec temple. He had risked death with them on their dash for the North Pole. The airship boys and their adventures have been written up in

Starting point is 00:03:47 newspapers and books, and Bob Russell was no small factor in the success of his friends. Bob Russell, as tried and true a comrade as ever a boy had, always cheerful, full of expedience, and game to the core. They could hardly realize that it was he who was now threatened by such frightful death without a single friend near to aid him. Poor Bob exclaimed Alan, and was not at all ashamed of the unaccustomed lump that crowded further speech from his throat. Poor Bob, he repeated. Ned had dropped his face into his hands, and with closed eyes

Starting point is 00:04:32 mentally pictured the crowded, ill-smelling prison where Bob sat unshaven and forlorn, surrounded by other wounded and miserable beings who felt no sympathy for him, nor even spoke his language, who only shrank with wide, scared eyes from the suspicious glare of the armed Germans on guard. Maybe Bob was thinking of him too just then, wondering what the airship boys were doing, picturing them skimming luxuriously out over the sun-kissed ocean in careless forgetfulness of him, their devoted comrade of past days. "'Allan interrupted Ned's mournful imagings again. "'Just think,' he cried,

Starting point is 00:05:22 "'of all the terrible barbarities "'which the newspapers say that the Germans have inflicted "'upon their captives. "'Think they may perpetrate some similar awful atrocity "'upon poor old Bob!' "'Ned shook his head impatiently. "'No, I don't believe they would do anything like that,' said he. "'Two-thirds of these twenty-thirds of these twenty-thirds of these,

Starting point is 00:05:44 torture and massacre stories we read about are hysterical exaggerations, prompted either by their enemies or newspaper writers with a lively imagination. The Germans are a kindly civilized people, just as the English or French, and certainly more so than the Russians. If they shoot Bob, it'll be because they honestly believe him to be a spy. But they mustn't shoot him. It must be stopped some way. Yes, but how? If all the influence that Uncle Sam can exert won't protect him, what can? We can, Ned. There's no time to wait for diplomatic negotiations which may accomplish nothing anyway. Remember that this newspaper says that certain incriminating papers have been found on Bob's person. If he is to be saved, it must be done immediately in Bob. Byrower,

Starting point is 00:06:44 us two alone. We can take the ocean flyer and reach Belgium in 20 or 21 hours, just as easily as we made that trip from New York to London in 18 hours last year. I admit that we can get there soon enough, answered Ned, but what about the third man whom will need to help us manage the airship? Why not Buck Stewart, who went with us on the flyer's trip to London? We know that he is absolutely dependable, and is familiar with the workings of the ship besides. Then, too, the herald will be more than glad of the chance to send one of its reporters with us to see the war at close range. Alan's intense enthusiasm began to communicate itself to the slower thinking, more practical

Starting point is 00:07:34 Ned, but he was not ready to act without mature consideration of all the difficulties involved, which might make a failure of their attempt. I don't want you to think me lukewarm about doing anything in our power to save Bob, said he, but we've got to look carefully at all sides of this thing. Don't you realize that the United States government wouldn't sanction any high-handed breaking of neutrality laws that might drag it into the war just because an American citizen was held captive? Then let's go without the...

Starting point is 00:08:11 government's permission. Who is there to stop us? We can get enough credentials from Mr. Latimer, managing editor of the Herald, to tide us over small passport difficulties, and further than those, we certainly can depend upon ourselves. We won't have to flaunt the stars and stripes under the nose of every foreigner we happen to meet over there anyway. Remember what Senator Bascombe said in his speech on the Mexican War. If the life of a single United States citizen is at stake. It is worth all of the millions of mere money that international war may cost us. We can't desert good old Bob in an emergency like this, can we? No, shouted Ned, jumping to his feet and banging his fist on the desk in front of him.

Starting point is 00:09:04 You're right, Alan. We're going to show those chaps over there that it's not such a long, long way to tipperary after all, providing one can travel in the airship boy's ocean flyer at the rate of 200 miles an hour. Get on your hat and over, code, Alan. We're going over to the Herald office right now to see what the editor of the Herald will do for us. HIP, hip, hurrah, shouted Alan, and grabbing Ned's outstretched hands, they did a truly boyish war dance around the sober, stately offices of the Universal Transportation Company, of which they were the heads. End of Chapter 1. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 2 of the Airship Boys in the Great War by Delisle F. Cass.

Starting point is 00:09:57 This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 2. In the offices of the New York Herald. The managing editor of the New York Herald received the engraved visiting cards of Alan Hope and Ned Napier with mingled pleasure and surprise. The airship boys, send them right in, said he to the young woman who had announced them from the outer office. Then the great newspaper man turned with an apologetic smile to the gentleman who still stood hat and hand beside his desk, as he had been about to leave just before the boy's cards were brought in.

Starting point is 00:10:42 Please excuse me, Mr. Geistorn, for seeming to hurry you away in this manner, but I believe our little interview is about terminated anyway. Yes, it is so, replied the other, speaking with a strong German accent. It is not for me yet to take too much of your precious time. As I have said before, I am myself a journalist, and know the value of the value of of even a minute's time. The editor of the herald arose to shake hands in parting

Starting point is 00:11:12 with his visitor. At the door, the latter turned, hesitated momentarily, and then said, My excuses again, mine here. But what was it that you called these gentlemen? The Airlpillion children? What is that?

Starting point is 00:11:30 The managing editor permitted a smile to edge his lips as he turned and pointed to a frame front page of the Herald, dated over two years ago. It was double headlined in heavy, black-letter type, and profusely illustrated with photographs of the coronation of King George V of England. I called them the Airship Boys, said the editor. That is a title they have won as a result of their astounding feats and innovations in aerial navigation.

Starting point is 00:12:04 The page of the herald, which you see there on the wall, represents a bit of newspaper history, as well as the beginning of a new epic in aeronautics. These two young men, Ned Napier and Alan Hope, two years ago last June, accomplished a flight from London to New York in 12 hours, bringing back with them photographs of the coronation ceremonies and enabling us to publish them nearly a week earlier than any other American newspaper. London to New York in 12 hours? Impossible! ejaculated the visitor, gaping at the picture.

Starting point is 00:12:47 I don't wonder at your surprise, responded the managing editor, but that's exactly what they accomplished in their ocean flyer, the largest and highest-powered aircraft ever devised. A vessel capable of carrying six or seven passengers at a consistent velocity of 200 miles and more per hour. An airship, which can be easily operated at a height of eight or ten miles, where the driver of any other machine would either freeze to death or die from lack of oxygen. You are not what you call making funnies of me, queried the astounded visitor, blinking at the editor fixedly through narrowed eyelids, as if to read his inmost thought.

Starting point is 00:13:35 All this that you tell me is true, then? Sir, said the managing editor with a touch of temper. Pardon, mynia, I do not mean to offend, but Mr. Napier and Mr. Hope announced the private secretary from the doorway. Ned and Alan appeared, hat and hand, and were cordially greeted by their new newspaper friend. As they entered the room, the earlier visitor brushed past them on his way out, staring most rudely in each boy's face as he passed. Well, said Alan, when the door clicked shut behind the man, I hope whoever that is will know us the next time he sees us.

Starting point is 00:14:20 The managing editor laughed as he waved his guest to seats and offered them cigars, which both boys refused with thanks. You'll have to excuse Mr. Geistorn boys, said he. He is a newly appointed local correspondent for the Targillot, and I nearly floored him with an account of that London to New York flight of yours. Oh, he was a German then, said Ned, exchanging a significant glance with Alan. Why, yes, and seems to be a very nice fellow,

Starting point is 00:14:55 from what little I know of him. He arrived in this country only shortly after the war broke out, and seems quiet and inoffensive, never gets excited over the war news, nor yells bloody murder when the Paterland is mentioned. He calls here every now and then to give me interesting bits of news which filter through to him, but are cut out of the Herald's regular Berlin cable service by the censor.

Starting point is 00:15:23 Ever since our Mr. Russell got into difficulties over there, we haven't been able to get anything like the exclusive copy we used to. That's just what we're here to see you about, sir, Ned remarked. We read in this morning's papers how Bob has been imprisoned as a spy and has libeled be shot at any minute. President Wilson, naturally, doesn't want to embroil the United States unnecessarily in the war and Bob may be backed up against a wall with a firing squad aiming at him before this watchful waiting policy evolves any means of interceding in his behalf.

Starting point is 00:16:06 Something must be done to help him, and right away. The lines of care around the great journalist's mouth deepened with melancholy as he nodded. The Herald has, of course, registered a formal protest. We can do no more, he said. said, the life of a single individual doesn't seem such a very big thing to war-crazed men who are blinded with cannon smoke and have been literally waiting through human blood for three months past. We can get no satisfactory answer of any sort from the German field headquarters. The most that they will promise is that the affair will be investigated and rigid justice

Starting point is 00:16:49 made it out. But hang it all, broke in Alan only to be silenced by the calmer, more practical Ned, pulling his chair closer to the editor's desk and lowering his voice, he explained. Alan and I feel that for Bob's sake, we can't afford to take chances on any such vague promises as have been given you. We propose to rescue him ourselves, and without a moment's unnecessary delay. But how can't... In this case, we must be careful that we aren't overheard. There might be some German sympathizer about who would send word of our plans, or, on the other hand, even the federal government agents would interfere if they got wind of our scheme.

Starting point is 00:17:36 You are right, answered the managing editor. He pressed the electric button on the side of his desk, summoning the young lady's secretary from the outer office. Miss Blumfield, is there anyone out there waiting to see me? No, sir. Good. Kindly contrive to knock the big dictionary off your desk the moment anyone comes in, so that I may be warned of any visitors without there knowing it.

Starting point is 00:18:04 That is all. She closed the door. Now, boys, Ned resumed his explanation. The Ocean Flyer is still there in the hangar of the Newark plant of the Union. Universal Transportation Company. Neither Mr. Osborne, president of the company, nor Major Honeywell, the secretary, have any financial interest in the airship. It belongs absolutely to Alan and me, and we intend to use it immediately for the trip

Starting point is 00:18:33 to Milburg where we understand that Bob is awaiting trial. The flyer is in the best of condition and almost ready for use at any moment. All that we need to do is equip her with the... the few mechanical supplies, food, firearms, and so on, we can make the trip in less than 20 hours. Today is Tuesday. If all goes well, we can have Bob back here ready to go out on a city assignment for you by next Monday. Rinkles of deep thought lined the great newspaper man's forehead as he listened attentively to the brief outline of the airship boys' plan. He would have met such statements from any other boys not yet 21 years old with absolute ridicule.

Starting point is 00:19:20 But he knew that despite their youth, Ned Napier and Alan Hope were fully capable of carrying out their scheme. One thing more, though, boys, said he after a short period of silence, just how are you going to get Mr. Russell out of prison after you arrive in Mulberg? You won't be able to overpower a whole German garrison, you know. Then, too, the chances are that when they see an airship of such unusual design as yours floating down upon them, they'll recognize it as being a foreign construction and fire upon you. Alan answered him, We haven't had time to plan that far ahead yet.

Starting point is 00:20:03 We're going to let that part of it take care of itself. We'll have to be governed by circumstance. after we get there anyway. And in regard to their firing upon us as a hostile airship supplemented Ned, I think the chances are that they may take us for one of their new types of dirigible that Count Zeppelin is said to have almost ready for a big aerial raid upon England. The editor smiled a bit sadly at their shining eyes and enthusiastic faces. Then he shook his head. I don't believe that even a German private it could mistake the unusual build of the ocean flyer for the balona-shaped gas-bag of a zeppelin,

Starting point is 00:20:46 said he. Still, you are very brave boys, and I want to compliment you sincerely upon your pluck in attempting this thing. All luck go with you. Now, what is it that you came here to have me do in your behalf? Just this, said Ned, we would like to have you furnish us with full credentials as war correspondents for the New York Herald to protect us from petty annoyances in case we should, for some unforeseen reason,

Starting point is 00:21:18 have to abandon the flyer and make our escape on foot. We promise you that the passports will not be used in any way that might implicate the paper in a breach of neutrality courtesies, and anyway we're not going to do any actual fighting if we can help it. Also, we would like to have a personal personal... letter to General Haberkamp, the German commandant at Mulberg, explaining that Bob Russell is an authorized and fully accredited representative of the Herald and the last person in the world to be concerned in secret service for the Allies. Certainly, you shall have all that you ask for,

Starting point is 00:22:00 cried the managing editor, and here's hoping that you make that bigoted old General Hirochum come to his knees with further utterance froze on the editor's lips and both boys sprang startled to their feet. Miss Bloomfield's big dictionary had fallen to the floor with a bang in the outer office. The editor strode to the private door just as it was pushed open by none other than Mr. Geisselorn,

Starting point is 00:22:27 the new correspondent for the Berliner Tagablot. Miss Bloomfield's face showed angrily over his shoulder. For a breathless moment, all four of those in the private office stared quizzically at each other. The German was the first to recover his composure. "'Excuse, gentlemen,' said he, bowing low to each in turn, "'I did not mean to interrupt, but did I not leave my gloves there on the desk?' "'I think not, sir,' replied the editor gravely. "'Come in. You do not interrupt us.

Starting point is 00:23:02 My conference with these gentlemen is already come, concluded. Mr. Napier, Mr. Hope, good day. I shall send you by boy this afternoon the copies from our files about which you inquired. Goodbye. As the airship boys passed out of the office, Mr. Geisthorn again bent upon them his peculiarly disconcerting stare. They remarked that his pale blue eyes were hard and cold as steel. End of Chapter 2. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 3 of the Airship Boys in the Great War. By Delisle F. Cass.

Starting point is 00:23:50 This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 3. Someone tries to buy the flyer. Well, young men, I've good news. Truly surprising news for you, said Major. Baldwin Honeywell, as he shook hands with Ned and Alan the next morning when they returned to the offices of the Universal Transportation Company. We hope that you're right, Major, answered Ned. What is the good news? First, let me ask you a question. How much did it cost you to build the ocean flyer, and at what figure do you estimate the time you spent upon it,

Starting point is 00:24:33 the only model of its kind yet completed. Your mechanism parts, etc. are, of course, fully protected by international patents. The question is simply, for how much will you sell the ocean flyer just as she stands there in our Newark factory? The machine itself cost us about $25,000, major. I should say that the market value of the craft itself, allowing competition. for our time, and the fact that the airship is absolutely unique, ought to make it worth at least $150,000 or $200,000. Nature Honeywell was rubbing his hands delightedly. Fine, fine, I knew that you had estimated it about that amount.

Starting point is 00:25:24 Boys, what do you say to a prospective purchaser who is willing to pay $300,000, spot, cash for this single model, leaving the company full patent and all further construction rights. But the machine isn't for sale at any price, said Alan quietly. We intend to use it ourselves immediately, and until we are finished with it, no consideration would tempt us to sell. But Alan, boys, think of the sum you are offered, 12 times the actual cost if the new owners are given immediate possession, and providing you agree not to dispose of another similar machine within a period of one year. You can build another airship just like the flyer within two or three months at the longest,

Starting point is 00:26:21 and you are at the liberty to use it yourselves as you may please. To what immediate use can you put the vessel that will in any way kind of, compensate for the loss of $300,000 in cold cash. Major, said Alan, we are deeply grateful for your interest in the matter, but we feel that we can't look at it as a mere matter of dollars and cents just now. Something a great deal more valuable to us is at stake, the life of Bob Russell, whom you know. Then Alan went on to tell Major Honeywell all about Bob's predicament and how they proposed to save him. The old gentleman's face grew more and more grave as he listened, and several times he shook his head disapprovingly.

Starting point is 00:27:13 But my dear boys, he exclaimed, after Alan had concluded outlining their plans, have you sufficiently considered the terrible dangers that you incur by this rash procedure? Quite aside from the momentary probability of aerial mishap, you must realize that the Germans would shoot you without scruple under the circumstances. Moreover, the entire United States government would be powerless to help you if once you were caught in a breach of neutrality laws, as your act certainly would be construed. Thank you kindly for the well-meant word of caution, Major, answered Alan.

Starting point is 00:27:57 But there is nothing you could say which would make us give up this chance of saving poor Bob's life. Then, if that is the case, here is my hand, boys, and my heartiest well-wishes go with you, while I cannot conscientiously endorse so dangerous a proceeding. I still can admire the pluck which prompts it. Both boys flushed under their kindly old friend's praise, and Ned, who up to this time, had played the part of a listener, said, Just who were these prospective purchasers of the Ocean Flyer? Why did they insist on taking immediate possession of it?

Starting point is 00:28:41 And why the stipulation that we were to sell no other similar airship to anyone else within one year's time. Major Honeywell shook his head. I am as much in the dark in that regard as you are, Ned. Just before you arrived this morning, I was visited by a Mr. Phillips, whose business it is to act as go-between and buyer for concerns which do not wish their own names

Starting point is 00:29:08 to appear in a transaction. Mr. Phillips would not state for whom he was acting. Or for what purpose the flag. was to be used, but said that he was authorized to pay spot cash for it. He seemed to be very much excited and anxious to close the deal at once. Do you suppose that he could be representing one of the belligerent countries in Europe and wanted the flyer for war? asked Ned. This was a new thought to Ellen, who slapped his knee, exclaiming,

Starting point is 00:29:41 I'll bet that's the whole secret. The war department's over there. are all wild over this armored airplane idea anyway. England probably wants the flyer to protect her from air invasion by Germany. Or France wants it to use in dropping bombs along the Western Battlefront in Belgium, said Major Honeywell. Or maybe Germany wants it to supplement their rumored fleet of Zeppelons for the long-planned raid on England, added Ned.

Starting point is 00:30:12 All three could not help but laugh heartily at the diverse. of opinions thus expressed. In the midst of their merriment, the telephone on Major Honeywell's desk began suddenly to ring insistently. Hello, called the Major, with the receiver to his ear. Yes, yes, this is the offices of the Universal Transportation Company, Major Baldwin Honeywell, the treasurer, talking. What? Speak a little louder and more slowly, please. I can hardly understand you. Yes, Mr. Phillips approached me about the sale of the ocean flyer this morning. Oh, you are speaking for him. I see. No, we have decided not to sell the airship. No, not to sell it. No, no, the price was quite gratifying, but the flyer is not for sale.

Starting point is 00:31:12 Positively, sir, you are wishing to give $25,000 more? Hold the wire. Major Honeywell rolled a wild eye at the intently listening boys. Both shook their heads emphatically. The Major turned again to the telephone. I'm sorry, sir, but our decision is not to sell the flyer at any price whatever. No, I am sure that we shall not change our minds about it. All right, to whom have I been speaking, please?

Starting point is 00:31:50 As the Major asked this final question, Ned sprang to an adjacent extension of the telephone. He caught the distant guttural rumble of a heavy voice. My non, it is of no matter, since you have not the airship for sale. Goodbye. The words were spoken with a marked German accent that in some way seemed peculiarly familiar to Ned. He had heard that voice before, and recently, too. But where?

Starting point is 00:32:25 End of Chapter 3. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 4 of the Airship Boys in the Great War by Delisle F. Cass. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. recording by Tom Hirsch Chapter 4 Getting the Ocean Flyer Ready The rest of that day was a very busy one for the airship boys

Starting point is 00:32:54 even though Major Honeywell himself lent as much assistance as he could There was a variety of miscellaneous supplies to be purchased hurried letters to be written to Ned's parents in Chicago and Alan's sister, Mary. Both boys agreed that it was best not to state the destiny nation or object of their trip for fear that their beloved ones might suffer all sorts of anxieties until their safe return. So they wrote briefly that they were going off upon a little three or four days business trip in the ocean flyer, and that it was the urgency of the business

Starting point is 00:33:31 in hand that prevented their making the farewell visit they desired. Their shopping for necessary supplies did not take the boys long, for they could estimate pretty closely what they would need. On account of the extremely high altitudes at which they would fly, it was necessary for them to buy especially heavy underwear, felt boots, wool jackets, fleece-lined, fingered mittens, and heavy caps for four persons. As Alan said, the fourth outfit for Bob Russell, so he won't freeze coming back with us. Then there were food supplies. The flyer was equipped with a regular Cook's Callie, to be bought, a dozen hair-trigger automatic revolvers, half a dozen lightweight repeating rifles of the latest pattern,

Starting point is 00:34:19 cartridge belts, rounds of ammunition, and a large American flag. Neither the firearms nor the flag were to be used except in case of absolute necessity. Major Honeywell got the aeroplane works in Newark, where the ocean flyer was being kept in storage, on the telephone and issued instructions to the manager there to run the big aircraft out of the hangar into the enclosed experimental field, ready for inspection, and to lay in fresh supplies of the special grades of gasoline and ether needed for power. All incidental shopping completed, Major Honeywell placed his big automobile at the disposal of Ned and Allen, and the trip between Greater New York and Newark was accomplished at a rate that,

Starting point is 00:35:07 turned the speedometer needle halfway around its circumference and raised angry protests from every traffic policeman as the car whizzed by. This was not, of course, a wise thing to do, but the Major's chauffeur was an especially good driver, and the boys felt justified by the exceptional matter in hand. An unusual stir was apparent inside the field of the airplane works as the Major's automobile raced up to the high brick wall, which ensured privacy for the grounds. At the far end of the ground stretched the squatty brick buildings of the factory, with a wireless station and various other signaling devices on the parapetted roof. Extending out from the yard front and ending at the edge of the big experimental field was the

Starting point is 00:36:00 setting up room, a drop of heavy canvas roofing, supported every hundred feet by rough, unpainted posts. Under this tent-like structure was to be seen almost every size and variety of flying craft made in America, to say nothing of several flying machines of obviously foreign design. Most of these were covered by heavy tarpaulins to protect them while not in use. A whole core of mechanicians was just then pushing out onto the aviation field, another and very different type of flyer, the heroic proportions of which dwarfed all the other machines into insignificance. The eyes of the airship boys lighted up. There she goes, they cried in unison.

Starting point is 00:36:52 They're getting her all ready for us. They jumped out of the automobile and hurried across the field to where the peerless wonder of the world's aircraft stood a literal monument to their inventive genius. The Ocean Flyer has been too fully commented upon and described in scientific journals, magazines, and newspapers from coast to coast, to require any very detailed account of it in this story. Overlamping dull, glinting plates of recently discovered metal magnolium covered the entire body of the vessel like the scales of a fish. The planes and truss were likewise formed of this substance,

Starting point is 00:37:35 which is a magnesium alloy with copper and standard verandium, or chrome steel. The extreme lightness of magnolium, combined with a toughness found in no other metal or alloy, made possible the perfection of this largest of all airships. The vessel was modeled after the general force, form of a seagull with wings outspread in full flight. It's peculiarly ingenious construction, ensuring not only the maximum of speed,

Starting point is 00:38:07 but also that hitherto elusive automatic stability of the planes, which for years past has been the despair of airplane builders on both sides of the big pond. Braces extending from the bottom of the car body and metal cables from the top, partly supported the vast expanse of magnolium steel sheets, but towards the outer ends, the wings or planes, extended unsupported in apparent defiance of all mechanical laws.

Starting point is 00:38:40 Three sets of tandem planes projected with slight dihedral angles for a distance decreasing from 80 to 60 to 40 feet on each side of the ship body, affording a wing spread never before successfully attained and giving the whole the exact resemblance of a gigantic metal bird. Each of these planes was made of three distinct telescoping four and aft sections, with a full spread of 21 feet. By means of the immense pressure gauges almost concealed under the curved front of the main plane, the rear sections were drawn in by cables on a spring drum

Starting point is 00:39:25 until the width of each of the three planes was reduced to seven feet. The moment the air pressure was lessened by descent or lessening of speed, the narrow wing surfaces automatically spread. In rapid flight, the reverse pressure on the gauges allowed the spring drums to reel in the extension surfaces, housing all extensions securely either beneath or over the main section of the wings. In this way, the buoyancy of the airship remained always the same. The body of the ocean flyer consisted of two decks or stories,

Starting point is 00:40:03 with a pilot house, state rooms, fuel chambers, engine room, bridges above, and protective galleries. The completely enclosed hall pierced with heavy glass protection. ports, and doors was 12 feet wide, 13 feet high and 30 feet long, ending in a maze of metal trusswork at the rear, and a magnally embraced tail 73 feet more in length, exclusive of the 20-foot rudder at the stern. To drive this huge craft, a much higher percentage of motor power than ever before secured had to be transformed into propulsive energy. The ordinary aeroplane propeller permits the escape of much of the motive power, but the ocean flyer was equipped with the new French moon devices,

Starting point is 00:40:58 which do away with the slip and allow the full power of the engine to be applied to the greatest advantage. Viewed sideways, this new former propeller looks exactly like, like a crescent, its tips curving ahead of its shaft attachment. The massive 11-foot propellers of the Ocean Flyer, with a section 5 feet broad at the center, gave ample push. They were located just forward of and beneath the front edge of the long plains. Powerful magnallium chain drives connected these with this shaft inside the hull.

Starting point is 00:41:36 Behind the chain drives, a light metal runway extended 12 feet from the car to the propeller bearings, so that the ladder might be reached while the car was in transit should adjustment or oiling be found necessary. Within the hull of the vessel, four feet from the bottom, a shaft extended carrying a third or auxiliary moon propeller, differing from the exterior side propellers by being seven instead of 11 feet in length. This reserve propelling force was for use in case either of the other propellers became disabled. The motive force of the flyer was secured by a chemical engine run by dehydrated sulfuric ether and gasoline. Magnolium cylinders sustained the shock of the tremendous explosions as the cylinders revolved past the exploding chamber and developed a power previously undreamed of.

Starting point is 00:42:37 Each of the two huge engines used was six feet in diameter, with four explosion chambers cooled by fans, which fed liquid ammonia to the cylinder walls in a spray, and then furnished power for its reliquification. In form, each engine resembled a great wheel or turbine, on the rim of which appeared a series of conical cylinder pockets. These, when presented to the explosion chambers, received the impact of the explosion, and then running through an expanding groove allowed the charge to continue expanding and applying power until the groove terminated in an open slot, which instantly cleansed the cylinders of the burnt gases. By this arrangement, there was only a 20th part of

Starting point is 00:43:28 the engine wheel where no power was being simultaneously imparted, thus giving practically a continuous torque. Weighing over 500 pounds each, and with a velocity of 1,500 revolutions per minute, those big turbines generated 973 horsepower, natural brake test, and this could be raised to more than 1,000 horsepower without danger. Revolving in opposite directions, They eliminated all dangerous gyroscopic action. As had been said, power was applied to the propellers by special magnolium gearing. The ocean flyer was equipped with the first enclosed car or cabin ever used on an aeroplane. The compartments of its two decks connected with each other,

Starting point is 00:44:20 but all could be made one airtight hole. Even the engines were within an airtight compartment. Attached to the bow of the hull was a large metal funnel with a wide flange. Tubes leading from the small end of this passed into each room on the vessel. Flying at 60 miles or more an hour caused the air to rush into this funnel with such force as soon to fill any or all of the compartments with compressed air. At a speed of 200 miles per hour, this was likely to be so great that instead of having too little air, there would be far too much, were it not for regulating pressure gauges,

Starting point is 00:45:03 which shut off the flow from time to time. Thus, the aeronauts were not only assured plenty of breathing air even in the highest altitudes, but the pressure gave sufficient heat to prevent frostbite from the intense cold, which prevails beyond a certain height above the earth's surface. A supply of oxygen was, of course, carried for use in case of necessity. although the airship boys had in the past proved that their funnel device obviated all need of it. The pilot room was located at the bow on the second deck. In appearance, it largely resembled the wheelhouse of the ordinary ocean liner. The compass box, with its compensating magnetic mechanism beneath, stood just in front of the steering wheel.

Starting point is 00:45:51 Below and parallel with which, but not connected with it, was a wheel for elevation. or depressing the planes. Both of these wheels operated indirectly, utilizing compressed air cylinders to move the big rudder and wing surfaces. At the right of these wheels was the engine control, consisting of a series of starting and stopping levers for each engine and the gear clutch for each wheel. At the left, in compact semicircular form was the signal board,

Starting point is 00:46:22 the automatic indicator recording at all times the position of each plane, the set of the rudder, and the speed of the engines. Below this was the chronometer, and a speaking tube which kept the pilot always in communication with every other part of the vessel. Immediately behind the pilot's wheel was a seeming confusion of indicators and gauges for the making of observations. There was the erometer, the automatic barograph, the checking barometer, the equilibrium statuscope, a self-recording thermometer, the compressed air gauge for all compartments, chart racks, indicators to show the exact rate of consumption of fuel and lubricating oil, and so on. As may be surmised, the duties of the pilot were not merely to steer and keep a lookout ahead,

Starting point is 00:47:15 but also to watch the machine and counteract the influence of unexpected air currents and those atmospheric obstructions like pockets, indistinguishable puffs of air and the like, which are always very dangerous and will jolt an airship exactly as a rock or piece of wood will bounce an automobile into the air and maybe completely overturn it. Among experienced aeronauts, these air ruts are recognized as being one of the chief perils in aviation. Ned Napier and Alan Hope usually took turns acting as pilot on a three-hour shift, in a longer interval of duty being too nerve-wracking a strain. The third man whom they usually took with them on the ocean flyer was supposed to be stationed

Starting point is 00:48:03 in the engine room. It was his duty to watch the automatic fuel and lubricators supply feedpipes, the compressed air gauges and pipe valves, the signal and illuminating light motor, the oxygen tanks, and the plane valves, in addition to the wireless apparatus for communication with the outside world. On long flights, one of the three aviators slipped while the others remained on duty. Thus, one of them was always kept fresh and alert to meet the demands of any unforeseen emergency. Ned, Allen, and Major Honeywell made a careful investigation of every detail of the ocean flyer, satisfying themselves that it was in all respects perfect for their hazardous trip.

Starting point is 00:48:50 They found everything to be absolutely ship-shaped, and those additional supplies which had arrived were already being stowed away on board. Well, said Alan, everything seems to be attended to properly, and there is no reason why we can't start any time we like, the sooner the better, because there's no telling what they may be going to do to Bob over there in Belgium any one of these days. Right, echoed Ned. Let's see.

Starting point is 00:49:17 Today is Wednesday. What do you say to starting off tomorrow morning early? Then we can arrive in Mulbrook, not later than sometime early Friday morning. We will have darkness to cover our arrival there. That's a good idea, supplemented Major Honeywell. I don't like to see you boys risking this thing, but if it must be done, you should take every possible advantage. And now, if you're through inspecting the flyer, what do you say to riding back to New York

Starting point is 00:49:46 with me in the automobile and taking dinner at my house? The major is a man after my own heart, cried Ned. My stomach cries out for him, Grand Alon, as they made their way back to the waiting motor car. End of Chapter 4. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 5 of the Airship Boys in the Great War by Delisle. F. Cass. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 5. Buck Stewart. And a warning. It was not a particularly jolly meal at Major Honeywells that night. The Major was opposed by grave fears of what might happen to his young friends on their

Starting point is 00:50:37 journey, and the airship boys felt the seriousness of the step they were about to take. However, youthful spirits are buoyant, and the good-smelling, appetizing dishes that were served to them soon drove away dull gloom and revived the boy's spirits. As Alan said, What's the use of sitting here staring at each other across the table as if we were at a funeral? Nobody's going to die or even get hurt. It's no use trying to be melancholy on a full stomach, and I, for one, am going to laugh right now.

Starting point is 00:51:15 the dessert course was just being served when there came a ring at the doorbell and a few minutes later the maid announced that a reporter from the herald wanted to see either mr napier or mr hope show the gentleman right in here said major honeywell after the boys had agreed to see him the young man who came in was slightly larger and older than either ned or ellen he was tall wiry and had the cool and the cool assured bearing of one who has survived many rebuffs and still got what he wanted. As he entered the dining room door, both Ned and Alan sprang to their feet and rushed impulsively to meet him. Buck Stewart, they shouted joyously, pumping his arms up and down. Well, if this isn't both the most unexpected and the luckiest thing, we've been wanting to have a talk with you for two days past and meant to ask the managing editor about you Tuesday. Only we were interrupted and got so flustered over it that we left before remembering that you were one of the main reasons for our call.

Starting point is 00:52:29 What good fairy brought you here tonight, Buck? asked Ned, pulling the newcomer down into a chair at the table, and shoving a piece of pie in front of him. I'd rather eat that pie than talk right now. But I suppose I've got to answer your question first, said Buck. We reporters always are in hard lines. You ask how I happen to be here. Well, it was this way. The Knight City editor called me over about an hour ago and gave me an assignment on you two chaps.

Starting point is 00:53:02 Why, what news is there about us that the Herald could use? asked Ned, exchanging a rapid glance with Alan and the Major. Buck removed a longing eye from the piece of pie to reply. We learned in some way that unknown parties had made you a cash offer of something like $325,000 for the ocean flyer and that you turned them down cold. Is that true? Also, who were the people who were the people who? who wanted to buy the flyer at such an astounding cash figure,

Starting point is 00:53:42 and for what purpose did they want it? If you'll give me full details, I'll be much obliged. This, as the reporter pulled a folded bundle of notepaper and a pencil from his pocket. These prospective buyers didn't represent any one of the warring nations in Europe, did they? That's just what we don't know and what we feared, said Alan. I'm afraid that we can't give you much dope for a story, though, Buck, because we know as little about them as you do. Then he went on to tell about Mr. Phillips, the go-between's mysterious call, and the telephone conversation with the man with a strong German accent. I'm sure that I've heard his voice somewhere before, and that not so very long ago, too, added Ned.

Starting point is 00:54:33 i've racked my brains ever since trying to place him huh sounds funny commented the reporter musingly but you certainly haven't given me much of a lead for the story i was after well i'll be going and not interrupt your little party here any further wait a minute buck said ned we haven't told you yet why we wanted to see the herald's managing editor about you that's so said buck sitting down more comfortably in his chair now if one of you gentlemen will hand me a fork i'll dispose of this mince pie while you're spinning the yarn so while the reporter was busy making the pie disappear ned told him of bob russell's predicament in belgium and what they proposed to do towards a rescue. We want you to go with us, Buck, said he, just as you did the time we made the 12-hour London to New York flight two years ago with the coronation pictures for the Herald. The managing editor will surely let you go for the two or three days needful

Starting point is 00:55:43 when you ask him, especially as it will enable the paper to get a representative right at the front with no bull-headed sensor to edit his copy. If the boss won't let me off, I'll throw up the job anyway, shouted Buck, jumping up in great excitement. Why, Bob Russell and I are old friends, just as you are, and I don't want to leave him in the lurch any more than you do. It's mighty good of you to give me this chance to be one of the rescue party.

Starting point is 00:56:16 Count on Buck Stewart boys, hair, tooth, and nail. The reporter's enthusiasm was contagious. All three sprang to their feet, and with exclamations of mutual pleasure were shaking hands to seal the compact when... went the telephone bell. Ned, called the major who answered the call. It's somebody that wants to speak with you personally, a man with a marked German accent.

Starting point is 00:56:47 The little company around the dining table stared curiously at each other as Ned Napier took up the receiver. Hello, this is Mr. Napier. Yes, I'm one of the owners of the Ocean Flyer. Who is this speaking, and what do you want? The voice at the other end of the line was harsh and guttural. The words were spoken in a truly menacing tone. You do not need to know how. I am. It is sufficient that I'll warn you. We who are bonded together in this country know this

Starting point is 00:57:25 thing that you think of doing. We know that you intend a trip in your flying ship to the war zone. Take our advice. Do not attempt it. You are being closely watched and we will not hold ourselves responsible for what may happen if you try to carry out your plan. You are young and life is dear to you. Beware. The telephone clicked abruptly at the other end of the line in the threatening voice was still. Ned sat as if petrified, his face a study of mingled amazement, indecision, and indignation. What's the matter, Ned? Who was it? Was it that same person who called up about the flyer?

Starting point is 00:58:15 cried the others crowding around him. yes replied ned it was the same voice and i am sure that i have heard it before then he went on to tell them of the ominous threats of the mysterious stranger a chorus of exclamations followed his recital da blackard ejaculated major honeywell we ought to set detectives on his trail small chance of ever catching him that way with the meager clues we have said reporter Buck. Besides, we haven't time to monkey with anything like that, unless, of course, you boys decide that it is better not to risk the enmity of these unknowns. They evidently mean business.

Starting point is 00:59:03 Ned's lips had fixed themselves into a grim, straight line, and Alan's frown was no less determined. All he hopes to do is frighten us into selling the airship to him, said Alan. and I don't believe that his big threats were anything but sheer bluff. Why, they wouldn't dare attack us right here in the heart of Civilized New York. Whoever they are, or whatever they may do, we're not going to let a phone call scour us out of this effort to save Bob Russell, said Ned.

Starting point is 00:59:38 We're all ready to start now, except for getting the herald's permission to let Buck here go with us. He can see the managing editor about that first. thing in the morning, and then we'll be off immediately. But if this gang really has you boys spied upon, they will certainly make some attempt to stop you, argued Major Honeywell. Nobody stands any chance of stopping us once we get up in the air, answered Ned, but as you say, we may as well try to make our getaway as secretly as possible. I would suggest that instead of starting out by daylight tomorrow, as we plan, that we wait until midnight.

Starting point is 01:00:20 Each of us can leave his house at a different time during the day and go about as if we had changed our minds and called the trip off. Then, just in time to reach the Newark factory, each one can start off alone. We should be able to disarm any suspicion in that way. Everybody approved heartily of Ned's scheme and parted that night with a little more earnestness in their handshakes than usual. All of the road back home, the airship boys cast furtive glances over their shoulders every now and then, but no sign of any followers was visible. End of Chapter 5. Recording by Tom Hirsch.

Starting point is 01:01:08 Chapter 6 of the Airship Boys in the Great War by Delisle F. Cass. This Liebervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 6. Escaping from deadly shadows. Alan Hope spent most of the next day at the offices of the Universal Transportation Company and was inclined to scoff at the idea of his being watched. Nevertheless, he had a loaded automatic revolver tucked away in his hip pocket,

Starting point is 01:01:41 and as night drew on, his assurance began to ooze gradually and he felt more than once to make sure that his weapon was stupe, still there ready for defense. Ned Napier was really impressed with the threats of the mysterious German, and though he did not arm himself as Alan had, he kept a sharp lookout for suspicious characters about him. All day long he wandered with an air of affected carelessness through the downtown shopping district, made a couple of short business calls, ate leisurely at the Ritz, and seemed to have no thought of anything but home and bed for that evening. Buck Stewart arose early that morning, ate a hearty breakfast,

Starting point is 01:02:26 and when he started out took with him what was apparently an ordinary cane, but which really was a rod of steel encased in leather. Many reporters carry them when they are sent out on assignment into dangerous sections of the city. Swinging his stick jauntily, he made his way forward, first to the offices of the herald where a brief chat with the managing editor readily procured him permission to accompany the airship boys on their trip the editor in fact made a regular assignment of it and cautioned buck to take along with him plenty of pencils and notebooks and a small camera that could be swung over one shoulder with a strap thus burdened buck again sought the street leaving newspaper row behind he sauntered along stopping now and then to look at articles in the shop windows, and finally decided to see the matinee at the casino.

Starting point is 01:03:24 Broadway was thronged with the usual afternoon crowd of beautiful women and fashionably dressed idlers, for which it is famous. The reporter shouldered his way through these, a little self-conscious of the bumping camera box over his shoulder, and the way his pockets bulged with surplus notebooks. Once, a tall, plainly-dressed man with close-trop beard bumped into him. There was a mutual exchange of apologies, and the crowd soon swallowed him.

Starting point is 01:03:56 Later on, Buck met a fellow newspaperman in front of the astor, and stopped to chat with him. An inadvertent side-glance during this conversation discovered the same bearded stranger, standing just to one side of the hotel entrance, as if hesitating whether or the room. to go in or not. There was no recognition in his cold eyes as Buck's glance caught his, but the reporter's heart gave a little jump. Shaw, growled Buck to himself, I'm getting to be a regular old granny. Here I see the same passerby twice in an afternoon on Broadway, and I'm afraid that he's a spy waiting to sandbag me. His uneasiness was not thus to be laughed off, though, and spoiled his enjoyment of the performance at the theater.

Starting point is 01:04:48 He scanned the audience around him narrowly to see if the bearded man was among them, and was relieved at failing to find him. After the show, Buck again wandered aimlessly through the streets. He was keenly on the alert for spies and found merely killing time to be harder than he had thought it would be. The strain was beginning to tell on his nerves. At dusk a million lights flashed out in a dazzling array of figures and designs, and the great white way made good its name.

Starting point is 01:05:23 But Buck was tired of it by then. He strolled over to nearby Fifth Avenue, where there were fewer people to jostle him, and the rattle of the streets was less distracting. He felt for no apparent reason, increasingly sure that he was being followed. To make sure of his system, Buck walked at times very slowly, at others rapidly, but he observed no suspicious shadows.

Starting point is 01:05:53 True, there were a number of people walking behind him, but his inspection revealed nothing sinister about them. Buck told himself that his fears were silly, that he was as bad as a girl in the dark. Still, the vague dread oppressed him. He ate in a small restaurant. He ate in a small restaurant, on just off Fourth Avenue, entering the place at the same time as two other men whose dress indicated them to be shop clerks, or something of the kind. When he arose to pay his bill and leave, they did also. At the counter one of them brushed as if accidentally against him, and Buck felt deft fingers passed swiftly over his pockets as if searching for something.

Starting point is 01:06:40 Was the fellow feeling to see if Buck carried him? a revolver? The reporter wondered but said nothing to the strangers. Their faces were innocent enough, and their eyes met his questioning glance candidly. Buck went on out into the night, and they followed close on his heels. As he stood quietly in the doorway there, however, the men bade each other good night and parted, going in opposite directions along the street. Finally, they disappeared in the darkness. was sorely perplexed. He felt absolutely certain that it was unsafe for him to be wandering about alone, yet it was several hours too early to start for Newark. Finally, he decided to take in several

Starting point is 01:07:28 moving picture shows as the safest way to keep out of danger. One of the men whom he had seen in the little restaurant was lounging outside of the first playhouse buck visited. Before the films were fully run, the reporter slipped out through one of the side exits into an alley. It was so dark there that he hardly could see the ground underfoot. Twenty assailants might be waiting in the gloom for aught he could tell. The reporter was not ashamed to take frankly to his heels and rush out onto the lighted street as fast as he could. He noticed that the lounger had disappeared from the theater doorway.

Starting point is 01:08:10 Hoping now that he had thrown his unknown pursuers off the trail, Buck visited a second moving-picture playhouse. There, a drunken man plumped roughly down into the vacant seat next to him and tried to pick a quarrel without any excuse at all. The reporter would have taken this as rather a joke had it not been that there was no vile odor of intoxicants on this drunkard's breath. shoving the rough to one side Buck hurried out of the theater, walked quickly down the street to the next corner,

Starting point is 01:08:47 crossed there to see if he was followed, turned the next corner, walked two blocks along an ill-lighted deserted side street, and there jumped into a dark doorway to listen. Yes, there was no mistake about it. He could hear the patter of running feet less than a quarter of a block behind. Air Buck had time to flee, rubber heels on the pursuer's shoes deadened their footfalls again,

Starting point is 01:09:15 and the two shadowy figures appeared directly in front of his hiding place. They paused there, breathing hard and holding on a hasty conference. "'How did he ever get away from you, Herman?' snarled the bigger of the two men to the other, whom Buck now recognized as the drunken man of the theater. "'Why talk about that now that he has a game, and alluded us, he growled. If only we had him here on this dark street, we could soon finish with him. Yes, we must catch him at once.

Starting point is 01:09:48 He must still be in the neighborhood and isn't armed. I made sure of that in the restaurant a couple of hours ago. But anyway, he can't go far without Otto, Wilhelm, or some of the others seeing him. They are covering all of these three streets, you know. The man addressed as Herman grunted his assent. i'm winded from that run after the fool said he let's sit down in this doorway and rest for a few minutes buck's heart began to beat faster he knew that his discovery and assault were only a matter of a few seconds the scoundrely pair had now approached within arm's reach of him so without further delay the reporter swung aloft his loaded cane and brought it down in a smashing side-blow on the head of the nearest man a bellow of rage and pain shocked the neighborhood into wakefulness as the second man leaped savagely at him buck evaded a wicked knife-stab and struck him full between the eyes with his clenched fist

Starting point is 01:10:52 the fellow reeled jerked a pistol from his pocket and emptied it blindly at the place where his combatant had stood an instant before but buck was bounding down the street as fast as his legs could carry him his camera bumping clumsily against his back a cross-town trolley car was clanging the bell down the next street and the breathless reporter made a running jump to catch it just as he did so a third man with a closely cropped beard sprang after him from the curb. He caught the camera and gave a mighty tug at it which broke the strap, and with the box in his hand, sent him sprawling backward in the street. The rushing trolley car did not stop, and Buck's extraordinary agility was all that enabled him to swing aboard safely. "'It's a fine night, mister,' said the conductor as he rang up the fair. Buck answered him with the sourest of stairs. End of Chapter 6. Recording by Tom Hirsch.

Starting point is 01:12:03 Chapter 7 of the Airship Boys in the Great War by Delisle F. Cass. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 7. What Happened to Ned? Alan Hope reached the newer factory of the Universal Transportation Company shortly before 11 o'clock that night, after an uneventful trip out via the Suburban Railroad Service. He found the big plant gloomy and silent without a light to show that activity was really going on within. In response to a pre-arranged coat of rings on the bell at the Great Main Gates, he was admitted. The ocean flyer had been wheeled to the extreme end of the big aviation field, where she might have plenty of room for her initial rise into the air,

Starting point is 01:12:58 and the factory foreman informed Alan that all was now ready for departure at any minute. Ned Napier arrived within ten minutes after his chum. Although he had sustained no actual mishap on the way out, it was by sheer luck only that he escaped the trap, which had been laid for him. He had attended the performance at the Winter Garden, purposely leaving early. In the foyer, as he went out,

Starting point is 01:13:28 a stranger in full evening dress. Apparently one of the spectators finishing his between-axe cigarette accosted him with extreme politeness. Dear gentlemen, your pardon, said he. But are you not Mr. Edward Napier, the aeronaut? "'No,' Ned answered him coldly. "'My name is Lloyd Jenkins.

Starting point is 01:13:53 "'I am a traveling shoe salesman.' "'My mistake, then, laughed the stranger lightly. "'Just to show that there's no hard feelings, "'won't you join me in a little drink down at the bar?' "'No, thank you,' the boy answered. "'I never use intoxicating liquors.' "'And then, being already suspicious, brushed on past the stranger and out into the street.

Starting point is 01:14:20 The usual line of taxi cabs lined the whole curb on both sides of Broadway for a block or more. As soon as Ned appeared, there was a hoarse-voiced chorus of shouts. Taxi, taxi cab, sir, this way, sir, taxi cab. Several of the chauffeurs crowded around Ned, trying to persuade him to patronize them rather than their fellows. One driver, muffled deep in a fur-collared overcoat, even went so far as to lay his hand on the boy's arm. "'I have a big comfortable limousine car here,' he said. "'Same price as those stuffy little taxis.'

Starting point is 01:15:01 "'Out of the corner of his eye, Ned just then saw the persistent stranger of the theater lobby coming out of the entrance toward him, and not being anxious for any further acquaintance, the boy turned hastily to the chauffeur, saying, All right, your limousine for me. Where to, sir? Ned was properly cautious. Grand Central Station, he answered,

Starting point is 01:15:28 intending then to change to another taxi cab, which could double on his tracks and take him on to the rendezvous in Newark. The gentleman in evening close was hurrying toward Ned signaling wildly for him to wait. Drive ahead, called the boy to his chauffeur, and plunged into the black cushioned depths of the big limousine. Ned kept right on going through, however, tore open the door on the opposite side

Starting point is 01:15:56 and was plunged headlong to the pavement by the sudden rush of the machine as it fairly leaped into high speed. There, in the gloom of the car, he had vaguely observed the uneasy, stir of a man hidden beneath the heaped-up rugs in the corner. The boy raced across the street, dodging whizzing motors, and heedless of angrily honking horns, sprang inside the nearest taxi-cab and yelled to the driver,

Starting point is 01:16:25 Give her all the juice you can, five dollars extra if you can get me to Brooklyn Bridge within 25 minutes. I'll do my darndess, the chauffeur, a grizzled man of 50 assured him. They were often a jiffy amid a gritty grating. of gear shifts and thunderous explosions of the opened exhaust. The motor began to whine as the gas was fed more and more rapidly. The white-clair Broadway slipped past the cab windows in a dull blur. Traffic policeman's whistles were merely unheated incidentals of the mad race.

Starting point is 01:17:01 Peering back through the little window in the rear of the machine, Ned saw at least two other automobiles join in the pursuit from the first front of the theater. The big limousine was one of them. The stranger and evening clothes and another man were craning their necks out of the other. Turn over on the Fifth Avenue and double up and down some of the side streets as fast as you can, called Ned through the speaking tube to his chauffeur. Never mind about Brooklyn Bridge. There are two machines behind that I want to shake off our trail. All right, boss, replied the chauffeur. You just leave it to Barney O'Dorgan to lose any other chasing taxi in this old town.

Starting point is 01:17:44 From then on it became a game of hide and go seek. Finally, a way over on the east side, it looked as if the pursuers had been shaken off. No sign of them had been apparent for at least half an hour, and Ned was just congratulating himself when the car turned a corner and right there at a standstill under the arc light in the center of the otherwise deserted street stood the big limousine with the three men arguing violently beside it. Schofer Barney O'Dorgan caught sight of it as soon as Ned did. Simultaneously, the trio recognized their lost quarry and started toward it at a run. There was neither time nor space for Barney O'Dorgan to turn his car about,

Starting point is 01:18:33 so as cool as you please, he simply threw his own. his gear lever as far as it would go, flooded the cylinders with gas, and the taxi cab began to race backwards at as furious a pace as it had previously gone forward. Seeing their prey escaping, all three of the pursuers jerked revolvers from their coats and opened fire. Two bullets shattered the windshield in front of intrepid Barney's face. Another tore its vicious way through the wooden body of the cab, and embedded itself with a dull thud in the back wall, not a foot from Ned's head. All of the other shots went wild.

Starting point is 01:19:16 Two blocks down this side street, and the cursing pursuers were left more than half of that distance behind. Then chauffeur Barney reversed his gears, turned the machine about, and sped on his way, with Ned exulting behind him. Barney, you're a peach, and you won't ever regret the way you've stuck. by me tonight, Ned called gratefully. Oh, that's all right, the Irishman made answer. I knew by your looks that you weren't a crook, and I certainly wouldn't let that gang of high binders nab you.

Starting point is 01:19:50 Where to now, sir? The driver certainly had proved himself trustworthy, so Ned decided to tell him his true destination. Have you gasoline enough to drive me to the plant of the Universal Transportation Company in Newark? he asked. Plenty of gas, grinned Barney, but I'm not so sure about the air and my tires.

Starting point is 01:20:14 Wait until I look at them. The tires proved hard and sound, however. Once more, Barney took the wheel, and from there on the ride to the rendezvous was uneventful. Ned presented the chauffeur with $30 as a reward for his fidelity. That was a mighty close shave of yours, Ned, said Alan, after he had heard the story. But where can Buck Stewart be?

Starting point is 01:20:41 It's already past the time we agreed upon. Do you suppose they could have caught him? Not yet, my boys, cried a hearty voice behind them. And there stood the reporter. His clothes rumpled, his hat dented out of shape, and with pockets of bulge with notebooks. There are only two parts of me missing, my camera and cane, and I had to leave them in other.

Starting point is 01:21:05 their hands without stopping to argue about it. Then Buck told the story of his thrilling nights' experiences and mutual congratulations followed. Well, I guess that we've given them all the slip at last, said Alan, and since it's a way past the hour we fixed for starting, let's take our places aboard the flyer and be off. We haven't any too much time to lose, you know. Right, oh, echoed Buck and Ned. So the trio made their way. way to where the huge airship stood ready. They swung up the ladder into the main port.

Starting point is 01:21:42 Ned took his position in the pilot room. Buck in the engine room. Alan made a hasty survey of the vessel poking around here and there with a powerful hand searchlight to see that all was as it should be. Their hearts beat high with excitement, which likewise agitated the little group of factory mechanics who had gathered to see them off. Just as Ned was, was about to signal Bob for their start. There came a tremendous battering upon the great barred doors of the factory. Open and admit us, roared an authoritative bull-like voice. Let no man leave here before we enter in the name of the United States of America.

Starting point is 01:22:27 End of Chapter 7. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 8 of the Airship Boys in the Great War by Delisle F. Cass. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 8. Six miles up in the air. For an instant, the hearts of all the boys stood still and each looked at the other in

Starting point is 01:22:58 consternation. In the name of the United States of America? That meant in some inexplicable way their project had leaked out, and that the federal government had sent officers to prevent their going. The heavy pounding on the Great Gate had resumed, and now the same commanding voice shouted, Are you going to open up to us, or is this intended as resistance of the law?

Starting point is 01:23:27 I give you two minutes to open these doors before we smash them in. That fellow means business, whispered Alan. Whatever can we do, we dare not oppose. them, yet to let them in, means the indefinite postponement of our flight. We'll go anyway, said Ned, his eyes lighting with determination. This is only another scheme to delay us. Are you all ready there, Mr. Engineer? Whenever you say the word, answer Bob, up through the tube. Then start your engines. We'll be a mile up in the sky before they can break in those heavy doors. So saying Ned jammed down hard on his starting lever.

Starting point is 01:24:11 The whir of the big turbines swelled forth, but not a tremor shook the ocean flyer. It did not budge an inch. Someone had been tampering with the pilot room apparatus. With a groan of desperation, Ned bent over the complexity of gears. He located the trouble almost immediately, and was relieved to note that it was merely superficial. a matter of minutes to repair.

Starting point is 01:24:39 But too late, at that moment the big yard gates were burst open forcibly and in strode four burly federal plainclothesmen, displaying their badges of authority. One other man accompanied them. Alan, who went out on the lowest exposed gangway of the flyer to meet them, recognized him in an instant. It was Mr. Geisthorn, the local chorus. of the Berlin-Itagabat.

Starting point is 01:25:08 Is this Mr. Napier? growled the leader. No, I am Mr. Hope. Mr. Napier will be here presently. The officer pulled an official-looking document from his breast pocket and extended it towards Allen. We have a warrant for the arrest of both of you, gentlemen. Also for that of one, Stuart, said to be connected with the New York Herald.

Starting point is 01:25:34 Mr. Stewart will also be here. here presently, said Alan. Upon what charge are we to be detained? Conspiracy, attempting to violate the federal neutrality by lending aid to one or another of the warring nations in Europe. That is untrue. I have nothing at all to do with that. My instructions are simply to place a man on guard over this vessel and to escort you, gentleman to the Secretary of State at Washington. Alan's wits were working fast. He was fighting to gain time,

Starting point is 01:26:12 and the trefail beneath his fingers was a quiver with subtle tremors. He could feel the premonitory hum of the engines as first one, and then the other of the big turbines began moving. Ned had fixed the damage, and things were going down in the engine room. The hum became a whir, a buzz and steady purr. The ocean flyer trembled momentarily from stem to stern. The 11-foot moon propellers began to whir with rapidly increasing velocity. Then suddenly the streams of compressed air began to sing in a way that was like the terrifying moan of a cyclone near at hand.

Starting point is 01:26:51 Then the tornado burst, driven irresistibly forward by the most powerful propellers ever devised by man. that vast mass of steel surrendered and slid jolting forward for twenty yards or so, scattering the spectators wildly. With a bound, the huge craft rose into the air and plunged forward and upward on a 45-degree angle at rapidly increasing speed. "'Stop in the name of!' the official's thunderous voice was lost in the distance. The factory buildings and the little group of detectives seemed to be dropping farther and farther down below. And where it not for the rush of the wind, the flyer might have seemed

Starting point is 01:27:34 to be stationary. The figures on the aviation field already were dwarfed by distance, and half obliterated in the darkness. A sudden flash of red lights stabbed the shades far beneath, and the report of the officer's revolver was faintly audible. Already the airship was sailing out over greater New York. The lighted streets far below checked the area into rectangular figures like a gigantic chessboard. Broadway became a hazy blur of white and the atmosphere took on a different quality, biting, hardy, more rurified. The stars which sparkled coldly down there on earth became blazing golden jewels in a setting of black velvet, which was the sky. The noise of the engines was a low, steady drone.

Starting point is 01:28:27 The trip to Europe and the Great War had begun. There is nothing in particular to tell about the 3,000-mile air voyage across the Atlantic. To Alan Ned and Buck, snugly encased within the automatically heated interior of the ocean flyer, the sense of aloofness from solid earth was lost, and it seemed much as if they were seated at their office desks back on Fifth. Avenue. The height of six miles from Earth level at which they traveled blotted out all sight of tangible objects, the comparative distance from which might have made the altitude terrifying to less experienced aviators than the airship boys. Sometimes the flyer cut its way through cloud, but the main strata of these even lay far below them. All that was visible through the

Starting point is 01:29:18 heavily glassed portals was a dull grayish void. The terrific rate of speed at which they were traveling was not at all apparent. The young aeronauts were kept too busy managing the ship to have spent much time stargazing if there had been something of outside interest. Ned and Allen took turns in steering the course and taking hourly observations upon one or another of the exceedingly delicate instruments at their command. Buck stood to the engines in the hold, being relieved by one of the other, boys when it came his turn to sleep or prepare meals.

Starting point is 01:29:57 Speaking of eating, those little repasts that Buck Stewart prepared in the cook's galley were absolutely mouth-watering. Had he not been so able a newspaper reporter, he would have made a better chef. Oh, those luscious, thick, juicy steaks, oozing such odoriferous steam, and a swim and milk gravy from the same pan. Hashed, golden-brown potatoes, one mouthful of which was to implant an insatiable craving for more, little green pickles with a real tang to them, and flavored by the cinnamon, nutmeg, and tasty spices in which they were bottled.

Starting point is 01:30:44 Flapchacks, rich with molasses, sugar cakes, and rich coffee that warmed one down to the very toe tips and fruits. Well, there were big rosy-cheeked apples, that kind of oranges which can be smelled all over the room, nuts, raisins, and whatnot. The larder was well stocked, and Buck Stewart certainly knew how to prepare it appetizingly, if ever anyone did.

Starting point is 01:31:13 Fortunately, the weather continued fair and no dangerous air pockets or unexpected whirlpool wind currents were met with. The 18th hour of their flight found everything going as well as possibly could be wished. Their watches were still set to New York time. It was now 6 p.m. in America, but midnight in London. There was a full moon and it was quite light. By this time, observed Ned, we ought to be pretty near the English coast,

Starting point is 01:31:44 so I would suggest that we drop the flyer down to an altitude where we can locate ourselves more definitely by actual landmarks. This was done, and with the huge wing-like planes expended to the full, the ocean flyer coasted a slant the airwaves. The cloud belt encircling the globe was penetrated and passed through, leaving small drops of moisture glistening all over the glass of the portals. The moon's rays made the metal body of the vessel glitter like so much silver. As they dropped lower and lower, the world became dimly visible, seeming to be literally rising to meet the descending aviators.

Starting point is 01:32:30 At an altitude of 3,000 feet, the downward planing was discontinued, and level flight again maintained. To the one hand stretched the seemingly endless expanse of, gray breaker-crested ocean, but on the other, due ahead, lay the rock-bound, irregular coast of the British Isles. Not so very far away now was poor Bob Russell on trial for his life. All three boys were thinking about him. It was not necessary to mention his name. Not long now, said Ned. No, not long, agreed Alan and Buck. End of Chapter 8.

Starting point is 01:33:16 Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 9 of the Airship Boys in the Great War by Delisle F. Cass. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 9. Paris proves unfriendly. The course of the ocean flyer was altered slightly so as to avoid passing over England and risking pot shots from people who were already in a semi-histeria over the threatened invasion by German zeppelins. The next land they saw was the coast of northern France.

Starting point is 01:34:00 They followed the Norman coast for a short distance and then once more headed inland. The flying speed had been reduced to 30 miles per hour when the airship first sank to a 3,000-foot level, And traveling thus slowly, the boys had a pretty good chance to observe the country beneath them through their powerful binoculars. Normandy, the district where the airship boys first began flying over France, had not yet been touched by hostile invasion. And save for the absence of the usual fleets of fishing smacks along the coast, was to all appearances the same quaint, sleepy region as ever. Farther inland, however, the ravages the war had made were more plainly visible. Few trains could be seen, and in many cases, railway bridges or the tracks themselves had been torn up. Fields lay for the most part untilled.

Starting point is 01:35:02 Smoke no longer belched from the long finger-like chimneys of busy factories. Nantes and Giers, Le Mans and Sharta, all huge cities, over which the flyer passed, showed little activity, save that even at this early hour, crowds were congregated in the principal squares and in front of the government offices, where daily returns from the battlefront were posted. The appearance of the ocean flyer was invariably the cause of intense excitement. People scurried frantically about. Church bells rang the alarm and soldiers ran to their posts on the fortifications.

Starting point is 01:35:43 Observed from the boys' elevated position, the scene greatly resembled an ant-hill disturbed with a stick. The city of Chartre was only a comparatively short flight, even at their reduced speed for the boys from Paris, the capital of France. Twenty minutes after passing over the former city, the Eiffel Tower, tallest structure in Paris, appeared. And soon other world-famous landmarks were easily discernible. through the glasses. There arose the imposing, ages-old towers of the Notre Dame Cathedral, set on an island in the middle of the River Sin, which, under its many handsome bridges,

Starting point is 01:36:28 wound like a silver ribbon through the gray expanse of buildings which go to make up the fourth largest city in the world. There lay the Palais Royal, with its celebrated shops and restaurants. There the Louvre, Luxembourg, and Thouilliers, stored with priceless art treasures and famous in history as the palaces of great kings. There was the green shrubbery of the public parks, and the white ribbon-like lines which marked the bois and the Champsie Lise, those famous boulevards and promenades of fashion, radiating from the Tullier, like the points of an immense stock. But what a vast change from the gay teeming metropolis of less than a year previous. The streets were nearly deserted. The pleasure seekers were fled before the hot scathing blast of war like chaff in a strong wind.

Starting point is 01:37:30 The tables before the gay little cafes lining the boulevards were turned bottom side up and dusty with long disuse. There was no roar of traffic. No shrill cries, no rumblings of passenger-filled omnibuses. The Avenue de Lapa was as quiet and deserted as a village street. Automobiles had disappeared. Only here and there meandered ancient cabs driven by dottering grandfathers and drawn by skeleton horses with sprung knees. A mournful, oppressive silence brooded over the lightest-hearted city

Starting point is 01:38:11 in the world. The grass in the Tullier Gardens was unkept and stood ankle-high. The wooded shades of the Bada Bologna had been turned into a great pasture for herds of cattle, goats, and sheep to provide food in case the Germans again succeeded in actually besieging the city. Palaces and celebrated public buildings were converted into hospitals. The young men were all. all at the front fighting. Only the aged and wounded remained in Paris. The city had not yet recovered from its fright of four months previous when the conquering regiments of the Kaiser trampled Belgium underfoot and advanced almost within cannon range of the walls. Even then, the battle was raging and bayonet charges were daily occurrences in the trenches, less than an hour's

Starting point is 01:39:09 automobile drive to the northeast. Lookouts were stationed on all the higher buildings to give warnings of the approach of bomb-dropping German aviators in their wide, white, flat-winged taube aeroplanes. The coming of the huge, shining ocean flyer was seen while it was yet a considerable distance from the city, and a whole flock of French military airplanes arose bird-like into the sky, to meet it. They resembled Hornets defending their nest. As the big airship planed down towards them with its 72 feet of planes, extended like wings on each side, the flock of smaller French aircraft shot suddenly apart in different directions, realizing their helplessness to combat this new threatening monster of the air. Some plained down like arrows into the city again seeking safety.

Starting point is 01:40:09 Others began to sweep in wide circles around the ocean flyer, not daring to approach nearer. The harsh roar of their motors and propellers could be heard even within the pilot house where Ned stood, guiding the flyer's course. Then the alarmed Parisians unlimbered their much-talked-of aerial cannon on this new menace from the clouds. As each ugly black nozzle was tilted skywards, there came a puff of greening, smoke. Flames spat forth in a huge shell was hurled straight at the approaching airship. Most of these terrible missiles fell far short of their mark, but the gunners of a battery stationed in the top of the Eiffel Tower were quick in getting a better range and made it very dangerous for the airship boys to continue their descent.

Starting point is 01:41:02 Holy smoke, gasped Alan, as one in cannon shell burst with a terrific detonation. and less than 100 feet to the left of the flyer and almost keeled it over sideways. This is getting too hot for me. They think we're a new type of German zeppelin. Shoot her up higher, Ned. Let's get out of here quick. I'll raise her higher, of course, answered Ned at the wheel, but it's a shame that we can't get a closer view of Paris in wartime. That would be something to tell the folks about when we get back home.

Starting point is 01:41:36 The whole metal-plated frame of the flyer shook violently and careened wildly to one side from the concussion of another lighted shell. Only quick action on Ned's part prevented their capsizing. We won't ever get home to tell anybody about anything if you don't drive the ship higher pretty soon, yelled Alan. Ned was the cooler of the two. All right, he said, but I do wish that you could manage to signal some of these aeroplanes, skimming around us that we are friends instead of enemies, and that we want to alight down there in the city. Alan looked doubtful, but finally agreed. As Ned jammed the elevation lever down hard in its socket and forced the ocean flyers slowly forward on a decided upslant,

Starting point is 01:42:30 his chum made his way out onto the runway which encircled most of the flyer's hull, and there, clinging firmly to the iron tafferel with one hand, Whig-wagged Pacific signals with a white flag gripped in the other. Either the circling French aviators did not understand his signals, or thought that the white flag was merely intended to deceive them, for all, save one of them, totally disregarded it. That single daredevil birdman drove his monoplane like a flea going against an elephant. Straight, head-on at the ocean flyer, the moment Alan made his appearance outside.

Starting point is 01:43:10 his face was set in frantic determination. A startled cry of warning escaped the boy clinging in the terrific wind there on the narrow runway, who thought that the madman intended to crash into the bigger airship, and so sacrifice his own life in the attempt to disable the supposed enemy. But that was not the daring Frenchman's intent. When the roar of his whirring tail propellers deafened Alan's hearing and it seemed as if in another second the little monoplane would be dashed against the flyer. The Frenchman tilted his planes sharply,

Starting point is 01:43:49 swerved on a perilous angle that almost overturned his light craft, and as he swept past in a rush of wind, jerked a revolver from his belt with one hand, and fired full into Alan's blanched face. A second later he swooped down towards the watching city below. Alan felt a sudden stinging sensation on his cheek and could not suppress a cry of pain. Something warm began to trickle down his cheek.

Starting point is 01:44:18 A sudden giddiness made his head swim. His eyes blurred, and he felt that he might topple over the narrow tafferel at any moment. Blindly, he groped behind him for the handle of the door leading back into the ship. Found it, tried to call for help. then stumbled forward and sank huddled to the airship floor, unconscious. End of Chapter 9.

Starting point is 01:44:46 Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 10 of the Airship Boys in the Great War by Delisle F. Cass. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 10. An Adventure in the Ardennes. Both Ned and Buck were too busily engaged in getting the ocean flyer out of range of the aerial guns to miss Allen for fully ten minutes. They shot the airship almost obliquely upwards over the city until the clouds shut off all sight of it from them,

Starting point is 01:45:27 and even the most daring of the pestering French airplanes could follow them no higher. Then Ned noticed for the first time that Alan had not returned to the pilot house. "'Is Alan down there in the engine room with you, Buck?' he called through the speaking tube. "'No. Good gracious, isn't he with you either?' exclaimed Buck anxiously. "'Everything here seems to be running smoothly, so I'm going to risk leaving it for a few minutes to look for him.' It was not a hard matter to find Alan where he lay huddled up just inside the port door. With a cry of consternation, Buck dropped upon his knees beside the silent figure, it over gently and was shocked to note the bloody gasliness of his comrades' face.

Starting point is 01:46:14 Severe newspaper training was strong in Buck Stewart, though. He did not turn screamish or raise Ned's anxieties by shouting that Alan had been wounded. Ned needed his whole mind for the management of the flyer, and Buck realized that. Gathering the insensible boy up in his arms, Buck carried him into one of the small staterooms, hurriedly bathed his face in warm water, and was relieved to discover that what had at first appeared to be a mortal wound was merely an abrasion of the flesh where the Frenchman's bullet had grazed its way. Alan revived a few minutes afterward, and while his legs were still a little shaky, he protested that he felt quite his usual self. After their hostile reception at Paris,

Starting point is 01:47:04 The airship boys realized that it would be folly to attempt a similar daylight descent upon Mulberg, where Bob Russell was imprisoned. Also, the appalling screech of bursting shells going past had given them a heartfelt disinclination to get the ocean flyer anywhere between the lines of fire on the battlefront. Examination of a war map presented to them by the editor of the New York Herald showed plainly that the nearest trenches of the opposing armies lay about 40 miles to the northeast of Paris, extending thence in the form of a rough semicircle, indented towards the north, for a length of nearly 200 miles.

Starting point is 01:47:47 One end of this titanic battlefront ended on the shores of the North Sea in Belgium, the other, in French territory in the Muse Prefecture. In order to reach Mulberg, it was necessary for the flyer to pass directly over the firing lines somewhere in the Ardennes forest region, and then to proceed northerly, tending somewhat to the east until crossing the Belgian front, near which Mulberg is situated. The latest reports of the war showed the fiercest fighting just then to be going on far to the south along the river Mews,

Starting point is 01:48:23 and northwesterly along the inn, a few miles within French territory, where the Germans were making desperate daily assaults upon the Allied French and German entrenchments. The severe guerrilla fighting which had nearly turned the Ardennes region into a shambles had then ceased almost entirely while General von Kluck, commanding the German army of the West, was endeavoring to force the arms of his Crescent battle line westward in around the Allied forces, and by so doing, compelled them either to be surrounded and captured, or else to fall back upon Paris once more. It looks to me, said Ned, outlining the positions on the map with one finger,

Starting point is 01:49:06 that it will be best for us to cross the firing line there in the Ardennes, flying high so as to be out of the range of those tremendous German field guns, which they say can carry a cannonball 15 miles or more. If you boys think well of it, we might even drop the flyer in the Ardennes forest. get a chance to stretch the cramps out of our legs there, and still get to Moulbrook long before dark. Both Alan and Buck approved heartily of this plant, and so it was decided upon. Estimating the distance between their present position and the Ardennes by their maps and instruments, the ocean flyer proceeded on its way, concealed from sight by the heavy cloud banks beneath.

Starting point is 01:49:52 While the sun was still high, they saw that they had arrived somewhere in the sea. the neighborhood of the intended stopping place. Ned then began planing as straight downward as he dared, and shortly afterward shouted, There it is, boys! We figured the time and distance exactly. There are the treetops. Sure enough, there extended the green expanse of the Great Ardennes wood, with the dull glint of the setting sun gilding the leaves and branches. A far in the distance, a mere speck in the flame-colored sky, a solitary observation balloon was ascending. Somewhere away to the northwards, the dull, monotonous booming of cannon could be heard like

Starting point is 01:50:37 the rumble of distant thunder. The woods showed no sign of life. There were no spirals of smoke rising into the still evening air to warn the young aeronauts of nearby campfires, sailing slowly over the treetops and gradually dropping lower and lower, the flyer finally came upon an open glade, perhaps a half-mile square, and ideally located for a landing. Its only obstruction was a clump of maybe a half a dozen ancient oaks, standing almost in the middle of the area. There, Ned brought the big airship to Earth as lightly as a bird, and the three boys jumped out to enjoy their first touch of Mother Earth

Starting point is 01:51:22 since leaving New York nearly a day before. The air was mild and odorous with the smell of the forest, and all took huge breaths of it gratefully. Buck pranced about like a colt let loose in pasture, and he and Alan ran short races up and down the glade to stretch their cramped muscles. Now, boys, call Ned, it is time that we held a serious council of war

Starting point is 01:51:48 to decide just how we're going to manage Bob's escape, let's sit down under these trees here and make final arrangements because by midnight we'll be at mulbrook and won't want to waste any time in that dangerous vicinity so they sat there under the biggest tree in the center of the field and talked things over Alan said, I don't see how we can decide upon any very definite plan until after we get there and find out the lie of the land. For all that we know, the prison where they have Bob locked up may be right in the center of the town, with a couple thousand watchful soldiers around it. I don't believe that we'll ever be able to get near enough to the prison to get Bob out without some legwork. I've been thinking of that, too, said Ned, and feel pretty sure. sure that some one of us will have to go into town disguised to get exact information,

Starting point is 01:52:45 while the other two of us remain to guard the flyer and be ready to lend assistance whenever we are called upon. The difficulty is to say which one of us ought to undertake the perilous mission of spy. You know, if the Germans ever caught him, he would be in an even worse fix than poor old Bob. Let me go, Ned, pleaded Alan, his face aglow with enthusiasm. I'm perfectly willing to take the risk. No, let me go, said Buck. Both of you boys are absolutely needed to manage the airship,

Starting point is 01:53:21 and in a pinch can get along well enough without me. Besides that, I can speak German well enough to pass in the dark, and my newspaper work has given me more practical experience in the sleuthing line than either of you two boys have had. Personally, I don't think the chances are that I would run much danger of the detection there in disguise after midnight, but even if they do get suspicious, I could show them the war correspondent's credentials given you by the Herald. I don't believe that even grouchy old General Harbourcomf is crazy enough to risk getting

Starting point is 01:53:57 the American press down on him by mistreatment of me should I have to shove those papers under his nose. I think that you exaggerate the importance of the New York Herald over here in the war zone, said Alan with a smile. Remember that the Herald card didn't prevent the Germans from throwing Bob into their beastly prison. But that was quite a different case, explained Buck. Bob Russell was caught with certain papers on his person, which are said to have branded him as a hostile spy. However, began Alan again. Ned interrupted. interrupted him. Buck is right, Alan, said he. I don't like to think of his risking his life in this way, but he is clearly better fitted for the job than either you or I. I understand how disappointed you are

Starting point is 01:54:48 in not getting the chance to risk it for a good old Bob's sake, and I'm just as sorry that I can't do it. But Buck's knowledge of the German language, his experience in this sort of thing, and the fact that he can better bluff about being a regular newspaper correspondent all make him the logical man for it. You and I will have to give in. Alan was very much disappointed that things turned out so and tossed back his head to conceal his chagrin. As he did so, his eye caught sight of something strange in the bushy treetop

Starting point is 01:55:24 directly above their heads. Look, boys, isn't that a little house up there? He cried, pointing. As he did so, there came a chorus of guttural exclamations from the concealing leaves up above, and, before the startled airship boys had time to do more than scramble to their feet, at least a dozen shaggy-bearded German soldiers, in ragged, dirt-stained gray uniforms, came sliding one after another down the surrounding tree trunks. Hands up, roared one who seemed to be in command,

Starting point is 01:55:58 and even though he spoke in German, there was no mistaking the meaning of the musket barrels pointed threateningly at the three boys. End of Chapter 10. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 11 of the Airship Boys in the Great War by Delisle F. Cass. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 11. The Fight. in the forest. For an instant, the heart of each boy stood still. Then things began to happen.

Starting point is 01:56:42 Ned shot straight from his hip, the revolver bullet, tearing its way straight through his coat pocket and wounding the nearest soldier. Buck grappled closely with the soldier closest to him, beat down the threatening gun muzzle, felt the discharge scorch his leg in passing, and rolled over and over on the ground, arms interlocked in deadly combat. Allen sprang behind the nearest tree and opened fire on the assailants with a revolver in each hand, spitting lead as fast as he could pull the trigger. Muskets belched flame and smoke and a half circle around them, but Ned was safely behind a sheltering tree trunk before the deadly lead and hail could reach him.

Starting point is 01:57:24 Another soldier fell, howling with pain, and a third clapped one hand to his shoulder where a well-sped bullet from Alan's revolver had lodged. the germans took shelter behind adjacent trees as the boys had done and only buck and his opponents still rolled out exposed to fire yet neither the boys nor the germans dared shoot at the struggling men for fear of wounding one of their own party Ned cast a longing, regretful eye at the ocean flyer where it stood not fifty yards away. He blamed himself for their folly in ever leaving its protecting walls. Besides, he knew that the revolvers were nearly empty and that they had no spare cartridges in their pockets. He shouted to Alan in English, which the Germans could not, of course, understand, to work his way back towards the airship.

Starting point is 01:58:16 Dodging from tree to tree to two boys gradually came within a, about 20 yards of the flyer. In the meantime, the Germans had divined their intentions and had followed them closely, keeping up a hot fire all the time. The intervening distance between the airship and the boys would have to be covered by a dash across the exposed, open ground, where the Germans could hardly fail to get them.

Starting point is 01:58:42 "'Don't risk it, Ned,' cried Alan. "'One of us absolutely must,' answered the other boy desperately. we are all lost if we don't. Then before Alan could protest further, the courageous lad darted from cover and was bounding across the dangerous open space towards the flyer. Twenty German bullets went hissing after him, and the entire crowd pursued with hoarse shouts of rage.

Starting point is 01:59:08 Alan bowled over one of them as he ran and then himself rushed after Ned. None of the soldiers took time to pause, aim, and shoot. They were too anxious to catch the fly. fleeing boys. Up the swaying rope ladder leading to the open portway clambered Ned, with Alan crowding close on his heels. The former threw himself inside, but the Germans were too close for Alan to risk it. He felt hot breath on the back of his neck, heard the man behind him panting heavily, and with one foot on the first rung of the ladder, wheeled with

Starting point is 01:59:41 clubbed revolver to defend himself. His arms swung back to dash it into the man's face when Buck, he cried. It was the reporter who had finally succeeded in mastering his assailant and had followed his two chums in their desperate race for the safety of the flyer. There was no time for further conversation, however, for the yelling Germans were now fairly on top of them. Allen's revolvers snapped harmlessly. They were empty.

Starting point is 02:00:10 Buck fired his remaining four bullets right into their faces and then struck out with his fists. It looked as if it were all up with the brave boys until suddenly Ned appeared on the airship runway overhead. In his hand, he held raised a black, round, metal object about the size of a football. Stand back! he shouted in a terrible tone. Every one of you Germans stand back, or I swear I will blow you all to pieces with this Lidite grenade. The deadly explosive hung there almost above their heads, and every man of them knew what it was.

Starting point is 02:00:48 Involuntarily, they fell back, and in that minute, while they hesitated, Alan and Buck bounded up the companion ladder into safety in the hold of the airship. As the metal door clanged shut and locked automatically behind them, they heard the enraged Germans hammering upon it with the butts of their muskets.

Starting point is 02:01:07 To your engines, Buck! shouted Ned from above. Quick, Alan, help me in the pilot house here. The starting lever was jammed down into place. The hum of the great turbines became a roar. The huge propellers swished mightily around and round. The ocean flyer began to slip over the grass with the frantic Germans giving ground reluctantly. Then the huge bulk gradually lifted itself from the earth

Starting point is 02:01:32 and skimmed like a swallow heavenwards over the now dusky treetops. German bullets rattled like hail over the metal sides of the vessel. Alan smiled grimly at Ned. They don't realize that magnallium alloy is as good as armor plate, he said. Unless a stray bullet happens to snap some mechanical part of the tail propellers, they're welcome to shoot as much as they want to now. Ned nodded as he shaped the flyer's course towards the north, where the frontier and Mulberg lay.

Starting point is 02:02:06 End of Chapter 11. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 12 of the Airship Boys in the Great War By Delisle F. Cass This Libervox recording is in the public domain, recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 12, Buck takes his life in his hands. Black Knight had already fallen, blotting outside of all lower landmarks, and the airship boys had only their maps and instruments by which to guide their

Starting point is 02:02:45 path. But, as had been before proved, those were ample for the purpose. The young aeronauts were unable to tell just when they passed over the long, zigzagging double line of trenches, which marked where the hostile armies crouched, menacing each other, because all campfires were blanketed there. Experience in the early days of the war had taught both Germans and allies that a shining campfire is an excellent mark for bombs from any prowling aviator overhead. Several villages sparsely lighted, and several cities with all lights extinguished, were passed over before the flyer reached a point where the boys knew that Mulbrook must lie very nearly below them. They planed down gently, found no place adequate for a safe landing, and finally were forced to circle unsuburned.

Starting point is 02:03:42 certainly there in mid-air, straining their eyes down into the gloom below. They did not dare to investigate the lie of the land with their searchlights, as that would instantly have betrayed their presence to everyone within miles of the spot. At last, Alan observed a comparatively open and flat stretch of ground, and they decided to take a chance on it. Fortunately, it proved to afford a better landing area than had been apparent, from above, and the ocean flyer was once more brought to rest on firm ground. The boys instantly discovered that they were in a large farm yard, with a broad, dusty highway

Starting point is 02:04:25 on one side and a small, unlighted cottage nearby. They were afraid at first that the inhabitants, if there were any, had observed their approach and had slipped away to give warning. Further examination of the premises showed this drag. to be groundless, however. As they stealthily tiptoed around the cottage, the boys could plainly see that the war had long since passed that way and driven off its occupants.

Starting point is 02:04:55 The walls were charred with fire. Half of the straw-thatched roof had fallen in, and the door swung crazily askew on one hinge. Investigation on the inside made clear that whoever the owners were, they had left in great haste. Furniture was broken and overturned. Linen, bedclothes, and wearing apparel lay scattered all over the floor. One wall was riddled with bullets.

Starting point is 02:05:26 Stooping, Buck gave vent to a pleased exclamation. He had found enough old clothes out of which to disguise himself completely as a Belgian peasant. Even the clumsy wooden shoes were on earth from one corner of the room. This simplifies everything, he cried to Alan. I'll put these things on right now and be off into town to see how things are. Unless I'm much mistaken, this road beside us is the main highway into Mulbrook, which itself can't be much more than a mile away if those maps of ours are correct. In the meantime, you and Ned can wait here for me.

Starting point is 02:06:06 If I'm still alive and at liberty, I'll be back here by sun up shore. If I don't show up by then, you can rest assured that something unforeseen has happened to detain me. In case anyone comes snooping around here while I'm gone, you boys had better go aloft in the flyer and return here again for me tomorrow night. But be sure and wait here until daylight for me unless you are discovered. The plan was about the best that any of the boys could suggest, so Buck donned the old clothes he had found, dirtied his face with dust from the roadway and bade his chums goodbye cheerfully. They stared regretfully after his retreating figure in the gloom.

Starting point is 02:06:51 If anything happens to him, I shall never forgive myself, said Ned. Alan laughed in a brave attempt to seem lighter-hearted than he was. If anybody can come through this stunt safely, it's Buck Stewart, he said. said, Mark my words, he'll be back here, chipper, as a sparrow by sunrise, with a full plan of how and when we are to rescue Bob. I certainly hope so, muttered Ned, doubtfully. Meanwhile, Buck was striding rapidly along the road into town, with his cat pulled down low over his eyes, in his right hand nursing the handle of a big revolver in his hip pocket. He sculpted, mostly along the side of the way,

Starting point is 02:07:41 where the black shadows from the hedges tended to conceal him. His eyes kept shifting warily from left to right, and his ears were strained to catch any sound that might warn him of other prowlers on the road. Frequently he passed wayside graves, sometimes a single mound of earth. At other times, a number of them side by side. Every somber mound of earth was marked by a wooden cross,

Starting point is 02:08:11 on the apex of many of which the fallen soldier's hat was hung. Buck noticed that in many cases the rough cap of a French infantryman hung side by side with battered German helmets. The German army does everything neatly, thoroughly. Whenever there is time, it buries the fallen enemy as well as its own. dead. By and by little gloomy houses began to appear straggling along the wayside, and Buck knew that he was in the outskirts of the town. No lights were shown in any of the windows, not a cowlode nor dog barked. The hush of either dread or desertion seemed heavy in the dark night air.

Starting point is 02:09:01 Buck had not gone much further when he was startled by a sharp, "'Forgitta!' who goes there, "'as a stalwart, grey-clote, sentries stepped out from the shadows of the roadside, "'with levelled and bayoneted musket. "'I'm friend, an armolenceman, excellence.' "'A friend, a poor farmer, Your Excellency,' answered Buck, "'gripping his revolver firmly. "'Stand out in the middle of the road,

Starting point is 02:09:31 "'where I can see you more plainly in the moonlight,' Gruffly ordered the sentinel, poking at the seeming peasant with his sharp bayonet. Buck obeyed him, feigning great humility. There was nothing suspicious to the German in his appearance, but, What are you doing out slate and alone on the high road here? demanded the sentry. Excellency, three weeks ago I had home, such a nice, cozy little place, down the road a mile or so. I ran away into Mulbrook when your army marched past on the road to Paris, and today I went back to see if there was anything left for me.

Starting point is 02:10:13 And did you find anything, Lundsman? No, Excellency. The place was swept clean. Even the nice little cottage was half torn down. The burly German gaffaught, as if it was a huge joke. Now I know that you are telling me the truth, fellow, he said. I know your place well. Why I myself help burst in the door you locked so carefully on leaving, but you don't bear me any ill will for that, do you now?'

Starting point is 02:10:45 "'No, Excellency.' "'You had better not,' growled the sentry. "'Pass on, and don't let me catch you prowling around here any more of nights. I have orders to shoot anybody whose looks I don't like.' "'Yes, excellency, I will remember,' said that. the seeming peasant and slunk away in the direction of the town. End of Chapter 12. Recording by Tom Hirsch.

Starting point is 02:11:18 Chapter 13 of the Airship Boys in the Great War by Delisle F. Cass. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 13. To be shot at sunrise. The streets of the town were unlighted. but several houses on the public square showed illumination through lowered window shades.

Starting point is 02:11:45 There were no citizens to be seen and very few soldiers about. In front of the Otto de Alvilla, town hall, a sentry paced restlessly to and fro on duty with a musket laid across his arm. He took no notice of the dirty peasants stalking past. Buck made it his first business to locibly.

Starting point is 02:12:08 the civic prison where he knew that Bob would be confined. This he found not far from the main thoroughfare of the town, a massive, square, grey stone building with iron doors and many little grated windows high up on the walls. A sentry box beside the door was occupied, so Buck spent no time loitering around there. He made his way back to the public square in search of an inn where he might sit down and, while eating, inquire casually about news in general,

Starting point is 02:12:42 and the trials of war prisoners in particular. He felt pretty sure that the downtrodden Belgian's present were sullen and discontented under the Iron German rule, and would be willing to discuss almost any topic relative to the oppressions. The first tavern to which Buck came was large and pretentious, evidently the main ostlery of the city. Even at this late hour, people were passing in and out of the big entrance. The disguised boy noted, however, that many of these guests were German officers, and rightly guessed that this being the chief inn of the city,

Starting point is 02:13:23 it would be most largely patronized by the conquerors, so he passed on in search of some less popular place. A little further on down the street he came upon a smaller, more dingy-looking public-house, with apparently less revelry going on inside. Buck determined to take a chance here, in pulling his disreputable cap lower over his eyes, pulled open the door and slouched in. He found himself in a small, low-ceilinged room,

Starting point is 02:13:57 the walls and oaken rafters of which were dirty and smoked black by the huge open fireplace at one end. Rickety little wooden tables stood here and there, none too clean nor inviting. A doorway at the far end of the room led out into the kitchens, from which a vile odor of cabbage and onions penetrated. There were only a few people present, and they appeared to be merely scared townsfolk.

Starting point is 02:14:27 Buck dropped into a chair at one end of the greasy tables, and a slatteringly servant-maid took his order for something to eat. While she was serving him a little later on, she said, I do not recognize you as one of our regular customers, good man. Are you a stranger in Mulbrook? Yes, replied Buck. I was a farmer near Dunant before this war broke out, but since then, well, you know how it is.

Starting point is 02:14:58 We here in Mulbrook should know if anybody, does, grumbled the girl. The Germans have overrun the town, taken all the best for themselves, half of the time without paying for it, and treat us honest people as if we were born their servants. Now, old General Habercomph, who's in command of the division stationed here, is throwing all of our best citizens into prison on trumped-up charges of one kind or another. Ah, said Buck, is he doing such an out-rozen? thing as that. But then, maybe he thinks that they are playing him double.

Starting point is 02:15:37 Are spies, in other words. "'Bah, spies nothing!' exclaimed the girl indignantly. "'That is an old yarn. There is that young American newspaper correspondent now. The Germans have thrown him into prison too and claim that papers were found upon him, and now they are going to shoot him at sunrise tomorrow. to shoot him at sunrise, ejaculated Buck, with difficulty restraining himself from showing his agitation.

Starting point is 02:16:07 Surely you cannot mean that. Oh, but I do, replied the girl. They tried him before a military tribunal in the Hotel de Via this afternoon. No outsiders were admitted, and that beast of a general hovercraft waste no time in carrying out his decisions. The poor young man will be taken out and shot at sunrise. in the fields just west of town. That is where all these acts of justice have been taking place since the terrible Germans

Starting point is 02:16:38 came to Mulbrook. They backed the condemned man up against the remaining wall of the old church there. The firing squad stands off at a distance of 30 paces. Ready, aim fire, says the corporal in charge, and puff, another life is snuffed out. Buck was horror-stricken at the terrible fate that threatened his old friend within less than three or four hours.

Starting point is 02:17:02 Almost the airship boys had come too late, and even now it was a question whether or not he could get back to the airship and make plans for a rescue in time to save him. Buck easily recalled the place set for the execution. He had passed it not a hundred yards from the high road, about a quarter of a mile from town. His brain was in a whirl. He was unable to formulate any price,

Starting point is 02:17:28 spectacle scheme of affecting the rescue. The sun at that time of year rose about 5 o'clock or 5.30 at the latest. All preparations must be made before then. Paying his bill at the inn, Buck hurried out into the damp night air again and set out for the place where he had left his comrades. Once cleared the town, he broke into a run,

Starting point is 02:17:52 approaching the vicinity of the Sentinel who had challenged him on his way in about an hour before, the reporter made a wide detour through the dew-wet fields to the left of the road. He got by that danger point in safety, struck the highway again and resumed his breathless race against time. Finally, panting with his exertions and bathed in perspiration, he arrived at the peasant's ruined hut and saw the vast black shape of the ocean flyer looming up behind it. Then something icy, cold and round, was suddenly pressed against the back of his neck. Strong arms pinioned his arms to his side, and a voice said sternly in English,

Starting point is 02:18:36 "'Not so fast there, one out cry, and you are a dead man. Where do you think you are going?' Alan breathed Buck in relief. Don't shoot it as I, Buck Stewart, with news of Bob. "'Oh, ha!' cried Alan. "'Come along, over to the flyer, where Ned is anxious. waiting. You are back sooner than we expected. It did not take Buck long to tell his story. Now, said he, what's to be done? We have less than three hours left to do it, if ever we want to see Bob alive again.

Starting point is 02:19:11 Half a dozen wild plans were suggested and discarded as quickly. Finally, it was resourceful Ned who said, let's work it this way boys. You, Buck, will have to go back afoot to the ruined church where the execution is to be and wait there until the firing squad arrives with Bob at sunrise. Hide behind the wall against which they back him up to be shot, and then when they are pacing off the firing distance, jump out, cut his bonds, and run around to the other side of the wall again with him. With a couple of loaded revolvers in each of your hands,

Starting point is 02:19:49 And one of you at each end of the wall, you ought to be able to keep even the dozen soldiers in the guard at bay until we can arrive. We will have the flyer all ready for instant flight the minute the squad shows up, and at the first shot will be on hand. At the rate of speed we can travel, we oughtn't to be more than a few moments covering the distance. A couple of hand grenades tossed down among those Germans ought to send them about their business pretty quickly.

Starting point is 02:20:17 Of course, I know that this is a pretty risky plan, but it's the best we've been able to hit upon so far. But won't those soldiers be able to shoot Buck down before he has time to free Bob of his bonds? Alan queried. Buck can't be shooting at them and cutting the rope off Bob's hands at the same time. No, I don't think so, answered Ned. I believe that it is customary for only a certain number of guns in a firing squad to be actually loaded with bullets. Blank cartridges are used in the others, and no soldier knows just who carries the fatal weapons. This is to keep any self-respecting man among them from feeling that he is committing cold-blooded murder by shooting down a prisoner with his hands tied.

Starting point is 02:21:04 Undoubtedly, the officer in charge will be loading the guns while poor Bob is being given a last chance to think it over. That's the time. You think of every little point, Ned, cried Buck admiring. of course I'll go and do my best to save Bob. As time is slipping away fast, I'd better set off right now, too. But remember that you are to show up the minute you hear the first shot fired. Count on that, old boy, answered both of the others. Then, with four six-shooters waiting down his coat pockets,

Starting point is 02:21:39 Buck Stewart again disappeared into the night. End of Chapter 13. Tom Hirsch. Chapter 14 of the Airship Boys in the Great War by Delilah F. Cass. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 14. The Rescue.

Starting point is 02:22:09 Buck arrived at the ruined church just as the first pallid gray of morning light was smudging the eastern skyline. The air was cold and damp. It bit to the bull. bone. Shivering, the reporter drew his coat more tightly around him, made sure for the 11th time that his supply of revolvers was all loaded and in good working order, and then tramped up and down on that side of the crumbling wall which best sheltered him from the wind. The hush of dawn pervaded the entire landscape. Not a single human being was to be seen. Gradually the dull light on the

Starting point is 02:22:50 horizon spread up into the sky and widened. It changed color from yellow to pink, and finally the sun rose through the mist of the deserted fields like a great round globe of fire. A quarter of a mile distant, the chimes of the cathedral in Mulbrook could be faintly heard, calling the people to early mass. Somewhere far off to the right, a cock crew lustily welcoming the sunlight. Little birds began to chirp and hop through the grass. It was time.

Starting point is 02:23:27 Waiting in that way was unbearable to buck. The strain on his nerves drove him nearly frantic. Once more he took out his revolvers for examination, paced restlessly, up and down, up and down, and wished that they would come. A distant rumble, far down the highway, warned him of other travelers. He crouched down behind him.

Starting point is 02:23:50 the wall, fingering his weapons with heartstrings taught, waiting, watching. Finally, a vehicle hove in sight, but it was only a farmer's cart drawn by two big black dogs and loaded with vegetables for sale in town. The blue smocked peasants striding alongside was whistling a little song, all unconscious of the grim-faced figure behind the old church. The cart vanished around a bend, in the road towards Mulbrook. Then all was silence again. The sun rose higher,

Starting point is 02:24:27 dissipating the mist before its warmth. It was not fully daylight. Then it was that Buck's straining ear caught the distant, rhythmic footbeats of marching men. It was the firing squad with Bob. Around the bend in the road they came, a dozen soldiers whose uniforms

Starting point is 02:24:52 and spiked helmets were a dull gray. like the dust they stirred up underfoot. They marched in a little column of twos with a corporal in command at one side. In their midst was the condemned prisoner. The watching buck was moved to great pity at his old friend's haggard and unkempt appearance. There were giant bluish hollows under his eyes. His cheeks were unnaturally pale, and the growth of a two-week's beard made his face almost

Starting point is 02:25:24 unrecognizable, but although he knew that they were taking him to his death, Bob marched with shoulders squared and his head thrown back. It would never do for an American to show fear before foreigners. Zumrat, alt! Wheel to the right, halt, snapped the corporal. The firing squad was now on the other side of the wall from Buck, standing like so many statues with their rifles stiffly presented. The corporal grasped Bob roughly by the arm and backed him up against the wall.

Starting point is 02:26:03 If you wish to pray, do so now, he said in German, make a brief. Bob closed his eyes for a few moments, while he thought of his old friends away back in New York, wondering what had become of him. I am ready, corporal, said he shortly. His hands were bound tightly together behind his back and a bandage tied over his eyes. Pace your distance, the officer ordered his men. They retreated for about 30 paces, the corporal counting gruffly. Hup!

Starting point is 02:26:37 Hop! As they marched. It was at that instant that Buck Stewart darted around the corner of the old wall with a sharp knife in his hands. He was at Bob's side and in a trice had slashed the rope free of his hands. The blindfold followed in less time than it takes to tell it. Just then the firing squad reached their appointed position and wheeled machine-like about. They saw in a flash their prisoner about to escape. "'Donnevater!' roared the corporal, brandishing his sword.

Starting point is 02:27:09 "'Fire-men! Shoot them down!' The roar of a dozen German muskets crashed out just as the boys turned the corner of the wall. The bullets shattered the masonry in a cloud of flying debris. Buc shoved two big revolvers into Bob's hands as they dashed behind the wall. Stand guard there at the other end of the wall, Bob. He shouted, I'll take care of the scent. Then, before the Germans had scarcely recrubbered from their surprise, each boy was peppering away at them in deadly fashion from opposite ends of the protecting masonry. Their first fuselad brought down three groaning soldiers, one of them the corporal. The rest made for cover, the nearest shelter.

Starting point is 02:27:50 the tumbled masonry of the church itself. Spread out on each side of the young devils, yelled the raging German corporal from where he lay. Scatter and surround them, work up on them from behind. His commands were quickly obeyed, and even such a rapid fire as the boys were able to pour into the enemy could not prevent three or four of them from running far around on either side,

Starting point is 02:28:17 where laying flat in the long weeds, they opened a dangerous flank fire that immediately made the wall of no further protection to its gallant defenders. "'It's all up with us now,' called Bob, as he took another ineffective shot at one of the sharpshooters. "'If only the ocean flyer would come,' groaned Buck. "'I can't understand why it hasn't arrived before this.' At that moment, as if in answer to his desperate cry, there came the ominous roar of a powerful motor high up in the air. And there came the great airship, swoping down with its 72 feet of planes

Starting point is 02:28:56 magnificently outspread, and Alan Hope standing out on the lower runway, swinging deadly bombs in his hand. The Germans saw the approach of the strange aircraft at the same instant, and startled cries of Ein fliger! Ein fliger! An airship! broke from them as they devised. inverted part of their fire upon it. The flyers swept down in gradually narrowing circles and lessened speed until it hung almost directly over the hard-pressed boys by the wall.

Starting point is 02:29:27 Then a hundred-foot rope ladder, one end of which was attached to an open port, was tossed down to them, and Alan, making a megaphone of his hands, he shouted, Climb up, quick! There's a whole division of cavalry dashing down the road. Buck caught the loose end of the ladder first and ran up the tough spruce rungs like a monkey, despite the sway of the rope supports. Bob did his best to wait down the end of the ladder with one hand, while with the other he emptied his remaining pistol at the Germans, who now came at him in a body and on the run.

Starting point is 02:30:03 Chips of masonry from the wall were flying all around his head as the bullets struck it. Buck reached the top of the ladder and was dragged safely inside through the portal, while Bob made a flying leap, caught the fifth rung, and began to climb as fast as he could. German bullets whizzed past his ears, but fortunately none hit him. As he climbed, he yelled, Tell Ned to shoot her on up into the sky, full speed. I'll be up there with you in a minute or two. Buck rushed to the engine room while Alan hurried to tell Ned.

Starting point is 02:30:38 The portal was left open so that Bob could crawl in. Ned was excited. With his right hand, he jammed the long starting lever down as far as it would go. With his left, he tugged at the lever of the lateral control rudder. It stuck. With both hands, he gave one desperate pull. The sudden give and the quick swerve upward of the flyer threw him off his balance. He lunged heavily against the rod.

Starting point is 02:31:06 It broke off short in his hands. The sudden burst of the flyer. power shot the big airship suddenly skyward on an angle of almost 80 degrees and with a suddenness which nearly threw both Ned and Ellen off their feet. The huge propeller began to wear with dizzying velocity and the wind screeched and whined through the propellers like an animal in pain. With Blanche's cheeks, both boys bent low over the broken liver, but though they broke their fingernails trying to loosen it, they were unable to pry it up, even with some. such tools as they could lay their hands on. Horror showed in each face, with a ghastly attempt

Starting point is 02:31:48 at composure Ned turned to Alan. Well, I've certainly done it now, he groaned. There seems to be no hope of being able to pry that broken lever up, and I don't dare shut off the speed, no telling what would happen going at this angle. At present it is driving the flyer at maximum speed almost straight upwards into the sky. Alan was speechless and could only gulp. His eyes were bulging in mortal terror. At that moment a frantic call came up through the tube from Buck. Great heavens boys, he screamed.

Starting point is 02:32:25 Look down below! There was Bob clinging 60 feet down the ladder, beaten nearly insensible by the terrible wind and unable to climb further because the current is sweeping. that light rope ladder straight out behind us like a ribbon. If we don't stop in a minute or so, he is as good as dead. End of Chapter 14. Recording by Tom Hirsch.

Starting point is 02:32:57 Chapter 15 of the Airship Boys in the Great War by Delio L. Kass. This Liberawks recording is in the public domain. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 15. deadly peril. Here was a condition the boys had never foreseen. They were undoubtedly rattled. At their present high speed, the wings were folded in their utmost. Let the speed be reduced, the planes would automatically expand. They were headed into the wind, an extra-inch of surface to catch the terrific pressure might cause the flyer to turn turtle. The only possibility that

Starting point is 02:33:40 remained for those on board to save Bob was the desperate chance that they might be able to haul the ladder in, hand over hand, until the boy was near enough to crawl into the hull himself. None of the boys had much hope of being able to accomplish the feat, and indeed, the first minute of tugging on the rope ladder convinced them that it was an utter impossibility to haul it in against the terrific wind current created by the machine. No hope! side, Buck, wiping the perspiration from his face. Wait, I have it. Rig up that windlass in the storeroom. I'll bet we can haul him in on that, exclaimed Alan.

Starting point is 02:34:22 The windlass was brought and the loose end of the ladder finally lashed to it. The barrel crank of the windlass they attached to one of the machines in the engine room and then the previous ladder attachments were cut loose. Buck started the donkey engine and all were delighted to see that with each charge, tug of the engine, another lap of the ladder, was dragged aboard and wound about the windlass. Buck speeded the little engine up faster, and the clinging figure below rapidly rose from 60 to 50 to 40 to 20 to 10 to two feet of the portal, when strong, eager arms were outstretched to drag him aboard. Poor Bob was so numb with cold and so exhausted from the frightful strain

Starting point is 02:35:09 he had undergone that he collapsed almost as soon as he found himself in safety. Safety is, however, no word to describe the situation of the flyer's crew. The bigger ship was shooting on, on, on at an abrupt angle up into uncharted space, the limits of which are beyond the deductions or comprehension of science. The highest cloud strata had been surmounted long since. A strange darkness seemed to close over the, them, making it necessary to turn on the electric lights. The ocean flyer was passing into a region of the most intense cold. First frost appeared on the plate class of the portals. Then this rapidly

Starting point is 02:35:53 thickened to a thick coating of ice which prevented all view of the outside. Even the wind funneled device on the flyer's prow, which had in past flights proved practical in keeping the interior heated, was now inadequate. The ship became so cold that the boy's breath steamed. Their hands turned blue and their noses reddened. Soon it even became necessary for them to put on their heaviest underclothing and fur overcoats. They had to huddle close together for warmth. The altitude gauge began acting queerly.

Starting point is 02:36:32 It had long since passed the ten-mile mark. The young aeronauts had the choice of only two expedients in this desperate emergency. They could keep on going as they were, trusting to luck, or they might shut off the gas supply and take a chance of having the flyer turn on its back. Their chances of coming right side up were better now. There was no air movement in this high altitude, but suddenly Buck made a discovery that made a choice unnecessary. Look, fellas, he cried, pointing at the gauge which showed the angle of flight.

Starting point is 02:37:11 Sure as you live, her nose is dropping every second. Ned nodded his head gravely. I've been hoping for that. The air is getting too thin to give the rudder enough resistance. Our speed's lessening every minute. We'll soon be on an even keel, and then we at least stand a chance. Won't we just drop like a rock? gasped Alan in dismay?

Starting point is 02:37:37 Why no, not if we keep our engines going. We simply won't gain any ground. I'll give you an exhibition of fancy flying about that time. We'll try dodging. Playing tag with the clouds, grinned buck? We'll play tug-o-war with our rudder. We'd naturally drop head-first without the propellers. We'll use our power just often enough and strong enough

Starting point is 02:38:04 to keep level. In other words, we'll jump down. And where will we land? asked Buck. We're headed west, aren't we? We won't be in Belgium when we see Terra firma, and I wouldn't be surprised if we got pretty well across Germany. We can't land there. Well, we can't land here. That's sure. We've got to take a chance. Me to the engines. We start dropping in five minutes. The floor. The floor. the cabin was nearly level. Then it began to rock violently. From the alternate hum and silenced the engines, the other knew that Ned had begun the descent. Aside from that, the airship was steady as ever. In the meantime, Buck busied himself in the cook's galley, and, when he finally emerged carrying steaming hot pots of coffee and savory-smelling victuals, you may well believe that the half-frozen boys

Starting point is 02:39:04 greeted him with enthusiasm. They shouted up to Ned through the speaking tube, Lash the plane's gears fast where they are, and come on down. Bucks got ready a fine lot of stuff for us to eat. You boys go ahead and enjoy it without me for a little while, Ned answered from his place in the pilot house. I'm going to have just one more try at that broken lever. End of chapter 15. Recording by Tom Hersch. Chapter 16 of the Airship Boys in the Great War by Delilah F. Cass. This Librevox recording is in the public domain, recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 16, Ned saves the flyer's crew. Dull despair gripped even the ordinarily cheerful Ned's heart as he stared at the broken lever, flush with the metalwork

Starting point is 02:40:05 around the socket where it had defied all efforts to pry it up and loose. If only there were half an inch or so of the levers still projecting above the metal frame so that one might get a purchase on it with a pincers, or, silly that I am, shouted Ned. Here we have all been wasting our time and effort trying to pry the lever up, when we can just as easily rip off the metal top casing around the socket. that will certainly leave at least three-quarters of an inch of the lever sticking up where we can get at it. Boys, old boys, come here, quick, and bring some screwdrivers, a cold chisel, a hammer, and a pair of good, strong pliers with you.

Starting point is 02:40:52 The other lads came running with the desired tools, and Ned explained his idea in a few words. All looked at each other sheepishly, but with vast relief they began at once to carry out Ned's instructions. What ninnies we were not to think of so simple a thing long before this, exclaimed Alan. I guess it was because the idea was too simple, Buck said wisely. Ned cut short for their discussion. To work, to work, fellas, he cried. Remember that every instant wasted and chatter carries us so much the nearer to earth where there's no telling what may await us. So thereupon all the boys set to work with a will. In their excitement, they forgot. the freezing cold in their own discomfort.

Starting point is 02:41:38 While Ned kept the flyer in its course, Bob and Alan and Buck were working loose the screws which held the heavy metal top plates in place and hammering and prying with the razor-edged chisels. It was far from being easy work, but they made good headway for all that. Presently, Alan gave a triumphant shout and tossed the first dislodged screw to the floor.

Starting point is 02:42:03 Others soon followed it. By that time, Buck had cut free the entire upper plate of metal from the wooden box base on his side, and Bob had pried it almost as loose on the other side. Soon, the whole thick sheet of metal came loose and could be lifted free of its pedestal. As Ned had surmised, its removal left fully three-quarters of an inch of the broken end of the lever protruding, where it was easily possible to get a grip on it with the heavy pliers. Getting a firm grip on the shaft and pulling it out were two entirely different matters, however, as the boys soon found out. For a long time, the jammed lever resisted their every effort to loosen it, and faces again began to look grave.

Starting point is 02:42:50 It was not until they were almost ready to give it up as a hopeless job that all of a sudden Buck, who was tugging with might and main, felt the lever give slightly. A second later the whole length slid smoothly up into view. Ho-ah! shouted Alan, throwing his cap wildly into the air. Saved, saved! Now we can get her under control again and laugh at whoever may be waiting down there on Mother Earth. The boys certainly were justified in performing a war dance of jubilation around the walls of the little pilot house. It only remained for them to repair the broken handle, and then the ocean flyer was once more responsive to the slightest touch of the hand upon her delicate steering mechanism. Fully two hours had elapsed.

Starting point is 02:43:41 Alan's watch showed nearly eight o'clock. As the airship continued to drop, the ice melted on the port windows and a grateful warmth began to make the blood circulate freely again. The heavy overcoats were discarded and everybody began talking excitedly about what they were going to do when they reached the earth once more. All agreed that even if it were only for a few minutes, they wanted to land and feel good solid ground beneath their feet. But where do you suppose we'll strike terra firma? asked Bob. It's pretty certain that we won't find ourselves over Belgium as when we left.

Starting point is 02:44:22 What difference does it make anyhow, exalted, Alan? We'll be on earth again, and that's enough of a guarantee for me just now. I don't care whether we land in Germany or Japan. Hold on there. It does make a difference to me, though, cried Buck. Remember that the New York Herald really sent yours truly along on this expedition as a war correspondent, and I haven't yet had a chance to write a word of copy or even to see a battle in progress. I didn't bring along all those notebooks for nothing, Alan. Everybody had to laugh heartily at that. Bob agreed with Buck.

Starting point is 02:45:02 I'm a newspaper man too, you know, he said. And I also would like to see the actual fighting at close range. Thanks, old man, rejoined Alan Dryley. But I've seen quite enough fighting lately to last me the rest of my natural life. However, your words remind me that we haven't yet heard the story of your experience in the war zone, or how it was that the Germans came to arrest you as a spy. Now that none of us have anything much to do for a while, give us the yarn, won't you, Bob?

Starting point is 02:45:36 Bob nodded, but before he could begin, Buck cried, Wait a minute. Let's all go up to the pilot house where Ned can hear the story, too. That's only right, agreed Alan. So the three of them rejoined Ned, where he sat at the wheel, and Bob Russell related his adventures as follows. End of Chapter 16. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 17 of the Airship Boys in the Great War by Delisle F. Cass.

Starting point is 02:46:13 This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 17. Bob Russell's story. Shortly after International War was declared last July, The Herald decided that it needed a personal representative at the front, and I was selected for the job because I had been over here several times on pleasure trips before. Knew the lie of the land pretty well, and, moreover, could speak half a dozen languages. As you may guess, I was mighty proud of being honored by so responsible a position. Before leaving, I called at the offices of the Universal Transportation Company to bid Ned and Alan Goose.

Starting point is 02:46:57 by, but found that they were visiting their families in Chicago, and so had to leave without seeing them. Following instructions, I landed first in England, where I interviewed both Lord Roberts, Commander-in-Chief of the British Army, and Sir Edward Gray, the Prime Minister. At that time, no one in London seemed to be much worried over the war, and it was prophesied that the Kaiser would soon be treating for peace, knowing the truly magnificent organization of German military machine as I did. I didn't think so. And really, I don't believe that gallant Lord Roberts did either,

Starting point is 02:47:37 despite his remarks in our interview. I crossed the channel from Dover to Calais on August 15th, shortly after the fall of liege, and while sharp fighting was going on between the Germans and the French in Alsace-Lorraine. Everything was in confusion. Train service was disrupted. The French army was only. half-mobilized yet. The Belgians, despite their wonderful resistance, were being crushed by

Starting point is 02:48:04 the invading Germans on every hand, and the country people were fleeing in abject terror to get out of harm's way. Contrary to expectations, I found that foreign war correspondents were not at all welcome, and I was subjected to all sorts of petty annoyances from both civic and military officials. It was then that I began showing my neutral newspaper credentials less frequently and tried whenever possible to pass myself off as a tourist, unable to return home. The Allied French, Belgian, and English forces engaged the conquering German host all along a 248-mile battle line on the Alsatian frontier about that time, and the Germans threw millions of men into Belgium,

Starting point is 02:48:53 seeking a shortcut to already terrified Paris. There were wild rumors afloat that Brussels, the Belgian capital, would resist German occupation. This promised to be a big story for my paper, so I hurried there with what haste I could. As you know, however, the terrible fate of other Belgian cities which had resisted the invaders had pretty well cowed the citizens,

Starting point is 02:49:19 and Brussels surrendered without a shot being fired, I was there when that wonderful German army marched in and took possession, and I want to tell you, boys, right now, that it was the most imposing spectacle I ever hoped to see. The crowds were packed eight and ten deep along the principal streets to watch the triumphal entrance. They waited there anxiously from early morning until two o'clock, when we heard that the Bugermaster had officially turned over the keys of the city to the advanced guard, and removed his scarf of office. They are coming, the Germans are here,

Starting point is 02:49:59 ran through the tremendous thongs of citizens. On they came, preceded by a scouting party of Ulans, horse, foot, military, and sappers, with siege train complete. There were fully a hundred armored motor cars on which rapid firing guns were mounted. Every regiment and battery was headed by a band. Then came the drums and fiefs, the blare of brass, and hoarse, lusty-throated soldiers singing

Starting point is 02:50:29 de Rakhamein and Deutschlandurales. The legions of the War King of Europe swept down through the ancient streets of Brussels like a great flood. But the gorgeous garb of the German army was missing, the cherry-colored and lilac uniforms of the horsemen, the bright blue of the infantry. All wore greenish, earth-color gray, which made them less conspicuous for hostile marksmen. All of the spiked helmets were painted gray. The gun carriages, and even the pontoon bridges were gray. To the quick-step rattle of drums, the Germans marched to the city square.

Starting point is 02:51:11 Then, at a sharp word of command, the gray-clad ranks, like one grand machine, broke into the famous stiff-legged goose step, while the simple folk of the town gazed with moths agape. They did this after a long, grueling night of continuous marching, when we expected they would be staggering with fatigue. There were the renowned 26th and 64th regiments, already battle-scarred veterans. There rode on prancing black horses, the famous Brunswick Deaths Head Hussars, and their comrades on many more. bloody fields the Zayton hussars. There are the dashing reckless Ulanansers,

Starting point is 02:51:56 some of whom had Belgian officers manacled to their stirrup leathers and caused a subdued murmur of resentment to run through the crowd. Instantly, the German horsemen backed their steeds into the densely packed ranks of the spectators, threatening them with uplifted swords and effectually quelling the outward manifestations of momentary revolt. all day long and far into the night that ominous gray column kept passing through the streets and it seemed for days afterwards as if i could still hear the muffled tramp tramp tramp and the rumble of heavy gun carriages over the cobblestones the difficulties in my position were immensely increased after this for the germans proved very strict about signing passports or letting non-combatants wander about the country While I was detained thus in Brussels, reports came of the fall of liege, a fierce fighting around Malin and terrible sacking of Louvain.

Starting point is 02:53:03 The German hosts invaded France. Reims fell. The French government fled south to Bordeaux, and it was commonly said that the Germans would eat their Christmas dinner in Paris. As you may guess, I was wild to get near the battlefront, but no efforts of mine could persuade, or bribed the German officers to let me accompany the army on the march. About the only news that I could cable back to the Herald

Starting point is 02:53:30 was made up of sketchy little sidelines on how the Belgians lived under the conquerors, and even those were grossly edited by the official censor. Early in September, we heard that the Allies had rallied, however. The English had imported Suppois from India, and the French, black men from Algeria, to help them in fighting, and had thrown themselves between trembling Paris and the advancing Teuton. Then, on the seventh, I think it was, came news that the German right wing had been checked

Starting point is 02:54:04 almost within cannon shot of the French capital, and that the whole auxiliary army of the Crown Prince Frederick Wilhelm had been hurled back by a masterly flank movement on the part of the French under General Jaffer. That seemed to be the turning point. Reinforcements were daily arriving for the Allied army from England and elsewhere. It was difficult for the hard-pressed Germans to get sufficient supplies so far from their own boundaries, and, moreover, the Russian hordes had, in the meantime, overrun all of East Prussia, and had become a dire menace there.

Starting point is 02:54:43 A party of the Army of the West was rushed across Germany to help General von Hinbenberg resist the Russian assault, and von Cluck reluctantly fell back from Paris to the French frontier, fighting desperately every inch of the way. There, the most sanguinary battles of the war were fought as the Allies pressed on after the retreating Germans. All of you boys have read in the newspapers of the battles of the Meuse, of the Martin Mons, and along that tremendous battle line of the end. Those terrible conflicts will go down in history as the

Starting point is 02:55:20 most awful of their kind ever known on earth. The dead filled the trenches and riverbed so deep that they formed a solid footing for their comrades to fight hand to hand with Englishmen, Frenchmen, Hindu, Belgian, Algerian, and Leriner. Winter came with cold, ice, sleet, and snow to intensify the sufferings of the inadequately protected soldiers. Thousands of wounded died from exposure on the field where they fell. They fought on the earth, in tunnels under it, high up in the air, on the sea and under the sea. They mined the whole North Sea in the English Channel.

Starting point is 02:56:04 Antwerp surrendered in Ghent fell before the Germans. And all of that time I was cooped up in one Belgian town or another, stopped every time I tried to get anywhere near the battlefront, with the herald cabling me every day or so for some real news, the stuff that they didn't get through associated press channels, copy that would enable them to print something that everybody else didn't have. So, finally, I grew desperate and determined to get closer to the scene of actual fighting at no matter what hazard.

Starting point is 02:56:40 Right then, my real troubles began. End of Chapter 17. Recording by Tom Hirsch. of the Airship Boys in the Great War by Deliole F. Cass. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 18. How Bob Russell was captured as a spy. Now, said Buck with a grin,

Starting point is 02:57:15 we're about to get down to something that hasn't been printed 40 times in the newspapers. Bob could not help getting a little huffy at that. "'You'd be a mighty poor newspaper man,' he said, "'if you hadn't heard something about all those things by this time. "'But, of course, if you don't want to hear the rest of this, why, all right?' "'Shut up, Buck,' said Ned, himself smothering a smile, "'for Bob was really funny when he flared up in this way. "'Go on with your story, Bob, please. Of course we're interested.

Starting point is 02:57:47 "'You were just going to tell us about what really happened when you finally determined to take matters into your own hands and go to the front, whether the German authorities wanted you to or not. Somewhat mollified, Bob continued his narrative. I happened to be in Millen's at the time, and the point where the heaviest fighting was going on in the Ezer River District, a considerable distance to the south. Nothing but military trains were running between the two points,

Starting point is 02:58:17 and naturally I wouldn't have been permitted to take one of the three. them. My only remaining course was to buy a horse, and to take my chances of getting there alone. It took me four days to buy that horse, and then I had to pay about four times what he was worth, owing to the fact that the cavalry had long before appropriated every sound animal in the country. This noble charger of mind was wind-broken and wall-eyed, those probably being the only reasons why he had not been commandeered previously, he was such an awful-looking object that I hated to be seen riding on him, but beggars can't be choosers, and I had to make the best of it. While staying there in Melons, I had struck up quite a friendly acquaintanceship with several

Starting point is 02:59:04 young officers, one of whom, Hoffmanstrel, by name, was good enough to volunteer his services in securing a passport for me from the commandant. There was all sort of, of red tape to be gone through before I finally got it, and when I did, I found out that it was made out in the name of Philip Maestrk, Citizen of Melons, and by trade, a silversmith. The papers went on to say that I had been given official permission to travel to Namur, not far from where the fighting was, to the bedside of my sick wife. My friend, Lieutenant Huffmanstelal, explained that he could never have gotten the passport for me, except by this subterfuge. So I set out on my wobbly old mare, and as far as Corbe all went well.

Starting point is 02:59:55 From there on, every patrol guarding the road stopped me and acknowledged the passport with extreme ill-grace. I took to avoiding the main hotels in the towns and slept in all sorts of unpleasant places, sometimes even under a haystack out in the open fields. Near Vassich, I found all of the roads blockaded with reinforcements marching to the front, and, rather than risk detection by them, I made a wide detour to the east, turning south again somewhere in the neighborhood of Villes de Templet. That night, a dreadful rainstorm drove me to take shelter in a peasant's cottage, and he, while I slept, galloped on a house.

Starting point is 03:00:40 plough horse to the nearest German outposts and won a reward for declaring me a spy. I was jerked roughly out of bed by a big red-bearded Ulan captain. My saddlebags were searched and even the linings cut out to discover the presence of secret papers. There they found my herald credentials, which said that my name was Robert Russell and not Philip Meistrich. That was enough with the blockhead who had arrested me and all puffed up. with his capture, he sent me with a special detail of men to Combray. Later, I was transferred from one camp to another until a hospital train happened along bound for Mulbrook. They bundled me aboard this for trial by ferocious old General

Starting point is 03:01:27 Hubberkopf, whose field headquarters were located at our destination. Never will I forget the ghastly horrors of that five-hour ride on that hospital train. The engine barely crawled along, bumping over rails which the Belgians had torn up in the early days of the war, and which had subsequently been relayed by the Germans. Every railway coach was packed to suffocation with wounded, some of them so frightfully mangled as to appear scarcely human any longer. Groans and piteous cries for water or more air echoed in my ears both day and night. Each morning we stopped to put out three or four poor fellows who had died overnight.

Starting point is 03:02:13 Some were delirious with pain, and would scream, sing, or curse frantically, defying the Red Cross nurses to come near them. The smell of blood, ether, and arnica made the air sickening. I myself was wholly unnerved by it, but my soldier guards maintained the appearance of stolid indifference. Perhaps they had become used to seeing such suffering as that. Finally, we arrived in Mulbrook, and I was completely fagged out by then, and really scarcely cared whether they shot me or not. My brain was numb with the horrors with which I had been surrounded. I couldn't think, let it alone invent a story that would plausibly account for my traveling about

Starting point is 03:02:59 under an assumed name. When they hauled me up before old General Habercomph, he hardly gave me a chance to defend myself. He is a soldier of the old, hard school of Emperor Wilhelm I, the first, the sort of fellow who makes militarism his god. In other words, he growled at me, you confess that you are not the person whose passport you use, and that you have for some time been penetrating our lines under false colors. You now say that you are an American newspaper man, yet you know that war correspondents have been officially ordered out of the war zone.

Starting point is 03:03:38 How do I know, but that you are lying to me as you already have to all my officers between here and Milan's? You are a spy. I tried to bring him into a reasonable frame of mind, but that is a hard thing to do with a man whose army is being daily beaten further back. He would not listen to me. Then they took me to a foul prison where I stayed for three weeks with about 50 other wretched men, some of them Frenchmen who had been captured in battle,

Starting point is 03:04:10 a couple of them peasants who had been caught looting dead bodies on the battlefield, and three or four common male factors. We were treated well enough there, but sanitary conditions were unspeakable, and really, the news of yesterday that my case was at last, to come up for final decision struck me as an actual relief.

Starting point is 03:04:33 Long before this, I had given up all hopes of ever escaping, and I expected to be condemned. My trial was a mere form. All the way down that road to the place of execution this morning, I kept thinking about you, boys, wondering what you were doing, and if you would have tried to rescue me had you heard of my plight. All of the adventures and happy times we ever were ever,

Starting point is 03:04:57 had together in the past recurred to me vividly. Good old pals, how I wanted to see you just once more before I died. When they backed me up against that wall, I closed my eyes expecting to hear the death volley ring out at any moment. Then I suddenly felt something tugging and slashing at my wrists. The hard ropes fell away, and I turned, half dazed, to find buck shoving two big revolvers into my hands with word that you other boys were near with the flyer. You know the rest of the story, and I can't say anything more, except that words don't suffice to express my opinion of the perfectly bully way you have acted towards me. Land! Land! shouted Ned just then. I can see the trees down below.

Starting point is 03:05:50 End of Chapter 18. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 19 of the Airship Boys in the Great War By Delio L. F. Cass This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 19. A Strange Country The shout of the lookout on Columbus's ship when he first sighted the new world created no greater excitement than did Ned's words among the boys on the ocean flyer.

Starting point is 03:06:27 Each and every one of them rushing. to the port windows with binoculars through which to scan the view more closely. The scene was, however, most disappointing. As far as the eye could reach, below stretched an expanse of sparsely wooded, uninviting plain, with white patches of snow still showing upon it. Far off to the southwest, the peaks of a mighty range of rugged mountains loomed hazely. Not a bird flew in the sky, nor a human habitat. was to be seen.

Starting point is 03:07:01 Away to the northwest. A narrow ribbon of something gray was twisting slowly across the country. Little points of light flickered above it where the sunbeam struck. What is that? asked Alan, pointing out the snake-like thing. Is it a river?

Starting point is 03:07:19 No, I don't think so, answered Buck. Ned, let's get nearer to that thing and see just what it is. Accordingly, the course of the flyer was altered, and flying at an elevation of about eleven hundred feet above the ground, she rapidly drew near the mysterious object. Closer approach gave the boys a genuine surprise. The snake proved to be five battalions of soldiery on the march,

Starting point is 03:07:47 infantry, cavalry, and artillery. There seemed to be thousands and thousands of them, more men than any of the boys had ever seen gathered together before. The uniforms were of a dark blue. Some of the regiments wore little round caps of the same color, set rakishly on one side of their heads. Others wore huge flat fur or wool hats. Most of the soldiers seemed to be unusually large and rough-looking.

Starting point is 03:08:20 The majority of them were bearded. Russians exclaimed Bob. See those flags? Russians, on the way to reinforce, either the army invading Austria or their comrades fighting the Germans in East Prussia is what they are. The appearance of the big airship caused the greatest confusion in the ranks. The cavalry galloped widely this way in that. Infantrymen broke their regular marching formation to scatter and fire their guns futilely at it.

Starting point is 03:08:52 The cannon were hurriedly unlimbered and efforts made to elevate their muzzles which would bring the flyer within range. The young aeronauts could not help laughing at the disorder their approach caused, and agreed with Ned that it was better not to get too close to the Russians. So the airship was raised to a greater altitude and took a southwesternly course. Why this particular direction, queried Allen. We have no idea where we are except that it is Russian territory, which may mean Siberia or Lapland. Well, said Ned, we will. want to get back to the seat of war, and it's a pretty safe bet that those Russians are bound for there by the shortest possible route. They are headed in a southwesternly direction,

Starting point is 03:09:41 so it stands to reason that if we follow the same course, we'll arrive somewhere near their destination. This was a logical deduction, so the flyer was held to that position, and all sight of the army was soon lost in their rear. For perhaps three, three years, three years, Three hours, the character of the underlying landscapes remained the same as when it first was cited. After that, it gradually began to vary, assuming a more rolling aspect, with considerable stretches of forestland. Indications of snow became less frequent. Cultivated fields began to appear here and there, then little villages, and finally a large city. Several towns of considerable size were passed over, but the airship was flying at too great an altitude for the boys to see much of them, or to locate more exactly where they were.

Starting point is 03:10:39 By this time the sun was sinking, and there was danger of the flyers passing completely over and beyond the theater of war in the darkness. Allen and Bob counseled a descent to Earth for the night. This seemed to be a pretty safe procedure, as the vessel could be got underway again within a few minutes should any unexpected need arise, and it would, further, give the weary young aeronauts a chance to stretch their limbs and inhale some fresh air. After a short discussion, it was decided to do this.

Starting point is 03:11:14 Sweeping in a diminishing spiral downward, The boys sighted a little village nestled snugly in a valley. The smoke from fires where good wives were cooking the evening meal arose in delicate streams in the calm air. Here and there a light already twinkled in a cottage window. Peasants were just driving the lowing cattle home for milking. Let's land over there, exclaimed Buck. I'm fairly hungry for the sight of somebody who won't shoot before asking who you,

Starting point is 03:11:47 you are. And aside from that, I'll bet that these simple folk would be willing to set us up a regular home-like meal. How do you know that they won't shoot at us, Buck? asked Alan. I guess that we're pretty safe on that score, Bob broke in. These people are evidently honest countrymen who will be far more afraid of us than we need be of them. Yes, and besides, added Buck, we can find out from them just where we are and how near we are to the battlefront. That's a good point, Ned said, but they're probably Russians or Poles, and they wouldn't understand what we wanted to know. None of us speak their outlandish language.

Starting point is 03:12:32 I know a little Russian, at least enough for our needs, volunteered Bob. If you boys think that it's safe to make a landing, I'll guarantee to do all interpreting. Fine, course, the others. and so the landing was made in the meadows within a stone's throw of the first cottages. There was, of course, immediate excitement throughout the town. The rusty bell in the steeple of the weather-beaten old church peeled an alarm. Lights were immediately extinguished,

Starting point is 03:13:05 and everybody came rushing out from their house doors. At the sight of the monster airship settling down there in the pasture, with the blood-red rays of the sunset, turning her metal body into the seeming of molten steel, a genuine panic ensued. The women and children fled within, slamming and barring their doors behind them. The male villagers hastily caught up the first objects of defense that came to hand,

Starting point is 03:13:35 flails, pitchfork, sithes, an old-fashioned muzzle-loading musket or two. They huddled together like so many frightened sheep in front of the town church, uncertain whether to fly or fight. Look, called Bob, we're frightening these poor people to death. Show a white flag some of you and show them that we mean to be friendly.

Starting point is 03:14:00 Alan complied by jumping down from the lower runway, waving a flag of truce, and both Buck and Bob followed him, holding their empty hands high in the air to show that they were unarmed. The trio walks slowly, straight towards the group of peasants, while Ned remained on one of the outer galleries of the flyer,

Starting point is 03:14:22 rifle in hand, ready to defend them if need be. Don't be alarmed, good people, shouted Bob in Russian. We don't intend to harm you. All that we want is a good square meal, a chance to walk around a bit, and a little information as to our whereabouts. Although their suspicions were not altogether their allied, the peasants showed immediate relief, and three, who seemed to be the ringleaders,

Starting point is 03:14:52 advanced hesitatingly to meet the approaching boys. "'Gercrucernier, confide. God bless you, strangers,' said one of them, extending his right hand. "'Holy smoke, did you hear that, boys? He's addressing us in German,' cried Bob and bucked together. "'This is better than we looked for, but surely we can't be back in Germany. Everybody shook hands solemnly all around, and Bob explained to the villagers, We are American newspapermen over here to gather war news and find photographs for our papers, said he. We had an accident yesterday and lost our way, and now are simply looking for a chance to rest a little before going on. You are all welcome to do that here, said the spokesman for

Starting point is 03:15:43 the villagers with true Teutonic hospitality. We shall be glad to have you eat with us. In return, you can tell us about the Great War. We certainly will take you up on that, cried Buck, and led the way back to the airship to tell Ned of their cordial reception. All of the villagers, the women and round-eyed children too, crowded gaping around the strange aircraft with exclamations of wonder. I guess it will be safe for us to leave the flyer here unguarded, said Ned. These people don't act as if they would tamper with it, and I want to get into those eats, too. Anyway, we won't have to go very far away and can get back here in a jiffy if we have to.

Starting point is 03:16:31 All of the boys agreed to this, and so it was settled. Before leaving the ship to accompany the villagers, they all secretly slipped revolvers into their coat pockets. As Bob said, it's always better to be on the safe side. End of Chapter 19. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 20 of the Airship Boys in the Great War by Delisle F. Cass. This Libervox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 03:17:08 Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 20. A fight with Wild Cossacks and Pulitzer. The leader of the villages escorted his young guests to the largest house in the town, where immediate preparations were made for the finest dimmer that German housewives, and there are no better, could make. All of the townspeople who could crowd into the room did so, and both windows and the doorway were jammed with the curious faces of others

Starting point is 03:17:40 who wanted to hear news of the Great War. There were not stools enough to go around, so they all sat cross-legged on the floor and talked as they ate. First of all, said Bob, what is this place called and in what country is it? The question struck the simple villagers as being very funny, and they all laughed uproariously. You will have to excuse us, smiled the spokesman, but we supposed that everybody had heard of Colwynsk, which is the name of our town. You are now in East Prussia, about 20 miles over the boundary from Poland,

Starting point is 03:18:19 and perhaps 30 or 35 miles from where the nearest fighting is going on. Lying this far to the northwest, we are out of the line of invasion and so far have been lucky enough to escape Russian raiding parties about which such terrible stories are told. They say that the Cossack horsemen have purported, perpetrated the most inhuman atrocities. No village through which they pass is left unpillaged.

Starting point is 03:18:49 They butcher or torture the aged in cold blood, dash out the brains of babies against tree trunks, and reduce the screaming helpless women to worse than shame. If they resist, the Cossacks mutilate them in awful fashion. Oh, I can hardly believe all that, interposed, Alan. the Russians are civilized people. Maybe so, replied the village headmen with some heat, but remember the old saying,

Starting point is 03:19:18 Scratch your Russian and you'll find the tartar underneath. This war has made brutish beasts of everyone taking part in it. And remember that this Russian army is made up not only of full-blooded Russians, but also of Baltic provincemen, Jews from Riga and Libao, huge hairy Siberians, barbarous Circassians, and Colnick Tartars, who are half Chinese, as mongrel and savage a horde as ever devastated a Christian country. But of them all, the wild Cossack from the steps is the worst and most to be dreaded. He knows no religion, no law, no pity,

Starting point is 03:20:02 and couples with that a daring which even our own Gellian Uliu'll cannot surpass. Ned tried to get the German to change the subject, for he was working himself into a frenzy. How has the war progressed here in the east, he asked. We Americans, you know, have been watching the Western struggle more closely. The village spokesman shrugged his shoulders. Here it has been now in favor of the Germans, now with the Russians.

Starting point is 03:20:34 At first, General Renenkamp led me. millions after millions of his wild men swarming into Poland. We had too few men on the frontier to resist, and so were beaten back. Then the Kaiser sent us General von Hindenberg, a hero who won the Iron Cross for distinguished services when we captured Paris in the time of the present emperor's father. Von Hindenberg is one of the old hard school, but he is a great commander. He rallied our troops and in turn pressed the Russians back. He lured Renenkov into a trap at Tenenberg and nearly annihilated the whole Russian army.

Starting point is 03:21:18 Then the Grand Duke Nicholas arrived from Petrograd with millions more Russians. The struggle seesawed back and forth all the way from Angerberg to Gumbinnon, in between the wharf and the Vistula. We lost a big battle before war-south. in Poland, lost again in Lotz, and then won on the same battlefield and again at Luitz, in which two engagements we captured over 120,000 prisoners. So it is going on even now. We are still fighting hand-to-hand with the Russians around Warsaw, and Lowitz, which was ours yesterday,

Starting point is 03:22:00 maybe there's tomorrow. Our army is holding eight times their number of Russians in check. and that's enough to be proud of. But what about the Austrians? Haven't they helped any here in combating the Russian invasion? asked Bob. Now, the Austrians have had quite enough to do

Starting point is 03:22:19 protecting themselves at home and have left Germany to fight the whole world single-handed. The Austrians invaded Serbia six months ago, captured Belgrade, the capital, and then were driven out of the country altogether. Now the Serbs and Montegrens are themselves invading Austria in the south and east, while the Russians have completely overrun Galicia and Transylvania. Now Austria has been no real help to Germany in this war.

Starting point is 03:22:51 But you, sir, we're going to tell us about what has been going on in the West. Who is winning there now? So Bob and Buck, both of whom spoke German with fair fluency, went on to outline the operations in France and Belgium. They were still in the midst of this when all at once there came a noise as if Bedlam had broken out loose on the other side of the village.

Starting point is 03:23:17 The thunder of furiously galloping horses filled the air. Then came fuselot and fusillade of shots and hideous demoniacal yells, with which were intermingled the shrieks of terrified women and children in the clang of the alarm bell. Help! Help! Help! The Cossacks are upon us! Everybody gathered in the big room, leaped to their feet. Terror seemed fairly to paralyze the presence.

Starting point is 03:23:47 Some few seized clubs or knives to defend themselves, but most ran aimlessly about, wringing their hands and calling upon heaven to save them. Those men, having wives and children at home, unprotected, rushed forth, into the street, directly into the path of the wild riders from the steps. The boys dashed for the door at the first warning, but the raiders were thundering down the street almost upon them.

Starting point is 03:24:14 There were perhaps 60 Cossacks all told, barbarous looking, swarthy fellows, with flying long black hair and sheepskin jackets. Their beards were a bristle, their eyes rolled red in wickedly. They brandished curved, Mongolia, and swords or shot to right and left with sawed-off carbines pressed against their thighs. The shaggy, undersized ponies were as wild-looking as their worse than savage masters. Seeing them come galloping pell-mell not a stone's thorough way,

Starting point is 03:24:48 the boys dodged into the house again, barely escaping a random volley which was fired at the cottage as the horsemen swept past. In a few minutes they had overrun the whole village, and the horrid noise of the slaughter was half drowned in shrill, uncouth Siberian yells, and the roar of flames from houses which had been ruthlessly set on fire. The glare of the burning hut across the street showed weirdly through the doorway, making the boy's faces look ghastly. The rolling clouds of smoke half choked them and smarted their eyes.

Starting point is 03:25:27 We've got to get out of here, quick, gasp. Ned. Those fellas may discover the ocean flyer at any moment, and there's no telling what may happen then. Follow me and have your weapons ready. Straight out into the street they plunged and found themselves in the midst of a scene more frightful than words can adequately describe. Half of the village was already ablaze. The thatched roofs of the cottages spurt yellow flames high up into the air and giving off an intolerable heat. The scene was almost as light as day, silhouetted against the lurid glare, wild Cossacks were cutting down the fear-crazed peasants. One fleeing woman with a babe in her arms was caught by her unbound hair and dragged screaming to her knees.

Starting point is 03:26:18 As her frantic husband leaped at her assailant, the Cossacks shot him deliberately through the heart. The dead lay fallen in grotesque postures, half out of doorways or, huddled bleeding on the street. Here and there a wounded man was crawling away to die in the fields. Sounded the revolvers of the intrepid boys as they charged down the street. Shot for shot answered them from the surprised marauders, who had not expected quarry like this. They leaped upon their prancing ponies again and tried to ride down these determined opponents,

Starting point is 03:26:56 but sheltered behind a yet unburned hut. the boys met them with so withering a fire that they galloped on past. Run, yelled Buck, it's our only chance. The boys did. It was heartbreaking work, but they arrived unwounded at the side of the flyer. As they bounded up the hanging rope ladder, their pursuers galloped madly up behind them. Shots rattled against the metal hull of the airship like hail against the windowpane, and half a dozen wild fellows tried to follow their escaping.

Starting point is 03:27:29 prey up the ladder before it could be drawn in. It was a matter of seconds, but just in time the letter was jerked out of the reach of clutching hands. "'Already there, Mr. Engineer!' shouted Buck from up above the pilot room. Buck made a dash for his post. The current was turned on, and in a minute more the flyer was soaring high above the scene of the massacre. End of Chapter 20. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 21 of the Airship Boys in the Great War By Delisle F. Cass. This Librevox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 03:28:16 Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 21. Inside of besiezed prismal. The fiends! exclaimed Alan, staring horrified down upon the heap of blazing ruins, which so short a time before had been happy, peaceful homes. It would be only right if we were to drop a few Lydite bombs down upon them. No, said Bob, we mustn't do that, because we would be almost certain to blow up a good many of those poor German villagers

Starting point is 03:28:50 along with the guilty Cossacks. I don't believe there are any Germans left alive there, grumbled Alan. Nevertheless, we shouldn't bombard the Russians, in the pose, Ned. Remember, Alan, that we aren't in Europe either to fight or take sides in any way, unless we absolutely have to in order to protect our own lives. The United States is a neutral country, and we must do nothing which might later imperil that neutrality. I know that it's hard to spare such wretches as those we've just escaped, but we ought to do it. Ned is right chimed in both Bob and Buck. So Alan had foregoed the bomb-dropping, richly as the Cossacks deserved it.

Starting point is 03:29:38 Well, where to now? asked Ned, when the flyer had continued on her course in a westerly direction for about ten minutes. Shall we head for Russian Poland and see what General Van Hindenburg is doing towards capturing Warsaw? Don't go there because you may think that I want to, replied Bob. I'm sick of the way they fight here on the eastern frontier. They may kill more men in Belgium with their big cannon, but at least they do it in a soldierly fashion. I'd rather go somewhere else, too, said Alan. How about a flight to Asia Minor?

Starting point is 03:30:15 I read in the papers just before we left America that the Allied fleets were knocking the Turkish forts on the Dardanelles to pieces with 13-inch guns. That might be an interesting side. Now let's not go there, Bob objected. Let poor little turkey die alone. She had no business getting mixed up in this war in the first place. We'll pass up the scrap there and the Japanese assault on Sing Tao.

Starting point is 03:30:43 As far as I'm concerned, there's only one place more I'd like to see before we start for New York again, and that is Prismal. You know that it is one of the great strategic fortifications in Galicia, and was the first. the first real stumbling block in the way of the Russian invasion of Austria-Hungary. When the Austrian army was crushed to Yaroslav and retreated in disorder to protect Budapest, they asked for volunteers to Garrison Prismol. It was pointed out at that time that the town and fortress would surely be besieged, and that there was very little hope of any Austrians remaining ever escaping with his life. The orders were to hold. out at no matter what sacrifices.

Starting point is 03:31:32 Volunteers came forward a plenty. Then millions of Russians poured down around the city. They burned the town, shelled the citadel, and tried actual assault, all in vain. So the Russians left three army corps of men besieging the fortress and marched on to the conquest of Hungary. Those besiegers are still camped around the brave fellows in Prismal. Six months and more of famine rations, terrible disease, and unceasing bombardment have not quenched their determination to hold out until the last man drops. Now, don't you boys agree with me that a visit to Prismol ought to prove worthwhile? Prismol it is then, cried Ned.

Starting point is 03:32:18 You're a wonderful speechmaker, Bob. Quit your kidding, grinned the newspaper man. Also, if you really want to reach Prismal, I'd advise you to ship our course more to the southeast. Aye, sir, grinned Ned with a mock serious salute. Sao by Saudi this, sir. Whom, grunted Bob, I hope that Buck Stewart has our breakfast ready. The jagged summits of the Carpathians, mountains more rugged and awe-inspiring the nose of Switzerland itself,

Starting point is 03:32:52 scalloped the southern horizon and seemed to overshadow the countryside for leagues when Ned announced from the pilot room that Prismal was in sight. For an hour past they had been traversing a region of wild grandeur where broad rivers rushed tumbling and foaming down from the rocky heights, where wild sheep browsed on lonely hillsides, and where the binoculars showed natives as fantastically garbed as the bandit chorus of a popular musical comedy. They had seen whole brigades of Russians on the march,

Starting point is 03:33:31 plotting sullenly along like slaves under the driver's whip. They had seen signal fires leap flaming from hillcrest to mountain crag. They had seen a flotilla of Russian barges being pulled down the broad, glistening waters of the Vistula, an ugly snub-nosed cannon on every boat. They had seen the remnants of a once-nattie Austrian regiment being hunted down and shot like rabbits by mounted Cossacks. All this they had seen, and much more. Away off to the west, the dull rumble and muttering of heavy cannonading vibrated

Starting point is 03:34:14 through the ear. That was the Battle of Krakow in progress, although the boy's did not know it then. Death and devastation was everywhere. Smoldering villages with unburied bodies among the embers lay in the track of each army,

Starting point is 03:34:31 whether Serb, Russian, or Austrian. Prismal is directly ahead, called Ned down through the speaking tube, and the ocean flyer began to plane slowly toward it. The shell-battered citadel stood upon a little rise of ground

Starting point is 03:34:48 with the ashes and fire-chared walls of what had been the flourishing town surrounding it. The tattered red, white, and green flag of the dual empire still flapped defiantly upon the walls. All around the fortress for miles and miles stretched the vast encampment of the great horde of Russian besiegers. They had dug a zigzagging line of shallow trenches as close to the walls as they dared, and sharpshooters lay flat on their stomachs in these, watching for the incautious head above the battlements. Every now and then a little puff of bluish smoke somewhere along the line showed the alertness of the marksman.

Starting point is 03:35:35 Some distance further back, three batteries of artillery had been planted behind earthworks, and these every now and then belched forth fire, shaking the ground as their shells went hurtling towards the obstinate defenders. As always before, the appearance of the ocean flyer created an instantaneous disturbance among all who saw it. Aerial guns were trained upon it from both the fortress and the Russian lines, and several smaller military airplanes shot bird-like into the sky to reconnoiter it. The first of these rose directly from Prismol itself, and Alan signaled to it from one of the flyers outside runways by waving a white flag.

Starting point is 03:36:23 The Austrian aviators swung near enough for Bob to explain that their mission was peaceful and that they wanted to alight inside the walls. Wait until I report concerning you, called back the Austrian. He valplained down into the city and returned. turned with the message that the flyer would be permitted to dissent. It seemed as if every man in the garrison not on guard duty gathered to see the big airship as it settled down upon the parade ground, and the commandant himself was there to meet his unusual visitors.

Starting point is 03:37:00 After learning their identity, he greeted the boys cordially, but said, I confess that I am disappointed, too, because the general outline of your vessel suggested to me that it might be a new form of German dirgeble come with news of a relief army on the way. You have heard, of course, of the great fleet of Zeppelins, which they are getting ready for the aerial invasion of England? We have heard rumors of something like that, answered Alan, but were inclined to believe that it was all just a bugaboo to frighten London. Oh no, not at all, the commandant assured him warmly.

Starting point is 03:37:41 You will see in the course of the next few weeks. Yes, and England shall see, too. After that the young aeronauts were shown over the fortress, which really was a small town in itself. Many of the buildings had been set a fire or demolished by bursting shells, but a corps of engineers was kept ready at all times to repair damages as fast as they were made. Food supplies had run short some time before, and the garrison was then reduced to starvation rations, consisting of a little soup with a few crumbs of black bread, and, twice a week, a bit of tinned meats.

Starting point is 03:38:23 Horses and even rats had been eaten with relish. The soldiers presented a pathetic but inspiring spectacle. The hospitals were crowded with sick and wounded, the worst. walls were gradually crumbling under incessant shell fire, yet that garrison of heroes remained undaunted. It was, as Buck said, just as if they had been Americans. End of Chapter 21, recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 22 of the Airship Boys in the Great War by Delilah F. Cass. This Libervox recording is in the

Starting point is 03:39:10 the public domain, recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 22 The boys perform an act of mercy. The Austrian commandant's story of the frightful privations which his garrison had undergone stirred all four of the boys deeply. Buck took Ned to one side and said, Did you note all of the awful things that the governor there says these poor chaps have had to eat?

Starting point is 03:39:39 Yes. Well, what do you say to inviting him on the sly to have one little square meal with us aboard the flyer before we leave? Just leave it to me to make him a gym dandy. I'd like to feed the whole lot of them if only we had the victuals. Let's ask the commandant if he will accept, said Ned, brightening. The Austrian listened gravely to their well-meant offer, but the boys could feel. feel him stiffening. You forget, gentlemen, that whatever hardships the soldier of the duel monarchy may have to suffer, his officers are proud to endure with him. I thank you for your courtesy, but cannot honorably accept it. Many pitiful sights were seen by the airship boys on their tour of the fortress, but none impressed them more deeply than that of a young man in one of the hospital warts.

Starting point is 03:40:41 He was wasted to mere skin and bones with fever which flamed insanely in his eyes. His feet, they had swathed in great layers of bandages, at the ends of which wooden splints protruded. All the time in his delirium, he would keep whispering in the most hurt-rending accents. "'Ach, Leipchen, I can't miss me gresen. What is that he keeps saying? asked Alan of their guide.

Starting point is 03:41:12 He is speaking of his young bride in Vienna, bemoaning the fact that he may never see her again. Lieutenant Rikoski here came of a comparatively poor middle-class family, but fell in love with the heiress of Count Ponychek, one of the most influential nobleman of Budapest, and the head of one of the oldest families in Hungary. The girl was a reigning beauty of the fashionable set, but that did not keep her from falling in love with Rikoski here. He was handsome, gay dashing in those days before the war, so they were married secretly.

Starting point is 03:41:54 By and by the old count found out about it, and would not permit Rokoski to see his girl wife anymore. Then she eloped one night, and they fled together. They settled in a little town not far from Budapest and were happy. And one day she told Rokoski that she was about to bear him a child. That was one week after war had been declared. Already the Serbs were across our borders and Montenegro was daily threatening to join them. The war office was in a panic. All available troops were rushed to the southern frontier, where we were defeated.

Starting point is 03:42:35 badly. A second army was sent and it too met with reverses. Then the Russians began to cross our northeastern frontier by the millions. Every able-bodied man in the land was drafted. Rikoski here hoped to escape until after his child was born, but that he was not permitted to do. It was the hard-hearted old count, her father who himself told the recruiting officer that Rikoski was a coward, and he was trying to avoid his duty. So one day they came and seized him in the marketplace as he was coming out of the doctor's office. Come with us, you are called to the colors, they told him sternly. Rikoski was desperate. He tried to plead off.

Starting point is 03:43:25 Good sirs, he pleaded. I am but now come to hasten a doctor to the bedside of my wife. See, he is running there now. let me at least wait until the crisis is passed. No, growled the recruiting, Sergeant roughly. We have heard it all about you and your trickiness. Come along now before we make you. Then Rikoski became like a madman.

Starting point is 03:43:50 He tried to break away from them and run back to his suffering wife, all in vain. They clubbed him insensible with their pistol butts, handcuffed him, and took him away to Kolosovar, where the regiments were forming. For whole weeks thereafter, he remained like one distraught. It was then that I first met him and learned the story. Finally, a sort of dreadful calm came over him.

Starting point is 03:44:17 He no longer raved nor wept nor tried to escape. His face lost all expression, and he went methodically about his work like a person in a trance. Word had come that his old enemy the Count, had gone for his daughter and taken her away with him down the Danube to Vienna. All of the idle rich flew there when they saw that there was really danger that the invading foe might overrun all hungry. Poor Rikoski never has heard from his girl-wife since then.

Starting point is 03:44:52 He never spoke of her to any of us until the delirium of this fever began to rack him. He became a terrible fighter. His ferocity in hand-to-hand combats with the Russians was appalling, even to us who fought shoulder to shoulder with him. He was that way at Slovlvo, on the blood-soaked field of Lemberg, and Dugel in Galicia, where our great retreat first began. Then we came here to Prismol, and Rikoski was among the first to volunteer to be one of the garrison, which everybody agreed was doomed to certain death.

Starting point is 03:45:30 I said to him at the time, Rakoski, my friend, why do you not go on with the main army? They are falling back upon Vienna, and there maybe you might see your cherished wife again. He gave me so terrible a look that I never have dared mention the subject to him again. After that, the army marched away and left us to our fate.

Starting point is 03:45:54 Then came the Russian hordes until the whole plane was black with them. They assaulted, they bombarded, they dug mines, and blood ran freely as water. We beat them back, so then they camped all around us here like so many of their own Siberian wolves, waiting until the poor dog dropped from hunger and they could rend him limb from limb. We of the garrison all suffered cheerfully together. There was very little grumbling. The Commandant's hair turned white when we served up the roe. flesh of his favorite charger as a delicacy on his birthday.

Starting point is 03:46:35 Two weeks ago it seemed as if we were all about to starve at last. Only our spirits remain strong. Rikoski came forward and volunteered to lead a sortie out into the enemy's camp if 20 men would follow him. He promised to bring back food and did, but he came back with his legs riddled with bullets. All but two of them who accompanied him fell somewhere outside there. Long before this, we had run out of all adequate medical supplies.

Starting point is 03:47:10 Our surgeons could not probe Rikoski's legs properly to remove but one of the three bullets which had lodged there. They wanted to amputate, but he swore that he would kill himself if they did. So there he has lain ever since, poor fellow, with his wounds, festering and blood poison getting more assured every day. Always he keeps moaning in that way for his girl bride and the baby he has never seen. This touching story moved all the boys profoundly and weighed on their spirits to such an extent that Alan finally said,

Starting point is 03:47:48 What do you fellas say to playing the Good Samaritan and taking Lieutenant Rikoski out of here in the flyer to someplace where he can get the medical attention that his bravery deserves. That's just what I was thinking, answered Bob. And I echoed Buck, but where shall we take him? Ned spoke up. Why not to Vienna, the capital? The very best hospitals and surgeons in the country are there, and so are his wife and baby.

Starting point is 03:48:19 The sight of them would undoubtedly do him as much good as all the expert medical attention he would receive. "'The very thing, a great idea!' exclaimed the other boys. "'But what about that crab-it-old count her father? "'Do you think that he will relent enough to permit Rikoski to see his daughter?' "'That,' said Ned briefly, is up to us, "'and can, I think, be managed. "'Anyway, it certainly is worth the trial.

Starting point is 03:48:51 "'Now, let's go to the commandant "'and see if he will permit us to remove the lieutenant.' the governor they found was only too pleased to afford his faithful officer this unexpected chance of recovery and helped remove the invalid to a soft bed they had made ready in the airship's spare state-room by nightfall we shall have him incompetent hands there in vienna said ned already at the wheel good luck and tell them there in the capital that prismol still holds out called the commandant No fear that we won't do that, the boys cried, and amid the increasing whirer and roar of the powerful propellers, the ocean flyer once more swept up into the sky and out over the great plain where the Russian encampment lie.

Starting point is 03:49:43 Buck threw a large black pear-shaped object overboard and down at the crowd below, waving goodbyes. Great heavens, what was that? A bomb? exclaimed Bob. startled no buck replied solemnly that was a smoked ham our last one too end of chapter 22 recording by tom hirsch chapter 23 of the airship boys in the great war by delisle f cass this libervox recording is in the public domain recording by tom hirsch chapter 23 string sites in Vienna. The course of the flyer to the Austro-Hungarian capital was southeasterly, and it was already dusk by the time the vicinity was reached. Had it only been lighter,

Starting point is 03:50:46 the boys might have been treated to a magnificent view of the outlying ranges of the Alps directly in front of them, with the ancient historic city lying there below on the right bank of the lordly Danube. Their approach had, however, been seen, and long before they reached the city, ten or twelve military airplanes were hovering excitedly about them. According to directions given by the commandant at Prismal,

Starting point is 03:51:15 the boys hung out two flags, one German, the other Austrian, and encouraged by the sight of these, one aviator more daring than his comrades, planed up parallel with them, shouting in German, Who are you, Arnauts? Bob answered him from one of the outer runways.

Starting point is 03:51:35 Friends from Prismal with a wounded soldier, he shouted, through a megaphone. We want to alight in the city as near the largest hospital as possible. Will you show us the way? What is the code word? Questioned the encircling Austrian aviator, still suspicious. The double-headed eagle and a third crown, replied Bob, as instructed by the governor.

Starting point is 03:52:01 This apparently satisfied the airmen who at once passed the word to his flying companions, and the whole crowd of aircraft descended upon the city like a flock of sparrows settling down upon a telegraph wire. The Austrian flyers guided the ocean flyers' direction of descent. A landing was successfully accomplished in the Prater, which is a vast expanse of wood and park on the east. east side of the city between the river Danube and the Danube Canal. Here, in former times, the fashionable and the blue-blooded rolled in stately carriages

Starting point is 03:52:37 along the Hop Talé, and the light-hearted, pleasure-loving middle classes wild away their time boisterously in the Verstoprata. Now, all was very different, though. This pleasance of indolent fashion was changed to a military aviation, field. Flimsily constructed plank hangers dotted the terraces all around the celebrated rotunda and wireless apparatus towered gaunt and skeleton-like into the air. High-powered automobiles, driven with reckless speed, were rushing between there and the city across the canal. It is hardly necessary to relate here. The astonishment and curiosity of the Austrian aviators over the ocean flyer,

Starting point is 03:53:25 as it finally alighted in their midst. Alan was selected to remain in charge of it, while the three other boys and the wounded Rikoski were whirled rapidly into Vienna in one of the waiting automobiles. On the way, Bob told the two officers who accompanied them the pathetic story of the invalid, and they were at once all sympathy for him. Since the old count is the sort of man you say he is,

Starting point is 03:53:53 you will probably find him tomorrow, dawdling in the inner city where the palaces are, or else driving here along the ringstasse, said one of the officers. You may not believe it, sir, but practically no steps have been taken to fortify Vienna here against capture. The military aviation corps is supposed to guard aerial approach, and nobody save the good old emperor, seems to take other dangers seriously.

Starting point is 03:54:21 Our nobility is too pleasure-loving, to loathe to acknowledge responsibility. Today, with all of our outside territory in the throes of a death struggle, with three nations across our borders, and with the ugly rumble of national revolution, the fashionable still parade grandly about, affecting to ignore conditions.

Starting point is 03:54:45 Last week there were bread riots, and the scum of the city's alleys and back streets sacked shops throughout the Leipestad district. It took two regiments of soldiers to drive them back. Conspiracy is rank around us. Pestilence stalks abroad through the byways. I hear the Bohemia is already in revolt. No one knows what terrible disaster will come in the next news from the front. The aged emperor can do nothing but sit there in the Hofberg, while his peers fled here in terror from all other parts of the kingdom, spend their time in the gambling

Starting point is 03:55:24 casinos, dance as if frenzied in the Zinspato, or believing the end of the world is at hand, are lost to religion, morality, and the commonest decencies of mankind in debauching there in the tabern

Starting point is 03:55:39 and vice-sinks like it. All day long they ride in Landau's with silk parasols, lap dogs, and frippery, where cavalry divisions should be maneuvering. So cats are seen where helmets ought to gleam. The cane is more widely flourished here than the sword, but drink and be merry for tomorrow we die. As the indignant officer paused in his tirade, the automobile wheeled into the Alisgarde district, and in a few seconds more

Starting point is 03:56:12 was at the foot of a great flight of Greystone stairs leading up to the official military hospital. We want to get a light, airy private room for Lieutenant Varkoski, Ned explained to the tired, white uniformed attendant who met them. They shook his head, wearily, shrugged his shoulders and replied patiently. That is what they all say. Each day I hear it hundreds of times, as if there were room in all of the Allesgrud for half the sick in Vienna. Is this one of the plague-ridden, too?

Starting point is 03:56:45 Finally, however, accommodations were found for poor Rokoski, and the boys left, promising to return on the morrow. The officers then escorted them to their military headquarters, where their story had to be retold before they were given the liberty of the city. They told two of the gallant defenders in Prismol, and evoked loud cheers from all who heard them. Ah! exclaimed one soldier, would that I were there to die a hero's death, with them, rather than standing guard over this madhouse hair. Inasmuch as the night was still young, the boys decided to look about the city a bit before returning to Alan and the flyer out in the praetre. In a rented taxi cab, they toured the city and found conditions much as they had been

Starting point is 03:57:34 described to them. All of the street lamps, cafes, dance halls, and places of amusement were ablaze with light and thronged with patrons as if on a galley. A night. The dreamy strains of a Strauss or Gungle Waltz were weirdly intermingled with the barbaric staccato of banjurines thrumming the latest tango. The shocked and astounded boys sat for a few moments in the gallery surrounding one of the huge dance pavilions where hilarity was at its height. The babble of incongruous noises beat all around them. But every now and then during a momentary lull in the clamor. They weren't conscious of a sedued conversation going on at an adjacent table.

Starting point is 03:58:21 The four men who sat there were neither noisy nor bent on amusement. That was plain. One was of gigantic physique and wore a huge black, bristly beard. One was short and unwholesomely fat. He had pouches under his wicked little pig's eyes and his skin was blotchy. On his one hand, he was short, and three rings set with magnificent jewels sparkled. The third man was evidently from a different social class, for his hands were stubby with black-rimmed fingernails in a loose, brutal mouth. The fourth man at the table sat with his back to the boys, and wore a cape pulled high up so as almost completely to muffle his face.

Starting point is 03:59:07 They all were leaning with heads close together over the table, scarcely having tasted the wine in their glasses. Ned, who sat nearest to them, at one time heard the little fat man with his rings, saying, best done as you say, tomorrow night I know from his excellency the Grand Chancellor that a certain distinguished personage

Starting point is 03:59:30 will remove for the weekend to the Imperial Chateau at Schoenbrun, that is only 55 minutes run by motor-car from the Hothburg, and certainly we can't the blur of music beneath the gallery as the giddy dance resumed drowned his further utterance by and by though ned again caught a disjointed phrase or two only a guard of ten hussars servants in the chateau all bribed we're sure of them he sleeps ordinarily in that suite in the southwest wing easily reached by a ladder against the wall no no don't use your knife ottaker you fool he is so old and feeble that a good minute's grip on his windpipe will finish him and the lersfeld cathedral chimes will go ding dong ding dong ding franz joseph both the fat little man and he of the enveloping cape swung quickly around and eyed the nearby boy sharply ned met their scrutiny innocently enough. The iron jaw and full eyes of the man in the cloak impressed themselves indelibly upon his memory. Huh, grunted the fat man as he turned back to his companions. They don't matter.

Starting point is 04:00:55 Only young boys, maybe tourists, caught over here by the war. Ned furtively motioned Bob Russell close to him. Bob, he whispered, those men are talking in French, although they are everyone Austrians and I can understand them. Well, what of it? asked Bob Puzzle. Just this, breathed Ned. They are plotting to assassinate the emperor tomorrow night. End of Chapter 23. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 24 of the Airship Boys in the Great War by Delilah F. Cass. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 24 On the Trail of the Conspirators

Starting point is 04:01:49 The effect of this announcement upon the boys was, of course, electrical. Quick, whispered Buck to his companions. Let's get right out of here and call the police. We'll nab the scoundrels as they try to leave. No, sit still, Buck, Ned said in an equally cautious tone. The arrest of these four conspirators wouldn't necessarily stamp out the plot. for as bold and big a scheme as this there must also be a good many others implicated it may be more important to capture them than these fellows besides even if we were to call in the police and have these four arrested we couldn't actually prove anything against them true enough agreed bob what do you propose we do ned this i'll sit quietly here you and buck get up leisurely bid me good-night and appear to leave instead of that each of you secrete himself somewhere near the bottom of the stairs leading up to this gallery

Starting point is 04:02:48 when the men here get up to leave i'll follow the man with the cape muffled around his face and you boys each take one of the others but there are four of them and only three of us objected buck that's all right i don't think that the shabby man with the dirty finger-nails is a bit of you boys each take one of the others but there are four of them and only three of us objected buck that's all right i don't think that the shabby man with the dirty finger-nails is anything more than a mere tool, anyhow, so we can afford to let them go. You, Bob, shadow, the little fat man with the rings. You, Buck, trailed the fellow with the big black beard. Follow them around all night, if necessary, but make sure that you trace them to their homes, finally. We can all meet with Alan at the Ocean Flyer over in the Prater at, say, sunrise by the latest. This scheme struck the other boys as feasible, and soon Bob and Buck drifted. it off as arranged, leaving Ned alone at the table. He had sat there seemingly half asleep for perhaps ten minutes more, when the four conspirators arose from their table together and started

Starting point is 04:03:46 down the stairs. Ned followed slyly at a safe distance, screened by the jostling crowd. All four men passed out of the place in company, chatted for a minute or two at the street entrance, and then parted. The ruffian-looking individual plunged straight away. into the nearest alley after a furtive look behind him. The pudgy man with the wicked pig's eyes and bejeweled rings took a taxi cab at the curb stall and chugged away, followed by Bob in a second taxi. The Herculean Blackbeard, after leisurely lighting a cigar, walked aimlessly a little way down the thoroughfare, paused and felt of his hip pocket as if to make sure that something

Starting point is 04:04:31 quite important was still there, and at last he too hailed a taxi-cab and disappeared, with Buck still in his wake. The fourth conspirator, he who kept his face so carefully concealed in the collar of his cape, stood thoughtfully in the lighted doorway of the dance hall until all of his companions were gone. Then he glanced with effective nonchalance at the faces in the crowd around him, and turning, strolled slowly westward along the street. Ned followed.

Starting point is 04:05:04 At the second square, the man suddenly quickened his pace until it was all that Ned could do to keep up with him. At the fifth square, he all at once wheeled about abruptly and stared after him, then plunged into an ill-lighted side street. By the time that Ned got to the corner, the quarry was just turning the next corner, running at top speed. Ned sprinted after him.

Starting point is 04:05:28 turned the corner and found himself again on a brightly lighted thoroughfare thronged with revelers. The man had vanished into the crowd. Bitter disappointment choked Ned until suddenly he saw his man again, this time on the opposite side of the street, hesitating as if at a loss which way to go. Finally he again turned westward, with Ned keeping closer on his heels this time. Thus the pursuit went on for more than an hour, time. Had not the boy been himself a good walker, the man would soon have tired him out.

Starting point is 04:06:05 The chase ended at last in what your Viennese calls de Innestadt, the inner town, which lies in the heart of the city and is the most aristocratic section. The Hofberg or Imperial Palace is there, the palaces of many of the nobility, the government offices, the now abandoned foreign legations, an opera house and principal hotels. The man in the cloak strode swiftly past the hotel section into the palatial residence district. He now had the manner of one who knew exactly where he was going and was in a hurry to get there. At the gates of a great iron fence enclosing the park-like grounds of one of the palatial residences with which the street was lined, the stranger paused, then entered without a glance behind him.

Starting point is 04:06:57 Ned followed him swiftly up the gravel walk to drop flat behind a spreading rosebush as his quarry wheeled like a flash and stood stock still, staring intently back at the street. For a few moments the boy dared scarcely to breathe. Then, to his relief, the man again turned, but instead of mounting the imposing flight of stone steps,

Starting point is 04:07:21 flanked by two carved lions bearing an armorial crest in their mouth, he slipped a key into a little half-concealed postern door and vanished inside leaving the door slightly ajar behind him ned hesitated but an instant then himself plunged into the yawning black hole it was so dark that he had to grope his way forward with hands outstretched in front of him shuffling his feet along one after the other scarcely had he gone three steps forward when two muscular hands closed closed around his throat from behind, half strangling him, and a heavy voice boomed through the narrow confines of the entry. Ho! E'Neal, Oscar, Frederick!

Starting point is 04:08:07 This way, hurry, I have caught a burglar! Ned's sight began to blur. There was a loud buzzing in his ears, and sparks of red, vivid blue and yellow light danced before his eyes. He was helpless in the iron clutch of the man behind him. came the heavy sound of running feet, and three husky servants in livery arrived and overpowered him. One tripped him flat on his face, while the others bound his arms immovably to his side with a piece of rope. They mauled him about and gave him a couple of kicks for good measure.

Starting point is 04:08:43 Bring him up here, commanded the master of the house abruptly, leading the way up a narrow little flight of stairs. As Ned stumbled upward, pushed by the excited serving, men. He saw for the first time that a very comely young woman was standing at the head of the staircase, with a loose dressing-gown thrown around her, just as if she had been frightened from her bed by the noise of the scuffle and shouts below stairs. "'What are you doing here, Maria?' demanded the mysterious man in the cape in what seemed to Ned to be an unjustifiably gruff tone. "'Why aren't you in bed where you belong at this hour?'

Starting point is 04:09:22 the girl's hands were pressed to her heart but she was making a brave effort to conceal her agitation oh i thought i hope that father this last and piteous appeal the man in the cloak scowled savagely and shoved her aside while he and his men pushed ned into a large sumptuously furnished room i know what you thought well enough he growled you thought that raskowski that scounderly husband of yours had come and tried to see you secretly. That's what you thought. Well, you are a fool, and though I'm ashamed to say it, a daughter of mine at the same time. Look at him as much as you want, Myra. You see that this doesn't happen to be your husband. Instead, he's a rascally fellow who you can go now, man. The servitors went out silently. Instead of that, he is a fellow who has been dogging my footsteps for the last hour or so, and whom I trapped at the foot of the stairs there just to find out who he was and why he has followed me in this way.

Starting point is 04:10:30 Ned did not quail before the menace of his captor's eye. Instead, it is to be doubted if he even had heard his last words. One poignant thought was ringing through his head. Maria! The man in the cloak whom he knew to be a conspirator was her father. and he had called her the wife of Lieutenant Raskowski. Then this would be assassin was none other than the old Count Polnichek of Budapest. End of Chapter 24. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 25 of the Airship Boys in the Great War by Delisle F. Cass.

Starting point is 04:11:18 This Libervox recording is in the public domain. recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 25. The boys get worried over Ned. It was about half-past eleven when Alan, nervously pacing the outside runways of the ocean flyer there on the prutter, heard Buck Stewart's welcome voice greet him cheerily from the darkness. Are the others back here yet? asked the reporter.

Starting point is 04:11:45 What? Aren't they with you? exclaimed Alan, peering through the gloom. Where on earth is? you fellas been all night. I got as nervous as a girl thinking that something might have happened to you. Well, drawled Buck, enjoying Alan's impatient curiosity, we did bump into a little adventure. Then he went on to give Alan the details of their chance discovery of the plot to assassinated the aged Emperor Franz Joseph on the following evening. Bob followed one man, Ned another, and I the third. A gigantic, gigantic chap who could almost pulverize me with a single blow. I followed him about for an hour or more,

Starting point is 04:12:28 going to first one low dive and then to another, but always in the poorer, more squalid sections of the city, where there were a few street lamps, and where the second stories of ramshackle old houses nearly met overhead. The smells were awful, and every street corner had its individual knot, of evil-looking loafers being harangued by wild-eyed, long-haired chaps, looking as if they would cut one's throat for a nickel. Each demagogue was working his little gang of listeners up to a point of frenzy. Some of the orators were preaching socialism, others a reversion to pious living.

Starting point is 04:13:13 Some waved their arms in an impassioned plea for absolute anarchy. Still others stood on old soapboxes, thin lips that alternately sneered or snarled, preaching atheism, revolution, murder. You may well believe that I wasn't at all at ease passing through throngs of that sort all the while, and having to stop every now and then because Blackbeard's taxi did, while he leaned out of the window to note the attitude of the rabble. Once in a while, he'd be recognized by persons loitering in the street corner aggregations. Several times men sidled slyly up to his taxi cab and seemed to be making reports or getting fresh instructions from him. I followed my man around that way for more

Starting point is 04:14:02 than two hours without anything in particular happening, and finally trailed him to a bed at a middle-class boarding-house in the Naben district. Then I came on back here. The last words were hardly out of his mouth before Bob Russell joined him. His manner triumphant. "'Hello, boys!' cried he. "'I don't know what lucky you may have had. But I ran my little fat man to ground, and I found out enough about him to hang him higher than Haman. Tell us about it,' both boys said. Bob continued.

Starting point is 04:14:37 "'It turned out that the man I followed was so eminent a dignitary of the realm that I myself now can hardly believe it to be true. The chase in the taxi cab led me straight into the inner tone and to the very steps of the Hofburg itself. My man paid off his chauffeur and went on up the grand stairway with all the assurance of proprietorship. Leveried lackeys saluted him respectfully on all sides. But the gorgeously uniform guards at the entrance stopped me

Starting point is 04:15:12 when I tried to follow him. It's all right, my man, I tried to explain in my best Austrian. I am with, pointing after the vanishing figure, him. The guardsman raised his eyebrows in polite disbelief. But His Excellency, the Chancellor, did not tell us that you were accompanying him. His Excellency, the Chancellor? I nearly fell over backwards when I heard that this arch-conspirator was he. then in reckless spirit of bravado, and with a fine assumption of haughtiness, I said,

Starting point is 04:15:46 Go ask him, bring him back here, and mind that you do not keep me waiting long either. Impressed by my tone, one of the guardsmen went in after my quarry, who came back with a face that was like a mask. You wish to see me, sir, he queried, taking me in from head to foot at a single glance. No, said I. you forget that I am with you. Ah, said he, without exhibiting the slightest interest, I have indeed forgotten.

Starting point is 04:16:21 Will you not enter with me? His Imperial Highness is waiting now. No, I must leave you now, I told him. We shall see the Emperor again tomorrow night, I think. For a brief second, his brows knit in a puzzled frown. Then his face cleared, and he bowed very great. "'Uraceously. "'Until then, good friend,' he murmured.

Starting point is 04:16:44 "'Until then, Your Excellency,' "'I parroted, and, turning, "'de descended the steps with all of the dignity "'that I could muster. "'So here I am again.' "'Well, of all the unmitigated nerve,' "'Ellen burst forth. "'Now I see how it is that you newspaper-men

Starting point is 04:17:04 "'get your stories. "'It's a wonder that he didn't either "'have you kicked downstairs or thrown into prison on general principles. Oh, he was suspicious, all right, grinned Bob, who was highly pleased with himself. But he didn't dare risk forcing my hand too strongly there with all of the servants standing about. Believe me, though, I've given him something to think about. I can't understand why Ned doesn't show up, broke in Bob. It's past sunrise now. What can be

Starting point is 04:17:35 delaying him? The anxiety in Bob's tone was reflected in the faces of the other two boys. The hours dragged slowly by. Broad daylight came and wore on to noon. Still no sign of Ned. Late afternoon found his chums pacing restlessly up and down the area about the ocean flyer. No one of them dared voice his fears to the others. The sun's rays became more slanting, the shadows longer and heavier. And still no Ned. The man with the cloak, Count Polnichek, whirled his captive around, facing him with a heavy grip on his shoulder. So, cried he, I know you, you sat with the two others at the adjacent table there in the Tenzin House. You are a spy, then. You were eavesdropping on our conversation. Did it interest you so much that you were constrained to follow me all this distance?

Starting point is 04:18:38 It interested me, said Ned shortly. his glare coolly, eye to eye. His calmness enraged the old Count still more. "'And what did you hear, you snake?' he growled, stepping closer and thrusting his bearded face close to that of the undaunted boy. "'Quick now, tell me what you overheard. "'It would be no news to you,' Count Palmecchuk of Budapest,' said Ned. "'Thanavitha, you even know my name, then. You show your teeth to me, do you? you, are you aware that your life is wholly at my mercy? Ned disdain't to answer him.

Starting point is 04:19:19 Will you tell me how much you know? Silence. Maria, the distracted girl, jumped with fright at the explosive force of the command. Maria, hate your poker in the flames of the fireplace and then bring it here to me. Oh, father, dear father, no, no, no, not that. You wouldn't torture this poor boy? she pleaded. The old wretch snarled savagely at her as he ripped open the bosom of Ned's shirt, showing the soft white skin underneath. Did you hear me, Mara?

Starting point is 04:19:53 Trembling violently, the girl did his bidding. Shortly, the white hot iron was glowing in his threatening hand. He held it so close to Ned's shrinking flesh that the heat it gave off was almost intolerable. Now, will you tell? The boy shut his nose. eyes and with gritted teeth awaited the scorching touch upon his chest. But it never came. A harsh voice that one would never have recognized as that of the girl, who a few minutes before had cowered in terror, said, Father, throw up your hands, or as there is a hereafter, I will shoot you with your own revolver. Myra Rokowski stood with one arm, steadily pointing a huge revolver at her parents' head.

Starting point is 04:20:42 Drop that poker! He did so. The iron fell into the thick wolf of the carpet, sizzling and causing a vile odor. Still covering the astounded old wretch with her weapon, the girl sidled over to Ned and slashed the rope from off his arms with a penknife. Instantly, she shoved the revolver into the boy's hands and collapsed, swooning into the nearest turn.

Starting point is 04:21:09 chair. Ned kicked the smoking poker over into the fireplace. A grim smile edged his lips. Now will you tell me the things that you know are planned for tomorrow night, out at the show in Brun's Chateau, where Franz Joseph will spend the night, he asks sternly. No, shoot if you wish, but I never desert my comrades. I am a man of honor. A man of honor. You who in cold blood contemplate the assassination of your sovereign. A poor old man already shattered in health and spirit over the miseries of his country. You are a disgrace to the ancient name you bear. Old Count Polnichek winced under the scathing scorn in the boy's voice.

Starting point is 04:21:56 The red blood suffused his deeply lined face. You would not dare insult me in this way where I'm not unarmed and at your murder. How about when you threaten to scar me with that heart poker? Count, you are— Keep away from that bell or I fire. Are going to do my will this time. Let us sit down while you tell me all about it. Towson Typhman.

Starting point is 04:22:23 No. I said sit. The Count plumped down objectively into the depths of a big easy chair. Ned likewise seated himself with the ugly, looking revolvers still ready. Now, Count, said he evenly. No. Now!

Starting point is 04:22:44 Old Count Polnichak shrank before the rising black muzzle not two yards away. Well, a curtain limousine is to call here for me at ten tonight. The chauffeur understands that he is to drive me to Pascota, ten minutes walk from the chateau where the emperor is to sleep.

Starting point is 04:23:03 All ten of us, who head the plot are to meet there at eleven. Then we are to... End of Chapter 25. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 26 of the Airship Boys in the Great War by Delisle F. Cass. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Tom Hirsch.

Starting point is 04:23:33 Chapter 26. An Attempt to Assassinate the Emperor. Alan, Bob, and Buck were nearly frantic with worry over the still-missing Ned by the time darkness closed in. If any harm has come to that boy, vowed Buck fiercely, I swear that I'll need no stone unturned until I find out the guilty parties and punish them. Bob bit his lip gloomily. We're all hoping for the best, of course, said he.

Starting point is 04:24:04 And really, I believe that Ned can take care of himself all right. A knife in the back, a blow from a dark doorway as he passed, any of a score of possibilities here, muttered Buck. Ellen shuddered and made a desperate effort to change the conversation. What are we going to do to frustrate the plot on the emperor's life, he asked. If we do anything on that, it must be pretty soon, because time is flying, and I recall that Ned overheard them say at that other table that the meeting hour had been set. for 11 o'clock. That's right, chorused the other boys.

Starting point is 04:24:42 We mustn't let our anxiety for Ned permit us to neglect the other thing. How shall we go about it? They missed their chums' ready foresight in planning a course of action then, but on the whole did succeed in mapping out a pretty fair course of procedure. It was Bob Russell's idea.

Starting point is 04:25:02 He said, Ned stated that some of the servants in the chateau had been bribed into sympathy with the conspirators, and will admit them secretly into the house. The man with the big black beard and he of the twisted mouth were to slip into the sleeping emperor's bedchamber through a window, reached by a ladder against the wall. The emperor was to be strangled. Now, what I suggest is that we use the ocean flyer to get there, landing some distance away so as not to be heard from the chateau. We can then lie in wait hidden by the lawn shrubbery until the miscreants arrive.

Starting point is 04:25:42 We can then pounce upon them and nip the murder right in the bud. Would it not be better to first warn the inmates of the chateau of what is afoot? asked Alan. No, that wouldn't do it all, because neither we nor the emperor know which of the attendants are faithful and which are treacherous. we'll have to play this game single-handed boys. So finally it was agreed to adopt this game as originally suggested by Bob. Their preparations for departure at that hour of the night were noted with great curiosity by the other aviators of the Austrian hangers, and Captain von Schleinitz, the young officer who had driven to the hospital with them and told them about the local

Starting point is 04:26:26 conditions when they first arrived, said casually, You choose a peculiar hour for starting off again, gentlemen. Yes, Bob answered him. We're only going on a small flight. Mr. Napier is not returned yet, so we will, of course, be back for him. How I wish that I might be privileged to accompany you on one of your flights. Alan and Buck overheard his remark, and, after excusing themselves for the seeming discurtesy,

Starting point is 04:26:56 took Bob aside. Listen, Bob, Alan whispered. Why not take Captain von Schleynitz along with us on tonight's expedition? He impresses me as a brave, good fellow, and the presence of a regular Austrian army officer aboard might prove of great help in several ways. Patrolling military airplanes might stop us with all sorts of questions once we get into the air. I guess you're right, Alan, said Bob thoughtfully.

Starting point is 04:27:26 let's take him into our confidence then and explain the whole matter this was accordingly done the austrian was horrified by the revelation of the plot and urged all possible haste by ten thirty the flyer's engines were started and the short flight to shonebrun was begun no lights were shown aboard as the boys were anxious to avoid all unwelcome attentions no attempt was made to hinder their progress and a landing was made almost noiselessly, not far from the enclosed gardens of the chateau. No one of the boys was willing to be left behind in charge of the airship while the others went forward into the adventure. Yet it was imperative that someone should stay. After considerable heated discussion, it was finally decided to draw lots. This method determined upon Buck as the one to remain behind. behind, which he submitted to with much disappointment.

Starting point is 04:28:30 Alan, Bob, and Captain von Schleynetz gripped his hand hard in a last goodbye, and slipped stealthily away into the darkness. Buck was left alone. There was no moon visible that night. The sky lowered with the threat of storm. Streamers of clouds scudded as if frightened before the strong wind. In a nearby marsh, the frogs and crickets made melancholy music. A far off to the right somewhere a dog howled mournfully.

Starting point is 04:29:07 Nine cloak-shrouted figures stood in close conference at the Spavatka Turnpike, a bare ten minutes walk from the Chateau Chonburn. Their manner was mysterious, sinister. They were impatiently waiting for someone. Far down the road the purr of a motor could be heard, growing rapidly lower. Suddenly it ceased altogether, and a tenth sepulchral figure stalked toward them through the gloom. A subdued murmur of satisfaction greeted his approach. At last you are here, con-punch, a quick hand was clapped over with his mouth of the big black-bearded man who spoke.

Starting point is 04:29:50 Hush, you fool, no names here. the newcomer did not address the others but with a finger to his lips in joining silence he led them towards where the high walls enclosing the grounds of the chateau shenbrun loomed up through the darkness tiptoeing close to the huge iron gates the leader of the band shoved gently the ponderous gate swung inwards upon hinges that had been freshly greased to preclude all danger of squeaking Just inside the gates a sentry lay securely bound and gagged on the damp grass. The chateau servants had earned their blood money. Alan, Bob, and von Schleynitz were crouched behind the thick shrubbery, so near that they could have reached out and touched the stealthy intruders. Revolvers were held ready for instant use.

Starting point is 04:30:48 Look, whispered, Rob, The huge bearded man there is the one buck trailed down. There is the thug with the twisted mouth. That fat little man shivering in the wind is the grand chancellor. And yes, by Jove, that fellow there who seems to be giving them directions is the very man whom Ned set out to follow. If he is here, where is poor Ned? The tall man whom the conspirators had addressed as count did very little talking.

Starting point is 04:31:21 At a signal from him, black beard and twisted mouth slipped away around the corner of the chateau, and the remainder of the band slunk noiselessly over the grass to where the silent black pile of the building showed through the trees. Alan, Bob, and von Schlannitz sculpt close at their heels, dodging from bush to tree trunk to shrub. It was heroing work. Once a stone crunched under Bob's foot as he darted across a gravel path. What was that? The group of conspirators had whirled about inconsternation, weapons shining dully in their hands. Only a deathly stillness rewarded their listening, however.

Starting point is 04:32:08 Finally, the little fat man, who was chancellor of the realm, laughed nervously. Bah, it was nothing. We are unstrung tonight, he said in a little. low voice. But tomorrow, evil anticipation lit up the faces of his companions. Ready now, whispered he whom they had called Count. The ten of them slipped through the unlocked door into the house where the aged emperor slept, all unconscious of the hands at his throat. End of Chapter 26, recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 27 of the Airship Boys in the Great War by Delisle F. Cass.

Starting point is 04:32:59 This Libravox recording is in the public domain, recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 27. The Man in the Cloak surprises everybody. Franz Joseph, the aged emperor of Austria-Hungary, whose life history is one of the most tragic of all contemporary royalty, tossed uneasily as he slumbered on the great four-posted bed, around which heavy damask curtains had been drawn, shutting off all view of the bedchamber. The emperor had fled here to his chateau-chon-roon for at least a day or so of quiet in ease from the heavy cares of state.

Starting point is 04:33:42 Go, your imperial highness, and sleep in peace, his trusted friend the Grand Chancellor had told him. For the time being, will take the burden from your shoulders. There are couriers waiting there in the Antid Room, from Plots and the army at Liblyn. There is a messenger from the routed army before Belgrade. There is yet another ultimatum for Bulgaria to be considered,

Starting point is 04:34:09 said the aged monarch doubtfully, passing a listless hand across his careworn brow. Highness, can I not attend to all that? The emperor, broken in spirit and body, acquiesced weakly. Rest, he murmured, as if invoking a saint. Undisturbed slumbers and a few hours in which to forget a bleeding, beaten nation that cries out for the help I cannot give. Thus it was that Franz Joseph came to go to Schoenbrun,

Starting point is 04:34:42 but forgetfulness did not come to him with the darkening of the lights around his bed. The whole sad picture of his reign passed in review before him like a horrid nightmare, murdered relatives, degenerate heirs who had disgraced his name, and finally apparitions of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the Duchess of Hornberg, whose assassination by Serbs at Sarajevo, had been used as the excuse for the war now convulsing the world. There stood the ghastly shades of the emperor's dearly beloved son and his wife, whom Franz Joseph never would recognize. They extended bloody, mutilated hands to the old man and seemed to say,

Starting point is 04:35:31 See, we are come to take you with us to where countless thousands of our countrymen lately have gone. Come, Franz Joseph. With a strangling cry of horror, the aged emperor, awoke and half started up in his bed. At that instant there came quick catlight footfalls in the outer rooms, a gurgling sound that ended in a groan from the halbit ears who kept watch by the door, and then the heavy curtains screening the bed were wrenched violently aside and a terrible figure towered over the palsy dumberer.

Starting point is 04:36:08 It was Blackbeard, his huge, naughty hands working spasmodically as if all already strangling the poor old man in imagination. Behind him appeared the villainous visage of the twisted mouth. A knife in his hand was stained red to the hilt with the lifeblood of the door guard whom they had caught unawares. Behind the pair the window was open and the upper rungs of the ladder showed above the sill. Fate was upon him.

Starting point is 04:36:37 The emperor knew that, and in that crucial moment, when his life seemed worth but a farthing, the noble bearing of his forebearers came suddenly to him, straightening the bowed shoulders, throwing back the bent head, and putting the truly regal blaze of eleven generations of Hatsburgs into his watery eyes. Dogs, what do you hear in our presence unannounced? Franz Joseph thundered, and even the pajamas covering his wasted form did not detract from the impressiveness of his mane. Be gone!

Starting point is 04:37:10 The emperor pointed one long forefinger from the wrong forefinger from the wretches to the door. Neither assassin vouchaved a word in reply. Blackbeard crouched to hurl himself upon his defenseless victim when the whip-like report of a revolver sounded from the doorway, and through the drifting smoke the figure of him they had called the count was visible. Perdition, groaned Blackbeard, half rising from the floor. You have killed me, Palmichek. Twisted Mouth had dodged in a maze terror behind the table, whence he now flourished his knife uncertainly. Pandemonium had broken loose below stairs.

Starting point is 04:37:55 Cries of alarm, screams, Curses, stentorian commands mingled with a thunderous fuselot of shots. The staircase resounded with the rush of many feet upon it. The treacherous grand chancellor burst wildly into the room. He took in the scene with one sweeping, glance. What is the meaning of this Palmichick? He cried threateningly. Are you playing us false? In answer, the Count dramatically threw aside the familiar cape and hat which had up to this time concealed his face. A ferocious curse burst from the astounded Chancellor. Instead of facing Count

Starting point is 04:38:36 Palnecichick, he was confronted by the glinting muzzle of a revolver in the hands of Ned Napier. What followed thereafter happened far more swiftly than it can be told. Seeing the entire plot crumbling about him and lacking the moral courage to fight it out, the Chancellor sprang to an open window and cast himself headlong down into space. They later found him lying with his neck broken in the gardens. Twisted mouth threw up his hands and surrendered as Ned advanced upon him. Meanwhile, the sound of Ned's shot had awakened the entire household downstairs. Weapons were quickly seized and haste was made to secure the safety of the emperor. The faithless servants were among the loudest in proclaiming their horror of the attempted

Starting point is 04:39:28 assassination. Alan, Bob, and Captain von Schleinitz had attacked the nine conspirators skulking downstairs the moment Ned's shot rang out. And although the trapped men fought with unparalleled ferocity. They were driven at bay against one wall of the building and forced to yield to their intrepid assailants, who were by then reinforced by thirty or more domestics and imperial guardsmen. Owing to the already disturbed conditions in Vienna, it was the emperor's wish that all news of this dastardly attempt on his life be kept absolutely secret. He rode back along the Ringstasse, the main boulevard, encircling the city in state the next morning and made it a point to rise up and bow frequently

Starting point is 04:40:17 in acknowledgement of the cheering sidewalk crowds. This effectually counteracted any premature stories of his death, which might have been circulated in preparation for the plotted revolution. The airship boys were given a formal audience in his private reception chamber of the Hofberg on the following afternoon, and Captain von Schlainitz also was ordered to be present. The grateful emperor conferred the Order of St. Stepan upon his faithful officer, and promoted him to the rank of lieutenant-colonel of the Imperial Aviation Corps. To the smiling boys, Franz Joseph said, It is a matter of difficulty for me to decide how best to acknowledge my lifelong indebtedness to you young gentlemen. The fact that you are not of the nobility, nor yet soldiers,

Starting point is 04:41:10 precludes my decorating you with any of the orders of merit in my power. So, gentlemen, I am going to leave it for you yourselves to say how I best may please you. Of course, all of the boys blushed and were much embarrassed by such a gracious reception. None of them knew exactly what to say until Buck blurted out. Why, we wouldn't think of taking any rewards ourselves for a thing that it was our plain duty to do, sir, but we have a favor that we'd like to ask for a friend, who, by the way, happens to be a subject of yours. Your request is already granted, even though the man be one of those implicated in the conspiracy, said the emperor kindly. While we were in prismal, continued Buck,

Starting point is 04:42:02 we met an infantry officer, one lieutenant Rikoski, who lay dying in the hospital for lack of proper attention to his wounds. He is one of your most devoted subjects. Then Buck went on to tell how the lieutenant had married above his station in life, and of his subsequent misfortunes as a result of the old Count's brutal enmity. We want you to intercede with the Count on Rikoski's behalf and bring the young couple and their child together again, Buck concluded. Mr. Stewart hasn't told you the entire story yet, though, Ned here interrupted. It seems that Count Balnecach was one of the moving spirits in this plot.

Starting point is 04:42:48 While trailing him down, I fell into his power and probably would have been murdered had it not been for his brave daughter, Rakoski's wife, who forced him at a revolver's muzzle to liberate me. Armed with the weapon she had given me, I forced him to reveal the full details of the conspiracy, and now have him bound and locked there in his daughter's room. She agreed to stand guard over him while I impersonated him at the conspirator's rendezvous. The lady has asked that I beg leniency for her parent

Starting point is 04:43:25 in view of her own great services on your behalf. The emperor paced the room thoughtfully for a few moments. Then he said, young gentlemen you shall have both of your wishes. Lieutenant Rikoski needs no longer dread separation from his family, and Count Polnichak shall not be accorded the sentence he so richly deserves. But he must leave Austria at once, and the first time that he ever again sets foot across our boundaries

Starting point is 04:43:58 shall be the signal for his arrest. Thus the happiness of Rakovsky was assured, and the boys were left once more free to pursue their way. End of Chapter 27. Recording by Tom Hirsch Chapter 28 of the Airship Boys in the Great War by Delisle F. Cass This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 28

Starting point is 04:44:36 surrounded by German Zeppelons. The war had by this time begun to pall upon the boys, and Alan voiced the sentiments of all four when he said, I'm sick of all this treachery, thunder of cannon, wails from the wretched common people, and indiscriminate bloodshed. The United States is good enough for yours truly, and I wish that I was there right now. So it was decided that the ocean flyer beheaded homeward without further delay.

Starting point is 04:45:11 And, after bidding goodbye to the genial von Schleinitz and Rikoski and his courageous little wife, the boys, early one morning, started their engines and let the hectic life of Vienna sink into a miniature panorama far beneath them. The course was set northwestly, and a spanking breeze and a murky sea, sky accelerated their speed. Off to America again at last, shouted Bob jubilantly, and the other boys echoed him in three rousing cheers. By ten o'clock, however, there was a marked change in the atmosphere. The barometer fell low in the glass, and every delicate instrument in the pilot room gave ominous indications of nasty weather. Ned's face showed his worry,

Starting point is 04:46:02 but he forced a cheerful smile before his chums. It'll blow over, I'm sure, he said. The flyer was being held to an elevation of perhaps 2,500 feet. The lower cloud banks cut off all view of the world beneath, and Alan suggested that they descend to a lower level where, although they might feel the effects of the rainstorm from the clouds, the rapidly increasing velocity of the wind would not hold them so short, in its grip. Ned listened to the demonical shrieks of the wind as the flyers scudded along

Starting point is 04:46:39 and was not slow to acknowledge the common sense of Alan's advice, so the airship was dropped down to a considerably lower level below the clouds. In that region, a terrible storm was raging. The thunder burst in crashes that seemed louder than 10,000 cannon. The air vibrated with the shock, appalling zigzags of lightning shot yellow across the sky. The rain fell in torrents from an inky sky and dashed dismally against the metal sides of the speeding airship. Being mistrustful of air eddies or whirlpool currents as a result of the hurricane,

Starting point is 04:47:21 Ned reduced the flyer's speed to the minimum. As he wisely observed, no use taking unnecessary chances. Thus the big vessel, fled before the storm for half an hour or more, when, with astonishing suddenness, the reverberations of thunder ceased, and the sun turned the rainfall into a fog so dense that it seemed that the flyer was cutting its way through a solid substance. It became so dark inside that the boys had to turn on the electric lights.

Starting point is 04:47:57 I don't like this at all, muttered Ned at last, as he strained his eyes. through the mist-clouded observation port. Well, anyway, we aren't flying low enough to hit any trees or church steeples, grinned, Bob. No, but all the same, I don't like to keep going even this slowly through vapor as thick as this is. If I could only see the character of the ground below,

Starting point is 04:48:23 I'd try to make a landing. The earth, however, continued wholly shrouded and Ned had to hold on his unwilling way. It was perhaps a quarter of an hour later that Buck, who had been calculating at the speedometer and referring to various charts, announced that the ocean flyer was probably over northern Germany. Shortly afterward, the increasing strength of the sun's rays began to dissipate the fog, which assumed fantastic forms that writhed and squirmed as they floated away into nothingness. It amused the boys to pick out these patches of mist and to note their outline resemblance to one animal or another.

Starting point is 04:49:09 There's a cow, laughed Bob, pointing, and over there are a giraffe. See his long neck? Look straight ahead, boys, and see the balona sausage, called Ned from his station at the wheel. Sure enough, there it was, gigantic and dull gray, directly ahead of them. But strange to say, while it kept moving along in the same direction as the flyer, it did not soon dissolve into thin air. Instead of that, it took vast, tangible form. Other vapor forms began to appear transparent beside it. The vague outlines of complicated rigging extending down from the sausage became easily apparent.

Starting point is 04:49:54 Then a suspended metal body, punctured with many windows, appear. By this time, the speeding ocean flyer was almost upon it, and only Ned's presence of mind in veering the huge right-side planes abruptly averted a sure collision. The flyer swept down past the other huge voyager of the sky at an acute angle, and did not write itself until a considerable distance below. "'Holy smoke!' gasped, Bob. "'What is that curious-looking thing?' Ned was deadly pale, but his lips were pressed grimly together.

Starting point is 04:50:32 "'That boys,' said he, "'is one of the famous German armored zeppelins. "'Look up there to the left, "'three more of them sailing close together. "'See over there to the right, two more of them. "'I can see more flitting along down below us, "'and I think that there are more ahead. "'We have descended into the very midst,

Starting point is 04:50:56 to them. Look out for trouble now because I'll bet dollars to donuts that this is the long-dreaded aerial raid upon England. End of Chapter 28. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 29 of the Airship Boys in the Great War by Delisle F. Cass. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 29 The Battle Above the Clouds Almost before the words had passed Ned's lips, An ugly black muzzle was protruded from a window

Starting point is 04:51:42 in the hanging body of the nearest Zeppelin. Then came a puff of bluish smoke, a dull roar, And a flash of flame. A huge shell had passed to thwart the ocean flyer's boughs In stern warning for her to stop and await inspection. Perspiration started out profusely on the boys' foreheads. The huge German war balloons were approaching in a rapidly narrowing circle. There were at least 50 of them, and soon an advance patrol of military taube airplanes came skimming back to support them.

Starting point is 04:52:20 Cannon were shoved menacingly out of a score of portals. There was no mistaking the determination of the Germans. Heavens groaned Alan, his cheeks, Blanche. What shall we do? If we don't stop in a minute, they'll all get our range and blow even our stout magnolium covering to bits. We have a single weapon on board that can compare with those heavy cannon. Don't surrender unless there's absolutely nothing else for us to do, cried Buck. Bob added, No, because then they simply lock us up in some German prison and use the flyer for their raid on England. The two nearer Zeppelans could now be seen letting gas out of their huge,

Starting point is 04:53:04 sausage-like bags as they settled down towards the almost stationary airship. As they changed position, it left a narrow break in the ring of enemies. Shall we risk a chance on breaking through there? That's our only hope, said Ned quietly. Yes, yes, quick, full power ahead before they think to close the gap. Ned jammed the acceleration, lever hard down in its socket. The machinery groaned with the pressure of too suddenly added power. The exterior planes folded automatically before the rapidly increasing rush of air. The ocean flyers swept upwards at an abrupt angle, heading straight for the only opening left unguarded. Simultaneously, the Zeppelin crews saw the boys' desperate intent. Flame belched from 20 cannon mouths.

Starting point is 04:53:56 shells burst screaming all around. Four light airplanes skimmed like swallows up and over to cover the gap in the ring. The two huge zeppelins bearing down upon the flyer from above converged and charged her, head on. There's only one thing for us to do, groaned Ned, and that is to ram them. We can do it, but it means that the zeppelins we hit will be destroyed, and with them I don't know how many men. Those craft carry a crew of forty or more, you know. I hate to think of it too,

Starting point is 04:54:33 but they themselves have made it our lives or theirs, yelled Alan. So go to it, Ned. The ocean flyer had now attained an incredible velocity. It was only a matter of minutes or seconds or instance before it would crash straight into the huge but clumsier enemy advancing to meet it. There was a bare glimpse of drawn, panic-stricken faces crowding the hanging compartment. The pointed snout of the flyer tilted suddenly at an 80-degree angle, and she had struck and pierced the huge gas bag of the Zeppelin,

Starting point is 04:55:12 leaving a huge, gaping rent from which the gas rushed as the craft sagged sideways more and more. Several of the heavy cables supporting the car from the bag parted with reports like shell explosions. The Zeppelin began slowly to sink, while her sister craft sheared off from the rushing destroyer. Wild-eyed and remorseful for the awful necessity of their deed, the boys now saw the light airplanes darting up to block their path. The futility of their trying to stop an airship,

Starting point is 04:55:47 when a zeppelin twenty times their size had failed, did not seem to occur to those daring German aviators. They sat braced there in their narrow seats among the intricacy of wire rigging, guiding their failed craft with one hand and shooting rapidly with the other. Rifle and revolver bullets rattled against the flyer's magnolium sides like hailstones. The rush of wind, set in lateral motion by the velocity of the huge airship, nearly capsized two of the little craft. The planes of a third one were brushed roughly by the flyer as it rushed past.

Starting point is 04:56:25 The sun had now dissipated the last of the mist, and the shapes of the other zeppelins could plainly be seen sailing down upon their prey. The whole sky seemed to be full of them. No wonder England was terrified by such a menace as this. The ocean flyer now had, however, a clear field in front of her, and the situation resolved itself into a race to get out of range. Here was where the tremendous motive power of the airship stood her in good stead. No Zeppelin could maintain such a terrific speed as Ned set. The guns of the Zeppelins roared almost continuously, but a moving target is hard to hit. Most of the deadly shells either fell short or went wide of their mark.

Starting point is 04:57:13 One by one, the huge bologna sausages began to drop behind and abandon the pursuit. Finally, there were only two left, one a quarter mile in the rear, and the other hanging almost stationary to the left of the Flyers course. The last Zeppelin had evidently been foremost of the raiding squadron. Goodbye, old chaps, Bob yelled mockingly, just as the Zeppelin to the left let fire a broadside with every one of her seven cannon. The kick of the discharge caused her to careen backward amid clarene backward amidst, clouds of powder smoke.

Starting point is 04:57:50 Shells droned gruesomely past the speeding flyer, overhead, beneath, on both sides. A rending thud that hurled the airship on her beam ends, the splintering crash of wood and metal, frenzied cries for help from Buck down in the engine room, a perceptible missing of the engines and an alarming tilt to one side. The ocean flyer had been hit. End of Chapter 29.

Starting point is 04:58:24 Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 30 of the Airship Boys in the Great War by Delisle F. Cass. This Labor V. Recording is in the public domain. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 30. The Most Terrible Accident of All. What in goodness name is the matter down there? Where did that? shall strike us, shouted Ned anxiously through the speaking tube, while both Alan and Bob

Starting point is 04:58:57 tumbled downstairs and answered to Buck's frantic appeal from the engine room. Put on every ounce of pressure you can, they signaled up to the boy in the pilot room presently. He did so, and for a bit the flyer showed a spurt of her old speed, leaving the Zeppelin a dwindling speck in the distance. Within 20 minutes, however, despite the application of every, every power appliance in the equipment, the speed again began to diminish until the airship was not making more than 15 miles an hour. As the velocity gradually decreased, the huge wing-like exterior planes automatically unfolded. But to the horror of the boys, no sooner had they attained full expansion than the whole

Starting point is 04:59:44 lateral series on the right side of the hull collapsed into mere wreckage, dragging the flyer violently over in that direction, and hurling the young aeronauts off their feet. The bursting shell had indeed done effective damage. It had struck the armored magnolium hull just about midships, plowed its way through the metal, leaving a great jagged hole in the twisted sheets of steel, and had exploded just outside the engine room, one partition of which was demolished with various alarming damage to the machinery. At the same time, some flying pieces of the exploding shell must have struck the exterior plane and propulsion mechanism, snapping the supports and rendering the entire outside wings wholly useless.

Starting point is 05:00:33 In his confusion, when the right-lateral plane series collapsed, Ned threw on every particle of power at his command, mindful that an increase of the vessel's velocity would cause the disabled planes to fold away again automatically out of the, wind and so lessen the imminent danger of overturning. The acceleration was only momentary, though, and the ocean flyers seemed in danger of rolling over sideways at any minute. Ned, shut off the juice on those main outside propellers, and try to run on the interior auxiliary propeller, yelled Buck up the speaking tube.

Starting point is 05:01:09 That ought to give us a little extra speed while we're trying to cut away the plane wreckage, which is dragging us over sideways. Ned was rattled. He had not thought of that before, but he instantly did as he was bid. Despite the damage mechanism, the flyer responded to this new application of power and speeded up until a 50-mile-an-hour velocity

Starting point is 05:01:32 was registered on the instruments. Leaving Buck on his knees beside the half-incapacitated engines, Alan and Bob seized sharp axes and rushed out upon the exterior runways extending two-thous. thirds of the way around the hull. The cry of astonishment burst from both boys simultaneously. The sea! We're passing out over the ocean! It was true. Dim in the distance behind them stretched the broken coastline of Germany, while beneath, to north, to east, to west, tossed the angry gray waters of the North Sea. The misty shape of the British Isles lay like a low-hanging

Starting point is 05:02:15 cloud to the southwest. Almost directly below the airship, a huge merchant vessel could be seen steaming grandly along. Say, I wish that we were all down there aboard that big ship instead of where we are, said Alan. Not for me, replied Bob emphatically. Don't you remember hearing how both the English and the Germans have declared an absolute embargo on all merchant ports and have mined the entire ocean to interrupt each other's commerce. Dangerous as our position up here now is, I'd lot sooner be here in a crippled airship than down there. Even as he spoke, there came a terrific explosion far down below. Sparks and broken spars were hurled high. The big merchantman appeared suddenly to rise straight up on her beam's ends. Immense funnels of ocean water spurred

Starting point is 05:03:14 hundreds of feet in the air all around her. And as the vessel settled down again, she seemed to snap in the middle and to disintegrate as if the bolts and bars from every clinch and support had been suddenly removed. Her stern began slowly disappearing beneath the churning,

Starting point is 05:03:33 white-crested waves. Fire broke out of midships, and dense volumes of black smoke half obscured the terrible disaster from the horrified boy's view. They saw the attempted launching of two long lifeboats. Both were swamped almost before they had been lowered into the water. The sea all around the doomed ship became dotted with human heads and floating pieces of wreckage.

Starting point is 05:04:00 Then, all at once, a whirlpool seemed to form about the ship and to be dragging it resistlessly down into the icy depths. The water boiled over it, and nothing seemed to be. save a few scattered bits of driftwood remained to mark the spot. Alan shuddered and closed his eyes as he leaned against the flyer's taffro. "'Awful!' he muttered huskily. "'All of those poor souls, non-combatants at that, hurled into eternity without warning or provocation.

Starting point is 05:04:34 "'Do you suppose that the vessel struck a submerged mine?' "'Either that or it was torpedoed,' answered Buck. They say that the whole North Sea and English Channel swarms with German submarines for this sort of thing. But quick now, Alan, to work cutting us free of these dragging planes, or we ourselves will soon feel the water at our necks. It was hard work getting through those rivet supports of the huge planes. Bolts had to be cut away, steel cables to be sawed through, and seasoned wood supports hacked away.

Starting point is 05:05:10 The boy's hands became sore and calloused, and their fingers stiffened. Despite the cold air sweeping past, their faces were damp with perspiration. The airship staggered in bewildering fashion, but the auxiliary engines kept it going at a speed that quickly put England beneath them. The young aeronauts had no leisure to study the effect of their appearance upon spectators below, however, for the airship was sagging more and more surely to one side. Fortunately, they passed over no large towns, and so were not fired on. At last, gasped Alan, as with a final vicious blow, he chopped loose the final attachment of the great lateral planes on his side of the airship

Starting point is 05:05:57 and saw them plunge down into the sea. Same here, shouted Bob from the gangway on the other side. I've just managed to cut us free over here. The beneficial effect of this lightning of the drag was at once apparent. The flyer redded itself and picked up a fair degree of speed. The elevation was increased to 2,000 feet, where propulsion was less modified by earthly wind currents. The little auxiliary propeller was performing its extra duties gallantly.

Starting point is 05:06:30 It was now getting well along in the afternoon and daylight, was failing rapidly. Far ahead of them showed a thin rim of silver beyond the dark shadow of the land. A river? questioned Alan. The Irish Sea, replied Ned shortly. Where are we going to land? asked Bob a bit anxiously. It's not safe here.

Starting point is 05:06:54 I had thought of crossing to the coast of Ireland and following along as far as our gas holds out, supplies running mighty low, in the hopes of getting as close to Queenstown as we dare. Then we'll drop in some deserted spot and arrange to ship the flyer back, while we get passage out of Queenstown for good old New York. But we haven't the slightest idea where we are, objected Alan. We'll know, after we hit land again.

Starting point is 05:07:23 We'll light long enough to get our bearings. Somebody go down below and relieve Buck. He must be about worn out. But Buck refused to leave the wrecked engine room where stripped to the waist in grease from head to foot, he still tinkered with the faulty acting machinery. In spite of his efforts, the speed gauge needle steadily shifted back. A bare 20 miles an hour was all it showed. Sunset flamed across the sky. Then gloaming came, and by and by the stars appeared one by one.

Starting point is 05:07:59 towards midnight there was a perceptible lessening of the ship's momentum which no mechanical efforts of allan in the pilot-room could counteract when the velocity had decreased to ten miles per hour he grew so alarmed that he was tempted to call ned and bob but no said he they are worn out poor fellows as long as there's no land in sight i'll let them sleep as long as i dare it was about five in the morning when buck's voice coming up through the speaking tube startled allan out of the doze into which he had fallen as he sat there at the wheel what is it buck allan asked anxiously nothing new has developed has there the voice at the other end of the tube was hoarse with desperation wake up the other boys quick allan this is the end the sulphuric ether and gasoline won't mix properly in the engines any longer two of the magnolium cylinders are damaged beyond all hopes of repair and i can't get any concussion in the explosion chambers The ammonia fans are gradually slowing down and the turbines are getting red-hot. Within ten minutes more, the engines will stop altogether, and we will drop into the sea like so much lead. This is the last of the ocean flyer.

Starting point is 05:09:27 End of Chapter 30. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 31 of the Airship Boys in the Great War by Delio F. Cass. This Laborvox recording is. in the public domain. Recording by Tom Hirsch. Chapter 31. The End of the Ocean Flyer.

Starting point is 05:09:54 Ned and Bob were immediately awakened, and a hasty examination of the engines showed plainly the terrible truth of Bob's prophecy. "'We'll drop like a rock,' he repeated hoarsely, trying to control the tremor in his voice. The boys stared at each other, blank horror in each face. Oh, if only we had not been forced to chop away the big wingplanes, groaned

Starting point is 05:10:21 Allen. With them spread, the force of our fall would surely have been checked and given us at least a fighting chance for our lives. No use crying over spilled milk, said Ned. We've got to decide upon something quickly. The engines are slowing down now, and a fall of 2,000 feet upon the surface of the edge. Atlantic will dash us to pieces just as surely as if we hit bedrock.

Starting point is 05:10:47 What can we do? Nothing, answered Bob, with grim resignation. Nothing except shake hands and tell each other we hope to meet in the hereafter again. We are doomed, boys, and you all know it. Outside, it was already getting light. Morning sunlight blushed rosily over the eastern sky, and the gray tossing surface of the pitiless ocean far below became dimly visible. At first sight, it appeared to be wholly devoid of any sail,

Starting point is 05:11:23 but closer inspection through the binoculars finally brought to view a large ship beating its way toward them, perhaps three miles to the north. Long streams of smoke hung on the horizon line in its wake. "'See!' exclaimed Ned. "'One of the big pastoral. messenger liners, a canarder by her build, I should guess. If only they were near enough to see and save us. No hope, muttered Bob, Dully.

Starting point is 05:11:51 The wireless, yelled Buck, springing suddenly to his feet. We can signal to them with that. In a trice he was gone and his nervous fingers were flashing out a frantic call. Two more seconds passed. Then a blue electric spark leaped across the instrument. The Big Ocean liner had intercepted the message and was asking for information. Buck's fingers ticked out his plea like lightning. Airship falling three miles south of you.

Starting point is 05:12:29 Help, quickly! Help, quickly! The eagerly watching boys by the portals could see the effect of this message upon the distant vessel. Great volumes of black smoke began to vomit from her three funnels as full steam ahead was put on. Her course was changed slightly, and she forged as rapidly as might be in their direction. Tiny black figures could be seen crowding the decks and rigging of the distant liner. The boys were a quiver with excitement and hope, until a sudden, unaccustomed quiet around them forced itself upon their notice. "'What is it?' worried Bob.

Starting point is 05:13:09 Ned answered him quietly. "'Boys, the engines have stopped running. We are about to fall. Each was ashamed to show the mortal fear that agitated him. White-faced, they gripped hands in silent farewell. Hurry now, cried Ned in command to the very last. Run and get into pneumatic life jackets, and each one lashes hands to the handle of a parachute.

Starting point is 05:13:36 When once the fire begins to drop, we'll have to jump quick, or the force of the contrary air will turn our shoots inside out. Be quick, boys. For perhaps three minutes the ocean flyer hung motionless, as if suspended there in the air. Then she wavered slightly, and suddenly the stupendous plunge straight downwards began. With each passing second, as Earth gravity took a more relentless hold upon the falling vessel, the momentum increased until it attained a velocity past computing. Like a stone, it whizzed down through the whistling air,

Starting point is 05:14:15 to an unmarked resting place in the foam-crested waves far below. All of the four boys jumped wide out from the outer tafferel the instant the fall began. Their parachutes spread and bellied to meet the upward rush of air, which struck the stout umbrella-like frames with a reactionary force that nearly tore the boy's arms from their sockets. The ocean flyers shot swiftly down past them before their own more gradual descent became perceptible. Down, down, down, down, through seemingly endless space they sank, with that intolerable strain on their arms and the blood pounding madly at their temples.

Starting point is 05:14:59 Down, down, down. Ned ventured a hasty glance below him. There swung the big canard liner, not a quarter of a mile away. There raced the lifeboats filled with jackies in white, bending rhythmic to and fro while the long oars glistened like silver in the morning sun. A raucous blast of encouragement from the liner's whistles, half stunned the senses. Ned closed his eyes again. It seemed as if he had been hours floating down through the air. Had it not been for the stout cords which secured his blue swollen wrist to the handle of the parachute, he could not have kept his hold.

Starting point is 05:15:43 Hardy shouts. English words resounded almost beneath him. A little puff of wind carried the parachute off 100 yards to one side, and then it began sinking again. Ned felt something icy cold, lave, submerged and rise higher and higher up around his body. It was the waves. Up they crept, first to his ankles, then to his thighs, then above his waist, then closed around his neck.

Starting point is 05:16:12 The parachute collapsed, but the pneumatic life jacket buckled around him, buoyed Ned up. The spray buffeted saltily against his mouth and smarted in his eyes. His body became numb from the chill of the icy water. Then, All aboard there, mates! shouted gruff, cheery voices, and strong hands seized upon Ned and dragged him half insensible into the lifeboat. Alan and Buck were already huddled shivering there, and Bob was rescued a few minutes later.

Starting point is 05:16:45 Propeled by the powerful arms of 16 sailors, the lifeboat fairly leaped over the waves toward where hundreds of curious, pitying faces lined the taffels of the big liner. "'Where are you bound?' asked Bob of the bosun. "'From Liverpool to New York, USA,' came the cheery answer. "'We'll cite the statue of liberty in the harbor within six days.' Ned felt the clasp of Alan's hand and his.

Starting point is 05:17:15 Well, we've seen the last of the ocean flyer, Alan said really. We've lost the finest craft of its kind in existence. Never mind, Alan, answered Ned, renewed vigor sparkling in his eyes. We've accomplished all that we set out to do. And I promise you that back in New York again, we'll build a brave new airship beside which the old flyer would have seen like a joke. Remember that we're now bound for the land of the free. And the brave, rejoined Bob quickly, casting an affectionate glance over at Allen and Buck. End of Chapter 31. End of the

Starting point is 05:17:57 Airship Boys in the Great War by Delisle F. Cass.

Classic Audiobook Collection - The Airship Boys in the Great War by De Lysle Ferree Cass ~ Full Audiobook [adventure]

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