The Dreadnought of the Air

dering over his future plans. Having once taken the plunge he was not a

it. If I can have a quiet chat with him before he learns the official version of the row, I may be able to explain matters with a certain degree of sati

sual, there was a great demand for newspapers to supplement th

to his relief he saw no mention of his resignation being reported. That gave him

ally to wade through the news with the zest that only those

sight of a heading, "The

ion appealed to him. When his services for the Naval Flying Wing were declined the re

the attention of the great British public? It's a pity I've been unable to see the

esign. It was seen within a few hours at places as far apart as Newcastle and Plymouth, and Holyhead and Canterbury. Although the eye-witnesses' accounts varie

ad pencil pointed at one end, but the observers were unable to state whether there were planes, cars, and other appendages. There was none of that gently see

a dark object overhead and called his companion's attention to it. Both simultaneously expressed their opinion that it was an airship, while one of the men found by extending his arm that the extremities of the craft coincided with the length between his outstretched little finger and thumb, while its breadth was rou

proceeded to the offices of the "Newcastle Daily Record" and st

ction. He followed it through his telescope until it was lost to sight, but owing to the airship being against the growing dawn he was unable to give any details as to

less than 150 miles per hour, and that not taking into consideration the fact that on each occa

en more startling report,

h cathedral city-had occasion to visit a fold at some distance from the farm-buildings. This was at t

from the place where he stood. At first he was afraid to move, until, thinking it might be a balloon that had met with an accident, he ran towards the spot.

to escaped his notice-an airship resembling a "wooden meat-skewer," according to his description. Of what happened

its base, which was twelve paces square, or, roughly, thirty feet. There were footprints showing that two men had alighted, but had not moved far

nity of reporting the matter to the military authorities at Canterbury. Asked if he could vouch for his informant's trustworthiness the farmer replied

cetious correspondent suggested. Crediting the airship with a mean speed of 150 miles per hour, it was still doubted whether it would be possible to tow a balloon with it, while

urnal voyages the airship had passed the prohibited areas without being challenged by any of the air patrols. It seemed incredible that the mysterious giant of the clouds could be here, there, everywhere, f

the North Western Railway, who witnessed a remarkable sight from his box near Llanfaelog in the Isle of

ful express train. It passed almost overhead and, according to his estimate, at about a hundred feet from the ground. After it passed the leaves of the trees close to the signal box were viol

the news along the line, but the terrific rush of this gigantic a

airship break in two at a distance of about two miles N. N. of where they were fishing. Both men were unshaken in this statement, that a co

policing the air, since it was conclusively proved that an unknown aircraft, possessing superior power of propulsion and radius of action

he hailed from a country other than our own. If not, and she was built and controlled by a British subject, the Government ought to take ste

he Times," and steps were taken to locate the base from which the airship operated, an

d civilian, were encouraged to make night flights with the idea of being able to sight and perhaps keep in touch with the giant dirigible; while destroyers and seaplane

lively. Things are getting exciting in the Old Country. Perhaps, after all, I may get a chance of a berth with one