Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1880-08-21
IFoR
SET TN A SILVER SEA
A ROMANCE BY B. L. FARJEoN.
OF PENRAVEN' ETC.
CHAPTER xxx.
RANR's NRM HOME

The charge that Ranf was about to be
called upon to answer was one OF serious
import, and color was given to it by the
conduct of the hunchback himself.
Morality with the islanders was reil-
gion, and those who violated its laws could
scarcely ever hope to be forgiven. Beng
mortal, they were not without sin; and
sin was punished without mercy. The
uncompromising attitude of this simple
people towards those among them who
were guilty, harsh and uncharitable as it
was in its individual aspect, had often,
doubtless, deterrent effect upon others
whose footsteps were straying. In this
respect its application was productive of
good but erring souls were made to suffer
most keenly, and led to believe that for
giveness was only to be obtained hereafter
by lifetime of expiration. Forgiveness
must come from above, the islanders said /;
it is not ours to bestow." Vicarious
atonement was unknown such doctrine
would have been secuted. Each must ac-
count for his own. Crime and sin were
followed by earthly punishment, which
upon the Silver Isle generally assumed the
shape of personal avoidance The guilty
one was cut off from partnership, and
necessarily from sympathy. Those who
from his birth had greeted him with affec-
ton now turned their faces from him.
The friendly hand was withheld, the low
ing word was not spoken. If pity was
felt it was not expressed. He was not al
lowed to starve he was simply made to
feel that he had lost his place among his
fellow-men. In such land as the Silver
Isle it was difficult to conceive punish
ment more bitter.
1t is often thus with the kindest hearts
hearts which throb and culver at the
lightest touch. Faith once broken can
never be restored; an injustice inficts a
wound which can never be healed.
Some time after RANTS discovery of gold
in the caves of the Silver Isle vessel
named The White Dove anchored in the
bay. It's device was dove lying helpless
within the talons of an eagle. The White
Dove was loaded with plows and harrows
and agricultural implements of superior
make and construction, and when its cap
tain was asked whether he came to trade,
his answer was that his business concerned
only one man on the Silver Isle-Ranf,
the deformed. 1t then TRANSFERRED that
the cargo was consigned to Ranf, between
whom and the captain a long private
interview took place. A canvas tent
was hastily thrown up, and the cargo was
affixed outside the tent proved to be an
invitation to the islanders to inspect the
cargo of The White Dove. All the latest
improvements in agricultural science were
there exemplifed, and the islanders imme.
diately recognized their value. "But of
what use, they asked each other, sis such
a cargo to Ranf? He has only himself to
provide for, and he has hitherto shown no
disposition to till the land" They were
soon enlightened. Matthew Sylvester, be-
ing employed as an intermediary, signifed
to the islanders that Rant desired to ex-
press in substantial manner his acknowl-
edgment of the kindness of the inhabitants
of the isle in permitting him to reside
upon their soil and live his life among
them unmolested. The cargo had been
carefully selected to meet their require
ments, and to assist them in their noble
pursuit It was theirs Ranf wished them
to accept it from him as free gift.
They wondered at this, bearing in mind
the scant goodwill that existed between
them. 1.-THE hunchback owes us nothing"
they said, with a twinge of self-reproach,
and they hesitated before accepting so val
liable gift. Here and there doubts were
raised. The cargo was the most costly
that had ever come to the Silver Isle how
had Rant become possessed of it: Matthew
Sylvester conveyed to them Rants explana-
tion. He had long had at his disposal a
store OF wealth which had lain idly by,
and he had lately come into possession OF
further treasure, of which he desired to
make judicious use. The islanders sus.
pected nothing; the widest imaginings
could scarcely had hit upon the truth, and
the explanation was received in good faith.
So much mystery surrounded Rant that
what would have been regarded in other
men as fabulous was in him regarded as
credible and commonplace. Still they re-
fused to accept the gift without rendering
an equivalent for it. Then said Rant,
through his spokesman,
''Let it be so; it shall be matter of
bargain between US. What can they give
me in exchange?'
He lacked neither food nor cattle. He
hit upon the only equivalent he was willing
to accept.
"There is a piece of waste land" he
said, still conveying his wishes by proxy,
"uncultiyated and unbuilt upon, which l
would call my own"
The question was asked of him what he
would do with this land.
"Dig grave on it, he replied. "But
no will do better than that.
The land he coveted was about twenty
acres in extent, beautifully situated on the
slope Of hill which dipped into valley
known as the Valley of Lilies. 1t was to
some extent fair exchange, although the
balance of value still lay with the cargo,
and the bargain was made, the more readily
on the part of the islanders because, after
the display of so gracious spirit by Rant,
they were not unwilling that he should
have an opportunity of showing that he
was made of better stuff than they had
given him credit for One or two said
1.-THE hunchback is weary of the silent
warfare that has existed between US.
When he first came upon our isle bad
commencement was made. How many
sweet nuts have rough shells We may
have been mistaken in Rant His nature
may have more of good in it than we have
been able to discern.