Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1891-10-09

his friends. Wilcox, Cross and Webb had
had q similar experience, SO, after Brian's
display of devotion toward him, Donovan's
feelings toward his former rival under
went an entire change
Besides, the grave danger that now
threatened the French Cave united its oc-
cupantS still more closely. WalSton would
unQuestionably be anxious to leave Chair
man Island as soon as possible, but IL he
suspected the existence Of a little colony
abundantly provided with all that he
lacked, he would hardly fail to make an
attack upon it, especially rs this attack
would be made with every probability OF
success. The young colouiStS would, con-
sequently, be obliged to exercise the great
est possible caution.
They were, of course, very anxious to
learn il Donovan and his party had seen
ANYTHING to indicate the presence of the
"Severn's" crew while on their way back
to Bear Rock.
Nothing whatever" replied Donovan.
still. we know that WalStou started
eastward on leaving the scene OF the
wreck" remarked Gordon,
YES, answered Donovan, but he must
have followed the coast while we returned
by way of the Beech Forest. Take the
map and you will see that the island makes
quite deep curve above Deception Bay.
There is, consequently, u large extent OF
territory in which the scoundrels might
have taken refuge without going very far
from their boat"
THAT may be the case, BY the way, l
wonder if Kate can tell us anything about
the situation of Chairman lslaudf"
But Kate, on being questioned by Cor
don and Brian, could give no definite in.
formation on the subject, After the burn.
ing of the Severn" Evans had steered
straight for the coast of South America;
so Chairman Island could not be far from
that country; but he had not mentioned
the name Of the island upon which they
had been driven by the tempest.
The month of October was drawing TO
an end, and Walstou had not yet appeared
in the vicinity of the Zealand River. Had
he repaired his boat aud taken his depart
ureH This was not impossible, as Kate
recollectcd that he had n Ratchet; besides,
he might have used one of the strong
pocket-kuiyes with which snilors are al.
ways provided, but in the existing state of
uncertainty nomore long excursions could
van did venture to Sloughi Bay one day
to take down the signal on the brow of
the cliff.
On reaching this eminence, Donovan
made careful inspection with his glass,
but though he could not see the beach that
lay beyond the Beech Forest, he would
certainly have seen the smoke from any
campfire in that part of the island, but
none was visible.
Dole and Costar, who were with her at
the time, burst into hearty laugh,
"Why do you call it n cow-treeG" asked
one
"Is it because COWS eat itp" querled the
other,
mo, no, my papooses," replied Kate.
ut is called n Cow-tree because 1t gives
milk, and better milk than that Of your
Y>Anas."
On returning to the cave, Kate informed
Gordon of this discovery, aud that youth
Immediately called Service and the two
lads in company with Kate FASTENED to
the edge of the Bog Woods. On examin-
ing the tree in question, Gordon decided
that it was one of the GdldCtOdcndronS
that grew in such profEsion in American
forests, and he was not mistaken.
A valuable discovery, this, for it is only
necessary to make an incson in the bark
of these trees to obtain Copious flow OF
white visCid fluid imbued with the taste
and nutritive properties Of cows milk.
Besides, when allowed to coagulate, II soon
forms an excellent cheese, as well as n
very pure wax, from which the very best
candles can be made,
"Well, If it is really cow-trce, or rath.
err u tree cow, it must be milkcdl" cried
Service.
Gordon accordingly made an inclsion In
the bark, and there flowed from It cOnsid-
erably more than quart Of very excellent
milk, and the thought of all he would be
able to do with this new material filed
Moko with profound satisfaction, especial.
~ as he would not be obliged to econo,
mize, for was there not whole herd OF
cow-treGs almost at their very door.
November came, and rs there had been
no signs of any newcomers in the vicinity
of the French Cave, even Brian began to
think that the crew OF the Severn" were
no longer on the island. True, Donovan
had seen with his own eyes the dilapidated
condition Of the boat which furnished
their only means of escape; but II the is.
land was near some continent or archi-
pelago. the craft might have been repaired
sufficiently to make the voyage in compare
tive safety.
But though It was quite possible that
Walston had decided TO leave the island,
the young colonists must needs become
satisfied of the fact before they could re.
sune their former habits.
Several times Brian had felt strongly
tempted to pay n visit 70 the region east Of
Family Lake, and Baxter Donovan, and
Wilcox would gladly have accompanied
him, but it would be the height Of folly 10
run any risk of falling into Walston's
clutches and to let him see how weak were
the opponents with whom he had TO deal,
80 Gordon. whose advice was always list
ened to with respect finally dissuaded
Brian from ycnturing into the depths Of
Beech Forest. Kate then ventured to
make a suggestion which would entail
none of these dangers.
Master Brian" she said quietly, one
evening when they were all assembled IN
the hall, Master Brian, will you allow Inc
10 leave you tomorrow at sunrise"
leave us, Kate1" repeated Brian.
Eyes; you cannot remain I'm this state Of
uncertainty any longer, and will 20 to
the scene Of the wreck and ascertain If