Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1891-09-18
CHAPTER XIX.

THE SIGNAL FLAG-INTENSE COLD - TIE
FLAMINGOES-A SKATING FROLIC-DONO-
VANS DIsOBEDIENCE-THE FOG.
The election of Brian was due to a very
natural desire on the part of his comrades
to show their appreciation of his useful
ness and of the courage he had displayed
on all occasions, and of his untiring devo-
ton to the common welfare. From the
day on which he first took command Of
the schooner on it's way from New Zealand
to Chairman Island, he had never shirked
toll or danger. Though he was of diff
ferent nationality, every one liked
INDEPENDENTLY the smaller boys, upon
whom he had bestowed so much care, and
who without exception, had voted for
him.
Donovan, Cross, Wilcox, and Webb
alone refused to acknowledge Brian's good
qualities; but in their secret hearts they
well knew that they were unjust to the
most deserving of their comrades.
Though he foresaw that Brian's election
would increase the spirit of dissension
that already existed, Gordon congratulate
ed his successor very heartily, for he was
too just not to approve the choice that
had been made.
From the very first it was evident that
Donovan and his three friends were de-
termined not to tolerate this state of
things long, though Brian took good care
TO give them no excuse for an outbreak.
As for Jack, 1t was not without consid-
cradle surprise that he had seen his broth
er accept the honor conferred upon him.
Can it be that you mean" he began,
then paused
Yes, | mean to do even more than we
have done in the past-to try and atone
for your fault" said Brian.
"Thank you, my brother" replied Jack.
al sincerely hope that you will not spare
me"
Before the intense cold made any further
excursions to Sloughi Bay impossible,
Brian took one wise precaution. The
reader probably recollects that "A flag-pole
had been erected upon the brow Of the
cliff overlooking this bay; but of the flag
which once fioated proudly from it, little
but fragments remained; so at Brian's re-
quest, Baxter constructed a sort of balloon
out of the flexible reeds that grew on the
edge of the marsh, aud on the 18th of
June, Brian substituted this new signal
for the flag of the United Kingdom.
The rather gloomy routine of their win
Ter lie was SUN ItStIlbi uuuGi utdlll
the same conditions as on the preceding
year Brian performed the duties Of his
new position consci'ntiously, without
making ary display Of authority. The
boys in general obeyed him cheerfully,
and Gordon made his task much easier by
setting an example Of submission; besides,
Donovan and his followers were never in
n state of open characterization, though
they held themselves aloof from their com
rades, and studiously refrained from TAX
ing any part in the conversation, either at
meal-time or during the evening.
The long hours which the cold compelled
them to spend in the hall were devoted to
study jenkins. IversOu, Dole, and Cos
tar were all making excellent progress. In
the evening someone generally read aloud
from book OF travels; and sometimes
Garrett played on his accordion, while
the others sung
In the meantime Brian never ceased to
dream Of their return to New Zealand.
This was the thought always uppermost
in his mind. In this he differed greatly
from Gordon, who had given his attention
exclusively to the organization Of the col
ouy; while Brian's official reign was sure
to be marked by attempts to leave the is
land IL not to regain their native land.
The recollection Of the white speck seen
in the distance on his visit TO Deception
Bay haunted him continually. Can It be
q mountain situated on some body Of land
near the islands" he said 10 himself "Ah.
well, in that case, would it not be possible
for us To build a boat by means Of which
we might reach tits .siaad;'
But when be spoke to Baxter on the
subject. the latter only shook his head.