Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1893-05-25

shelving ridge wnicn nau been ngnteu
to the northwest Considering the dis
lance, II was safe TO assume that this
was an isle Of some extent IL the wish
bic line was that of It's width.
In few moments Zach French re-
turned and made his report 10 Capt.
Willis, who gave the order TO change
the steamers course SO as TO bring her
nearer this island
Upon taking the midday observation,
Capt. Willis found the position of his
vessel TO be IL degrees OF seconds
south latitude and 1888 degrees IS
seconds longitude cast from Greenwich
which was duly entered in the log.
This point having been fixed upon the
ships chart, IL was found TO coincide
with the location Of an island desig-
mated by modern geographers as Browse
island and situated about two hundred
and fifty miles from York sound on the
Australian coast
As this island lay very little out of his
course, Capt. Willis determined TO coast
around IL, but without any intention of
making stop. An hour later the Mol
ly's Hope had run up to within a mile
Of Browse island.
There was rather heavy sea run.
ming and dashing noisily against tho
northeast point Of the island, which IL
kept envelopel in the mist of the break.
ers. Nor was IL possible to form n close
estimate of the size Of the island, as
Capt. Willis had not come full upon II,
but enough could be seen Of its con.
formation to show IL TO be an undulat-
ing plateau without any considerable
rise of ground. But MS he had no time
TO lose Capt. Willis was about to give
the order 10 go ahead again full speed,
which had been somewhat slackened
down when Zach French called his at
tcntion TO something on the point Of the
island.
Look, captain" said he, isn't that
n mast standing on that point?"
The boatswain indicated the direc.
ton Of the cape which juttcd out to the
northwest and terminated In rocky
crest with perpendicular face.
"a mast? No; it only seems TO be the
trunk of tree" answered Willis, and
then reaching for his glass he took a
closer look Mt the object designated by
French.
You're right, Zach, II is mast and
think can see a scrap OF flag torn by
the wind. Yes, 1t must be n signal"
"In that case We would do well to
bear in with the point"
81 think 80, too" replied Capt. vii.
lis, and he gave the order TO bear for
the island at half speed. This was done
at once and the Molly's Hope began TO
approach the reefs, which encircled tho
island about three hundred feet out. A
violent sea was beating against them,
caused not only by the high wind
blowing but also by the force of the
current which was driving the swell in
that direction.
The character of the coast soon be-
came plainly visible. 1t was wild, bar.
rem and dcsolatc, with no trace of yer.
dure. One this side Of the island, how
ever, there were no signs of pieces of u
wrecked vessel, no shreds OF rigging,
no fragments of the hull The staff
erected on the extreme end OF the
promontory might be made of piece
of bowsprit. As TO the shreds Of
bunting which the wind was blowing
out, 1t was impossible to discern their
color
There are castaways therer" cried
Zach French.
g. Or there have beenl" replied the
mate.
There is no doubt that some vessel
has run on this island" said Capt, viii
lis.
Yes, added the mate, land that the
crew Of some wrecked vessel have taken
refuge there, as testified by that signal
yonder. And II may be they have not
been able to get away, for it's rare that
vessels bound for Australia or for tho
lnties pass within sight Of Browse ISL
and"
II suppose you intend TO go ashore,
captain" asked Zach French.
Certainly, Zach" replied Willis,
but up to this moment haven't OBJ
served any point where landing would
be possible. Let us coast around be.
fore we decide. II the island contains
any castaways they will be sure TO see
us. and hoist sirnals.c
no BE CoNTINUED.