The Goodland republic. [volume] (Goodland, Kan.) 1891-1907, 1893-11-17
when mad passed.,

me one VINO nslQ Gt5kk9G s11ItD6Ek 814
king of Captiva began taking the raft
to pieces. he pulled the smaller planka
into the boat and sent the balaneeadrift
I'VE must use these for paddles" he
said. 'tCaptiva island lies behind that
reef. | know the inlet well. Before
nightfan we shall be safe.''
/ It required the last vestige OF strength
which they possessed to make this prom
ise good. but by the time the stars be-
gan to come ont the keel Of the boat
touched upon sloping sandy beach.
''Here we are at least safe" said their
guide as with the captain he helped the
! others from the boat, ''and asecond time
! we are indebted to you for our lives,
said the girl. who was none other than
| the one whom the stranger had put into
the Inst boat that left the ship. al think
we are the only ones who are saved.
| She shuddered as abe looked ont upon
the sea-
4 little way up from the beach they
came upon cabin-a mere matched
| hut OF the most primitive construction
set in the midst Of n grove of palms.
"This Is my house. said the stranger.
I''To It and the little have here make
you welcome"
He hastily arranged couch of palm
leaves for the old man, who seemed
| weaker than his daughter from the ex-
| posure of the shipwreck, and brought
out some rugs and some Of his own
clothing for him. Then motioning the
captain TO follow he led the way to Q
small shed which served the purposes Of
| kitchen and storehouse. Here . dHO
was soon started, some coffee put on
| and some meal cakes stirred togethe1.
| Then some plantains were stripped from
the trees close by and thrust into the
fire TO roast Going q little farther
away, the stranger returned with an
'armful Of ripe oranges. When the PLAN
tains and cakes were done, the two bore
the repast 70 the cabin In triumph.
As they ate and became strengthened
they began to talk together.
''ThiS is quite as wonderful as any OF
our past experiences" said the old man
ito their host. 'I beg that You will tell
ius who You are and how you chance to
have here such provision for our sudden
need"
''As for names, it does not much mat
ter" was the answer, "but If you wish
one you may call me Abbott. Our
friend the captain has heard Of me,
think, as the king Of Captiva This Is
land is my kingdom; right Of possession
my only title to sovereignty; / have NO
subjects"
1--WE would be glad to know moro,
said the old man courteously IS Abbott
paused, unless, indeed" he added, ''we
seem unwarrantably curious" Tho king
Of Captive looked SO long and steadily AZ
his guest before he answered that the
latter shifted uneasily.
Perhaps you have right TO know"
he said at last, $50 long as you are forced
to be my guests" He paused again and
looked around upon the little circles ''I
am fugitive from Justice"
The captain gave side glance az the
speaker and drew quick breath. as IL
this but confirmed his suspicious. The
girl tnYoluntarily shrank nearer her IA
Their.
Twelve years ago." continued ABB
bolt, speaking slowly and watching the
effect upon his hearers, SCI was accused
Of, a crime. It does not matter now
what or If l was guilty or innocent, the
only safety from long imprisonment
lay In fight. After time reached Mo-
bile and found that the officers were
close behind me. Tired of being haunt
ed on land, / determined to take to the
water. Having money, bought q small
sioop, one that could handle by myself,
being something of a sailor, and laid In
/ stores which would answer for q long
cruise If it became necessary. For three
days and nights ran due south, going
most of the time before strong wind.
On the morning of the fourth day the
wind changed and began TO drive me to-
ward the east. Before night the wind
had changed into gale, and it was rain
ing. The night came on black and ugly.
made everything tight and waited for
what might come. About midnight
was driven on the rocks just of yonder."
He paused, and with q slow gesture
motioned toward the sea. It lay dead
black mass, except where the swelling
waves caught and sent back the scintil-
lating reflection of the stars that CLEANED
brilliantly from the southern sky. Be-
yond streakof silver showed against the
black, where the sea beat increasingly
upon the reef.
fave" continued Abbott as he fol-
lowed the thought of his hearers, sit
looks pretty and gentle enough now, and
it makes pleasant music. But you have
seem 1t when it was angry. It is with
out mercy then.
..It was so that night. Wild and dark
asst was, / knew what was coming.
could hear there's Of the breakers and
see the white line they made upon the
rocks. / grasped the tiiler firmly with
both hands to keep hsr head straight for
1t and braced myself forthe shock. That
was the last / knew. The next wave
must have carried the sloop OF again
and carried me to q safe point upon the
rocks. When came to myself, the sun
was shining. andI could zee this island
across the calm bit Of water. I found
some debris upon the rocks, and putting
/ g together for 3 raft made my way
Across.
As Abbott stopped In his recital the
/ silence sat heavily upon the group.
Twelve years" said the old man at
last, sis long time. One may repent
and expiate much wrong In that time"
sssTwelveyears Of exile andIoneliness."
| said Abbott thonghtfuliy. eft would bo