The Press., 1893-12-28
boat, uttered d sudden exclamation.


 ''There is some one clinging to it." he said. Then added, painfully, after g brief pause, .'There are two" His mouth was parched and cracked so that he could hardly utter the words.
 ''It is a man and 8 wo1nan," answered his companiona we must reach them. Then they fell to work again.
 An hour more and the raft and the boat touched. The throats of the men had become 50 dry that they could not hail. and the two upon the boat were SC nearly exhausted that they had not ob- served the approach of the raft.
 Getting close alongside. the occupants of the raft drew first the woman and then the man to a place of greater se- curity and then attempted to right the boat This, which would not have been d great task for sucheSperienced seamen under ordinary circumstances, was now, owing to their exhausted condition, only accomplished after 8 long effort.
 At last they were able to place their rescued companions in the boat, to clam Der in themselves and to make the raft fast against possible future needs. Then nature would stand no more. and the four slept and drifted.
 A sudden passing rain, ;l shower fall ing from a clear sky, came upon the faces of the sleepers and wakened them. It was a rain of the tropics. sudden, heavy and brief. The four lay with up turned faces and let it fall into their mouths. They caught it ill their hands and moistened their parched throats. When it had passed. they were refreshed and hopeful.
 The one who had called himself the king of Captiya began taking the raft to pieces. He pulled the smaller blanks into the boat and sent the balance adrift.
 We must use these for paddles" he said. ''Captiva island lies behind that reef. l 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 out the keel of the boat touched upon a sloping sandy beach. Here we are at least safe," said their guide as with the captain he helped the others from the boat, "and q second 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 last boat that left the ship. Il think we are the only ones who are saved She shuddered as she looked out upon the sea.
 A little way up from the beach they came upon cabin-a mere thatched hut of the most primitive construction set in the midst of grove of palms.
 This is my house." said the stranger. "To it and the little have here make you welcome"
 He hastily arranged 8 couch of palm leaves for the old man, who seemed weaker than his daughter from the ex- posture 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 a small shed which served the purposes of was soon started, some coffee put on and some meal cakes stirred together. Then some plantains were stripped from the trees close by and thrust into the fire to roast. Going a 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 to the cabin i'll 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 to their host. Il beg that you will tell us 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, l think, as the king of Captiva. This is- land is my kingdom; right of possession my only title to sovereignty; have no subjects"
 I've would be glad to know more" " said the old man courteously as Abbott paused, ''unless, indeed" he added, i've seem unwarrantably curious The king of Captiva looked so long and steadily at his guest before he answered that the latter shifted uneasily.
 Perhaps you have right to know" he said at last, ESQ long as you are forced to be my guests" He paused again and looked around upon the little circle: II am fugitive from justice"
 The captain gave side glance at the speaker and drew a quick breath, as if this but confirmed his suspicious. The girl involuntarily shrank nearer her fa- ther.
 Twelve years ago." continued Ab- bolt, speaking slowly and watching the effect upon his hearers, II was accused of a crime. It does not matter now what or if was guilty or innocent, the only safety from 8 long imprisonment lay ill flight. 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 small sloop, one that could handle by myself, being something of 8 sailor, and laid in stores which would answer for a long cruise if it became necessary. For three days and nights I 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 tie east. Before night the wind had changed into gale, and it was rain- ing. The night came on black and ugly, l made everything tight and waited for what might come. About midnight was driven on the rocks just off yonder.'
 He paused, and with 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 gleamed brilliantly from the southern sky. Be. yond streak of silver showed against the black, where the sea beat unceasingly upon the reef.
 "Aye," continued Abbott as he fol lowed the thought of his hearers, ''it looks pretty and gentle enough now, and it makes pleasant music. But you have seen it when it was angry. It is with