Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1893-06-15

Molly whefr-s She left the steamer, but
she was quite certain that II was stern
duty alone that kept him away from
that end Of the steamer. Zach walked
by her side so like stern and incorrupti-
bic guardian that she only dared TO give
n timid glance about her. Still she
knew the sailor lad was In safe hands
and deemed II best not TO alarm the
honest Zach at that moment by any
show OF weakness. A tremendous task
was awaiting her and IL bchooved her
TO give an earnest OF her ability to face
and accomplish It II she expected TO
inspire others with her courage
Thanks to the hearty cooperation OF
the government, thirty picked men, well
armed and well mounted, some OF them
half breeds and speaking the dialect OF
the natives, were soon enrolled for the
expedition. Mrs. Allaire contracted to
pay them high wages with bounty OF
several hundred pounds upon their re-
turn, no matter what the outcome of
the expedition might be. The men
were 10 be under the command Of Tom
Marks, IN old and experienced
officer Of the provincial police,
with Zach French for his licuton.
ant, but above Tom Marks, above
Zach, above everyone, came Mrs. John
Allaire, the veritablc head as well rs
the actual heart and soul of the expcdi-
ton.
II was agreed that the expedition
should rendezvous at Farina Town, the
terminus of tho Adelaide railway,
where Mrs. Allairc was to join IL day
or so before the start which was TO take
place some day in tho second week of
September. Several pleasant inter
views took place between the governor
general and Mrs Allaire. The former
thought himself in duty bound to set
| fully forth TO that lady the dangers,
the difficulties and eve n the slight hope
OF success awaiting such an expedition
as the one she was about TO set
on foot, and which TO make sue
ccssful she had already scattered
her money with lavish hand.
I Everything was 10 be done TO gain and
preserve the good will OF the savagcs
through whose domain they were to
pass. Valuable presents were TO be be-
slowed upon tho chiefs and their head
men.
81 shall hesitate at nothing, your ex-
cellency, shall shrink from no sacTi-
fec" exclaimed Mrs. Allaire. what
your intrepid pathfnders accomplished
in the interest of civilization and science
| shall do to rescue my husband who
to-day is the sole survivor of the crew
OF the Dreadnaught. Since the day he
sailed from San Diego with all the
world against me have persisted In
my belief that he was alive. Now wo
know that he is. Now all that is needed
TO reach him and take him from the
hands Of his savage captors is devotion
to the noble task we have set ourselves.
Our motto is: No Step Backward and
with Gods help we shall bring Capt.
John Allaire home with u.s."
The moment that stern but honest
Keeper was away from Mollys side her
thoughts reverted to the sailor lad who
had taken such a strong hold of her
heart. She had been careful not TO
breathe TO Zach the fact Of her failure
to open the package delivered to her by
the old seaman, or TO confess TO him her
lack OF courage TO do so. Why should
she long to ring the death knell TO the
first happiness that had come TO her
after so many years Of sorrow? OF one
thing she was thoroughly convinced,
however; No matter to whom the boy
belonged, he was no ordinary child; his
innate grace and gcntleness, his in
stinctive refinement, proved this, TO say
nothing OF his handsome, high-bred
features and honest, wide-opened eyes.
Molly was firmly resolved not TO give
him up. What sunshine and Joy would
he not bring to their home when once
the full gentleness and nobility Of his
character had been brought out by their
love and watchful care? How could
John help loving such frank, manly
sailor lad? Yes, Godfrey would take
Walters place In that fathers heart, he
would help John 10 bear the awful loss
which awaited him on his return home
TO San Diego.
Mollys mind was fully made up, In
spite OF the scowl which she knew only
too well would wrinkle the brow Of
honest Zach French when he heard of
Il, she was resolved TO adopt Godfrey as
her son, as Johns and her son, educate
him as such and surround him with all
the luxury and refinement which her
great wealth justified. When evening
came she sat down and wrote n few
lines TO the captain Of the Brisbane re-
questing him TO send the sailor lad TO
her in the morning, Summoning a
servant she placed the letter in his hand
and directed him 10 take IL ut once TO
the captains hotel. Tho man turned
away and had reached the street door
when he was accosted by a tall youth
dressed in the picturesque costume Of
the Australian trapper, corduroy
smocli froc!i bclted at the waist, trunks
Of the samo material, leather leggins
and broad brimmcd felt hat turucd
gracefully up ON one side. A ride was
slung across his shoulder and revolver
} and hunting knife suspended from his