The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1899-06-21
CHAPTER V.

Quick movement and wrenched her
self away from them. She would
have plunged into the sea had they
not caught her quickly. She screamed
and seemed to be beside herself. 1
caught sight of her face, and in spite
of her disheveled hair and tear
stained features, ! saw at glance
that she was very beautiful.
NV first impulse was to discover
myself and rush to her assistance
But upon reflection I decided that it
would be an unwise move. Even
though she were to be murdered l
could not help her. I would simply
meet with similar fate for interfer-
ing. These men were armed. 1t will
be remembered that I was without
coat or shoes. l had no weapons OF
any kind. I would be a forlorn
antagonist for half a dozen armed
men.
When the uniformed mandarin
reached tho we'll and had gone down
a few stops, he discovered the open
door. Although I had found the way
to open the doors in the mysterious
island, did not know how to close
them. The big Chinaman made
great ado aad gave some sharp COM
mands. There were evident prepara-
tions for fight. He went down into
the cavern with his sword drawn.
They remained inside about half an
hour. My position on the rock began
to get wearisome, but the sailors on
the yacht were very watchful, and L
dared not move about. An ugly
looking fellow sat in the bow with
rifle across his knee. There was
little chance for speculation as to my
probable fate If that fellow discovered
me.
After a half hour, I again heard
voices in the we'll.
The big Chinaman and his servants
appeared. l heard the great rock
swing back into place. The girl was
not with them.
Now there was, indeed, q real
motive for remaining undiscovered.
MY heart even made too much noise
in beating. I almost held my breath,
80 great was my fear of being dis
covered.
The visitors descended the COM
panion-ladder. It was taken down
from the iron rings. Poles were put
out, and the yacht pushed out of the
stone gate. The sails were raised,
and the vessel moved quickly away in
the direction whence she had come.
I remained concealed for what
seemed to me an interminable time. l
did not dare move from my hiding
place until the yacht had got far
enough away to preclude discovery. I
followed the vessel with anathemas for
going so slowly.
At last I could venture forth. l
leaped from the ledge into the pit and
ran down the stone steps. I knelt
down and touched the hidden spring.
Again the mysterious island was
opened to me. and I entered. 1t was
but short work for me to get to the
garden, and here looked for the girl
that I knew must be inside the island
somewhere.
She was not in the garden.
Invent into the temple. She was
not there.
But in the treasure-room I found
her. She was kneeling on the floor
by large divan. Her face was buried
in her hands. She was weeping; she
was also praying. :
She seemed to be in delirium of
grief and fear.
I approached her softly. She could
not hear my footsteps on the thick
rugs.
Bending over her, I touched her
lightly on the shoulder.
With scream of horror she jumped
to her feet and bounded away from
me.
"You need not fear me-" I said.
IL vill help you if I can, but 1 will
do 9u no harm"
"You!" she cried in hoarse voice.
'sAnd who are you that you are here
alive and yet will help me?"
"Why, I don't see anything remark
able about that. I couldn't help you
if were dead"
"No. But don't you understand?
None can live here save those who are
familiars OF Cha Fong; and his friends
would not help me-
"I do not know Cha Fong," re.
piled. "I have never seen him, un'
less he is the amiable person with the
big sword who brought you here"
Her face grew pale. She trembled
violently.
Eyes. that is he-that is Cha Fong,
she said.
"And what is he going to do with
you?" I asked.
A look of misery came into her face
and she sobbed convuisive!y.
''The worst he can do. He says
am to be his wife"
"Well, now, look here" / said witt
authority. "Cheer up and come si
here and tell me your story, and vii
tell you mine. 1t may give you more
confidence if I tell you mine first.
She came and sat down near me
and her fearful face, pale and beauti
ful, rested upon her hand as I tolt
her the story of my nishaps and thu
chance that brought me here. Sht
listened intently, often with wonder
in her eyes. When had finished silt
had become more calm and was abl,
to talk connectedly.
Now" I said, tell me your story
and let rs see if there is any way on
Of this scrape."