Evening star., 1904-03-11

self. Meanwhile I am mere civilian. 1t
was only Miss Deane's generous sympathy
which led her to mention my former rank,
Mr. Playdon."
Had another of the Orient's twelve
pounder- shells suddenly burst in the midst
of the group of officers 1t would Eave Great
ed less dismay than this unexpected
avowal Court-martialed! Cashiered! None
but service man can grasp the awful sig
nifcance of those words to the commission
ed ranks of the army and navy.
Anstruther. well knew What ne was. doing
SC mellow he found nothing hard in the
performance of these penancess now. OF
course, the ugly truth must be revealed the
moment Lord Ventnor heard his name. 1t
was not fair to the good Fellows crowding
around him. and offering every attention
that the frank hospitality of the British
sailor could suggest. to permit them to adopt
the tone Of friendly equality which rigid
discipline, If nothing else, would not allow
them to maintain.
The first lieutenant, by reason of his
rank, was compelled to say something
''That is a devilish bad job, Mr.. Anstruth-
err he blurted out
"Well, you know I had to tell yOuS
He smiled unaffectedly at the wondering
circle He. too was an officer, and
appreciated their sentiments. They were
unfeignedly sorry for him. man SO brave
and modest such splendid type Of the
soldier and gentleman, yet by their COM
mon law. an outcast. Nor could they
wholly. understand his demeanor. There
was noble dignity in his candor. con-
scious innocence that disdained to shield
itself under a partial truth He spoke, not
as wrong-doer but as one who addresses
those who have been and will be once
more his peers.
The first lieutenant again phrased the
thoughts of his juniors
Il, and every other man in the ship, cam
not help but sympathize with you. But
whatever may be your record-lf you were
an escaped convict, Mr.. Anstruther-no one
r,z.tL 1oJ An fbn ira 4
served for your magnificent stand against
overwhelming odds Our duty Is plain.
We will bring you to Singapore, where the
others will no doubt wish to 60 Immediate
ly I will tell the captain what you have
been good enough to acquaint us with
Meanwhile we will give you every assist.
ance, and-er-attention In our power"
A murmur of appreciation ran through
the little circle. Roberts face paled some-
what. What f1rst-rate chaps they were,
to be Suren'
81 can only thank YOU" he said unstead-
i1y Your kindness is more trying than
adversity.''
A rustic Of silk the intrusion into the
intent knot of men of young lady in
Paris gown. a Paris hat, carrying Trou-
vile parasol and most exauisitely gloved
and booted, made every one gasp. .
"Oh. Robert. dear. how could you?
actually didn't know your so
Thus Iris. bewtchingly attired and gaz-
ing now with provoking admiration at Rob-
ert, who certainly offered almost as great
contrast to his former state as did the
girl herself. He returned her look with
interest.
would any man believe he laughed,
that clothes would do so much for a
woman?" H.
'What a left-handed compliment! Blu.
come, dearest. Captain Fitzroy and Lord
Ventor have come ashore with father and
me. They want us to show them every
thing! You will excuse him. won't you?"
she added. with a seraphic smile to the
others
'They walked off together.
'Jimmy!' gasped the fat midshipman to
lanky youth. She's got on your togs.'
Meaning that Iris had ransacked tie
on the swell outfit of the principal female
inpersohator in the ships company. s-..
Lieutenant Playdon bit the chin strap
of his pith helmet. for the landing party
wore the regulation uniform for service
ashore IN the tropics. He muttered to his
chief.
% me. if I've got the hang of this
business YET
Neither have I. Anstruther LOOKS a de-
cent sort of fellow and the girl is a stun
ner. Yet, dye know. Playdon right
through the cruise I've understood that she
was the fiance of that cad. Ventnor.'
"Anstruther appears to have arranged
say when that Johnnie owns up about the
court-martial."
Give it up. which Is more than the girl
will do, or I'm much mistaken. Funny
thing. you know, but I've a sort of hazy
recollection of .Anstruther's name being
mixed up with that of a co,onels wife at
Hong Kong. Fancy Ventnor was In it too
as witness. Stand by, and Wen see
something before we unload at Singapore"
(To be continued tomorrow