Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1904-06-02

solitude has a wonderful fascination
over almost all men after they have
experienced 1t for some time and got
over its Strangeness, There are
thousands of men in various parts Of
the world who live as solitary as that
of Robinson Crusoe, simply because
they prefer such an existence to the
society Of their fellows.
The captain of a West Indian
banana steamer tells a curious story
of an adventure which happened TO
him when he was the first mate of
British tramp, On a voyage from
Cape Town to Wellington, New Zca
land. his vessel passed close to a coral
islet. Looking through his telescope
he saw white man, clothed III rags,
standing on the beach, Knowing the
place 10 be desert island, the captain
concluded that the man was cast
away, and sent boat ashore under
command Of the first mate to rescue
him,
As soon as he saw the boat leave
the ships side the man ran away into
the jungle which covered most of the
islet Thinking he was mad the
boats crew searched for half an hom
until they found him concealed he
meath some bushes.
Come along, my man" said the
mate, gently and soothingly, why
did YOU run away? We want to take
YOU home"
Il do not wish to go, replied tho
man, in an educated, refined voice, II
shall not so unless am carried.
came here ten years ago because
wished to be alone and quiet. have
cept solitude at this present momenl>
Pardon me If ! seem inhospitablo, but
will you be good enough TO take what
you want and go away? may explain
that the craving for solitude Is almost
a monomania with me-"
But why on earth did you run
away" asked the mate in amaze,
ment. I'm sure we don't want to take
you if you don't want to come"
you are more Considerate than
most people then" was the reply,
Several ships have stopped here
during the last ten years, and usually
the captains seemed inclined to take
me away by force. They thought me
mad, which | am not. only escaped
abduction last time in hiding"
Can we do anything for you? Pro,
visions? Tools? Books?" the mate
asked.
The man smiled.
You are very kind" he said, "but
/ have all require, have read all
the books ] wish to read. have not
opened a book since left Oxford
eleven years ago"
But how do you pass the timer" he
was asked
In my leisure moments usually
write poetry | would be very kind OF
you to give me some pens, ink and
paper. My last supply, secured from
German warship which happened to
call here, is almost exhausted"
Writing materials were given him.
md as they parted the mate asked:
Can | take n message to your PEG
pie at home? Things may have hap
pened which would induce you to re
turn"
You are very sympathetic, but no
hidden tragedy in my life has driven
me to this place, was the answer. -
am here simply because prefer It
and do not contemplate ever wish,
ing to return"
A few weeks ago an American pass,
cd Sombrero island on a voyage from
Trinidad TO New York II Is a pre-
cipitous rock on which the British
government maintains lighthouse,
and is the most northerly of the
Caribbean islands.
What lonely spot for lighthouse
keeper" exclaimed passenger, He
must be a miserable man"
Not at all, said one Of the ships
officers. HE enjoys It. He's the
only man on the island, and he never
cares to leave 1t.
He's been there for years ana abso-
lutely refuses to take a wife or a mate
10 live with him He is entitled 70
regular holidays, but he won't take
them.
The government, fearing that he
viii go mad, almost beRs him TO take
n change now and then, but he always
SAYS he'd rather stay Once he was
persuaded TO 20 TO Anguila for a
months holiday.
Anguilla is q tiny island with about
1000 In habitaDts. and you would
think II about the quotes, place on
earth. But In less than week the
lighthouse keeper said there was too
much noise and hustle. and went back
70 Sombrero.
This man passes the time by tanning
the sea birds that swarm around the
light house. He loves them better
tHan his fellow men.
III the island ~ Jamaica there are
scores Of EnElishmen, Americans and
q