The Saint Paul globe., 1904-06-05

q q
the sea-and they found him with his
black hair full of sand, and a sea-gull on
his chest.
The next day the Mate with smile at
the Countess pronounced the boat to be
"sea observing" Then they spent three
days in catching fish, which they dried in
the sun. 1t was easier to catch the fish,
now that they had boat. Several bottles
that had washed ashore and the biscuit
tin were filed with water from the
spring, which day by day was dwindling
as the dry season advanced. Another day
was spent In waiting for q fair breeze and
recaulking the boat.
They towed her to the leeward side OF
the island, and there the Countess, the
Banker, the Baronet and the Jap en-
barked. The Baronet kept his face avert
ed, and when he tried to answer ques-
tion of the Countess his voice choked.
"Is 1t that you have grown fond or the
beautiful island?" she demanded, half
jokingly, half in surprise. "J-J-Jordin.
what do you make? Get in the boat!"
"'No," said the Mate I'm going to
stop here until you send the schooner for
me. It won't be very long. This tub
wouldn't be safe with my extra weight
In here when 1t breezeS up this after
noon" He was wading behind the boat.
showing her through the shadows ahead OF
him. The Countess could not see his face.
as he was leaning over, the better to throw
his weight against the stern.
You're all right now. There's nothing
more that I can do. Sir Henry under
stands about the courses, and as soon as
you get clear Of the island you can hoist
your sail and get fine fair wind. When
you get to Maue you can send a
schooner"
celeste, sit down, snapped the banker.
you'll upset the boat II you don't look
out!"
"Yes: sit down, Celeste" said the baro-
net. We've arranged it all, and it's the
best way
Splash! The countess had leaped nim-
bly, in the water and was wading, waist
deep, back to the beach before the mate
could intercept her.
At the edge Of the water she turned.
''And you would leave J-J-Jordin Knapp
so-alone, desolated-even as you left me
On the vessel Mats non! He have stay
by me, and will remain with him. Think,
mes amis, what it would be-alone on
this terrible islam at night, with the
moaning of the sea!'' She burst into a
storm Of tears.
The Mate turned to her f1ercely. Gee
leste, do as tell you Get in that boat;
do you want to make me Oh. go, for
heavens sake! Can't you see that you
are only making 1t WOFS0s
The Banker said nothing.
Il say, do be reasonable; why do you
want to make it so hard for US, Celeste?'
cried the Baronet, with a queer vibration
in his voice.
The dropping head came proudly up.
The bare, cleaning arms flashed down and
outward. She turned and faced them
defiantly, her back to the man she would
not desert, her bosom rising and falling
Before her stretched salvation and the
sea; behind the green walls Of her prison.
Her thin, tattered gown hung in rags
while at her feet the glowing sands pressed
hot kisses where the frail satin slippers
had worn away. The rising trade wind
blew her tawny hair about her face.
''You ask me why remain? I tell you
it is because that if go 1 am the base in
crate. This man have risked his life for
me when his blood run quick, an when
his life is low he give me his blood, drop
by drop. Day by day he starve himself
an he think I do not see. Ver' many
times he bring me food an say he have
eat plenty, but I know it Is only his din
ner which he save. When am cold he
cover me with his coat an shiver; when
I am triste he tell me the droll story, an
say how soon will be home. An now he
have put everything Of food an shelter in