Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1905-06-09
CHAPTER VIII.

l~lHEY looked long and steadfastly
at the retreat1ng boat. Soon II
diminished to q mere speck on
the smooth sea. The even
breeze kept its canvas taut, and the
sailor knew that no ruse was intended.
The Dyaks were flying from the island
in fear and rage. They would return
with a force sufficient to insure the
wreaking Of their vengeance.
That he would again encounter them
at no distant date jerks had no doubt
whatever. They would land in such
numbers as to render any resistance
difficult and a prolonged defense i'm
possible. Would help come first?-a
distracting question to which definite
answer could not be given. The sail
or's brow frowned in deep lines; his
brain throbbed now with an anxiety
singularly at variance with his cool de-
meanor during the fight. He was ut
terly unconscious that his left arm en-
circled the shoulder Of the girl until
she gently disengaged herself and said
appealingly:
"Please, Mr.. jerks, do not be angry
with me. could not help It. I could
not bear to see you shoot them"
Then he abruptly awoke to the real
tiles Of the moment.
Come" he said, hts drawn features
relaxing into q wonderfully pleasing
smile. I'VE will return to our castle
We are safe for the remainder Of this
day, at any rate"
Something must be said or done to
reassure her. She was still grievously
disturbed. and he naturally ascribed
her agitation to the horror Of her cap.
ture. He dreaded a complete collapse
II any further alarms threatened at
once. Yet he was almost positive
though search alone would set at rest
the last misgiving-that only one sam
pan had visited the island. Evidently
tho Dyaks were unprepared as he fol
tho events Of the preceding half hour
They were either visiting the island t.
procure turtle and beche-de-m er or had
merely called there en- route to some
other destination, and the change IL
the wind had Unexpectedly compelled
them to put ashore. Beyond all doubt
they must have been surprised by the
warmth Of the reception they encoun
tered.
Probably when he went to Summit
rock that morning the savages had
lowered their sail and were steadily
padding north against wind and cur
rent. The most careful scrutiny Of the
sea would fail to reveal them beyond
q distance Of six or seven miles at the
utmost.
After landing in the hidden bay on
the south side they crossed the island
through the trees instead Of taking the
more natural open way along the
beach. Why? The fact that he and
Iris were then passing the grown over
tract leading to the valley Of death
instantly determined this point. The
Dyaks knew Of this affrighting hollow
and would not approach any nearer to
1t than was unavoidable. Could he
twist this circumstance to advantage
If Iris and he were still stranded there
when the superstitious sea rovers next
put in an appearance? lie would see.
All depended on the girls strength. II
she gave way now; If, instead Of tax
ing instant measures for safety, he
were called upon to nurse her through
fever, the outlook became not only
desperate. but hopeless.
And, while he bent his brows In
worrying thought, the color was re-
turning to Iris cheeks and natural
buoyancy to her step. 1t is the fault
OF all men to underrate the marvellous
courage and cOnstancy of woman In
the face Of difficulties and trials.