Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-05-13
CHAPTER III.


INTO the lagoon by some agency the ma
ture of which he could Let even con
lecture
They were lying many feet above the
sea level when he last saw them lit
tie more than half an hour earlier At
that point the beach shelved rapidly
He could look far into the depths of
the rapidly clearing water Nothing
was visible there save several varie-
ties Of small fish
The incident puzzled and annoyed
him. still thinking about it, he sat
down on the highest rock and pulled
of his heavy boots to empty the wa
ter out He also Invested himself OF
his stockings and spread them out to
dry
The action reminded him OF Miss
Deane's necessities. He hurried to n
point whence he could call out to her
and recommend her 10 dry some Of
her clothing during his absence. He
retired even more quickly. fearing lest
he should be seen. Iris had already
displayed 10 the sunlight a larae por-
ton Of her costume.
Without further delay he set about
a disagreeahle but necessary task.
From the pockets OF the first officer
and doctor he secured two revolvers
and supply % cartridges. evidently
Intended 10 settle any dispute which
might have arisen between the ships
officers and the native members OF the
crew. lie hoped the cartridges were
uninjurcd. but he could not test them
at the moment for fear OF alarming
Miss Deaue
Both officers carried pocketbools and
pencils. In one of these. containing
dry leaves. the sailor made "a careful
inventory OF the money and other val
liable effects he found upon the dead.
besides noting names and documents
where possible. Curiously enough the
capitalist of this island morgue WAS q
Lascar. who in belt around his waist
boarded more than a hundred pounds
in gold. The sailor tied In haudker-
chief All the money ne collected and
ranged pocketboOks letters and lew
elry In separate little heaps. Then he
stripped the men Of their boots and
outer clothing. lie could not tell how
long the girl and he might bc detained
ON the island before help came. and
fresh garments were essential It
would hc foolish sentimentality To-
trust 10 stores thrown ashore from the
ship
Nevertheless when IL became neccs-
sary 60 search and disrobe the women
he almost broke down. For an instant
he softened Gulping back his emo
lions with a savage imprccation. he
dOggedly persevered. At last he paus-
ed 70 consider what should be done
with the bodies. His first intent was to
scoop a large hole in the sand with
piece Of timber but when De took into
consideration the magnitude of the la
Dor involved. requiring many hours OF
hard work and "a waste OF precious
time which might Dee OF infinite value
10 his helpless companion and himself.
he was forced 90 abandon the project.
IL was not Only impucticablc. hut dan
gerouS
Again hc had 90 set his teeth with
grim resolution. one 10y one the bod
les We're shot into the lagoon from the
little quay of rock. He knew they
would not bee seen again.
lie arose and shook himself like
dog. There was much 20 bee done lie
gathered the clothes and other articles
tered packing cases near 20 miSlead
Iris. While thus engaged ne kicked
mp ont OF the sand rusty crccse. or
Malay sword. The presence OF this inn
plement startled him. lie examined
IL slowly and thrust 10 out Of sight
Then lie went back 10 her, after don
ming his stockings and boots. now thor
Oughly dry
Are You ready now. Miss Deaner"
he sang ont cheerily
Ready / have been waiting for
you"
jerks chuckled quietly. Il must
said to himself
Iris Joined him. BY some mysterious
means she had effected great improve
ment in her appearance. Yet there
were manifest gaps
IF only / had a needle and thread
she began
If that is all" said the sailor, FUN
bling in his pockets. lie produced a
shabby little hussif containing a Thin
bic, scissors. needles and some SkeinS
of unbieached thread Case and con
tents We're sOdden or rusted with salt
water, but the girl fastened upon this
treasure with a sigh of deep content.
Now. please" she cried, Il wane "a
telegraph Office and a ship"
When they reached the sands she
caught sight OF the pile of clothes and
the broken woodwork, with the small
heaps OF valuables methodically ar
ranged. The harmless subtsrfuge did
not deceive her She darted a quick
look OF gratitude at her companion.
How thoughtful he was, After a fear
full glance around she was treasured,
though she wondered what had become
Of-them
81 see you have been busy" she said,
nOdding toward the clothes and boots.
Yes" he replied simply. Lucky
find, wasn't it,"
Most fortunate. When they are quite
dry / Will replenish my wardrobe.
What is the first thing TO be done?'
"Well, Miss Deane, l think our pro
gramme is, in the first place, to ex-
anime the articles thrown ashore and