Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-12-22
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Copyright. 1905. by
Edward J. Clode

FI0Q mas Beeu very Soou W US. Do
you remember this hour yesterday!'
she murmured. "How we suffered FROM
thirst; how the Dyaks began their Sec
ond attack from the ridge; how you
climbed down the ladder and l fol-
lowed you? Oh, father, darling she
went on impulsively, tightening her
grasp, you will never know how brave
he was; how enduring; how he risked
all for me and cheered me to the end. :
81 think l am beginning to under
avcrting his eyes lest Iris should see
the tears in them. Their Calvary was
ended, they thought. Was it for him
to lead them again through the sorrow
full way? 1t was Il heartrendlnS task
that lay before him, Il task from which
his soul revolted. He refused even to
attempt it.
The explanation Of the shipowner's
position was painfully simple. Being 4
daring yet shrewd tinancier, he per-
ceived in the troubled condition of the
far east a magnificent opportunity to
consolidate the trading influence of his
company He negotiated two big loans,
one of se,niprivate nature to equip
docks and railways in the chief mari
time province Of China, the other of a
more public character with the govern
ment of Japan. All his own resources,
together with those of his principal di-
rectors and shareholders. were devoted
to these objects. Contemporaneously
he determined to stop paying heavy IN
surance premiums on his feet and
make it self supporting on the well
known mutual principle.
His vessels We're well equipped, well
Manned replete with every modern Inn
proyement and managed with great
commercial skill. In three or four
years, given ordinary trading luck, he
must have doubled his own fortune.
No sooner We're all his arrangements
completed than three Of his best ships
went down, saddling his company with
an absolute loss of nearly 100000 and
seriously undermining his financial
credit. A fellow director, wealthy and
influential. resigned his seat on the
board and headed a clique of disap-
pointed stockholders. At once the fair
sky became overcast.
Sir Arthur Deanes energy and fnan-
cial skill might have enabled him to
weather this unexpected gale were 1t
not for the apparent loss of his beloved
daughter with the crack ship of his
line. Half frenzied with grief, he bade
his enemies do their worst and allow
ed his affairs to get into hopeless con-
fusion while he devoted himself wholly
to the search for Iris and her compan-
ions. At this critical juncture Lord
VentnOr again reached his side. His
lordship possessed large private for
tune and extensive estates. He was
prudent withal and knew how admit
rably the shipowners plans would de-
velop if given the necessary time. He
offered the use of his name and money.
He more than filled the gap created by
the hostile ex-director. People argued
that such clever man, just returning
from the far east after accomplishing
a public mission of some Importance,
must be reliable guide. The mere
cabled intelligence of his intention to
join the board restored confidence and
credit.
But there was bargain. If Iris
lived she must become the Countess of
ventnor. His lordship was weary Of
peripatetic lovemaking. 1t was high
time he settled down in life took an
interest in the legislature and achieved
a position in the world of affairs. He
had chance now. The certain success
Of his friends project, the fortunate