Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-07-01


should rig up the tarpaulln i'm such
wise as 70 gain protection from the
sun and vet enable him 10 east
watchful eye over the valley. Iris help
ed TO raise the great canvas sheet on
the supports he had prepared. Once
shut Of from the devouring rays. the
hot breeze then springing into fitful
existence cooled their blistered but per
spring skin and made life somewhat
tolerable.
Still adhering 20 his policy OF COM
batting the first enervating attacks OF
thirst. the sailor sanctioned the con-
sumption OF the remaining water. As
a last desperate expedient to be re-
sorted 10 only in case of sheer necessi-
y, he uncorked a bottle OF champagne
and hlled the tin cup. The sparkling
wine with its volume Of cseamy foam.
looked SO tempting that Iris would
then and there have risked its potency
were she not promptly withheld.
jerks explained 20 her that when the
wine became quite fat aud insipid they
might use il 20 moisten their parchel
lips. Even so. in their present super
heated state. the liquor was unques-
tionably dangerous. but he hoped Il
would not harm them II taken in mi
mute quantities.
Accustomed now 10 implicitly accept
IFS advice. she fought and steadily con
quered the craving within her Oddly
enough. the "thawing" % their scorch-
Ell bodies beneath the tarpaulin brought
a certain degree OF relief They were
supremacy uncomfortable. but that was
rs naught compared with the relaxa-
ton from the torments previously
borne
For long time-the best part OF an
hour. pevhaps-they remained silent.
The sailor was reviewing the pros
and cons OF their preCariOus condition.
IL would. OF course. be matter OF SUI
preme Importance were the Indian 20
be faithful 20 his promise. Here the
prospect was decidedly hopeful. The
man was an old soldier. and the ex-
officer of native cavalry knew how en-
during was the attachment OF this poor
convict 60 home and military service.
Probably at that moment the NOLAN
medan was praying TO the prophet and
his two nephews 10 aid him in resculng
the sahib and the woman whom the
sahib held SO dear, FOR the all wise and
all powerful Indian government is very
merciful 10 offending natives who thus
condone their former crimes.
But. howsoever willing he might be.
what could one man DO among SO
manyF The Dyaks Were hostile to him
in race and creed. and aSsuredlv in
furiated against the foreign devil who
had killed or wounded in round num-
bers one-hfth OF their total force. Very
likely the hapless MusSulman would
lose his life that night In nttemptin.-
to bring water 10 the foot OF the rock.
Even II the man succeeded IN eluding
the vigilance ot his present associates
where was the water 10 come FROM
There was none on the island save
that tn the Well In all likelihood the
Dyaks had "a store la the remainin..
Sammns. but the native ally OF the
heleaguored pair would have a task OF
exceeding difficulty in obtaining one
OF the Jars or skins containing IT,
Again. granting al things went well
THAT night. what would he the final
outcome OF the struggle? How LONG
could Iris withstand the exposure tbe
strain. the heagtbreaking misery OF
the rock:
He shook restiessly. not aware that
the girls sorrOwful glance. luminous
with love and pain. was fixed upon
MN. Summari!y dismissing these girls
~ phantomS OF the mind. he asked
himself what the Mohammedan exact
~ meant 10y warning him against the
trees on the right and the ..silept
death that might come from them He
was about 10 crawl forth 10 the lin OF
the rock and investigate matters In
that locality when Iris. who also was
busy with her thoughts. restrained him !
Wait a little while" she said ..None \
or the Dyaks will venture into the omen |
until night falls And have some I
thing TO say 10 you"
There was quiet Solemnitv In ber
voice that jerks had never heard he 1
Tore. IL chilled him. His heart ac- /
knowledged quick sense Of evil omen.
lie raised himself slightly and turned
toward her. Her face. beautiful and 4
serene beneath its disiigurements. wore
an expression of settled purpose. For
The life of him he dared not question !
her
THAT man. the Interpreter" she said.
told YOU that if We're given I'D 10 the
CHIEF he and his followers would 20
away and modest you no more"
His forehead scanned with sudden
anger
a mere bait" he protested. ''In any
event II Is hardly worth discussion"
And the answer came, clear and res
dilute:
i think ] viii agree to those terms"
AT first lac regarded her with undis-
guised and wOrdless amazement. Then
the appalling thought darted through
his brain that she contemplated this |
supreme sacrifice in order TO save him.
A clammy sweat believed his brow.
but by sheer will power he cOntrived |
TO say
you must be mad 10 even dream OF |
such thing. Don't you understand
what II means to you-and 20 me? Ii |
Is a ruse 10 trap Us. They are ungov-
erned savages- Once they had you in
their power they would laugh at
promise made te me"