Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1905-07-04
| Ge Wings Of the
~ By LOUIS !
!: " ~ THN - u TRACY
AVA Il AQ4 4 - Copyright 1908. by
~ Edward J. Clode

|
sGuall of explanation, became digni-
fed.
well. you see, my dear, under the
circumstances he felt an anxiety al
most commensurate with my own"
But why, why!"
Iris was quite calm. With Robert
near. sic was courageous. Even the
perturbed haronet experienced new
sensation rs his troubled glance fell be-
fore her searching eyes. His daughter
had left him a joyous, needless girl.
He found lcr woman, strong, self re-
liant. purposeful. Yet lie kept on,
choosing the most straightforward
means as tie only honorable way OF
clearing course so beset with unsus>
pcctcd obstacles.
1T is only reasonable, Iris. that your
altianced husband should suffer an ag-
ony of apprehension on your account
and do all that was possible to effect
your rescue"
"My-alfianced-husb
well, my dear girl. perhaps that is
hardly the correct phrase from your
point of view. Yet you cannot fail to
remember that Lord Ventnor"-
"Father. DEAR" said Iris solemnly,
but in voice free from all uncertain
ty. my attianced husband stands here!
We plighted our trOth at the very gate
Of death. 1t was ratified in the pres
ence of God and has been blessed by
him. | have made no compact with
Lord Ventnor He is base and un-
worthy man. Did you but know the
truth concerning him YOU would not
mention his name in the same breath
with mine. Would he, Robert"
"Be advised by me, Sir Arthur, and
you, too, Iris" he said. This is no
tour for explanations. Leave me to
deal with Lord Nentnor. | am content
To trnst the ultimate verdict to you, Sir
Altl..r. You will learn in due course
I'LL that has happened. Go on board,
Iris. Meet Lord NentnOr as you would
meet any other friend. You will not
marry him. know. | can trust you
II am very much obliged to you"
murmu:cl the baronet, who, notwith-
standing his worry, was far too expert
enced Il man of the world not to ac-
knowledge the good sense of this ad-
vice, No matter how ruffianly might be
the guise of the strange person who
gave it.
THAT is settled. them said Robert,
laughing good naturedly, for he well
knew what weird spectacle he must
present to the bewildered old gentle
man.
Even Sir Arthur Deane was fascinat-
ed by the ragged and hairy giant VINO
carried himself so masterfuly and
helped everybody over the stile ut the
right moment. He tried to develop the
change in the conversation.
by the way" he said. how came
you to be Oh the Sirdar! ! have list
of all the passengers and crew, and
your name does not appear therein
"Oh, that is easily accounted for.
shippel as II steward in the name OF
Robert jerks"
Robert jerks! A steward"
"Yes. That forms some part OF the
promised explanation
Iris rapidly gathered the drift of her
lovers wishes.
Come, father" she cried merrily.
III am aching to see what the ships
stores, which you and Robert pin your
faith to, can do for me in the shape OF
garments. have the utmost belief III
the British navy, and even skeptlc
should be convinced Of its infallibility
if II. NJ. S. Orient Is able to provide
lady's outfit
Sir Arthur Deane gladly availed HIM
self of the prolfered compromise. He
assisted Iris into the boat, though that
active young person was far better
able to support him, and word to the
officer in command sent the gig flying
back to the ship. Anstruther during
momentary delay made small request
ON his own account. Lieutenant Play-
don, nearly as big man as Robert,
dispatchcd a note to his servant, and
the gig speedily returned with COM
plete assortment of clothing and linen.
The man also brought u dressing case,
with the result that dip in the bath
and ten minutes in the hands of an ex-
pert valet made Anstruther u new man.
Acting under his advice, the bodies
of the dead were thrown into the Ia
coon, the wounded were collected IN
the hut. to be attended to by the ships
surgeon, and the prisoners were parad-
ed in front of Mir Jan, who identified
every man and found by counting
heads that none was missing.
Robert did not forget to write out
formal notice and fasten it to the rock.
This proceeding further mystified the
officers of the Orient, who had gradual
" formed a connected idea Of the great
fight made by the shipwrecked pair,
though Anstruther sQuirmed inwardly
when he thought Of the manner III
which Iris would picture the scene.
As it was, he had the first innings, and
he did not fail to use the opportunity.
In the few terse words which the mill
tant Briton best understands he de-
scribed the girls fortitude, her unhag-
ging cheerfulness, her uncomplaining
readiness, to do and dare.
When he ended, the first lieutenant
who commanded the boats sent In pur-
suit of the flying Dyaks-the Orient
sank both sampans as soon as they
were launched-summed up the gener-
al verdict:
"You do not need our admiration,
Captain Anstruther. Each man of us
envies you from the bottom OF his
soul"
.srhere is an error about my rank,
he said. II did once hold commission
in the Indian army, but l was court
martialed and cashiered In Hongkong
six months ago. l was unjustly con-
yicted on a grave charge, and l hope
some day to clear myself. Meanwhile
am mere civilian. 1t was only
Miss Deane's generous sympathy
which led her to mention my former
] rank, Mr.. Playdon."
/ Had another of the Orients twelve
FOUNDER shells suddenly burst In the
midst of the group of officers 1t would
:.