Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-12-20
By LOUIS
TRACY
Copyright. 1908. by
Edward J. Ciode

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 eheerfulness. her accomplishing
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 salnpans as soon as they
were aunched-stlmmed up the gener-
al verdict:
You do not need our admiration.
Captain Anstruther. Each man of US
enyies you from the bottom OF his
SOUL
.There is an error about my rank.
he said. Il did once hold a commission
in the Indian array. but I was court
martialed and cashiered in Hongkons
six months ago. | was unjustly con-
victed on d grave charge. and hope
some day to clear myself. Meanwhile
am mere civil.,n. 1t was only
Miss Deane's generous sympathy
which led her tt, mention my former
rank, Mr.. Playdon."
Had another Of the Orient's twelve
FOUNDER shells suddenly burst In the
midst Of the group of officers 1t would
have created less dismay than this I'M
expected avowal. Court martIaled.
Cashiered! None but a service man
can grasp the awful significance OF
those words to the commissioned ranks
of the army and navy.
Anstruther we'll knew what he was
doing. Somehow he found nothing hard
in the performance Of these penances
now. OF course the ugly truth must
be revealed the moment Lord Ventnor
heard his name. 1t was not fair to the
good fellows crowding around him and
offering every attention that the frank
hospitality of the British sailor could
suggest to permit them to adopt the
tone Of friendly equality which rigid
discipline II nothing else would not al
low them to maintain.
The first lieutenant by reason Of his
rank was compelled to say something
"That is a devillsh bad job. Mr.. An
struther," he blurted out.
"well. you know had to tell you"
He smiled unaffectedly at the won
dering circle. File, too. was an officer
and appreciated their sentiments. They
were unfeignedly sorry for him, man
80 brave and modest. such splendid
type Of the soldier and gentleman, yet
by their common law an outcast. Nor
could they wholly understand his de-
meanor. There was noble dignity in
his candor a conscious innocence that
tial truth
The first lieutenant again phrased
the thoughts Of his juniors.
II and every other man in the ship
cannot help but sympathize with you.
But whatever may be your record-if
you were an escaped convict, Mr.. An
struther-no one. could withhold from
you the praise deserved for your mag
nificent stand against overwhelming
odds. Our duty is plain. We will bring
you to Singapore, where the others will
no doubt wish to so Immediately. l
will tell the captain what you have been
good enough to acquaint US with. Mean
, while we will give you every assistance
and-er-attention In our power"
A murmur Of appreciation ran
through the little circle. Roberts face
paled somewhat What first rate chaps
they were, to be sure!
II can only thank you" he said I'M
steadily. "Your kindness is more try
ing than adversely"
A rustic of silk, the intrusion into the
intent knot of men Of young lady in
Paris gown, n Paris hat, carrying a
Trouville parasol and most exquisitely
gloved and booted, made every one
gasp.
"Oh, Robert, dear, how could you1 I
actually didn't know you"
Thus Iris, bewitchingly attired, was
gazing now with provoking admiration
at Robert. who certainly offered almost
as great contrast to his former state
as did the girl herself. He returned
her look with interest.
"Would any man believe" he laugh
ed, chat clothes would do SO much for
woman?'
"What a left handed compliment!
But come, dearest. Captain Fitzroy
and Lord Ventnor have come ashore
with father and me. They want us to
show them everything! You will e1-
cuse him, won't you?" she added, with
seraphic smile to the others.
They walked off together.
"Jimmy" gasped fat midshipman
to a lanky youth. "She's got on your
togsw
Meaning that Iris had ransacked the
Orient's theatrical wardrobe and pounc-