Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-07-25
] 6be Wings ef the :: NA By FOULS ;: rhN Nn n TRACY :: AOx \ A A \ A ASy Copyright 1905. by
 !: - Edward J. Clode
Copyright 1905. by Edward J. Clode

lest the weather should break agaln and the next tide sweep away the spoil. Thirdly, we should eat and rest, and. finally, we must explore the island be- fore the light fails. am convinced we are alone here. It is a small place at the best. and if any Chinamen were ashore they would have put in an ap- pearance long since
 Do you think. then, that we may re- main here long,"
 Tt is impossible to form an opinion on that point. Help may come in a day. On the other hand"-
 'Yes?"
 Ut is wise thing. Miss Deane, to prepare for other contingencies.
 Do you mean she said slowly 'that we may be imprisoned here for weeks, perhaps months?''
 If you clst your mind back few hours you will perhaps admit that we are very fortunate to be here at all"
 She whisked round upon him. Do not fence with my question, Mir. Jenks Answer me"'
 He bowed. There was perceptible return of his stubborn cynicism when he spoke.
 "The facts are obvious Miss Deane. The loss of the Sirdar will not be definitely known for many days. It will be assumed that she has broken down. The agents in Singapore will await cabled tidings of her where abouts. She might have drifted any where in that typhoon. Ultimately they will send out a vessel to search, impelled to that course a little earlier by your fathers anxiety. Pardon me. I did not intend to pain you. I am speaking my mind"
 GO on," said Iris bravely.
 "The relief ship must search the en- tire China sea. The gale might have driven disa bled steamer north, south, east or west. A typhoon travels in a whirling spiral. you see, and the direc- tion of drifting ship depends wholly upon the locality where she sustained damage The coasts of China, Java, Borneo and the Philippines are not equipped with lighthouses on every headland and cordoned with telegraph wires There are river pirates and say age races to be reckoned with. Casting aside all other possibilities and assum- ing that prompt search is made to the south of our course. this part of the ocean Is full of reefs and small islands. some inhabited permanently, others visited occasionally by fishermen" He was about to add something, but check ed himself
 TO sum up," he continued hurriedly i've may have to remain here for many days, even months. There is always a chance of speedy help. We must act however. on the basis of detention for an indefinite period. am discussing appearances as they are. A survey of the island may change all these views
 'In what wayf"
 He turned and pointed to the sum. init of the tree covered hill behind them.
 From that point he said. Eve may see other and larger islands. If so they will certainly be inhabited. I am surprised this one is not
 He ended abruptly. They were los ing time Before Iris could join him he was already hauling large un damaged case out of the water.
 He laughed unmirthfully. Chan pagnew he said. "A good brand too.'
 This man was certainly an enigma Iris wrinkled her pretty forehead 1T the effort to place him in fitting cate gory. His words and accent were those of an educated gentleman. ye his actions and manners were studious ly uncouth when he thought she wa: observing him. The veneer of rough ness puzzled her That he was nat urally of refined temperament sh' knew quite well. not alone by percep ton. but by the plain evidence of hi' earlier dealings with her.
 To the best of her ability she silently helped in the work of salvage. They made queer collection. case ot champagne and another of brandy. ; box of books. a pair of night glasses. ! compass. several boxes Of ships bis