The Red Cloud chief., 1905-09-29

them of the manner In which he hit
upon the mine. The story sounded like
widest r~omance-this finding of a vol
canic dyke guarded by the bones of
-. s." and the poison filed quarry
but the production of the ore samples
changed wonder into certainty.
Next day n government metallurgist
estimated the value of the contents of
the two oil tins at about $500, yet the
specimens brought from the island
were not by any means the richest
available.
And now there Is not much more to
tell of Rainbow island and its cast
Always. On the day that Captain
Robert Anstruther's- name appeared I'm
the Gazette, reinstating him to his
rank and regiment, Iris and he were
married in the English church at Hong
kong, for it was his wife's wish that
the place which witnessed his igno-
miny should also witness his triumph.
Soon afterward Robert resigned his
commission. He regretted the neces-
sity, but the demands Of his new
sphere in life rendered this step i'm
perative. Mining engineers, laborers,
stores, portable houses, engines and
equipment were obtained with all
haste, and the whole party sailed on
one of Sir Arthur Dcane's ships to con-
voy n small steamer specially hired to
attend to the wants of the miners.
At last, II evening early in July,
the two vessels anchored outside Palm
Tree rock, and Mir Jan could be seen
running frantically about the shore,
for NJ valid reason save that he could
not stand still. The sahib brought him
good news. The governor Of Hong
kong felt that any reasonable request
made by Anstruther should be granted
If possible. lie had written such a
strong representation of the Moham-
medan's ease to the government of In
dia that there was little doubt the re-
turning mail would convey an official
notification that Mir Jan had been
granted n free pardon.
The mining experts verified Roberts
most sanguine views after a very brief
examination of the deposit. Hardly
any preliminary work was needed. In
t~wenty-four hours a small concentrat-
ing plant was erected and a ditch
made to drain off the carbonic AMY
bride in the valley. After dusk a par
ty Of coolies cleared the quarry of its
former occupants. Toward the close
of the following day, when the great
steamer once more slowly turned her
head to the northwest, Iris could hear
the steady thud Of IN engine at work
on the first consignment Of ore.
Robert had been busy up to the last
moment. There was so much to be
| done in a short space Of time. The
vessel carried a large number Of pas
scngers, and he did not wish to de-
tain them too long, though they II
and all expressed their willingness to
suit his convenience in this respect.
Now his share Of the necessary prep
arations was concluded. His wife, Sir
Arthur and his uncle were gathered in
a corner of the promenade deck when
he approached and told them that his
last instruction ashore was for a light
to be fixed on Summit rock as soon as
the dynamo was in working order.
"When we all come back in the cold
weather." he explained ~gleefully, 1--WE
will not initiate the Sirdar by running
on to the reef should we arrive by
night"
Iris answered not. Her blue eyes
were fixed on the fast receding cliffs.
Sweetheart" said her husband,
"why are you so silent?"
She turned to him. The light Of the
setting sun illumined her face with its
golden radiance.
Because / am so happy" she said.
ooh, Robert, dear, so happy and
thankful"