The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1905-03-22

The bodies aoere shot into the lagoon.
very cold at night in this latitude. A
chill would mean fever and perhaps
DEATH
She covertly watched his prepara-
tons. He tore a dry leaf from note
book and broke the bullet out Of a
cartridge, damping the powder with
water from a pitcher plant. Smearing
the composition on the paper, he placed
it in the sun, where it dried at once.
He gathered small bundle Of with
cred spines from the palms and arrang-
ed the driftwood on top, choosing a
place for his bonfire just within the
shade. Then inserting the touch pa
per among the spines he unscrewed
one of the lenses Of the binoculars,
converted it into burning glass and
had a fine blaze roaring merrily IN
few minutes. With the aid Of pointed
sticks he grilled some slices Of ham,
cut with his clasp knife, which be first
carefully cleaned in the earth. The
biscuits were Of the variety that be-
come soft when toasted, and so he bal
anced few by stones near the fire.
Iris forgot her annoyance in her in
terest. A most appetizing smell filed
the air. They were having a picnic
amidst delightful surroundings. Yes
terday at this time She almost yielded
to a rush Of sentiment, but forced 1t
back with instant determination. Tears
were a poor resource, unmindful OF
Gods goodness to herself and her COM
panion. Without the sailor, what
would have become Of her, even were
she thrown ashore while still living?
She knew none Of the expedients which
seemed to be at his command.
"Can I do nothing toahelp" she ex-
claimed. So contrite was her tone that
jerks was astonished.
EYES," he said, pointing to the dish
cover. "If you polish the top Of that
with your sleeve it will serve as
plate. Luncheon is ready"
He neatly dished up two slices OF
ham on a couple Of biscuits and hand
ed them to her with the clasp knife.
81 can depend on my fingers" he ex-
planned. ''It will not be the first time"
"Have you led an adventurous life"
she asked, by way of polite conversa-
ton.
"No," he growled.
.I only thought so because you ap-
pear to know all sorts Of lodges for
prolonging existence-things I never
heard Of.
"Broiled ham-and biscuits-for In
stance?"
At another time Iris would have
snapped at him for the retort. Still
humbly regretful for her previous at
titude. she answered meekly:
Eyes, in this manner Of cooking them.
I mean. But there are other items
methods Of lighting fires. finding water,
knowing wnat fruits and other articles
may be found on a desert island, such
rs plant::ins and cocoanuts and certain
sorts of birds.
When the meal was ended jerks
~nrang lightly to his feet. Rest and
food had restored his faculties. The
girl thought dreamily, as he stood
there in his rough attire, that she had
never seen finer man. He was tall,
sinewy and well formed. In repose his
face was pleasant, if masterful. Its
somewhat sullen, self contained ex-
preston was occasional and acquired.
She wondered how he could be so ener-
getic. Personally she was consumed
with sleepiness.
He produced revolver.
'.Do you mind if fire / shot to test
these cartridges?'' he inquired. 1.-The
powder is all right, but the illuminate
in the caps may be damaged"
She agreed promptly. He pointed
che weapon at q cluster Of cocoanuts.
and there was loud report. Two nuts
fell to the ground, and the air was fill
ed with shrill screams and the tapping
Of innumerable wings. Iris was mo-
mentarily dismayed, but her senses
confirmed the sailors explanation =
''Sea BIRDS"
"Can you use revolver? he asked.
"My father taught me. he thinks
every woman should know how to de-
fend herself if need be-"
Excellent Well, Miss Deane, you
must try to sleep for couple Of hours.
purpose examining the coast for some
distance on each side. Should you
want me, shot will be the best sort
of signal"
81 am very tired" she admitted.
"But you?"
ooh, am all right! I feel restless
that is, I mean I will not be able to
sleep until night comes, and before we
climb the hill to survey our domain l
want to find better quarters than we
now possess
Perhaps were she less fatigued she
would have caught the vague anxiety,
the note of distrust, in his voice. But
the carpet of sand and leaves on which
she lay was very seductive. Her eyes