Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1905-04-25

harsh note clashed with her frank
cai.sor. Here ut least she was utterly
deceived. His changeful moods were
incomprehensible.
IL will serve you to the best Of my
ability. Miss Deane," lie exclaimed.
I'VE must hope for speedy rescue,
and | am Injured to exposure. 1t is
otherwise with you. Are you ready for
the climb!"
The crest of the hill was tree covered.
and they could see nothing beyond
their immediate locality until tie sailor
found point higher than tie rest.
where q rugged collection of hard ba-
salt and the upr0Oting Of some poon
trees provided an open space elevated
above the ridge.
For short distance the foothold was
precarious. jerks helped Tie gil in
this part Of the climb. His at"jl-,
gentle grasp gave her confidence. she
was flushed with exertion VIXEN they
stood together Oh the summit OF this
elevated perch. They could Look to
every point Of the compass except Il
small section OH the southwest. iierc
the trees rose behind them until the
brow Of the precipice was reached.
The eme 'gcnce into Il Sunlit pano-
rama Of land and sea. though e:..,cc;ed,
was profoundly enthralling. The APP
peared to stand almost exactly in the
center Of the island. which was cres-
cent shaped. 1t WAS no larger THAN the
sailor had estimated. The new slopes
now revealed were corc:eG with YER
iure down to the very edge Of the wa
ter. which for nearly II mile seaward
broke over jagged reefs. Tie Sci look
ed strangely calm from this lei%ht.
Irregular blue patches on the horizon
to south and east caught the mans
first glance. He unslung the binocu-
lars lie still carried and focused them
eagerly.
"Islanls." he cried, land big ones
too!'
How .odd. whispered Iris. more
concerned in tie scrutiny Of her inme-
date surroundings. jerks glanced ut
her sharply She was not looking ut
the islands, but ut curious hollow. q
quarry-like depression beneath them to
the right. distant about COD yards and
not far removed from the small pla-
team containing the well, though iso-
lated from it by the south angle of the
main cliff.
Here. in great circle. there WIS not
a vestige of grass. shrub or tree. moth
ing save brown rock and sand. At first
the sailor deemed it to be the dried up
bed of small lake. This hypothesis
would not serve. else 1t would be
choked with verdure. The pit stared
up ut them like an ominou' eye. though
neither paid further attention to it. 70:
the Curious prospect mapped ut their
feet momentarily swept aside all Sshe.
considerations.
"What beautiful place.! murmured
Iris. Il wonder what it Is callel.
Suppose we christen it Rainbow is
land:"
why Rainbow"
THAT is the English meaning OF
Iris in Latin. you know"
$50 it is. How clever OF you to think
of it. Tell me. what is the meaning OF
'RGbct' In Creek"
He turned to survey the northwest
81 e nf t..:c .;llnl. Il do not know he
an wtrcll. 1T might not be farfctched
t. t'aaSl t. Is as Il ships steward,
mcaill.'"
Ms Iris had meant her playful re-
tort rs a mere light hearted bubble. II
any :.'c! her. young person of much
con; .r'cuce. to have her kindly con
desccEsJn "epe!!ed.
IL suppose So" she agreed. but !
have gone through 50 much in Il few
hours that | am bcwi,,crcd. art 10 for
get these nice distinctions.
jerks was closely examining the reef
ON which the Sirdar struck. Some
square objects were visible near the
palm tree. The sun. glnting or the
waves. rendered 1t difficult to discern
Their significance.
"What do YOU make of th0sc!' he in
uuired. handbag the glass;; an bland
ly ignoring Miss Deanes retulance.
Her brain was busy with other things
while she twisted the binoculars to
suit her vision. Rainbow island-Iris-
II was n nice conceit. but "menlal
struck disc0rdnnt note. This man
WAS no menal in appearance or speech
Why was he so deliberately rude!
II think they are boxes or packing
cases." size announced.
"Ah. that WAS my own idea! | must
visit that locality"
"IOw? Will you swim"
"No." he said. his stern lips relaxing
In smile: Il will not swim. and. by
the way. Miss Deane. be careful wheE
you are near the water The lagoon
is swarmng with sharks at present.
feel :n.crably assured that mt low
tide. wheh tie remnants OF the gale
have vanished. | will be able to walk
there along the reef
Sharks" she cried. I'm there.
What horrible surprises this spc'k OF
land contains! | should not have I'M
agined that sharks and seals could
live together
"You are quite right" he explained.
with becoming gravity "As Il rule.
sharks infest only the leeward side OF
these islands. Just now they are ut
tracted in shoals by the wreck"
OH Iris shivered slightly.
"We had better 20 back now. The
wind IS keen here. Miss Deane."
She knew that lie purposcly misun'
dcrs,ood her gesture His attitude con
veycd rebuke. There was no further