Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-12-13
4 4 6be Wings q the
a.: "A Nv o By LOUIS
::# fAA ~ rpHTA - a TRACY
g.: 4 GO4 ENxx ~ Copyright, 1905 by
~: ~ Edward J. Code
CHAPTER XIII.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES:

q vssrT-rr:.Hee cs2.xcA>0l
CHAPTER XIII.
C@n RESIDENTS in tropical countries
know that the heat is greatest,
IkA or certainly least bearable, be-
L. tween 2 and o'clock in the
afternoon.
At the conclusion Of not very lus-
cious repast Jerks suggested that they
should rig UP the tarpaulin in such
wise us to gain protection from the
sun and vet enable him to cast n
watchful eye over the valley. Iris help
ed to raise the great canvas sheet on
the supports he had prepared. Once
shut off from the devouring rays, the
hot breeze then springing into fitful
existence cooled their blistered but per-
spring skin and made life somewhat
tolerable.
Still adhering to his policy of COM
batting the first enervating attacks Of
thirst. the sailor sanctioned the con-
sumption of the remaining water. As
a last desperate expedient to be re-
sorted to only in case of sheer necessi-
ty. he uncorked bottle Of champagne
and filled the tin cup. The sparkling
wine, with its volume Of creamy foam,
looked SO tempting that Iris would
then and there have risked its potency
were she not promptly withheld.
jerks explained to her that when the
wine became quite fiat and insipid they
might use it to moisten their parched
lips. Even SO, in their present super
heated state. the liquor was unques-
honably dangerous, but he hoped it
would not harm them II taken in mi
mute quantities.
Accustomed now to implicitly accept
his advice, she fought and steadily con-
quered the craving within her. Oddly
enough, the "thawing" of their scorch-
ed bodies beneath the tarpaulin brought
a certain degree, Of relief. They were
supremely uncomfortable. but that was
as naught compared with the relaxa
ton from the torments previously
borne
For long time-the best part Of an
hour, perhaps-they remained silent.
The sailor was reviewing the pros
and cons of their precarious condition.
1t would, Of course, be matter Of su-
preme Importance were the Indian to
be faithful to his promise. Here the
prospect was decidedly hopeful. The
man was an old soldier, ar the ex-
officer of native cavalry knew how en-
during was the attachment Of this poor
convict to home and military service.
Probably at that moment the Moham-
medan was praying to the prophet and
his two nephews to aid him in rescuing
the sahib and the woman whom the
sahib held SO dear, for the all wise and
all powerful Indian government is very
merciful to offending natives who thus
condone their former crimes.
But, howsoever willing he might be,
what could one man do among so
many? The Dyaks We're hostile to him
in race and creed, and assuredly in
furiated against the foreign devil who
had killed or wounded in round num-
bers one-fifth Of their total force. Very
likely the hapless Mussulman would
lose his life that night in attempting
to bring water to the foot Of the rock.
Even If the man succeeded in eluding
the vigilance Of his present associates,
where was the water to come from?
There was none on the island save
that in the well. In all likelihood the
Dyaks had store in the remaining
sampans, but the native ally Of the
beleaguered pair would have task Of
exceeding difficulty in obtaining one
Of the Jars or skins containing it.
Again, granting all things went well
that night, what would be the final
outcome Of the struggle? How long
could Iris Withstand the exposure, the
strain, the heartbreaking misery Of
the rock?
He shook restlessly, not aware that
the girls sorrowful glance, luminous
with love and pain, was fixed upon
him. Summarily Diminishing these girls
" phantoms Of the mind, he asked
himself what the Mohammedan exact
~ meant by warning him against the
trees on the right and the ..silent
death" that might come from them. He
was about to crawl forth to the lip of
the rock and investigate matters in
that locality when Iris. who also was
busy with her thoughts, restrained him.
"Wait little WHILE" she said. "None
Of the Dyaks will venture into the open
until night falls. And I have some
thing to say to you"
There was quiet solemniry in her
voice that jerks had never heard be-
fore. 1t chilled him. His heart ac-
quick sense Of evil omen.
He raised himself slightly and turned
toward her. Her face, beautiful and
serene beneath its disfgurements, wore
an expression Of settled purpose For
the life of him be dared not question
her.
"That man, the interpreter" she said,
told you that if were given up to the
chief he and his followers would go
away and modest you no more.''
His forehead scanned with sudden
anger.
"a mere bait," he protested. "In any
event it is hardly worth discussion"
And the answer came, clear and res
olute:
II think will agree to those terms"
At first he regarded her with undis-
guised and wordless amaZement. Then
the appalling thought darted through
his brain that she contemplated this