The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1905-07-27

i DOIu0. -
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 a matter of SUI
preme Importance We're the Indian to
be faithful to his promise. Here the
prospect was decidedly hopeful. The
man was an old soldier, and the ex-
oHlcer 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 were 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-ffth 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 a task of
exceeding difficulty in obtaining one
of the jars or skins containing it.
Again, granting all things went we'll
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?
lie shook restlessly, not aware that
the girls sorrowful glance, luminous
with love and pain, was fixed upon
him. Summarily dismissing 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 lin 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 a quiet solemnity in her
voice that jerks had never heard be-
fore. 1t chilled him. His heart ac-
knoWledged quick sense of evil omen.
lie raised himself slightly and turned
toward her. Her face, beautiful and
serene beneath it's disfigurements. wore
an expression of settled purpose. For
the life of him he dared not question
her.
THAT man, the interpreter,' she said,
told you that if 1 were given up to the
chief lie and his followers would go
away and modest you no more.''
His forehead scanned with sudden
anger.
"a mere bait" he protested. In any
|
And the answer came, clear and res
olute:
Il 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
supreme sacrifice in order to save him.
A clammy sweat believed his brow,
but by sheer will power he contrived
to say:
"You must be mad to even dream of
such thing. Don't you understand
what it means to you-and to me? It
IS ruse to trap US. They are ungov-
erned savages. Once they had you in
their power they would laugh at a
promise made to me-
"You may be mistaken They must
have some sense Of fair dealing. Even
assuming that such was their inten-
ton, they may depart from it. They
have already lost a great many men.
Their chief, having gained his main
object, might not be able to persuade
them to take further risks. will make
1t part of the bargain that they first
supply you with plenty Of water. Then
you, unaided, could keep them at bay
for many days. We lose nothing; we
can gain a great deal by endeavorins
to pacify them.''
Girls" he gasped. "what are you
saying?"
The unexpected sound of her name
on his lips almost unnerved her. But
no martyr ever went to the stake with
more settled purpose than this pure
woman, resolved to immediate herself
for the sake Of the man she loved He
had dared all for her, faced death in
many shapes. Now it was her turn.
Her eyes were lit with seraphic fire,
her sweet face resigned as that of an
angel.
II have thought it out" she muir
INJURED, gazing at him steadily, yet
scarce seeing him. 1T is worth try
ing as last expedient. We are aban-
doned by all save the Lord and it does
not appear to be his holy will to help
| US on earth We can struggle on here