Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-12-20
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CHAPTER xv.-continued.

80. 1ii :: :,
CHAPTER XV.-Continued.
The baronet could not fail to note
the manner In which these two adj
dressed each other, the fearless love
which leaped from eye to eye, the calm
acceptance of relationship not to be
questioned or gainsaid. Robert and
Iris. without spoken word on the sub
ject, had tacitly agreed to avoid the
slightest semblance of subterfuge as
unworthy alike Of their achievements
and their love.
your suggestion is admirable" cried
Sir Arthur "The ships stores may
provide Iris with some sort Of rig-Out,
and an old friend of hers is on board at
this moment, little expecting her pres
ence. Lord Ventnor has accompanied
me in my search. He will. Of course.
be delighted
Anstruther flushed deep bronze, but
Iris broke in:
Father. why did he come with your"
Sir Arthur. driven into this sudden
sqnall of explanation, became digni-
fed.
"Well. you see, my dear, under the
circumstances he felt an anxiety al
most commensurate with my own"
But why. why?"
Iris was quite calm. With Robert
near, she was courageous. Even the
perturbed baronet experienced new
sensation as his troubled glance fell be-
fore her searching eyes. His daughter
had left him joyous, needless girl.
He found her woman, strong, self re-
liant, purposeful Yet he kept on,
choosing the most straightforward
means as the only honorable way Of
clearing q course so beset with unsus-
pected obstacles.
sit is only reasonable, Iris. that your
afflanced husband should suffer an ag-
ony of apprehension on your account
and do all that was possible to effect
your rescue
Notwithstanding
''Well, my dear girl, perhaps that is
hardly the correct phrase from your
point of view. Yet you cannot fail to
remember that Lord Ventnor"-
Father, dear" said Iris solemnly,
but in voice free from oil uncertain
ty, my aflanced husband stands here!
We plighted our troth at the very gate
Of death. 1t was ratified in the pres
ence Of God and has been blessed by
him. l have made no compact with
Lord ventnor. He is base and I'M
worthy man. Did you but know the
truth concerning him you would not
mention his name in the same breath
with mine. Would he, Roberto"
"Be advised by me, Sir Arthur, and
you, too, Iris" he said. This is no
hour for explanations. Leave me to
deal with Lord Ventnor. am content
to trust the ultimate verdict to you, Sir
Arthur You will learn in due course
all that has happened. Go on board,
Iris. Meet Lord Ventnor as you would
meet any other friend. You will not
marry him, l know. I can trust you. .
II am very much obliged to you,"
murmured the baronet, who, notwith-
standing his worry, was far too expert
enced man Of the world not to ac-
knowledge the good sense of this adj
vice, no matter how rufiianly might be
the guise Of the strange person who
gave it.
"That is settled, then" said Robert,
laughing good naturally, for he well
knew what weird spectacle he must
present to the bewildered old gentle
man.
Even Sir Arthur Deane was fascinat-
ed by the ragged and hairy giant who
carried himself so masterfully and
helped everybody over the stile at the
right moment. He tried to develop the
change in the conversation.
.'By the way" he said, "how came
you to be on the Sirdar? I have list
Of all the passengers and crew, and
your name does not appear therein"
"Ohktha is easily accounted for.
shippe& as a steward in the name OF
Robert jerks"
"Robert jerks! A steward!'
Eyes. That forms some part OF the
promised explanation"
Iris rapidly gathered the drift OF her
lovers wishes.
"Come, father" she cried merrily.
II am aching to see what the ships
stores, which you and Robert pin your
faith to, can do for me in the shape OF
garments. l have the utmost belief III
the British navy, and even a skeptic
should be convinced of its infallibility
if II. M. S. Orient is able to provide a
lady's outfit"
Sir Arthur Denne gladly availed him
self of the proffered compromise. He
assisted Iris into the boat, though that
active young person was far better
able to support him, and word to the
officer in command sent the gig flying
back to the ship. Anstruther during q
momentary delay made small request
on his own account. Lieutenant Pay
don, nearly as big a man as Robert,