Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-04-15


down again. asked the man, irreverentiy.
Isabel was silent
They secured some of the lifeboat rations
and wendell their way back to the others.
Shall we do like Robinson Crusoe tonight
and each hike up into a tree with rope lad
ders?' asked Bobby.
oh" cried Mrs. Vantyne, surely we will
not have to spend night in this placer"
Perhaps more than one. mother" Isabel
replied, and there was no, trace of fear in
her voice at the prospect.
Unless ship comes along we win I'M
doubtedly be obliged to remain, / regret to
say said Wickery, hypocritically, with
one eye on Isabel
with your permission will explore far
Their" he announced after breakfast. Man
Friday, at your service he added bowling
tremendously to Mrs. Vantyne.
1t was three hours before he returned.
but when he came into sight through the
palms on the shore side of the camp, ne
looked like a secondhand furniture store IN
motion. Under one arm he carried a much
battered piece Of furniture which had once
served as steamer chair. Over the other
hung an odd comfort or robe, made from
what looked like a tennis or fishing net,
filled with leaves and tied together with
string.
Isabel clapped her hands when he depos-
tied the furnishings.
Hello, Crichton," she called.
Crichton," he reiterated. the admi-
Bobby?'
Out DoDby, WIZ TeUdlUeu loyal W ItoUlii-
son Crusoe and Friday, failed to appreciate
the change.
Where did you get them?" asked Mrs.
Vantyne, curiously interested.
probably the chair was washed in from
a wreck on the ocean side of the island.
We're facing only small bay, said Wick
cry, pulling large pineapple out of his
pocket. And this for luncheon, madam"
handing her the fruit.
Sir Crichton, I fancy l will accompany
you on your next trip said Isabel.
oh, no. The jungle is far too thick for
you,' he said, holding up his hands, which
were really in bad shape. His clothes, too,
looked a tritie the worse for his trips
through the brush.
But can CO." announced Bobby, POM
pousy.
And leave your mother and sister unpro-
tected on desert island?'
No! no! Bobby" reproved his mother.
SO Wlckery once more tramped off alone,
this time to return with load even larger
than on the previous trips.
In a basket he carried heaps of oysters
which he said he raked in on the farther
shore. Over the frame of a dilapidated
camp stool he had stretched forlorn look
ing bit of carpet. A tin pan, another home
made blanket, two old china plates, cup
and fork made up the remainder of his
find.
I'VE now boast two chairs in our dining
room-dra wng-room- bedroom Kitchen" said
Isabel, setting the camp stool against
tree.
After dinner Wickery and Bobby built a
big fire to drive away the clouds of mos
qutoes, and they all sat around it, listen
ing to the weird sounds of insects and bird
life in the jungle.
Bobby, despite his efforts to appear man
ly, began to nod.
I'VE might as well accept the inevitable
Isabel began Mrs. Vantyne, land retire
in these barbarous surroundings"
"All right" acquiesced Isabel, loath to
leave the hreside-and Wickery. 1t was the
ina hD had +SoI
him iii all their long acquaintance.
Come, Bobby she called to the sleep
ing youngster.
Leave him to me. 1 will take care of
him." said Wickery. II have discovered a
nice, dry, secluded spot for your sleeping
apartments" he continued, leading the way.
The moon had risen over the water and
the air was still warm and soft.
Wickery left them with the cushions and
his curious hand wrought blankets. But
all the time his heart beating wildly,
madly. He wanted to lead Isabel down TO
the moonlight beach and tell her again ali
that she had checked on the Idler's deck,
but-he had changed his course of wooing.
Isabel. lying wide-eyed, reviewing the
eventful day and smiled happily. Every
thing Wickery did now was with a pur-
pose. and he would brook no interference.
Good morning, Crichton,'' she said next
morning, when they had been awakened
by the sun in their faces, and had made
such toilets as were possible on the island.
"As fresh as daisy, l see," returned
Wickery 'And as for you. Mrs. Vantyne-
the outdoor habit agrees with you. Bobby
here is as fit as a tWo-year-old on a frosty
track
ooh, what have we here?' Isabel ex-
claimed, her eye on a box covered with
table cloth in preparation for breakfast.
II was up early and went for hunt,
Wickery replied, without blushing. Those
are the various parts of-of a rabbit 1
trapped at daybreak,' he informed her
"Crichton, chef, at your service" he said,
with ceremony.
TASTES mighty like chicken" venturel
Bobby, between mouthfuls
Wickery shook his fist at him, mentally.
"And you have cut 1t up so queerly," COM
But you'll admit that it's good" added
Isabel.
"Tip-top," from Bobby.
Wickery breathed sigh of relief. II they
ever guessed
Before he left for jaunt into the jungle
for more spoils he caught a surprised look
of-yes, admiratio in lsabels eyes, look
which made his spirits touch the high spots
the underground.
Hello he cried, suddenly coming upon
a man in rough shooting clothes. DON'T
go farther that way, / beg you.
Folks over there?' asked the man.
Eyes! You keep away and Ill double
what l gave you yesterday
"All right. Good thing / found you: l
was just out for my own ramble, replied
the man, turning around.
well, just ramble back.
Suddenly Wickery turned around at the
sound of some one approaching through the
bushes
''Run-rln on, for your life, and get out
of sight, he whispered to the man.
The latter, wondering whether or not the
stranger were crazy, did as he was hidden.
Wickery turned around to face Isabel
some yards distant.
She looked him straight in the eyes as
she came toward him.
Hello" called Wickery.
Hello, Crichton,' she retorted, but Wick
cry caught a tinge of sarcasm in the tones
that fioated toward him.
'Who-Isnt this a desert isiand?" she
asked, suddenly, when she reached his side.
Wickery looked what he dared not say
Not when you are here" he replied softly.
You avoid a direct answer Weren't you
talking with some one when l came upon
your
Wickery hesitated. 1t was not admirable
to tell direct lie.
yes" he admitted.
"Who was it?'
''The care-taker of Col. John Caring
ton Smiths island home"
Home? Where?" cried Isabel.
lover on the ocean shore Wickery said