The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1905-05-26
TRACY
Copyright 1905. By
Edward }. CIods

preciated this side Of the business, espe-
cially In view of the shipowner's re-
mark about the insurance. But Sir
Arthur Deane's stiff upper lip deceived
him. He failed to realize that the IA
ther was acting part for his daugh-
ter's sake.
Oddly enough, the baronet did not
seek to discuss with them the legal
looking document affixed near the cave.
1t claimed all rights in the island In
their joint names, and this was topic
he wished to avoid. For the time,
therefore, the younger man had no OPP
portunity of taking him into his con-
fidence and Iris held faithfully to her
promise of silence.
The girls ragged raiment, sou'wester
and strong boots were already packed
away on board. She now rescued the
Bible, the battered tin cup, her re-
volver and the rifle which had scared
the Dyaks when they nearly caught
Anstruther and Mir Jan mapping. Rob
ert also gathered for her an assert
ment of Dyak hats, belts and arms, in
Guiding Taung SALTS parang and a
sumpitan. These were her trophies,
the spells of the campaign.
His concluding act was to pack two
Of the empty oil tins with all the val
liable Jumps of auriferous quartz he
could find where he shot the rubbish
from the cave beneath the trees. On
top Of these he placed some anthony
ore, and Mir Jan, wondering why the
sahib wanted the stuff, carried the con-
signment to the waiting boat Lieuten-
ant Playdon, in command Of the last
party of sailors to quit the island evil
IDENTIFY expected Mir Jan to accompany
them, but Anstruther explained that
the man would. await his return some
time in June or July.
Sir Arthur Deane found himself spec
ulating on the cause of this extraor-
binary resolve, but, steadfast to his
policy of avoiding controversial mat
tiers, said nothing. \ few words to
the captain procured enough stores to
keep the Mohammedan for six
months at least, and while these were
being landed the question was raised
how best to dispose of the Dyaks.
The commander wished to consult the
of his guests.
IF we go a little out Of our way and
land them in Borneo," he said, "they
will be hanged without troubling you
If l take them to Singapore
they will be tried on your evidence
and sent to penal servitude. Which Is
It to beT
1t was Iris who decided.
IL cannot bear to think of more lives
being sacrificed" she protested. per
haps If these men are treated merci-
fully and sent to their homes after
some punishment their example may
serve as deterrent to Others"
So 1t was settled that way. The an.
Choir ratified up to its berth, and the
Orient turned her head toward Singa-
pore. AS she steadily passed away in
to the deepening azure the girl and her
lover watched the familiar outlines of
Rainbow island growing dim in the
evening light. For long while the
could see Mir JAMS tall, thin figure
ON q rock at the extremity
Of Europa point. Their hut the reef,
The ledge, came into view as the cruis-
er swung round to a more northerly
course.
Iris had thrown an arm across her
fathers shoulders. The three were left
alone just then, and they were silent
FOR many minutes. At last the flying
niles merged the solitary palm beyond
the lagoon with the foliage on the cliff.
The wide cleft Of Prospect park grew
less distinct. Mir JAMS white clothed
figure was lost In the dark background.
The island was becoming vague,
a blurred memory.
Robert" said the girl devoutly,
God has been very good to us. Do
you remember this hour yesterday
she murmured. "How we suffered from
thirst; how the Dyaks began their Sec
Ond attack from the ridge; how you
climbed down the ladder and fol-
lowed you? Oh, father, darling" she
went on impulsively, tightening her
grasp, you will never know how brave
he was; how enduring; how he risked
all for me and cheered me to the end"
II think am beginning to under
stand now," answered the shipowner,
averting his eyes lest Iris should see
the tears in them. Their Calvary was
ended. they thought. Was 1t for him
to lead them again through the sorrow
full way? 1t was a heartrending task
that lay before him, task from which
his soul revolted. He refused even to
attempt 1t.
The explanation of the shipowner's
position was painfully simple. Being a
daring yet shrewd financier, he per-
ceived In the troubled condition of the
far east. magnificent opportunity to
consolidate the trading influence of his
company. He negotiated two big loans,
one of semiprivate nature to equip
docks and railways in the chief mari
time province Of China, the other of a
more public character with the govern
ment of Japan. All his own resources,
together with those of his principal di-
rectors and shareholders, were devoted
to these objects. Contemporaneously
he determined to stop paying heavy IN
surance premiums on his fleet and
make 1t self supporting on the well
known mutual principle.
His vessels were well equipped, well