Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1905-08-28
CHAPTER III.

He was young fellow of two-and
twenty or 3d. frank and honest-loOk-
ing sailor. though his business was that
Of Il cunning kdnaper. He was armed
with revolver, ready to hand, and a
cutass hanging ut his side. Behind him
were four sailors. also armed, In readi-
ness for an attack. for Polynesians are
treacherous. But there were no island
ers in sight, only two Europeans-one n
tall man, dressed in fantastic imitation
of the natives: and the other, apparent
ly, an ordinary beachcomber. quite out
of luck, ragged, detected and haggard.
A little way off the land lay the schoon-
err His business was to enlist, kidnap.
procure or secure, by any means In the
power of the captain and the crew, az
many natives as the ship would hold. and
to bring them to North Queensland.
where they would be hired out to plant
ers.
ut is an unlucky voyage" said the
mate, gazing earnestly ut the two men
before him, whose appearance and the
contrast between them puzzled him.
1.-Two months out and Ave weeks becalm-
ed no business done. Say, how did you
come here?
For my part" said the German, 81
am a naturalist. | make butterflies my
special study. l have, believe. enriched
science with so many rare and previ,
ously unknown specimens, il | succeed
in getting them to Europe, that my name
will be certainly remembered In scien-
tiiic history as one Of those who have
advanced knowledge. can any man ask
more|"
How did you get such a rig, man?'
Won Holstein went on to explain, las
wei! as a naturalist. l therefore learned
the language before landing here, hav-
ing found a native or two Of New Ireland
In the mission Of the Duke Of York Isl
and. 1t Is great thing to know how
to talk with these black children. l am
also surgeon and physician 80 that l
can heal their wounds and their diseases
when they get any. You see, further,
that | am bigger than most men. am
also thorough. l adopted their dress, at
least some Of it, and therefore being
able to talk to them. l landed among
them without fear. When they came
round me with their spears l shouted to
them down from the SUM- And as
know little prestidigitation and conjur
ing, and am bit Of a ventriloquist, l
am from time to time able to work n few
of the simpler miracles; 80 that they
readily believe me-"
How long are you going to stay
hereY'
Il know not; New Ireland is rich in
new species; but | shall have to stop as
soon as my means Of collection and de-
scription come to an end. When that
day comes | shall be glad to see a ship
But it will not be yet"
They may kill you."
st is possible" the baron shrugged
his tall shoulders.
Have you no arms Y
81 have Il revolver, and my reputa-
ton for magic and sorcery.'
And how do you live"
"rhe people bring me food every day.
If they did not. | should afflict them
with horrible misfortunes. as they very
we'll know. | should tell them that in
three days such Il one would be dead
and then it would be that mans duty
to go away and die in fulfllment of
prophecy. | suppose his friends would
never speak to him again if he refused
to fulfill the words of the prophet. so
great is their faith. They bring me the
unripe coconnut for its milk; there are
fish Of every kind in the sea. which they
net and spear for me; there are kanga-
roo and cassowary on the hills. which
they snare and trap for me; there are
birds which they shoot for me; there are
mangoes, bread-fruit, bananas, yams.
sweet potatoes. ! assure You we feed
very well. Don't we, David:' He laid
his hand on the other mans shoulder.
1--WE have also tobacco There is, how
ever-which you regret, David, don't
you ?--no rum on the island"
as your-your--chum also Worship
ed asked the mate regarding David with
an obvious decrease of interest.
"No; David Is recognized as of infe-
rior clay This poor fellow was wrecked
upon the island; he came ashore on ~
plank, the rest Of the ships crew and
passengers having given indigestion to
the sharks. He is not happy here. and
he would like you to take him off the
island"
yes" said David. eagerly. but still
In his slow way. anywhere, so that !
can only get on my way to England"
He was just getting off his plank.
and the people were preparing to receive
him joyfully. warmly and Hospitality.
after their fashion; that Is to say, into
their pots--they have beautiful method
of cooking, in a Klnd OK sunKen pot,
which would greatly interest you if you
were a captive and expecting your turn
when fortunately arrived. and sue
ceeded. by promising an eclipse If I was
obeyed. in saving him. The eclipse ca me
in good time: but l had forgiven the
people for their momentary mutiny, and
I averted It's power for evil. So long as
David sticks close to me now he is safe.
If he leaves me- his end Is certain But
he is no use to me, and for certain rea-
sons I should very much prefer that he
was gone. VIII you take him?'
1.-THE ship doesn't carry passengers.
said the mate; "besides-"
HE is harmless. and you can trust
him not to make mischief. l will pay
for him If you like
What does he want to 60 home for?''
asked the mate. doubtfully. Indeed. the
appearance Of the man did not warrant
the belief that he would be welcomed
by his friends.
He has to pay a pilgrimage; he has
to deliver message before magistrate,
and to be subsequently elevated to a post
Of great distinction" said the baron.
"Humph." said the mate. He looks
as II he'd done something. Better keep
It -