Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1905-06-06

broadcast through the sky by the yet
invisible sun, the sailor was aroused
by tie quiet fluttering Of bird about
to settle Oh the rock, but startled by
the sight Of him.
His faculties were at once on the
alert, though he little realized the dan.
ger betokened by the birds rapid dart
into the void. Turning first to peer al
Iris, he satisfied himself that she was
still asleep. Her lips were slightly
parted in smile. She might be
dreaming of summer and England. He
noiselessly wormed his way to the
verge Of the rock and looked down
through the grass roots.
The Dyaks were already stirring.
Some were replenishing the fire, Others
were drawing water, cooking, eating,
smoking long thin stemmed pipes with
absurdly small bowls or oiling their
limbs and weapons with impartial en-
ergy. The chief yet lay stretched on
the sand, but when the first beams of
the sun gilded the waters man
stopped over the PROSTATE form and
said something that caused the sleeper
to rise stitfly, supporting himself on
his uninjured arm. They at once went
or together toward Europa point.
"They have found the boat" thought
jerks. "Well, they are welcome to ak
k1,n ,nf l,
The chief gave some order, at which
they all hung back sheeplshly. Cursing
them in choice Malay, the chief seized
a thick faggot and strobe in the direc-
ton Of the cave. Goaded into activity
by his truculent demeanOr, some fol-
lowed him, and jerks. unable to see,
but listening anXiously, knew that they
were tearing the cheval de frise from
its supports. Nevertheless none of the
working party entered the excavation.
They feared the parched bones that
shone by night.
AS he had not been able to complete
the communicating shaft it was not
now of vital Importance should the
Dyaks penetrate to the interior. Yet
he thanked the good luck that had
showered such Il heap Of rubbish over
the spot containing his chief stores and
covering the vein Of gold. Wild as
these fellows were, they well knew the
value of the precious metal, and II by
chance they lighted upon such well
defined lode they might not quit the
island for weeks.
At last on command from the chief
the Dyaks scattered in various direc-
tions. Some turned toward Europa
point. but the majority went to the
east along Turtle beach or by way Of
the lagoon. Prospect park was desert
ed. They were securing both sections
of the island in full force.
The quiet watcher on the ledge took
no needless risks. Though it was i'm
possible to believe any stratagem had
been planned for his special benefit. an
accident might betray him. With the
utmost circl Inspection lie rose on all
fours and, with comprehensive glance,
examined trees, plateau and both strips
Of beach for signs of lurking foe. lie
need have no fear. or all places in the
island the Dyaks least imagined that
their quarry had lain I'LL night within
earshOt of their encampment.
jerks slid back down the ledge and
gently wakened Iris. She sat up in
stantly and guZed ut him with wonder
ing eyes.
Fearful lest she should forget her
surroundings, he placed warming fin
ger OH his lips.
oh" she said in a whisper, "are
they still liere?'
He told her what had happened and
suggested that they should have some
thing to eat while the coast WAS clear
beneath. She needed 10 second bid
ding, for the long vigil of the previous
night had made her very hungry, and
the two breakfastcd right royalty on
biscuit, cold fowl, ham and good water.
In this, the inner section OF their ref
uge, they could be seen only by bird
or by man standing on the distant
rocky shelf that formed the southern
extremity of the opposite cliff, and the
sailor kept close lookout In that d.
rectiOn.
Iris was about to throw the remains
Of tie feast into an empty oil tin pro-
vided for refuse when jerks restrained
her.
NO" lie said smilingly. Scraps
should be the first course next time.
We must not waste an atom of food"