Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-04-19
CHAPTER ri.

SlliAI Al.
4|A HE sailor knew so accurately
the position of his reliable sen
tinels that he could follow each
~ phase of the imaginary conflict
on the other side Of the island. The
first outbreak Of desultory firing died
away amidst chorus Of protest from
every feathcrcd inhabitant of the isle,
so jerks assumed that the Dyaks had
gathered again on the beach after rid
ding the scarecrows with bullets or
slashing them with their heavy razor
edged swords.
A hasty council was probably held,
and, notwithstanding their fear of the
silent company in the hollow, an adj
vance was ultimately made along the
beach. Within few yards they en-
countered the invisible cord of the
third spring gun. There was n report
and another fierce outbreak of mus
kerry. This was enough. Not man
would move a step nearer that abode
of the dead. The next commotion
arose on the ridge near the North cape.
"At this rate of progress" said
jerks to the girl, "they will not reach
our house until daylight"
II almost wish they were here" was
the quiet reply. 81 find this waiting
and listening to be trying to the
nerves."
They were lying on number of
ragged garments hastily spread on the
ledge and peering intently into the
moonlit area of Prospect park. The
great rock itself was shrouded in SOM
Der shadows. Even if they stood up
1one could see them from the ground,
SO dense was the darkness enveloping
them.
He turned slightly and took her hand
1t was cool and moist. 1t no more
trembled than his own.
1.-THE Dyaks are far more scared than
you," he murmured, with laugh.
'Cruel and courageous as they are,
they dare not face spooll."
'Then what pity it is we cannot
conjurc up u ghost for their benefit.
All the spirits have ever read about
were ridiculous. Why cannot one be
useful occasionallyY"
The question set him thinking. I'm
known to the girl the materials for Il
dramatic apparltion were hidden amid
the bushes near the well. lie cudgeled
his brains to remember the stage eff
fect,, of Juvenile days, but these need
ed limelight, blue flares, mirrors, phos-
phorus.
The absurdity Of hoping to devise
any such accessories while perched on
ledge in remote island, a larger
reef of the thousands in the China sea,
tickled him.
"What is it," asked Iris.
He repeated his list Of missing stage
properties. They had nothing to do but
to wait, and people in the very crux
and maelstrom of existence usually
discuss trivial things.
81 don't know anything about phos
phorus," said the girl, but you can
obtain queer results from sulphur, and
there is an old box of Norwegian
matches resting ut this moment Oh the
shelf in my room. Don't you remem
Der? They We're in your pocket, and
you were going to throw them away.
Why, what are you doing!"
For jerks had cast the rope ladder
loose and was evidently about to de-
scend.
''Have no fear" he said. II will not
be away five minutes"
EFF you are going down must come
with you. will not be left here
alone."
"Pleaso do not stop me-" he whis-
pered earnestly. you must not come.
I will take no risk whatever. If you
remain here you can warn me instant
ly. With both of us on the ground we
will incur real danger. l want you to
keep sharp lookout toward Turtle
beach in case the Dyalks come that
way. Those who are crossing the Is
land will not reach us for long time"
She yielded, though unwillingly. She
was tremulous with anxiety on his ac-
count
He vanished without another word
She next saw him in the moonlight
near the well. He was rustling among
the shrubs, and he returned to the rock
with something white In his arms,
which he seemingly deposited at the
mouth of the cave. He went back to
the well and carried another similar
burden. Then he ran toward the
house. The doorway was not visible
from the ledge, and she passed few
horrible moments until low hiss be-
meath caught her ear. She could tell by
the creal Of the rope ladder that he
was ascending. AT last lie reached her
side, and she murmured, with a gasp
ing sob:
Don't go away ngain. cannot
stand It."
He thought It best to soothe her Gg!.
tation by arousing interest. Still haul
ing in the ladder with one hand, he
held out the other, on which luminous
wisps were writhing like glowworms'
ghosts.
you are responsible" he said. you
gave me an excellent idea, and 1 was
obliged to carry it out"
'What have you done?"
Arranged fearsome bogy in the
cave"