Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-05-24

sO w WsSb VsSs Ns 0<SSSs
is Captain Robert Anstruther, to whom
alone, under Gods will, owe my life
many. many times since the moment
the Sirdar was lost"
1t was no time for questioning. Sir
Arthur Deane took OF his hat and held
out his hand
Captain Anstruther," he said, ''as /
owe you my daughters life owe you
that which I can never repay. And
owe you my own life, too, for could not
have survived the knowledge that she
was Dead"
Robert took the pfonered hand.
II think, Sir Arthur, that Of the two
l am the more deeply Indebted. There
are some privileges whose value can
not be measured, and among them the
privilege Of restoring your daughter to
your arms takes the highest place"
Then he turned to Iris.
II think" he said, "that your father
should take you on board the Orient,
Iris. There you may perhaps find
some suitable clothing, eat something
and recover from the exciting events
of the morning. Afterward you must
bring Sir Arthur ashore again, and we
will guide him over the island. / am
suro you will find much to tell him
meanwhile"
The baronet could not fan to note
the manner in which these two adj
dressed each other, the fearless love
which leaped from eye to eye, the calm
acceptance Of relationship not 70 be
questioned or gainsaid. Robert and
Iris. without spoken word on the sub
Ject had tacitly agreed to avoid the
slightest semblance of subterfuKs a.
unworthy alike Of their achievements
and their love.
"Your suggestion ID admirable" cried
Sir Arthur. "The ships stores may
provide Ins with some sort Of ris.out,
and an old friend Of hers IL On board at
this moment, little expecting her pres
ence. Lord Ventnor has accompanied
me In my search. He will, Of course,
be delighted
Anstruther flushed deep bronze, but
Iris broke in:
Father, why did he come with your
Sir Arthur, driven into this sudden
squall OF explanation. became digni-
led.
well, you sec. my dear, under the
circumstances he felt an anxiety al
most commensurate with my own"
"But why, whyl"
Iris was quite calm. With Robert
near she was courageous. Even the
perturbed baronet experienced new
sensation rs his troubled glance fell be-
fore her searching eyes. His daughter
had left him a Joyous. needless girl.
He found her woman, strong, self re-
liant. purposeful. Yet he kept on,
choosing the most straightforward
means as the only honorable way of
clearing course 60 beset with unsus-
pected Obstacles.
ut is only reasonable, Iris. that your
afilanced husband should suffer an ag-
ony Of apprehension on your account
and DO ali that was possible 10 eject
your rescue"
sMy-afhanced-husbandr'
"Weli, my dear gin. perhaps that Is
hardly the correct phrase from your
point Of view. Yet you cannot fail to
remember that Lord Ventnor-
"Father. dear" said Iris solemnly,
but in voice free from all uncertain
ty, "my afianced husband stands here!
We plighted our troth at the very gate
of death. 1t was ratified in the pres
ence OF God and has been blessed by
him. have made no compact with
Lord ventnor. &c is base and un-
worthy man. Did you but know the
truth concerning him you would not
mention his name In the same breath
with mine. Would lie, Robert2"
"Be advised by lie, Str Arthur, ana
you, too, Iris" he said. "'rhis Is 10
hour for explanations. Leave me to
deal with Lord Ncntnor. am doiltent
to trust the ultimate verdict to you, Sir
Arthur. You will learn in due course
all that has happened. Go OH board
Iris. Meet Lord vcntnor us you would
meet any other friend. You will not