Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-07-25

wrenched from its socket. With this he pried open the strong outer cover and revealed the contents-regulatiOn boxes of ammunition, each containing 300 rounds.
 "Ah." he cried Now we want some rifles
 What good would they be?" inquir- ed Iris.
 He softly denounced himself as a fool, but he answered at once: ITO shoot birds, of course, Miss Deane. There are plenty here, and many of them are edible.''
 They worked in silence for another hour The sun was nearing the zenith. They were distressed with the increas- ing heat of the day. Jenks secured a ham and some biscuits, some pieces of driftwood and the binoculars and invit- ed Miss Deane to accompany him to the grove She obeyed without word. though she wondered how he proposed to light fire To contribute some thing toward tie expected feast she picked up a dish cover and a bottle of champagne.
 The sailor eyed the concluding item with disfavor Not while the sun is up." he said. "In the evening, yes.'
 Tt was for you." explained Iris cold ly. q do not drink wine.'
 You must break the pledge while you are here, Miss Deane. It is often very cold at night in this latitude. A chill would mean fever and perhaps death."
 She covertly watched his prepara- tions. He tore dry leaf from note book and broke the bullet out of a cartridge, damping the powder with water from a pitcher plant. Smearing the composition on the paper, he placed it in the sun, where it dried at once He gathered a small bundle of with cred spines from the palms and arrang ed the driftwood on top, choosing a place for his bonfire just within the shade. Then inserting the touch pa per among the spines he unscrewed one of the lenses of the binoculars. converted it into burning glass and had fine blaze roaring merrily in a few minutes. With the aid of pointed sticks he grilled. some slices of ham, cut with his clasp knife. which he first carefully cleaned in the earth. The biscuits were of the variety that be- come soft when toasted, and so he bal anced few by stones near the fire.
 Iris forgot her annoyance in her in- terest. A nest appetizing smell filled the air. They were having picnic amidst delightful surroundings. Yes- terday at this time She almost yielded to a rush of sentiment. but forced 1t back with instant determination. Tears were a poor resource. unmindful of Gods goodness to herself and her con- panion. Without the sailor. what would have become of her. even were she thrown ashore while still living? She knew none of the expedients which seemed to be at.his command.
 Gan do nothing to help? she ex- claimed. So contrite was her tone that Jenks was astonished.
 Yes" he said. pointing to the dish cover. If you polish the top of that with your sleeve 1t will serve as a plate. Luncheon is ready
 He neatly dishcd up two slices of ham on a couple of biscuits and hand ed them to her with the clasp knife.
 I can depend on my fingers" he ex- plained. Tt will not be the first time'
 Have you led an adventurous life?' she asked. by way of polite conversa- tion.
 No" he growled.
 ''I only thought so because you ap- pear to know all sorts of dodges for prolonging existence-things I never heard of.
 "Broiled ham-and biscuits-for in- stanceF
 At another time Iris would have snapped at him for the retort. Still humbly regretful for her previous at- titude. she answered meekly:
 "Yes, In this manner of cooking them, I mean. But there are other items methods of lighting fires. fnding water, knowing what fruits and other articles may be found on 8 desert island. such as plantains and cocoanuts and certain sorts of birds"
 When the meal was ended Jenks sprsng lightly to his feet. Pest and food had restored his faculties. The girl thought dreamily. as he stood there in his rough attire. that she had never seen q finer man. He was tall. sinewy and well formed. Tn repose his face was pleasant. if masterful. Its somewhat sullen. self contained ex- pression was occasional and acquired. She wondered how he could be so ener. getic Personally she was consumed with sleepiness.
 He produced revolver.
 Do you mind if fire shot to test these cartridges:' he inquired The powder is all right. but the illuminate in the caps may be damaged"
 She agreed promptly. He pointed the weapon at a cluster of cocoanuts. and there was loud report Two nuts fell to the ground. and the air was fill cd with shrilI screams and the Tapping of innumerabIe wings. Iris was mo- mentarify dismayed. but her senses confirmed the sailors explanation - Sea birds
 Can you use a revolverT' he asked.
 My father taught me. He thinks every woman should know how tO de- fend herself If need be-
 Excellent Well. Miss Deane. you