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

marry him, know. can trust you"
II am very much obliged to you,"
murmured the baronet, who, notwith-
standing his worry, was far too expert
enced man of the world not to ac-
knowledge the good sense of this ad-
vice, no matter how ruffianly might be
the guise of the strange person who
gave it.
'"rhat is settled, then," said Robert,
laughing good naturally, for he well
knew what a weird spectacle he must
present to the bewildered old gentle
man.
Even Sir Arthur Deane was fascinat-
ed by the ragged and hairy giant who
carried himself SO masterfully and
helped everybody over the stile at the
right moment. He tried to develop the
change in the conversation.
"By the way" he said, chow came
you to be on the Sirdar? 1 have list
Of oil the passengers and crew, and
your name does not appear therein"
..Oh, that is easily accounted for. 1
shipped as steward in the name of
Robert jerks"
"Robert jerks! A steward"
Eyes. That forms some part Of the
promised explanation"
Iris rapidly gathered the drift of her
lovers wishes.
"Come, father" she cried merrily.
II am aching to see what the ships
stores, which you and Robert pin your
faith to, can do for me IN the shape of
garments. l have the utmost belief in
the British navy, and even skeptic
should be convinced Of its infallibAity
II H. N. s. Orient is able to provide u
lady's outfit"
Sir Arthur Deane gladly availed him
self Of the proffered compromise. He
assisted Iris into the boat, though TINT
active young person was far better
able to support him, and word to the
officer in command sent the gig flying
back to the ship. Anstruther during u
momentary delay made smtnl request
on his own account. Lieutenant Play
don, nearly as big man Us Robert,
dispatched note to his servant and
the gig speedily returned with n COM
plete assortment Of clothing and linen.
The man also brought dressing case,
with the result that Dip in the bath
and ten minutes in the hands of IN ex-
pert valet made Anstruther q new man.
Acting under his advice, the bodies
Of the dead were thrown into the To-
COON, the wounded were collected in
the hut, to be attended to by the ships
surgeon, and the prisoners were parad-
cd in front OF Mir Jan. who identified
every man and found by counting
heads that none was missing.
Robert did not forget to write out u
formal notice and fasten 1t to the rock,
This proceeding further mystfied the
| officers Of the Orient, who had gradual
ly formed connected idea of the great
fight made by the shipwrecked pair,
though Anstruther squirmed inwardly
when he thought Of the manner in
which Iris would picture the scene.
| AS it was, he had the first innings. and
| he did not fail to use the opportunity
In the few terse words which the mill.
tant Briton best understands he de
scribed the girls fortitude, her untlag.
cling cheerfulness. her accomplishing
readiness, to do and dare.
When he ended, the first lieutenant
who commanded the boats sent in pur.
suit of the flying Dyaks-the Orient
thnv
were launched-summedu up the gener.
al verdict:
'You do not need our admiration
| Captain Anstruther. Each man of u
envics you from the bottom Of his
SOUL"
There IS On error about my rank,
he said. II did once hold commission
in the Indian army. but was court
martialed and cnshiered in Hongkone
six months ago. l was unjustly con
victed on a grave charge, and I hope
some day to clear myself. Meanwhile
am a mere civilian. It was only
Miss Deane's generous sympathy
which led her to mention my forme
rank, Mr.. Playdon." Dr.
Had another Of the Orient's twelv'
FOUNDER shells suddenly burst in tn
midst of the group of officers 1t woult
have created less dismay than this un
\ expected svowal. Court martilled
Cashiered! None but service mai
can grasp the awful significance o
those words to the commissioned rank
Of the army and navy.
Anstruther well knew what he wa
doing. Somehow he found nothing har'
in the performance Of these penance
now. OF course the ugly truth mus
be revealed the moment Lord Ventno
heard his name. 1t was not fair to th
good fellows crowding around him an,
Offering every attention that the fran
hospitality of the British sailor coul
suggest to permit them to adopt tn
tone Of friendly equality which rigi
discipline IL nothing else would not a
low them to maintain.
The first lieutenant by reason Of hi
rank was compelled to say something.
THAT is devilish bad Job, Mr.. Al
struther," he blurted out.
"weil, you know had to tell you"
He smiled unaffectedly at the wor
dering circle. He, too. was an Office
and appreciated their sentiments. The
were unfeignedly sorry for him, ma
SO brave and modest, such splendi
type of the soldier and gentleman, We
by their common law IN outcast. No
could they wholly understand his d.
meanor. There was noble dignity i
his eandor, conscious innocence tina
disdained to shield itself under PAL
tial truth.
The first lieutenant again phrase
the thoughts Of his juniors.
II and every other man in the shi
cannot help but sympathize with 20,
But whatever may be your record
you we're an escaped convict, Mr.. Al
struther-no one could withhold fror
you the praise deserved for your mag
niflcent stand against overwhelmin
odds. Our duty is plain. We will brin
you to Singapore. where the others Wi
no doubt wish to go Immediately.
will tell the captain what you have bee