Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-02-15

fore the light fails. am convinced we
are alone here. 1t is small place at
the best, and if any Cinnamon were
ashore they would have put in an APP
pearance long since"
do you think, then, that we may re-
main here long?"
ut is impossible to form an opinion
on that point. Help may come in
day. On the other hand"-
"Yes?"
at is wise thing, Miss Deane to
prepare for other contingencies.
"Do you mean," she said slowly,
chat we may be imprisoned here for
weeks, perhaps months?'
"If you cast your mind back few
hours you will perhaps admit that we
are very fortunate to be here at ALL"
She whisked round upon him. "Do
not fence with my question, Mr.. jerks.
Answer me!'
He bowed. There was perceptible
| return of his stubborn cynicism when
he spoke.
1.-THE facts are obvious, Miss Deane.
The loss of the Sirdnr will not be
definitely known for many days. 1t
will be assumed that she has broken
down. The agents in Singapore will
await oabled tidings of her where
abouts. She might have drlfted any
where in that typhoon. Ultimately
they will send out vessel to search,
impelled to that course little earlier
by your fathers anxiety. Pardon me-
did not intend to pain you. I am
speaking my mind"
Go on" said Iris bravely.
1.-THE relief ship must search the ell
tire China sea. The gale might have
driven disabled steamer north, south,
east or west. A typhoon travels in
whirling spiral, you see, and the direc-
ton Of drifting ship depends wholly
upon the locality where she sustained
DAMAGE The coasts of China, Java,
Borneo and the Philippines are not
equipped with lighthouses OH every
headland and cordoned with telegraph
wires. There are river pirates and saw
age races to be reckoned with. Casting
aside all other possibilities and assum-
ing that prompt search is made to the
south Of our course, this part of the
ocean is full of reefs and small islands.
some inhabited permanently, others
visited occasionally by fishermen" He
was about to add something, but check
ed himself.
ITO sum up" he continued hurriedly,
I'VE may have to remain here for many
days, even months. There is always n
chance of speedy help. We must act,
however, on the basis of detention for
an indefinite period. ain discussing
appearances as they are. A survey of
the island may change all these views"
"In what way?"
He turned and pointed to the sum-
NIT Of the tree covered hill behind
them.
"From that point" he said, 1--WE may
see other and larger islands. If so,
they will certainly be inhabited. am
surprised this one is not"
He ended abruptly. They were los
ing time. Before Iris could join him
he was already hauling large I'M
damaged case out of the water.
He laughed unmirthfully. "Cham-
pagne!' he said. "a good brand too!
This man was certainly an enigma.
Iris wrinkled her pretty forehead in
the effort to place him in fitting cate
CORY. His words and accent were
those Of an educated gentleman yet
his actions and manners were studious-
| " uncouth when he thought she was
observing him. The veneer of rough
ness puzzled her. That he was nat
lrally of refined temperament she
Knew quite well, not alone by percep
ion, but by the plain evidence of his
'arlier dealings with her.
To the best of her ability she silently
;elped in the work of salvage. They
made a queer collection. A case OF
champagne and another of brandy. q
,oS Of books. pair of night glasses, (,
compass. several boxes of ships bis
fro BE Continued