Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-06-03

breeze kept its canvas taut. and the
sailor knew that no ruse was intended
The Dyaks were flying from the island
in fear and rage. They would return
with force sufficient to insure the
wreaking Of their vengeance.
That he would again encounter them
az no distant date jerks had no doubt
whatever. They would land in such
numbers as to render any resistance
difficult and a prolonged defense I'm
possible. Would help come firstT-a
distracting question to which definite
answer could not he given. The sail
oTs brow frowned in deep lines: his
brain throbbed now with an anxiety
singularly at variance with his cool de
meanor during the fight. He was ut
terly unconscious that his left arm en-
circled the shoulder OF the girl until
she gently disengaged herself and said
appealingly:
, Please. Mr.. jerks. do not be angry
with me. ! could not help IL. could
not bear to see you shoot them"
Then he abruptly awoke to the real
tiles OF the moment
Come" he said. his drawn features
i pleasing
smile We viii return TO our castle.
We are safe for the remainder OF this
day, at any rate
Something must be said or done 10
reassure her. She was still grlevousIy
disturbed. and he naturally ascribed
her agitation 20 the horror Of her can
ture. He dreaded complete collapse
II any further alarms threatened at
once. Yet he was almost positive
| though search alone would set nj rest
the last misgiving-tha only one sam
pan had visited the island. Evidently
the Dyaks were unprepared as I've for
the events OF the preceding half hour.
They were either visiting the island 20
procure turtle and beche-de-mer OF had
merely called there en- route TO some
other destination. and the change in
the wind had Unexpectedly compelled
them 70 put ashore. Beyond all doubt
they must have been surprised by the
warmth or the reception they encoun-
tered.
Probably when he went TO Summit
rock that morning the savages had
lowered their sail and were steadily
padding north against wind and cur
rent. The most careful scrutiny OF the
sea would fail - reveal them beyond
distance OF six or seven miles at the
utmost
After landing in the hidden bay on
the south side they crossed the island
through the trees instead OF taking the
more natural open way along the
beach Nhyf The fact that he and
Iris were then passing the grown over
tract leading 20 the valley OF death
instantly determined this point. The
Dyaks knew Of this afrrighting hollow
and would not approach any nearer To
II than WAS unavoidable. Could he
twist this circumstance TO advantage
II Iris and he We're still stranded there
when the superstitious sea rovers next
put In an appearance? Ne would see
All depended on the girls strength. II
she gave way now; If. instead OF TAX
ing instant measures for safety no
were called upon 10 nurse her through
ieNer' the outlook became not only
desperate. bur hopeless
And, while he bent his brows I'm
worrying thought. the color was re
turning TO Iris cheeks and natural
buoyancy To her step II is the fault
OF all men 10 underrate the marvellous
courage and cOnstancy OF woman In
the face OF difficulties and trials.
jerks was no exception TO the rule.
You do not ask me for any account
or my adventures" she said quietly.
arter watching his perplexed express
sion In silence for some time.
Her tone almost startled hum. its m
assumed cheerfulness was so unlocked
for.
NO" he answered. Il thought YOU
were too overwrought to talk OF them
at present"
"Overwrought! Not a bit of it, l
was dead beat with the struggle and
with screaming for you, but please
don't imagine that am going TO faint
or treat you 10 a display of hysteria |
now that all the excitement has ended.
1 admit that l cried little when you |
pushed me aside on the beach and rails !
ed your gun 10 fire at those poor \
wretehes flying foe their lives. Yet |
perhaps l was wrong TO hinder you"
You were wrong" he gravely inter
rupted.
Then you should not have Needed |
me. No. / don't mean that. You al |
ways consider me first, don't you? No
matter what l ask you 10 do you en-
deavor TO please me. even when you
know all the time that l am acting or
speaking foolish,y"
The unthinking naivete OF her words |
sent the blood cOurSing wildly through \
his veins
. Never mind" she went on. with |
earnest simplicity. God has been
very good 70 us. / cannot believe that |
he has preserved us from so many
dangers 10 permit Us to perish mis-
erably a few hours or days before help \
comes. And I d, waat 10 tell you ex-
actly what hnp. e;,d."
Thea you Al. . answered. But