The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-05-24
4

Don't let's do II. said the captain.
We have TO say something. SIR" 70.
piled the first lieutenant hclplcssly.
"one eau always lie. | suppose" said
Hadow.
There's nothing | wouldn't do my.
self for Jack Garrard." said Mr.. Fran
cia.
why not say he was kidnapped here
by the hlll tribef" said Hadow. I'VE
aren't certain sure no wasn't. and no
one can deny but what he might have
been"
"Bnt the admiral would be bound 10
inquire into IT," said Mr. Francis,
"sooner or later he'd send ship"
Trust Jack TO do his own lying
when she gets here" said Hadow,
Besides he'll be- sick OF the whole
thing and only too glad 10 stcp aboard. "
"But won't wc be asked why we
sidn't rescue him." asked Francis,
mo. no: have IT," cried the captain.
'lt's certainly case for stretching n
point. sir" said Mr.. Francis.
Enter In the log" said the captain.
speaking very slowly aud thoughtfully.
"that passed MidshIpman John do
Vigne Garrnrd. failing 10 report him
self NJ the expiration Of his leave. was
aftrrwnrd discovered to have been kid.
naped by the hill tribes OF Borabora
Island On my threatening to land II
party to recover him | was dissuaded
by King George. who cleared himself
of any personal responsibility in the
matter and who promised. II only !
would give him time, TO recover tho
man without bloodShed or any cost 10
bis majesty's government Tho king
urged that the use OF force would I'M
peril the officers life which otherwise
he had every confidence would be
spared"
VERY good, SIR" said Mr. Francis,
You'll give old George nnming
character" added Hadow.
Very good. SIR" said Mr.. Francis.
"rllc II on about his reverence for the
queen and the way he gave beef to the
ship" said Ilndow.
And what then. sIrf" inquired Mr.
Francis.
well. you know" said Hadow. my
orders here leave me pretty wide
latitude. You can't tic down n survey.
ing ship In wild waters the way you
can n simple patrol. BY George. sir
I'll lay the ship back here In nine
months and rctako Master Johnny Gar
rard"
You mny count, Captain Hadow. on
our most loyal and hearty support
sald Mr.. Francis.
THANK you" said the captain, "and
you will pass the word along that the
subject IL not one to be discussed"
quite so, SIR" said the first lieuten.
ant.
Not wordr' exclaimed the captain,
Though you might coach the king n
bit about the hill tribes but. Of course,
not whisper that we're ever coming
back"
mo, air." said Mr.. Francis.
This must go no farther than you
and me-" said Hadow.
"It shall not. sir" returned the first
lieutenant,
I'VE shall sail tonight at the turn Of
the tide" said the captain,
Very good, SIR" said Mr.. Francis.
II was not nine months-lt was flf.
teen and some days to spare-before
the Dauntless again raised the peak OF
Borabora and backed her mainyard of
the settlement.
II was morning when Hadow raised
the island. heecy speck OF cloud
against the sky llne and he shortened
sail at once and fingered out the day,
80 as to bring him up to II by dark.
After supper every light on board was
doused and the great hull, gliding
through the glass smooth water, merg.
ed her steep sides and towering yards
and canvas into the universal shadow.
BY 10 the ship was hove to close
ashore, and the lights Of the little set
tlement gllmmered through the palms.
The warm night, laden with exotic
fragrance and strangely exciting In
the intensity Of Its stiffness and beau
ty, hid beneath It's far reaching pail
the various actors Of an extraordinary
drama. With pistols buckled to their
hips, Brady, Winterslea, Hotham and
Stanbury- Jones' four officers Of the
ship. together with Hatch, fiinty
faced old seaman who could be trust
cd, all slipped down the ladder into the
captains gig and pulled with muf1ed
oars for the break In the reef. Pick
Ing their way through the pass with
the surf on either hand roaring In their
ears, they slowly penetrated the lagoon
and headed for the kings house. The
shelving beach brought them to a stop,
and, all jumping out to tighten the
boat, they drew her over the shingle
and made her painter fast to pan
danus tree. Then. acting In accord
ance with pEeconcerted plan, Win
terslea was sent forward to track down
their prey, while the rest huddled to-
gother to await his return.
Ten minutes, twenty minutes, passed
In palpItatlng suspense. A girl drew by