Los Angeles herald., 1906-04-08
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fitted for weeks cruise at least, even in bad
weather, for she was thoroughly built in every
respect.
Get the mast and sails up, Jack, and ship
the rudder, while / light the boat lantern"
MIR. Carline said, finally, for his head was
aching pretty badly-and no wonderland he
was still little confused.
Jack, ashamed of his exhibition of anger,
readily obeyed
But we don't know which way to steer,
ne SAID, as he fattened down the sheet, and
the buoyant boat began to dance over the
long, even seas.
How was the Sprite heading last?" asked
MIR. Carhne, bringing out the boat compass
and setting it in place, with the lantern be-
side it.
Nor nor west, sir
Well, keep her at that, while l overhaul
my chart. You see," he continued, when L
lett this island, where we were intending to
touch, 1t was ten years ago, and it isn't land
down on any chart that l ever remember,
drew 1t out as near as l could guess, by latl-
tude and longitude, and have had it by me
ever since"
What for?" asked Jack, wonderingly.
Oh, it's whim of mine," his companion
answered, with some embarrassment, as draw
ing folded sheet of paper from an inside
pocket, he studied 1t attentively for moment
or two by the light of the lantern. ,Yes,
think we shall see it tomorrow he said, as
ne folded it-"perhaps by daybreak."
but the dawn of day showed no such vel
come sight, though, as the buoyant craft
climbed wave after wave, they vainly strained
thelr eager vision, hoping to see its shores.
Murray meant to give us a chance for our
hVes' SAID Jack, bitterly as Mr.. Carline ex-
amlned the water breaker and kid" of hard
tack, finding them both well supplied,
~ Yes, the latter replied, we've even got
pillow to lay our heads on"
And he raised the wodded-up shawl which
had lain unnoticed under one of the thwarts.
Ihat the thing that came near sitting
me TO death, said Jack, "and wish"
An exclamation from Mr.. Carine interrupt
ed him.
"A camel's hair shawl" he said, half aloud.
Noww, where did Murray steal that, l Won
"Camels hair?" repeated Jack, vaguely, as
his mind flew back to the scenes of six months
before and the words of Ouita's letter.
;. why yes Mr.. Carline, rejoined, lifting
George
the captain began to whistle, with the widest
astonishment visible in his usually mpassive
face.
That was the laconic answer.
And with his hand ON the tiller, jack bend
ing eagerly forward, read on the outstretched
corner OF the shawl his own name marked in
white embroidery silk
Question and conjecture, answer and sur
mise followed each other in quick succession.
The shawl must have been in Bob Muir
rays hands, said Mr. Carline, "and I've no
doubt that. he committed the crime"
why mightn't it have been Spanish Char
ley|' asked Jack.
Because l remember Jenks the shipping
master mentioned that the Spanard was
Just in from years cruise in the Pandora
the week before he was shipped in the Sprite"
Oh, if I'd only have known' Jack ex-
with .h
ing with Murray in the car all the wa way to
Boston, and he with this shawl and his other
plunder wrapped up in the torn letter that
would tell where l came from, in the bundle
that he held carefully in his lap!"
Mr.. Carline nodded, and, standing erect in
the .plunging boat, steadying himself by the
mast, gazed long and earnestly ahead
There it Isl" he said, in moment OF. two.
. with suppressed exatation in his voice.
And, for the first time in many an anxious
day, he began to whistle THE Campbells Are
Coming" with considerable vigor
''The island?" Jack asked, eagerly, rising in
the stern sheets.
Yes, there it was, to answer for itself-a low
lying, patch OF coral, with fringing of green,
which Mr.. Carline said was palm trees
Another hour, and they were opposite the
entrance, through which Mr.. Carline taking
the helm, steered the boat into the calm
lagoon and across to the shore beyond.
Jack was in perfect raptures as he leaned
upon the firm beach and helped pull the boat
"Why; I never. dreamed of anything half so
beautiful" he said, as he gazed about him
But Mr. Carline made no answer. He was
whistling to himself, and seemed as unaffect.
ed by the scene as it was possible for anv ono
to be. ' oN'
II hope no one has been on the island s;nca