Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-01-04

conclusion that the bodies had been
dragged from off the sun dried rocks
into the lagoon by some agency the ma
t1lrc of which he could not even con-
lecture.
They were lying many feet above the
sea level when he last saw them. lit
tie more than half an hour earlier At
that point the beach shelved rapidly
He could look far into the depths Of
the rapidly clearing water. Nothing
WINS visible there save several varic-
ties of small fish.
The incident puzzled and annoyed
him. still thinking about it, he sat
down on the highest rock and pulled
off his heavy boots to empty the wa
FER out. He also Invested himself OF
his stockings and spread them out to
dry.
The action reminded him OF Miss
point whence he could call out to her
and recommend her to dry some of
her clothing during his absence He
retired even more quickly, fearing lest
he should be seen Iris had already
displayed to the sunlight n large por-
ton o1 her costume.
Without further delay he set about
disagrceable but necessary task.
From the pockets of the first officer
ana doctor he secured two revolvcrs
and supply of cartridges. evidently
Intended to settle any dispute which
might have arisen between the ships
officers and the native members of the
crew. He hoped the cartridges We're
uninjured, but he could not test them
at the moment for fear Of alarming
Miss Deane
Roth officers carried pocketbooks and
pencils. In one of these. containing
dry leaves, the sailor made a careful
inventory Of the money and other val
liable effects he found upon the dead.
besides noting names and documents
where possible. Curiously enough, the
!. capitalist Of this island morgue was
Lascar, who in belt around his waist
boarded more than hundred pounds
in gold, The sailor tied in handker-
chief all the money he collected and
ranged pocketbooks, letters and jew
elry in separate little heaps. Then he
stripped the men of their boots and
outer clothing. He could not tell how
long the girl and he might he detained
on the island before help came, and
fresh garments were essential 1t
would be foolish sentimentaity to
trust to stores thrown ashore from the
ship.
Nevertheless when it became neces-
sary to search and disrobe the women
he almost broke down. For an instant
he softcned. Gulpng back his emo
tons with savage imprecation, he
doggedly persevercd. At last he paus-
ed to consider what should he done
with the bodies His first intent was to
scoop n large hole in the sand with a
piece of timber. but when he took into
consideration, the magnitude of the la
Dor involved. requiring many hours Of
hard work and waste of precious
time which might be of infinite value
to his helpless companion and himself,
he was forced to abandon the project.
1t was not only impracticablc. hut dan
gcrous.
Again he had to set his teeth with
grim resolution. One by one the bod
les were shot into the lagoon from the
little quay Of rock. He knew they
would not be seen again.
He arose and shook himself like a
dog. There was much to be done He
gathered the clothes and other articles
into heap and placed portions of shat,
tered packing cases near to mislead
Iris. While thus engaged he kicked
up out of the sand rusty creese, or
Malay sword. The presence Of this i'm
plement startled him. He examined
IT slowly and thrust it out OF sight.
Then he went back to her, after don
ming his stockings and boots, now thor
Oughly dry.
Are you ready now, Miss Deanc?
he sang out cheerily.
Ready? I have been waiting for
you"
jerks chuckled quietly, 81 must
said to himself
Iris Joined him By some mysterious
means she had effected great improve
ment in her appearance, Yet there
were manifest gaps
IF only had IA needle and thread
she began.
III that is ALL" said the sailor, FUN
bling in his pockets. lie produced q
shabby little hussif containing thin
bic scissors. needles and some skens
of unblcached thread. Case and con
tents were soddcn or rusted with sal
water, but the girl fastened upon thi,
treasure with II sigh Of deep content
Nov please" she cried, II want q
telegraph office ana n ship
When they reached the sands she
caught sight of the pile Of clothes and
the broken woodwork, with the small
heaps of yaluableS methodically ar
ranged. The harmless subterfuge die
not deceive her She darted quich
look Of gratitude at her companion
How thoughtful he was, After fear
full glance around she was treasured
though she wondered what had beCom,
of them.
81 see you have been busy" she said
noddnG toward the clothes ana boots.
"Yes.' he replied simply. Lucky
find wasn't itY'
Most fortunate, When they are quite
dry will rcplenish my wardrobe
What is the first thing to he done?'