The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1907-10-30
Forty Years
Between.
BY LLOYD osBoURNE.
1908, by the s. s. Mcclure Co.

ITS horrible to call him a
deserter," said Mr.. Francis
Don't let's do It." said the captain.
1--WE have to say something, sir" re-
turned the first lieutenant helplessly.
lone can always lie, suppose"
said Hadow.
There's nothing 1 wouldn't do my
self for Jack Garrard," said Mr.. Fran
els.
"Why not say he was kidnapped here
by the hill trlbesT said Hadow. I'VE
aren't certain sure he wasn't"
"But the admiral would be bound to
inquire into It," said Mr.. Francis.
"Sooner or later he'd send a ship"
Trust Jack to do his own lying
when she gets here" said. Hadow.
Besides, he'll be sick of the whole
thing by that time and only too glad to
step aboard"
But won't we be asked why we
didn't rescue hlmT asked Mr.. Francis.
mo, no, have itr' cried the cap
tain.
Its certainly case for stretching
a point. sir" said Mr.. Francis.
Enter In the log" said the captain,
speaking very slowly and thoughtful
ly, that passed Mldshipman John de
vigne Garard. failing to report him
self at the expiration of his leave. was
afterward discovered to have been kid
mapped by the hill tribes Of Borabora
island. On my threatening to land a
party to recover him 1 was dissuaded
by King George, who cleared himself
Of any personal responsibility in the
matter and who promised, If only
would give him time, to recover the
man without blOodshed or any cost to
her majesty's government. The king
urged that the use Of force would i'm
peril the officers life, which otherwise
be had every confidence would be
spared"
Every good. sir" said Mr.. Francis.
You'll give old George flaming
character" added Hadow.
VERY good, sir" said Mr. Francis.
"Pile it on about his reverence for
the queen and the way he gave beef
TO the ship" said Hadow.
"And what then, sir?' inquired Mr.
Francis.
"Well, you know" said Hadow, my
orders here leave me a pretty wide
latitude. You can't tie down survey
ing ship in wild waters the way you
can a simple patrol. BY George, sir.
I'll lay the ship back here in nine
months and retske Master Johnny Gar
rard"
IF he has any realization Of his po-
sition he will then go down on his
knees and thank you, sir" said Mr.
Francis.
He's more likely 20 come aboard
whistlingw exclaimed the captain.
"Of course it will involve a little
ins!ncerity," said Mr. Francis.
you mean wen have to lie like
blazes." sale the captain.
"Well. yes" observed Mr.. Francis
- hope that's understood" said the
captain. but | can't bear to see a
fine lad ruined for bit Of squeamish-
ness Were he thirty he might go
hang but nineteen Good Lord, one
must have little mercy"
IF | may say 1t without Offense, sir"
said Mr. Francis. 81 think you are TAX
ing very noble course in respect to
this unfortunate lad"
"Of course | don't want you to think
! justify desertion." said Hadow quick
BY, not i'll pleased at the compliment
cad, sir, it's a shocking thing; bar
actual cOwardlce. l positively know
nothing worse. Were Jack my son
I'd rather see him stretched dead at
my feet | tell you. Mr.. Francis, that
when l first heard the news | was
stunned | felt myself trembling. The
dlshOnor, the infamy Of 1t struck me
here" Captain Hadow laid his hand
on his heart
Mr.. Francis nodded a silent assent
But wen save him. cried the cap
tain. I'VE won't permit this ugly
business TO blast his life"
you may count, Captain Hadow, on
our most loyal and hearty support"
said Mr. Francis.
THANK you" said the captain, "and
you will pass the word along that the
subject is not one to be discussed"
quite 30. SIR" said the first lieu
tenant.
mot a wOrdw exclaimed the cap
tain. Though you might coach the
king a bit about the hill tribes. But
OF course not whisper that we're ever
coming back"
mo, sir" said Mr.. Francis.
This must go no farther than you
and me-" said HadOw.
1T shall not, sir" returned the first
lieutenant.
Eve shall sail tonight at the turn Of
the tide" said the captain.
every good, sir" said Mr.. Francis.
1t was not nine months-it was if
teen and some days to spare-before
the Dauntless again raised the peak Of
Borabora and backed her mainyard off
the settlement. In the course Of that
eventful year and a quarter she had