Ottumwa tri-weekly courier., 1908-10-24


the shore of the island He would
pass the spot where Shil lay by the
pool. 1t was cert-.1 that he would
hear moan, or notice the crushed and
broken reeds. Tankerlane at once re.
solved to forestall the discovery, and
appear in as favorable light as pos
sible. He advanced to meet Joe
Piayle. who was glsncing at the shore
and marshland on every side Of him.
Some poor devil druv' ashore" said
Playle, as they met. Boat amt bin
there long. / reckon. Shouldn't won
der If his body amt about. Tide sets
on here wonderful Hem dead, |
guess, though mebbe he's crawled
ashore
"I've found him." Tankerlane re-
piled quietly. He's just alive. I
was coming to you for help We must
carry him back to the Hope and
Glory"
Playle followed him down to the
reeds by the pool, and picked up Shirs
body In his strong arms.
Hem a big fine man." he said, as
he struggled to the top of the bank
with his load "Yet reckon he found
the sea too much for his strength.
That's an ugly cut on his face. Got
thrown on one of them piles, I
reckon
Tankerlane suggested that the load
was too much for one man, but Playle,
who was proud of his strength, refused
all offers Of assistance, and carried
John Shil in his arms all the way back
to the boat.
When the limp and motionless body
was taken down into the cabin and
laid on one Of the punks, the three
men set to work to restore life to the
exhausted frame.
Hem hurt cruel,' said Yardley, as
he placed some soup on the stove,
"but 'tain't that has done him up. IT'S
want of food and water. l reckon
twas water he wanted when he
crawled down to that pool. Did zee
say his eyes were open, sir, and that
he cried out?"
"Yes,' Tankerlane replied, "his
eyes were certainly open, and 1t was
his moaning that attracted me to the
spot where found him. But expect
he has tainted from exhaustion, and
that he'll be all right when he's had
something to eat and drink"
"'Tis an ugly cut" said Playle
looking at the dark. jagged tear across
the forehead. Il wonder who he be. :.
Look in his pockets said Yard.
ley. "Mebbe he'll have letter or
summat as'll IDENTIFY him.
Playle pulled out small handful Of
papers from Shil's trouser pocket and
looked at the address on an envelope
Tankerlane smiled as he saw the
handwriting Of Leonore.
Gosh, BILL" said Playle, as he read
the name, "this be a great day for us
'Tis Mr.. John Shil, of Black Hall, an6
It's his own land we've found him on
Hadn't we better go back to Gore'ver
for doctor?"
mo" said Tankerlane abruptly
Mr. Shil won't want doctor If you'll
, only get him out Of this faint. Fore,
his mouth open, and put some spiri
down his throat
His Jaws shut powerful tight" sale
Playle, as he tried to force the teetl
apart. "'Tis a grim, awful look oI
his face, too, as though he were lookin
at death"
At last. however, they succeeded il
forcing the mouth open, and Yardle.
poured a mixture of oxtail soup ant
whisky down the throat, and in a few
minutes John Shil opened his eyes an,
stared round the cabin.
Water" he murmured family
water"
He drank the weak mixture of whis
ky and water which was placed to hi
lips, and then closed his eyes with
sigh.
BE you better, SIR" asked Yard
ley.
YES" Shil answered slowly, 'Tr
better shall be all right when Nv
had rest and food. Oh, Heaven, /
was fight for life.'
'Ill lay it was said Playle. !"
reckon any man as got adrift in tha
little punt of your'n would have t
fight for it las night. Here. sir, yo
ldrink this soups it's hot and sooN an