The Washington times., 1908-12-23

taken away from the island 50 soon.
Jim?"
We'll" he confessed, 'I won't deny
| there was a certain fascination to me
\ In tF-t primitive mode Of life, and Ma
! lanaga. take him ell around, was a
pretty decent sort"
! Yes she assented, ''he seemed really
affected when he bade US gOod-by. Did
you keep tnat thing he gave US at part
mgr
Here it is" and he produced a 1USied
up fold Of skin.
1t was a square about six inches each
way, which just at the last the chief,
with his own hand. had cut from his
| beautiful soft and pliable royal robe
Of kangaroo. and, calling an attendant
With a vessel of pigment, had inscribed
with certain fantastic characters. Then
he had presented It to the pair with
much ceremony, sigulfylng that it was
equally for both Of them.
Jim had not had the opportunity to
ask him in regard TO Il at the time
for the lieutenant was hurrying them to
the launch. and besides. he had for
mality to carry through himself before
leaving.
Borrowing the flag for a moment, he
thrust It into the sand. and announced
so that all could hear:
BY right OF exploration and dis
covery, I hereby take possession Of this
island on behalf and under the sOver-
eighty or the United States or Amer
icaT'
He also requested that the lieutenant
duly enter a note Of the incident upon
the log OF the Terre Haute.
''AE right" agreed the latter With a
smile, although I strongly doubt that
the Government will care TO back up
your action Uncle Sam has about all
the troublesome islands on hand now
that he can well look after"
STILL" argued Jim.' 1T does no harm.
you know. and I wouldn't feel satisfied
in my own mind TO 90 away leaving It
undOne."
Then, in response to the officers i'm
patient urgings. ne and Helene gave
parting handshake all around TO
Malanaga and the other friends they
had made upon the island and. enter
ing the launch. were rapidly whirIed
out to the waiting cruiser.
Hence this was the first chance the
pair had had to examine the chief 8
Offering. and they bent their heads curl
ously over the mysterious hieroglyphics
as Jim spread It out upon his knee.
What is it, do you suppOse2'' ques-
toned the girl when both had finally
decided they could make neither head
nor tai out OF it.
Goodness knows. Possibly a testi-
mOnial TO your curative powers. And.
by Jove, that gives me an idea Why
can't we set up as a couple OF travel
frarr Fgra
spreading the blessings of health and
longevity
Just think what a drag this parch-
ment would give US If properly ad-
vertised. Can't you see the headlines
already: King Malanga Of Vartra testi-
hes that the life OF his heir apparent
was saved by the famous Doctors Jim
ana Helene VIII be at the Skull Hotel
on BreastbOne avenue, In this place,
next Wednesday,, and free consultation
viii be given at their parlCrs TO all
sufferers from diseases Of the liver
stomach, kidneys, heart, brain, and
nerves Positively guarantee TO cure
rheumatism, GOut. neuralgia, paralysis,
angina pectorls, hCusemaid's knee, and
inSTOwing featuresT
BY gOsh,' he concluded In a gale
OF foOlery, ITS a great scheme I
wonder l never thought Of Il before"
Yes" Helene chined In pIayfuIIy.
and, anneNinS 10 the United States
all the various islands we visited, as
you. Of course, would DO. we should
soon become masters of an empire
What made you do that at Vartra,
anyhow, Jim?" she broke Off 10 Ques-
ton.
We'll" he replied. "a little touch OF
sentiment for one thing. but, more than
that perhaps, the idea that II I ever
went back there on similar quest, no
other nation would have a right to come
sticking its nose In, and claim a lions
share OF the loot"
1t was then that she asked him with
a startled glance, II ne still cIung to
the belief that the treasure was some
where upon the island
Yes" he asserted. Possibly not in
the cave, or any other place we visited,
but hidden somewhere. on, yes; IT is
there. unless" He paused and
frowned gloOmily out at the ocean.
Unless what. Jim2'
''Oh, well; unless 1 have been bea+en
10 it Ever since we found the cave
empty. have been troubled with mis-
givings that possibly old Captain Ezra
might have got there first"
They were interrupted at that moment
by jangle Of bells from the bridge
and the abrupt stOppage Of the engines.
Slowly the vessel lost headway, until
her momentum checked, she lay quiet
ca the waves
Hurriedly, Jim and Helene left their
corner and crossed to the other side
OF the deck, where a little group OF
officers was collected at the port rail.
gazing out to sea
What is it2'' they questioned in
chorus What is the matter?"
There is little boat out there under
a jury rig answered their friend. the
lieutenant "and although she is riding
high and seems to have nothing tht.
matter with her. she fails to answer
any OF our signals She IS either aban-
dOned or something else is wrong. SO
we are going aboard to investigate
Like to take a look at her?'' and he
politely extended his glasses.
Jim cast one glance and gave an ex-
cited start.
There is certainly something mighty
familiar about her" he gasped
Then the little vessel drifted aroupd
stern-tO, and there could no longer he
a doubt Plain for anyone to see were
the words:
Helene, New York.