Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-03-21


 has undertaken"
 Isobel was cowed into silence. El- sie's hero worship had reached a height beyond her comprehension. She would never understand how a wo- man who loved a man could send him voluntarily to his death, and her shall low mind did not contemplate the pos sibility of Courtenay's refusing to be swayed by any other consideration than that which his conscience told him was right.
 Thus at arms length, as it were, they waited until they caught the sharp command Give way there" and the plash of oars told them that the boat had really started on its journey shore ward, Then Isobel, glancing furtively at her companion, saw the tears steal ing down her cheeks, and the situation came back from the transcendental to that which was intelligible to her low CT ideals.
 ''I am sorry" she whispered, catch ing Elsie's hand timidly ''I said what I thought was for the best. At any rate, it is too late now"
 Too late. The other girl groped blindly for the door. She felt that she would yield to the strain if she did not go on deck and catch a parting glimpse of the man who had become dearer to her than life itself.
 On the poop she found Boyle, Chris tobal, Gray and Walker. A number of Chileans were leaning over the rails of the main deck. All the men were talking earnestly. It was ominous that they should cease their conversation the instant she appeared. One man may conceal his fears, but twenty can- not.
 She brushed away the tears deter mindedly and looked at the boat, al- ready white speck on the green car pet of the bay. She could see Courte- nay distinctly. Some magnetic impulse must have gone out from her, because she had not been watching him longer than couple of seconds when he turned and waved his hand. She re- piled instantly. fluttering handker- chief, poor girl. long after it became impossible for her to distinguish wheth- ST or not he returned her signals.
 At last she turned to MT. Boyle, who was nearest to her.
 Who is sitting next to Captain Cour- tenay" she asked, and she had fleet ing impression that he was anxious for her to speak. so quickly did he answer.
 "Tollemache. He shinned down the ladder as the first volunteer. The skipper ordered him to get out, but he said he was deaf. Anyhow, I'm glad he is there. Courtenay ought to have one sure enough white man by his side"
 And what are they attempting?'
 Huh. It's bold plan. an I'm not goin' to condemn it ou that account Have you heard this mornin's news how Suarez found out from the h. dians that eleven of our crew are hid ing in q cave on Guanaco hill?'
 Something of it, not all. But why why has Captain Courtenay gone of in such a hurry"
 Well. Miss Elsie. he figures that an open effort by daylight is the only way 10 rescue them. They will have seen our signals, an they can hardly fail to sight the boat. When he is close inshore they are sure to make a dash for if. an he hopes 10 get them of before the Indians wake up to the game he is playin'. There are eight men in the boat. and with eleven oth- CTS to help there shouldn't be much difficulty in keepin' the savages at a proper distance"
 How soon-will he-reach the land ing place"'
 Huh. Maybe an hour, an another hour for the home trip. He'll be aboard for tea"
 Boyle uttered that concluding state ment a trine too airily. Elsie for the first time in her life knew what it meant to want to scream aloud.
 Did Captain Courtenay leave any message for met" she demanded.
 "Huh-message. Why. he will ba away only couple of hours
 ''Surely you will tell me. MT. BoyIe?' she pleaded wistfuIly.
 Well. I happen to know there's a letter in the doctors hands. but that is to be given you in case of accident alone. And there's no sign of any ac- cident yet. thank goOdness"'
 Elsie elung to the after rail and watched the boat, now a tiny dot hard to discern amid the nipples caused by the infowing tide Her intimate ae- quaintsnoe with the daily happenings of life aboard told her that Courtenay had chosen the last hour of food for his effort. thus gaining the advantage of the sJb in the event of the llfeboat being pursued by canoes on the return journey. By degrees q tender little sprig Of hope peeped up in her dulIed consciousness. The boat was very near the distant rocks. and there was neither sight nor sound of the Indians. Could II be that they were afraid-al- together broken and demoralized by the slaughter of the preceding nIghtT
 Suddenly she had a breathless desire to know why COurtensy vas so sure that the men to whose help he had gone were really members of the crew.
 VIII yOu tell me DOW what il was that Susrez found outE' she mar- mgred tO ChristObal.
 The doctor quickly appreciated he- need Of material for further thought He suppressed no detail except his own willingness to take CoUrtenay's rilsee in fke t.osr