Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1909-08-31
CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.
N Which We Learn the Story Of the
Donna Isabel.
The short Antarctic day left US lit
lie opportunity for the work on deck.
However, kept the men employed as
long rs possible. first setting them at
hauling up the longboat and slowing
It safely away under shelter, and then
ct untangling some of the rattle forward.
They went at this last task rather
unwillingly, for 1t was carried on in
full view Of that ice-casketed figure
guarding the forecastle. yet they got
nut two fairly serviceable spars and q
considerable amount Of cordage 30
protected by the ice coating as to
be still of value. When we finally
knocked of and started aft in body,
. dark. cloudy night was about US, the
snow falling so thickly as to make it
impossible to see across the deck.
Dade was busily preparing supper in
the wrecked galley, the red glare Of
his fire shining forth through the
drifting fakes, while glimpses Of light
stole out in welcome from the forward
cabin windows.
Tho latter appeared shipshape and
cheerful enough as we slid back the
door and stepped within. Scarcely
Q reminder was left Of that horrible In
terror dominated by death which had
been revealed to me few hours be-
fore by the smoky glare Of the torch.
While we were laboring forward to
clear the deck, Doris and Celeste evil
IDENTIFY had also been diligently en-
ployed, and with womanly intuition
had given to the desolate interior q
home-like touch which was irresistible.
] could only come to a pause-sa7'n~
about and wondering II we could real
~ be afloat upon century-old wreck.
tossed helplessly on the waters Of the
Polar sea. The odd, old-fashioned
swinging lantern threw violet-hued
rays over the snug scene, while in the
center the table, covered by spotless
cloth, was fairly glistening in bril-
liant display Of ancient silver. newly
polished, and Of decorated glass. Doris,
who had been engaged in giving the
arrangement some final deft touches,
turned instantly at the sound Of our
entrance, her sweet face Frightening
with interest as she read the amaze
ment pictured in my eyes.
You have actually worked .
avoloipo4d nAro{v{v, e1,v
& Where in the world did you unearth
such display"
From a locker behind the stewards
sapantry," she replied, ,smilingly. But.
toh,S with SILVER, ut was most bitter
" cold in there when we first opened
the door. l actually had to wait half
an hour before venturing in. Yet you
should have seen what we found; this
is not half-the silver service was
simply magnificent; and see-every
piece is beautifully engraven with a
fac-simile of the ship, and q master
piece of art"
I gazed at the bit Of plate handed
me. weighing it in my hand, and study
ing the decidedly elaborate scroll.
II have read that these old galleons
were often furnished regardless of ex-
pense," l said, "and the Dons were
high livers Did you make any other
discoveries?"
"Only several cases Of liquor, but all
we're frozen solid. The lazarette opens
from the pantry, and we succeeded in
lifting the trap.door, but the cold of
the air which came up was SO intense
that we were compelled to drop It
again Immediately. l never imagined
such an atmosphere possible"
"1t is the breath Of 126 years Of
polar winter" explained. ''This very
cabin was Of that same temperature
when We first broke through its ice
covering"
She pressed her palms to her tenn.
pies, staring about her Ut the gray,
gold-decorated interior.
do you actually mean to tell me
that-that this wreck has been drift
ing and tossing about all that timer"
she questioned unbelievingly.
"No, not drifting and tossing about,
but so)id!y Embedded within the Ice
far south Of this This vessel is the
Donna 1sabel-the same one Tuttle
saw-and her log-book lies in that
farthest state-room yonder. Its last
entry was made in September, 1853"
She sank down upon the bench, her
eyes upon my face, and I heard her
lips repeating softly: September,
1888, September, 1753," as though the
conception could hardly find accept
ance In her mind. The men were
grouped close beside the entrance,
while De Nova and Celeste had gone
forward to assist Dade in bringing his
supper from the galley. 80 that for the
moment we were comparatively alone.
As 1 bent over, wondering what had
best say, she questioned quickly, win
. little sharp indrawing Of the breath:
"And-and the people, Jack,-the-
crew? What became Of them?"
Dead more than century ago." I
answered solemnly. IT did not stop
this morning to read the log, and 30
know little Of their story. But the
vessel Itself tells Of storm and Of long
struggle in the Ice; probably most of
those on board persisted from expos
ure and cold"
Her hands clasped mine, her cheeks
white from apprehension.
"Were-were there any-any bodies
-here!"
'Yes." replied reluctantly. not dar.
ing to say otherwise.
"How-how many?"
Four men, q woman, ana child"