News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1910-06-01
Me
StOWaWdy
By LOUIS TRACY.
Author of the "Pillar Of Light" "The
Wings Of the Morning" and THE
Captain Of the Kansas"
copyhs.. i,sa By Edward }. ciode

unruH1e0 BRAZILIAN mucu as III Anuu-
lusian bull might glare at a picador.
A buzz of angry whispering came from
the crew. Even Iris flashed a dis
dainful glance at the man who uttered
this atrocious sentiment DE Sylvia
raised his hand.
pray, do not misunderstood me-
he said. ~ am as humane as most 9th
prs, but it is difficult to decide whether
or not mere humanity. setting aside
self interest. would not rather con-
denim you to the speedy death of the
wreck than drag you to the worse fate
that awaits you here. And please re-
member that we did succor you, thus
risking observation and visit by the
troops when the sea permits landing.
But that is not the true issue. An
hour ago there were four people on
this bare rock-four of us who looked
for escape tonight. We were supplied
with such small necessaries of exist
ence as would enable us to live If our
rescuers were delayed for a day or
even two. Now there will be no res
cue. We archie looked slowly around
twenty instead of four. but we have
the same quantity OF stores. which con-
sist of half emptied skin of wine, q
bunch of bananas, a few scraps OF
maize bread and some strips of dried
meat. DO you follow me-"
There was a sound of hurrying foot
steps on the steep pathway. A figure,
clad in rags that surpassed even De
Sylva's. appeared in the entrance. A
brief colloquy took place. De Sylvas
eager questions were answered in
monosyllables.
Marcel tells me that one of your
boats is drifting away with man "
ing in the bottom" came the uneasy
explanation.
Good Lordr' Hozier cried. THAT
must be the lifeboat | was trying to
clear when the ship struck. Macfar-
lane was helping me, but he was hit
by a bullet and dropped across the
thwarts. thought he was dead"
Dead or alive. he is better off than
we," said De Sylvia. He questioned
Marcel again briefly There can be
no doubt that the man in the boat cast
off the lashings when he found that
the ship was sinking" he continued
in English. marcel saw him doing
that and wondered why he was alone.
At any rate, if he is carried beyond
the reef he has fighting chance. We
have none"
"Why not? Are these men on the
island so deaf to human sympathies
that they would murder all of us in
cold blood?"
The girls sweet. low pitched voice
sounded inexpressibly sad in that
vaulted place. Even De Sylva's stud
led control gave way before its music.
He uttered some anguished appeal to
the Deity in his own tongue and flung
out his hands impulsively.
What would you have me say?' he
cried. and his eyes blazed. 81 might
lie to you and try to persuade you that
we can exist here without food or wa
ter, whereas tomorrow or next day at
the utmost will see most of MS dead.
But in a few hours you Will realize
what it means to be kept on this pare
rock under a tropical sun. You can
do one thing. Your party greatly out
numbers mine. Climb to rhe topmoSt
pinnacle and signal to the island. You
will soon be SEEN"
He laughed with a savage irony that
was not good to hear, but Coke caught
at the suggestion.
Even that is better'n tem'in' one an
other like mad dogs" he growled. Il
know wots comm. I've seen 1t WonSt.
Hozier made for the exit, where Mar
Gel stood irreSolute, apparently waiting
for orders.
"Where are you going?" demanded
De sylvia,
10 see what is becoming of the life
boat"
BETTER not. You cannot help your
friend, and the instant it becomes
known to the troops that there Is
living soul Oh the Grand-pere rock they
will come in a steam launch and shoot
every one at sight"
"Will that be the answer to our sig
nal?"
1t was Iris who asked the question
and the Brazilian's voice softened
again.
eyes" he said.
"Why, then. do you advise US to seet
our own destruction"
He bowed. His manner was almost
humble.
at is the easier way" he murmured
"Is there 10 otherF
"None-unless we attack 200 soldiers
with sticks and stones and three re
yolvers and a sword"
Hozier came back. He had merel!
stepped pace or two into the sun
tight. Through the northerly dip o
the gulley he had seen the ships boa
whirled past an islet by the fierce cur
rent. Macfarlane was not visible. Pei
haps that was better sd'
attack. be said hoarsely. How
that possible? A deep and wide chan
mel separates us from the main island.
The Brazilian gave a startling al
swer.
eve have a boat-a sort of boat" b
said quietly.
How many will it hold?"