The Mena weekly star., 1910-08-18
CHAPTER XIX.
The Mans Failure.

Islander, the captain, the other officers and Langford to the shore. The woman met them on the sand She had dis carded her woven tunic and was dressed in the faded blue blouse and skirt which she had worn when she bad left the yacht and which she had ever since preserved with such scru- pulous care for an emergency like this. We'll was 1t for her that the garments were loose and easy-ntting, else she could not have put them on, SO splen. didly had she developed in waist and chest and limb. She wore stockings and shoes, and, save for a certain na- tural elegance and freedom in her bearing, she looked much as any other woman, except that few women were as beautiful as she.
 Her face. always colorless, was paler than ever. Something of the anguish that she had gone through was seen there by the keen eyes of Whitaker. at least, and even the others could no tice the strong constraint she put upon herself and the evidences of self-re- strain. were painfully apparent.
 After momentary hesitation and glance at the islander. who, after his first swift. comprehending survey of the woman, stood with averted head she. conscious painfully of his every gesture and movement-the lieuten- ant commander performed the neces. sary introductions. This ceremony over, 1t was the woman who spoke.
 "I sent for you. gentlemen" she be- gan, fin order that necessary deposI- ton might be made to enable, if possi- ble, my"-she paused and bowed for mally toward the islander-"this gen. tieman. to establish his identity, upon which, as learn from MF. Whitaker, much seems to depend. have here"
 "put could you not do this more con veniently later on the ship, Miss Bren- ton?" interposed the captain. He had been told that she intendedsto stay on the island. but he could not believe it. We shall be very glad indeed to offer you passage home. The ship is fitted for flag and the admirars quarters are yours to command. We are sailing direct to the United States, with stop at Honolulu. and will be glad to re- store you to your friends"
 Sir" said the woman, T have no friends who care enough about me to welcome me or whom I care enough about to wish to see. My mind Is made up. I shall stay on the island. at least for the present"
 "But. my dear young lady" began the officer
 f Capt. Ashby." said the woman. "you are the commander of that ship7"
 "I am"
 .vrc you S committed the ordering of her cohrsey-
 ITO me alone. Miss Brenton."
 You decide all questions connected with her on your own responsibility
 T do, certainly; but"
 sir, this is my ship, this island. If choose to stay here, I cannot think you will endeavor to take me hence by force"
 By no means"
 Nor have I any more fondness for having my decisions discussed than you would have for hearing your orders argued or questioned"
 Tt is my island" cried the man, roughly. "and if you stay, stay"
 We lose time." said the woman. shortly. T am here to give my testi- mony you are prepared to take it?"
 ra(d hn mt mander, stepping forward. notebook in hand
 Captain. will you conduct the neces- sary inquiryf'
 ~Certainly." said the captain. "Mr. Langford. do you identify this lady?"
 T do, sir" answered Langford "She Is Miss Katherine Brenton of San Francisco"
 You say this of your own personal knowledge?" ?
 Yes. sir"
 You will make afidavit to that fact?"
 with pleasure"
 'I wondered" said the woman, bit terly, why you came back"
 "It was at my wish, madam" re- turned Capt Ashby, formally.
 He was not greatly prepossessed with the imperative manner and de meanor of this young woman, but he did not see exactly how he could re- sent it, or force any improvement in It. "Will you proceed now with your story" he continued "Will you speak slowly so that MT. Whitaker. who does not write shorthand. can take 1t down7"
 Thereupon the woman told that DOT ton of her tale which related to the evidence which she exhibited, the piece of the boat with the name of the ship upon it. the dog collar. the silver box, the Bible, the two rings. These were marked. set down and sworn to. The affidavit to which she subscribed her name. and to which she took oath on the very Bible of the island, was brief, though comprehensive. and the little ceremony was soon over. Mir. Whitaker assumed charge of all the exhibits. The tale having been com pleted and all the little formalities got through with. the little party stood around in awkward silence wondering what was next to come.
 Miss Trenton" said the captain at last, breaking the pause. ''it seems shame For Gods sake, reconsider your decision and come off to the shipi"