, 1910-01-27

iocks of a cruising ship for over q
year.
something-as to whether 1t was
providence or not he was somewhat
doubtful in his mind afterward-
brought Langford on deck before his
ns,al time for rising. The watch was
in charge of a rather sleepy, stupid
second officer, unimaginative and un-
ohservant. He mad not noticed the
land which it was difficult to see from
the deck at any rate. especially as II
did not lie between the yacht and the
sun. and as it had not been reported
from the masthead. he knew nothing
Of It.
Lang'ord had found sleep impos-
sible. The year of search. the constant
disappointment, the pressing sense of
mystery. the feeling that his conduct
was indeed irreparable had preyed
upon him. He was thin. worn, nervous
and irritable. He walked up and down
the deck in the cool of the morning
thinking For three years practically
he had had this woman before his
eyes as the goal OF his efforts. Now
she was gone. and he must concen-
trate his life upon something else. He
gazed languidly and indifferently
about the horizon, his Impractical eye
noticing nothing for a time. Sudden
ly. however. staring off to starboard
l~istlessly during a pause in his steady
tramp. he thought he caught a glimpse
OF light. He looked idly In the direc-
ton whence h reflection had come
for a few moments and saw 1t again:
a thin cloud of smoke, or was 1t haze,
rose above it. He was puzzled by 1t,
Of course, and stood staring. The con-
centration in his gaze, he thought, dis
covered to him a cloudy blink In the
gray OF the dawn which might mean
land. He knew there was no land
charted in those seas, for he had care
fully studied the chart the night be-
fore, saying nothing to anyone, for he
had become somewhat sensitive about
the matter.
He ran down the companion ladder
into his cabin and fetched thence q
new n powerful glass, which, upon
his return to the deck, he focused
upon the distant point of light. BY
the aid of those powerful binoculars
he made out what it was. He was q
man of quick decision and purpose.
He called the officer to him, pointed
TO the light. and handed the glass to
the mar in question.
What do you make of that, Mr..
Hoffman,"
The officer took a quick look
through the glasses. handed them back
to their owner, and said laconically:
Land! Fire! Smoke, SIR"
Head the yacht to that island at
once"
Very good, sir" said the officer.
turning to the man at the wheel and
ordering the helm to be put aport.
The yachts bows swung slowly
round until the island and the light
were both dead ahead.
Now, Mr.. Hoffman," said Lang
ford, Then the maneuver was COM
pIeted. who is at the m~asthead?"
iii see. sir" answered the second
officer, stepping forward.
Bring him to me-" said the owner
as the fic turned away.
In a few moments the officer came
back to the quarterback followed by
one OF the seamen. The man looked
very much frightened, for Langford
was in a towering passion, and when
ne was in a passion he was not a
pleasant spectacle.
Did you see that island yonder?"
began the owner, fiercely.
"I-er-"
Answer mel"
Yes, sir" said the man. desperately.
You did,"
Yes, sir"
Why didn't you report 1T"
h man hesitated, shifting from
one loot to another, muttered some
'hing about a wild goose chase. Car
iied away by anger. Langford sprang
at him, and would have done him bod
lily violence, had he not been quickly
restrained by the second officer.
Mr.. Langford. sir" said Hoffman.
srasping him tightly, recover your
self, sir"
The check was sufficient.
g forward" cried Langford, oon.
trolling himself with difficulty. "Mr.
hoffman. send for Capt. Harper"
Very good. SIR" answered the ON
Ger.
And meanwhile you are to keep
straight for that island until further
orders"
IN a few moments the old captain
presented himself before the owner.
Harper" began the young man. i'm.
~periously, "the lookout this morning
deliberately failed to report that land.
That island yonder. l want him disrat-
ed and his pay stopped. Put him In
The gig and set him ashore at the
hrst civilized port"
Very well. sir" said the old sailing
not daring to demonstrate I'M
der such circumstances.
ID you know that island?" contin'
ued IanPford