The Mena weekly star., 1910-08-11

who does not realize that am ae nura and as innocent Of wrong and shame as he would fain think his mother. as he would absolutely know his wife must be- told you that your manhood must be put to the test told you that your love must be tried by fire. What loved in you was the assurance that you would survive the test, that you would triumph in the trial. It is not I that have been before the great judge this morning. but you. and you have failed.S
 "Kate.- said Langford, Tho casts you off; take me- swear to you that were in his place, would not have hesitated a moment-
 'I respect you more than ever" said the woman; "but don't love you and 1 cannot will not take youi"
 "Charnock. said Whitaker, If that's your name. permit me to say here. saving the ladys presence. that you are behaving like a damned fool"
 The man looked at him dunbly, un- comprehendingly and made no reply. It was the woman who spoke, coldly, impartially. She had seemingly dis missed tho whoie affair, though at what cost to herself no one could know.
 Sir she said, "is there anyone on your ship empowered to administer an oath?-
 T have that power,- answered the ieutenant-commander Why do you askf+
 T wish you would bring some of your officers here with paper and ink. l wish to make deposition as to the facts that l have learned concerning this man which may be of service to him in establishing his identity and discovering his history when he re- turns to the United States"
 But are you not going back with us, Miss Brenton?" asked the officer in amazement We are sailing for Hon. olulu and thence for San Francisco as directly as we can go"
 No" said the girl, T will not leave the island. You can take my friend here.s
 | ford, lis at your disposal, Kate" T have had one voyage upon her. said the woman bitterly. T want nev- CT to gee her again. Woman" said the man of the is- land suddenly. If you stay here. stay here. Without you I will not go.- Not so." said the woman scornful- ly. T would not be upon the same Island alone with you again. You have failed me-
 Her voice broke. but she caught it | again instantly and resumed her iron self-control
 Then if us of us must stay, it shall be Is
 No said the woman. T have been in the world and you have not You may go and learn what 1t holds for you. I have tried to prepare you, | to give you lessons. Now, you may put them in practice-
 The island is mine," said the man. T was here when you cama I shall be here when you return We shall geo." returned the wo- 1 man looking boldly at him. The clash of wills almost struck fire within the | eyes of the two who thus crossed swords. Meanwhile" she turned to Langford. "if you will leave the is- land and go back to your ship, shall he very glad. There is nothing you can do here You have nothing to gain by remaining
 Kate he cried, "one last appeal. ["
 Tt is as unavailing as the first"
 She looked at him steadily. He saw that within her face and bearing 1 which convinced him that what she said was true.
 .At least" he said, with the dignity of sorrow and disappointment If have played the part of the fool, have done my best to play the man. !"
 He turned slowly away In a step the woman was by his side
 You have" she said Whoever else has failed me in this hour, it has not been you. I am sorry that do not love you, that 1 never did love you | and that cannot love you" She reached her hand out. 'Good-by."
 "Good-by,- he said. "if you think of me, romember that did my best to make amends and If you ever | change"
 'T shall not change" said the wo- man. "Good.by." He moved of down the strand, called his sailors to him. got into his boat, showed of and was rowed over the blue lagoon and through the open ing in the barrier toward the yacht tossing slowly upon the long swells of the Pacific
 ''As for you, sir" said the woman, after she had watched Langford lit- tie while in silence. will you go back and bring some officers ashore to hear ny story7-
 At your wish. Miss Brenton," said the lieutenant-commande gravely The woman turned to her oompan- | ion.
 "Wlll you go with them7" And leave you here alonef" cried | the man.
 | q shall be here when you come back. I give you my word upon it. I | do not break my word. You know whatever else you may have against me. have always told you the truth. If you will remember, I said but yes terday that was not worthy of you" | Cha emtIad btftariv