Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1910-03-16

Ottl, IL Was tuc WOIldu WHO spoke.
81 sent for you, gentlemen" she be-
gan, "in order that a necessary deposit
ton might be made to enable, il posi-
BILE. my"-she paused and bowed for
mally toward the islander-''th gem
tleman, to establish his identity, upon
which, as I learn from Mr.. Whitaker,
much seems to depend. have here"
But could you not do this more con-
veniently later on the ship. Miss Bren-
toni" interposed the captain. He had
been told that she intended to stay on
the island, but he could not believe it.
I'VE shall be very glad indeed to offer
you passage home. The ship is fitted
for a 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, Il have no
friends who care enough about me to
welcome me or whom care enough
about to wish to see. MY mind is
made up. / shall stay on the island,
at least for the present"
But. my dear young lady" began
the officer.
capt Ashby," said the woman,
"you are the commander OF that ship? p.
II am"
ITO you is committed the ordering
Of her course?'
ITO me alone. Miss Brenton."
L b 4 NVNN doriaaf al n,,aokynro
with her on your own responsibility? 2"
Il do. certainly; but
"Sir, this is my ship, this island. II
choose to stay here. 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"
ut Is my island" cried the man.
roughly. and If you stay. stay"
I'VE lose time" said the woman.
shortly. Il am here to give my testi-
mony; you are prepared to take it?"
Il am" said the lieutenant-com-
mander, stepping forward, notebook in
hand. Fl 4.
Captain. will you conduct the neces.
sary inquiry"
Y Certainly" said the captain. "Mr.
Langford, do you, identity this lady?n
= do. SIR" answered Langford. sshe
e Miss Katherine Brenton Of San
Francisco"
You say this Of your own personal
knowledge?"
Yes, SIR
s You will make amdavit to that
eact!" IS
With pleasure"
7 wondered" said the woman, Bit
ferly, why you came back
ut 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 1t, or force any improvement in
It. "Whl you proceed now with your
story" he continued. "Will you speak
slowly SO that Mr.. Whitaker, who
does not write shorthand, can take 1t
[ down."
Thereupon the woman told that por.
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. Mr..
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 Brenton." said the captain at
last. breaking the pause. lit seems a
shame. For Gods sake, reconsider
your decision and come off to the
ship!"
" No" returned the woman, quietly:
my mind is made up.''
"Katharine!" exclaimed Langford.
extending his hand in one final APP
peal
Z Not with you. either" said the
woman.
My dear young lady" began the
old chaplain, think what it is you do
Has any human being with such pow
ers as you possess right to bury her
self in this lonely island? Is there no
call-?"
Sir" the woman tnterposed, "your
plea might move me IL anything could,
but indeed It's useless as the rest"
Hear mine, then" said the man,
abruptly, even harshly.
The woman turned and faced him
as unrelenting and as determined as
she, had faced the others. What could
he say? There was but one plea that
could move her. Was he about to
make that?
I'VE have loved each other" he
went on, brokenly 1T was my dear.
est wish, my most settled determine.
ton, to make you my wife. That wish
! still entertain. that determination
has not departed from me. You have
refused to, marry that man"
And Would you have me do so?"
asked the woman.
No, q thousand times. no. am
serrier every moment that look at
him that did not kill him. But hav-
Ing refused him. there is nothing now
that you can do but marry me. And
as you have refused him, it makes it
the more incumbent upon me to marry
you and to take you away. Your honor
demands It."
my honor!" famed out the woman,
indignantly.
Il have said it." returned the man,
doggedly.
Gentlemen, you will forgive our
frankness," said the woman, turning
to the little group who waited, all ex-
cept Langford, who had walked away
out Of earshot and who resolutely kept
his back toward the party, "but this
thing has to be settled. Now" said the
woman, here is no question of honor.