The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1905-1910, 1910-09-23
CHAPTER XXX.
The MANS FAILURE.


AZ nve o'clock boat put on from
the big white cruiser. conveying the
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
had left the yacht and which she had
ever since preserved with such scru-
pulous care for an emergency like this.
Well was II for her that the garments
were loose and easy. hitting. else she
could not have put them on, so splsn-
didly had she developed IN waist and
chest and limb. She wore stockings
and shoes. ana. save for . certain ma
tural elegance and freedom In her
bearing. she LOOKED much a. any other
woman, except that fee women we're
a. beautiful a. she. i.ii'''' ''
Her face. always eolorless. vas paler
thah ever. so1ethins Of the anguish
that she had gone through vas seen
there By the hsea syss Of Whitaker.
st least. and even the others could no
tses the strong copstrsint she put upon
herself and the evidences OF eelf.re-
strsint we're psinfuliy apparent
After . momentary hesitation and q
glance at the isisnder. who. after his
nrst swift. eomprehendinG 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. II was the woman who spoke.
II sent for you. gentlemen" she be-
gan, I'm order that a necessary deposit
ton might be made 20 enable. II possi-
BILE. my"--she paused and bowed for
mally toward the islander-'this gen
ueman. TO establish his Identity. upon
which. as 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.
tom" interposed the captain. He had
been told that she intended 20 stay on
the island. but he could not believe H.
We shall be very glad indeed to offer
you passage home. The ship is fitted
for a nag and the admirals quarters
are yours 10 command. We are sailing
direct 20 the United States. with a stop
az Honolulu. and will be glad to re
store you 10 your friends"
sir" said the woman. Il have mol
friends who care enough about me to
welcome me or whom ] care enough
about 10 wish 70 see. My mind is
made up. l shall stay on the island.
at least for the present"
But. my dear young lady" began
the oficer.
Capt Ashby." said the woman
you are the commander OF that shipT1
Il am"
ITO you is committed the ordering
Of her coursel"
ITO me alone. Miss Brenton."
You decide all questions connected
with her on your own responsibility
d Il do certainly; but"
"sir, this IL my ship, this island. nj
/ choose TO stay here. I cannot think
you viii endeavor 10 take me hence
by force"
by no means"
WI naNt ny hssAN at11aN'o w
having my decisions discussed than
you would have for hearing your
orders argued or questioned"
1T 10 my island" cried the man,
roughly, "sna n you stay. I stay"
we lose time" said the woman.
shortly. Il am here 10 give my testl-
mony: you are prepared TO take III"
Il am" said the lieutenant-com-
mander. stepping forward. notebook In
hand.
Captain. win you conduct the neces.
Isary inquiry
Certainly" said the captain. mr..
LsnEford. do you identity this lady2"
Il do, sir" answered Langford. "she
40 Miss Katherine Brenton OF San
francisco"
You say this Of your own personal
yes. sir"
You win make af,davit 70 that
lfactf"
with pleasure"
Il wondered" said the woman. bit
tsriy. why you came hack"