Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1910-07-07

your ship empowered to administer an
oath?"
Il have that power" answered the
lieutenant-commander. "Why do you
ask?''
1 wish you would bring some of
your officers here with paper and ink.
| wish to make a deposition as to the
facts that I have learned concerning
this mar 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. I'VE are sailing for Hon
olulu and thence for San Francisco as
directly as we can 60"
NO." said the girl, II will not leave
the island. You can take my friend
here"
1.-THE Southern Cross" said Lang
ford, lis at your disposal, Kate"
Il have had n voyage upon her.
said the woman bitterly. II want new
er to see her again."
Woman" said the man of the is.
land suddenly, "if you stay here, l
stay here. Without you I will not CO."
"Not So" said the woman scornful-
ly. Il 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 one Of us must stay, it
shall be l."
mo-" said the woman II have
been in the world and you have not.
You may go and learn what it 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.
Il was here when you came. I shall
be here when you return"
"We shall see" returned the wo-
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, l shall
be very glad. There Is nothing you
can do here. You have nothing to
gain by remaining"
Kate" he cried, lone last appeal"
ut is as %unavailing as the first"
She looked at him steadily. He saw
that within her face and bearing
which convinced him that what she
said was true.
"At least" he said, with the dignity
Of sorrow and disappointment, "if l
have played the part of the fool, I
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 I never did love you
and that I cannot love you" She
reached her hand out. "Good-by."
"Good-by," he said, IF you think Of
me, remember that I did my best to
make amends and If you ever
change"
Il shall not change" said the wo-
man. "Good-by."
He moved Off down the strand,
called his sailors to him, got into his
boat, showed off 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 a lit
tie while in silence, will you go back
and bring some officers ashore to hear
my story?"
SAT your wish, Miss Brenton," said
the lieutenant-commander gravely.
The woman turned to her compan-
ion.
4Will you go with them?"
And leave you here alone?" cried
the man.
II shall be here when you come
back, ! give you my word upon 1t. !
do not break my word. You know
whatever else you may have against
me, | have always told you the truth.
II you will remember. / said but yes
terday that was not worthy of YOU"
She smiled bitterly.
And in that, madam" said Whitta
ker, give me leave to say that you
broke your record for veracity."