, 1910-03-10
CHAPTER XIX.
The Mans Failure.

AT five O'Clock a boat put of from
the big white cruiser. conveying the
Islander, the captain, the other off GERS
and Langford to the shore. The woman
met them on the sand. She had dis.
carded her woven tunic n 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.
riUous care for an emergency like this.
Wen was 1t for her that the garments
were loose and easy-fitting, else she
could not have put them on, so splen.
did'v had she developed in waist and
chest and limb. She wore stockings
and shoes. and, save for a certain ma.
tural eleG1nce and freedom in her
bearing. she locked much as any other
woman except that few women were
a beautiful as she.
Her face. always c~olorIess. was paler
than eve Something of the anguish
that she had gone through was seen
there by the keen eyes of Whitaker,
| at least. and even the others could no.
ticc the strong constraint she put upon
! herself and the evidences of self-re-
s'raint were painfully apparent.
After n ~momentary hesitation and a
glance at the islander. who. after his
first swift, comprehending 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. Il was the woman who spoke.
II sen for you, gentlemen" she be
gan, lin order that a necessary deposi.
''ou might be made 20 enable. If posi-
tic. my'-she PAUSED and bowed for
ally toward the isl"rder-'this gen.
cman, TO establif h his identity. upon
which. as | learn from Mr.. Whitaker,
much seems 10 depend. Lave here
"Rrt cou'd you no: do this more con
venient'y later on the shin Miss Rren.
.on?" interrosed the captain. He had
! zen told that she intended to stay on
he island. but he could not believe it
We shall be very glad indeed to offer
on passage home. The ship is fitted
or n flag and the admiral's quarters
are yours to command We are sailing
direct to the United States, with a stop
at Honolulu, and will be glad to re
'ore you to our friends
Sir" said the Il have nc
friends who care enough about me to
welcome me or whom | care enough
about to wish to see. My mind is
nadc mn. I shall stay on the island,
II least for the present"
But. my dear young lady" began
'he o~cer.
capt. Ashby." said the woman.
you are the commander of that ship?'
Il am
TO Won is committed the ordering
ur hcr course?'
ITO me aloue, Miss Brenton."
You decide all questions connected
witt, her on your W responsibility
Il do. certainly: but"
sir. this is my ship, this island. II
7iionse TO stay here, I cannot think
yon win endeavor to take mi hence
ry force"
Try no means"
Nor have any more fondness for
h wing my decisions discussed than
wa would have for hearing your
orders argued or questioned"
1T Is my island" cried the man,
roughly, and If you stay. stay"
We lose time said the woman.
shortly u am here to give my testi
~ vor are prepared to take it?'
Il am. said the lieutenant-com'
mandrc stopping forward. notebook in
hand
Captain. will you conduct the neces
~, inquiry?"
Certainly" said the captain. Mr.
,aerord do you identify this LADY,
y do. sir answered Langford. "She
MISC Katherine Brenton of San
.iriseo"
r>ou say this OF your W personal
na1lcdge?"
N.s. sir."
You viii make affidavit to that
WEh pleasure"
'odcrcd," lid the woman. bit
"ahA lol came back
"It was at my wish, madam" re
turned Capt Ashby, formally.
He was not greatly prepossessed
with the imperative manner and de
meano of this young woman. but he
did o see exactly how he could re
sent 1t, or force any improvement In
1t. win you proceed now with your
story" he continued. "Win you speah
! slowly SO that Mr.. Whitaker. VIII