The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1910-05-20


rock. He ventured to thrust his head
through this screen, following Domin-
COS example some hours earlier. Al
most directly beneath his eager glance
found the little vessel. She was fioat.
ing past with the current He peered
down on to her deck as II from the
top Of mast. A few cigarette smok-
ing officers were grouped In her bows.
Apparently they were more interested
In the remains OF the Andromeda than
In the natural fortress overhead. Clus-
tered round the hatch were some TWEEN
ty soldiers. also smoking
One of the officers pointed to the
ledge. He was excited and emphatic.
The man at the wheel growled an
order, and the engine started again.
Though Hozier knew not what was
said. the significance OF this panto-
mime was not lost on him. The local
pilot was afraid of these treacherous
waters In the dark. but next day
Frade do Francez (Which Is the island
ers' name for the Grande-pere rock)
would surely be explored If landing
could be made.
did not move until there was no risk
of his figure being silhouetted against
the sky. Even then he wormed his
way backward ~ith slow caution. Iris
was crOuched where he had left her.
wide eyed. motionless.
Good job we came here" he said.
ut Is evident they mean to maintain
patrol until there Is news Of De
Sylvia one way or the other. 1t will
be interesting now TO hear what the
gallant San Benavides says. If any
ship comes to Fernando Noronha to-
night she will be seen from the is
land long before any signal is visible
at this point"
do you think the others saw the
launchY she asked.
"No-not unless some of the men
strayed down the gully. which they
were told not to do. The breakers
would drown the noise of the engines
and screw"
There was slight pause.
"Will you tell themy" she went on.
"Why notr
This time the pause was more elo-
quent than words. Quite unconscious
ly Iris replied to her own question.
".Of course, as you said little while
ago. we owe our lives to Dom Corria
de SYLVIA" she murmured, as If she
were reasoning with herself.
BY chance. probably because Hozier
stopped to help her to her feet, his arm
rested lightly across her shoulders.
II will not pre;end to misunderstood
YOU" he said. If the Brazilians do
not mean TO play the game it would be
a just punishment TO let them rush on
their own doom. But De Sylvia may
not agree with this top of an officer.
and. In any event. we must 60 straight
with him until he shows mis- teeth"
"You seem to dislike Captain San
Benavides." she said inconsequently.
II regard him as brainless ass" he
exclaimed.
Somehow that sounds like descrip-
ton Of dead donkey. which one never
Sees
'Mademoiselp" came a voice from
the lip OF the ravine.
One can hear him. though" laughed
Hozier. with warning pressure that
resembled a hug. These
.wo were children III some respects.
quicker to jest than to grieve, better
tilted for mirth than tragedy.
They moved ont from their niche.
Ind San Benavides clustered into We
French.
I'VE are going to the landing place
before II Is too dark" he muttered an
,riy. I'VE must MOI show light. In
/ few minutes the path will be most
dangerous. Please make haste. made
We did not know where you
lad gone"
He took her hand. Philip followed.
lie was young enough to long for an
opportunity to tell San Benavides that
lie was a puppy. a mongrel puppy.
After really difficult and hazardous
lescent they found the others awaiting
hem in Il rock shrouded cove. Tbe
arrest standing room was afforded by
patch Of shingle and detritus. Along
ide flai stone lay three broad planks
led together with cowhide. The CEN
err plank was turned up at one end.
This was the cuiaiiiaran, which De
;ylva had dignfied by the name Of
'oat.
Were ave you bin?' growled Coke.
We've lost n goOd ten minnits. You
ught TO ave known. HoZier, that it's
arkest just after sunset!
I'VE could not have started sooner,
ir."
IVY not? We were KEEP waitin' up
here. searchn for YOU"
THAT was our lpSt slice of luck to-
ay. Had any of Auu appeared on the
'dge You would have been seen from
he launch
"Wot lnunch?"
THE launch that visited us this
lornlng. Zen nllrutes ago she was
landing by at the root Of the rock"
Philip spoke slowly and clearly. He
leant his news to strike home. AS |
e anticipated. DE sylvia broke in.
You saw it?' he asked, and his |
eep voice vibrated with dismay.
"Yes even made out. by actions |
lther than words. that the darkness
lone prevented the soldiers from COM |
IL here tonight. The skipper would |