Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-02-23

roads TO reach a railroad line. He set
tied despondently in his seat. his mo-
mentRry enthusiasm smothered by the
pressing necessity Of the moment
He discovered the old man sunk in a
state OF coma. He had suffered a
stroke of apoplexy. and there was
nothing the young American could do.
save to apply simple remedies that
would at least satisfy the wailing rel
atives that he was doing something.
In fact, his presence was needless, his
sacrifice in vain.
Morning found him closing the eyes
of the old man of Oragua, who had
after all gone to the Great Physician
TO be cured spiritually as well as bod
lily of his ailments. When he had
withdrawn from the hut OF mourning
and Dominique had thrust in the cart
a large basket of fruit that the CRATE
full relatives of the old man OF Oragus
had pressed upon Freeman the latter
walked down TO a little point OF land
that jutted into the sea. When he
emerged from a grove of palms into
the full sunlight he was startled by
the sight of large steamer lying per.
haps a quarter OF a mile from shore.
Two small launches were putting on
from her. and another was almost un
der his very nose at the waters edge
Wild with excitement, he rushed
away and called his servant to bring
his luggage. Then he intercepted the
first boat, which had just landed q
dozen tourists, men and women, who
looked at the sun Drowned American
with friendly eyes.
From the sailors Freeman learned
that the vessel was the TripoSa, q
tourist steamer, cruising among the
islands. Her steering gear had gone
wrong of Oragua, and while 1t was
being repaired those passengers who
desired it had gone ashore. The steam
er was outward bound from New York
and would make San Juan in the
course of her trip. They thought it
likely that the captain would take
Freeman as passenger.
Delighted at this happy turn CITRATE
which seemed to have been brought
about by the old man Of Oragua, Ralph
found infinite satisfaction in seeing hk
luggage slowed in the boat Then he
gave final directions to Dominique
ana DdOe MIN farewell.
Now the other launches landed Their
tourists, and they, too, gazed at Free
man as they streamed past Suddenly
his heart jumped madly and the blood
raced through his veins as It had not
done since he had last seen Lillian
Wade. For there she was, staring
back with wondering eyes, starry with
happiness at seeing him.
Forgetful Of the cotton broker and
his possible relationship to Lillian.
Ralph Freeman found himself holding
her hands and trying to appear con.
venti0nal before many curious eyes.
Alta little distance he saw an aston
ished looking elderly woman who SEEM
ed TO be waiting for Lillian.
'Oh, Ralph! To think you should
be herer She was breathing quickly.
81 was going TO YOUTH tell you all
about it later. Then you haven't for.
gotten me, and you have forgiven me
for being such a brute? he fairly
stammered in his haste.
i've been punished, Ralph. for my
perversity," she said humbly. II did
not care a bit for that man, only was
vexed that you should doubt my 10y
atty in the least Come and be intro
duced to Mrs. Ford-I am travelling
with her. 1t Is all so wonderful
You can thank the old man Of Ora
qua for this, dear" be said to her as
they went along And to himself he
whispered softly. wonderipgly, "a.
you can bet believe there are 81
In these days toor'