The Richmond climax. (Richmond, Ky.) 1897-1914, 1911-12-20
CHAPTER XIX.
The Mans Failure,

l. Al I'VE 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.
1 Well was It for her that the garments
were loose and easy-fitting, else she
could not have put them on, so splen-
didly had she developed in waist and
chest and limb. She wore stockings
and shoes, and. save for a certain ma
tural elegance and freedom in her
bearing, she looked much as any other
woman. except that few women were
as beautiful as she.
Her face, always colorless, was paler
than ever 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
tice the strong constraint she put upon
herself and the evidences Of self-re-
straint were painfully apparent.
After a momentary hesitation and
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 intrOduotions. This ceremony
over, 1t was the woman who spoke.
Il sent for you. gentlemen" she be-
gan. Gin order that a necessary deposit
ton might be made to enable, If posi-
bic, my''-she paused and bowed for
mally toward the islander-"this gen
tleman, 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
VeHiently later on the ship, Miss Bren-
tons" interposed the captain. He had
been told that she intended to stay on
the island, but ne could not believe it.
I'VE shall be very glad indeed to offer
you passage home. The ship is fitted
for a flag and the admirals quarters
are yours to command. We are sailing
direct to the United States, with a stop
at Honolulu, and will be glad to- re-
store you to your friends"
"Sir," said the woman, Il have no
friends who care enough about me to
welcome me or whom l care enough
about to wish to see. My mind is
made up. l shall stay on the island,
at least for the present"
But, my dear young lady" began
the officer.
capt Ashby," said the woman,
you are the commander of that shipY"
Il am"
ITO you is committed the ordering
of her course?"
ITO me alone. Miss Brenton"
you decide all questions connected
with her on your own responsibility
Il do, certainly: but
"Sir. this is my ship, this island. If
/ choose to stay here, l cannot think
you will endeavor to take me hence
by force"
by no means"
Nor have any more fondness for
having my decisions discussed than
you would have for hearing your
orders argued or questioned"
"It is my island" cried the man,
roughly, land if you stay. l stay"
I'VE lose time" said the woman,
shortly. Il am here to give my testi-
mOny; you are prepared to take it?"
Il am" said the lieutenant=com-
mander. stepping forward, notebook in
hand
Captain, will you conduct the neces-
sary inquiry?''
Certainly" said the captain. "Mr.
iLangford, do you identify this LADY,"
II do, sir" answered Langford. "She
is Miss Katherine Brenton of San
Francisco"
you say this of your own personal
knOwiedge?"
Eyes, sir"
you win make affidavit to that
fact?"
with pleasure"
81 wondered" said the woman, bit
terly. why you came back"
ut was at my wish, madam" re-
turned Capt Ashby, formally.
He was not greatly prepossessed
with the imperative manner and de-
meanor of this young woman, but he
did not see exactly how he could re-
sent it, or force any improvement in
1t. .Will you proceed now with your
81 4 =
slowly so that Mr.. Whitaker, who
does not write shorthand, can take it
DOWN."
Thereupon the woman told that por-
ton of her tale which related to the
evidence which she exhibited, the
piece of the boat with the name of the
ship upon it. the dog collar, the silver
box, the Bible, the two rings. These
we're marked, set down and sworn to.
The AFFIDAVIT to which she subscribed
her name. and to which she took oath
on the very Bible of the island, was
brief. though comprehensive, and the
little ceremony was soon over. Mr..
Whitaker assumed charge of all the
exhibits. The tale having been COM
pieted and all the little foFmalites got
through With, the little party stood
around In awkward silence wondering
what was next TO come.
Miss Brenton," said the captain at
last. breaking the pause, lit seems a
shame. For Gods sake, reconsider
your decision and come OF to the
shipi"
NO" returned the woman, quietly;
my mind is made up"
"Katharinel" exclaimed Langfofd.
extending his hand in one final ap-
peal.
mot with you. either" said the
woman.
My dear young lady" began the
ole chaplain, think what 1t Is you do.
Has any human being with such pow.
ers as you possess right 70 bury her
self in this lonely Island? Is there no
CALI
Sir" the woman interposed. "your
plea might move me II anyth'
nae Moines man had al attack Of