Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-09-04


while he conducted his sad scrutiny. when
he was assured that this silent company
was beyond mortal help he at once strodc
away toward the nearest belt Of trees. He
could not tell how long the search for
water might be protracted. and there was
pressing need for IT,
when he reached the first ciump OF
brushwood he uttered delighted ekcIama-
ton. There, growing In prodeal liuxuri-
ance. was the bene1cent pitcher plant
whose large curiedup leaf. shaped like a
teacup, not only holds a lasting quantity
Of rain water. but mixes Herewith its own
palatable and natural juices
With his knife he severed two Of the
leaves, swearing emphaticaly the while on
account Of his damaged finger. and has
tened to Iris with the precious beverage.
She heard him and managed TO raise her
self on an elbow.
The poor girls eyes gllstened at the
prospect Of relief without word Of ques-
tion or surprise she swallowed the con-
tents Of both leaves.
Then she found utteranoe How odd Il
tastes What is it?" she inquired.
But the eagerness with which she
quenched her thirst renewed his own mo-
mentarlly forgotten torture. His tongue
seemed to swell He was absolutely un-
able to reply
The water revived Iris like a magic
draught. Her quick intuition told her what
had happened
You have had none yourself" she cried
Go at once and get some And please
bring me some more"
He required no second bidding After
hastily gulpng down the contents of sew
cral leaves he returned with a further sup-
ply. Iris was now sitting up. The sun
had burst royalty through the clouds and
her chilled limbs were gaining some degree
of warmth and elasticity.
What is t2" she repeated after another
delicious draught
THE lear of the pitcher plant. Nature
is not always cruel In an unusually gem
erous mood she devised this method of stor-
ing water"
Miss Deane reached out her hand for
more. Her troubled brain refused TO won
der at such reply from an ordinary sea-
man. The sailor deliberately spilled the
contents OF n remaining leaf on the sand
mo, madam" he said with an odd mix
ture of difference and frmness NO more
at present. 1 must first procure you some
food"
She looked up at him in momentary
silence.
The ship is lost?" she said after a pause.
Are we the only people saved?''
"I fear So"
rs this desert island?"
think not. madam. II may. by chance. |
be temporarily unnhabited but fishermen
from China come to all these plaoes 10
collect tortoise she'll and beche-de-mer
have seen no other living beings except
ourselves; nevertheless, the islanders NAV
live on the south side"
Another pause. Amidst the thrilling sem
sations of the moment Iris found herself |
idly specializing as to the meaning of
beche-de-mer. and why this common sailor
pronounced French so we'll Her thourhts
reverted to the steamer.
1T surely cannot be possible that the |
Sirdar has gone to pieces-a magnificent
vessel of her size and strength"
He answered quietly-"It Is too true
madam suppose you hardly knew she
struck, 1t happened so suddenly. After |
ward fortunately for you. you were un-
conscious"
How do you know" she inquired quick
ly. A flood OF vivid recollection was pour. |
ing in upon her
"I-er-well 1 happened to be near you
madam when the ship broke UP and we
er-drlfted ashore together"
She rose and faced him. "I remember
now she cried Historically. You caught
me as / was thrown into the corridor We
fell into the sea when the vessel turned
over. You have saved my life Were II
not for you 1 could not possibly have es-
capped"
She gazed at him more earnestly. seeing
that he blushed beneath the crust of salt
and sand that covered his face. ''why"
she went on with growing excitement, you
are the steward l noticed in the saloon
yesterday How is 1t that you are now
dressed as sailor?"
He answered readily enough. There was
an accident on board during the gale
madam. l am a fair sailor but a poor
steward, so I applied for a transfer AS |
the crew were short-handed my offer was
accepted"
Iris was now looking at him intently.