Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-09-19

process Of evolution. IN fact. Nov. 10
you know. Miss Deane that would never
have occurred 70 me-"
And during the remainder OF the dsx he
did not once look At her feet. Indeed. he
had far more serious matters 20 distract
his thoughts, for Iris. feverishly anxious %
be busy, suddenly suggested that II would
be good thing were she able 20 use q
rife II hight at close quarters became
necessary.
The recoiI OF the Lee-Metford is 20 slight
that any woman can manipulate the weapon
with effect, provided she is not called upon
TO IRE from a standing position, IN which
case the weight Is liable 20 cause bad aim
ing. Though Il came rather late IN the
day jerks caught at the idea. He accus-
toned her In the nrst instance to the usc
OF blank cartridges. Then. when fairly
proficient in holding and slghting-a child
can learn how 70 renll and clip and eject
each empty shell-she fred ten rounds Of
service ammunition. The target was q
white circle on n rock NJ eighty yards. and
those OF tho ten shots that missed the
absolute mark would have made an enemy
at the same distance extremely uncom-
formable. 4
Iris was much pleased with her pro-
ficlency. Now" she cried. instead Of
being n hIndranco 10 you I may be some
help. In any case, the Dyaks will think
there are two men 10 face. and they have
NOou reason TO rear one OF US
Then a new light dawned upon Jenls
why did you not think OF II beforef-
he demanded. Don't you see, Miss Deane,
the possibility suggested by your words7
am sorry TO be compelled to speak plainly.
but feel sure that II those scoundrels do
attack us In force II will be more 20 secure
you than TO avenge the loss Of their fellow
tribesmen. First and foremost, the sea-
going Dyaks are pirates and marauders.
They prowl about the coast looking not SO
Now. II they return. and apparently nnd
two well-armed men awaiting them, with
no prospect OF piunder there 10 chance
they may abandon the enterprise"
Irish did not finch from the topic. She
well knew It's grave Importance
In other words" she said, 'T must bs
seen by them dressed only in male CLOTH
ing7"
Yes, as a last resource, that is have
some hope that they may not discover our
whereabouts owing TO the precautions we
have adopted. Perched up there on the
but that will be nothing II II secures our
safety"
She did not reply at once. Then she said
musingly-"Forty-fo daysl Surely there
has been ample time TO scour the China Sea
from end to end in search OF ur7 Ny father
would never abandon hope until he had the
most positive knowledge that the Sirdsr
was lost with all on board"
The sailor. through long schooling. was
prepared with an answer-"Each day
makes the prospect of escape brighter.
Though I was naturally disappointed this
morning, I must state quite emphatically
that our rescue may come any hour"
Iris looked at him steadily.
you wear solemn face for one who
speaks SO cheerfully" she said.
You should not attach too great signif-
cance to appearances. The owl, a very
stupid bird. is noted for its philosophical
expression"
'Then we will strive to find wisdom in
words. Do you remember. Mr.. jerks, that
soon after the wreck you told me we might
have 70 remain here many monthsf"
THAT was n pardonable exaggeration.s
mo. no. II was the truth. You are seek
ing now to buoy me up with false hope Il
is 1900 miles from Honglong to SInga-
PORE and half as much from Siam 70
anywhere in She typhoon. Didn't you say
so, Mr.. Jonks9"
He wIvered under this merciless cross-
! examination.
II had no idea your memory was no
good" he said. weakly
Excellent, / assure you Moreover dur
ing our forty-four days together, you have
taught me to think. Why do you adopt
subterfuge with me7 We are partners in
| all else Why cannot share your despair
| well as your toil?"
| She blazed out in sudden wrath ana bs
understood that she would not be denied
| the full extent OF his secret fear He
bowed reverently before her as a mortal
paying homage to an angry goddess.
CONTINUED TOMORROW