Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1925-05-27

Sh1pWreck mere.
He left them Not word had Robert
spoken throughout the unexpected
scene. His heart was throbbing with
a tremulous joy, and his lordship's
sneers were lost on him. But he could
not fail to note the malignant pur-
pose of the parting sentence.
n his quietly masterful way he
placed his hand on the baronet's
shoulder.
what did Lord ventnor mean?" he
asked.
Sir Arthur Deane answered, with a
calm smile-"It is difficult to talk OPP
emily at this moment. Wait until we
reach the hotel"
The news flew fast through the set
Element that H. M. S. Orient had re-
turned from her long search for the
Sirdar. The warship occupied her US
ual anchorage, and boat was low
cred to take off the passengers. Lieu
tenant Playdon went asore with them.
A feeling of consideration for Ans
truther prevented any arrangements
being made for subsequent meetings.
Once their courteous duty was ended,
the officers of the Orient could not
give him any further social recogn1-
ton.
Lord ventnor was aware of this fact
and endeavored to turn it to advan-
tage.
"By the way, Fitzroy," he called out
to the commander as he prepared to
descend the gangway, II want you, and
any others not detained by duty, to
come and dine with me tonight"
Captain Fitzroy answered blandly-
"It is very good of you to ask us, but
1 fear 1 cannot make any definite ar
rangements until learn what orders
are awaiting me here"
ooh, certainly. Come if you can,
eh?''
eyes; suppose we leave it at that"
It was polite but decided rebuff.
It in no way tended to sweeten Lord
Ventnor's temper, which was further
exasperated when he hurt his shin
against one of Roberts disreputable-
looking tins, with it's accumulation of
debris.
The boat swung off into the tide
way. Her progress snorewards was
watched by small knot of people,
mostly loungers and coolies. Among
had driven rapidly to the landing place
when the arrival of the Orient was re-
ported. One bore all the distinguish
ing marks of the army officer of high
rank, but the other was Enthusiastically
globe-trotter. Only in Piccadilly
could he have purchaser his wondrous
sola topi, or pith helmet-with its i'm
itation puggri neatly frilled and puck
ered-and no tailor who ever carried
his goose through the Exile's Gate
would have fashioned his expensive
garments. But the old gentleman made
no pretence that he could "hear the
East a-callif'," He swore impartially
at the climate, the place, and its in
habitants. At this instant he was in
a state of wild excitement. He was
very tall, very stout, exceedingly red
faced. Any budding medico who I'M
derstood the pre-eminence enjoyed by
aq. ad in a prescription, would have
diagnosed him as first-rate subject
for apoplexy.
Producing a tremendous telescope,
he vainly endeavored to balance it on
the shoulder of a native servant.
Cant you stand still, you blither-
ing idiot" he shouted, after futile at
tempts to focus the advancing boat,
cor shall I steady you by a clout over
the carr"
His companion, the army man, was
looking through a pair of fieldglasses.
"By Jove!" he cried, II can see Sir
Arthur Deane, and a girl who looks
like his daughter. There's that infer
nal scamp, Ventnor, too
The big man brushed the servant
out of his way, and brandished the
telescope as though it were bludg-
con.
"The dirty beggar! He drove my lad
to misery and death, yet he has come
back safe and sound. Wait till I meet
him. PHI
"Now, Anstruther! Remember your
promise I will deal with Lord Vent
nor. My vengeance has first claim.
What! By the jumping Moses, / do
believe Yes. 1t is. Anstrutheri
Your nephew is sitting next to the
grill"
The telescope fell on the stones
with a crash. The giants rubicund
face suddenly blanched. He leaned on
his friend for support.
"You are not mistaken" he almost
whimpered. Look again, for Gods
sake, man. Make sure before you
speak Tell me! Tell mel"
Calm yourself, Anstruther. 1t is
Robert, as sure as I'm alive. Don't
you think I know him, my poor dis
graced friend, whom /, like all the
rest, cast off in his hour of trouble?
But 1 had some excuse. There! There!
1 didn't mean that, old fellow. Robert
himself will be the last man to blame
either of us. Who could have sus-
pected that two people-one of them,
God help me! my wife-would con-
coct such hellish plot!"
The boat glided gracefully along
side the steps of the quay, and Play
don sprang ashore to help Iris to
alight What happened Immediately
afterwards can best be told in his own
words, as he retailed the story to an