The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1926-01-08
CHAPTER vi

house, leaving Alice Cutler white and
quiet behind, Dick made a complete
tour of the island before any of the
others were up.
It was larger island than he had
been led to think. In all 1t comprised
at least several hundred acres, half Of
it low and fiat, and the rest rough and
rocky, with the south side ending In
| a precipitous bluff. The rambling
1 house was built on the highest point,
commanding an unobstructed view of
the ocean In all directions.
+ The west side was somewhat shell
tered, and dock had been constructed
inside an artificial stone breakwater.
that formed safe basin for boats.
1t was in this basin that the Pelican
had landed its passengers the night
before.
In the early morning glow, the island
was shimmering jewel Of rare beauty
rising abruptly from the sea, half trop-
ical and half temperate in its climate
and vegetation. The air was neither
sultry nor chilly, but of just the right
temperature to soothe tangled nerves
without enervating the owner.
Part of the fiat side was under cult
walton, showing considerable expendi-
ture of time and labor in advanced ag-
| riculture. Gardens of fruits and vege-
| tables bloomed in the warm sunlight;
trees bearing flowers and buds Of fu-
ture crops-tulips, oranges and lemons
| along with expresses and oaks-were
| planted In orderly array along the
slope of the hills and on the lower
levels; buildings and runs for poultry,
game Enclosures, pens for sheep and
cows, and low, rambling barns and
sheds took up considerable space on
the west and south sides.
But the north and east, which re-
ceived the brunt of the storms and
| pounding seas. were left almost I'M
touched by civilizing hands. Here was
a touch of primitive nature-wild,
rugged and untamed. The gray walls
of rocks beat back the widest surges
Of the sea, and the gnarled, twisted
trees that grew on their sides and
tops were mute testimony to their
long defiance of wind and waves.
Dick found this side Of the island
more to his taste. 1t was possible
for one to seek shelter from the
storms at any time in the caves, fis-
sures and depressions between the
rocks. and in an emergency one could
find a spare living there. Sea birds
had their ro0keries in sheltered
places, screeching and squawking in
termittently the day long, and in the
pools below, left there by the receding
tide, whole schools Of fish and crusta-
ceans were caught.
with an occasional raid on hen
coop and the dairy, could live here
like a king" Dick observed, whim-
sically smiling. "A veritable paradise
flung down in the ocean,"
Not exactly sure of his next move,
and unwilling to force matters, Dick
lazily explored the rough side of the
island. hiding in the caves whenever
any suspicious noise alarmed him, and
otherwise enjoying himself to the ut
most. In this way he spent the morn
ing and early afternoon
Toward sunset, he was watching the
simmer of the ocean on the north
when a tiny speck. bobbing up and
down on the waves, attracted his at.
tention. He watched it indifferently
at first, and then with more concern
He shaded his eyes with both hands,
and came to his feet with an exclalna.
ton Of surprise.
TITS somebody clinging to a life.
raft!" he said.
er, and then added. a"He's nearly all
in, and trying to reach the island"
Hurrying down the rocks, he
reached the edge of the water The
shipwrecked man on the raft was
swimming freely now. and with pow.
erful strokes propelling his frail sup.
port toward the island Dick waved
his hands, and shouted:
sThis way! I'll help you'll"
There seemed to be moment of In.
decision on the part of the swimmer.
and then as if Dicks words had been
the signal he threw up both hands,
and called family:
Help! Help"
Dick lost no time In throwing of
his superfuous garments and plung.
ing into the sea. The surf was not
heavy, and he had no great difficulty
in reaching the exhausted swimmer
He caught the frail raft with a hand
and began towing 1t in.
Can you hang on It'll" he called.