Jasper County Democrat, Volume 8, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 June 1905 — Bhe Wings of the Morning [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Bhe Wings of the Morning

By LOUIS TRACY

Casyright. 1903, by J.Cleds

SYNOPSIS. Chapter I—The Sirdar, having among her passengers Iris Deane, daughter of the owner of the ship, and Robert Jenks, who is working as a waiter, is wrecked. Il— All are lost save Miss Deane and Jenks, who are cast ashore on an islet in the Pacific. Jenkins recovers stores and weapons from the wrecked vessel. He finds the skeleton of a European on the island. IV—A cave on the island is fitted up as a habitation. A ohart of the island, mysteriously marked. Is found on the skeleton. V—Jenks finds a hollow filled with human skeletons, the remains of a mining party. He is rescued from an octopus by Iris while recovering riles from the wreck of the Sirdar. VI —Jenks tells Iris that his real name is Anstruther and that, through the machinations of Lord Ventnor, he has been unjustly dismissed in disgrace from the English army. Lord Ventnor has been mentioned on the Sirdar as affianced to Iris. Vll—lris is attacked by a party of fierce Dyaks (Polynesian natives). They are beaten off by Jenks, three, however escaping in their boat. The castaways dread their return. Vlll—Anstruther prepares to defend Iris and himself, fortifying a ledge of rook above their cave. IX—A rich gold mine, indicated on the mysterious chart of the island, Is discovered in the cave. Another vehement harangue by the chief goaded some venturesome spirits into carrying their wounded comrade out of sight, presumably to the but Inspired by tbeir leader’s fearless example, they even removed the third injured Dyak from the vicinity of the cave, but the celerity of their retreat caused the wretch to bawl in agony. The next undertaking was no sooner appreciated by the sailor than he hurriedly caused Iris to shelter herself beneath the tarpaulin, while he cowered close to the floor of the ledge, looking only through the screen of tali grasses. They kindled a fire near the well. Soon its ruddy glare lit up the dark rock with fantastic fiickerings and drew scintillations from the weapons and ornaments of the hideously picturesque horde gathered in its vicinity. They spoke a language of bard vowels and nasal resonance and ate what he judged to be dry fish, millets and strips of tough preserved meat, which they cooked on small iron skewers stuck among the glowing embers. His heart sank as he counted sixty-one, all told, assembled within forty yards of the ledge. Probably several others were guarding the boats or prowling about the island. Indeed, events proved that more than eighty men had come ashore in three large sampans, roomy and fleet craft, well fitted for piratical excursions up river estuaries or along a coast. They were mostly barelegged rascals, wearing Malay hats, loose jackets reaching to the knee and sandals. One man differed essentially from the others. He was habited in the conventional attire of an Indian Mohammedan, and his skin was brown, while the swarthy Dyaks were yelloiv beneath the dirt. Jenks thought from the manner in which his turban was tied that he must beaTunjabi Mussulman—very likely an escaped convict from the Andamans.

The most careful scrutiny did not reveal any arms of precision. They all carried muzzle loaders, either antiquated flintlocks or guns sufficiently modern to be fitted with nipples for percussion caps. Eadh Dyak, of course, sported a parang and dagger-like creese; a few bore spears, and about a dozen shouldered a long straight piece of bamboo. The nature of this implement the sailor could not determine at the moment In the neighborhood of the lire an animated diacusslon took place. Though it was easy to see that the chief wus all paramount, his fellow tribesmen exercised a democratic right of free speech and outspoken opinion. Flashing eyes and expressive ha»ds were turned toward the <ftve and hut. Ouce when the debate grew warm the chief snatched up a burning branch and held it over the blackened embers of the Are extinguished by Jeuks. He seemed to draw some definite conclusion from an examination of the charcoal, and the argument therefortb proceeded with less emphasis. Whatever it was that he said evidently carried conviction. Iris, nestling close to the sailor, whispered; “Do yon know what he has found •ut?"

“I can only guess that he can tell by the appearance of the burned wood how long It Is since It was extinguished. Clearly they agree with him." “Then they know we are still here?” “Either here or gone within a few hours. In any case they will make a thorough search of the Island at daybreak.” “Will it be dawn soon?” “Yes. Are you tired?” “A little cramped—that is all." “Don't think I am foolish. Can you manage to sleep?" “Sleep! With those men so near!” “Yes. We do not know how long they will remain. We must keep up our strength. Sleep, next to food and drink. Is a prime necessity." “If It will please you I will try,” she said, with such sweet readiness to obey his slightest wish that the wonder Is he did not kiss her then and there. By previous instruction she knew exactly what to do. She crept quietly back until well ensconced In the niche widened and hollowed for her accommodation. There so secluded was she from the outer world of horror and peril that the coarse voices beneath only reached her in a murmur. Pulling one end of the tarpaulin over her, she stretched her weary Umbs on

a lifter o?~fwTg? ¥nd leaves, commend - ed herself and the man she loved to God’s keeping and, wonderful though It may seem, was soon slumbering peacefully. _—. The statement may sound passing strange to civilized ears, accustomed only to the routine of daily life and not inured to danger and wild surroundings. But the soldier who has snatched a hasty doze In the trenches, the sailor who has heard a fierce gale buffeting the walls of his frail ark, can appreciate the reason why Iris, Weary and surfeited with excitement, would have slept were she certain that the next sunrise would mark her last hour on earth. Jenks, too, composed himself for a brief rest. He felt assured that there was not the remotest chance of their lofty perch being found out before daybreak, and the first faint streaks of daWn would awaken him. When the morning breeze swept over the ocean and the stars were beginning to pale before the pink glory flung broadcast through the sky by the yet invisible sun, the sailor was aroused by the quiet fluttering of a bird about to settle on the rock, but startled by the sight of him. His faculties were at once on the alert, though he little realized the danger betokened by the bird's rapid dart into the void. Turning first to peer at Iris, he satisfied himself that she was still asleep. Her lips were slightly parted in a smile. She might be dreaming of summer and England. He noiselessly wormed his way to the verge of the rock and looked down through the grass roots. The Dyaks were already stirring. Some were replenishing the Are, others were drawing water, cooking, eating, smoking long thin stemmed pipes with absurdly small bowls or oiling their limbs and weapons with impartial energy. The chief yet lay stretched on the sand, but when the first beams of the sun gilded the waters a man stooped over the prostrate form and said something that caused the sleeper to rise stiffly, supporting himself on his uninjured arm. They at once went off together toward Europa point “They' have found the boat," thought Jenks. "Well, they are welcome to all the information it affords.” The chief gave some order, at which they all hung back sheepishly. Cursing them in choice Malay, the chief seized a thick faggot and strode in the direction of the cave. Goaded into activity by his truculent demeanor, some followed him, and Jenks, unable to see, hut listening anxiously, knew that they were tearing the cheval de frise from its supports. Nevertheless none of the working party entered the excavation. They feared the parched bones that shone by night. As he had not been able to complete the communicating shaft it was not

now of vital importance should the Dyaks penetrate to the interior. Yet he thanked the good luck that had showered such a heap of rubbish over the spot containing bis chief stores and covering the vein of gold. Wild as these fellows were, they well knew the value of the precious metal, and If by chance they lighted upon such a well defined lode they might not quit the island for weeks. At last on a command from the chief the Dyaks scattered in various directions. Some turned toward Europa point, but the majority went to the east along Turtle beach or by way of the lagoon. Prospect park was deserted. They were scouring both sections of the island in full force. The quiet watcher on the ledge took no needless risks. Though It was impossible to believe any stratagem had been planned forhls special benefit, an accident mighty betray him. With the utmost circumspection he rose on all four* and, with comprehenslve glance,

exaininetTtrees, plateau andboth strips of beach for signs of a lurking foe. He need have no fear. Of all places In the island the Dyaks least Imagined that their quarry had lain all night within earshot of tbeir encampment Jenks slid back down the ledge and gently wakened Iris. She sat up instantly and gazed at him with wondering eyes. Fearful lest she should forget her surroundings, he placed a warning finger on his lips. “Oh,” she said in a whisper, “are they still here?” He told her what had happened and suggested that they should have something to eat while the coast was clear beneath. She needed no second bidding, for the long vigil of the previous night had made her very hungry, and the two breakfasted right royally on biscuit, cold fowl, ham and good water. In this, the inner section of their refuge, they could be seeu only by a bird or by a man standing on the distant rocky shelf that formed the southern extremity of the opposite cliff, and the sailor kept a close lookout in that direction. Iris was about to throw the remains of the feast into an empty oil tin provided for refuse when Jenks restrained her. “No,” he said smilingly. “Scraps should belhe first course next time. We must not waste an atom of food." “How thoughtless of me!” she exclaimed. “Please tell me you think they will go away today.” “ r * t J But the sailor flung himself flat on the ledge and grasped a rifle. “Be still, on your life!” lie said. “Squeeze into your corner. There is a Dyak on the opposite cliff.” True enough, a man had dimmed to that unhappily placed rocky table and was shouting something to a confrere high on the cliff over their heads. As yet he had not seeu them nor even noticed the place where they were concealed. The sailor imagined from the Dyak’s gestures that he was communicating the uselessness of further search on the western part of the island. When the conversatiofi ceased he hoped the loud voiced savage would descend. But no! The scout looked into the valley, at the well, the house, the cave. Still he did not see the ledge. At that unlucky moment three birds, driven from the trees on the crest by the passage of the Dyaks, flew down the face of the cliff and begau a circling quest for some safe perch on which to alight. Jenks swore with an emphasis not the less earnest because it was mute and took steady aim at the Pyafc'ffleft breast. The birds fluttered about in ever smaller circles. Then one of them dropped easily on to the lip of the rock. Instantly ills bright eyes encountered those of the man, and he darted off with a scream that brought his mates after him.

The Dyak evidently noted the behavior of the birds —his only lore was the reading of such signs—and gazed intently at the ledge. Jenks he could not distinguish behind the screen of grass. He might perhaps see some portion of the tarpaulin covering the stores, but at the distance it must resemble a weather beaten segment of the cliff. Yet something puzzled him. After a steady scrutiny he turned and yelled to others on the beach. The crucial moment had arrived. Jenks pressed the trigger, and the Dyak hurtled through the air, falling headlong out of sight. The sound of this, the first shot of real warfare, awoke Rainbow island into tremendous activity. The winged life of the place filled the air with raucous cries, while shouting Dyaks scurried in all directions. Several came into the valley. Those nearest the fallen man picked him up and carried him to. the well. He was quite dead, und, although ainid his other injuries they soon fouud the bullet wound, they evidently did not know whence the shot came, for those to whom he shouted had no inkling of his motive, and the slight haze from the rifle was instantly swept away by the breeze. Iris could hear the turmoil beneath, and she tremulously asked; “Are they going to attack us?” “Not yet,” was the reassuring answer. “I killed the fellow who saw us before he could tell the others." It was a bold risk, and he had taken It, though now the Dyaks knew for certain their prey had not escaped there was no prospect of their speedy departure. Nevertheless the position was not utterly hopeless. None of the enemy could tell how or by whom their companion had been shot. Many among the excited horde Jabbering beneath actually looked at tbe«cliff over and over again, yet failed to note the potentialities of the ledge, with its few tufts of grass growing where seeds had apparently been biown by the wind or dropped by passing birds. Jenks understood, of course, that the real danger would arise when they visited the scene of tbeir comrade’s disaster. Even then the wavering balance of chance might cast the issue in his favor. He could only wait, with ready rifle, with the light of battle lowering in his eyes. Of one thing at least he was certain—before they conquered him he would levy a terrible toll. He glanced back at Iris. Her face was pale* beneath its mask of sun brown.

The chief was listening Intently to the story of the Dyak who saw the dead man totter and fall. He gave some quick order. Followed by a score or more of his men, be walked rapidly to the foot of the cliff where they found the lifeless body. Jenks stole one more hasty glance at Iris. The chief and the greater number of his followers were out of sight behind the rocks. Borne of them must now be climbing to that fatal ledge. Was this the end?

Iris bent forward sufficiently in her sheltering nighe to permit her to gass with wistful tenderness upon Jenks. She knew he would dare all for har sake. She could only pray and hope. Suddenly a clamor of discordant yells fell upon her ears. Jenks rose to hta knees. The Dyaks had discovered tbeir refuge and were about to open fire. He offered them a target lest perchance Iris were not thoroughly screened. “Keep close,” he said. “They hare found us. Lead will be flying around soon.” She flinched back into the crevice; the sailor fell profie. Four bullets spat into the ledge, of which three pierced the tarpaulin and one flattened itself against the rock. Then Jenks took up the tale. So curiously constituted was this man that.

although he ruthlessly shot the savage who first spied out their retreat, be was swayed only by the dictates of stern necessity. There was a feeble chance that further bloodshed might be averted. That chance had passed. Very well. The enemy must start the dreadful game about to be played. They had thrown the gage, and he answered them. Four times did Jenks’ rifle carry death, unseen, almost unfelt. across the valley. Ere the fourth Dyak collapsed limply where he stood others were there, firing at the little puff of smoke above the grass. They got In a few shots, most of which sprayed at various angles off the face of the cliff. But they waited for no more. When the lever of the Lee-Metford was shoved home for the fifth time the opposing crest was bare of all opponents save two, and they lay motionless. The fate of the flanking detachment was either unperceived or unheeded by the Dyaks left in the vicinity of the house and well. Astounded by the firing that burst forth in midair, Jenks had cleared the dangerous rock before they realized that here, above their heads, were the white man and the maid whom they sought. With stupid zeal they blazed away furiously, only succeeding in showering fragments of splintered stone into the eagle's nest. And the sailor smiled. He quietly picked up an old coat, rolled it into a ball and pushed it into sight amidst the grass. Then be squirmed round on his stomach and took up a position ten feet away. Of course those who still carried loaded guns discharged them at the bundle of rags, whereupon Jenks thrust his rifle beyond the edge of the rock and leaned over. Three Dyaks fell before the remainder made up their minds to run. Once convinced, however, that running was good* for their health, they moved with much celerity. The remaining cartridges in the magazine slackened the pace of two of their number. Jenks dropped the empty weapon and seized another. He stood up now and sent a quick reminder after the rearmost pirate. The others bad disappeared toward the locality' where their leader and his diminished troop were gathered, not daring to again Come within range of the whistling dumdums. The sailor, holding his rifle as though pheasant shooting, bent forward and sought a belnted opponent, but in vain. There was no sound save the wailing of birds, the soft sough of the sea a fid the yelling of the three wounded men in the house, who knew not what terrors threatened and vainly bawled for succor. Again Jenks could look at Iris. Her face w T as bleeding. The sight maddened him. “My God!” he groaned. “Are you wounded ?” She smiled bravely at him. “It is nothing,” she said —“a mere splash from the rock which cut my forehead.” He dared not go to" her. He could only hope that it was no worse, so ho turned to examine the valley once more for vestige of a living foe. [to bb costisubd.]

The monstrous object crouching in luminous horror.

The Dyak hurtled through the air.