I
A
Tke Last
of T5he
Dorvna Isabel
By Randall Parrish
Author of Bob Hampton ot Piacer.
Illustration !v Deaborn Melvill
empty sea. - Had X done what was j
right la all these circumstances? Un
der God. I was not really certain; yet
I could perceive no other action pos
sible. A slenderly built, stoop-shouldered
young fellow, who shuffled about like
a waiter ashore, was In the pantry,
and I noticed a white cloth spread
over the table, which had been low
ered from Us stanchions and now oc
cupied the center' of the main cabin,
and a swinging shelf suspended above.
"Ever act in this capacity before,
Dade?" I asked, sizing him up in the
dim light
"Oh, yes, sir," a slight lisp to his
tongue; "I've done cabin work on the
coast liners."
"Then you should surely understand
your business. Lay covers for four."
"Four, sir?" in surprise.
"That is what I said, Dade; two
ladles, Mr. Tuttle, and myself. That
makes four to my figuring. Now step
lively, my lad. When will breakfast
be ready to serve?"
"In about IS minutes, sir."
I waited until he became busy with
his work, his face still filled with
amazement over my revelation, then
walked around the end of the piano,
and rapped Boftly at the after-cabin
door. Celeste opened the door with
a dainty courtesy and a quick uplift
ing of frightened eyes to my face. She
had been crying, and in some way her
very manner made me suddenly
aware how poorly I stood In the esti
mation of her mistress and herself,
Yet, for the moment, I did not seri
ously care, stepping quietly within,
cap in hand, intent merely on the
rapid completion of my visit. Lady
Darlington arose instantly from her
chair, steadying herself to the roll of
the vessel with one hand on the brass
rail of the bed, and fronted me si
lently, the expression of her face ex
pectant but reserved. Gazing upon
her, I felt the fully revealed power of
her beauty, as the sunlight streaming
through the open port illumined her
hair and outlined the delicate oval oi
her face. Troubled as she was, sur
rounded by a terror no less real be
cause she failed thoroughly to compre
hend It, facing one she must distrust
and secretly fear, her first utterance,
friendly and courteous, merely exhib
ited a heart which beat warmly be
neath Its slight armor of pride.
"I am exceedingly glad to greet you
again, Mr. Stephens," she said, pleas
- antly, even endeavoring to smile; "you
were absent so long we had begun to
expect evil news."
"I regret to say, Lady Darlington,
that I bring you only very little of any
kind," I replied, striving earnestly to
imitate her self-possession. "Arrange
ments on board have not yet assumed
definite shape, so that I can make no
promise concerning your future. I can
merely assure you present safety, and
pledge you every comfort the yacht
affords while you remain with us."
She continued to gaze at me
strangely, her eyes filled with ques
tioning. "Then you you refuse to tell us
our fate?"
"Merely because I do not know it
As I said before I am only one mao
pitted against 20."
She pressed her hand over her eyes,
as though she would hide from mi
the sudden horror pictured within thelt
depths.
"What are you?" she exclaimed,
suddenly, her Hps trembling. "Into
whose hands have we fallen? I beg
that you answer me honestly why
have you stolen this yacht? What
real purpose underlies this terrible
outrage?"
I made no effort to disguise the
deep sympathy I felt for her, yet
there was nothing I cculd answer but
must have sounded both harsh and
cruel.
"The motive animating the men in
control is similar to that which ren
ders possible most of the desperate
deeds of the world the search after
treasure."
"Treasure!" she gasped, thoroughly
bewildered. "Where do you propose
going to search?"
"Far south, Into tho Antarctic."
The expression on her face was pltl
fill, yet I stood helpless to comfort.
"Merciful God! And you actually
moan to bear us with you into that
forsaken sea of Ice? Oh, surclv you
Jest, you seek to frighten; you cannot
be earnest In such act of cruelty.
Whom can I believe? What can I
hore? You have told me you were
the captain of this crew of buccaneers,
and yet you say you can accomplish
nothing with thorn to forward our re
lease. Then take me to those who
can! Let me beg upon my knees for
mercy. Surely, surely we are of no
value to you In your search after
treasure. We are only weak, helpless
women. Think of what this roust
mesa to me, and be merciful."
There was no trace of tears In her
eyes, but It was the white, agonised
face, the unconsciously outspread
arms of appeal, that smote me. I felt
all my limbs tremble, my lips falter,
as I made swift response.
Voyage! ;
"Lady Darlington, believe me, I
have no desire except honestly to
serve you. The actual truth is, I have con
sented to retain what ia a purely nom
inal command of this vessel, with no
other purpose except that such out
ward authority yields me some op
portunity to assist and protect you.
Otherwise I would spurn the whole
affair and defy these outlaws to do
their worst It was a deplorable ac
cident that brought me ' here and
placed me in this situation. Prac
tically I am as much a prisoner on
hoard as yourself. Later, if the op
portunity ever be given, I shall relate
you my story, and then, perhaps, you
will appreciate how perfectly helpless
I am to overrule the decision of this
vessel's crew. They are mad with the
lust of gold, crazed by the prospect
of suddenly achieving vast wealth
through a single bold stroke. Would
the tears of a woman influence them
"Treasure!" She Gasped, "Where Do
You Propose Going In Search?"
now? would the impotent threat of a
single, helpless man? They are armed,
organized, determined, desperate.
"The only thing I can do is appar
ently to yield to them, trusting thus
to persuade them Into some measure
of mercy; and the only thing you can
do is patiently to abide my efforts to
release you from such companionship,
I mean to do my best, even to the sac
rlflce of my life. The very thought ol
bearing you with us Into the fogs and
dangers of that storm-lashed ocean li
misery to me. God knows I would dc
anything possible to spare you such
a fate. But I wish you to understand,
realize fully, how difficult my own po
sltlon is. I do not bid you hope; only
pray, and, above all, retain your cour
age. I promise nothing, because I
dare venture no pledge. But I be
seech you not to break down, not tc
exhibit open fear. In any event out
first effort should be to awaken con
fldence in the minds of our captors,
and arrive at a frank understanding
between ourselves. Lady Darlington
will you be guided in this by mi
Judgment?"
"Oh, I wish to believe," she sobbed,
only halt aloud, "I need some one,
some one in whom I feel confidence,
In whom I may repose faith. I be
of you not to consider me weak,
nervelesB creature, but this situation
is intolerable. I will endeavor to dc
what you ask. I will strive to b
brave, helpful, appreciative. I I think
you are what you say. See, I give yoo
my hand in promise."
I clasped it instantly within both
my own, bending low above the whit
fingers, my Hps set in firm resolve. )
retained it still when I lifted my head
and our glances met.
"What Is it you first desire of me?1
"Breakfast has been prepared, and
is now awaiting us In the cabin," I an
swered, knowing well that some form
of action must strengthen her more
quickly than any further talk, "and
I wish you to Join us at the table ex
actly as though this was an ordlnarj
voyage."
"I know the food will choke me
Does Celeste sit with us?"
I believe you would prefer havln
her In the circumstances. You would
cot feel quite so much alone."
"I should like it; It was mosl
thoughtful upon your part. Shall
shall we be alone at table?"
"With the exception of the first offl
cer, wno is really the loader on
board."
It was evident plainly enough thai
she shrank from the ordeal, the dull
cate lines careening aoout ta
mouth, the gray eyes eloquent of dl
Inclination. A moment she hesitated
her form swsylng as though buffeted
by a storm; then she slowly bent bei
head.
"I am at your service, Mr. Stephens
. In the main cabin we discovered tb
table already set and waiting, appear
'" ' and cheery with a brave
f- wy oloth and illttyrln
liver, t! ;'ns; sSelf cbD-' i
. 1
"Call llr lu. UAUe, l oruereu.
quietly. "Thi u hurry back ami serve."
CHAPTER XII.
In Which I Endeavor to As:ert Au
thority. I wa3 on deck asuln at noon, and
shot the sun, returning below to work
, out our position. The Sea Queen still
. held closely to her course, almost dl-
. rectly west. and. realizing my helpless
! mjss, I forebore asking useless ques
tions. Indeed, I was secretly pleased
that Tuttle still held to that point of
the compass, for we were now in the
direct path of Australian commerce,
and hence much more likely to raise
sail at any moment than it we
veered farther to the southward. If
any such vessel appeared I had de
termined to pit my strength against
the crew, even to the point of physical
danger.
At one o'clock Dade called the
women, and soon the tour of us were
seated at table again. My lady's' man
ner weighed upon my spirits, which
had been none of the lightest before
her appearance. I felt profoundly that
the' faint influence my previous words
had inspired within her mind had al
ready evaporated; that she now held
me as at one with the remainder of
the yacht's crew. I arose as they re
tired from the table, but received no
reward of recognition from her averted
eyes. Feeling deserted, almost hu
miliated, I smoked my pipe alone on
deck under the lee of the cabin. But
it was perfectly useless loitering there,
with no duties to perform, and the sea
all about bare to the far horizon. Be
sides, some sailor instinct told me a
storm was brewing yonder to the
The Descending Pin Landed on His
Uplifted Arm.
northward which might keep me upon
the bridge all night, so, In preparation
for such a possibility, I wmt below
and lay down in my bunk. I was a
long time getting asleep, Anally drop
ping off only to be aroused by the
rattling of dishes when Dade arranged
the table for the last meal of the day.
De Nova was pacing the bridge and
emerged from the companion. I could
not see the seaman who hailed, the
mist held so thick, and his words
seemed like a weak echo.
"Sail, almost directly ahead, sir."
"W'ereaway?" asked De Nova, peer
ing anxiously forward. "I can Bee
nosslng. Fo'c'sT xare you see ze
ship?"
"Nothln' in sight from here, sir."
Tho mate stared up into the vapor
overhead.
"Ware was it you see it, you fellow
on se foreyard?"
The odd echo of a voice came back
out of the sky.
"I only caught her through a hole In
the fog, sir, one point oil the weather
bow." With a swift bound I was up the
steps to the bridge and besldo the
socond officer, recklessly determined
to assume command. Before he clearly
realized my presence X Jangled the
bells In the engine room.
"Hold her steady as she is," I said
sternly to the fellow grasping the
wheel.
Do. Nova wheeled and faced me, his
black eyes full of sudden anger.
"Wat se hell you mean?" he ex
claimed, so surprised ho stuttered. "I
was officer of se deck."
"And I am commanding tho yacht,
Mr. De Nova." I retorted quickly,
pushing bark his hand from the signal,
"I propose speaking that vessel yon
der, and trans-shipping our passengers.
Port a little, my man no, port, you
fool! now hold hor so; steady."
De Nova grasped my arm, his fingers
like steel, but 1 broke away, pressing
In between him and the rail.
"Lay your hands on me axaln," I
threatened, sternly, "and I II floor you
to the deck. Ml take that grin off
your face. De Nova, If you attempt
any Interference with me now."
He understood quickly enough what
I meant, and evidently had no relish
for attacking me alone, for with one
swift, searching glance Into the fog.
bo leaped down the steps and ran
hastily aft. I knew he was seeking
tne backing or Tuttle, and armed my.
elf with a belaying pin. peering eas
eny meanwhile for the nearby
and cursing the fellow at the wheel
for not holding her up to the point
directed. They came up together, two
steps at a time, Tuttle la his shirt
sleeves, and, as they attained the
bridge. Dill Anderson swung himself
out of the hatch and started after
them. I backed away, the ugly Iron
pin grasped In my band.
"lAU-'iiXfer eaa,h.-iy .warned.
iT- ev
t.
in them to think about.
Unusual
values
at $15
At the other
are as good
of value as
100 per cent
mm
made in all sizes; in all good fabrics
and styles.
We have something entirely new and different in men's
tongueless belt ask to see it 50, 65 and 75c.
B E. Wescott's
VERY BEAUTIFUL
HOME WEDDING
Nuptials of Mr. Walter J. Down
ing and Miss Jeanette K.
Pickens Celebrated
A quiet but very pretty home wed
ding was solemnized this noon at
the home of Mrs. A. B. Swarthout
on Pearl street when Rev. J. 11.
Salsbury spoke the works which
united for life Miss Jeanette K. Pick
ens cf River Forest, 111. and Mr.
Walter J. Downing of Junction City,
Kas.
The wedding was entirely a home
affair, those In attendance being con
fined to the immediate relatives of
the contracting parties and a very
few personal friends of the bride.
For the occasion the house had
been splendidly decorated, the par
lors of the charming Swarthout home
being tastefully adorned with white
roses and the handsome bloom of
the eyrlnga. The largo and com
modious bay window in whose recess
the ceremony was performed was
bonked with palm and syrlngas mak
ing It a veritable bower of beauty.
Promptly at the noon hour the happy
rouple took their plnce within the
shelter of the window, to the strains
of the beautiful "Spring Song" of
Mendelsohn played by Mrs. Pnrker
a Joyous air well suited to so nusplc
ous nn occasion. The bride wns
charmingly dressed In white lawn
carrying the pretty white bride
roses and with handsome sweet
pens ndornlng her hnlr, while the
groom wore the conventional Mark.
The brldesmnld Miss Helen Swarth
out, a cousin of the bride, wns also
nttlred In white and rnrrled a love
ly boquet of pink roses. The grooms
ninn, Willie E. Pickens, n brother
of the bride, wns attired In the us
ual Mark.
As the mrnlns of the "Spring
Pong" riled nwny, Rev. .1. 11. Salsbury
spoke tho words for the ring cere
mony uniting there two loving young
hearts until the end of this llf Mrs.
Parker throughout the ceremony
plnyed music softly In keeping with
the solemnity of the occasion.
Following the ceremony, the entire
wedding party sat down to a wedding
dinner In tho commodious dining
room of the Swarthout homo, the
room and table being decorated In a
rare and beautiful combination of
ping and green. The dinner was of
threo courses.
Tho newly wedded couple will
leave the nty tnts evening for their
futuro homo at Junction City. Kas.,
whero they will bo at home to their
frlptifl. Amnnv thn.a nra.unt at thu
wedding from out of the el'y were
VALUE in clothes,
as you get it here, means
something more than good, all-wool
fabrics, good inside materials, good
tailoring, good fit. These are things
you expect in any clothes, if you pay
the price; even then you don't always
get them; but you want to. Value,
here, means style; means the mental
sense of dressy looks; satisfacfion
with your clothes in thinking about
them as well as in wearing them.
.This value idea is well carried Qfjf QfQQ
out in our $20 and $25 Quality eon
clothes in the quality sense;
they have smart style; you'll
feel right in them; you won't
think much about the price,
there's so much else that's good
extreme
Great line of
IMSLSif.E here; all
an example
we have;
Dure wool.
V Rmnrr wavia a nH man
...... v iitmi jr
stripes and pattern waves; $15
to $25. Also a finejlot of sum
mer suits, coat and trousers
only; quarter and half
smart models, $15 to $20.
"WHERE QUALITY COUNTS."
W. H . Pickens, father of tho bride,
Willie E. Pickens, brother of the
bride and Miss Dessie Willis all or
River Forest, 111, Mrs. Parker, a
cousin of the bride of Houston, Tex.
Mrs. Downing, mother of the groom,
and Mrs. Myers, sister of the groom,
of Junction City, Kas., Mrs.Thomp
son aunt of the bride, of North
Platte, and Don. C. Despaln and wlfo
of Lincoln, Neb.
The bride Is a young lady born in
this city, a most charming and ac
complished young lady with many
friends wherever she has lived. Dur
ing her early childhood she lived in
this city and the rudiments of her
education were absorbed In the city
schools of this place. It has been
eighteen years since she was taken
from this city by her parents.Mr.and
Mrs. W. H. Pickens, who removed at
that time. During the Interim visits
to this city and renewing the ac
quaintances of her childhood but a
few years past. As her girlhood
days have dropped away from her
and the full bloom of womanhood
hns come upon her.Bho hns grown in
personnl attractiveness and In Intel
lectual worth until now nho Is a
young woman of rare nttnlnments.
Thosn who have known her since
enrly childhood hnve learned to np
predate the lovely qualities which she
possesses and they hasten to extend
their congrnt illations nnd best wishes
for n long and hnppy wedded life.
The groom Is a prominent young
tnnn of Junction City, Hns., a gentle
mnn of much sterling worth and of
high chnracler who stands Justly
high In Ms community nnd who hns
ninny friends who tender Mm the
best of wishes upon his ndveiit on ma
trimonial sens.
There were numerous telegrams of
congratulations received by the hnppy
couple today Immediately following
the ceremony from friends In I'M
engo, Arlzonn, California and other
places.
Put Hie Train Itnik.
After a brief experience with the
evening train to Omnha tho Hurling
ton hns ngnln revised Its time card
and changed the time of this train
going bnrk to an afternoon trnln ser
vice to Omaha. Tho new train time
will be Just about 2 o'clock, exact
figures not being out.
No. 92 from tho west will run as
at present, the train being Immodl
ately turned at the Junction and
and
$25
Values
bl ue
BluoSergo
and two
piece suits
the
scii
lined; new light colors,
.
belts,
As to the
ODDS
leaving that place for Omaha at 1.43
p. m.
The evening train was found to bo
a failure and resulted in a big loss
of revenue to the Company. The
business which formerly went to Om
aha at noon failed to go up except In
greatly dlmlshecl numbers oti the
morning train. There will possibly be
other changes In trnln time as the
new schedule which Is to be effective
June 27, provides for a cut of one
half hour in tho time of No. 5 from
Chlcngo to Omnhn. This may make
No. 15 due here at 8.08 a. m. come
through earlier in the day probably
about 7.45. This Is not definitely
known, however.
The Omaha Deo speaks of the pro
posed changes as folows:
Many additional miles of train
mileage will be added by tho Burling.,
ton to Its Nebraska lines on a new
ichedulo effective June 2T and which
vlll be supplemental to the changes
mnde May 23. These changes are
for the betterement of the service and
111 be a great help to the residents
of hundreds of towns In Nebras
ka.
A half hour Is cut off the running
time between Chicago and Omaha
on the fast trains Noa. G and 12.
The Chicago morning train will thus
reach Omaha at 8 a. m. Instead at
8.30 n. m. and will arrive In Chicago
at 8: 30 Instead of 9 o'clock.
Tho morning local train for Lin
coln nnd intermediate points will
eave at 8:20 intend of 8:43 and
will arlve at Lincoln at 10:10. The
fast train between Omnha and Lin
coln will leave Omaha at 9:15 a. m.
and will carry passengers only for
Lincoln and points beyond.
To meet the demands cf the resi
dents of Pacific Junction nnd Platts-
mouth for nn afternoon shoplng train
to Omnha, the evening trnln hns been
chnnged to leave Pacific Junction at
1:45 p. m. and nrlve In Omnha at
2:40 p. m. Tho trnln will remnln In
Omnha nnd lenve for Lincoln at 7.25,
ns now.'
No. 4 will be made a continuous
local train Into Lincoln and Omaha
from Senaca nnd will be a great
help to people living along the north.
west line. The trnln will lenve Sen
eca at 4.15 a. m.
Passenger trnln service will bo In-
stnlled on nil the lines In the Big
Horn basin country to take the place,
of the mixed trains which ure now
used. These trains are put In ser
vlce In response to the rapid develop
ment of that new country and will be
a great boost to the Cody gateway
Into Yellowstone pnrk.
To accomodate the people living
along the line between Red Cloud
and McCook, the Omaha-Denver train
No. 13. will make a few additional
stops between Red Cloud and
Cook.
Mc-
A I fulfil Seeil.
I have a number of bushels of
alfalfa seed for sale. Anyone wish
ing same will find It at my farm.
Z. W. Shrader.
(To be Continued)