The Argosy, Christmas 1912 — page 78: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

64 Miss Sanderman’s eyes flashed fire, much the same as Donaldson’s. Her tall, stately figure was as rigid as human muscles could make it. I thrashed about in my mind for some- thing to say that would bring about a calmer spirit, so that we might reach some general and peaceful understand- ing. But though Orsgov was frequent- ly visited by eagles and other wild birds, the dove of peace had evidently left the place out of its itinerary. “Let us return to the Vigilante and talk the matter over,” said Delatouche. “We must settle it here,” answered Ravary. “On the Vigilante I am nothing.”’ I nearly laughed. He was so much else on Orsgov. “T offer the hospitality of the El- vira,” put in Gordon Morley. ‘“T shall not leave the island till I find my brother,” declared Alma San- derman. “It is not that I wish to de- feat the ends of justice. I know my brother struck Nicasse in self-defense, if he struck him at all. This has not yet been proven. Please bear that in mind. Everything seems to be coriducted on the theory that Mark has already been convicted of murder, when, as a matter of fact, it is not surely known that he had any altercation with M. Nicasse.” “That is a good point—or would be—in the United States,” said Collins, of the embassy. Delatouche waved his hand to the young officer. “Return to the Vigilante. I will call for a launch when I[ want one.” “There will be no need, captain,” said Morley with a smile. “TI shall keep my launch here. I will put you on board. But how about these ladies? Night is coming on. They can’t sleep on the ground.” “There is a log-cabin we have not used,” I spoke up. “ Donaldson had used it summers, but not since we have been here. The ladies are welcome to it. They will be safe.” “Come,” said Crusoe. “I will show 9) you. THE ARGOSY. Mrs. Sanderman, who had been like a woman in a trance all through thé ex- citement, was taking Alma by the arm, and the three set off. Joloff started with Alma. Donaldson turned. He had caught the word “ladies” from hearing it spoken. “You,” he said, “ may stay here. I shall take the ladies to the cabin and no one else.”’ : Jolofft’s face turned purple. He looked as though murder would be a delight to him just then. Secretly I felt like laughing. Ordway gave me a glance, but quickly turned away. Donaldson soon returned, and be- tween Gordon Morley and Delatouche they managed to produce enough cigars to go round. We stood around idly smoking. The night was upon us, but not a man in the party felt like sleeping. suddenly from across the water came the blare of the band of the Vigilante. Crusoe stood as if petrified. ‘“ What is that?” he asked. He had never heard music, of course. “It’s a band,” I explained. “It is music. Did Mr. Donaldson ever tell you about music? ” “ Yes, but that did not give me any idea what it was. I am—I am—am—” He paused, and stood with distended eyes, drinking in the strains, softened by coming across the water, and a pe- culiarly soft expression came into his eyes. ’ “ Music’s charm to soothe the sav- age beast,’ whispered Ordway. The islander did not move a muscle nor speak a word as long as the band continued its evening concert. His con- centration, his statuelike immobility, got on our nerves till I, for one, thought I must yell. When it was over his arms fell limp at his side, and his face was white. So,” he said slowly, and in a low tone, “that is music. The world has something beautiful in it after all. It is not all kill and steal.” The events of the day had made us weary, and I conducted the party to the caverns. Ordway and I made a raid COMmMiclhoo S CO