Ralph Henry Barbour

“ What were beaten biscuits to the joy of seeing the little shadows flit hither and thither on the white neck as the breeze stirred the tiny tendrils of brown hair; to the supreme delight of watching the light sparkle in the tender blue eyes; to the ...
“I know of what you are thinking,” whispered Doris, suddenly, with a world of sympathy in her sweet voice. I started and wondered anxiously if she did. “Yes,” she continued, “you are thinking that perchance we shall never be rescued; that we shall linger on and on, losing hope as the dreary days go by, until starvation brings a welcome release.” ”

“ Then Doris, who ever since the catastrophe had shamed me with her unflagging hopefulness and bright spirits, smiled bravely and turned away. “Come, let us explore the island. For the present, at least, we are safe.”
I descended cautiously from my lookout and taking up the lunch-basket again followed her up the steep incline, slippery with the fallen needles of the pines, until the summit was reached.
“Do you think,” Doris asked, presently, “that the island is inhabited?”
“I doubt it; there is little in sight with which to sustain life.” Doris tried to look frightened. ”

“ I muttered.
“But hadn't we better search the island?”
“Well—” it was very warm and the pine-carpeted shade looked inviting—“we might, but—” a radiant idea struck me—“there are always the rocks, you know; we can find rain water in the pools.” I sat down. Doris eyed me doubtfully for an instant; then she too sank on to the pine needles.
“Very well.”
She looked thoughtfully out over the golden cornfield.
“The poor Hilda Jane!” she murmured.
“Eh? Who?” I exclaimed. Doris looked reproachful. “Oh,” I hastened to say, “the ship, to be sure; yes, I fear she is a total wreck ere now.” ”

“ The longest-living author of this work died in 1944, so this work is in the public domain in countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 79 years or less. This work may be in the public domain in countries and areas with longer native copyright terms that apply the rule of the shorter term to foreign works. ”