The Argosy, Christmas 1912 — page 94: what you’re looking at

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

80 the Voluna was wrecked, and these are on the island.” ‘They are not necessary,” said the woman. ‘‘ The statements in all the papers, and the fact that you found him on the island, prove, to my own mind, he is our son. He was the only child on the Voluna when she sailed. It is a matter of simple explanation. ‘““My husband was at the time ma- king his great tour of the world, giv- ing his wrestling exhibitions, and other evidences of his physical strength. “We had been to Copenhagen. From there he went to London. I, with my maid and my baby boy Oliver, took passage on the Voluna for New York. As you know from Mr. Donaldson’s record, the Voluna was wrecked. In the excitement I became separated from the maid and the boy. She had Oliver, and I was helped, after I had fainted, into a boat that was picked up and was taken to Norway. Of course, I gave up all hope of ever hearing from my baby. I am certain you have found my little Oliver.” Ordway seemed about to have a fit. His face was purple. There was a heavy tread, then a lighter one, and pleasant laughter. The door of my room was opened, and the islander, with Alma Sanderman on his arm, walked in. “ Dagwell! Ordway!” bawled the giant. “It’s all settled, so get ready. Weare to be married Wednesday. No ceremony, no—you know what I| mean.” THE ARGOSY. “TI know,” I said, looking at him and then at the blushing face of Alma; “you want a thing, and go and take it. iYou told us that before. Permit me to introduce a gentleman and lady who will have much to say to you. Madam, permit me to release little Oliver to your care. Ordway, let’s go take a smoke.” Well, I don’t know what happened when I had helped Ordway to a café, but I know what took place afterward. Danbard was the father of the island- er. This was proven to everybody’s satisfaction. Little Oliver was mar- ried to Alma Sanderman. ‘The air- ship business 1s successful. - We made up a gay party, and in Morley’s yacht, which he had not yet taken away, ,visited Orsgov, wheré we found all that the castaway had worn when the Voluna was wrecked. Mrs. Danbard identified them. The matter was settled. “Little Oliver” picked his mother up, held her at arm’s length as though she had been a feather, and let out a roar that would make a Comanche In- dian green with envy. - Then he kissed her. Everybody in the matter is well, prosperous, and happy. The poise of mind, the excellent judgment, and love of his wife prevented the islander from doing that which Ordway and I feared so much. ‘Orsgov is still there, I believe. But Ordway and I are resting on Broad- way, New York, U.S. A. THE END. ONE PERFECT ROSE. OnE perfect rose to thee I send, Fairest of all my garden grows; ‘ A score were shorn, that in the end Might bloom this flawless rose. "A score of blossoms at thy shrine Have oft been laid in loving fee; I proffer one, dear lady mine— One perfect rose to thee! Catalina Péeg. CoOMmicbook CO