Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1916 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XV IN CHARGE Hercules crossed the great sea in an earthen pot, and left an allegory for human flesh and human spirit. Mr. Fraye might urge the spirit forward, but his vessel was too old, the clay had worn too fragile; and that evening, at dinner in the grove, he was forced to call for his bearers, and be carried in his long chair to the house. Wallace, Tisdale, and Godbolt had a private audience in his bed-room, while he lay waiting to be undressed by meek brown Anak, the lubberly nurse. "My dear good boys," he panted, looking up with grateful eyes. "If I should go suddenly (I don't intend to, but if I should), you watch after Katherine. You understand. Let Mace take the island if he can, and the devil take Mace if he will. But keep her harmless. Aaah, ha!" he sighed, and caught back his breath like a staggered fighter. "Keep Katherine safe. Take her home, should anything go wrong with Walter. I see you will. Here's your commission. Read it, please." He handed them a long envelope. Wallace read out the enclosure. "'During my present illness, I appoint Messrs. Robert Wallace, A. R. Tisdale, and Francis Godbolt as my agents to safeguard my interests and those of my grand-daughter Katherine Fraye, here on Fraye's Atoll, sometimes known as Pulo Princess. The aforesaid gentlemen will employ all justifiable means to preserve the peace and good order now existing in this island. The village has received word, through the headman and the schoolmaster, that until further notice, or until the arrival of Walter Fraye, all orders given by my agents herein appointed, shall be considered as issuing from me. Thomas Masterman Fraye.'" The old man watched them keenly. "Do you agree to that?" The three men bowed, and one by one took his hand...
