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Updated: May 19, 2025
Now, once you are ashore, you will be landed in difficulties. To cut any further explanations, I am commissioned to offer you a loan of fifty pounds, which you can repay when you like." Robert's mouth tightened somewhat. For the moment he could not find words. Playdon feared he was offended. "I am sorry, old chap, if we are mistaken," he said hesitatingly; "but we really thought "
"Then," said Anstruther, "I call upon you, Lieutenant Playdon, and all others here present, to witness that I, Robert Anstruther, late of the Indian Army, acting on behalf of myself and Miss Iris Deane, declare that we have taken possession of this island in the name of His Britannic Majesty the King of England, that we are the joint occupiers and owners thereof, and claim all property rights vested therein."
Lieutenant Playdon, in command of the last party of sailors to quit the island, evidently expected Mir Jan to accompany them, but Anstruther explained that the man would await his return, some time in June or July. Sir Arthur Deane found himself speculating on the cause of this extraordinary resolve, but, steadfast to his policy of avoiding controversial matters, said nothing.
A good-natured admiral decided that the urgent requirements of the British Navy should bring H.M.S. Orient to the island before the date fixed for the ceremony. Lieutenant Playdon officiated as best man, whilst the Orient was left so scandalously short-handed for many hours that a hostile vessel, at least twice her size, might have ventured to attack her.
"Thank you," replied Robert with equal composure, though he felt inclined to laugh at Playdon's mystification. "I only wished to secure a sufficient number of witnesses for a verbal declaration. When I have a few minutes to spare I will affix a legal notice on the wall in front of our cave." Playdon bowed silently. There was something in the speaker's manner that puzzled him.
My men will not fire a shot unless they encounter resistance." Robert looked towards the approaching boat. She would not land yet for a couple of minutes. "By the way," he said, "will you tell me your name?" "Playdon Lieutenant Philip H. Playdon." "Do you know to what nation this island belongs?" "It is no-man's land, I think. It is marked 'uninhabited' on the chart."
Lieutenant Playdon, nearly as big a man as Robert, despatched a note to his servant, and the gig speedily returned with a complete assortment of clothing and linen. The man also brought a dressing case, with the result that a dip in the bath, and ten minutes in the hands of an expert valet, made Anstruther a new man.
Meaning that Iris had ransacked the Orient's theatrical wardrobe, and pounced on the swell outfit of the principal female impersonator in the ship's company. Lieutenant Playdon bit the chin strap of his pith helmet, for the landing party wore the regulation uniform for service ashore in the tropics. He muttered to his chief "Damme if I've got the hang of this business yet."
I was unjustly convicted on a grave charge, and I hope some day to clear myself. Meanwhile I am a mere civilian. It was only Miss Deane's generous sympathy which led her to mention my former rank, Mr. Playdon." Had another of the Orient's 12-pounder shells suddenly burst in the midst of the group of officers, it would have created less dismay than this unexpected avowal. Court-martialed!
He met Costobell the day after the lady died, and the two swore the stout uncle can swear a treat anyhow, they vowed to be revenged on Ventnor, and to clear Anstruther's character, living or dead. Poor old chap! He cried like a baby when he asked the youngster to forgive him. It was quite touching. I can tell you " Playdon affected to search for his pocket-handkerchief.
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