Then he met with his _debacle_ in the shame and agony of the court-martial.

Whilst his soul still quivered under the lash of that terrible downfall, Iris came into his life.

He knew not what might happen if they were rescued.

The time would quickly pass until the old order was resumed, she to go back to her position in society, he to become again a disgraced ex-officer, apparently working out a mere existence before the mast or handing plates in a saloon.
Would it not be a sweet defiance of adversity were he able, even under such conditions, to win her love, and then disclose to her the potentialities of the island?
Perchance he might fail.

Though rich as Croesus he would still be under the social ban meted out to a cashiered officer.