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.g par. just meat." rum '1” We"
voice as the portly ll“ ”m“ hill»
salt in the reclining chair on the shaded
veranda.
“I don't know." replied “I mu" “m"
panion. who was standing 5! ll" "1“"-
“I believe this Raglafi sets throush a lot
of work in spite of his lackadtlsleal VIM"
"Meat. just meat—to me." till thick
nice purrad again. '
The restlessness of the younger man it.“
trayed his anxiety and the importance of
the coup they had in view. '
“After lilo siesta \vc shall have a talk."
.Vsbes ' un’sily’. and his large
mend- d dangerously. “3
“low .-. yourself." called the other
more loudly than was necessary in the
oppressive stillness of the tropical after-
3001!.
The senior partner jerked upward. re-
movsd his cigar and studied it for a mo-
ment. '
“This business has got on your nerves.
35"", he said; "keep cool. my boy."
lhot so easy." Lyman retortcd. “with
the thermometer st 96 in the shade—and a
chance of losing the best deal I’ve ever
been in."
ugh“: a chance. not an earthly," Jsbes
nae confident] . "H '
thingvsbout thin", a doesn t know a
‘ by shouldn't be kn '
”9;; “a". mo", owl Hes got his
‘ eat, just meat to me." Jabez aseer
irritably. “A nice young chap an' t:ll
that. but~1nldl" Ha snapped his fingers.
The junior-partner had more respect for
their business‘ rival, and. moreover. he felt
there was too much at stake to take risks.
“ You ought, to know best." he complained.
But I don’t think the fellow is s dub.
Old \snner made'a fortune in llalton
Garden mainly through his foreign buyers
and I know that he chose Raglal! iii
preference to older and
men." , more experienced
The senior
his fat chin i
~‘I'.’
partner sat upright. rubbing
. _ . rrltnlrly, turned his dark eyes
on his Jlllliol‘, and mailed. with pureed lips.
in ellencc for scvcral moments. The sour
Cpl'lmnn litigated and looked out over the
ants to the molten sea shimmsri
ripples of golden light. * III in
‘ don't usually discuss details L "
_ ~ . linen
and the thn-k voice. rcprehansively. and the
younger man tumcd round sharply: “hilt
Ill make this an axcaptlon. I have been
twenty-five years in the pearl businsaa and
for most of that time I have been after
30:; lpegris. Now I'll tell you something
er tstory." He aus d.l
cautiously. I) C ookins mud
el ' is
J Quite safe; Lyman ssaursd him. and
shes sat back and began his narrative.
(f BOUT sevenkeen years ago the Sultan
of Tehran brought a new wife tn
his harem. She was an Eurasian and be-
csrne his favorite. Well, to ban—s perfect
little doll she was. but wise like all woman
who know their peicev—anyhow the Sultan
gave her the famous necklace of pink pearls.
'3"! one of which is a perfect. specimen.
how this little woman and her son had
enemies. but she knew it, and about ten
"are ago the necklace disappeared."
"She hid it." broke in Lyman.
“And much besides." said Jebes. “About
.fhat time that wise old bird. the Sultan of
Jolomunge. and the little l-hlrnsian became
just friends—always were. I believe—so
who sent the kid to Jolomungn for safety.” ,
“Oh! I thought that kind of thing didn't
happen between themselves."
“Wcll. yc know. the young fellow might
swallow something that didn't agree with
him." Jshea land. "or a coconut might
fall on him one day. or anything might
happen—41m sharks might get him. any-
thing-*3" llo waved his arm in a com-
prehensive sweep.
“A short while ago." Jabes resumed. “the
little woman died of some unknown disease.
But the kid is not going to be a pauper.
The little doll saw to that. And now his
fortune is coming to him. The whole
pcarling fleet of Jolomungsl has gone to
escort it."
“But Iiaglaif may know about this. too."
Lyman countered seriously.
Jahes laughed long and sarcaatlcally:
then leaned forward and said:
“Even if he does know about the pink
beauties he'll be too late. My ofier has
been made already and will be supported by
the advice of the holy man of the Palace."
“The Imaunl" Lyman gasped incredu-
lously. “The Imaunl" Jabes's unctuous
countenance wrinkled with satisfaction.
“Ayel The holy man of the Palace of
Jolomunga," be said slowly. "NOW 1' there
anything else worrying that wise head of
yours?"
YMAN was smiling admidngly at his
senior.
“Well. not very much,” he mid. “But
inst suppose Vennar's people got there first
and made a personal offer?"
"There's a hundred miles of water be-6
tween here and Jolomungs and no airplanl
for hire!" lsbes seemed to hover. ax~
pectant.
"But a boat!" protested Lyman. wbosa
appetite for profit was only wbctted by its
1 proximity and sin.
“Plenty of them. b'el hal but nothing
we need fear. There is nothing to beat any
launch within 500 miles of Zamboanga.
Think I‘d miss thstl” Jsbas laughed
scornfully. "Besides. the yo'ung fallow can't
give me the slip. I'm watching that. If he
tried. I’d just run him—well. you'd see I
best more for once in your life.
"You've been very thorough.” Lyman
natured. with to 9’1”" smile.
“Now a bit more. my boy—and lat till! ‘
b0 the last time you interrupt my siesta.
The Hon. Percival link! is going on a
shooting trip. He's been negotiating with
‘ Wu Pei for a bostr-I thousbt it might mean
something else—Hello!" [is whistlad.
.‘Tbara'a 'the Honorable cousin down the
street."
The senior partner stood up and want]
a pondamus arm.
‘ The tall youthful figure in white halted
' them.
iNKPEAR
it
a...)
"- m...‘ .-
“The commands of our honorable patron have been carried out,” Wu Pei announced unemo-
had waved his hand slowly in reply. Ila
seemed to hesitate, and then Jsbes waved
again. more emphatically inviting. -
"Go and show him up." be snapped. Then
turning. he shouted a welcome to the sonar
English nobleman.
The Hon. Percival Raglsfi stepped on to
the veranda and grasped Jsbcs'a hand in
a firm muscular grip. He was tall and well-
formed but not massive. His fair hair. fresh
complexion and blue eyes gave him the
ingenuoue appearance of a studious young
Don rather than a men of business. He
deposited a long case against the veranda
railing and threw himself into an “I!
chair.
“A perfect dog of a day. what!" The
Hon. Percival blew a hot breath. “Don't
know how you keep cool. Jubes."
“A good iced drink." suggested the thick
voice ingratlatingly. "Come. Lyman." be
turned to llaglsff. “the whisky I got in
Singapore is first rate.
“Wish you‘d drop in oftener." said
Jabcs. raising his giusu. "'s'cry glad to
see you any time."
“Chcerin. old man: simply topping of
you. what!" anti the ingenuous young man
sipped his highball.
"Beastiy job lugging these things about."
The Hon. Percival pointed to the gun
case. “Cleaning it up a bit; going out
with Jolomtmgn party.”
“0h. indeed!" Jabes affected much aura
prise.
"Want to join them of! the Point day
after tomorrow. Bcastly .nuiesnce—can't
get anything but a sailing boat." '
“Jabez cumlniacratcd with the candid
young man, and the lntter continued freely:
"Old Wu I’el, the Chinese shipping
Johnny. y'kuow. searched the place for a
cutter or a launch. Not a thing about
though; beastly nuisance. what! But I'm
not going to miss that trip. by Jove !_"
The young man dived into his glass. and
Jabez exchanged glance-s with his partner.
“Pcrhnps I could help you out. Raglsfl."
the thick voice purred gcniaily.
“Not at all." protested the young man.
“Really. y‘hnow. couldn't think of it. I’ll
get along. I'll get away in the morning and
make tho Pbint before sunset—there's fine
night stalking there, I‘m told; so I shall
have a day's—or a night’s—sport to get me
into form before the other fellows come
along." '
He took up the gun case. opened it, and
stroked the shining metal with caressing
touch. Jabea again exchanged glances with
his partner. who was seated on the op-
posite side and slightly behind Raglaif.
ABEZ'S astute mind was working hard.
Here was his opportunity. He had the
whole game in his hands now. Where the
devil was that mceacnger? lie glanced aur-'
reptitiously at his watch. The fellow was
not due for some limo yet. Ilia eyes roamed
up and down the dusty sunvscorcbed road
and out over the shimmering waters of the
Straits. llo must hold Itaglaif somehow.
The natives. he knew. made the journey to
Jolomunga in their vinta‘a; so another might
do it. Besides. the Point was not much
out of the way to Jolomunga. Ali'the
better for him. He could take Itaglafi there.
Then every possibility would be provided
for. Then a new idea struck him.
“Why not go overland. Raglnifl You
can have my car." he suggested.
"Thanks awfully. old man; but. y'know.
I've got to get the steamship. and her course
liu about seven miles to westward. I hate
bringing them out of their way. and. in fact,
I’ve told them I should be out to meat
Besides. owing to the reefs. they'd
less any amount of time if they came close
in to fetch me."
The Hon. Percival am —and his smile
was of the type that see ed to reveal the
candor of a simple soul. He snapped down
the lid of the gun case ‘and rose.
Jabea looked eagerly. but in vain. for
the expected messenger. Something must
be done now.
“What. 0! already, Raglafl‘l" be pro-
tested. “Well then. we must strain a point
and as up something for you."
“Not at all. old man. Simply splendid
of you. y’lmow, but I couldn't think of
hi"
“My dear Raglsd. it.wlll he a great
tionally in Biblical. English
pleasure. We help one another out here.
ye know." And. Jabes chuckled.
"That's simply topping of you. lib.
Lyman?" The Hon. Percival laughed with
evident delight.
"I'm sure Mr. Jabsa will be delighted to
help a friend." Lyman purred sleekly.
"I must be off now," said nglaif. “Must
call at Wu Pei's." anea glanced slgnlfi‘c
cantly at his partner and rose. “Coming
out?" queried the lion. innocently. “Ex-t
cclicnt! We‘ll toddlc down together."
He talked in his boyish way as they
passed down the stairs and out into the
glaring streets. The older man clung
tenaciously to the roadside. availing him-
self of whatever shade the tall palms of~
fcred.
“I'll fix up something definite by 5 or d."
the thick voice panted. as they neared We
Pet's. “You can rely on that."
A moment lntce they entered the shipping
offices and Chinese banking house of Wu
Pei. and were quickly ushered into the
inner sanctum where the head of the busi-
ness sat behind a high desk. .
HE stooped figure. in a gorgeous garv.
meat of green flowered silk. looked up.
and the drooping black mustache flickered
se the sniluw lips parted in a cautious smile.
. "The Honorable Patron of this humble
iron is welcome." lie glanced dispsav
llOl'l ely at Jahcz. and then: ”Pray, be
seated. gentlemen."
Ilaglnif gave him a familiar “good after-
noon." and. advancing. lcancd upon the
desk. with Jnhca close behind him.
“The commands of our Honorable Patron
have been duly carried out." Wu Pci an-
nounced uncmotioually in sibilnnt English.
"Good! Well. there you are." Itaglal
tossed on the desk a check pinned to a
folded shoot of paper.
“Payment. might have awaited the return
of our Honorable Patron." Wu Pei said
gravely. his cold mesmeric eyes holding the
inquisitive gaze‘of the old pearl dealer.
“May he meet with most excellent sport.”
“Rightol Thanks. Hope we do," said
nglsff, laughing. as he turned to leave.
“Pompous, but a topping old chap,"
said the Hon. Percival when the two men
reached the street.
“Can't ace why you bother with that.
kind of movie."
Jsbes felt uneasy, though there was
nothing suspicious that he could virtual]
point to. .
“He's only got my personal etufi.
y'know." the boyish voice 'rcplied. “Ha
. saves me .1 lot of bother: looks after my
Chink servants—does s doaen things for
me. Topping old chap. by Jovel Looks
like the high priest of some dead and gone
religion.” nglal! added. laughing incon-
sequentially. '
”Wall. you'll let me know before 8
o'clock? Simply topping of you. what!"
The Hon. Percival grasped Jabes’s hand.
wheeled suddenly. an was gone at a brisk
pace across the desc ed plaza toward the
block of buildings where he had his of-
fices. Jabes retrac'bd his steps. persplring.
toward his house on the sea front on the
western side of the town. The old pearl
buyer felt «cure in his grip of the situa~
tion.
EANWHILE the Hon. Percival had
entered his private cues and summoned
his confidential clerk — an \undersiud.
wiaened bum. past the prime of life, who
had followed. with commendable fidelity,
the fortunes of the house of Veneer during
thirty years.
“Bouncy. there will be a letter delivered
shortly from the house of Wu Pei. Bring
it in at once unless, mind you. unless. Mr.
Jabes is here." '
The confidential clerk manifested his
astonishment. but his superior waved his
hand in dismissal. Baglaif spent the .1.-
suing hour at his correspondence in a
characteristically stringent struggle against
time. until a'dlacreet knock roused him.
“Thank you. Bouncy." The Hon. Par.
cival opened the expected mlssive. extract.
ing three lnclosurea. which he proceeded to
read. “Eight thousand," he murmured;
and. later—quoting from the second paper
—”sny sum up to and not exceeding seven
l
thousand. Quits enough?" The third sheet
he laid carelessly beside a box of cigars
within easy reach oi an armchair near his
desk.
"Don't file that receipt until, I tell you.
And—vsthonncyl hir. label: will call
shortly. Show him in here. give him that
chair. ask him to help himself to a cigar.
and tell him I shall be back in five min-
utes. Then come and tell me.
"You clearly understand, Bouncy?" he
asked. for the clerk seemed too astonished
to comprehcnd.
"Yeasir." and passed a bony hand across
his puckered brow.
."Good old Bouncy!" nglafl laughed
dieconcerlingly. "But mind. Bouncy. no
supervision. (‘loso the door fully when you
leave Mr. .lsbss bars.”
The lion. Percival retired to a spare room
at the back of the offices, unrolled a map he
had taken froln a drawer. pinning down the
corners on a plane tabla beneath a .window.
Next he withdrew from his pocket a leather
case containing a liquid lensalie compass
which he laid. open. over the ornamental
arrow a; the side of the map. Then be bent
over the table and patiently moved it about
slightly to right or left until at length he
smiled at the sensitive nectlla below him.
“Set! Got it at last. cher imagined
the days i sweatcd as an artillery cadet
would ever help me to do anything except
fire guns 1"
E BENT again over the table. this time
with ruler and pencil. measuring dis-
tances and melting calculations. Ha mur-'
murcd. “allies." and, “miles to the gallon."
and, “ninrgin for safety." till at length he
stood up. lit a cigarette and proceeded to
enjoy the satisfying aroma of the fragrant
leaf in the boyish way in which he was
familiar to the world. till a knock at the
door made him swing round quickly.
“Oh, it's you. Bouncy."
parcel.
“Mr. Jahea is in your private ofilce. air.
And this just came from Wu Pcl's."
liagisif opened the parcel and disclosed a.
piece of board as long as a chess board.
with a straight yellow line along the middle
broken only by a circular depression at the
center. Into this depression be fitted the
compass. and-into two holes at either end
of the yellow line two wooden pegs. painted
similarly to the line.
"Excellent. Bouncy. excellent! That is
luminous paint." he said. pointing to the
yellow line. Then he glanced at his watch.
“Four minutes yet. Benney." be Cid. and
while he spoke his finger indicated certain
places on the map. "A straight line be-
tween the Point and Jolomunga will measure
exactly the same as the yellow line between
the two yellow page on the board. Is that
clear, Bouncy?"
The confidential clerk professed his be-
lief in the unproved. and turned wonder-
lng eyes on the intent face of his young
chief.
“Now. Bonney. if I fix this board over
the map so that the two plugs stand pre-
cisely over the Point and Jolomunga. you
will have a luminous way connecting the
two places. That saves you the trouble of
having a light over your map—if you need
to steer such a course by night."
“Pack up all these things carefully." be
said. shortly. his manner undergoing one
of those sudden changes. “I shall go into
other mutton with you tonight. And-
Bonneyl-I may call you into my room
presently. Take what instructions I fits
you without asking questions. Understand?"
“Yeasts." replied Bouncy. as the Hon.
Patron of Wu Pal softly closed the door
and passed down the passage toward his
private ales loudly humming a lively tune.
“I am delighted. Raglafi. to be able to
help you.” gushed hir. .labes.
HERE was a brief pause while Rania!
opened the box of cigars. smiling afresh
as he noticed the position of the recalptad
bill. Jsbaa. happy with the information he
received from Jolomunga pufied billowy
clouds from rounded lips. his was visualis-
ing himself in the act of completing the
deal while his youthful competitor would
be on his way to shoot wild pig.
“Fina cigar. Realm. In perfect con-
titties. too."
‘ land on the near aids.
Bouncy held a ‘
less pearls.
FAT villain! Mr. Tracey has run counter to literary
tradition and created an obese bad man who matches
wit with a bland and smiling youth for a string of price-
l
Hon. Percival was gaudy deprecatory.
mm... simply perfectl" Jsbas laid
his hands on wide-apart fat legs. and
' grinned at the ingenuoue blue eyes and asses
countsnanee opposite him.
“It'a~simply topping of you.
what.” the lien. Percival repeated,
on auasd before asking:
thug... lonl would 1:. 'taka
t 1 our launch
Po‘l‘llf 3.5m bar out we could do it in
three hours." t ed
Raglaff exclaimed in astonishmaa. a
remembered. with an unpleasant twinge.
how long it would take in his boat. Jsbas
was bosstiully emphatic.
“By love! I should
ss
’leI. ll." Jill” I‘l‘Mo no!
“ (i so you aha
court“. you've handled a motor launch ba-
?0'
togaglafl assured him and gained the only
more he now desired from Jabes; but his
i am continued:
.nfpgliall we say half-past zld’ml'tvhh:
d that the hour won an
anaz "n'ie‘hey would arrive at the Pain:
h f 'e sunset—but the confidant pear
libs)?” 9'3; not the danger lurking in dark-
uess. llaglsff rang for his clerk.
“hir, Bonney—yasslr—you will leave 1.
the morning with my kit as already ar-
ranged. But—Lyman, I suppose. will coma
Jsbes nodded his reply. Excal-
lclltl Dinner for three than. instead of
ona.‘S Bonnsy."
“ 'eaall'."
“and. Bouncy. yonwhsd dbgt'te‘rhszan
f us at. a an o -
“I. lookout or You will find some
here. espeo
dcli htful spots for the taut t
ciall‘y round the lagoon. That a all. Bouncy.
Get away early. Even than you will not
have much time. Eh. Jabsel" Be smiled
iugenuously. .“Iou may expect us about
half eat 5."
“CSrtainly.” sfilrmatl the thick'voics, “An
al fresco dinner will be delightful. Hal hal
delightful!" And the Hon. Patron of We
Pei entirely concurred.
y'know.
to run to the
love to try her.
very well.
also?"
no following sturnoon the WWW
T launch swept swiftly in the path of
the declining sun. and ma thm occupants
chatted amicablY- i
It was past the half'hour before a meager
figure on the near side of the headland
hailed the trio. and Raglan. with consultsa
mate skill. swung the launch inshore.
"The camp is at the upper end of the
lagoon,” Bouney Clllfll. Ind Plum“ md‘
ward.
"Shall we walk? It's only half a mile
ever the scrub.” Bsglsif said.
“Not for me.” responded Jsbes. "1 pre-
far to ride there if you can run her up."
“Of course." Reglaif answered readily
and signaled to his confidantisl clerk to
come aboard.
Bonney. complying with previous instruc-
tions. at oncs entered upon a full account
of his search for a suitable place. thus an-
gsging the attention of Jabes and Lyman.
Meantime the lion. Percival. picking up
his landmarks. directed the launch toward
a peculiarly formed rock. then headed bar
toward the lagoon. His lips were smiling
but his eyes were tense. and he moved the
tiller with swift though gentle touch as he
steered a cautious way through the ter-
tuous, reef-bound channel. which even in
full light of day demanded most skillful
navigation to avoid disaster. At length the
launch entered the lagoon. and Racial
circled round it. “to give the sharks the
sight of their lives.” he said. and Jabss
laughed at his youthful enthusiasm.
Dinner was a hearty meal. and night had
fallen before the men lighted their cigars.
They smoked in satisfied silence for some
time. enjoying the fragrant coolness of the
night. till the tropical stillness was rent
by a shrill whistle. Raglsfi. rising in-
stantly. emitted a piercing note.
“One of my men." he casually replied in
answer to suspicious demands.
Then a dark figure appeared. silhouetted
against the sky. on the high ground above
them to the west.
“Kricki—Kriocki!" the Hon. Percival
called. and the figure disappeared. A few
minutes later the awsrthy form of a power-
ful. lithe, half-clad More approached to
within a few paces.
“Righto. Krickl.
asked in Spanish.
“Si, senor." was the guttural response.
and be extended a white envelope;
Raglai! withdrew out of bearing and.
by the aid of 'an electrie.torch. read the
letter. His youthful face wrinkled with
pleasure.
Then he flashed the light on the half-
naked. muscular figure. slowly lifting the
brilliant circle to reveal the glittering eyes
and vsrmilion lips of the grinning Morn.
“The senor is pleased?" asked the gut-
furnl voice.
“You have done wonderfqu well. Krinkl.
How did you deliver the letter to the
Sultan?"
Krickl grinned more sxpsnalvely and
stared unblinkingly into the bright glow.
“The lesson of my village. senor. is a
great friend of the Imaun of the Palace.
1 am 5 messenger from one Imaun to the
other. Then I give your latter to the
Senor Segretario of the Sultan. and he in
very pleased."
“The extra thousand did it. I slipped.”
the Hon. Percival mused. “Busno. busno.”
be commented. “Now go to the boat where
Pedro la and you will find food'fit for a good
Mohammedan.” He pointed westward and
turned toward the others.
"What is it? N_ot trouble With the
Home?" demanded Jsbes.
"Senor." whispered a guttural voice clean
want . ms?” Regina
‘ behind Basia. “these an your enemies."
and
. fiercely.
Raglaif. surprised, wheeled suddenly. . l
"All right. Krickl." .
“Senor. they are dogs." The dark form
drew his heavy hole and cleft the air with
s awishlng sound.
“No. Kricki." nglnff replied severely.
though he Could not repress a smile. “Their
launch is in the lagoon; that is enough. I
hope. Anyhow—now go and eat. Krickl,
at once. I shall need you very soon. per-
haps." And the Hon. Percival returned tn
debts and Lyman.
"I have just received news," he and
pounced. calmly, “that necessitates a change
of plans."
"Eh! what’s that?" demanded Jabsn.
suspiciously.
“Business demands that I leave you at
once." replied the ingenuoue young voice.
“The devil you do!" Jabea snorted. “And
how are you going to do it? Not in my
launch. You can't steal a march on me.
Hal hal" the thick volca laughed harshly.
'“I fear you are rushing to conclusions.
Jsbes." The young man spoke very softly.
“Am I. am I. by—v—l" The older pearl
buyer's suspicions fired his rage. and be
rushed headlong toward the launch. calling
to Lyman. "You can't get away from me.
to buck," he roared.
y“.labezl" Ragiafi called. with quiet ind
elstence. and the hurrying. stumbling figure
halted. “Be very careful. Don't rush on
your way out through the reefs. The lagoon:
y'know. is full of hammer-headed sharks. .
Raglaif laughed musically. _
Then he turned in the opposite direction.
and. joined by Bouncy. hurried westward
toward the small bay adhere his boat was
beached. '
"Come. quickly. Every second counts
new. We shall have a start—how long da-
panda—yss it—depsnds—” his voice
trailed into an inaudible whisper. for the
utieven scrub-covered ground needed all his
attention.
“Get in. man." commanded the thick
voice. ow hoarse with raga. “He's
trying it: bluff us!" Jsbes's voice rose to
a scream. "A chicken—dike that! Sit
down." he shouted, and a moment lstag
swore at Lyman for doing nothing.
In a few minutes they had two lamps
lighted and the engine running. Jsbes sat
back a moment beside the tiller to regain
his breath.
The launch leaped forward suddenly as
the engine roared into full voice. and Lyman
bumped heavily against the cabin.
“Steady. Jabsa, steady.” the younger
men screamed. “There may be rocks
ahead. liaglnff took a long time to reach
the lagoon. though I didn't notice it at the
flag,"
The truth of these words struck home to
labor. and be shut oi! the engine as suds
denly as he had started it. but the launch
Continued to move forward till an ominous
grating and then a thud that sent a shiver
through every line brought her to I halt.
' The terrified pair sat in awed silence top
several minutes. Then the senior pas-tn"
broke the spell.
"She's all right. Take one of the Iampa
to the bow and tell me how to steer."
Lyman obeyed. but a few minutes later he
said:
"I can't see a thing except water."
Jabcs rushed forward, rocking w. launch.-
snd it grated audibly on the sharp m0.
celled rocks.
“Nabbed. nabbed, by—-—-l" Jsbea sworn
“He's snared us. tricked us in
a]. “In." ‘ ‘
ITH this and similai reflections and
denunciations, Jsbes beguiled the ta-
dioua hours till the first glimpse of red
dawn.
“Now for it." Jabea cried. and, with
Lyman lying in thabow, be threaded the
tortuous windings toward the sea. Then
he pulled the starting lever to the limit
and the powerful engine throbbed in full-
tbroated roar as the launch skimmed over
the wavelcsa sea. casting from its graceful
tilted how a double wave of bluergrean.
Minute followed minute until one hour
bad glided into, another, but not a sail
could the auger watchers discern.
“He can't have done it." afirmed Jsbes.
but he abated not his terrific speed for an
instant. not even when the dark virgin
forests of .Iolomunga greeted his anxious
eyes. He raced on until he brought the
launch to alongside the wooden pier.
Then, with scarcely a word to Lyman. he
Jumped ashore. For a moment he paused to
examine the boats within view. but there
was no sailing boat that showed signs of
recent arrival. With lighter heart he
hastened through the awakening town to-
ward the Sultan's Palace. .
HALF an hour later the shrill scream of
a steamer'e siren violentl a '
dejected pedestrian who was ,aloglrrn;
preaching the wooden pier. The old pearl
buyer looked up and suddenly tookla few
hasty steps forward as be recognised the
tall youthful figure standing by the ship's
rails chatting jovially with several men. The
steamer was slipping away from the pier
Jabea raised an impotent band and vialene:
ly executed the youthful center of tha‘
shooting party. Then a familiar voles called
him. and he turned to see Lyman leaning
against a poet. . ‘
“How in the deuce did b . "
label demanded. e “t hm?
Lyman pointed to a sailing boat of -
ful build fitted with a detachable giro-t:
lying snugly in the lee of the pier. To;
the truncated meat was nailed a board
bearing a yellow thick line broken only by
a circular depression at the center.
"Meet!" he sa'ld, ironically. “meat! Be
made meat of us."
cm» by Pearls Leda" cm
— V.—
Norwalk Chronicler