The Mena star., 1899-03-30
[ooNrIxunp rnon LAST wErk.l


 "Then, even if we should consider the matter seriously, there would be no time to procure diving-apparatu from Yokohama or elsewhere? If the padre really has anything of the kind in view he might complete his prepara lions and return by the next steamer at the latest, mightn't he?"
 Easily. That would give him six months away--time enough to get all most anything he wanted. But, old chap--it is the strangest coincidence 1 ever knew--there are complete div ing-suit and equipments on this very steamer, now, in the after hold"
 What! You don't mean it! Why, how the dew" We were glaring at each other excitedly and with an al- most superstitious feeling. From mere speculation, the subject was as- suming tangible reality that was fairly startling.
 "Yes, do mean it. Ttsseems as if fhe fairy godmother Trad determined to shake our skepticism just when we were denying her existence. Old Ap- pleby, in Singapore, had an idea a year ago that he wanted one of the best and latest improved diving-suits that money could buy. Whether he in- tended to go hunting for treasure him. self or not, don't know-the Malay pirates lost hundreds of their luggers in the strait--but when we were load ing for London he handed me 50 SOW ereigns to buy one for him, and on reacbing port got the finest thing of the kind to be had. 1t can be used either with or without an air-pump. There is a knapsack chamber which is provided with chemical calarrangements for renewing the oxygen and can be charged wSth compressed air by means of q geared pump so that the wearer may stay under water for three hours; believe it's an improvement on the Rouquayroi idea. Well, I was quite pleased with the thing, and knew Ap- pleby would like it; but when I made Singapore again they told me the cholera had been too much for the poor fellow, and his executors refused to accept the package. There was no mention of it in his accounts, and no one wanted to buy the suit; so, as I seemed to have fallen heir to it, I slowed the thing away in the lazareet. and have lugged it around ever since"
 Well, I'll be! Say, Dick, this seems to pretty effectually dispose of your biggest 'if:' how about the others? See here, old fellow; you and I may go to our graves without ever seeing a million of money, or the hundredth part of it; yet don't be- 1ieye there are two men on earth who could enjoy life more ffsthey had such a sum. At this moment don't know where to tnrn-for an immediate in- come. If you should get into difficult ties with your owners you might be pretty short for awhile, yourself Now, the whole combination of cir cumstances since yesterday afternoon seems providential to me, and I feel like making determined attempt to get that money. Why, suppose we should have the luck to recover mill lion each! Do you know what such a sum would mean in London or New York?"
 Do I? Welt By the great horn spoon, I'm with yon, narryl But how in--? I can't leave the ship, you know. And it would be folly to depend upon being sent out here next trip, The Countess is only chartered, and they bate like the mischief to employ any thing but Spanish bottoms"
 Well, now, hold on; one thing at a time, and we'll get ahead faster. How long before you expect to get through the islands this trip? There may be time enough to do something"
 About r or IS days, from the time we arrive at Yap to the day we leave Guajan. But, don't you see, that wont help us any. Guajan is the last stop; go straight back to Manila from there. You might get from Yap to keep his mouth shut, too. What do you say? Shall we let him in? ?''
 By all means. From what I've seen of Mae I like him very much; and. as you say. we need all the assistance we can safely get"
 Halsteadi sent one of the quarter masters below for McPherson, and in a few minutes he appeared in the door way. Glanesng along the deck to see that no one was within hearing, the captain closedthe door and said:
 Mac. I've known you andStevens so ssng that I thought you should be bet ter acquainted with each other. We were talking of the voyages you and \ have sailed together. and thoupht