Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-07-03
THE MYSTERY
BY STEWART EDWARD WHITE AND SAMUEL HOPKINS ADAMS.
Copyright by Phillips q Coz

there was spurtle of smoke from the
cone, followed by subterranean growlings,
but. on the whole, the conditions were re-
assuring.
Penny pop pinwheel OF a volcano. any.
how. remarked Trendon disparagingly
Real man-size eruption would have wiped
the whole thing of the map, first whack."
As they drew in IL became apparent that
they must scale the cliff from the boat.
Farther to the south opened out a wide
| cove that suggested easy Bleaching, but
over II hung cloud OF steam.
Lava pouring down. said Trendon.
fortunately at the point where the clir
looked easiest the seas ran low Ropes had
, been brought. After some danny NJ
neuvering two of the sailors cai1nl foot.
hold and slung the ropes so that the re-
mafnder OF the Decentralization was simple
Nor was the ascent of the cliff harsh
task Half an hour after the landing the
exploring party stood on the summit OF the
hill. where the black flag waved over IA
scene OF utter desolation. The vegetation
was withered to pallid rags: even the tlniest
wedding in the rock crevices had been
poisoned by the devastating blast
In the midst of that deathly scene the
flag seemed instinct with sinister liveu-
ness Whoever had set ii there had ac-
curately chosen the highest available point
on that side of the island. the spot of all
others where 1t would make good its signal
TO the eye OF any chance farer upon those
shipless seas. For the STAFF a ten-foot
sapling, finely polished, served A mound
OF rock-slabs supported it firmly. Upon the
cloth itself was no design. 1t was OF a
duli black. the hue of SCOT. Capt. Parkin-
son, standing few yards Off viewed It
with disfavor.
"Furl that flag" he ordered.
Congdon. the coxswain of the gig, step
ped forward and began to work at the
fastenings: Presently he turned grin
ming face to the captain, who was scanning
the landscape through his glass.
Beggin' your pardon. SIR" he said
We'll, what is it?'' demanded Capt. Park
inson.
'Beggin' your pardon. sir, that amt right
ly no flag. That's what you might rightly
call a garment. sir. It's an undershirt.
beggin' your pardon"
BLACK understands a new one to me-"
muttered Trendon.
No, sir. 1t amt rightly black look"
Wrenching the object from it's fastenings.
ne Mapped 1t violently. A cloud of sooty
dust, beaten out. spread about his face.
With strangled cry the sailor cast the
shirt from him and rolled in agony upon
You fool!' cried Trendon Stand back
all of you
Opening his medicine case, he bent over
the racked sufferer. Presently the man sat
up, pale and abashed.
That's how poisonous volcanic gas is"
said the surgeon to his commanding officer.
"Only inhaled remnants of the dust too"
AN i'll outlook for the man we're seek
Ing" the captain unused.
Dead If he's anywhere on this highland"
declared Trendon. Let's look at his flag
pole"
He examined the staff "'Came from the
beach," he pronounced. "Waterworn. H m!
Maybe he amt so dead, either"
II don't quite follow you, Lr. Trendon."
why 1 guess our man has figured this
thing all out. Brought this pole up from
the beach to plant 1t here. Why? Because
this was the best observation point. No
good permanent residence. though.
Planted his flag and went back"
Why didn't we see him on the beach.
them"
Did you notice a cave around TO the
north? Good refuge in case of fumes"
Its worth trying" said the captain.
putting up his glass.
Hold on, sir. What's this? Here's
something. Look here"
Trendon pointed to a small bit of wood
rather neatly carved to the shape of an in