Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-02-25

maze of cross currents Hithe
 - and thither she was borne,
 creature bereft of volition Order fol
 lowed order like the rattle of quick fir
 and was obeyed with something nor
 than the Wolverines customary smart
 ness. From the bridge Captain Parkin
 son himself directed his ship. His fac,
 was placid, his bearing steady and con
 fldent. This in itself was sufficien
 earnest that the cruiser was in ticklisl
 case, for 1t was an axiom of the mel
 who sailed under Parkinson that tht
 calmer that nervous man grew tht
 more cause was there for nervousness
 on the part of others.
 The approach was from the south
 but suspicious aspects of the water
 had tended the cruiser out and around
 until now she stood prov on to bold headland at the northwest corner of
 the island. Above this headland lay
 a dark pail of vapor In the shifting breeze it swayed sluggishly, heavily, as if riding at anchor like logy ship of the air. Only once did it show any marked movement.
 Its spreading out toward us,'' said Barnett to his fellow officers, gathered aft.
 Time to move, then" grunted Tren- don.
 T e others looked at him inquiringly. Ibout as healthful as pruSsic acid, those volcanic gases" explained the surgeon.
 The ship edged on and inward Pres ently the singsong of the leadsman sounded in measured distinctness through the silence. Then sudden ac- tivity and hustle forward, the rattle of chains, and the Wolverine was at an chor. The captain came down from the bridge
 What do you think, Dr. Trendon" he asked.
 More explicit inquiry was not nee essary.
 The surgeon understood what was in his superiors mind.
 Never can tell about volcanoes, sir" he said
 "Of course,' agreed the captain. "But-well, do you recognize any of the symptomsr
 Want me to diagnose case of earthquake, sir?" grinned Trendon. "She might go off today or she might behave herself for century"
 Well, it's all chance" said the other cheerfully. "The man might be alive. At any rate we must do our best on that theory. What do you make of that cloud on the peak:"
 Poisonous vapors, I suppose. Thought we'd have a chance to make sure just now. Seemed to be coming right for us. Winds shifted it since"
 There couldn't be anything alive up there?'
 Not so much as a bug" replied the doctor positively. Yet thought when the vapor lifted | q bit that saw something moving"
 When was that, sir?" ,,
 Ten or fifteen minutes back"
 Well see soon enough, sir" put in Forsythe. "The wind is driving it down to the south'ard." Sullenly, reluctantly, the forbidding i mass moved across the headland. All | glasses were bent upon it. Without | taking his binOcular from his eyes | Trendon began to ruminate aloud. If he could have got to the beach. !
  haps he hadn't time. And I'd hate to risk good men on that caldron. Just as much risk here perhaps. Only it 
 There 1t is.' cried Forsythe. Look! TLe highest pointr'
 Dull gray wisps of murk, the after guard of the gaseous cloud. were twist ing and spiraling in a witch dance across the landscape. and, seen by and glimpses through it. Tapped darkly in the breeze. suddenly the veil parted and fled. A lag stood forth in the sharp gust, rigid md appalling. It was black.
 'The Jolly Roger, by God, They've 'ome back" exclaimed Forsythe.
 And set up the sign of their shop" Idded Barnett.
 'If they stuck to their fiag-goodby," deserved Trendon grimly.
 'Dr. Trendon." said Captain Parkin- on. you will arm yourself and go with me in the gig to make a landing" 'Yes, sir" responded the surgeon. "Mr Barnett
 "Yes, sir" should We be overtaken by the va or while on the highland and be un- ble to get back to the beach. you are 9 send no resculng party up there un- ] the air has cleared But. sir. may We not Do you understandg" "Yes. sir" "In case of an attack you will at nee send in another boat with a how ger" ~Yes. sir
 "Dr. Trenion. will you see NIT. sIade f ad inquire of him tine best point for Indinry~ ITeudoa hesIfated- T suppose it would hardly do to take ' i'm with usT' pursued the command n Ig 0aicer lv If he Is rOused now. even for a mo n Ient. Won-t answer for the conse- [, 1encss. sir sstd the surgeOn biuntly. b Surely you can have him point out ,l landing plsoe.~ saff inc captain- @ -Ou Eour responsibility returned 0 le other otstfnateIy. Hes under fl date now w Be 1t sa.~ said Captain Parkinsou n