The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-10-10

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Not Tor all the money between here an
Halifax" he said in an excited whisper.
Friends O. yours-hey?" And he swuMg
away to his tug with a speed that was as
tonishing for one Of his barrellike mold.
Chauncey and Harry stared at each other
in amusement.
'Extrawdinary cratic. say" gasped
AT least that said Harry. "rd give a
good deal just to know what's on that fel.
lows mind. But come on. Let's see II
they're all like that"
They were not all like that. In fact. n
was sfrikingly peculiar how very different
was the attitude OF the second man Of the
sea whom they approached.
II Harry had seen this amiable person q
few minutes before standing on the same
pier In earnest conversation with a dapper
gentleman from New York, ne might have
extended still further his search for a pilot
had paid the skipper q handsome retaining
fee 80 to speak. Harry would not have paid
him anything. For he would have recog
nized the dapper gentleman as Hicks-
Whatever had been the purport Of the
Interview, whatever the reason for Mr.
West Side Of New York. he left the skipper
apparently In . friendly and open frame Of
mind toward new Corners.
Devils Island-yes, sir. Steam's mp now.
sir. Pricef Well. tell you'll take you
over for $40 apiece"
saThat sounds reasonable" said Harry. 'If
you get US there by o'clock this afternoon
I'll double it,"
They followed the dingy skipper ON board
the dingy boat and within fifteen minutes
were pushing out at good speed toward
the misty fields Of many islands to the
southwest.
The sea was smooth and the two young
men. seated under an oily awning ON the
scanty deck, mingled conversation with an
occasional cooling drink, the main insredi-
ents Of which were supplied from Chaun-
cey's suit case.
It was about 3 O'Clock in the afternoon
when the skipper. shambling up the deck,
pointed out low. rocky island that they
were approaching. Beyond the rocks that
rimmed the shore the island was wooded
and seemingly deserted.
"There-that's your island. gentlemen"
he said.
You've made splendid time. captain
But, I say" questioned Chauncey, where
are the-er-inhabitant don't you known
The skipper laughed. "The hotels an
houses is over ON the other side. The beach
Il clean there an the breeze 10 cooler. IN
show you tho way all right, sir"
The tug came to . stop and Chauncey
and Harry and the skipper got into tho
trailing dory. The skipper rnwsd toward
the island.
Easy enough to sss why they named II"
remarked Chauncey. - the gray rocks
doomed nearer Most unwholesome place,
It seems to me-most depressing. Wouldn't
i've here for worlds"
Great placo-on the other side Of It." de-
clared the skipper. Yes. cir. them movie
picture people has made it great place.
suspect rs some o them you would be vis-
itin..s
YES" said Harry. Here No are" he
added. springing up with the painter in his
hand ~ the boat grated on the shore.
The skipper placed his oars across the
seats and dragged the boat up the beach.
Then he led the way into the woods.
The path was narrow and seemingly It had
been little used of late. for brambles over
grew II In places, and would have oblit-
Grated It to the inexperienced eye.
There's . clean road over yonder," az
planned the guide, "but this Il tie shortest