The Raymer enterprise., 1918-06-27
(copuisht by w. G. Chapman

ne seemed now absolutely sure OF MS
success. Through the port they
watched the motorboat tossing toward
them over the waves. They could
make out MacBeard's figure beside the
engines. Ida was doubtless within the
cabin.
up anchor. Clouts," said Donald.
davies. take the engines again."
Presently the submarine began to
move so as to cut of MaeBeard's
egress into the open sea. Then, at
Donald's command. they drew toward
the motorboat.
MacBeard had seen them. he was
working frnntically at the engine. The
inland sea still heaved, but II was be-
ginning to subside as the monsters, for
getful Of Clouts' mouth organ began
to draw toward the submarine again.
Then, for the third time, the i'm
prisoned queen gave the swarming call.
The sound, soft. yet incredibly volu-
minous. rolled from the interior Of the
ship and seemed to I'LL the universe.
1t was like deep. soft note upon
some mighty organ. And the response
was instant.
For the third time the swarm, mad
dened by the call. leaped toward Its
leader. And, as on Fair island, tidal
bore came on. a wall Of water which
struck the F55 and rendered her help
less In an instant. II dashed her round
like top 1t drove her. uncomfortable,
before II. In an instant the steering
gear was disabled. and the vessel
skidded through the waves toward the
cliffs Of the ford. which grew larger
with unbelievable swiftness.
1t was the last voyage Of the F55.
The battered old submarine which had
rendered such yeoman service, drove
hard on the rocks. A needle point
pierced her amidships. score Of razor
edges rent her flanks. Slowly she sank.
still spinning. into the seething waters
that whipped the desolate shore.
As soon as they realized that moth
Ing could be done, the three had gath
cred upon the deck and waited for the
disaster. As the F55 struck they leaped
into the sea. They escaped the hid
den fangs Of the rocks almost by
miracle. A few strokes, and Donald
found himself upon the shore, which
the waves were wildly lashing. and
helping Davies to scramble out.
They gasped a moment and recov-
cred their breath.
"Where's Cloutsi" asked Donald
anxiously.
Then they saw the sailors head bob
bing among the waves. He was ap-
parently clinging to point Of rock
with one hand. while he thrust the
other down into the water.
"Cloutsl Are you drowningi" Don
aid called.
A bubbling sound replied. Donald
waded into the sea. cllnging to the pro-
jecting reef to save himself against the
pounding waves. As he neared Clouts.
the latter Strengthened himself and
sighed regretfully.
"What is 1t. Cloutsl Are you badly
hurtT asked Donald.
"No, sir" he gasped. "But I've
I've lost II, sir!"
Donald grasped him and pulled him
through the breakers to dry land un-
gently. At that moment Clouts had
strained his patience severely with his
lost mouth organ.
Look. sir" said Davies, when the
three stood together once more.
Two hundred yards away Mac
Beard and Ida were standing beside
the motorboat. MacBeards light craft.
built upon scientific principles OF his
own devising, had once again estab-
lished It's worth. The waves-and luck
had driven 1t ashore unlnjured. And
MaeBeard seemed to be inviting Ida to
re-enter II.
The game seemed 10 MacBeard's
hands once more.
"Comel" shouted Donald. starting
forward.
But before he had broken into run
Clouts stood barring his way.
"rve found her. sirl" he shouted.
Look. sirr'
Donald was on the point Of knock
Ing the sailor down. His mouth organ
had become a justification for homi-
eide.
But Clouts was not making refer
ence to his mouth organ just then. A
cry from Davies stopped Donald upon
the verge Of delivering his blow.
Donald started and saw, close to his
side, the evanescent, nebul0us out
lines Of the queen Of the swarm.
And In that moment the memory OF
Ida faded from his mind. lie stirred
at her like man bewitched.
Her face. which had always BEEN
the most conspicuous part, was
strangely clouded. 1t was, indeed. as
II veil Of vapor had been drawn over
1t. II seemed to cover her. like long
bridal veil, giving her the aspect Of
shrouded figure.
Davies did not stay to watch that
meeting. Neither did Clouts. They
STATED at full speed toward MacBeard.
who, already having launched his mo-
torboat upon the waves, was holding
out his hand to Ida.