The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1918-01-04
(copyisht BY w. c. Chapman

he 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 off MacBeard's
egress into the open sea. Then, at
Donald's command, they drew toward
the motorboat.
MacBeard had seen them. He waf
working frantically OF the engine. The
Aland sea sun heaved, bits1t was be-
Aiming to subside as the monsters, for
getful Of Clouts' mouth organ, began
to draw toward the submarine again.
! Then, for the third time, the inn
prisoned queen gave the swarming call.
The sound, soft, vet incredibly volu-
minous, rolled from the interior Of the
/ ship and seemed to fill 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, wall of water which
struck the F55 and rendered her help
less in an instant. 1t dashed her round
like a top, it drove her, uncomfortable,
before it. 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 TANKS. 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 a
miracle. A few strokes, and Donald
found himself upon the shore, which
the waves were wildly flashing, and
helping Davies to scramble out.
They gasped moment and recov-
cred their breath.
where's Clouts?' asked Donald
anxiously.
Then they saw the sailors head bob
bing among the waves. He was APP
parently clinging tn point of rock
with one hand, while he thrust the
other down into the water.
"Cloutsl Are you drowning?" Don
aid called.
A bubbling sound replied. Donald
waded into the sea, clinging to the, pro-
jecting reef to save himself against the
pounding waves. As he neared Cl9uts,
the latter Strengthened himself and
sighed regretfully.
"What is 1t, Clouts? Are you badly
hurt?' asked Donald.
"No, sir" he gasped. "But rve-
I've lOSL IL, SlE
Donald grasped him and pulled hint
through the breakers to dry land un-S
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. MacBeard's light craft,
built upon scientific principles Of his
own devising, had once again estab-
lished its worth. The waves-and luck
had driven it ashore uninjured. And
MacBeard seemed to be inviting Ida to
re-enter it.
The game seemed in MacBeard's
hands once more.
Gomez shouted Donald, starting
forward.
But before he had broken into run
Clouts stood barring his way.
i've found her, siri" he shouted.
Look, sirlr
Donald was on the point Of knock
ing the sailor down. His mouth organ
had become 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 eyanescent, nebuious out
lines Of the queen of the swarm.
And in that moment the memory Of
Ida faded from his mind. He stared
at her like man bewitched.
Her face, which had always been
the most conspicuous part, was
strangely clouded. It was. isdeed, as
If veil Of vapor had been drawn over
it. It seemed to oover her, like long
bridal Seil, giving her the aspect Of
shrouded figure.
Davies dlQ not stay to watch that
meeting. ASftther did Clouts They
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