The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1925-12-25
CHAPTER w

| Without generalization Dick had
placed himself in the position of be-
ing an eavesdr0pper to every bit of
gossip and conversation that took
place In the main cabin. In planning
to get aboard the Pelican he had hard
ly given consideration to the thought
that the open register would admit
any and all sounds. He was a little
startled when he found how distinctly
even whisper was carried to him. 1t
was as IL the cabin was great sound
ing board, with its focal point of wave
vibration at the register over his head.
The first night he learned from de-
tached remarks things that both en-
lightened and bewildered him. Steve
| Cutler was going on a cruise much
against his own will, through the
urgent advice of Doctor Alster, the
family physician, and Of Mr.. Blake,
his private secretary, with Alice, his
niece, as loving but firm cocoon
! spirator. The theory Of Dicks that
the cruise was to hunt for some hid
den treasure received a severe jolt.
The yacht was bound for valhalla,.
an island off the southern coast, that
had been fitted up at great expense by
the millionaire for quiet winter re-
sort. 1t was small, isolated island
] without any communication with the
mainland, and far enough from the
lanes of travel to protect the occu-
pants from visitors and curiosity seek
ers.
Cutler was sick man, according to
the testimony Of his physician, and
unless he took rest of few weeks
the inevitable breakdown would fol-
low. Angered both at the doctor who
condemned him to a period of isola-
| ton, and at nature for playing him
such shabby trick, the old man
fumed and fretted.
| When he realized the actual situa-
ton Dick regretted the course he had
taken. The romance Of the voyage
suddenly lost its flavor. There was
chance of adventure on deserted is
land, with party Of searchers for
buried treasure; but small privately
owned place, even If 1t were a mere
dot on the ocean far from land, offered
little of romance and less of adven-
ture.
There would be servants on IT,
small army of them, perhaps; formal
gardens and cultivated fields; conyen-
tional summer houses, golf links, ten
mis- courts, and all the artificial inven-
tions Of civilization to amuse visitors.
There would be hardly wild nook or
Granny where he could hide and make
himself comfortable.
1 Disguised by the outlook, he felt in
clined to abandon all secrecy and step
forth from his place of concealment
and confess. They could do nothing
more than hold him as stowaway and
make him work for his passage. On
the whole that would not be onerous.
The presence of Alice Cutler would
add a little zest Of romance to the
experience.
The second night out his cramped
prison began to tell on his nerves. Too
much inactlon was worse than too
much exercise. Scrubbing the deck
under the angry eyes Of Captain Brent
seemed preferable to remaining in the
narrow compartment.
The main cabin was deserted, and
Dick struck match to light ciga-
rette. 1t was his one consolation, and
now that he was Indifferent about his
future he lost his usual caution. Only
one electric light was burning In the
cabin. and the stiffness of the place
| got on his nerves.
It'll get out tonight and take good
rest on one Of those cushions" he
unused. captain Brent will get a Jolt
when he finds me there" He grinned
at the thought.
Suddenly he became conscious of
the presence Of some one in the cabin.
The soft fall Of foot on the thick
carpet near his hiding place was fol-
Flowed moment later by the opening
and closing of door. Another foot
step, heavier and clumsier than the
i first, reached his ears. The two met
not far from the open register, so that
their whispered words could be dis
tinctly heard.
"WeIl be there by tomorrow night,
won't we, captainY' 1t was Mr.. Blake
speaking.