The Daily Alaska empire., 1932-07-07
CHAPTER 19. AN ISLAND PRISON

There. on the beach, was their nnonoplane. Halfway to the house a little procession, led by Emory and Stevens, was plodding through the sawgrass. Behind his two. com- panions, strode four guards, one of whom held an automatic.
 Well, well, Captain Calhoun!" Ashwood turned to Jerry with a sardonic smile. Now that l ob- serve your comrade, Lieutenant Wattles, coming to join my merry group. it seems hardly worth while fer you to remain incognito, and, as I live and breathe, if this isn't the admirable Stevens. Well, well, what a wonderful little reunion!'
 Emory waved an unabashed greeting to Jerry, then fell to studying the face of the white haired cripple. Stevens, looking about him with his faded blue eyes, caught Jerry's glance.
 Jokes on us, kid he said gloom ily I'm losing my grip" Then turning to Ashwood, he smiled amiably. Hello, Lhnpy. Haven't seen you in a long time-profes- sionally, that is"
 Let us hope that this isn't T professional visit" Ashwood pro- tested suavely. "After you have conferred with the dictates of your conscience you will realize that you may as well put your silver plated shield in my safe and enjoy your staf on the island I've always longed to make your acquaintance under suitable circumstances. you know"
 Listen, Limpy," said Stevens, 6rily. I'm getting pretty old to change my ways. If you are still free a couple of years from now which I doubt-come out and pay me a visit at my pecan grove in California. Then we can be good and sociable. But between now and then I'm on Uncle Sam's pay roll and I try to earn my pay, which, God knows, isn't much"
 Dear, dear, such nobility Of character" sighed Ashwood, plain lively. It is so interesting. I'm sure you will enjoy meeting MT. Lucci."
 No" grunted Stevens. T don't even enjoy thinking about him, much less meeting him. I'm going to have to kill that feller some day"
 Please wait!" cried the cripple in mock alarm, until I have col lected my final board bill from his loving and loyal friends
 i've got it." interrupted Emory, suddenly. Jerry, this is the bird we rescued from the British M. Ps after the big party at the Clar- idge." He turned again to Ash wood My God, you've changed What in the world happened to you to make you look like this
 The scene came back to Jerry ir a flash. A gay, rollicking British pilot, who had been drifting abou! with them all evening, from cafe to cafe Then. after they hat parted with assurances of lifelong affection and esteem, the two Yan- kees had heard a sudden uproa, and had raced around the darken ed streets to find the young lieu tenant in the clutches of thret burly military police. With shouts of joy Jerry and Emory had fal. len upon the patrol and after Z glorious fight had saved their new friend from a probable court mar. tial. After another drink togeth CT, the three had departed fo their respective units. And herr they were again, reunited at las -and under what circumstances.
 Ashwood looked first at Emory then at Jerry, thoughtfully
 Come in. gentlemen. We'll hav a drink and little talk" Nod ding to the guards, who departe' forthwith, he led the way to tn dining room.
 Ashwood was the first to speak.
 "All of us make mistakes at on time Or another, but had com plimented myself that this httl retreat of mine was well hidder Since frankness is, at this mo ment. desirable, I wonder if yo would mind telling me how yo found this island?"