Evening star., 1935-01-14
CHAPTER .lLVI.
RACES END.


wv for the gap. A deluge Of
surf swept over us, half
filling the well but. shaking
herself like q drenched dog, the stout
little ship struggled gallantly on.
Twice she bumped heavily, pitching
me against the rail. Then another
binding torrent poured in over our
bows and. with q final convulSlve
shudder. we slithered forward into
deep water.
They've found it-look at 'em!"
Jerry's voice rang out clear above
the roar Of the breakers and, opening
nv eyes, stared back over the drip
ping counter. I was just in time to
witness the end.
Fifty yards behind us, in the very
center of the fairway, the big cutter
was Slowing drunkenly round. saw
Orloff spring to his feet and at the
same instant the heavy boom swung
over with a crash.
It caught him full on the side Of
the head. knocking him backward
into the sea. Then huge wave broke
against the stranded vessel, burying
her from sight beneath a cloud Of
spray.
It was Jerry who was the first to
speak.
Which of the swine was it, Nick?"
he asked. mot by any chance your
pal, Peter?"
spat out large mouthful of the
North Sea.
I'm afraid so," I replied. Its
very annoying, because there were
quite lot Of things I wanted to say
to him."
Don't get up, Nick, darling. I'll
light it for you"
Molly struck a match and held it
to the cigaret which I had Just placed
between my lips.
What did the doctor think about
you this morning?" she asked.
He was most encouraging Said
that I'd mended up in great style, and
that as far as he could see the shoul-
der would be as good as ever" I set
tied myself gingerly against the cush-
ions. "Ill have these bandages off
in another week." added, land then
we can get married"
Molly gave little contented laugh.
Better say fortnight. You might
hurt it again if you started hugging
me too soon."
"All the best games" objected,
"have q certain element of danger.
It's supposed to add to their attrac-
ton"
The door opened and Dawson ad-
vanced toward the sofa, carrying a
tray.
Your beef tea, SIR
eyed him with some disfavor. I'm
sick of beef tea," I said Couldn't
I have something else just for a
chance?"
Not until lunch time, SIR. The
doctor was particularly firm on that
point"
Molly patted my arm. BE a good
boy and drink it up, Nick. Jerry and
Mr.. Cresswell will be here in a few
minutes, and they're sure to have
some news for U.S."
It hope so," said, taking a reluc-
tant sip. II don't know exactly what
the Home Office are playing at, but
it's quite time they got a move on
of some sort"
They've been horribly SLOW" agreed
Molly. "All the same, things are
bound to come right in the long run.
Iexpect they can't quite make up their
minds what to do about Mrs. Gowl-
land.
How is she?" I asked. "You went
H. see her last night, didn't you?"
Molly nodded. "Shes still at the
same house in charge of that police
woman. They've been quite nice and
all that sort of thing, but even now
she doesn't know whether they're 60
ing to prosecute tier.
II wish they'd settle it one way or
the other. I've taken a couple of
furnished rooms for her at Bourne
mouth under another name, and if
they'll only let her out she< can go
down there and get well. After that
I mean to give her some money and
send her to New Zealand. She's got
an unmarried brother out there who's
devoted to her. She's going to live
on his farm and look after him"
You're brick, Molly" I said,
stroking her hair. II wish all beau
tiful women were as kind as you are"
She leaned over and kissed me.
Don't be so foolish. Nick. There's
nothing kind about helping Mrs. Gowl-
land-why, just feel can't do too
much for her. If she hadn't told us
the truth, we'd never have found the
formula "
Talking Of that" I said, II wonder
when we shall hear from Avon? He's
had it for over q week now"
"Oh, I'm not worrying. Father never
made mistakes and besides, accord
ing to MIR. Cresswell, Sir William was
absolutely convinced the moment he
read 1t. They must test the thing,
Of course, and that's bound to take
Q little time"
"Well, wish they'd hurry up"
said. If it's all correct I shall have
to buy some striped trousers and q
morning coat. One can't marry
millionairess in lounge suit"
There Was bang outside, followed
by voices in the hall, and the next
moment Jerry and Mr.. CreSSwell ap-
peared in the oorway.
II said they'd have some good
newsl" Molly jumped up and darted
toward them. "Oh, do tell us what
1t Is! I can see I'm right from your
faces"
Jerry caught her two hands and,
drawing her toward him, kissed her
gently but firmly on the tip of the
nose.
Keep cool. my child" he said;
"this Celtic impulsiveness is out of
place in q sick ROOM" He turned to
Mr.. Cresswell. What about it?" he
inquired. Shall I spill the glad It'd
ings, or will they come more impress
sively from you?"
The lawyer smiled. go ahead with
your report, Sir Jerrold. I am con-
WINGED that you will do full justice
to it,
well. it's real dyed-in-the-w
hush-hush stuff" Jerry seated him
DON'T NEGLECT MINOR
F1lnAAF lnnlFAFlAA