The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-09-09
CHAPTER XII

The two girls quickly followed Tom Forrest into the speedboat's cockpit.
 Hadn't you better ctay aboard the yacht?" he asked.
 Melita shook her head stubbornly. "We're going with you
 ''That's probably the best plan" !" Mac agreed. No telling what might happen if we leave them on the 'Mistrar alone. That fellow seems to be everywhere at once. Hang on a minute, Tom. I'm going to grab up 8 couple of revolvers from the cabin"
 His brother stepped on the starter, bringing the motor to life with a roar. Good ideal"
 In @ moment Mac was back, two belts and holsters in his hand. He leaped over the rail and handed one to- Tom Forrest. Let go ."
 After leaving MacForrest in the speedboat at the north end of the island, Grant Harper skirted closely along the wood. He wished now he had not left the "Mistral" in such a hurry, for he was completely un- armed, and the more he considered the story Melita had related the more certain he was that Kay Dear born was in real danger.
 Since that casual glimpse of her in Fafrweather Cove he had cra- ried a mental picture of Kay, trim and fresh and eager at the wheel of the little Chinook" He remem- bered, too, the clear and pleasant voice which drifted out to him over the waters of the cove that night.
 As the "Mistral" bore on north,
 he had confided lightly to Mac and Tom Forrest that he wished they had stayed longer to Fairweather Cove. Long enough to really become acquainted with the skipper and crew of the little cruiser. The For rest brothers had guyed him as part of the game, although they knew Grant Harper to be serious fellow whose work was both his live lihood and his play. They never dreamed that Kay Dearborn had in reality struck something in Grants heart, given him curious feeling at once sad and gay. He had always been quiet chap, so they failed to perceive that since the night at Fairweather Cove his silence carried @ deeper quality.
 Now as he skirted the edge O. the wood in search of Kay Dear born, he realized that he was in love with her. He knew he would willingly risk his life for her.
 Be had not gone far when he saw the little Chinook" anchored close to the shore. Although there was no visible sign of life aboard, Harper removed his jacket and shoes and waded into the water. As quietly as possible he swam toward the cruiser and heaved himself aboard. A quick examination showed her to be deserted-and told him nothing to solve the mystery of what had happened to Kay Dear born. His jaw set grimly, Harper dived back into the water and swam to shore in swift, powerful strokes.
 Hurriedly getting into his shoes, he struck on down the beach, de- termined now to search every square foot of the island until he had found the girl he sought. Mac Forrest and the waiting speedboat were forgotten. So definite and de- termined was his purpose that everything else was shut out.
 Within an hour he had travelled almost the entire east shore of the island, and now he started out across 1t, needless of the growing dusk. Remembering the cabin, he decided that Rays captor would be likely to take her there. AS much as the thick growth would permit, he increased his pace, hoping he would be able to find the spot be- fore nightfall.
 He was stumbling madly along in the underbrush when something white and movnig caught his eye ahead. He ran faster, saw the ob- ject suddenly disappear. And then, a hundred yards on, he found Kay Dearborn, prone and covering.