Evening star., 1939-02-12

It's here all right, flying the new Spanish
flag, the Harbor Master told me, and in
pretty battered condition shouldn't have
thought they would have risked bringing it
in, but that's not our business
Sleeping here tonight"
Besserley assented. IF there's anything in
this message I'll see you in the morning.
Frankly do not think that it is consular
business at all. 1t is in private code which
we have not used for years and expect it
will take me all night to get the sense of it,"
The Consul took his leave.
1t was dawn before Besserley had finished
his DECIDING. He was no longer in doubt as
to the identity of the mysterious lady.
At eight O'Clock in the morning he was
awakened by his steward. "A letter brought
on board marked Immediate Sir thought
had better wake you
Besserley tore open the envelope
Ito General Besserey
"Sir,
please to come over at once to this
small island The bearer is the pilot of The
Sunshine and he will show your man the
channel. 1t is very difficult. Come in a
boat you can find, or your own if it is
there, but come quickly. The Sunshine
must be left in Cannes Harbor. 1t will be
watched and followed when it leaves.
please forgive that was compelled to
60 away last night. will explain.
Besserley telephoned up to his captain and
engineer. In five minutes the engines were
throbbing In quarter of an hour they were
leaving the harbor. Half lf-a-dozen men on the
deck of the submarine were watching them.
The Sunshine. which had apparently just
come in. was tied up in the next berth. Besser-
ley hurried the French pilot who had brought
the note into the chart room.
I'VE want to make Little Lerins," he in
formed the captain, who was at the wheel
This man is pilot if you need any advice"
The captain leaned over the side 1T de-
pends on the tide, sir. but if the pilot knows
the passage we can make it all right. 1t would
be safest to land from the launch if you are
thinking of going ashore
Besserley nodded. 1t was only short
journey and he was still in his pajamas.
Bath, shave, clothes and glasses he told
the steward. "A cup of tea as soon as come
on deck. Send the lad aft and tell him to look
out and report to me if we are followed
The man hurried off A few minutes later
he knocked at the door of the bathroom
There's some sort of a craft left the harbor
coming out on this course, he announced
Tell the captain full speed ahead"
A quarter of an hour later Besserley was on
deck dressed and shaved. He looked at the
white trail left by the oncoming boat and
smiled How are we for stores?' he asked the
steward
Nothing we are short of that can remem-
Der, sir, the man replied. I'VE have a reserve
supply Of everything
Besserley strolled into the chart house
We're nearly there. Sir the pilot told
him. The tide is on the turn already 1t will
be best for you to land from the launch
Besserley was thoughtful I'VE shall see"
he decided. Il don't want to leave the boat
if l can help it,
There was slight sea running. They had left
the pursuing craft some distance behind, but
Besserley watched her thoughtfully. He blew
his whistle and the boatswain appeared.
Put blank shell in number four gun" he
ordered, land have live one handy"
The man looked astonished, but he sauted
and hurried off, Besserley turned his glass on
the small island they were approaching and