Evening star., 1940-02-04

was flying toward the island Pinky watched it
with mixed feelings. On the one hand he was
glad of the prospect of being taken off the
island. On the other hand he knew that once
back in civilization Josie would vanish from his
life. And that he knew, would make Man.
haitian as barren an island as the one on which
he stood.
Josie, Pinky said, when we get back to
New York I'd like to try to convince you -
Were not back yet. Give me that pajama
coat! Hurry
Pinky sighed and removed the upper part
of his attire. Josie began waving it in a signal
to the plane.
Its yellow" Pinky observed 1T won't
show up very well against the sand''
Josie glanced at him. For the first time there
was trace of respect in her eyes.
That's right" she said. But it'll show up
fine if 60 out in the water"
She ran out into the sea. Waist deep she
stood in the blue water, waving Pinky's coat.
The plane roared toward them-a big navy
patrol ship. Nearing the island, it swooped
down to less than five hundred feet. It thun-
dered overhead, waggling its wings in aclsnowl-
edgement of the signal. Then it swerved away
in big circle.
They've seen us!' Josie shouted They're
going to land and
The sentence ended abruptly in blood
curdling shrek. The pajama coat flew out of
Josie's hands as she began to thrash the water
frantically with her hands.
Octopus" she screamed. Its got met"
The cold horrors froze Pinky's blood. He
stood rooted and paralyzed in the sand.
Save me" Josie sIeeched. Her voice was
high-pitched and hysterical. 1t cut through
Pinky's fear. 1t jolted him like an electric cur
rent. The woman he loved was in mortal danger
He had to save her, even if he died horrible
death in the attempt
Coming" he shouted. Keep your footing!"
He hit the water like cruiser going down
well-greased launching ways. He plowed out to
Josie, painting and breathless.
S-s-steady!" he gasped, and dove
In the clear water he could see the long
tentacle reaching out from behind a rock. It
was wrapped around Josie's slender ankle.
Pinky seized it with both hands. A shudder
OF revulsion shot through him at the cold.
Shiny feel of the thing. With violent yank he
ripped it away from Josie's leg. 49,
"G-get ashore!' Pinky gulped, coming up.
'I1l hold it until -"
Save me" Josie screamed in his ear. She
vase Pinky in single leap, her legs entwined
around his body and her arms wrapped about
his neck in death grip. Keep it off me!'
"Gug?' Pinky gasped. 'Glug -ug!"
His face grew purple and his eyes bulged.
With one hand he sought to break the strangle-
hold Josie had around his neck With the other
ne gripped desperately the slippery, writhing
thing he had torn off her.
ID gam i'd" he choked "Leggo!"
JOSIE let 60. She let 60 all of sudden and
stood in the water beside Pinky. She stood
there staring at the long length of dark green
kelp stem Pinky held in his hand Josie pointed
an uncertain finger.
IS is that what - what it was?'
Pmky grunted. He felt gingerly of his neck
and turned his head experimentally from side
to side. 1t did not to his surprise, fall off his
shoulders.
"Umph!' he said thankfully.
A dark, crimson flush spread over Josie's
face. III sorry" she said. But thought
Il mean i well, thought that thing
was an ... Josie shuddered and could not
60 on.
Pinkv nodded $50 did ha s,;J