Henderson daily dispatch., 1942-02-20
No THNg9H0MA QN$S1
z ~BRONDFiElD

ND
looked 70 the starlCard and saw a
freighter i'll the distance. A few
minutes later they were alongside
the ship, a dirty tWo-stacked
tramp with very little superstruc-
ture. Neil noticed the Netherlands
flag painted on its side. On its bow
he read the words, IS S. Zuyder
Zee"
The power boat bobbed along
siGe and from above someone
dropped a Jacobs ladder. up you
go Wilhelm said. They scrambled
aboard and we've met by a bearded
individual in a dirty officers uni
form. An evil smelling pipe was
clenChed between his teeth. Kurt
spoke to him in German and he
grunted a reply.
He turned and gave an order to
two men who went down the ladder
with some dynamite.
Two minutes after the freighter
started moving away there vas q
sharp blast and the power boat dis
integrated behind them. Apparent
ly, Neil decided, they preferred to
destroy the craft rather than take
a chance Of its being traced on
board if they were stopped.
Wilhelm beckoned them to follow
him.
Kurt led them down a compan-
ionWay and opened a door. Without
a word he locked the door behind
them.
Alone at last, Moha clutched
Neil's arm fiercely. x couldn't wait
to tell you'll didn't give Kurt the
correct formula. Again l was gain
ing time. When he discovers it is
wrong l a plead a faulty men,
Dry"
She heard his quite audible es-
cape Of breath. 1t said much. Re-
lief. Forgiveness. They went to a
portfolio and looked out. MY guess
is we're headed back to New York"
Neil said. They realized all roads
would be watched and the coast
guard would be looking for a small
boat. This way they're brazen but
plenty smart
A few minutes later they heard
sounds of excitement on deck
above. Footsteps clattered above
them and mutfled voices drifted
down the passageway and through
the locked door. From somewhere
a ships bell changed twice. three
times.
They're slowing down the en-
glnes,' Neil muttered. That's
funny"
Someone ratified a key in the lock
and opened the door, 1t was Kurt
again.
out of there" he said t~erselv
Your accursed coast guard wants
10 ask us a few questions"
90 Ee Ccnt;nued>
that was wrapped around a stake,
half OF 1t whipping in the wind. He
bent down casually and fingered it,
looking at the pattern. His brow
furrowed as he Strengthened up
again.
Tay sauntered back TO the two
sailors and Captain Van Steen. A
few moments later the coast guard
officer returned from his inspec-
ton. The lieutenant saluted. Sorry
to have troubled you, Captain. but
I'm merely under orders to search
every vessel between here and New
York harbor."
Van Steen took his pipe out Of
his mouth and smiled toothily
through his beard. OF course" he
murmured.
Neil sat watching Kurt Wilhelm
closely. Tell me, Wilhelm" Neil
said Just how did it happen that
this ship was nearby so conveni-
entity
Il don't mind at all. This ship did
not merely happen to be coming
By, We were to stop Captain Van
Steen to give him some verbal or
ders before his ship got to New
York. l see no harm in telling you
these things because-well. it will
make no difference"
so, he's one Of your rats. Ell?
Hurts jaw muscles frightened Wis
IDLY You are hardly In a position
to be calling people names. my dear
Mr., Lundquist."
You're a rat, Wilhelm" Nell
repeated evenly.
You are taxing my generosity"
Kurt said %ominously. You are not
to be eliminated until we get to New
York. However. if you insist, we
can arrange it more quickly"
Suddenly there was a knock at
the door. Kurt tensed. Then some.
one called to him in German and
Kurt relaxed. He opened the door
and spoke to a seaman.
Your friends have LETT" Kurt
said over his shoulder. slipping the
silencer off his pistol and dropping
it into his pocket. Come"
But another sailor rushed up Just
then and spoke excitedly. Kurt
frowned and cursed under his
breath.
Back inside. please" he said to
Molla and Neil. Molla managed to
whisper a few words to Neil as
Kurt spoke again to the second
sailor.
THE men from the coast guard
are returning to the ship for some
reason" she said quickly.
Kurt sat down. his hand resting
on his gun butt inside his pocket.