Part 11 (2/2)

Twenty minutes later the three Motor Boat Club boys were stretched out in their berths in the h, ere sleep came to them When slumber did reach their eyes they slept soundly until called by the guard

Hank prepared a breakfast in record ti this, and after Hank had been sent up to the house to learn whether there were any further orders, the Motor Boat Club boys were ready to cast off

Once they were under way, Hank, not being needed, went aft to stretch hi hissmoothly, followed Hank into the cabin Dawson, however, did not seek further sleep He wanted to h test than he had done a few hours before, in order to ht before had not thought to destroy his beloved wireless instruments or connections

”The whole wireless plant is in shape for instant use,” he reported, coood news,” declared To for noe're likely to need the wireless at any minute in the twenty-four hours”

”Say,” ejaculated Joe, after a few ely s of less than twenty-four hours I wonder what that big mystery really is?”

CHAPTER VIII

THE RED MESSAGE

When the boys reached Beaufort and had tied up at a wharf, it was still too early to expect to find any shops open They left Hank on watch, however, and went up into the town, Joe to look, presently, for a dealer in electrical supplies, while Captain To a new hatch to replace that sht before Both boys were presently successful, though it was noon before the joiner had his task finished

While the last of the work on the new hatch was being done, Toe fro the date when the forht before would take place in court Hank butts was left to watch over the boat and keep an eye over the joiner

”Any strangers around here?” queried the young skipper, after the joiner, his work co black boy,” Hank replied ”He seeo below, or touch anything, so I didn't chase him off”

”Cast off, Hank Give us soet back to Lonely Island,” declared the young captain, going to the wheel

Hardlyout of the harbor

”Guess Hank's young negro visitor left a note,” called up Joe, showing in the doorway of theit to Halstead

”Mind the wheel aclosely at the envelope

It was addressed only to ”Halstead,” the writing being in red, and thick, as though laid on with the point of a stick The e on the sheet inside was crisp and to the point It ran:

If you think your doings have been forgotten, you'll soon know differently!

”Hu the sheet as his chum held it out ”That must be from Anson Dalton”

”Or Captain Dave Lemly, of the 'Black Betty,'” returned Tom, without a trace of concern in his tone

”It's a threat, all right,”when the sheet came into his hands ”Confound 'eood--e're looking!”

Just then Captain Toed the course abruptly, the bows of the ”Restless” sending up a shower of spray that sprinkled Hank froet out of the way the wind caught the sheet written in red froo,” laughed Toe had to say”