Part 41 (1/2)

This was Hardy's view, and it was indorsed by the others.

”Another thing. This story has got to come just like an explosion on James K. Farnum's supporters. We've got to sweep them right back to our bill. Now if we break the force of it by giving them warning that swarm of lobbyists will get busy and stay busy all night,” Rawson added.

Jim Dunn, the star reporter of the _World,_ was hurriedly summoned by telephone. Chunn explained to the city editor that Dunn and the staff photographer were needed to cover a big story, but of what the story was no mention was made to the office. As soon as Dunn and Quillen reached the wharf the _Fly by Night_ shot out of the dock.

Part 2

In the wintry afternoon sunlight Beauchamp and Alice were playing a match of shuffleboard against Jeff and the daughter of a Honolulu missionary. The game had reached an exciting and critical stage when they noticed that the s.h.i.+p was no longer quivering from the throb of the engines.

”A steam yacht, probably from Verden,” the s.h.i.+p purser remarked to the first mate as they pa.s.sed.

The players gave up their game to watch the boat that was being lowered from the deck of a yacht close at hand. Into it stepped five men in addition to the crew. Presently Jeff, leaning against the rail, borrowed the gla.s.ses of a man near. After Alice had looked she handed them to Farnum.

He gave a little exclamation of surprise.

”I beg your pardon?” the girl beside him murmured.

”They are my friends, Miss Frome. Come to meet me, I expect. The little man in gray with one arm is Captain Chunn.”

She was all excitement at once. ”Then they must have received your message?”

”Probably.”

Jeff was the first man to meet Captain Chunn as he walked up the steps.

The gray little man gave a whoop of joy.

”David!”

Their hands gripped.

Rawson fell on Farnum from behind and pounded him jubilantly. Instantly the editor was the center of a group of eager, urgent wellwishers.

Alice explained to Captain Barclay what it was all about and stood back smiling while questions and answers flew back and forth.

”What about our bill?” Jeff inquired as soon as the first hubbub had quieted.

”Dead as a door nail. Your cousin has subst.i.tuted H. B. I7. They will pa.s.s it to-morrow or the next day.”

A swift sickness ran through Farnum. ”James gone back on us?”

”That's what. He's double-crossed us.” Rawson snapped the words out bitterly.

”Why--why--surely not James.” Jeff's mind groped for some possible

explanation.

”Says our bill was lost anyhow and it was a question of getting through Garman's bill or none.”

”But Garman's bill was framed by Ned Merrill. It doesn't give us anything.”