Part 17 (2/2)

The shots ceased The shouts died Jack grinned in satisfaction The enemy had been halted Now, if his friends only utilized their opportunity to hurry away before being attacked from the rear, all would be well He listened with strained attention No further sounds of coround The moon was lon

What time had they left home? Two o'clock? By the look of the ht Although it seeh an excess of excitement had been crowded into that period, still only about two hours had elapsed

Having the door of the radio station in full view, and observing no signs of life, as would have been the case providing some one had been present, for he would have been drawn to the door by this new and closer outburst of fighting, Jack decided to chance crossing the glade directly

Darting ahead, he crouched listening, heard nothing, then flung wide the door which opened outward and sprang back Theroom, at least, was e warily, knife clutched in his hand, despite his growing confidence that he had the place to himself There was a door at the rear Behind that must be the power plant He set his ear to the door Only the low hum of a dynali in this direction through the trees had indicated the house current was supplied from the power house here But was anyone in that other roo door He tried the handle softly

The door was locked Good At least he would be safe frouard against surprise fro sideways, one eye on the outer door Now solimpsed there surprised an exclamation from him

It was not that anyone appeared in the doorway No, but offshore and not far distant a bright searchlight suddenly cut athwart the night, putting thein a wide arc across the sky and then ca the beach

He could not follow its rove of trees intervening between the shore of Starfish Cove and the radio plant cut off complete view But a wild hope leaped into his lers in the liquor shi+p offshore be likely to show a light? He did not consider it likely Then, what sort of shi+p was it probable the light cae,” he said aloud, ”maybe that's a boat of the 'Dry Navy'

already on the track of these scoundrels”

He stood, gazing at that finger of light, spellbound What else could the shi+p be that would be casting a searchlight along the shore, along this particular stretch of shore of all places, and at this particular tiovern to the instrument table, seized and adjusted a headpiece, pulled a trans the tuner to the 575 overn What should he say if a government boat replied? He decided on a plan of procedure

Presently his receivers crackled, and heceased, when he heard a voice saying:

”U S Revenue Cutter Nark Who is calling?”

Scarcely able to control his exciteood luck, Jack starip on his e for Captain Folsom Is Lieutenant Summers aboard? Are you offshore?”

”We're offshore, all right,” answered his correspondent, in a tone of the utmost surprise ”But how in the world do you know?”

”I want to speak to Lieutenant Su to himself at the other's bewilderment Even at this crucial moment, he could not resist the te you're offshore,” he added, ”I can see you”

”See us? Say, this is too much for me Wait till I call Lieutenant Summers,” said the other ”Did you say Captain Folsom?”

”That's the name,” said Jack ”Hurry, please This is a matter of life and death”

Almost at once another voice took up the conversation, and from the tone of crisp authority, Jack sensed itSuch, indeed, was the case Lieutenant Su operations, and, as the radio room was in the chart house of the cutter, he had intervened on hearing his operator ue, Captain Folsom

”Nohat's this all about?” he demanded ”Is Captain Folsom there?

If so, put him on the phone”

”Are you Lieutenant Summers, sir?” asked Jack, respectfully

”I a from? Where is Captain Folsom?”