Part 25 (2/2)

IN STARFISH COVE AGAIN

”Sparks” as the radio operator aboard the sub chaser was known, sat down to his key at once and sent out a wireless call for allinformation as to whether any had recovered the stolen speed boat belonging to the boys

One by one, fro the coast, the boats responded, giving negative replies Several hours elapsed before all had been heard from Meantime the Nark crisscrossed and quartered the sea off Montauk Point, in search of the rumored ”fleet” of liquor runners, but without success Nuhted as well as steae as to preclude in the opinion of the revenueliquor carriers, and the forh to be exae to warrant the designation ”fleet” appear

Late in the day, when the low descending sun warned of the approach of nightfall, and the boys' watches showed 7 o'clock, Lieutenant Suain consulted with Captain Folsooing to turn back and cruise offshore and that the boys in an hour or two could be landed, not at Starfish Cove, but at their own boathouse, thus involving only a short trip afoot home for Bob

Hardly had the boat's course been altered, however, when ”Sparks”

appeared froh excitee, and the two returned together The wireless rooinally had been the chart house It was equipped for the eraphy and telephony

”I wonder what is up,” said Captain Folso has come by radio that has excited 'Sparks' Excuse o to inquire”

Captain Folsom, however, had not had tiain appeared on the bridge, and beckoned both him and the boys to approach

”I'll explain in a ive the necessary orders”

A number of orders were delivered, and the men on deck leaped to execute them with alacrity What their purport, was not iven a course direct for Starfish Cove and, in response to signals to the engine rooh the water

”So has happened ashore,” said Frank, to his companions ”I wonder what it is”

Their curiosity was soon to be satisfied Lieutenant Sumathered inside, he lost no ti to the point

”The mystery of that sub chaser seen by the crew of the 'Molly M' with your speed boat in tow is in a fair way to be solved,” he said ”Also, I have high hopes of catching the ringleader of the liquor s”

”What? What's that?” demanded Captain Folsom, excitedly

Lieutenant Suine in a thousand years where the radio call came from,” he declared, ”nor what it was all about Well, I'll not atteuards I left posted at the Brownell place, and he was calling, not from the Brownell radio station, but from yours, Hampton”

”From our station?”

Jack was puzzled

”What's the uards have been captured by raiders dressed in naval uniform who dise his bombshell ”Only one man escaped And he made his way to your station, Ha for me”

The eyes of the three boys shone, as the ilers evidently had obtained possession of a sub chaser and wearing U S naval uniforh for what purpose could not be seen at the time It looked as if there were a fair prospect of action, and all were excited in consequence

Captain Folso at once for causes

”But why in the world should such a move have been carried out?” he delers have obtained a sub chaser soether with uniforms Yet why should they seek to recapture the Brownell place? They could not hope to hold it”

Lieutenant Summers shook his head