Pagina 180 van 416

Once more all the fears that had assailed Code's mind at her

first appearance returned. He was certain that there was mischief

in this. But he sat quiet as the vessel drifted down upon the

anchored Rosan.

As he looked her over his eyes were drawn aloft to a series of

wires strung between her topmasts. Other wires ran down the

foremast to a little cubby just aft of it.

"By the great squid, they've got wireless!" he said. "This beats

me!"

At fifty yards the familiar man with the enormous megaphone made

his appearance.

"Ahoy there!" he roared. "Any one aboard the Rosan seen or heard

anything of Captain Code Schofield, of the Grande Mignon schooner

Charming Lass?"

Code rose out of his chair, took off his hat ironically, and

swung it before him as he made a low bow.

"At your service!" he shouted. "I was picked up three days ago,

adrift in my dory. What do you want with me?"