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"That's just it," cried Code, springing up and throwing away the

stump of his cigar; "somebody has got to make the complaint!

Well, now, from what I can see, somebody's made it. All this talk

could not have gone on in the island unless it started from

somewhere. And the question is, where?"

They were interrupted by the sound of footsteps. In the darkness

the figure of a man appeared approaching the house. A moment

later the newcomer stepped on the low veranda, and both men

recognized him.

It was Nat Burns.

"Is Nellie here?" he asked without the formality of the usual

greetings.

"I cal'late she is, Nat," replied Tanner, rising to his feet.

"Wait a minute an' I'll call her."

But he had not reached the door before the girl herself stepped

out on the porch. She ran out eagerly, but stopped short when she

saw Code in the darkness. Their meeting was obviously reserved.

In the interim Tanner walked to where Schofield stood, silent.