ve it at all it will be only with strings which will tangle you up
later on."

Gregory was on his way to the door.

"A man needing money like I do at present has to get it where he can,"
he answered. "Will you see to getting the _Pelican_ and _Curlew_ started
as soon as possible?"

She promised and he hurried out.

Gregory found Rock in his private office at the bank and was welcomed
warmly by the financier.

"Growing more like your father every day you live," was the president's
greeting. "How happy we would all be if he could have been spared to
this community."

Gregory lost no time in preliminaries.

"You told me if I ever got into a tight place, you'd see me through," he
began.

Rock nodded and the corners of his thick lips turned downward.

"I sincerely trust you have met with no business reverses, my young
friend," he purred. "However, if such is the case, feel perfectly free
to make me your confidant."

Briefly Gregory stated his case, to which the old man listened
attentively. When he had concluded, Rock's eyes were on the ceiling, and
his soft white hands caressed the desk noiselessly.

"If you will accept a word of advice from a man old enough to be your
father, and one who is entirely disinterested in you, save in a personal
way as the son of my old friend, you will----"

"What?"

Gregory cut short his rambling.

"Stay away from Diablo Island."

Rock's advice carried a mandatory note which was not lost upon his
auditor.

"Why?" Gregory asked quickly.

Rock searched the far corners of the room for the answer to the
question. At length he replied: "It is an extremely dangerous place,
particularly at this season of the year. Storms are prevalent about
Diablo and by making the venture at this time, you place not only your
capital in jeopardy, but the lives of your men as well."

Gregory realized he had little time for argument.

"I've asked for a loan of three thousand for ten days, Mr. Rock. It's up
to you. What will you do for me?"

A slight frown passed over the bank president's forehead at the young
man's insistence. For a moment he gave his entire attention to the
blotter on the desk. Then he said:

"I will let you have the money you desire on one condition. That you
confine your operations to coastal waters. Your security will then be
comparatively safe and----"

"You forget, Mr. Rock, that I am not taking my cannery with me to El
Diablo," Gregory broke in. "Don't you regard