what appeared to be an abutment.

"We must act quickly," declared Donald. "They think you are
Funston and won't hurt you. Keep up the deception. I'm going to
swim for it. I'll have help here just as quick as I can. So
long," and, throwing off his coat, he jumped into the water some
twenty feet below.

CHAPTER XXVII.

THE ADMIRAL TO THE RESCUE.

When Donald struck the water he allowed himself to go clear to
the bottom, as he wanted to find out just about how deep it was.

It was, as he had expected, about the depth of the water in the
harbor and he made up his mind that he could not be far from some
of the wharves that constitute the water front.

When he came to the surface, he struck out away from the wall,
and by the light of the moon was soon able to see the vessels in
the offing. He could also see that he was well north of the
principal docks.

"I guess I'll land at the first place that offers," he thought,
"and find my way to headquarters from there."

He struck out lustily, but had not been swimming more than a
couple of minutes, when he heard the sharp exhaust of a gasoline
launch.

Realizing that it must be an American craft, he shouted at the
top of his voice.

At first there was no response, but as the boat came nearer and
he shouted even more loudly, a friendly hail came over the
waters.

"Where are you?" came the voice as the boat came to a stop.

"Here, to your port side," he replied.

The launch was started again slowly and Donald was soon able to
make himself visible.

"Who are you?" was the first question pumped at him by the
officer in command.

"Special messenger for Gen. Funston," was the response.

"Where is your uniform?"

"I'm not a soldier. I am a civilian."

"A likely story," snapped the officer, who chanced to be an
ensign.

"I can't help how likely it is," snapped Donald in return. "It's
true, and I want to be put ashore as quickly as possible. I have
an important message and the safety of one of his staff is
involved. There is also a plot on foot to capture the general
himself."

"Nonsense! And besides, I can't put you ashore. I am carrying a
message to Admiral Fletcher."

"But my business is important," insisted Donald.

"So is mine," declared the ensign.

He ordered his launch full speed ahead in the direction of the
flagship.

"It's pretty tough," commented Donald, "but I'll prove I am right
when I get to the ship."

"I hope so," was the reply.