known as a famous liar, and thought my ability might come in handy."

Slowly the agony disappeared from Morquil's face. "Someday you will
understand how much you have done for me, John. You will never regret
it!"

The McCarthys remained jovial, and tried to keep up the spirits of the
others as the days of loneliness passed.

* * * * *

Philip Jones and his wife were quiet, and waited patiently. Andrew and
Emma Smith had taken over the cooking, and served the meals. George and
Mary Martin were the youngest couple, and Dick doubted whether either of
them was past twenty-one. The others were all nearer thirty. They spent
their time side by side, gazing over the sea, perfectly happy in each
other's company.

Jerold Brown and Peter Yarbro were constantly fishing, from the
collapsible boat, while their wives played cards.

One night they were awakened by brilliant flashes of light. Running to
the beach, they watched in amazement.

They appeared like big guns firing just above the surface of the water,
a few miles away. While they watched they gradually faded out. It was
like a terrific electric storm, and the little party drew close together
for comfort.

When the lights faded out entirely, Morquil told them to get some sleep.
They would have to move equipment aboard a new ship the following day.

With the first streak of dawn Dick was back at the edge of the beach,
straining his eyes into the gloom, but it was almost an hour before any
object was visible.

After breakfast the ship was much plainer. They could see a rounded
hull, like the top of a huge submarine, above the water. One of the
women remarked that she would _stay_ on the island before she'd enter an
undersea ship. The trip on the _Primrose_ was bad enough, but it wasn't
_below_ the surface.

Morquil called them within the canvas shelter, as if to make a speech.
He held a small ball in one hand, and while they waited for instructions
it landed in their midst.

A cloud of yellow vapor burst from the object, and everyone in the party
slowly sank to the ground. Morquil joined the others in unconscious
stupor, a victim of his own gas.

CHAPTER III

_Strange Destination_

When Dick opened his eyes, there was a feeling of motion to the bed. The
strangeness of the ceiling overhead drew his attention. It was not
canvas, but shiny metal, almost purple in tint.

Suddenly he sat up. Dolores lay beside him. As his e