a
beach and pier at the edge of the city. Then Scotty took over the mike
and, while Rick started in for a landing, asked the airfield tower to
phone Dr. Paul Ernst, Zircon's friend, and notify him of their arrival.

Apparently the tower operator phoned immediately, because as Rick taxied
toward the dock, Zircon saw his friend waiting. Following the
instructions of a dockman, Rick beached the Sky Wagon and cut the
engine. Two husky Virgin Islanders hauled the ship higher onto the
beach, and the Spindrifters climbed out.

Dr. Ernst was a small, bespectacled man with a shock of unruly white
hair. He looked like a country doctor--which was reasonable enough, Rick
thought, because that's just about what he was. Charlotte Amalie, with a
population of about 11,500, could not be described as a big city.

The doctor greeted them all cordially, then immediately got down to
business. "I'm sorry you are not remaining in Charlotte Amalie. However,
Hobart, I have done as you requested. For tonight I have reservations
for you at one of our oldest hotels, Alexander's Rest. Named for
Alexander Hamilton, of course."

Rick remembered that the Revolutionary hero had been brought up in the
Virgin Islands.

"The beach cottage is waiting at Clipper Cay. It is on the western side,
the third from the southern tip of the island. You shall have my own
boat. I think you will find it ideal for a diving tender. I call it the
_Water Witch_. An attractive name, is it not? I have checked on your
equipment. It is held at the warehouse in my name. The supplies you
wished to buy here have been ordered and are waiting at Andersen's
Supply House. I have told them you will be calling."

The group listened, delighted at the obvious efficiency with which Dr.
Ernst had taken care of Zircon's requests.

By lunchtime they had picked up their equipment and supplies, Scotty had
tested the twin diesel engines on the _Water Witch_ and announced
himself more than pleased, Rick had checked over the aqualungs and
compressor that had come down with his camera and other equipment by
freight, the supplies had been stowed, the Sky Wagon refueled, and
nothing remained but to check in at the hotel. This, they had decided,
could wait until after lunch.

While the scientists drove off in Dr. Ernst's car to pick up the doctor
at his office, Rick and Scotty walked into town, headed for "The Danish
Pastry" where the group was to meet for lunch.

Rick spoke his amazement