thel regarded the physician with surprise, and a tremulous smile bent
her lips, for this was his first and only attempt at humor throughout
all the trip. But as she studied his face, with its lugubrious
expression, she came to the conclusion that, after all, he had not in
the least meant to be funny; had, on the contrary, spoken in all
seriousness.

Presently, the waves bore the tender gently upon the shelving strip of
sand. Ethel remained on board, while Garnet went to make an inspection
of the hut.

Shrimp, too, hurriedly hopped from the tiny deck forward, and when he
found himself safe ashore expressed his gratification by a lusty
crow--his first during the voyage.

Garnet found the accommodations far better than he could have expected.
The shack contained a small cook-stove, cooking utensils, clean bunks,
some chairs and a table. He returned and aided Ethel to disembark. Then,
still holding her hand, he led her toward the shack.

She went in a mood of dire foreboding toward this miserable shelter,
under the escort of a man whom she now knew to be crazed.

CHAPTER XVI

THE COMING-OUT PARTY

As Captain Ichabod left the physician's house after having made his
confession, Doctor Hudson stood watching him while he walked briskly
away.

"See how that old devil is stepping it off down the street like a
four-year-old," was the observer's comment. "He really has taken on a
new lease of life, and materia medica didn't have a finger in the pie,
either. If it had happened a few years earlier that he had a chance to
tell Sandy Mason what he thought of him, and to save a woman from
drowning, likely as not there'd have been a wife and children on the
Island to-day to cheer the old fellow's declining years. It's a shame
that cat of a woman ever crossed his path, for he's one of the
best-meaning, greatest-hearted men in the county."

Suddenly, the Doctor chuckled.

"By George, I have an idea, and I'll get busy on it. Yes, sir, I'll take
the old rascal at his word." With that, Doctor Hudson disappeared inside
his house and shut the door after him.

The government wireless station at Beaufort is built upon an island,
which is separated from the mainland by the narrow channel of New Port
River just before it empties into the sea. Now, Captain Jones went at
once to the government wharf, where he secured the services of a small
boy to row him to the island. On his arrival, he was warmly welcomed,
for he was as popu