he Port for information about the
yacht's clearance papers. I had a reply from him at Albany on the way
down here. He said that the yacht has not been cleared, and that if it's
not in port, it has been stolen."

Roy fairly groaned, and made a gesture of despair.

"That's all I know of the affair," he added drearily. "I am distracted
for fear something dreadful may have happened already. You understand
now how badly I require your help. I can think of nothing--do nothing.
You are not to think of expense. Just rescue Ethel Marion and run down
and jail those guilty of this crime against her." His voice suddenly
became pleading. "And you must let me enlist as a lieutenant to serve
under you. Inactivity under such stress would drive me mad, I know. I
was stunned at first, but now I have my faculties again, and I believe
that I may be able to be of use in the case under your guidance."

Van Dusen stretched out his hand and clasped that of Roy warmly.
Something in the firm contact comforted the distraught lover. It was as
if strength and courage flowed into him from the other man.

"Rely upon me," Van Dusen said quietly, but with a note of confidence in
his voice that still further served to hearten his hearer. "And I shall
certainly make use of you--and at once. First off, I'll ask you to get
in touch immediately with Captain Halstead, the master of my yacht.
Arrange to have it properly equipped and provisioned, so that we may
sail at a moment's notice. Luckily," he added musingly to himself, "the
new wireless outfit is already installed on _The Hialdo_. We'll need
it."

Van Dusen stood up abruptly, and again spoke to Roy, almost curtly.

"After you've attended to the matter of the yacht, report to me at the
agency. You should be there well within an hour. If you arrive first,
wait for me."

"But you----?" Roy began eagerly.

Van Dusen replied to the unfinished question.

"I'm off now to seek a clue from Miss Marion's maid." His voice grew
gentle as he spoke again after a moment's silence. "It's a curious case;
curious and--difficult. But, please God, we'll win."

Roy's answer came brokenly.

"Heaven bless you, Van Dusen! And," he added with fierce intensity, "we
will win--we must!"

CHAPTER VII

STORMBOUND

Van Dusen hurried to the Marion address, where he found Ethel's maid
thoroughly enjoying the vacation that had resulted for her from Doctor
Garnet's action. Using his alias of Jack Scott, Van Dus