Problem Island

PROBLEM ISLAND By FRANCIS CLEMENT KELLEY ftttt 9 c nndltre Qim m6 qu nd etta stwirait fas tfQWtt h w c U u moms wt wgbr sa iw. PASCAL Pinste, N Jt St. Anthony Guild Press 1937 COPYRIGHT 1937 BY FRANCIS CLEMENT KEUEY FRINTBD N THB U M I T B STATB OF A M B J C A To THE MEMORY OF EDWARD LAWRENCE DOHENY CONTENTS PAGE PROLOGUE i CHAPTER I 4 CHAPTER n 1 6 CHAPTER in ..... 31 CHAPTER IV 41 CHAPTER V 55 CHAPTER VI 77 CHAPTER VII . 01 7JL CHAPTER VIDE IQI CHAPTER IX H4 CHAPTER X 125 CHAPTER XI 141 CHAPTER xn 155 CHAPTER Xin 159 CHAPTER XIV 183 CHAPTER XV 195 CHAPTER XVI 204 CHAPTER XVII 221 CHAPTER XVIH 233 CHAPTER XDC 247 CHAPTER XX 258 CHAPTER XXI 272 PROBLEM ISLAND 1906 OLD McLEAN, an early riser, was writing in his cabin, young Larry was in bed below Dr. Wilson, with two of his week-end visi tors and Captain ONeill, waiting for breakfast be fore going ashore for the day, was smoking outside the chart room on the bridge deck when the first sound and fear of The Thing came to them. A stream of sailors rushed up from below. Gripping the taff rail of The Dreamer, Dr. Wilson caught a glimpse of the shore and saw the trees shaking crazily. Even as he turned to look at the City he heard the crash of falling buildings, and glimpsed tongues of flame shooting up from the streets. More flared up and grew larger. They would soon meet and unite in a conflagration. The face of Old McLean was white when he came out on deck from the cabin he used as an office, but it had a look of relief on it too, for he held young Larry by the hand. Its an earthquake, he shouted Ive seen them before. Get out the boats, captain, and send the crew in to do what you can in the way of help. The peo ple there will need it. Getready quick As for you, my boy, this to young Larry, go back to your bed. PROBLEM ISLAND I dont want to stay below, dad Im afraid Larry was almost crying Then get some blankets from the lockers and sleep on the deck. Here, steward, he called, get this lad fixed up in the alcove outside the smoke room. When you have finished, come ashore. Gather together medical supplies and take full charge of them. We had better run along the docks before we try to land, advised the captain. The shock couldnt have done as much harm to them as to the City Land as near as you can to the very heart of the trouble, directed Old McLean, Thats where you will find the people who need help, and oh yes, ONeill, theres no question of cost, you under stand. This is no time to think about money Before very long the yacht was full of children, helpless, exhausted waifs who had cried themselves to sleep on both decks. How did you come to think of bringing the kids out here asked Old McLean of the captain. They were on the dock when we got back and well, I thought of my own and of Larry. Thats why I took the liberty And you did right, too, said Old McLean emphatically, We stay right here and keep them till we find their parents or those who will look after them. Plucky little mites they are We are going to have trouble about their names, said the captain. Some dont seem to know or to remember. PROBLEM ISLAND No names, you said Well, call them by num bers. Thatll do till later. Dr. Wilson was near and heard. Make them sound like decent names then by using Latin, he suggested. You can get two for one that way boy and girl. Ill help you. Hello Theyve made friends with Master Larry. He has a way with him, that lad. Latinnumbers be it then, said Old McLean as he watched two of the children go off hand in hand with young Larry and disappear into his own cabin. He forgot that he had ordered the boy to bed. PROBLEM ISLAND N. 1926 CHAPTER I THE YACHT was a beautiful sight on the still waters of the lagoon, but Larry McLean gave it only a brief glance as he came down the steps of the long house facing the sea. The loose pongee suit blown against his strong body by a warm but friendly wind showed straight, well-formed and well-muscled limbs...