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194 "Well, Mr. Steel," said Chester, "Tao Tao is in the market, so you might cast your discriminating eyes over the place before you leave us."

"With pleasure," Steel agreed.

They were all sitting on the veranda, awaiting the call to luncheon. Keith felt as though a fierce fire was burning inside his head. When addressed directly he replied in monosyllables. He could not think rationally for more than a minute at a time. He knew the moment was approaching when he must give up the fight against the fever and get between the sheets, but he had a fixed idea that these light-hearted visitors were carefully concealing the real purpose of their visit. Either it had something to do with the Four Winds or else—. He was scowling at the ship's doctor when their eyes met. Pills leaned over toward Keith with an amiable smile.

"You look to me as though a jolly good dose of quinine might do you good," he said. "Haven't you any on the island?"

Keith nodded, which Pills didn't consider discourteous in the circumstances, and the sailor, rising with an effort, went indoors. There was nobody in the living-room. He stood there a few moments, swaying, and striving to keep a rein on his galloping thoughts. His hand went to his forehead, and a queer light came into his eyes.

It was several minutes before he rejoined the