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236 and on the ships at sea. Damn the ships at sea."

"Here, here." said poor old George.

A damp doleful pause.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for a friend," continued Paddock presently.

"A thousand apologies," Minot said. "But I'm running the same chances, Jack."

"Yes—but it's your party—your happy little party," replied Paddock. "Not mine."

Minot did not answer. He was as miserable as the others, and he could scarcely blame his friend for losing temporarily his good nature.

"It's after eleven," said Paddock, after another long pause.

"Put in closer to the Lileth," suggested Minot.

Mr. Paddock fumbled about beneath the canvas cover of the engine, and they put in. But still no red light aboard the yacht.

"I'd give a thousand dollars," said Paddock, "to know what's going on aboard that boat."

The knowledge would hardly have been worth the price he offered. Aboard the Lileth, on the forward deck under a protecting awning, Mr.