en the first flag blew out from the Isleta staff, she had called
Cartwright, and they had hurried to the neighboring mole. Cartwright had
arrived two days before and they had watched the signals until the
longed for message came: _Steamer in tow from the South._

"I think you'll wait," said Cartwright quietly. "You don't know much
about fever and the men I sent are not altogether making a triumphant
return."

The blood came to Barbara's skin. She had meant to go and hated to be
baffled, but Cartwright gave her a steady glance and she knew there was
no use in arguing when he looked like that.

"Did you or your mother tell me Mrs. Seaton arrived by a recent boat?"
he resumed.

Barbara was surprised, but said Mrs. Seaton was at the Metropole.
Cartwright looked at the tugs' smoke.

"Then, I ought to have time to see her before they tow _Arcturus_ in.
Some sea is running and they can't steam fast."

He started for the Catalina and when he stopped by Mrs. Cartwright's
chair his face was hot and he trembled. Hurry and muscular effort upset
him, but time was valuable.

"I have not yet asked you for money, Clara," he said.

"That is so," Mrs. Cartwright agreed. "Sometimes I was hurt because you
did not. You ought to know all that's mine is yours."

Cartwright smiled. "You are a good sort and I'm going to borrow now
because I can pay back. I want you to telegraph your bank to meet my
check."

"I'll write you a check."

"No," said Cartwright, "I think the other plan is better. Well, the sum
is rather large--"

He stated the sum and Mrs. Cartwright said, "I'm not very curious, but
why do you want the money?"

"I'm going to buy Mrs. Seaton's shares."

"Ah," said Mrs. Cartwright with a disturbed look, "she tried to force
you to buy before."

Cartwright knew his placid, good-humored wife hated Mrs. Seaton.

"You're puzzled?" he remarked. "Well, I'd have bought the shares long
since, but I wasn't rich enough and didn't think my borrowing was
justified. All the same, the block she holds gives her a dangerous
power, and if I can get them I'll baffle the opposition at the company's
meeting. But I must be quick."

"If you want to baffle Ellen Seaton, you can use all the money I have
got!" Mrs. Cartwright declared. "Tell me what I must telegraph the
bank."

Cartwright did so and made for the Metropole as fast as possible,
because the tugs' smoke was not far off. When he reached the big square
hotel he gave a page hi