ind may be restored again. We doctors don't know as much
about the brain as we'd like to. It can't do any harm to try it,
especially as you are going in a big, safe boat. Good luck to you."

Mrs. Racer parted with her husband and Paul rather tearfully. The
signs of the storm increased as the two went down to the pier. Mr.
Racer found his friend there, and Mr. Lacey readily agreed to the use
of his boat.

"I'll pilot you to the island myself," he said generously, "and I'll
tell the engineer and crew to make all the speed they can. We've got
lots of gasolene, and I guess we can weather almost any blow that's due
this time of year."

They were soon speeding away from the pier, and the sharp prow of the
_Norma_ was turned in the direction of Cliff Island. Clouds were
rapidly gathering and there was an occasional muttering of thunder.

Paul Gale kept to the cabin, as the wind had freshened since they
started and there was quite a sea on, that sent the spume and spray of
the salty waves across the deck.

They were longer reaching the island than they counted on, and just
before they sighted it the storm broke in all its fury. But they were
prepared for it, and the _Norma_ plunged gallantly ahead through the
smashing big seas of green water that at times buried her nose out of
sight. Suddenly there was a slight crash forward and a shiver seemed
to go through the gasolene craft.

"What's that?" cried Mr. Racer in alarm.

"We hit something," said Mr. Lacey. "Danforth, just see what it is,
will you?" he asked of the mate, who was in the snug cabin with the
owner and his guests.

But Mr. Racer did not wait. He rushed up on deck. The _Norma_ had
been brought to quarter speed and the silk merchant could see, floating
off to one side, a small wrecked skiff. It seemed familiar to him.

"That's what we hit, sir," explained one of crew. "Cut it right in
two."

"It's my boys' boat!" cried Mr. Racer. "The one they carry on the
_Gull_. I know the shape of it, and I can see the red circle on the
stern. Were they in it when we cut it down?"

"No, sir. I don't think so, sir," answered sailor as he noted the
anguish of Mr. Racer. "I saw it immediately after we struck, and I'm
almost sure no one was in it. I'd have seen them, sir, if there was,
sir."

"Oh, but perhaps they were in it!" cried Mr. Racer. "Their sailboat
may have foundered and they might have had to take to the small boat.
Oh, Mr. Lacey. We _m