myself
secreted, in the hope that several friends in another part of the
country would come to my assistance. But that hope no longer exists,
sir, and I am now ready to do whatever is required."

"There is no hurry, Spence," the marshal went on, curiosity concerning
the mission of the motor boat boys getting the better of him, "and as
these gentlemen happened to rescue us from a very serious position,
since our boat was wrecked, and they were even then on the way to visit
you, perhaps you would like to talk with them, suh."

It seemed as though Mr. Spence noticed the presence of the boys for the
first time then. He looked at them with a puzzled brow, as though
unable to guess what such a party of pleasure seekers could want with a
broken-hearted Southern planter.

So Jack at once stepped forward, while his mates gathered in a clump,
eagerly observing every little thing that transpired.

"While we were coming down the Delaware River, sir, starting on our
long coast cruise, we happened to come in contact with a young aviator,
who had alighted on the water close by us in a new hydro-aeroplane.
When he mentioned his name we recognized it as belonging to a daring
aviator who had suddenly jumped into national fame as one of the most
skillful of his class. He heard of our plans, and that in all
probability we would pass close to Beaufort. And he asked us to bear a
packet to a Mr. Van Arsdale Spence, whose present place of residence he
did not seem to know, but believed we would be able to learn it after
we arrived here. So I am pleased, sir, to hand you the sealed message
that was given to us by your son, now famous in the world of aviation,
Mr. Malcolm Spence!"

The old planter started, and turned pale as his trembling hand was
outstretched to take the packet. Indeed, he was utterly unable to open
it, so that one of his daughters proceeded to do this for him.

Jack held his breath. Oh! how he did hope that it would be good news,
for if ever any one had need of cheering intelligence this old,
broken-down man did.

He saw him adjust his glasses and commence to read. Already had the
three girls gleaned all that was contained in that missive, and from
their happy faces Jack understood that it was all right.

If he had any doubt he had only to look at the face of the planter.
First it was eager, then yearning, and finally he turned to the marshal
with possibly the first laugh that had burst from his lips these man