TO EXPLORE JUNGLES IN AIRSHIP
Demerara, Tuesday. The steamship Devon which arrived yesterday brought to our shores Messrs. La Verne and Dewar who plan a unique expedition into the hinterland. Messrs. La-Verne and Dewar brought with them on the Devon the latest type of hydroplane or flying boat with which they will explore the unknown interior of the Colony. Their aircraft excited the admiration and wonder of everybody as the two intrepid men got safely off and rising gracefully from the surface of the Demerara River soared like a great bird above the tree tops and disappeared in the direction of the unknown solitudes. We understand that Messrs. La-Verne and Dewar are conducting their expedition in the interests of a large British and American syndicate which is interested in the development of the Colony’s resources. We wish the gentlemen every success and a safe return.
“By the great horn spoon, that’s them!” shouted Rawlins. “Steamship Devon. Well I’ll be sunk! By glory! How that Robinson did fool us! And while those chaps were watching for the Devonshire which didn’t exist they let the blamed Devon come in and those two devils fly away and never even smelled a rat!”
“Then you mean--” began Tom.
But Rawlins had grabbed the paper and had rushed to the room where Mr. Pauling and the others were talking earnestly with the Inspector of Police.
“I’ll say they lied after all!” he burst out, as the men jumped up in surprise at his unexpected appearance. “It was the Devon they seized--not the Devonshire! And she’s got in and landed the confounded plane and those two precious scoundrels and got safe away again! Here ’tis, plain as can be!”
Eagerly, Mr. Pauling seized the proffered paper and read the despatch from Demerara and even the apoplectic inspector, who had seemed about to explode with outraged dignity at Rawlins’ impetuous interruption of the conference, forgot his ruffled feelings and scowled fiercely at the unoffending sheet over Mr. Pauling’s shoulder.
“Jove, you’re right!” declared Mr. Pauling at last. “A coincidence of that sort would be impossible. We’ve been tricked again, Henderson. Outplayed. But it may not be too late yet. Have Bancroft radio to hold the Devon.”
“No use now!” announced Rawlins. “She sailed day before yesterday. Look down in the Maritime News and you’ll find it. And there’s another item there--it was the Trident that rammed the sub.”
“But, but, my good man!” spluttered the inspector. “You can capture her. She cannot be far away you know!”