“We’ve shut up shop for the night. What is it?” inquired that individual, not best pleased at having his rest disturbed.

“You must stop the Endymion,” thundered the Hertzian waves; “stop her at all hazards, even if you have to notify the fort to fire upon her.”

“The Endymion?”

“Yes; she has infectious disease on board. She must not leave the harbor.”

There was a brief and portentous silence. In the hot, heavy stillness the boys could hear each other’s deep breathing.

Then radio waves began to beat against Jack’s stunned ears. “The Endymion with a clean bill of health passed out to sea half an hour ago.”

[CHAPTER XXXV—JARROLD GETS FRANTIC]

Jack turned to find the colonel bending over him. Despite the military man’s firm effort at self-control, his face was gray.

“Is there any hope?” he asked.

Jack shook his head.