"There's no evidence against her," replied Orme; "only surmises." "I know, but----" "And, as I suggested, whoever was attacked by that Jap in there may not want notoriety." Suddenly the distant explosions stopped--began again--stopped. Several times they were renewed at short intervals--"puh-puh-puh"----"puh-puh" ----"puh-puh-puh-puh"--then they ceased altogether. "Hello!" exclaimed the life-saver. "They've broken down." He picked up a pair of binoculars which had been lying on the veranda near him, and scanned the surface of the lake. "Make her out?" queried Orme. "No, she's too small, and too far off." He handed the night-glass to Orme, who in turn searched the water vainly. "Whose boat is that moored to the breakwater?" asked Orme, lowering the glass. "Belongs to a man here in town." "Would he rent it?" "No. But he lets us run it once in a while. We keep an eye on it for him." Orme took out his watch. "It's almost twelve," he said. "You'll be relieved in a few moments. Do you suppose I could persuade you to take me out to the other boat?" The life-saver hesitated. "I'd like to," he said. "But my study----" "There'll be some sport, if we get within reach of the man out there," Orme put in. "Well--I'll do it--though the chances are that they will make their repairs and be off again before we come within a mile." "I'm much obliged to you," said Orme. "If you would let me make it right----" "For taking you out in another man's boat? No, sir." "I know. Well--my name is Orme, not Holmes." "And mine," grinned the life-saver, "is Porter." A man turned in from the drive, and sauntered toward them. "There's my relief," said Porter. "Hello, Kelmsley." "Hello," replied the newcomer. "Just wait till I punch the clock," said Porter to Orme. "Punch the clock? Oh, I see; the government times you." "Yes." Porter went into the station for a moment; then, returning, he exchanged a few words with the relief and led Orme down to the breakwater. The launch which was moored there proved to be a sturdy boat, built for strength rather than for speed. Orme cast off while Porter removed the tarpaulin from the motor and made ready to turn the wheel over. "Is the policeman still busy with the Jap?" Orme questioned suddenly. "Yes." "He won't get anything out of him," said Orme--"except fairy-stories." Porter started the motor and stepped forward to the steering-wheel. Slowly the launch pushed out into the open lake, and the lights of the shore receded. No sound had come from the disabled boat since its motor stopped. Doubtless it was too far off for the noise of repairs to be heard on the shore. Orme peered over the dark surface of the water, but he could see nothing except the lights of a distant steamer. "I know why he went out so far," remarked Porter. "He is running without lights." "That in itself is suspicious, isn't it?" Orme asked.