"Any strangers moved into the valley in the last year or two?" he asked. The old man shook his head. "All the movin' that's done is the other way. Keeps up much longer and there won't be anybody in the valley and no Indians to give it back to." "I just though there might have been some new people came in--maybe a sailor or two." "Nothin' to sail around here except the clammers and they don't sail. Only man around here that's ever seen big water is Crazy John Boggs." "Who's Crazy John?" "He came in here about nine or ten years ago and went down river to an island where he does a little clammin' and pearl huntin'. He's always talking about revolutions and sunken treasure and such as that. He's as crazy as they make them." Such talk might sound crazy to the people of the valley but to Tim it was another link in his story. "How far down river is it to Crazy John's?" asked Tim. "About thirty miles and bad water all the way. He's way off the main channel and he don't like company. Keeps a couple of regular man-eating dogs. Some folks say he's got mines planted all around the island so he can blow up anyone he doesn't want around. No one from here's ever been on the place." "Here's one that's going," said Tim. "Fix me out with a boat and an outboard. I'll be back as soon as I can get some grub at the store." Tim felt jubilant as he walked up from the river bank. Ford, or "Mr. Seven," was only twenty-four hours ahead of him. The sound of an airplane motor drummed over the village and Tim looked up to see the Jupiter swinging around to land in the only field that could be used. It was a mile outside the village and he knew he would have plenty of time to secure his food and a couple of blankets before Ralph arrived. "Fix me up with enough food for about four days on the river," Tim told the storekeeper, "and I'll want a couple of good, warm blankets. I expect the nights in the valley are a little chilly." "They're all of that," agreed the storekeeper. When the food and blankets were ready, Tim paid the bill and left the store. At the far end of the street Ralph was hurrying in to town and Tim waited for him. "Starting out as a peddler?" asked the newcomer. "Just getting ready to start down river. Come on and help me stow this stuff away." The riverman had a sixteen foot flat-bottomed boat ready for Tim. A light outboard had been fastened to the stern and an extra can of gasoline had been placed in the boat. "What's the idea of the river trip?" Ralph wanted to know. Tim related what he had learned in the village and Ralph nodded his agreement to the plans. "You stay here and keep the Jupiter ready to fly any minute," said Tim. "When I get back I'll want to start for Atkinson as soon as possible." "Everything will be ready. Here's the extra expense money Carson sent for you." Ralph handed out $50 and Tim paid the deposit necessary for the boat.