"Fellow by the name of Jack Sladek who landed at Atkinson last night was flying over the river in an amphibian," replied Tim. "He took a few shots at me and I've an idea he thought he was shooting at you." "He probably did," agreed Ford. "Well, since you've come this far you might as well come ashore. I see you discovered that 'Mr. Seven' was just an assumed name." "I didn't find out until last night and then with the coming of Sladek, things commenced to click. You know what I'm after." Ford nodded. "You want a story about my plans to hunt for the treasure in the _Southern Queen_?" "Right. The fact that both you and Sladek are here in this valley is enough to make a rattling good story. I'd rather have facts but if I can't get them I'll have to do a little guess work and I've a hunch I can come pretty close at that. Crazy John came to the valley nine or ten years ago and the Southern Queen disappeared eleven years ago." "And you think Crazy John knows where the Queen sunk and that both Sladek and myself are after the information?" "Right again." Ford laughed. "I'll confess I admire your nerve. Of course you knew the reputation Crazy John has for shooting anyone who prowls around his island." "I knew that," grinned Tim, "but I hadn't figured on being shot at from an airplane. That was a little uncomfortable." "Pull your boat in," said Ford. Then, turning to the former sailor, he added. "It's all right, John. This young man is a friend of mine. We may need his help before the night is over." Tim made his boat fast at the dock and followed Ford and Crazy John up a twisting path. The dogs, mongrel hounds, trailed behind them. On a slight elevation in the middle of the island was Crazy John's house, a rambling structure of logs and timber that had been salvaged from the river. Vines softened the bareness of the house. Inside it was livable, the floor of hard beaten clay swept clean, with a huge fireplace taking one whole wall. On the opposite side opened two cubicles which were used for sleeping quarters. Crazy John puffed slowly at his pipe. "They don't lose much time," he said as the sound of an airplane came faintly over the bayou. "Sladek's a fast worker," conceded Ford. "I hardly believed he would be able to follow me here. If he finds you, he'll do anything to get the secret of the Southern Queen." "He won't find me," said Crazy John. "There's half a hundred places I can hide in the valley." The sound of the airplane was nearer and they stepped out of the cabin. The amphibian was in sight but low and on the other side of the valley. "He's going to land." said Tim. "There's a long stretch of clear water over there." "He'll never be able to taxi that big flying boat up this bayou," added Ford. "It will be an hour before they can get here. Did Sladek have his usual gunmen with him?" "Two beside the pilot," said Tim.