back contents forward {{frabfp018.png}} || eagles of the sky || ous questions in the endeavor to find a leading clue. It was in the late Fall and already the advance guard of the winter tourist crowds had begun to arrive from the North, in ever increasing numbers, all set for an enjoyable winter in the sunny resorts of both coasts. Jack had already made quite a thorough investigation and picked up some important clues that he meant to run down in hopes one of them might lead to definite results. The amphibian floated on the surface of the isolated bayou with glimpses of the open gulf toward the golden west forming an alluring picture as seen between the jaws of sand points, with palmettoes guarding the entrance to the sheltered nook. It was just sunset, and inside another hour the night would have advanced far enough to permit their departure on the first leg of their intended flight up the coast. Perk was exceedingly fond of his pipe and choice tobacco, and looked the picture of contentment as he squatted in his seat, scratching his ankle, where a burning sensation told him he had once again been visited by the tiny but venomous red-bug pest which he hated with all his heart. "Drat the little beggars," he was muttering as he kept on digging at his leg, "they sure do beat [[18]] back contents forward