CHAPTER XXIV
THE LONGEST SHOT
"Well, Mr. Peterson," remarked Tom, after a pause, "I'm sure I hope you will succeed in your quest. You must have met disappointment so far."
"I have, Tom. But I'm not going to give up. Can't you come over and see me before you go back North?"
"I'll try. Just where is your island?"
"Off in that direction," responded the fortune-hunter, pointing to the northeast. "It's a little farther from here than I thought it was at first—about thirty miles. But I have a little second-hand steam launch that my pardners and I use. I'll come for you, take you over and bring you back any time you say."
"After my gun has been tested," said Tom, with a smile. "Better stay and see it."
"No, I must get back to the island. I have
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