Fourth Day

"There was a message written in blood, next to the body, which read, 'That was meant for you, Steed!'" Emma finished explaining the gruesome details of Smyth's body and the area around it.

Steed, who had been pacing up and down, stopped abruptly. "This is all my fault."

Tara placed a consoling hand on his shoulder. "No, it isn't, Steed. You wanted him to stay behind and have yourself and Mrs. Peel investigate the premises.

"You'd think an experienced spy would know when a person is following him," Martin remarked quietly.

Cathy merely gazed distantly out the window, not speaking, not hearing.

Mrs. Peel wearily sat down in the nearest chair, while Dr. King fetched her a glass of water. Mrs. Peel would have rather had some spirits, but she obediently drank the water.

As an idea formed in his head, Steed wriggled out of Tara King's grasp. "I'll bet Korall and Waverly saw me spying earlier and wanted to kill me. So they attacked the man who resembled me greatly, Smyth! That's what Smyth's message meant!"

"I think what we all need is some rest," suggested Martin King. "I'll escort you to your room, Mrs. Gale," he offered gently. The disconcerted lady merely nodded her head in reply. If she had uttered but three syllables, she would have burst into inconsolable tears.

King addressed Emma once before quitting the room with Cathy. "You'd better get to bed immediately, Mrs. Peel, especially with your not feeling well."

Emma barely heard his words, for she was nodding off. Suddenly, supportive arms were helping her to her feet and escorting her to her room: Steed! His goodnight almost didn't register in her jumbled brain. She had just enough energy to make it to her bed, where she promptly laid down and fell asleep.

Only minutes later, or what seemed so, she was awoken by the urgent repetition of her name.

"Mrs. Peel, Mrs. Peel, please wake up," entreated Tara. She gingerly shook the drowsy Emma from her slumber.

Emma responded by opening a droopy eyelid and gazing at her intruder. "What are you doing in my suite this early in the morning?"

"Why, it's almost ten o'clock, Mrs. Peel!" Tara cried defensively. She set down a tray of food on a side table while adding, "I took the liberty of bringing you breakfast."

Emma sat upright, realizing just how hungry she was. She smiled gratefully at the young lady before her. She knew what an effort it was for Tara to be cordial to her. Guiltily, Emma recalled times when she had been far from gracious to Tara. While she devoured her food, she asked a question that was never far from her mind. "Where is Steed?"

"He went down to the Crabbes' scuba shop to work out matters with Larraine. Dr. King is at his practice, and Cathy-well, she's still in her room. Dr. King reported that after he escorted Mrs. Gale to her room last night she immediately broke down. He let her cry, thinking it would be best to get her emotions out." Tara shuddered as she added, "I don't know what I would do if I lost . . . someone I loved." She had almost uttered Steed's name, but she didn't want Mrs. Peel to know her true feelings for Steed.

However, Mrs. Peel was well aware of Tara's love for Steed, just as Miss King knew of Emma's love for the dapper man with the bowler and umbrella. After several seconds of a permeating silence, Emma remarked to no one in particular, "I suppose will just have to wait for Steed."

Meanwhile, Steed was busily working his way into the heart of Larraine Crabbe, or at least he was trying to. "I say, you look remarkably stunning in that outfit, Miss Crabbe." Steed followed the unfortunate lady around the store.

Miss Crabbe stopped in her tracks, and Steed immediately ran into her. "Look, Steed, I don't know what you're trying to pull, but I'm very busy and would appreciate it if you would just leave me alone!"

"I need your help in a certain matter. You see, it's really quite embarrassing. The owner of the boathouse thinks that we harpooned his boat, and now he won't let us rent any more crafts."

"That's not my concern, Sir." Trying to keep her temper at the overly annoying Steed, Larraine rang up an item for a very impatient customer. "Besides, how can I help you?"

Steed had been waiting for this question and he quickly replied, "I noticed that you and your father own two boats. If you could lend us these boats; I'd pay you in advance."

Larraine chuckled contemptuously at his comment. "You want to borrow our little dinghies and take them out into deep waters? That's very dangerous."

"Funny, Mrs. Peel saw several people steering little motor boats into deep water yesterday night," Steed remarked nonchalantly.

"Why-why that's the stupidest thing I've ever heard!" Larraine sputtered. "Who are these people?"

"They claim to be scientists." Steed swung his brolly as he strolled to the door. "Well, I guess the treasure of R. MeBuckles means nothing to you."

Larraine looked up at her relative's name and slowly turned to gaze at Steed. "YOU are looking for my treasure? Since that's the case, I will certainly not help you in any way, shape, or form."

"Come now, I'm only looking for the treasure so that your family will be content and happy. If I find the treasure, I will most gladly hand it over to you. Besides, I want you to steer my boat."

"Why should I believe you?"

"Because I'm a respectable gentleman who never stints on his word, especially where ladies are concerned."

"I'll believe the last part, but you being a gentlemen is up for debate. All right, I'll help you, and I guarantee that you will have a boat for your disposal before the hour." Larraine told her father where she was going and quickly exited the store with Steed.

Steed hurried to keep up with Larraine's long stride. "I don't mean to sound rude, but why are you so sure that the owner of the boathouse will lend you a boat?"

"I happen to know the owner personally."

"Who's the owner?"

"Does the name 'Paris Brown,' ring a bell?"

Several miles later, the two arrived at the pier. They entered the boathouse and were immediately bombarded by Paris. He stopped short at the sight of John Steed and scowled.

Larraine explained the situation to Paris, to which he replied, "I'll only lend you a boat on one condition."

"If I have to go on a date with you, forget the whole thing," Larraine snapped.

"Actually, that would be nice, but no. I just want to come along with you and search for the treasure."

Before Miss Crabbe could make any protestations, Steed replied, "We accept your terms, Mr. Brown. I'll see you in approximately forty-five minutes."

Steed arrived back at the boathouse exactly forty-five minutes later with Emma and Tara at his side. Cathy was still grieving the loss of her beau, and Dr. King was, of course, at his surgery.

Larraine and Paris were standing outside of his shop, waiting expectantly. A "Closed," sign was hung on the boathouse door. "What happened to your other gentlemen friend from yesterday?" Paris asked, referring to Smyth.

"Richard Smyth was murdered yesterday evening, so sorry, he can't pay for the damages to your boat," Steed returned icily. Needless to say, Paris was unusually quiet after that remark.

The five were soon cruising the Sea in their boat, Tara and Steed conversing on the starboard side, and Larraine and Emma on the port side. Paris was steering the boat, utterly enjoying himself.

While the boat sped across the waters, Tara asked Steed, "What if there is another whirlpool?"

"Then we can eliminate Larraine and Paris as possible suspects, because why would they put themselves in danger?"

"Considering your near to death experience yesterday, you're being exceedingly flippant about it," Tara retorted.

"My dear, there is no other way for us to figure out this mystery than to put ourselves in harm's way." Steed stared at Tara, his eyes penetrating her, trying to make her understand.

"I still think you're wrong." If the Avengers knew what danger was awaiting them, they would have realised that Tara was right.

Soon they arrived at the site of the shipwreck. Emma and Larraine volunteered to go scuba diving first for the treasure. Steed and Paris both valiantly argued that they should go, but the ladies insisted and finally convinced the men.

Images of yesterday's catastrophe still fresh in his mind, John Steed nervously watched the slender and supple Emma Peel hoist herself over the side and into the water. Maybe Tara had been smart to think this plan was a dubious one.

Mrs. Peel and Miss Crabbe swam for fifteen minutes without any difficulties of any kind, save for a few encounters with dangerous looking fish. Emma was beginning to suspect that Larraine was indeed the murderer of Smyth and the cause of all the trouble. She decided to keep her guard up at all times, lest Miss Crabbe tried to kill or injure her as well.

Emma and Larraine both knew that if the treasure hadn't been stolen, it was doubtlessly in the bowels of the ship. They searched every inch of the deck of the sunken vessel, but found no way of getting inside it. When almost a half hour had passed, the two women decided to let the men have a chance to dive.

To add to the turmoil, their scuba tanks were nearly empty. Frustrated and tired, they swam to the surface. As soon as their heads broke the water's surface, Mrs. Peel and Miss Crabbe became aware of the incessant droning of several engines.

Pulling of her mask, Emma called to Steed, "What's all that racket?"

"It's just some party-animals out for a pleasure cruise in their boats; ignore them. They've been here for twenty minutes and haven't done a thing," was Steed's reply. Emma merely shrugged as she breaststroked her way toward the boats.

Suddenly, the "party-animals," veered in Larraine and Emma's direction. With increasing momentum, they charged at the spies' vessels. At the last minute they changed their course, barely missing Emma and the spies' craft! The speedboats started heading toward the unfortunate scuba divers, again.

"Clear out; we can handle them!" Larraine strongly commanded Paris and Steed.

"I won't leave you, Lara!" Paris shouted in a futile attempt to be gallant.

Tara likewise tried to persuade Paris to head for shore. "If we don't get out of here, the other boats could smash us and create an explosion. Then everyone will be dead, and I know you don't want that!"

Paris reluctantly agreed that Tara was correct and turned the craft around. He gritted his teeth as he heard the relentless cacophony of the engines from the enemy boats. He would have rather thrown himself in front of the boats than to leave two defenseless ladies to a sealed doom.

Steed looked back to see Emma swimming desperately in the opposite direction of the boats. "Mrs. Peel didn't have enough air to wait out the attacks of the boat under the water, or she would have dove under by now," he muttered. As he watched the two ladies struggle against their adversaries, his emotions overcame him. "No, I won't leave Emma!" In three giant steps he had come upon Paris. He punched Mr. Brown squarely in the jaw, sending him sprawling to the deck. Steed turned the ship in the direction of the three speedboats.

Meanwhile, Larraine and Emma swam frantically, creating zigzag patterns in the clear waters. First they would travel in one specific route, only to be cut off by the boats. Then they would make a 360-degree turn and swim in the opposite direction. It was an arduous task, one that exhausted Emma in a matter of minutes.

Before she could comprehend what exactly was happening, she was sinking to the bottom of the ocean. With one last endeavor, she struggled to the surface close to the enemy boats. Two sturdy men pulled her into the boat and shoved her into a corner. Emma Peel grasped for air before promptly fainting.

When Miss Crabbe spotted the adversaries kidnapping Emma, she gave an unruly scream. Without thinking, she powerfully swam over to the boats and began banging on the sides. Miss Crabbe had vanquished many a strong man, so she figured she could do the same with these antagonists. Unfortunately, the men she had out bested had not been toting guns and pointing them at her head. With a cry of defeat, Larraine allowed the men to pull her into the vessel.

Steed drove full throttle at the captors' boats, not heeding a word of Tara's entreaties to slow down. He ordered Paris to take over the steering and prepared to jump aboard the other crafts. Paris slowed the boat, so Steed could leap onto the other vessels without endangering his life as much as before.

With a giant grunt, Steed leapt into the air and landed with a thud on the other deck. The enemies were caught off guard, but they quickly recovered. They attacked the enraged Steed, hitting and kicking the Englishman. Steed eschewed most of the onslaught, but his strength was rapidly disintegrating. With a last futile attempt, he struggled with a burly giant. The brawny man swiftly grabbed Steed by the color of his diving suit and threw him against the side of the boat.

Steed moaned in pain and tried to stand up. He made it two feet before toppling backwards over the side of the boat!

Tara immediately dove into the water in order to save the unconscious Steed. She quickly found him and dragged him back to the boat, where Paris was able to haul him in. By the time Steed revived, the boats had disappeared into the horizon. "Your death, Smyth, and your kidnapping, Miss Crabbe and Mrs. Peel, will be avenged!" proclaimed Steed, venom in his usual charming voice.

"I guess this means Larraine is not in league with the enemies," Tara quietly said. She didn't even dare to look into Steed's gray eyes.

"You're going to pay, Steed. This is your fault that my Lara is gone!" Paris shouted.

Steed stared at him in astonishment before replying, "Who was the one who decided to leave Miss Crabbe and Mrs. Peel to their own demise?"

"It doesn't matter who did that. You're the one who wanted to go diving for treasure to begin with! I just wanted to be near my Larraine, to hear her lovely voice-"

"Why, Paris is it possible that you are in love with Miss Crabbe?" Steed sat still, trying to digest this information.

"Of course, didn't you see it before?" Tara asked in exasperation. At times, Steed knew absolutely nothing about love. "Did anyone get a good look at the boaters' faces?" Several shakes of the head were all the answer that Tara needed. "So there's no way that we can find Mrs. Peel and Miss Crabbe." Disheartened, the trio headed back to port, their thoughts never straying from the kidnapped pair.

Meanwhile, Cathy was sitting on the beach, forlornly watching the tide come in. She was in the middle of a patch of prickly brush, completely separated from the rest of the happy tourists playing in the sand. If anyone had seen her, they would have deemed her most foolish, but Cathy didn't care. She just wanted to grieve the lost of her loved-one somewhere besides the suffocating close quarters of her hotel room.

Presently thunderclouds rolled over the azure sky, and the merry-makers on the beach disappointedly headed back to the resort. Cathy remained in her spot, not caring if she and her black attire got soaked in a torrential down pour.

Presently, four muscular men appeared over a hill, dragging Mrs. Peel and another woman with them! Cathy assumed that the other woman was the much talked about Larraine Crabbe. Before anyone could spot her, Cathy crawled behind a large piece of driftwood. The dark colour of the wood almost matched her black apparel, and her blond hair was exactly the same shade as the sand.

In several moments, the thugs were in front of her, discussing the impediment the two ladies were causing in their schemes. "We're never going to find that treasure if we've got to look out for two birds," the first thug complained.

"Hush your mouth, Riley, before you say something you'll regret," a second brute snapped.

"We had already figured out your plans," a wan Emma informed the crew. She allowed the obnoxious ruffian to drag her across the sand. If she had the strength she would have resisted the unruly behavior of her abductors.

"We're should we take the impertinent lass?" demanded Riley.

"To our hideout, of course," a third thug spoke up, "and remember, we're supposed to pick up Miss Ellyn from the airport at three o'clock. She'll be on flight 4097 from New York City."

"We've got plenty of time to dispose of these two ladies and get to the airport," retorted the second man. The voices faded in the distance as the men ventured down a worn path which undoubtedly led to their hideaway.

Cathy remained in her sprawled position for several seconds until she was certain they were out of view. She tried in vain to follow the footsteps of the criminals, but they soon disappeared in the grass that ran alongside the edge of the beach. Exasperated, Mrs. Gale ran with all her strength towards the hotel, devising a plan to rescue her close acquaintance. With Steed, Tara, and Dr. King's help, they would be able to save the two prisoners before it was too late!

To Be Continued . . . .