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Quite right, Darrin admitted in a whisper. Still, I see another answer to the problem. Of the sixty submersibles believed to be on the job twenty may have been sent far to the westward, the other forty remaining nearer to the coast. The twenty submarines could make a desperate try. Then, if they failed, the remaining forty could take up the job closer to shore.
Then you dont believe all the German submarines
engaged are concentrated at one point, sir?
Impossible to say, Darrin rejoined. I dont like to form opinions on any subject without facts to go on.
Its strange; not a steamer sighted today, Lieutenant Curtin resumed, after a few moments scanning of the sea. During our first three days out we met plenty of armed freighters. Today, not a sail or a stack sighted. Can it be that the subs are further west, and that theyve overhauled and sunk several freighters?
Weve heard no appeals for help. Every freighter carries wireless apparatus in these days, Dave argued.
True, but sometimes the torpedo shock puts a ships radio out of commission from the moment of impact.
I do not believe that the freighters are being bothered, Dave announced. Granted that there are undoubtedly subs enough in these waters to raise the mischief with cargo steamers. If the subs didnt have the luck to silence the wireless outfits on the cargo steamers at the first shot, there would be chance of word reaching the troopships of unusual danger, and that would lead to redoubled vigilance on the part of the destroyer escorts. My belief, Mr. Curtin, is that the cargo boats will have a rest until the fate of the troopship fleet has been decided.
Then you believe, sir, that the absence of cargo boats today is due to
Probably due to the fact that there was one slack day in clearing cargo boats at American ports, and also because of an equally slack day in British ports.
Then fell silence. Both drowsy, despite their realization of the need of keeping awake and on the alert, both young officers moved about on the bridge, ever maintaining a sharp lookout.
They were still pacing back and forth when the sun went down below the horizon toward the distant United States. Lieutenant Beatty, fresh from a sleep, came up on the bridge, saluting his commander.
Mr. Beatty, youve no other duty at present, Darrin greeted him. Will you do an extra bit and remain on the bridge with Curtin?
Ill be very glad to, sir, for Im feeling fit after my sleep, replied the lieutenant, heartily.
Im going below for a brief doze in my chair. If Im wanted, call down to some one to rouse me. Ill sleep for an hour or so. But be sure, Mr. Curtin, to see to it that Im called if anything happens, no matter how slight an occurrence it may seem to be.
Very good, sir, from the smiling Curtin.
And glad I am to give the Old Man a bit of a relief, quoth Beatty to his brother officer. I never knew a commander before who spent so much of his time on deck or bridge, except in a gale. Mr. Darrin doesnt appear to think that he needs more than a third as much sleep as other persons require.
He told me to call him in an hour or so, grinned Lieutenant Curtin. Unless something turns up his instructions will allow me to let him doze at least two hours.
No sooner had Darrin doffed cap and sheepskin and settled back in his chair than his eyes closed and he was cruising in the Land of Nod.
Nor did he stir enough to wake until an orderly, sent from the bridge, entered and shook his right arm.
Beg pardon, sir, said the sailor. The officer of the deck wants to know if you wish to be called now.
In another hour, said Darrin, drowsily, and dozed off again.
Which message was received with high glee by the two conspirators for Daves comfort when they received the news on the bridge.
Only one drawback to it, Curtin, said Beatty. When the Old Man finally wakes hell imagine he can stand watch for twenty-four hours without more sleep.
Maybe, by that time, hell have to, retorted Curtin. So well let him gather in all the rest that he can get now.
And Darrin slept that added hour. When called the next time he rose straight to his feet.
It was stupid of me not to wake an hour ago, Dave reproached himself, after glancing at the clock over the desk. But just look at dear old Danny-boy! Hes slept nearly twice as long as I have. If things remain dull this evening I wont have him called, either. He needs the rest, poor old chap!
Donning cap and short coat the youthful commander went out on deck and then started on a tour of inspection. Presently he neared the stern just in time to see one of the two stern lookouts leap upon the other and bear the latter to the deck. The assailant gripped his victim around the throat, administering a severe choking.
No, you dont! yelled the upper man. I caught you that time, and Ill bet youve done it before. Marine guard, here stern watch!
A midship lookout passed the word, but Dave darted forward out of the shadows.
Get up, Ferguson, Darrin commanded. Back to your post. Youve no right to