Part 8 (1/2)
He exa of workmen started in to replace the two injured plates
For the next three days the ”Benson” was used in target practice Jacob Farnu suitable old craft for targets
All three of the sub of torpedoes After it was all over there were but four of the loaded torpedoes left in the shed labeled ”Danger”
”If you could only have a little ood-humoredly, ”this would soon be a safe town for a fellow to take a quiet ss” was now in the water once more, as sound and staunch as on the first day she was launched
Then came a few days of idleness Lieutenant Danvers left Dunhaven, intending apparently to return soon Ewald and Biffens, the two sailors, were quartered at the hotel at government expense, and were likely to enjoy themselves until orders came
Eph went home for two or three days Jack and Hal slept on board the ”Benson,” while Willias,”
which craft no longer carried any torpedoes
One afternoon, as Jack Benson was strolling through the shi+pyard, Jacob Farnu skipper
”I suppose both boats are ready, Jack?” asked the shi+pbuilder
”Quite, sir,” nodded Benson
He did not inquire for what they were expected to be ready Jacob Farnum was one who liked to plan by himself, and to announce a new ht, lad,” nodded Farnum ”Keep both boats ready for any instant ain young Benson nodded, then strolled on out of the yard Up on the Main street of the village he encountered his chu in the wind, Hal, for the boats,” Jack announced
”All right,” nodded Hal ”We're ready when needed”
Nor did either one of the what the new move was to be When Jacob Farnum wanted them to knoould tell the picture show for an hour Then, tiring of that, they came out into the street The first, man they encountered, almost, was Lieutenant Danvers, in citizen dress
”Back from your trip, sir?” Jack asked
”Yes Has Farnuiven us a hint, sir, that so may happen”
”Oh!” replied the naval officer, next adding: ”That's rather queer on the whole”
”Not at all, sir,” replied young Benson ”Mr Farnus only when he's ready”
”Yet when--” began Danvers, but checked himself
”No matter what is in the wind, Mr Danvers, there's no real need of posting us about anything until the time comes Suppose Mr Farnualley cupboard is already as full of provisions as it will hold Both boats are in the best possible triasoline tanks as full as they'll hold Then we're ready to cast off and sail far the first stopping place on the route”
”You're great fellows for system, then So I understand why Mr Farnum doesn't have to post you far in advance”
”He certainly doesn't have to,” Jack relied
”Where are you going? Down to the yard?”