Part 13 (1/2)

”Say, look at those guns!”

”What will happen when she fires a broadside?”

”And cast your eye on those anchor chains!”

”I wouldn't want to carry even one link!”

”See the double imposed turrets!”

”What a s.h.i.+p she is-a real s.h.i.+p of battle!”

These were only a few of the comments and exclamations that came from Frank, Ned and their s.h.i.+pmates as they boarded the _Georgetown_, on which they were shortly to make a cruise for practice. And everything they said was justified, for the vessel was the last word in construction for the United States government. In spite of the growing prejudice against big s.h.i.+ps, in contradistinction to submarines and torpedo boats, the _Georgetown_ had been built at enormous cost.

To describe her in detail would take up more s.p.a.ce than is at our disposal. But most boys have either seen big battles.h.i.+ps, or cruisers, or have looked at photographs of them, so have an idea of what they look like. But something larger and more formidable than anything before constructed to deal death and destruction from the sea will have to be imagined.

She had more big guns, and more small quick-firers than any vessel afloat, and as an innovation, her largest calibred rifles, forward and aft, were fifteen inches in diameter, the limit, up to then, having been fourteen inches. An inch may not seem much, but add it to the diameter of a big rifle, and it means that the gun must be very much larger and stronger in proportion, that it needs more powder to send the projectile on its way, and that the projectile is also greatly increased in weight and explosive power.

So it is no wonder our heroes were filled with astonishment and amazement as they gazed about them, once they were on board the craft that was to be their floating home for some time.

”Attention there now!” called a sharp voice, and an officer formed the new recruits in line, and marched them to the quarters where they were to stow their bags and sling their hammocks. Frank, Ned and the others had brought with them their belongings from Norfolk, and these were soon stowed away, in proper s.h.i.+p-shape fas.h.i.+on.

Here was where the long and careful training showed. In spite of the fact that it was their first appearance on the _Georgetown_, the recruits knew just what to do, and where to put their things.

Of course, s.h.i.+ps differ, and some are more comfortable as living places than others, but the same general arrangement prevails on all of the United States battles.h.i.+ps.

”When do we sail?” asked Frank of a sailor who had said he had been on the _Georgetown_ since she had been put in commission.

”In a few days now. We're just waiting for the old man.”

”Old man?” queried Ned.

”The captain,” the sailor explained. ”He's away on sh.o.r.e leave. His daughter got married, I believe, and he's at the festivities. We'll get out of here in about a week. Put in to be painted, you know.”

Frank and Ned had read that fact before coming up from Norfolk, and certainly the battles.h.i.+p was spick and span, and as s.h.i.+ny as the sailors could make her, every bit of bra.s.s, copper and nickel gleaming in the sun.

Our lads had hammocks next to one another, but it was not with much delight that they noticed that the red-haired bully, Hank Dell, was a.s.signed to the same mess as themselves, his hammock adjoining Ned's.

”But we won't bother him if he doesn't bother us,” Frank said to his brother.

There was not so much to be done aboard the _Georgetown_ while she was in the navy yard as there would be once she was afloat, though there is always a certain amount of routine labor to be performed on a s.h.i.+p when she is in commission and subject to orders at a moment's notice. In consequence, many of the sailors had been allowed sh.o.r.e leave, and after the first two days, during which they were made to do considerable work to make them familiar with the different parts of the craft, Frank and Ned were allowed a day off.

They went to New York, and strolled down toward the aquarium, hoping they might see the two thieves. But though they spent some time inside the building they were not successful in their quest.

They sent some souvenir postals to their uncle, knowing he would be glad to know that they remembered him. They had written frequently since they had been separated from him.

Seeing the sights of the big city again, after an absence of four months, was much enjoyed by the boys. But, strange as it may seem, they were glad to be back on board again. For they had no home now, and the battles.h.i.+p really filled that place in their hearts. Later on, when their uncle's affairs should have been straightened out, they would, perhaps, be back in the old homestead.

Captain Decker, in command of the _Georgetown_, returned about a week after Ned and Frank had reached the vessel, and at once preparations were made for putting to sea. The big craft was to cruise about, and do some target practice off Newport later on.

Life aboard a battles.h.i.+p is very much a matter of routine, with the same thing occurring at the same time every day, save when unexpected drills, such as collision drill, or fire drill, are held, no notice being given of these. This is done to keep the men ever on the alert.