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 Williamson quartered himself aboard the "Hastings,"
which craft no longer carried any torpedoes.
One afternoon, as Jack Benson was strolling through the shipyard, Jacob
Farnum, in the doorway of the office building, called to the young
skipper.
"I suppose both boats are ready, Jack?" asked the shipbuilder.
"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 move
only when he was ready for it.
"All right, lad," nodded Farnum. "Keep both boats ready for any instant
move that may be required of them. That's all."
Again young Benson nodded, then strolled on out of the yard. Up on the
Main street of the village he encountered his chum.
"There's something in the wind, Hal, for the boats," Jack announced.
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