Benson?"
The "mister" was noticeable, now. Naval officers are chary of their
bestowal of the title "captain" upon one who does not hold it in the Army
or Navy service.
At Mr. Mayhew's order the "Hudson" was started slowly forward, the
searchlight playing about the entrance to the harbor.
"For your best anchorage, sir," declared Captain Jack, after he had
brought the gunboat slowly into the harbor, "you will do well to anchor
with that main arc-light dead ahead, that shed over there on your
starboard beam, and the front end of the submarine shed about four points
off your port bow."
Mr. Mayhew slowly manoeuvred his craft, while men stood on the deck below,
forward, prepared to heave the bow anchors.
"Go four points over to port, Mr. Trahern," instructed Mr. Mayhew. "Now,
back the engines--steady!"
Jack Benson opened his mouth wide. Then, as he saw the way the "Hudson"
was backing, he suddenly called:
"Slow speed ahead, quick, sir!"
"You said--" began Mr. Mayhew.
Gr-r-r-r! The stern of the gunboat dug its way into a sand ledge, lifting
the stern considerably.
"Slow speed ahead!" rasped Lieutenant Commander Mayhew, sharply.
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