No one misses you from the conning tower."
Benson laughed, though he said, warningly:
"I reckon we'll do as well to drop calling the gunboat the 'Dad boat'
instead of the 'parent vessel.'"
"Well, you needn't bother at all about the conning tower to-day," wound up
Eph, glancing at his watch. "It's after half-past three at this moment and
I understand we're to drop anchor about five o'clock."
So Skipper Jack settled back with a comfortable sigh. Truth to tell, it
was pleasant not to have any immediate duty, for his head throbbed, every
now and then, and he felt dizzy when he tried to walk.
"Who could have hit me in that fashion, last night, and for what earthly
purpose?" wondered the boy. "I've had some enemies, in the past, but I
don't know a single person about Dunhaven, now who has any reason for
wishing me harm."
Never a thought crossed his mind of suspecting Sam Truax. That worthy had
come with a note from David Pollard, the inventor of the boats. Sam,
therefore, must be all right, the boy reasoned.
Jack lay back on the upholstered seat. He sat with his eyes closed most of
the time, though he did not doze. At last, however, he heard the engine
room bell sound for reduced speed.
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