"
Eph, hanging at the rail in the silence that followed, had no notion of
whether his request had been a correct one. All he knew was that his
suspicions had surged to the surface, and were threatening to boil over.
It was a huge relief to the boy when Mr. Mayhew's voice sounded from the
rail of the gunboat. Somers swiftly answered all questions.
"Your craft and crew are in a measure under our protection and orders,"
decided Mr. Mayhew. "I think we may properly extend you some help. I will
send some men to you, and a cadet midshipman who will have my
instructions."
"Will you send them quickly, sir?" begged Eph.
"I'll have men on board of you by the time that your engines are running,"
promised the lieutenant commander.
"Engines?" That word came as a fortunate reminder to the submarine boy. He
darted below, almost yanking Williamson from his berth, nearly pulling the
machinist into his clothes. By the time that Williamson was really wide
awake he found himself standing by the motors forward.
Then young Somers darted onto deck again, just in time to see the boat
coming alongside. It brought two more marines, one of them a corporal.
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