Part 2 (1/2)
”Hallo!”to athat looked out on the yard near the street gate ”What's this co? A hundred people, at least, and they look like aof people, and fully a dozen of these new-corners see to talk at the same time
CHAPTER II
TORPEDO PRACTICE AT LAST
”Perhaps they're coun-cotton stored close to the village,” hinted Lieutenant Danvers
The saht was in Captain Jack Benson'sto be kept in doubt, for Jacob Farnum had moved hastily to the outer door
”Good day, friends!” called the shi+pbuilder, as he pulled the outer door open, for he recognized most of the faces of , friends!”
At the very doorstep the leaders of the crowd halted
”The 'Mary Bond' isn't in yet, Mr Farnum,” called one of thesh the winter She carried a Dunhaven captain and ether, fourteen men and boys
”When should she have been in!” queried Mr Farnum The crowd had halted, now, and all but their chosen speaker re, sir,” replied the spokesman
”Do you people fear that harm has come to the 'Mary Bond!” queried the shi+pbuilder
”Why, it o outlately she could come in, any time, within a few hours”
”Perhaps the captain had a poor run of luck,” suggested Mr Farnuer than usual”
”No, sir, for all the reports that have co catches The ocean has been swar with fish these last few days,”
replied the spokes you want me to do What is it?” demanded Jacob Farnum
”We've come to ask you, sir, if you won't have one of your torpedo boats put out and look for the 'Mary Bond' Your boats can go a big distance in a few hours We're afraid, Mr Farnum, that the s blow of yesterday We're afraid, too, that the 'Mary Bond'about helplessly on the sea, just for the need of a little aid We're afraid, sir, that good Dunhavenbehind families that--”
The spokesh in answer sobs came from some of the women
”No, friends, if that's the trouble, we'll soon know about it,”
proest-heartedout for practice But, if you'll supply a good sea-going hand or two, the second boat shall go out and sweep the seas hereabouts, looking for the 'Mary Bond'”
A cheer went up at once Mr Farnu a kind act, he also enjoyed having it appreciated
”Who'll command the relief boat!” called one of the wo his head ”Captain Benson o out on naval business to-day”