A Catastrophe
205
Promptly came the crackling reply, “NTE—NTE—NTE—de—WNA—K.”
How well Henry recognized the: swift, sure, even sending. Nobody else in the world handled a wireless key just like Roy.
“This is Henry Harper,” flashed back Henry. “I am on the Coast Guard cutter Iroquois. We are heading for New York. Expect to arrive after dark to-night. Where can I see you?”
“We dock about sunset,’ came the reply. “Come to the Lycoming. Will wait for you.”
Happy indeed was Henry. A few hours would see him with his old friend. His troubles would be over. Poor Henry!. If only he could have foreseen what the night would bring forth, his smile would have vanished quickly. But he could not foresee, and gleefully he continued with his tasks.
As the ship came nearer and nearer to her harbor, Henry had more and more to do. The captain kept him busy at the wireless. Among other messages, Henry sent one about the men who had been swept ashore, and who were now in New York. They were to be at the Staten Island landing and come aboard the moment the Iroquois dropped anchor. Supper time came. Henry had been eating with the crew, since he became an operator. Now the captain asked him to take this last meal on board with him in the