“And shall we go to sea?” cried Henry.
“Indeed we shall. I received orders just a little while ago to destroy a derelict that has been sighted off Nantucket Shoals. That’s what brought me aboard. You see I live in Staten Island—when I’m home. I’m waiting for my executive officer. “The minute he comes aboard, we’ll hoist anchor.”
“Thank you, Captain,” cried Henry. “Won't that be bully! Ill be more than glad to go. But I ought to let my mother know what has happened to me. She'll be worried when no letters come.”
“Entirely right,” said the captain. “Here’s my desk. You can write her a letter whenever you wish. If there was any way to reach her by wireless, we could send word to her at once from the ship.”
“Bully!” cried Henry. “Of course I can. The fellows at home will be listening in for me right after supper. We made that arrangement before I left home. I expected to call them up on. the outfit Willie uses at the Secret Service headquarters.”
“Very good,” said the captain. “Then we’ll call it settled. And I hope you’ll enjoy every minute of our trip.”
