The Brighton Boys in the Radio Service | Page 6

shoulders. He had been an electrical
engineer prior to entering the service, and had gained his promotion
three months before strictly upon his merit and knowledge, which were
the qualities he demanded in others. He already had been "across" three
times, and he knew the many problems and dangers that would
confront them.
Satisfied by his questioning that the three young men who were to
accompany him "had the stuff in them," Lieutenant Mackinson then
began instructing them in the elementaries of the radio.
It seemed, though, that that day was destined to be one of interruptions,
but not, however, of the sort to be of disadvantage to the three boys
from Brighton. For, just as the sudden ending of their instructions in
class in the morning had led to their assignment to a transport, to start
overseas within thirty-six hours, so the call now which required
Lieutenant Mackinson's presence elsewhere, indirectly led to a new and
thrilling experience for the lads.
"I am ordered to report to aid in the repairs to the wireless of another
vessel," said the lieutenant, after perusing the order that a private had
brought to him. "It will require until late to-night to finish. Inasmuch as
this is probably the last night that you lads will spend on land for some
time, you might as well see a little of the city, if you care to, but be sure
that you are within the gates of the yard before ten o'clock."

He then gave each of the boys a pass, and told them to be aboard the
Everett not later than half-past ten o'clock, and departed for the special
work to which he had been called.
"Wouldn't you like to be a lieutenant, though?" exclaimed Joe
enthusiastically. "Just imagine being called from ship to ship to help
them out of their difficulties."
And, discussing their aspirations and what the future held for them, the
three young men from Brighton went to mess, afterward brushed their
brand-new uniforms of the last possible speck of dust, and left the navy
yard for a stroll through the southern section of the city founded by
William Penn.
How far they walked none of them knew. They had turned many
corners, and their conversation had covered a wide field--always,
however, turning upon some military subject--when a church clock
tolled out nine times.
"I think we had better return," said Slim, who was beginning to tire
under the long day's strain and excitement.
"Yes," agreed Jerry, "but which way do we go?"
They were, in truth, lost. Uniformed as they were, they were ashamed
to ask directions, and finally agreed that Joe was right in indicating that
they should walk straight southward.
Twelve blocks southward they walked, and the damp, marshy
atmosphere assured them that they were nearing the river, but their only
hope now, as they plodded across desolate and deserted dumps, and
even invaded a truck patch or two, was that they would strike a road
that led around to the navy yard entrance.
"What's that?" exclaimed Jerry in a hoarse whisper, grasping a boy on
either side of him by the arm. "Did you hear?"
"I thought I heard something," averred Slim, also lowering his voice.

"What did it sound like to you?"
"We are almost upon the river bank," said Joe. "It was someone rowing,
but it sounded to me as though they were using muffled oars."
While the boys stopped to listen, the rowing began again, very slowly,
very cautiously, and then there was a muffled splash.
At the same instant a great flashlight to the south began playing first
upon the sky, and then, in a slow arc, down the river and then inland
toward themselves.
Although they did not come quite within its radius, the boat they had
heard was between them and the light! It was a row boat, evidently
heavily laden, for it rode low in the water, and it was occupied by one
man, who was crouching in the bottom as though to avoid discovery!
Just as suddenly as it had appeared, the searchlight was obscured, and
the blackness of the night was more intense by contrast.
"That light was at the navy yard," said Joe, beginning to peel off his
coat. "Jerry, you're a fast runner. By heading straight in the way I'm
looking you ought to be able to get to the yard in ten minutes. Do it as
quickly as you can. Slim will stay here."
By this time Joe had stripped off his shirt and preparing to unlace his
shoes.
"And you," blurted Jerry and Slim, almost at the same instant, but still
in guarded tones, "what are you going to do?"
"I'm as safe as a duck in the water, and almost as noiseless," responded
Joe calmly.