“Well, we were on one once,” Ned remarked. 

 “The Nebraska, yes. But only on a tour of inspection with a lot of fellows of our class. I want to actually belong to the battleship myself—I don’t want to be just a visitor.” 

 “How about firing the big guns?” asked Ned. 15 

15

 “Yes, I’d want that, too! Oh, say, but what’s the use of talking about it?” 

 “None, I guess.” 

 But had Frank and Ned only known it, they were nearer to their hearts’ desire than ever before. 

 “Oh, how wet you are!” exclaimed Mrs. Brun, the housekeeper, as the two brothers entered the house. “Why, you’re soaked!” 

 “Yes, we are a bit damp,” admitted Frank. He was putting it mildly, for the water was dripping from him and his brother in streams as they stood in the middle of the kitchen, having entered through the rear door with due consideration for the front hall rugs. 

 “Get your wet things off at once,” said Mrs. Brun, “and I’ll make you some hot tea.” 

 “Oh, we’re not cold,” Ned answered. He and Frank took off their coats and shoes, and the housekeeper took charge of their garments while they hurried to their room to change to dry things. 

 “Your uncle has been asking for you,” Mrs. Brun called to them as they went upstairs. 

 “We’ll see him in a few minutes,” Frank called back. 

 A little later, dry and comfortable, they went to the library. They found their uncle pacing up and down the room, evidently in a highly nervous and 16 excited state. He glanced up as they entered, and exclaimed: 

16

 “Boys, I am quite worried!” 

 “Worried about us?” asked Frank. “Why, we were out in the dory. It was a bad storm, but—” 

 “No, I wasn’t worried about you. I felt you could take care of yourselves. But, at the same time, I am glad you have returned safely. No, I am worried about other matters. Boys, I have a confession to make to you.” 

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