“Thought you said we’d need all our power to make the inlet.” 

 “So we will. But you can run the pump a few minutes before we’ll have to buck the tide. Shut her off when I tell you.” 

 The two boys gave their attention to managing their craft now. Gradually she was emptied of water again, and, at a nod from Frank, Ned disconnected the pump gears. As he stood up after doing this, he saw, on the open sea back of him and about two miles off shore, a dark mass which seemed shrouded in smoke. 

 “Look Frank!” he cried. “A ship on fire!” 

 Frank gave a quick glance. 

 “No!” he answered, raising his voice to make 8 it heard above the roar of the wind and the swish of the rain, “that’s a battleship—the Texas, I think. I read she was to pass down this way. Yes, that’s what it is—one of Uncle Sam’s battleships! Say, I wish we were nearer and could get a better view. Isn’t that great!” and Frank, with shining eyes, looked earnestly in the direction of the big craft which moved along over the tempestuous sea as though no strife nor storm could produce an impression on her. 

8

 “It sure is great!” agreed Ned. “Say, Frank, do you know what my one ambition is?” 

 “Well, you change so often that it’s hard to keep track.” 

 “I’ve never changed from this one. I’d like to be a sailor on a battleship.” 

 “So would I, Ned! I’ve never talked much about it, because it didn’t seem of much use. Uncle Phil would never let us. But if I ever get the chance I’m going to have a try at life on a battleship.” 

 “And I’m with you, Frank!” Ned eagerly cried. “Only I guess there isn’t much chance. We’ve got to finish at college, I suppose, and then buckle down to business. But it’s the sea for mine every time, and every chance I get!” 

 “Same here. Now look out for things, Ned. We’re going through the inlet. And say, maybe the tide isn’t running strong!” 

9CHAPTER II—POLITICAL COMPLICATIONS

9

 With one last and lingering look at the battleship, which was now almost lost to sight in the spray and spume of the sea and the mist of driving rain, Ned crouched down in the dory and watched his brother at the wheel, 

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