"
"I haven't done anything," protested the fellow, "except to stand for a
lot of damage on board because you're backed by sailors and marines."
"My man," retorted Jack, grimly, "if you think you have suffered any
unfair damage, then lay your case before the Navy Department. But my
private advice is for you not to attract the attention of the authorities
to you in case they seem likely to overlook you."
"Is my vessel at liberty to proceed?" inquired the man, sullenly.
"Yes; I have no orders to seize your craft. I'd like to, however,"
Lieutenant Jack Benson added, dryly.
CHAPTER XVII
THE LAST HOUR OF COMMAND
Through the night the "Sudbury" rolled lazily over the waves.
A wireless message had carried the news through space to Washington.
Orders had come to return to Norfolk, there turning Gray over to the
United States authorities.
Benson and his comrades were instructed to return to Washington with
the charts and record books.
Down in a berth in the sick bay, lay Gray. The hospital steward had
made the wounded man as comfortable as possible. The latter was
painfully but not seriously wounded.
Pages:
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174