United States or Saint Barthélemy ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
"Until some one can think of something else, I'm going to keep on trying the hopeless thing and endeavoring to make this old, thin plate work," declared Hal Hastings, who was still bent over the motor, studying it intently. Benson had turned back to examine the work, after tossing the coin away, but just as suddenly he glanced forward again.
In the darkness the little war correspondent had been unable to distinguish friend from foe and his fist caught Hal just above the right eye. Now Anthony Stubbs had considerable power in his right arm and for a moment Hal was dazed by the blow. Before he could clear his head, his opponent had struck him a heavy blow on the other side of the neck and leaped to his feet.
Now the Italian officer stepped forward. "Then they are all right?" he questioned, indicating Hal and Uncle John. "This one is," replied Anderson, laying a hand on Hal's shoulder. "I don't know the other." He hastened to introduce the two men. Anderson turned to the Italian. "It's all right," he said. The latter saluted and moved away.
But, even as Chester neared the outskirts of the city a great cheer rang out from in front, and the sound of firing grew less distinct. Presently troops began to come toward them. Victorious in front, they were now hurrying through the city to drive off the enemy attacking from the other side. Chester stopped and laid Hal down in a doorway. There the two lads remained in silence for some time.
At the minute of eleven o’clock a squad of some twenty cadets came marching down to the landing in front of the boat house. There Lieutenant Commander Mayhew and one of his engineer officers met them. Two cutters manned by sailors brought the party out alongside, where Jack and Hal stood ready to receive them.
At this moment Hal and Eph appeared at the doorway. "Pardon me, gentlemen, for suggesting that you had better put your swords on," suggested Fullerton, "Inspection of crew at quarters is about to come off." Hal and Eph vanished, but soon reappeared, wearing their new swords and trying hard not to look conscious of the fact. Jack was engaged in adjusting his own side-arm to his belt.
Gather up your goods and chattels, because I'll be along in a week or two to take possession of you. Yr devoted Hal. I screwed the letter in two and dropped it into the kitchen-fire. I knew Harold meant what he had said.
The big Cossack seemed to have no doubt that it was all over and while he clung to the side of the machine with both hands, he mumbled strange words in his native tongue. Apparently he was following Stubbs' injunction. "I don't know," replied Hal, answering Chester's question. "Something seems to have gone wrong with the engine. Guess we had better go down."
"So near and yet so far, as you Americans say, eh? Tell me, is there anything I can do for you. "You might get us out of here," said Hal. Herr Block smiled. "Easily said, but not so easily done," he made answer. "However, I have no doubt it can be arranged." "You do?" exclaimed the others. "How?"
Chester!" it came. "Help!" "By George! it's Uncle John!" exclaimed Chester, and urged his horse forward faster than before. "Uncle John and a prisoner," ejaculated Hal, and also spurred forward. But a heavy hand was laid on the bridle of each. "Here! what's the matter with you fellows?" demanded Colonel Anderson's gruff voice. "Want to get yourselves killed?"
Word Of The Day