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No other craft had been in sight when the Kennebunk's auxiliary steamer was blown up, and therefore none had come to their assistance. The local fishermen and navigators of small craft appreciated the coming of this second storm on the heels of the first. It would probably pounce upon the coast with suddenness, so the fishing boats had already run for cover.
There were several points regarding the Kennebunk's construction different from any craft that had ever been built for similar work before; and if these matters did not prove satisfactory there would be bitter criticism of the board in charge. This was no time, Congress would say, for the trial of "new frills."
"It's pretty sure if she explodes we'll never join the Kennebunk's crew," was his chum's grim answer. The four friends from Seacove were not the only members of the ship's company that saw the depth bomb break loose from its fastenings. The second in command of the submarine chaser, Ensign Filson, and two seamen on lookout were on duty aft. "Stop that thing!" shouted the ensign.
It was decided to make for a small town behind the islands, and instead of continuing through the channel where the Kennebunk's auxiliary steamer had been mined, it seemed better to take advantage of the tide and run back to the open sea.
A moment while the captain's finger trembled on the trigger button. Then the hiss of air as the breech swung open, yawning for another charge. The thousand-pound shell, hurtling through the smoke-filled air, found the vitals of the Kennebunk's immediate enemy. It scarcely shocked Whistler when he peered out to see that vast mountain of steel burst open amidships.
In a week the bulk of the Kennebunk's crew were keeping strictly away from the compartment on the lower deck from which came the strange sound. In addition, a run of small accidents broke out which seemed to the minds of many of the crew to assure that the ship was doomed to bad luck. "The ship is haunted," continued to be whispered from division to division.
A mine-laying enemy submarine would have small chance getting into Hampton Roads. But that such a craft was in the vicinity the crew of the Kennebunk's tender learned was the fact within a few hours. Their course was southerly, and almost in sight of the coast in clear weather.
"It is expected that there will be a great naval movement on the other side. The report of the Kennebunk's manoeuvres, and her gun record, is said to be so good that she may be sent across." Whistler, standing by, could scarcely suppress a cry of delight. "What do you think of that, Morgan?" the ensign cried. Then to the revenue officer: "After this cruise, I suppose you mean, sir?"
The revenue cutter was a speedy craft, and by midforenoon she was far outside the string of islands near which the crew of the Kennebunk's steamer under Ensign MacMasters had experienced so many adventures. The wireless operator picked up the superdreadnaught at last.
MacMasters and his companions were from a craft that had been blown up miles away from her cabin, and completely out of sight and hearing of this island. Whistler did not believe any fishing boat, or other craft, had brought this information to Mag. There had been no vessel in sight when the Kennebunk's tender was blown up by the floating mine.
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