I remembered having met her at Tampa with him one time and recalled her as a sweet, motherly woman who had raised a splendid daughter they spoke of a great deal.
I found Scotty there, too, still out of a job, going about like a fish out of water, his face so long he was tramping on his upper lip, waiting for his passport to go back to the British Navy.
"Scotty, didn't you tell me you were a gunner in the Royal Navy before you went in the engine-room?"
"I certainly was. Served two enlistments, the last one as chief."
"Then you are just the man I want."
He became jubilant and came over to me stronger than ever when I told him what had happened and how he had helped by delaying the Boche cutter. After another "drap of Scotch" he said he would go to hell for me.
I told him what I wanted and warned him that it would not be a joy ride, but probably very dangerous.
"If you've got two guns, I'd swim from here to the Tortugas for a chance at 'em."
"All right, Scotty, stay here till I come for you and keep your eyes open."
When I got back to "Canby's bay" day was breaking. After breakfast I told Howard about Scotty and what I received from Washington.