“Say,” breathed Bob, “I bet the radio operators on those patrol boats are kept busy.”
“Indeed they are,” said the doctor, with his genial smile. “Especially as most of the ships are not content with the broadcasted information, but must constantly send in for special news. Some of them send in a message every little while inquiring if the coast is clear and what, under present conditions, is the best route to take from one point to another. Oh, yes, the operators are kept fairly busy, all right.”
“It’s a wonderful thing,” said Bob thoughtfully. “There doesn’t seem to be anything any more that radio isn’t used for.”
Owing to the urgent invitation of the boys, Dr. Dale consented to stay with them over night, saying, however, that he must positively leave the following afternoon as there were matters in Clintonia which he must attend to.
The boys were glad of even so short a visit and when the time came at last for their good friend to leave they were very sorry to see him go.
“Take care of yourselves, lads,” said the doctor, as he started off. “And be careful not to start any forest fires around here. The Old First Church isn’t hankering for any!”
The boys promised laughingly, and then, as trees hid the doctor from view, turned and entered the lodge again.
“Too bad he couldn’t have stayed longer,” said Herb. “He certainly is a good sport.”
“And that was some tale he told us about radio and icebergs, wasn’t it?” asked Joe, reflectively. “He’s right when he says it’s almost as interesting as the ranger service.”
“Well,” said Bob, with a grin, “when we get too hot fighting forest fires, we can cool off by fighting icebergs for a change.”