"That must have been the new invention Androka was working on!" Curtis exclaimed. "Have you heard how badly the equipment was damaged?"
"Yes," Old Curmudgeon answered. "It was burned out by a terrific heat that melted copper wires, cracked the porcelain on plugs, and fused them into their sockets. Batteries, magnetos, tubes—everything was destroyed!"
Curtis leaned forward and gazed earnestly into the rear admiral's tired face. "Sir, you have received proof that something unusual has taken place aboard the Comerford; that she is in the hands of enemies. Do you believe now that I have told the truth?"
Old Curmudgeon's eyes held a kinder expression than Curtis had ever seen in them before. "Yes; I believe you!"
"Thank you, sir!" Bob Curtis said, deeply moved. "I don't blame you," he added. "The story I told was unbelievable! But I think I know a way to catch up with the Comerford—recapture her without destroying her!"
"Tell me your plan!" Henderson said quietly, and he leaned back in his chair to listen.
Curtis spoke to him earnestly for some time. When he had finished, Old Curmudgeon raised his telephone and began dialing and giving orders.
Then he stood up and held out his hand. "Good luck, commander! Your plane'll be ready in half an hour!"