“Captain Seaman said to tell you that our chemist couldn’t find out what was in that broken tube. He applied all the tests we have, but it’s something he doesn’t know anything about,” the man explained.
“Thank you very much.”
“He sealed the rest in a container because he thought you might like to keep it, or send it to another analyst.” The soldier produced a tube and Jim took it thoughtfully.
“Could you send it by air mail for us from here?”
“I’m going to send it to the Don, Dad. Perhaps he can have it analyzed by some one.”
“That’s a good plan. Anyway, it will be well to preserve it.”
Jim took a few minutes to get the tube ready to mail, then dressed quickly, and joined his father and buddy, who were already being served a good breakfast in the great empty mess-hall. Before they had finished, Captain Seaman appeared in his pajamas and bathrobe.
“Rest well?” he asked.
“Never better. Sorry to get you out at such an ungodly hour.”