He noticed a young fellow hovering around him as he walked, and wondered what it could mean. Presently the other seemed to make bold enough to approach him, and Oscar noticed that the young chap had his jaws set, as though fixed in some resolve.
“Is your name Oscar?” he asked the first thing.
“That’s what it happens to be; what can I do for you?” remarked the boy.
“And did you come in yesterday aboard that submarine boat?” continued the other, apparently more relieved when he found that the boy met his advances half-way.
“Yes, with two chums of mine. We’re taking motion pictures of deep sea subjects, and going down in a submersible gives us plenty of fine chances to get films of the queer things to be met with at the bottom of the sea.”
“Well, do you happen to know anybody named Captain Badger?” continued the young man, at which, of course, Oscar started, for he realized that something of importance was coming next.
“I certainly know who the party is,” he instantly replied; “would you mind telling me why you asked me that?”
“I’m meaning to do just that same,” continued the young fellow. “My name is John Baxter. I was aboard a schooner that came here to load for Boston. I fell sick, and my captain deserted me here, without even paying me what wages were due. And I’ve had a hard time of it since I got well. Right now I’m not strong enough to work, and I want to get back to my home in Savannah the worst kind. I thought perhaps you might feel like helping me after I’d told you something that came by wireless last night.”
“Go on and tell me,” said Oscar. “There’ll be no trouble about staking you to enough money to get you home, if it proves to be worth anything at all.”
“Why, you see,” the other hurriedly went on to say, “I got to know the wireless operator here. I did some little thing to help him, and he’s been kind enough to let me sleep in his room at the station while he’s on duty. I’ve picked up a little knowledge of the game myself, and can read messages fairly well. Fact is, when I get back home I’m bent on taking a course in wireless, and trying for a job.”