been shaving for years. Frank and Jack, however, only recently had taken on man’s estate in this respect.
“Some folks are proud of being hairy as an ape,” said Frank cuttingly.
Big Bob merely laughed good-naturedly, and ruffled his smaller chum’s hair.
Ensign Warwick with difficulty suppressed a grin.
“I can let you have razors,” he said, “and probably we can find shoes for all of you of some sort. But I have no civilian clothes, and it would be against regulations for you to wear uniforms.”
“Good thing the weather’s warm,” said Bob.
“Say, I have an idea,” cried Frank. “Suppose I call Inspector Burton on your radio, Ensign, and ask him to see if he can’t dig us up some clothes aboard the Bear. He knows us well enough to estimate our size, and, of course, I can give him further specifications.”
“Go ahead,” said the naval officer. “I planned to call him, anyhow, to report why we were delayed.”
“Good idea, Frank,” approved Mr. Temple, who did not relish the prospect of going any longer than necessary clad as he was. “Tell him I’ll pay any price within reason for good outer clothing.”
“You see,” said Frank, starting away, “he may not want to put into any port for some time, and then we’d be out of luck.”