“Why, yes, I suppose you could,” answered Ensign Warwick. “Of course, I could not take you if I were on regular duty. But as I have been put at the command of Inspector Burton of the Secret Service, I could manage to accommodate you after a fashion if he agreed.”
“Come, come,” interrupted Mr. Temple. “This is nonsense. Frank, go and call Inspector Burton.”
Frank retired to the tiny radio room, accompanied by Jack while Bob leaned moodily on the rail and his father fell into conversation with Ensign Warwick. Doctor Marley stood unobtrusively aside.
Presently Frank and Jack approached Bob with eager faces. The naval officer had disappeared with Mr. Temple.
“Where’s your father?” asked Jack.
“I don’t know. Gone to get some shoes, I believe.”
“Listen.”
Then all three put their heads together, while Frank and Jack whispered to Bob tidings which quickly erased the gloom from his countenance.
“I’ll go and call Dad,” said Bob, finally.
At that moment Mr. Temple reappeared, shod in white canvas deck shoes.