Ignoring the fellow, Dan went back to the bridge, thence down to the hurricane deck. Men were already engaged in removing the wreck of the smashed smoke-stack.
Emergency repairs were completed in due time, with materials kept on board for such a case.
And now, when he could safely run at full speed once more, if necessary, Dalzell gave the order to proceed. He was about to go below, to the wardroom for luncheon, when a radio operator came running to the bridge.
As has been stated, the “Prince” carried a full radio outfit, that could be installed rapidly, but Dan’s orders had been to conceal all evidence of radio equipment until absolutely necessary to use it.
None the less, a small receiving station had been rigged up, and concealed, so that, though Lieutenant-Commander Dalzell’s sending radius was short, he could receive messages from any quarter.
The message at which he now glanced read:
“S. S. ‘Prince’: Report.”
It had come in code, but Dan was able to translate it without reference to his code book.
Instantly, he gave orders to have the radio outfit erected, then descended to his meal.
Later one of the radio men reported that the equipment was in shape for signalling. So the young commander sent in his report of work so far accomplished to the destroyer base at the home port.