“It’s rough footing on deck to-night,” said the guard, with a pleasant laugh, then passed on aft.
Tom took the helm again as the “Restless,” after picking up the landing place with the searchlight, moved into the harbor and went to her berth.
Powell Seaton led all of his guards but one up to the bungalow. The eighth man, armed with a rifle, was left aboard the “Restless,” with the searchlight turned on, ready for use at 83 any moment. Tom and Joe went up to the bungalow with their employer.
“Wait out on the porch for just a little while,” called Mr. Seaton, in a low voice. “And be careful to make no noise that will disturb the sick man.”
Five minutes later Mr. Seaton returned to the porch.
“I’ve been looking for that packet,” he whispered to the young skipper. “It’s safe, so I’ve left it in the same place.”
Then, after a moment, the owner of the bungalow added:
“Captain, you can have your friend, Butts, now, as we can do without him in the house. I think you three had better turn in on the boat and get some sleep. Then, soon after daylight, I can have the guard at the wharf rouse you, for I want you to go over to Beaufort and get supplies for repairing the wireless outfit at the earliest hour. Things are likely to happen soon that will make it dangerous for me to be without wireless communication with land and sea.”
Twenty minutes later the three Motor Boat Club boys were stretched out in their berths in the motor room. It was considerably later, though, ere sleep came to them. When slumber did reach their eyes they slept soundly until called by the guard. 84
Hank prepared a breakfast in record time. After eating this, and after Hank had been sent up to the house to learn whether there were any further orders, the Motor Boat Club boys were ready to cast off.