Dick was pleased. They had been back nearly two weeks now from Cape May and the recovery of government plans from the lost U-boat. There had been some tedious delay in fitting out the new salvage ship with its finishing touches, and the inactivity had tried the mettle of the two lads.
Eagerly they set their steps toward the offices of "Montey" Brown, the yard superintendent, intent upon procuring further and definite information. On the way they were accosted by "Laughing Larry" Seymour—"the original optimist" the boys had labeled him.
"Look who's here!" chortled Jay as Larry came swinging along.
For once the volatile Seymour was repressed.
"Heard the news yet today?" Larry was all earnestness.
"Sure, we know all about the Jules Verne—" Jay was in excellent spirits and not to be daunted by the changed demeanor of the usually debonair Seymour.
"Naw, I don't mean the Jules Verne! I mean this."
Larry snatched a newspaper from his pocket and was pointing to a glaring front page headline.
"Spy Suspect Escapes Receiving Ship Exeter's Brig at Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston—Carl Weddigen, Believed to be German Secret Service Emissary, Makes Getaway on Eve of Trial."