With his handkerchief dipped in sea-water Ned soon removed the dirt and grime from his face, as did the others. When the lieutenant, therefore, came down to the boat, he found a demure-looking crew seated, ready to put the oars over at the word of command. Perhaps he may have noticed one or two angry-looking bruises on the men’s faces, but naval officers learn not to see a great deal—sometimes.
“The feeling in the town is distinctly anti-American, the consul tells me,” Ned, who pulled stroke, heard Lieutenant Timmons remark to Ensign Conkling, as they gave way.
“But about the revolutionists’ arms, sir?”
“That’s the mystery. They are getting them somehow, and plenty of them. I wish we could solve it.”
“So do I,” thought Ned to himself, as he bent to his oar. He resolved as he tugged away that if he got the chance, the delivery of the munitions of war to the enemies of his country would cease abruptly.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE BOYS MAKE AN INTERESTING DISCOVERY.
However, to the disappointment of both Dreadnought Boys, the Beale weighed anchor that evening and stood off down the coast to another port—Hermillo. There were several American mining interests in this neighborhood, but, so far they had not been jeopardized by the revolutionists, who were busy to the northward, concentrating that branch of their army for an attack on Boca del Sierras itself. If they could gain this important base, they would have control of the principal seaport of Costaveza, and be in a position to dictate terms. However, from the information he had gained from the consul, Lieutenant Timmons had decided that there was no immediate danger of an attack on the city. So, in pursuance with his orders, he decided to steam down the coast and ascertain the condition of affairs farther south.
For three or four days the destroyer dawdled about in the port of Hermillo, the lieutenant being in constant communication by wire with Boca del Sierras. He and his officers were constantly ashore, and the boys, who were eager for the promised action, which they felt sure would come when they were detailed to shore duty, almost wore themselves out with impatience. At last, however, one bright evening the command to weigh anchor came, and the Beale once more moved northward. As she left Hermillo a low vessel of war, not unlike herself, came steaming in just as the Beale drew out of the roadstead.