"A flying boat!" exclaimed Captain Dunham, who had the binoculars on it.
The craft drove straight on over the water at a rapid rate of speed. As it drew closer, Captain Dunham exclaimed in a voice that trembled with excitement, despite his efforts to control it:
"Great Scott! That's one of our men!"
"A man attached to the Red fleet?" asked the Secretary.
"Yes, he is wig-wagging with his free arm. It's—it's—great Scott! It's Ned Strong, by all that's wonderful!"
It was half an hour later, and Ned had told his story. It was a concise, crisp statement occupying no more time than was necessary, but embodying a wonderful amount of important information. When he came to relate how he had "appropriated" one of the Blue fleet's aeroplanes and had flown straight to the Manhattan in it, the enthusiasm of his hearers knew no bounds.
For the time being, interest in this phase of his adventures even overtopped the recovery of the book of plans and coast defences taken from Kenworth. The book was found to contain full details of fire-control systems, gun tests, and other naval data of the utmost importance.
"By Neptune, lad, the United States Navy owes you a debt of gratitude it can hardly repay," exclaimed Captain Dunham, with shining eyes.