AN EXPERT IN MINE-SWEEPING.
Mark took up his stand in the only corner he could see where there was no machinery, and feasted his curious eyes on everything within their range—the hammocks slung from the steel cross-beams, the safety-helmets hanging near, the controls of a multitude of electrical devices, the wheels governing the rudders, and the great array of enclosed cylinders and accumulators.
At the far end was an electric cooking apparatus at which the cook had already resumed his interrupted work of preparing the officers' breakfast. From a small boiler, Jardine filled a silver jug with hot water, which he carried into the commander's cabin.
On his return, Jardine went up to Mark and said: "The commander wants you."
Mark was shown into the state-room and was surprised to find it so large and comfortable. Lieutenant Ingoldsby stood before a tiny dressing-table, lathering his face.
"Have you seen my aunt lately, Mark?" he questioned. "Is she nervous, living alone there on the cliff?"
"I saw her the night before we sailed," Mark answered. "She came in to bid good-bye to father. Yes, sir, I believe she is a bit nervous. She thinks there's sure to be an invasion, and that a whole army of Germans will come over in Zeppelins and flat-bottomed boats, guarded by submarines and Dreadnoughts. She said something about going inland to Bath or Buxton."
"Not very complimentary to the British Navy, eh?" laughed Mr. Ingoldsby, stropping his razor. "I hope Major Redisham reassured her. Tell me something about this mine-sweeping business, will you? The Admiralty don't seem to be altogether satisfied with the process. Too many precious lives are being sacrificed."
Mark described his work and told of the difficulties and dangers of dealing with contact-mines.
"The worst part of it is when we come bow-on to one of them," he said. "I've been thinking a lot about it. I don't know if there's anything in my idea, but it seems to me that the sweepers ought to be fitted with some sort of protective net in front, to ward off the mines, or even to pick them up—something like the cow-catcher on an American locomotive, you know."