“Then why the light?” Betty was more puzzled than ever.
“That is a big sub. These large subs carry small seaplanes that can be catapulted from their deck. If their plane was out landing spies on our shores or spying out the land itself, they may have had a beacon out to guide it back.”
“That,” Betty laughed, “is good enough for a night cap. I’m going to retire. Goodnight!” She was gone.
When, at dawn, Lena and Joe Tratt arrived at the harbor the big girl appeared ready to drop. And yet, as soon as the plane was safely grounded on the sandy beach, she hired a fisherman to take her ashore.
Once there, she drank three cups of black coffee and then, still teetering on her toes, she climbed the stairs, entered her room, threw off her coat and shoes, and crept under the blankets to fall fast asleep.
CHAPTER XXV
THE MASTERPIECE
Early that afternoon, Norma, who had cut her sleeping hours short, joined Lieutenant Warren in one of those toy-like cars, known as peeps, and went spinning down the shore road.
Their first stop was the cottage occupied by Bess and Beth. School, Norma had learned, was out because of a teacher’s convention so the twins were free to go with them to the spotter shed.
There they were able, with Beth’s help, to hold a long, hand-to-hand conversation with Betty.