“There goes the warning gun!” cried Ned as a shot boomed out. “Are you all ready, Tom?”
“All ready!” was the answer.
“Stand clear!” came the order from Peltok.
“Good-bye, Mary! Good-bye!” called Tom to his sweetheart.
“Good-bye!” she echoed. “I know you’re going to win!”
“Thanks! I hope I shall!”
“Tom, remember, I’ve got my money on you!” said Mr. Swift, with a smile.
“I’ll not forget, Dad!”
“Bless my Liberty Bonds, I’ve got a bet on you myself, Tom!” exclaimed Mr. Damon. “Oh, dear!” he sighed, as he saw the final preparations for the start, “if it wasn’t for my wife I’d go, even now!”
“You just let me see you get on that ship!” said Mrs. Damon in a low voice close to her husband’s ear.