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Page 39
"What now, my gay young buccaneer?" he asked, stopping and
lighting a cigar.
"We were saying what a good old safe trip we are having," said
Porky.
The Colonel frowned. "Better say that after we arrive," he said,
puffing hard.
"Oh, I'm not afraid!" said Porky.
"Nor me!" added Beany.
"I know you are not," said the Colonel. "But there is one thing
I always remind my men of. That is this: never be afraid but
never fail to be careful. You would be a fool to take a chance
with a mad dog, wouldn't you? Well, your enemy is a mad dog or
worse, every time, whether he is trying to get your reputation or
your life. You never want to take chances. Watch him. Sleep
with one eye open. Listen to every breath of wind. Watch, and
watch eternally. You are only safe when he is dead, or disarmed
and in prison. And never belittle your enemy. Better think of
him as bigger than he is, cleverer, and more cunning. When you
belittle his strength you give him the advantage because you will
not fight so hard. And don't take chances."
"No, sir," said Porky.
"Another thing," said the Colonel. "We are not in the danger
zone yet. When we reach that, you will see our Captain taking
all the precautions that can possibly be taken. Understand we do
not anticipate trouble. This is such a small boat that I
scarcely think the Germans would bother with it. At the same
time, if by any chance they have found out that we are crossing
with important papers, agreements, and chemicals, they will be on
the lookout for us and we will have a good chase if we manage to
escape. I don't say this to scare you boys; but you are here,
and I don't want you to underrate the present danger. I will be
good and glad to get across myself. Not a word of this to the
others, understand."
He nodded and walked on. The boys looked at each other.
"Wow!" said Porky softly.
For awhile the boys stared out over the sea. "Time for grub,"
Beany finally said.
"Hungry? asked Beany.
"No," said Porky. He laughed. "You know what Colonel Bright's
done to me? He's made me imagine things. I thought I saw
something over there in the light--way, way off."
Beany stared. "Nothing doing!" he declared. "I could see if it
was there, you know."
"Yes, I know your eyes," said Porky nervously. "I saw a gull or
a porpoise, I suppose."
"I suppose you didn't see anything," said Beany, scanning the
level sea. "Come on down to dinner."
"All right," agreed Porky. He turned from the rail with a last
glance seaward. He seized his brother and whirled him about.
"Look! Look!" he cried. "There it is again, straight ahead!
What's that?" Beany's keen eyes swept the sea in a lightning
glance. Then lie dashed for the companionway and fairly fell
into the presence of the Captain.
"A periscope! A periscope!" he gasped.
In another instant the Captain was on the bridge, the glasses at
his eyes. He commenced rapping out short orders.
The boys, watching breathlessly, saw the guns trained on the
little periscope which, like the reared head of a poisonous
snake, came darting at them with a swiftness which seemed
incredible. Then everything seemed to, happen at once. The
little racer on whose throbbing deck they stood swerved like a
frightened colt. Her guns spoke together; and at the same time
something slim and long cut cleanly through the water and passed
by, missing the Firefly's side so narrowly that the boys felt
their knees weaken under them. The periscope shook as the guns
volleyed again, wavered uncertainly, and sank from sight.
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