Page:Arthur Stringer - Gun Runner.djvu/291

 the sweat from his face, and remembered that mere contact with them, something that brought the hope and joy of life back to his tired body. He laughed aloud.

"I gave them what they were aching for! They were lying there steaming and baking and fretting for the very one word I sent on to them."

"Then they'll come!"

"Come! Yes, they'll come! They've been lying there whimpering to get up at De Brigard, just like a rat-terrier whimpering to get at a kitten."

He was silent for a moment, as his mind pictured the sudden change, so many miles away, that was flashing and thrilling through all the great gray hulk of that wakened battle-ship, of the signal-bells clanging, the orders being given, the furnaces being stoked, the decks being cleared.

"And before to-morrow night they will be anchored at Puerto Locombia."

"Before to-morrow night?" she repeated, with sinking heart.

"She has to steam all the way from Torreblanca—she can't cover the distance in less than thirty hours under any circumstances.

"But we will be at Puerto Locombia to-day, before nightfall!"