Page:Barbour--For the freedom from the seas.djvu/181

 again, a precarious proceeding with the little craft trying her best to turn upside down.

"Wind about forty, I think, and a bad sea. I could see nothing up there."

"Nor I," replied the captain. He picked up the mouthpiece of a voice tube. "Collins? Try to get the flagship, please. Stiles, code our position and ask for orders. Report that we're recharging batteries and shall submerge again in about four hours."

Nelson pulled his boots on with difficulty, rocking about on the bunk, and had just succeeded when Martin climbed down from above like a monkey, yawning and blinking, to subside at Nelson's side.

"We're up, aren't we?" he inquired sleepily. "Fine little sea on, I must say. We'll have four or five hours of this now while they make juice. Oh, gee, why did I ever leave home?" He yawned dismally. "This thing of being a bloomin' hero isn't what it's cracked up to be, Nep. Listen to that! Sometimes I wish this old sardine can had a double hull! Wouldn't you think those seas meant to come right on in and sit in your lap? Well, no more sleep while we're dancing around up here, that's sure and certain! Say, wouldn't 156