Page:Barbour--For the freedom from the seas.djvu/47

 "It's a sight better spread than they deserve," grunted the gunner. "Axle grease is what those criminals ought to have. Help me with this jacket, will you?"

Nelson lent a hand and the canvas covering was drawn back over the gun and laced tight. Staples wiped his hands thoughtfully on a bunch of waste. "Know what I'd rather have happen than a plate of beans and a quart of coffee, Chatty?" he asked, gazing westward over the plunging bow. Nelson didn't and said so. "Well, I'd rather see a U-boat come up right over where that gull's dipping. That's my rather."

"You're likely to see it," laughed Nelson.

"Why shouldn't I?" demanded the other. "What's the use of us fellers kiting around here if there's never going to be any fun? Mark my words, Chatty, some day you're going to be surprised. Government isn't paying us wages to give us sea trips. Not by a long shot! We're here because we're needed here. It's Lanky Staples that's telling you!"