Page:Cornelia Meigs--The island of Appledore.djvu/217

Rh of great fleets for battle, no spectacular  deeds of glory, no frequent chances for the  winning of undying fame. It was to be hard work, unwearying vigilance, dull days of patrolling and long, long nights of watching. So America was to be guarded, so her Allies were to be given aid. It would take many men to do it, and each last one must bear his  full part. He went back along the point and up the beach path, thinking deeply.

What was his surprise on seeing Johann Happs again; he who should have been at  home sleeping was, instead, hurrying toward  the wharf with a bundle under his arm. When Billy called to him he did not stop, merely hastened on the faster. Finally, however, Billy’s flying feet overtook him, the boy’s hand was laid upon his arm and he was forced  to turn about.

“Oh, it’s you!” he exclaimed in evident relief, “I thought it might be some one else.” He fumbled in his pocket. “The hotel clerk had this message for you; I told him I would  deliver it and had almost forgotten all about  it.”

He drew out an envelope and handed it to Billy. It was a cablegram, the answer to the