Page:Ruth of the U.S.A. (IA ruthofusa00balm).pdf/122

 older than Gerry Hull or herself—as he went about his business with the officers of the Ribot. if any shame for recreancy of his country had ever stirred him, it had left no mark; he was confident and competent—not proud but quite sure of himself and of his service. She looked for Gerry Hull to see whether he observed this one of their people; she looked to see whether Captain Forraker and "1582" also saw him. And she found that "1582" was the first to make opportunity to meet the American officer and compliment him.

"You chaps might have been blowing up U-boats for a thousand years!"

The pounding and hammering in the engine rooms was resulting in thrust again from the port engine. The Ribot started under steam and ran through an area of water all iridescent with floating oil. Bits of wood and cloth scraps floated in the oil—bits which men scooped up to preserve for proof that the depth charges, which the Starke had dropped there, had burst and destroyed a German submarine.

Gerry Hull had gone below to look into the hospital again. Ruth had offered to aid there but, having no experience, she was not accepted. So Hubert Lennon found her on deck and went to the rail with her while they watched the recovery of these relics from the sea. It had been his first experience, as well as hers, with the frightful mercilessness of modern battle; he had been made sick—a little—by what he had seen. He could not conceal it; his sensitive, weak eyes were big; he was very pale; his hand was unsteady as he lit a cigarette.

"Queer—isn't it?—queer that they should want to