Page:The Wireless Operator with the U.S. Coast Guard.djvu/156

 preparing. Henry returned to the cabin. The lieutenant was gone. The commander was pulling on his oilskins.

“Where can I get a slicker?” Henry inquired.

“Ask Rollin. He will get you one.”

The captain pulled on his sou’wester, tied the strings under his chin, and mounted to the deck. Henry rang for Rollin and stated his wish. The attendant brought boots, hat, and slicker. Henry pulled on a sweater, buttoned his coat up tight, and pulled on the waterproofs.

The gust of wind that struck him as he came out of the companionway sent him reeling back against that structure. He could hardly catch his breath. The driving sheets of rain blinded him. He fought his way forward, and entered the radio shack. The chief electrician was copying down a message. It was an order for the Iroquois to go to the rescue of the Capitol City. But Henry knew that it was not needed. Already the Iroquois was prepared to get under way.

Henry took the message to the bridge. and handed it to the commander. “Tell Sparks to wire that we are leaving Boston to help the Capitol City,” shouted the captain.

Henry carried the message to Mr. Sharp and watched him send it. Then he went back to the bridge. The rain beat on him as irresistibly as