Page:The Wireless Operator with the U.S. Coast Guard.djvu/178

 “I can,” said Henry quietly.

“Then try to get in touch with this land station. I don’t know which one it is. I thought that we were opposite Truro. We're somewhere in that neighborhood. Find which station it 1s, and ask how many men got ashore.”

“But what about Belford?’ asked Henry. “He’s the regular assistant. Oughtn’t he to do it?”

The captain glared angrily at Henry. Then he comprehended what was in the boy’s mind. “Send Belford to me,” he said. “It’s no time for etiquette now. I want action.”

“You shall have it,” said Henry, and he hastened to the radio shack.

“Belford,” he said, as he closed the door to shut out the howl of the wind, “the captain has asked me to send a message. He wants you to report to the bridge.”

Henry sat down at the desk, hastily searched through the list of Coast Guard station calls, and began combing the air with the wireless to carry out the captain’s wishes. Meantime young Belford mounted to the bridge and stood before his commander.

“Young man,” said the captain, “Mr. Harper is going to take charge of the wireless. He’s a former government operator and has had much experience. I am sorry to go over your head,