Page:The Wireless Operator with the U.S. Coast Guard.djvu/196

 the other operator? Then we can arrange our watches.”

Belford summoned Black, who came into the radio shack, yawning. “I guess you’ll have to stand watch for a while, Black,” said Henry. “Things have got a little mixed up in the wireless house, but we’ll get them straightened out shortly. Suppose you stay until breakfast. That won’t be long. Then we can rearrange our watches.”

“That isn’t my regular watch,” said the young radio man, sullenly. “And why should you be telling me what to do, anyway? That’s up to Mr. Sharp.”

“But Mr. Sharp isn’t here,” replied Henry. “He went in one of the boats. I am working with you men. We’ve got to do the best we can under the circumstances. We’ll get things straightened out soon, and back in their old order.”

“And do you think I am going to take orders from you?” said the young operator, insolently.

Henry’s face flushed. An angry light leaped to his eyes, and his fist involuntarily clenched. But he took a grip on himself, and replied very slowly and deliberately: “It isn’t a question of taking orders, Black. The captain has asked me to work with you two men, and the three of us must pull together until we get the ship safe