Page:The Wireless Operator with the U.S. Coast Guard.djvu/198

 companion. “What do you suppose ails that fellow, Black?”

“I don’t know. None of us can make him out. He’s been snappy and surly ever since he came aboard a few months ago. He’s lazy—too lazy to study and practice and become a really good operator. But he is quick and reads wireless calls very well. He spends most of his time smoking cigarettes and reading dime novels. He’s simply crazy to use the wireless. He thinks he’s a great operator. The chief electrician would be glad to let him practice under his own supervision, the way he does with me. But he doesn’t want either of us to send when he isn’t present. He’s afraid we might burn out something. I don’t want to knock Black, but I’d be afraid to have him monkey with any machine I was responsible for myself. He’s the most careless, reckless fellow I ever saw.”

“But why should he take such an apparent dislike to me?” demanded Henry. “I’m a complete stranger to him. He hasn’t any possible reason for disliking me.”

“He thinks he has,” said Belford.

“He does? What is it?”

“Why, Mr. Sharp let you send a message on the wireless outfit yourself.”

“But Mr. Sharp was right beside me, to make sure I did no harm.”