Page:The Wireless Operator with the U.S. Coast Guard.djvu/223

 had gone again to the cabin and stated his wish. “I know how you feel,” he said. “You would like to see your friend. So would I in similar circumstances. It’s pretty late, but wire him anyway, and ask him to spend the night aboard. You’ve been a real help to me, and I’ll be glad to have your friend come. Arrange with him so that we can send a boat ashore to meet him, and tell Lieutenant Hill when to send it.”

Henry thanked the captain. Elated, he ran to the wireless house and informed the chief electrician of the captain’s order. Mr. Sharp sat down at his key, and in no time was in communication with the wireless man of the Lycoming, who was listening in, in expectation of a call from Henry. Mr. Sharp told him enough to make him understand that there was some difficulty about Henry’s leaving the ship, and that the captain wished him, Roy, to come aboard the Iroquois and spend the night.

Roy came, and was met by a boat. Henry greeted him at the top of the ladder and wrung his hand. He first introduced Roy to the captain, and then took him direct to the radio shack. Mr. Sharp was still there. Henry made the two radio men acquainted, and then the three drew up their chairs, and Henry related briefly the history of his difficulty.

“May I see that coil?”’ asked Roy.