"Is that
you, Braylesford?"
"Aye, Ennerling, and a shabby old trick you've played on us!"
Commander Ennerling's hearty laughter came up from below.
"Captain John Benson, the young man who came over your stern rail, is
the genius who planned the joke," called up Ennerling.
"But with your approval, eh?"
"Of course, Braylesford."
"Then, Ennerling, I'm sorry I can't have the pleasure of putting you in
irons," nodded Lieutenant Commander Braylesford, dryly.
"Let down a rope ladder, and I'll come aboard for a moment, Braylesford."
The watch lieutenant, who had hurried aft at this juncture, stood
waiting respectfully for a word with his superior.
"What have you to report, Lieutenant?" demanded Braylesford.
"We stopped, sir, to rescue a boy afloat on a door. He's in bathing
suit, and gives none but the most idiotic replies to my questions."
"He must be part of this outfit," retorted the lieutenant commander,
pointing below at the submarine, at which the watch lieutenant was now
staring with wide-open eyes.
"Yes; that's Eph Somers, one of our crew," smiled Captain Jack. "He was
turned loose on the door to take up your attention, while we did the
tie-behind trick."
A rope ladder having been lowered, Commander Ennerling, by nimble use of
the tow-line, had succeeded in reaching it, and he now came over the
rail, chuckling.
"It's on the '_Massapequa_,' I admit," grinned Braylesford.
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