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CHAPTER XVII

SHIPS AND SIGNALS

AFTER a hasty thump at the door, Garth flung himself in almost before Joan had time to answer. He came, breathless, to her side where she stood before the bureau.

"Come, quick, Joan!" he cried, in much excitement. "What do you suppose? Some destroyers and their flagship have come in! No, you can't see them from this window; they're in the Bay. I saw them from Mudder's room. They're beginning to signal already. Oh, do come! Never mind your necktie! Help me downstairs, please."

Joan promptly seized upon him, and had reached the living-room before he could protest.

"I didn't mean that you were to carry me," he reproached her. "Get the glasses, please,—or the telescope would be better,—and the code-book, too. It's there beside them on the shelf."

Joan gathered up the outfit and followed Garth, who sat down upon the rocks. There were the destroyers without a doubt,—lean,

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