he went at top speed.

CHAPTER XV

TIDINGS

Two days later O'Connel's first signal came.

Bob was at his early morning task of oiling and tightening up his
apparatus and cleaning it, and both Dick and Walter were hovering
near, watching him and learning all they could concerning the proper
care of the equipment. Having made everything shipshape the young
radio operator slipped the double head receiver over his forehead and
prepared to listen in for his customary interval. Suddenly the boys
saw him start excitedly and motion them to stop talking. With face
alight he was leaning forward eagerly. Then came the sharp click of
the Morse code and after an interval with radiant face the elder lad
wriggled out of his trappings.

"What is it? What is it?" cried his two companions, hardly able to
contain their curiosity.

"It was O'Connel."

"What did he say? Is the dog there? Where was the yacht?"

Breathlessly the questions tumbled one over the other.

"The _Siren_ is anchored off Gloucester and bound north, probably to
Bar Harbor. A dog they call Trixie, but which O'Connel thinks is
Lola, is aboard the boat. The description we gave him seems to fit
her. He says she isn't very well--won't eat and seems either homesick
or seasick. Mr. Daly is quite worried about her."

"For goodness' sake don't tell Dad or Mother that. They'll have a
fit," Dick cried. "Should Lola die I believe my father would shoot
Daly down."

"But I've got to give him the message."

"You needn't repeat all of it, need you?"

"Oh, I think you ought to tell them," Walter put in. "They would
rather know, I'm sure."

"Dad will storm fit to raise the dead."

"We can't help it," answered His Highness.

"I am of the kid's opinion," Bob replied slowly. "I think we should
tell your father and mother the whole truth just as O'Connel has sent
it."

"Prepare for a nice, pleasant tornado, then," said Dick, "for you will
get it all right."

"I wish I could have talked with O'Connel," declared Bob thoughtfully.
"I did all I dared. You see, until our license comes I am not expected
to transmit messages from this station. We have to get from the
government both an operator's license and a permit for the station;
and although I put in the application promptly there is so much red
tape about it that it seems as if the inspector would never show up.
If I had been caught sending a message this morning without these
blooming papers there would hav