ny corners, and
their conversation had covered a wide field--always, however, turning
upon some military subject--when a church clock tolled out nine times.

"I think we had better return," said Slim, who was beginning to tire
under the long day's strain and excitement.

"Yes," agreed Jerry, "but which way do we go?"

They were, in truth, lost. Uniformed as they were, they were ashamed to
ask directions, and finally agreed that Joe was right in indicating that
they should walk straight southward.

Twelve blocks southward they walked, and the damp, marshy atmosphere
assured them that they were nearing the river, but their only hope now,
as they plodded across desolate and deserted dumps, and even invaded a
truck patch or two, was that they would strike a road that led around to
the navy yard entrance.

"What's that?" exclaimed Jerry in a hoarse whisper, grasping a boy on
either side of him by the arm. "Did you hear?"

"I thought I heard something," averred Slim, also lowering his voice.
"What did it sound like to you?"

"We are almost upon the river bank," said Joe. "It was someone rowing,
but it sounded to me as though they were using muffled oars."

While the boys stopped to listen, the rowing began again, very slowly,
very cautiously, and then there was a muffled splash.

At the same instant a great flashlight to the south began playing first
upon the sky, and then, in a slow arc, down the river and then inland
toward themselves.

Although they did not come quite within its radius, the boat they had
heard was between them and the light! It was a row boat, evidently
heavily laden, for it rode low in the water, and it was occupied by one
man, who was crouching in the bottom as though to avoid discovery!

Just as suddenly as it had appeared, the searchlight was obscured, and
the blackness of the night was more intense by contrast.

"That light was at the navy yard," said Joe, beginning to peel off his
coat. "Jerry, you're a fast runner. By heading straight in the way I'm
looking you ought to be able to get to the yard in ten minutes. Do it as
quickly as you can. Slim will stay here."

By this time Joe had stripped off his shirt and preparing to unlace his
shoes.

"And you," blurted Jerry and Slim, almost at the same instant, but still
in guarded tones, "what are you going to do?"

"I'm as safe as a duck in the water, and almost as noiseless," responded
Joe calmly. "I'm going to swim out and see what is