Evening star., 1941-03-09

muttering almost there"
But at the same time Mortimer is enter
tanning with a list of its failings, and it is
such long list that am surprised the Navy
is even interested in the plans of such an
obvious flop.
Its slap-happy," he says "Bounces too
much. Wet. Noisy. Skids on the turns. In
short, it's no good"
How does he mean - it skidS on the
turns?' says Doc The back of Pete's ears
are red.
Like this" he says, and throws the wheel
hard over. The boat banks like plane and
naturally throws us off balance, but not any
more than I'd expect.
Mortimer says, "See what | mean? The
Navy boys who ride this bronco will have to
wear more skull and bone padding than
hockey goal tender!' - and Petes ears turn
redder than ever.
He heads for trial speed course laid out
parallel to the beach.
Doc says, Suppose that white thing out
there is an enemy battleship - how would
you sink it?'
"Oh, boy!" says Pete. and swings the boat
around until its nose is pointed right at the
yacht Comanche. Open her up!' he yells
to the engineer "All she's got!' - and the
MTB rises out of the water and skins along
in front of a cloud of mist and spray.
WHEN we get close see girl leaning on
the Comanches rail near the top of the gang
way. She is all girl should be and has thick
blonde hair besides Her dress is very modest,
and her fingers are closed tightly around
shorthand book with pencil attached. Nor
timer waves at her franticaly, but it is not
a greeting He wants her to step back out
of sight but apparently she doesn't under
stand. Neither do |, not until MIR Midge-
ley says, Mortimer, l am surprised to see
Miss Deborah aboard the yacht. You told
me she was at home with her sick mother"
Don't be an old grump, J, j., says Nor
timer Deborah is big girl
You lied to me-" says ]. j., and shakes
his head sadly and keeps on shaking it even
when Mortimer tries to convince him it's all
to the good, because Miss Deborah has
brought along her notebook and he plans to
clean up lot of back correspondence.
The engines of the MTB are droning like
vacuum cleaners, and if Pete is playing war
it is time he swung clear and made believe
firing the torpedoes But his eyes are fixed
on the girl, and just when it seems as if the
scooter will drill hole right through the
Comanche' 3 middle, he bears down hard on
the wheel and we miss collision by inches.
This boat can turn" he says grimly.
Its good turner"
"Whewr' says Mr.. Midgeley, and wipes
his forehead.
You did that on purpose" says Morti-
mer, and he does not refer to the close shave
but to the fact that when the boat made the
turn it threw wall of spray up the side of the
yacht, some of which climbed the rail and
splashed against Miss Deborah He pushes
Pete away from the wheel and brings the
scooter to a stop alongside the gangway.
You'd better take charge going back,
]. j." he says as he hurries up the ladder
mo doubt Pete would be glad to wreck the
MTB if it could be made to look like an acci-
dent"
On the return trip Doc calls for the cards.
Here y'are," | say. Don't see yet what
you got to go by. All that's been solved so
far is Mortimers week end"
But Doc studies the 3x5's one by one,
and when he gets to the last of the stack
see by the satisfied look in his eyes that he's
got the answer. He keeps it to himself until