The Ocean Wireless Boys on War Swept Seas

A cable was despatched to America, telling of Tom Juke’s safety.

Pottle, the young photographer, cabled his paper, asking for permission to remain in the battle zone. This was granted.

So the trio – Jack, Bill and Tom – said farewell to Pottle.

“When I get back – possible – the paper will make – hurrah! – look me up – eh?”

“We sure will, old top,” promised Tom.

The voyage across was without incident, save that, as was expected, they were stopped by British warships.

So, one fine morning, unannounced, Jack called upon Uncle Toby Ready. The old tar gave vent to a great cry of joy. Though Jack had often been away for long periods, Uncle Toby never fully knew the thrilling adventure Jack had participated in. Now there was no hiding of the truth. The war was at hand. The Germans were sweeping everything before them. How had it fared with Jack? This uncertainty had worried Uncle Toby. He felt that he would never be able to forgive himself, had anything happened to Jack.

When the first greetings were over, Uncle Toby could not help but ask about his Golden Embrocation and Universal Remedy for Man and Beast.

“Did you meet up with the King of England?” he queried.

“No, Uncle Toby,” laughed Jack, “I did not.”

“Be it so with the Kaiser?”

“No, not the Kaiser, either.”

“How now – was it the Czar?”

Jack shook his head.

“But made a – use of ’em?”

“Yes,” replied Jack with a twinkle in his eye. “I did make – ”

At this moment there came a sharp rap on the door. Jack opened it, and a messenger, upon ascertaining who he was, handed him a telegram.

“What now?” demanded Uncle Toby.

Jack tore open the envelope. The inclosed sheet read:

“Congratulations and grateful appreciation. Report immediately.

    “Jacob Jukes.”

“Yeou ain’t a-goin’ back to Europe!” declared Uncle Toby emphatically.

“Don’t worry, Uncle,” replied Jack. “I don’t think it is for that Mr. Jukes wants me.”

“Well, if he don’t,” replied the old captain, “give ’im a bottle of my Golden Embrocation and Universal Remedy for Man and Beast with my compliments.”

“All right,” laughed Jack as he put the bottle in his pocket, never intending, of course, to carry out the errand.

Jack found Mr. Jukes in earnest conversation with his son, Tom. However, the moment Jack entered, father and son arose.

“Jack,” said Mr. Jukes, extending his hand, “let me thank you.”

It was said sincerely and simply. Their handclasp was hearty and true.

Mr. Jukes began to pace the office.

Tom looked at Jack and winked.

“Young man,” suddenly said Mr. Jukes, sternly addressing Jack, “you are bound to succeed in life. You have the makings. You have your trade – or shall I call it profession? But operating wireless is not everything. You can be a wireless operator all your life and your salary will be your only means of keeping the wolf from the door. Too many of our people have to depend on that means of support. Some day I feel it will be different. At all events, I shall make a beginning with you. So Tom and I have decided to give you a number of shares in our Combine.”

Thereupon Mr. Jukes went on to explain the value of the shares, instructing Jack just what he should do with them. To tell the truth, Jack had never troubled himself very much with the intricacies of stock values.

Finally Jack left Mr. Jukes’ office feeling like a millionaire.

“Strange,” mused Jack, “that this good fortune should come to me when thousands of others are losing their all in Europe.”

Feeling thus satisfied, Jack decided to acquaint Helen Dennis with the good news. As he strolled down to the dock, he could not help but note that in so far as New York was concerned, the war did not exist. People went about their business in their accustomed way. Beyond the usual set or serious expression characteristic of the average New Yorker when he is engaged in earning his dividends or salary, as the case may be in different instances and walks of life, the average person seemed absolutely unconcerned of the World Tragedy that was unfolding itself across the sea.

At the docks, however, there was increased activity. The demand upon American ammunition and commodities had jumped by leaps and bounds. Shippers were reaping a harvest.

The Silver Star, Captain Dennis’ ship, was in port. Jack had little difficulty in getting aboard. Captain Dennis was delighted to see Jack. He could spare but little time, so when Jack had told him only briefly of his experiences, the wise tar, his eyes twinkling with mischief, said:

“Really, Jack, don’t you think Helen would be more interested in your adventures?”

Jack blushed.

“Never mind, lad,” laughed the captain, “we all have those days, you know.”

So Jack made his way to the captain’s cabin.

But let us say nothing more of them; rather let us ask what became of Bill Raynor?

CHAPTER XLI

WAR IN TIMES OF PEACE

Just before Jack called upon his Uncle Toby, Bill had expressed a desire to stroll about the Great City.

“You see,” Bill said in explanation, “the sight of old New York makes me glad to be back again. They say it’s a selfish place. Well, perhaps there are towns that make you feel more at home, but once you know Manhattan’s ways, you don’t want to change!”

“Have it your way,” agreeably laughed Jack.

So they parted for the time being.

Feeling hungry, Bill decided to visit one of the select downtown restaurants his purse seldom allowed him to patronize. Now, as the reader will remember, Bill had no need to worry over funds – at any rate, not for the immediate future.

Bill thoroughly enjoyed his meal. He left the restaurant feeling like a prince.