[Dave Darrin’s Fourth Year at Annapolis by H. Irving Hancock]@TWC D-Link book
Dave Darrin’s Fourth Year at Annapolis

CHAPTER VIII
7/14

The other young gentlemen will go below to study the workings of the engines under Ensign Hastings." Though it was a true pleasure trip for all six of the midshipmen, it was one of hard, brisk instruction all the time.
"Here, you see," explained Lieutenant Jack, leading his trio just forward of the conning tower, "we have a deck wheel for use when needed.

Mr.Somers, give up the wheel." "Aye, aye, sir," and Ensign Eph, who had been sitting at the tower wheel since the start, moved away and came on deck.
"Mr.Darrin, take the wheel," directed Benson.

"Are you familiar with the Bay ?" "Not sufficiently, sir, to be a pilot." "Then I will give you your directions from time to time.

How does this craft mind her wheel ?" "With the lightest touch, sir, that I ever saw in a wheel." "The builders of the 'Dodger' have been working to make the action of the steering wheel progressively lighter with each boat that they have built.

Men on a submarine craft must have the steadiest nerves at all times, and steady nerves do not go hand in hand with muscle fatigue." Lieutenant Jack walked to the entrance to the conning tower.
"Mallock!" he called down to one of the crew.
"Aye, aye, sir." "My compliments to Mr.Hastings, and ask him to crowd the speed of the boat gradually." "Aye, aye, sir." The "Dodger" had been moving down the bay at a ten-knot pace.
Suddenly she gave a jump that caused Midshipman Dave Darrin to wonder.


<<Back  Index  Next>>

D-Link book Top

TWC mobile books