“Hum; don’t know about the ‘brave sailor’ part of it,” smiled Ned Strong pleasantly, as the dark-skinned speaker halted him and his companion Herc Taylor in the shadow of the gray wall of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. “We are on board the Beale, though, or will be shortly.”
The man who had addressed the two stalwart, sunburned young fellows wearing the natty1 uniform of Uncle Sam’s sea-fighters flourished his silver-headed cane2 as if in token of having attained3 an object.
“The Beale—the torpedo-boat destroyer?” he asked, as if he were anxious to make quite sure of his ground.
“Yes, sir,” said Ned, briskly taking up his suit-case, as if about to start off again. He had set down the piece of baggage when the stranger first addressed them.
“One moment,” demanded the fashionably dressed first speaker, who spoke4 with a trace of foreign accent, “since you are on board that craft, you must come with me.”
Ned looked astonished at the other’s brusque manner of address. As for Herc Taylor, the red-headed, his freckles5 shone pinkly under his tan.
“I guess you’re a foreigner, sir, aren’t you?” he asked gently.
“Why, yes, senor,” the other twisted his little waxed mustache nervously6, “but I——”
“I guessed it,” went on Herc serenely7, “because in the United States we have a foolish habit of saying ‘please’ if we wish anything done.”
“Well, ‘please,’ then, senor. Come, I wish to talk with you, please. I know a place, not equal to the Hotel Espanola, perhaps, but where we can get a good drink——”
“Count us out then,” snapped Ned sharply, “we don’t drink.”
The stranger placed his thumb and forefinger8 together, elevated them to a level with his chin and, after gazing at them for a second, gave a light:
“Pouf!”
“He’ll blow away if he does that again,” muttered Herc. But apparently9 the man of the waxed mustache had been only taking this way of dismissing any possible offense10 he might have caused. He bowed low.
“Ah, well, I have made a mistake, I see. Of course not. Zee brave sailors of the Uncle Sam do not drink, nevaire. Perhaps, then, you will do me the honor of accompanying me to that drug store at the corner. I see they sell ice-cream sodas11 there. Will you try one of those?”
This was touching13 Herc Taylor in a weak spot.[8] He gazed at his companion inquiringly. But Ned Strong’s eyes were riveted14 on the small wicket gate which opened in the long, gray-painted wall, a few feet from where they were standing16. The wall inclosed the humming hive of activity known as the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Inside the gate stood a marine17, sharply scanning all arrivals. It was his duty to protect the gateway18 to one of Uncle Sam’s ship hospitals, where everything from a rib19 to a rivet15 can be adjusted or replaced, even on the largest Dreadnoughts.
“We ought to report at ten-thirty. It’s ten now,” he said, gazing at a handsome gold watch he had just drawn20 out of his breast pocket. Inside the case it bore an inscription21, “Presented to Ned Strong from Henry Varian, in slight token of the inestimable services rendered by him at Guantanamo, Cuba.”
Readers of the “Dreadnought Boys on Battle Practice” will recall the occasion which Mr. Varian, the inventor of the powerful explosive Chaosite, had thus chosen to commemorate22. The watch had been presented to Ned Strong, as an[9] ordinary seaman23 on board the big Dreadnought Manhattan. At the risk of his own life he had saved Mr. Varian from some rascals24 who had abducted25 him, and under the threat of blowing him up, had tried to compel the inventor to give up the formula of his explosive and the blue prints of a patent gun-breech of his devising for handling the stuff. It was Ned Strong’s ingenuity26 and pluck, it will be recalled, which had resulted in the plans of these men being a complete failure, and in their all being sentenced to long prison terms.
Closely following on this adventure, for which he received the congratulations of his own commander and also of the rear-admiral of the fleet, Ned Strong and Herc Taylor had behaved with singular gallantry just after the eruption28 in the forward turret29 of a dreaded30 “flareback.” At great risk they closed the safety doors, which had jammed, and then carried several unconscious men, including Lieutenant31 Timmons, the officer in charge, from the inferno32 of smoke and deadly gas. For this, readers of that volume will[10] recall, both had been awarded medals of honor. Thus, in a few short months following their enlistment33 from the remote New York State village of Lamb’s Corners, both had become national heroes—that is, during the brief period of public memory. Had the recollection of their gallant27 deed not died out in the public mind, it is doubtful if the man who had accosted34 them would have chosen just these two youths who had so fully35 deeded their lives to their country and their flag.
“All right, we will go with you,” said Ned briskly, as if he had suddenly come to some private conclusion.
“Ah, zat is good,” smiled the dark-skinned individual. “I am glad you have come to zat determination.”
He started briskly off, headed for the drug store and followed by the two young man-of-war’s men.
As the boys were a short distance behind him, they had an opportunity to exchange a word or two as they went.
“Say, Ned,” began Herc, in a tone of remonstrance36, “what’s the matter with you?”
“You don’t like the looks of that fellow?”
“No more than I like the looks of a skunk37 with its tail swung toward me.”
“Hush, he may hear you. I’ve got a good reason for going with him.”
“All right, then. What you say goes.”
This brief exchange of words brought them to the drug store, the interior of which looked cool and inviting38, in contrast with the glaring sidewalk, for it was a hot day in early June.
Presently the trio were seated at a small table in the rear of the store, which was empty for the moment of customers.
“Ah, that sounds good,” exclaimed Herc approvingly, as the long, cool fizz-z-z-z of the fountain announced that their refreshments39 were being drawn.
The stranger bent40 forward as the red-headed lad spoke, and in a cautious voice said:
“But I have something to talk to you about which will sound bettaire.”
“So?” said Ned carelessly, as the soda12 glasses were placed in front of them, and Herc at once buried his nose in pink, creamy foam41, “What is it?”
“Hush! Do not speak so loud. I don’t want it that any one should hear us.”
“Oh, then, it’s sort of secret business?”
“Zat is eet. You are a young man of penetration42.”
“You’d say so if you saw him wading43 into any one he doesn’t like,” grinned Herc, setting down his empty glass and investigating its depths with a spoon.
The clerk was instantly at his elbow. The stranger looked up angrily at the store attendant.
“What are you doing listening here?” he demanded sharply.
“I wasn’t listening,” expostulated the aggrieved44 clerk, “I came to see if this gentleman wanted any more.”
“Bring us all three some, and then keep away,”[13] grunted45 the black-mustached foreigner aggressively.
“Make mine vanilla46 this time,” ordered Herc.
“One nevaire knows who may be a spy,” explained the stranger, as the clerk brought the new order, and then busied himself, out of earshot, in the front of the store.
“Well, we’re not afraid of any spies,” returned Herc Taylor, giving the stranger a searching look.
“Oh, no, of course not. Zee brave sailor of Uncle Sam——”
“Never mind that,” interrupted Ned, “you brought us here, you said, to talk to us about something important—what?”
“You young men have heard of the Republic of Costaveza?”
“Of course, that tamale-eating South American merry-go-round,” blurted47 out Herc, “that’s where the Beale is bound for—so I heard,” he added rather confusedly. He had caught Ned’s eye, and he thought it held a reproof48 for his outspokenness49.
“You are pairfectly right,” assented50 the other. “Now, there is an opportunity to make what you call zee big money down there, for two bright young men like you.”
“How?” inquired Ned bluntly.
This directness seemed to confuse somewhat the dark-skinned man, who, like most of his race, which was Latin-American, preferred intrigues51 and dark hints to coming straight to the point.
“Why,” he began, and then paused, as if searching for a word, “by—by keeping zee eyes open.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Let me explain. The Republic of Costaveza is now in a state of revolution.”
The boys nodded.
“The United States government is not friendly to the rebels, but dare not show zat this ees the case. It would not be consistent with her policies to interfere52.”
“Well, what’s all this got to do with us?” asked Ned in the same direct way. He was growing[15] to like the mysterious manner of the stranger less and less.
“Wait a moment, and you will see. In Costaveza there are, however, many very important American interests—mining, lumber53, asphalt and so on. In the event of the rebels gaining power—which Heaven soon send—the policy of the new government would be Costaveza for the Costavezans. You follow me?”
“You mean that if the rebellion succeeds the property of the Americans, which they have paid for and developed, will be confiscated54. Is that it?” questioned Ned.
“Exactly. Now, as I said, the United States dares not openly interfere. Her treaties with other nations prevent that. But just the same, she wishes to look after her citizens.”
“You bet she does,” put in Herc fervently55.
“Now, the rebels are well armed. They have modern guns and equipment of every kind. Where has this been coming from?”
“Search me,” blurted out Herc, on whose freckled[16] countenance56 the other’s dark eyes had fixed57 themselves.
“Hush, Herc!” reproved Ned. “Go on, sir.”
“It has come from the outside, from the good friends of the rebellion. Now, the only way to prevent the rebels winning the day is to head off their arms. Therefore, the American government sends a destroyer down there to guard her interests—but secretly, mind you.”
“Why don’t they send the fleet down there and blow the rebels into the sea?” asked Herc, who had not noted58 a fact which Ned’s keen observation had instantly taken in, and that was that the dark-skinned man was decidedly pro-rebel in his feelings. Carefully as he had tried to mask it in his talk, this fact stuck out to Ned as plainly as the nose on his face.
“That would not be diplomacy,” rejoined the stranger airily.
“No, but fine judgment,” added Herc sagely59.
“Now, the point is this,” resumed the stranger, not noticing, or not deigning60 to notice, Herc’s remark, “we want to know what is going on on board the Beale every moment that she lies off the coast of Costaveza.”
“Oh, you do, do you?” thought Ned to himself. But aloud he said innocently:
“Did you say we, sir?”
“Yes. Why should I disguise it?” said the stranger, his eyes lighting61 up enthusiastically. “I am a patriot62. The heart of Jules Charbonde bleeds for his unhappy country, and so——”
“And so, being a patriot yourself,” snapped out Ned, with blazing eyes, “you have come to ask us to betray our country.”
“Oh, no. Do not use so harsh a word, I beg of you. Not betray, but report what she is doing.”
“That is a very fine distinction,” said Ned in musing63 tone. The other, struck by his thoughtful tone and posture64, too hastily assumed that his errand was complete. He extended a roll of bills and shoved them across the table, having first cautiously looked around him.
“You will make your reports when you arrive at Boca del Sierras, the principal city of Costaveza,”[18] he said, “when your shore boat docks, a man will approach you and say, ‘A carriage, senors.’ You will go with him, and he will bring you to a place outside the city. Then you can make your reports, and——”
“Then we get more money?” inquired Ned in level tone, although danger signals gleamed in his eyes.
“Why, yes. You see, your services will be very valuable. You can keep us informed of every move of the Beale. But now place that money in your pocket.”
“I don’t think so; I’ve another use for it,” said Ned quietly.
“Another use for it, senor, why——”
“This!” shot out the Dreadnought Boy, springing to his feet and flinging the roll of bills at the South American agent. It hit the dark-skinned fellow full in the face, and with such force was it hurled65 that a dark patch burned out against his countenance where it had struck. Jules Charbonde’s skin went a sickly yellow. His eyes glittered as balefully as a serpent’s.
“So,” he snarled66, “you insult a South American gentleman?”
“Gentleman!” scoffed67 Ned, “We’ve another name for fellows who practice your sort of trade.”
The clerk, alarmed at the sound of loud voices, came hastening up.
“What’s the matter?” he demanded.
“How much is the bill?” asked Ned.
“Sixty cents. You had——”
“Here’s a dollar. Never mind the change. Come, Herc, let’s get out of here, or I’ll feel tempted68 to give that fellow a lesson.”
Together the two Dreadnought Boys hastened from the drug store, but the eyes of Jules Charbonde followed them with a menacing glint.
He raised his hand to his face, where the red spot still showed angrily.
“I’ll make you sorry for this,” he snarled, in his turn leaving the shop.
Suddenly he wheeled sharply. A hand had been laid on his elbow.
“I’d like to speak to you a minute,” said a low voice almost in his ear.
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收听单词发音
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1
natty
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| adj.整洁的，漂亮的 | |
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cane
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| n.手杖，细长的茎，藤条；v.以杖击，以藤编制的 | |
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3
attained
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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4
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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5
freckles
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| n.雀斑，斑点( freckle的名词复数 ) | |
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6
nervously
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| adv.神情激动地，不安地 | |
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7
serenely
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| adv.安详地，宁静地，平静地 | |
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8
forefinger
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| n.食指 | |
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9
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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10
offense
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| n.犯规，违法行为；冒犯，得罪 | |
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sodas
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| n.苏打( soda的名词复数 )；碱；苏打水；汽水 | |
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12
soda
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| n.苏打水；汽水 | |
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13
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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14
riveted
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| 铆接( rivet的过去式和过去分词 )； 把…固定住； 吸引； 引起某人的注意 | |
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15
rivet
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| n.铆钉；vt.铆接，铆牢；集中(目光或注意力) | |
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16
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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17
marine
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| adj.海的；海生的；航海的；海事的；n.水兵 | |
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18
gateway
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| n.大门口，出入口，途径，方法 | |
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rib
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| n.肋骨，肋状物 | |
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drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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inscription
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| n.（尤指石块上的）刻印文字，铭文，碑文 | |
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22
commemorate
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| vt.纪念，庆祝 | |
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seaman
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| n.海员，水手，水兵 | |
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rascals
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| 流氓( rascal的名词复数 )； 无赖； （开玩笑说法）淘气的人（尤指小孩）； 恶作剧的人 | |
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25
abducted
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| 劫持，诱拐( abduct的过去式和过去分词 )； 使（肢体等）外展 | |
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26
ingenuity
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| n.别出心裁；善于发明创造 | |
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27
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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28
eruption
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| n.火山爆发；（战争等）爆发；（疾病等）发作 | |
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turret
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| n.塔楼，角塔 | |
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30
dreaded
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| adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词) | |
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lieutenant
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| n.陆军中尉，海军上尉；代理官员，副职官员 | |
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32
inferno
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| n.火海；地狱般的场所 | |
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33
enlistment
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| n.应征入伍，获得，取得 | |
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34
accosted
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| v.走过去跟…讲话( accost的过去式和过去分词 )；跟…搭讪；（乞丐等）上前向…乞讨；（妓女等）勾搭 | |
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35
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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36
remonstrance
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| n抗议，抱怨 | |
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37
skunk
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| n.臭鼬，黄鼠狼；v.使惨败，使得零分；烂醉如泥 | |
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38
inviting
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| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
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39
refreshments
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| n.点心,便餐;(会议后的)简单茶点招 待 | |
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40
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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41
foam
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| v./n.泡沫，起泡沫 | |
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42
penetration
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| n.穿透，穿人，渗透 | |
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43
wading
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| （从水、泥等）蹚，走过，跋( wade的现在分词 ) | |
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44
aggrieved
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| adj.愤愤不平的，受委屈的；悲痛的；（在合法权利方面）受侵害的v.令委屈，令苦恼，侵害( aggrieve的过去式)；令委屈，令苦恼，侵害( aggrieve的过去式和过去分词) | |
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45
grunted
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| （猪等）作呼噜声( grunt的过去式和过去分词 )； （指人）发出类似的哼声； 咕哝着说 | |
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46
vanilla
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| n.香子兰，香草 | |
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47
blurted
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| v.突然说出，脱口而出( blurt的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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48
reproof
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| n.斥责，责备 | |
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49
outspokenness
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50
assented
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| 同意，赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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51
intrigues
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| n.密谋策划( intrigue的名词复数 )；神秘气氛；引人入胜的复杂情节v.搞阴谋诡计( intrigue的第三人称单数 )；激起…的好奇心 | |
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52
interfere
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| v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰 | |
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53
lumber
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| n.木材，木料；v.以破旧东西堆满；伐木；笨重移动 | |
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54
confiscated
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| 没收，充公( confiscate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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55
fervently
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| adv.热烈地，热情地，强烈地 | |
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56
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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57
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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58
noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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59
sagely
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| adv. 贤能地，贤明地 | |
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60
deigning
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| v.屈尊，俯就( deign的现在分词 ) | |
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61
lighting
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| n.照明，光线的明暗，舞台灯光 | |
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62
patriot
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| n.爱国者，爱国主义者 | |
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63
musing
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| n. 沉思，冥想 adj. 沉思的, 冥想的 动词muse的现在分词形式 | |
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64
posture
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| n.姿势，姿态，心态，态度；v.作出某种姿势 | |
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65
hurled
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| v.猛投，用力掷( hurl的过去式和过去分词 )；大声叫骂 | |
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66
snarled
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| v.（指狗）吠，嗥叫， （人）咆哮( snarl的过去式和过去分词 )；咆哮着说，厉声地说 | |
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67
scoffed
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| 嘲笑，嘲弄( scoff的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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68
tempted
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| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
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