A bloody bandage half hid the face of one of them, the other
nursed a hand bundled in rough, soiled cloths.
Colonel Bright tried to speak. Words failed him. He gulped
feebly, and waved a hand at the apparitions. They stepped
forward and wearily saluted.
"Yes, Sir, it's us!" said the scarecrow with the bandage.
Porky and Beany had come back!
CHAPTER XIV
THE TWINS BEGIN THEIR STORY
With scarcely a look at the still trussed-up figures on the deck,
Colonel Bright rushed forward, and in a second had the two boys
in his arms.
"Please, Colonel, can't we go down to your cabin? I rather guess
we are all in." Porky swayed against the Colonel's broad
shoulder.
The Colonel beckoned to a couple of his men who were standing
near. They dashed forward, and almost carried the exhausted boys
down into the Colonel's roomy cabin.
"Not a word now, boys, until we get you comfortable. Are you
hungry?"
The boys looked at each other.
"I guess we are starved," Beany managed to pipe in a small voice.
Captain Greene went to the door and gave a quick order. A couple
of men got them out of their rags and into fresh pajamas. Then a
light meal came in.
Porky heaved a sigh. "I suppose you want to know about it," he
said.
Pages:
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138