He studied the approaching ship for a few minutes. "We will raise
the lid of the conning tower and unfurl the Stars and Stripes from
the periscope pole," he said finally.
"If it is a French destroyer we will soon find out; if it proves to
be a German vessel let's hope we will have time to submerge and give
him a torpedo. Will you take the flag aloft, Mr. Wainwright?" asked
the _Dewey's_ officer.
Saluting, Ted took the proffered flag and declared he was ready to
start forthwith.
Making a slip knot of the line, he motioned for the hatch to be lifted
and raised himself out of the turret as the lid swung upward.
The waves were dashing against the projection of steel and lashed
their salty spray over the lad as he wrapped his legs about the
slippery pole and began to climb. It was difficult work as the
vessel lurched in the turbulent sea, but Ted persevered and succeeded
in throwing the noose over the end of the pole above the eye of the
periscope. Sliding deftly back again, unfurling the flag as he came,
he was soon safe again in the conning tower.
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