Whistler, however, with his usual cautiousness, steadied his friend. “There is no use making such an application now, George,” he said. “There will be none of this ‘ghost-talk’ in the air at this hour.” “Oh!” “You know, they only hear those messages in the afternoon watch. That is the only time, in all probability, that your sister can get to the radio. The rest of the time, perhaps, the regular radio man is on duty, and he is probably in league with the mutineers.” “My goodness, Phil!” ejaculated Belding, “that word ‘mutineers’ makes me tremble.” “It suggests the rough stuff, all right,” agreed the Seacove lad. “I hope my sisters and your folks will not be treated too outrageously by the gang that has got possession of your father’s ship.” “If we could only find them! We’re tied here on this old iron pot--” “Hold on! Don’t malign the _Colodia_. We may be glad for their sakes that we are on this destroyer.” “I don’t see it. I wish I was on the _Redbird_.” “A fat chance! With those Germans committing acts of barratry like painting out the _Redbird’s_ name! That shows they are desperate men. And what could we do to them if we were in their power?” “What help can we give the folks from this distance?” groaned Belding. “This is a matter that will have to be brought to the attention of the Old Man, George. I am going to speak to Mr. MacMasters and ask him to get us a chance to interview Commander Lang.” “Will he listen to us, do you think?” “Of course he will,” said Whistler with confidence. The two friends could scarcely sleep in their watch below, and in the morning their anxiety was apparent to the other boys. Whistler watched for his chance and spoke to Ensign MacMasters. The ensign would do anything within reason for Whistler and his friends. He considered the four Seacove lads about the finest boys aboard the _Colodia_. Upon hearing the story of the mystery message he became vastly interested. He went to see Sparks first of all, and then hurried to Commander Lang’s cabin. One reason why Mr. MacMasters was so eager to see the commander was because Sparks had told him that during the previous evening an operator at the Weather Bureau station at Arlington, Virginia, had asked the _Colodia’s_ chief radio man: “Have you caught message being put out for _Colodia_?” While a radio man on the troopship _Kinkadia_ demanded: “Anybody named Belding on _Colodia_? He appears to be wanted by a ham.” Which was not a very respectful way of referring to George’s sister. It showed, however, that Lilian’s uncertain sending was attracting attention at several points. It was mid-forenoon before the two friends were called into the presence of Commander Lang. Belding was bashful and allowed Whistler to do most of the talking. And he was impressed by the ease and coolness with which his friend went about the matter.