“Certainly I will, and be glad of the opportunity of doing a favor for No. 8. Cheer up, my lad,” he added turning toward Benny who, as the conversation progressed, had been gradually drawing nearer the friendly visitor. “You’re a long ways from leaving this crew yet, and I’ll be surprised if the matter comes out differently from what you wish. With all hands of us to consider which may be the best move, there shouldn’t remain any chance for mistake. Choke back those sobs; go up and put your uniform on, and let me see how you and Fluff C. Foster look on parade.” It was really astonishing what a change Mr. Bradford had wrought by a few commonplace words. The expression of gloom disappeared from all the faces, and the men whose time for going on patrol had arrived set about making ready for the duty with the greatest alacrity. Benny ran up-stairs, eager to do as this kindly friend suggested, and in an instant, as it were, something very like joy reigned where lately all had been mourning. No. 8 displayed himself in all his finery; Fluff performed his tricks in the most approved fashion; the keeper and the surfmen told stories which were not all concerning wrecks and loss of life; the cook made a lobster salad as his portion of the merrymaking, and the evening which had bade fair to be such a gloomy one, was, as all declared, the most enjoyable that had been spent in the station for many a month. Then, promising to report by telephone whenever he should have gained any information, the visitor took his departure, and it was time for Sam Hardy and No. 8 to do their share of patrol work. “Come, lad,” the surfman said cheerily. “I had counted on your stayin’ under cover to-night; but seein’ ’s how you’re likely to hold on here, for I believe Mr. Bradford will fix things accordin’ to our likin’, you may just as well continue to toughen up.” Then the two went out into the night, and it would be difficult to say which carried the lighter heart in his bosom. CHAPTER XIX. THE DECISION. Although Mr. Bradford’s advice and willingness to take charge of Benny’s business had given great relief of mind to all concerned, the fears of the crew concerning the future were by no means dispelled. When the gentleman had stated so positively that several weeks must necessarily elapse before the question could properly be settled, even Benny felt as if a great load of care had suddenly been removed; but on the following morning, after the men had had time to view the matter from every point, there appeared much in it which was not pleasing.