“They’ve discovered what’s going on!”
Amos made this muttered remark in the ear of his chum when a missile of some sort splashed the water, so that the spray blew across their faces.
Whether the shell had been fired directly at the small boat that was being propelled toward the shore, or simply fell short when sent after the destroyer, they could not say, but nevertheless it was a close shave.
Jack did not answer immediately. His heart was fluttering with suspense, since there could be no telling what might happen next. If the Turks had really discovered the boat through the mists of the early morning there was nothing to hinder them from sending a hail of missiles that way through the medium of a rapid-fire gun.
The two boys were not the only ones who
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 waited with more or less anxiety to discover what their fate was to be. When nothing happened, and seconds passed, with the shore line drawing constantly closer, they began to breathe more freely.
“I guess it’s going to be all right after all,” ventured Amos, in a relieved tone that found an echo in Jack’s heart.
“You see we get the benefit of that bluff now,” the latter explained. “It hides us from the eyes of the Turkish sentries. Perhaps they think they’ve driven the destroyer off before she could drop a boat, and they’re giving all their attention to her right now.”
Whatever the reason might be, both of them felt pleased not to attract the notice of the vigilant enemy. They could by this time see a number of figures dressed in khaki waiting for them on the beach. They were, doubtless, members of the Territorial forces who had effected this landing some little time before, and who yearned to welcome the boat that might be bringing them letters from their far-away homeland.
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Presently the keel ran up on the beach, and as several stout fellows laid hold of the bow the boat was quickly dragged well along, so that those aboard could jump ashore without even getting their feet wet.
The officer from the destroyer did not mean to stay any longer than he could help. That friendly mist might clear away at any minute, when the task of getting back to his boat would present new difficulties.
He said a few words to one of the men, and the newcomers were told to accompany the latter up the bank. The two seamen from the destroyer were ordered to stand by the boat, as their services would be needed presently.
When they made their way up the little bluff, the boys noticed that the path led along what seemed to be a gully. They could easily understand why the Territorials had selected this particular route, since it afforded them a certain measure of protection from the vigilant eyes of the ever-wakeful enemy.
Bending low, they soon found themselves on
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 a little plateau. It was sheltered from above by rocks and trees. At the same time the boys noticed that everyone who crossed this level always did so in more or less haste, bending part way over through excessive caution.
“It’s become a regular habit hereabouts, seems like,” whispered Amos, always noticing things that appeared strange to him, “to duck as you walk. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that a lot of fellows have paid dearly for standing up too straight and making targets of themselves. Then again it may be these Kangaroos from the other side of the world have some queer ways of their own. All the same, I’m doing it myself, thank you.”
In a short time they had reached a tent that stood under an overhanging rock. Undoubtedly this might be called “Headquarters,” for as the Territorials were just “hanging on,” as they called it, at this stage in the invasion of the Gallipoli Peninsula, they could not think of comfort, safety being the first consideration.
An officer was standing at the flap of the khaki
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 tent waiting for them. Information must have been carried to him with regard to the presence of the destroyer, and he could readily guess that the boat carried mail as well as instructions for his guidance.
The officer who had come ashore was anxious to start back. He quickly handed over the mail sack he carried, and received in turn what letters were waiting to go, at the same time remarking:
“These two lads are American boys who are turned over to your care, Colonel. They will be glad to explain how they happened to be aboard the Thunderer. The Vice-Admiral confides them to your guardianship, and begs that you will render them all the assistance in your power. You will pardon me, I am sure, for my brevity, but if I am to get back safely to my boat, I shall have to be in haste.”
“I trust that you will not linger a minute longer,” remarked the stalwart Territorial officer whom the boys had heard addressed as Colonel. “Give my regards to the Vice-Admiral, and
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 assure him I shall take great pleasure in doing as he requests.”
Without waiting any longer, the young officer turned and began to retrace his way down to the beach, though he did think to shake hands with both of the boys before leaving them, wishing them the best of good luck.
No sooner had he left than the Colonel spoke to his guests.
“If you will be seated I may be able to give you attention in a short time. My brave fellows are fairly wild to hear from home, and this is the fattest lot of mail we have had for many days. I shall take great pleasure in listening to your story while we eat our breakfast together; and rest assured that if there is anything I can do to assist you, my services are at your command.”
His manner was so extremely hearty that it was not strange for the two boys to notice it. After he had left them Amos was the first to make a remark.
“Somehow I reckon there’s a considerable difference
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 between these Territorials and the Britishers. It strikes me they resemble us Americans a whole lot, being frank, hearty and breezy. Anyway, I w............