The Ocean Wireless Boys on the Pacific by John Henry Goldfrap

Author:John Henry Goldfrap
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781776598991
Publisher: The Floating Press

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"It's very peculiar that Donald should have undergone such a sudden change of front," said Jack later that evening, following the boy's strange way of receiving Mr. Jukes' proposal. "He certainly appeared to want to go along the worst way a few hours ago."

"I can't help thinking that he has been up to some mischief," replied Billy. "He's got himself a new outfit somewhere and I saw him paying his hotel bill."

"Well, at any rate that's a laudable act," laughed Jack. "After all, we are not much concerned with anything that he does now."

"No, that's true. By-the-way, how is that wireless idea of yours for a portable set getting along?"

"First rate; I've got it all worked out on paper and have cut the weight down to fifty pounds without the aerials."

"Good for you. I've got a notion we can make a lot of use of it."

"At any rate it won't be much of an extra load and it might get us out of a tight place, who can tell?"

After some further talk the boys decided to turn in, as they had to be up early the next day. It was a hot, close night when the heavens seemed to be pressed down like a brazen lid on a pot. Far off, flashes of lightning illuminated the distant sky toward the mountains where, for all they knew, the millionaire's abducted brother might be concealed.

"Phew! It's warm," exclaimed Jack. "I guess I'll take a bath before I turn in."

The boys' bedroom was typical of hotels in that part of the world. Its floor was bare except for a strip of matting. There were two beds in it, hung with mosquito netting curtains, and a tiny wash basin and jug. An old-fashioned bell-pull hung near one of the beds and Jack decided to give it a tug and order a bath, when one of the native "bell boys" appeared. After a long interval, one of the barefooted functionaries of the hotel arrived. Jack made his wants known and the man hurried off again without a word.

"That's odd," commented Jack, "but I guess he's gone to fill it and will be back directly to say it's ready."

They waited for some time before a soft patter of bare feet was heard in the hall and two of the native servants entered carrying between them a barrel. Another followed with a sort of dipper made out of a cocoanut.

The boys stared in amazement as the men advanced to the middle of the room and solemnly set down the barrel and then stood about waiting with an expectant look on their faces.

"What in the world is all this?" demanded the amazed Jack.

"Him your bath, boss," came the answer, "you gettee in him ballel, we washee you."

"I'll be jiggered if you do," exclaimed Jack. "Get out of here," and the men hurried off, first staring at the boy as if they thought he was mad. "Well, a New Guinea bath certainly accounts for the appearance of some of the natives I've seen about," he laughed, as soon as they had left.

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