Brad laughed. “You can put that worry out of your mind, Kit. Any inlet along this coast that’s deep enough to float a sub is thoroughly guarded and protected by netting at the sea entrance—under water of course.”
“But that’s no assurance that small rubber boats can’t come in for supplies.”
“Oh, no, nor that traitors from our shores can’t slip out to waiting subs. And, of course, we know that’s being done all the time.”
“Brad, wouldn’t it be wonderful if you and I could do something to nip that sort of thing in the bud?”
“Kit, don’t be too sure we can do anything about it. We’re dealing with clever crooks, with devilishly keen minds.”
A few minutes later when Brad paused at Kitty’s door she said, “Can’t you come in and have dinner with us? Jane always fixes something a little extra because Dad eats dinner with us at noon on Sundays.”
“You’re a peach, Kit! It really would feel good to stick my feet under a home table once more.”
Mr. Carter made Brad welcome while Kitty went back to have Jane set an extra place at the table.
They were half through dinner when Billy said, “Dad, let’s go boat riding. You promised to take me some time.”
“So you did, Dad, as soon as the weather was mild enough. It couldn’t be a more perfect day to get out.”
Mr. Carter glanced at Brad and said, “They forget a war’s on, and we have to use gasoline sparingly.”
“What’s wrong with a bit of rowing?” suggested Brad. “A little exercise like that would do me good.”
“Wouldn’t do me any harm either,” agreed Mr. Carter. “I sit in my office so much my muscles are getting flabby.”
“How about asking Hazel?” Kitty suggested. “She’s been wanting to explore these marshes a long time.”
“A brilliant idea, Kitten!” Her father showed real interest now. “We can catch the rising tide up into the marshes and come back when it turns.”
Brad laughed. “That method will certainly be much easier on the muscles.”
Hazel had the day off and was delighted at the prospect of spending the afternoon out in the sunshine.
“Tell her I’ll call for her at two-thirty,” Mr. Carter told Kitty as she phoned.
“That’ll give me half an hour to run up to the hospital,” said Brad. “There is something I must attend to up there before I leave.”
“Then I’ll have time to pack some sandwiches and cookies, so we can eat our supper outdoors.”