But they did not seem to think of that.
At the foot of the gangplank stood the dispatch-rider and the man with the cigar.

Several other men, evidently of their party, stood near by.
Mr.Conne's head was cocked sideways and he scanned the gangway with a leisurely, self-assured look.

Tom was shaking all over--the victim of suppressed excitement.

He had been less excited on that memorable morning when he had "done his bit" at Cantigny.
It seemed to be in the air that something unusual was likely to happen.
Workers, passing with their wheelbarrows and hand trucks, slackened their pace and dallied as long as they dared, near the gangplank.

They were quickly moved along.