Read Online The White Ghost by James R. Benn - Free Book Online Page A

grenades. Blew themselves and the marines who were helping them all to hell. That was the last time he let any of his men go to help Jap wounded.”
    â€œIt’s a different war out here,” I said.
    â€œThe Germans can often be barbarians,” Kaz said. “Very occasionally, honorable. You never can tell. At least out here you know what to expect. No quarter, no surrender.”
    â€œThat’s what our boys learned real quick,” Cluster said. “If you give up to the Japs, they’ll probably torture or kill you, so you might as well go on fighting. Shoulda seen it coming.” He shook his head the way people do when they can’t believe how gullible they’ve been. I shook my own head, trying to rid it of the vision of the pretty girl in a kimono.
    Cluster skirted westward of Tulagi, coming into the harbor at the PT boat base at Sesapi. Across from the larger Florida Island, the Sesapi anchorage provided secluded and calm waters for the small craft and seaplanes tied up at the docks. Cluster eased his boat into his mooring and we clambered off, Kaz especially glad to be on dry land .
    â€œThe base commander radioed that he arranged a jeep for you,” Cluster said. “You should report in. The driver will take you.” A vehicle was parked along the wharf, a sailor waiting at the wheel.
    â€œWhat about you?” I asked.
    â€œWe’re based here, but I’m headed up to Rendova to check on one of my squadrons. Ask around if you need me, it’s a small town.” Cluster grinned as he stretched his arm out to encompass the shacks, Quonset huts, machine shops, and thatched-roof huts which lined the wharf. It had the air of a fishing village on hard times with a surplus of oil, men, and not much in the way of women, soap, or fresh laundry.
    â€œCharming,” Kaz said. “Are we to stay here in Sesapi?”
    â€œNo,” Cluster said. “I hear Captain Ritchie set you up in the old assistant district commissioner’s house at the east end of the island. That’s near the hospital.”
    â€œWho’s in the district commissioner’s house?” I asked.
    â€œCaptain Ritchie, of course,” Cluster said. “Good luck.”
    Without telling us if he meant with Ritchie, the investigation, or the Japanese, Cluster set about assessing the damage to his boat as his men secured the vessel. We walked up to the jeep and a smart-looking swabbie jumped out, snapping a salute. He was dressed in clean dungarees, blue shirt, gleaming white cap, and shined shoes. Amidst the greasy tumult of Sesapi harbor, he looked like he’d stepped out of a recruiting poster.
    â€œYeoman Howe, at your service,” he said, taking our bags. “I’m to take you to Captain Ritchie and show you to your quarters, sir. And sir.” The second sir was for Kaz. Seaman Howe was well trained.
    â€œTake us to the base hospital first,” I said.
    â€œSorry sir, Captain’s orders. He wants to see you right away. And it’s nearly time for supper. The captain gets upset if he’s late for supper.”
    â€œThen by all means, let’s not keep the good captain waiting.”
    â€œExcellent idea, sir.” Well trained. I doubt Yeoman Howe ever ran into an officer with a bad idea.
    We drove along a ridgeline, cresting it after about a mile. On our left, a jumble of huts and small buildings crowded the beach. “That’s the Chinese village,” Howe told us. “There’s a lot of them on the island—merchants and that sort of thing. Tulagi’s only about three miles long, so you get to know it pretty well.”
    As we descended along the rocky spine of the island, we were rewarded with a view across the sound with Guadalcanal in the distance. The sun was nearing the horizon, golden rays gleaming on the placid water. It was so peaceful you could easily forget about all the bones and steel lying on the