Lieutenant
Benson looked particularly pleased as he answered. Then, at last,
he inquired:
"What's your name?"
"Darrin, sir," Dave replied.
The other midshipmen present were asked their names, and gave them.
"Gentlemen," continued youthful Lieutenant Benson, "this present
squad impresses me as being more eager and interested in submarines
than any of the squads that have come aboard."
"Thank you, sir," Dave replied for himself and the others.
"Are you really exceptionally interested?" inquired Benson.
"I think we are, sir," Dave responded.
"On Saturday of each week, as long as the 'Dodger' is at Annapolis,"
went on Benson, "we intend to take out one of the best squads.
We shall drop down the Bay, not returning, probably before Sunday
noon. Would you gentlemen like to be the first squad to go on the
longer cruise---next Saturday?"
The faces of all six midshipmen shone with delight for an instant,
until Dave Darrin answered mournfully:
"It would give us great delight, sir, but for one thing. We play
Creighton University next Saturday, and we are all members of
the Navy team."
"None of you look forward to having to go to hospital during the
progress of the game, do you?" inquired Lieutenant Benson with
a slight smile.
"Hardly, sir."
"Then the 'Dodger' can sail an hour after the finish of the game,
and perhaps stay out a little later on Sunday. Will that solve
the problem?"
"Splendidly, sir!"
"Then I will use such persuasion as I can with the superintendent
to have you six men detailed for the Saturday-Sunday detail this
week," promised Lieutenant Benson.
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