"
"But I-----" Farley began. Then he checked himself abruptly,
noting out of the corner of his eye that Dan Dalzell had wandered
over to the rail and stood looking off to seaward. If Dan were
responsible for the slowing down of the speed, and admitted it
under questioning, then Farley, under the regulations, would be
obliged to report Dalzell, and that young man already had some
demerits against his name.
"Oh, very good, then, Mallock," was Midshipman Farley's rather
quick reply. "Who is the ranking officer visible below at present?"
"Ensign Somers, sir."
"Very good. My compliments to Mr. Somers, and ask at what speed
he wishes to run."
Seaman Mallock soon returned, saluting.
"Ensign Somers' compliments sir, and the ensign replies that Mr.
Farley is in command of the deck."
"Very good, then," nodded Midshipman Farley, and set the indicator
at the twenty mark.
Ten minutes later Lieutenant Benson reappeared on deck. First
of all he noted the "Dodger's" position. Then, as Ensign Eph
and Mallock appeared, Benson announced:
"Gentlemen, you will come down to Supper now. Mr. Somers, you
will take command of the deck."
"Very good, sir," Eph responded. "Mallock, take the wheel."
Lieutenant Benson seated himself at the head of the table, with
Ensign Hastings on his right. The midshipmen filled the remaining
seats.
"We're necessarily a little crowded on a craft of this size,"
explained Benson.
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