Part 23 (1/2)
”I neglected to state, sir,” continued Ensign Fullerton, ”that we have no medical officer at present. A hospital steward down in sick bay is our nearest approach, at present, to a medical officer.”
”Forewarned is forearmed,” laughed Jack. ”We'll try not to be ill.”
It was time, now, to proceed to the quarterdeck; for, forward, the shrill sound of the boatswain's whistle seemed to fill the air.
Though all the crew, including the marines, had been summoned and formed at the mast, the inspection was but a matter of a moment. Its purpose was more to give the crew a glimpse of their new officers.
Just as the inspection was ending, a marine of the guard approached, announcing in a low tone:
”Telegram for the commanding officer, sir.”
Ensign Fullerton received it, returning the marine's salute, and pa.s.sed the envelope to Jack Benson, who opened it.
”Our sailing orders, Mr. Fullerton,” announced Jack, as soon as the former had dismissed the formation at the mast. ”This telegram gives, as you see, the latest reported position of the schooner believed to be the 'Juanita,' and her course. You will get under way at once, Mr.
Fullerton. Then you and I will work out the course.”
”This is the starboard watch, sir,” continued the executive officer.
”Which officer is to command it?”
”Mr. Hastings. Mr. Somers will take the port watch.”
”Very good, sir. And I would suggest, sir, that Mr. Drake is an excellent pilot between here and the sea.”
”Then direct Mr. Drake to take the bridge with the watch officer.”
”Very good, sir.”
”And, as soon as we are under way, Mr. Fullerton, come to my cabin and we will figure out our course more in detail.”
”Very good, sir.”
It was Ensign Fullerton, who, acting as executive officer, transmitted the needed orders to Hal, Eph and Mids.h.i.+pman Drake.
The three young officers now removed their swords, sending them by a marine orderly to their respective cabins. Hal took command from the bridge, subject to Fullerton's directions, while Jack, as commanding officer, also took his station there briefly. Eph, being free to do as he pleased for the time, went to his cabin to try to figure out whether he were dreaming.
Quickly the ”Sudbury” left her anchorage, proceeding downstream. As soon as the start had been fairly made Ensign Fullerton reported at the cabin of the young commanding officer. They worked out on the chart the probable positions that the suspected schooner would take that afternoon.
”We should sight her at about five o'clock, sir, if she doesn't change her course, and if the wind holds the same,” said Ensign Fullerton.
”If we get the right craft, first off, it will be a short cruise, won't it?” smiled Jack, rather wistfully.
”I--I--” began Ensign Fullerton, slowly, then paused.
”Well?” smiled Jack Benson.
”On second thought, I believe I had better not say what I started to say,” replied the ensign.
”Oh, go ahead, Fullerton,” urged Jack. ”It isn't easy to wound my sensibilities.”