Part 46 (1/2)
”Daniel Davis and Samuel Hickey step three paces to the front,”
commanded the executive officer.
They did so, wonderingly.
The s.h.i.+p's commander stepped out before them.
”I have here,” he began, ”a communication from the Secretary of the Navy, which I will read. It is as follows:
”'It is hereby ordered that Ordinary Seaman Daniel Davis and Ordinary Seaman Samuel Hickey, at present a.s.signed to the battles.h.i.+p 'Long Island,' do present themselves at the executive mansion in Was.h.i.+ngton, on the morning of July twenty-ninth, at eleven o'clock. It is desired to show proper recognition for their joint deed of heroism in rescuing, from three fathoms of water, the s.h.i.+p's diver, William Kester. The President is desirous of seeing these young men in person. It will be his pleasure to express to them the grat.i.tude of the government for their splendid achievement. The men will report in blue dress.'”
The Battles.h.i.+p Boys, even now, did not fully understand what was expected of them, but they were proud in the thought that they had done something to merit the praise of their superior officers.
[Ill.u.s.tration: Dan and Sam are Commended for Their Bravery.]
”You will be put ash.o.r.e at three o'clock this afternoon, men. You will take a night train to Was.h.i.+ngton and report in accordance with the instructions as contained in the order just read. Your s.h.i.+pmates should be proud of you. You have given all of us a lesson in self-sacrificing patriotism that we shall do well to bear in mind. Beside your undaunted bravery, you showed rare judgment and coolness. These are more valuable than bravery alone because they direct bravery. Especially do I wish to commend you, Davis, for your splendid heroism in rescuing your s.h.i.+pmate.”
The captain came to attention, saluted the two boys before him, then to the measured beat of the drum, sailors and marines marched from the quarter-deck, leaving the two lads standing before their officers. The jackies looked as if they would like to cheer the boys, but discipline would not permit.
”My lads, you had better go to your quarters and prepare for your journey. Ord'ly, tell the master-at-arms to see that these lads have a warm meal before they leave the s.h.i.+p this afternoon. Davis and Hickey, no duties will be required of you to-day, save to prepare for your journey. Carry on.”
Saluting their commander, the Battles.h.i.+p Boys executed a right about face and marched from the deck.
”It begins to look as if we were the people,” Sam confided to his companion, with a wink after they had left the quarter-deck behind them.
”Two of the people, that's all, Sam,” corrected Dan. ”You and I are just two boys who are serving the people under the Stars and Stripes. Let's not forget that.”
Reaching their quarters they were met by a s.h.i.+pmate with a message.
”Bill Kester wants to see you and the red-head,” he said.
”Is he in the sick bay?” asked Dan
”Yes.”
”I wonder what he wants,” mused Dan, as they started away.
”Maybe he wants to fight us both, now, because we pulled him out of the brine,” laughed Sam Hickey.
Kester had not improved as rapidly as had been expected. They found him on a cot in the sick bay, pale and weak from his terrible experience.
”h.e.l.lo, Bill,” greeted Sam, with a grin. ”How are you feeling to-day?”
”Tolerable, s.h.i.+pmates. Dynie, you licked me didn't you?” he demanded after a pause, using the nickname that the men had bestowed upon Dan.
”I'm sorry,” muttered Dan.
”I got what I deserved, I did. But I didn't know I had. I swore I'd get even with you. I said you and me couldn't stay on the same s.h.i.+p.”
”Never mind, that's all right,” murmured Dan, at a loss what to say.
”It ain't all right. I've got something I want to say to you. Dynamite, I cut them hammock las.h.i.+ngs.”