Dave Darrin at Vera Cruz: Fighting with the U.S. Navy in Mexico

E-text prepared by Jim Ludwig
Fighting with the U.S. Navy in Mexico
CHAPTERS I. Ready for Fight or Frolic II. At the Mercy of a Bully III. The Junior Worm Turns IV. The Ward-Room Hears Real News V. Watching and Waiting—Behind the Guns VI. First to Invade Mexico VII. Dave Darrin to the Rescue VIII. Disobedience of Orders IX. Cantor Finds His Chance X. Dave is Stung to the Quick XI. A Brother Officer's Whisper XII. The Man of the Evil Eye XIII. After the Rascal! XIV. A Find of a Bad Kind XV. Ready for Vera Cruz XVI. In the Thick of the Snipping XVII. Mexicans Become Suddenly Meek XVIII. In the House of Surprises XIX. A Traitor in the Service XX. The Skirmish at the Diligencia XXI. A Rescue and a Facer XXII. Playing Birdman in War XXIII. The Dash for the Traitor XXIV. Conclusion
Do you care to go out this evening, Danny boy? asked Dave Darrin, stepping into his chum's room.
I'm too excited and too tired, confessed Ensign Dalzell. The first thing I want is a hot bath, the second, pajamas, and the third, a long sleep.
Too bad, sighed Dave. I wanted an hour's stroll along Broadway.
Don't let my indolence keep you in, urged Dalzell. If you're going out, then I can have the first hot bath, and be as long about it as I please. Then I'll get into pajamas and ready for bed. By that time you'll be in and we can say `good night' to each other.
I feel a bit mean about quitting you, Dave murmured.
And I feel a whole lot meaner not to go out with you, Dan promptly assured his chum. So let's compromise; you go out and I'll stay in.
That sounds like a very odd compromise, laughed Darrin. On the whole, Dan, I believe I won't go out.
If that's the way you feel, argued Dalzell, then I'm going to change my mind and go out with you. I won't be the means of keeping you from your stroll.
But you really don't want to go out, Dave objected.