After the usual roll call at quarters, the “setting up” exercises caused a good deal of amusement because the deck was rather sharply inclined, and the vessel was bounding along quite briskly. Some of the green hands kept losing their footing and tumbling about, and the regular climbing over the masthead was omitted. Then came the command, “Attention,—About face”, and all turned toward the quarter-deck to hear what the Chairman was going to say.
“Boys,” said he, “I am glad we had the opportunity of going ashore at Marblehead and giving a little help at the Salem fire. It is a thing that we shall all remember, and the next chance we get we shall be able to do better because of this experience. But we must not forget that such things as these are all in our day’s work, and should be careful not to feel that we have done anything very great or exceptional in trying to help people in an emergency. It is something that our training is intended to help us to do as a matter of course, and all the different things that we do for the sake of training are made much more interesting than they otherwise would be, by using them in practical service whenever an opportunity occurs.
“But, although we want to be careful not to be vain or foolish because we have had the privilege of doing such things as it is the duty of every scout to do, when he gets a chance, we must recognize good work when we see it, so as to encourage one another to do more such work, and to do it better and better as time goes on.”
He then turned and spoke in a low voice to Mr. Miller, who immediately gave the command:
“Perkins—front and center!”
Jack immediately marched down and stood directly opposite the Chairman.
“Perkins,” said the Chairman, “the Court of Honor, especially convened to consider the work of the ship’s company at the Salem fire, have decided that your work ashore was of excellent quality and deserves the commendation of the Court. The Court commends you for carrying out your instructions promptly and with good judgment.”
Jack saluted, and, at the word of command, marched back to his regular position.
Malloy, Young, Ellsworth, and Smith were then ordered to “front and center” and stood “at attention” before the Chairman.
“It gives me pleasure to tell you, boys,” said the Chairman, “that you have been especially commended for good work at the Salem fire.”