"I did, but I'm trying to find Russell. The Admiral wants him. I took the ship's launch to the Dirigo and they said there he was ashore and hadn't left any word, only that he'd be back late. Have you seen him?"
"Can't you hear him?" inquired Follansbee laconically.
A figure in white duck loomed suddenly into view on the veranda rail waving a bottle and shouting at the top of his lungs:
"I've got command of the Dirigo
An' I'm off for a cruise on the Hwang-ho!"
followed by a tremendous chorus accompanied by cracking glass and unearthly yells.
"Do I!" exclaimed the midshipman under his breath. "Is that him?"
At that moment a searchlight illumined the figure in question and the midshipman answering his own question, "Yes, that's him," scrambled on up the steps.
Follansbee wondered how long it would take to deliver the Admiral's order and felt his way gingerly through the crowded street.
When the midshipman burst panting upon them they were standing on their chairs with their arms around one another's necks shouting the swinging chorus of
"The good old summer ti-i-me!
Oh, the good old summer ti-i-me!
For she's my tootsie-wootsie in
The good old summer ti-i-me!"