“What perfectly splendid news!” I cried excitedly; “but I wonder if I’ve the remotest chance of being appointed to the force.”
“You were knocked about a bit in the scrimmage ashore, weren’t you?” asked the gunner.
“Yes; but I’m not incapacitated for duty,” I said, “or I shouldn’t be keeping watch now. It was my chum Charlie Balfour who was seriously hurt, poor fellow.”
“I believe it’s considered a bit feverish up country, Mr. Darcy, and that may put a stopper on any midshipmen going; but I’m sure I heartily wish you good-luck, and your chum a speedy recovery.” And so saying, Mr. Triggs knocked the ashes out of his pipe, and went below to turn in.
What exciting dreams I had that night!
CHAPTER V.
THE NAVAL BRIGADE LANDS.
When I went on deck the following morning, I found that the steam-pinnace had towed the Flying-fish to an anchorage in the roadstead not many cable lengths from the Rattler. I at once observed the strong resemblance she bore to the Snapping Turtle, and I no longer felt surprise at the mistake Mr. Osborne had made at Santiago de Cuba.
Mr. Thompson was standing by the taffrail narrowly observing her through a telescope.
“I should like to see a race between her and the Snapping Turtle, sir,” I said to him. “I’m not surprised the Yankee skipper was so keen on it, for they’re wonderfully alike in build and rig.”
“Indeed they are,” answered the lieutenant; “one might almost call them twin-vessels. The main difference is that the American’s masts rake more.”