Lord Hastings presented the lads to the commander of the dreadnought, who spoke to them pleasantly. Then he and Lord Hastings retired for a few moments to the cabin, where they talked over the progress of the fighting.
“Well, boys,” said Lord Hastings half an hour later, “we shall go back now, and when we get there I have a piece of news for you that will prove of interest.”
Aboard the D-16 again. Lord Hastings did not give this piece of news at once, and finally Frank, becoming impatient, was moved to ask:
“And what is this piece of news that will interest us, sir?”
Lord Hastings smiled.
“Can’t hold your horses a minute, can you?” he laughed. “Well, I’ll tell you. The D-16 is going to take a little trip in advance of the fleet.”
Frank’s delight was so great that he hurled his cap into the air with a shout, and in coming down the wind carried it overboard.
Jack laughed.
“You see what too much enthusiasm gets you,” he remarked.
“Never mind,” said Frank after one regretful look at his departing headpiece, “I have another.” He turned to Lord Hastings.