Jack turned to Frank.
"Now," he said, "what are you doing here? I thought I left you to take the deck?"
"I turned the deck over to Hetherton," replied Frank with a grin. "I wanted to find out what all this rush is about?"
"Don't you know it's bad form to ask questions of your commander?" Jack said severely.
"Maybe it is," Frank agreed, "but I just wanted to find out."
"Well, I wouldn't do it in front of any of the other officers or the men," said Jack. "It's bad for the ship's discipline. However, I'll tell you, I just wanted to have things ready, that's all. Come, we'll go on deck."
They ascended to the bridge. Jack addressed Lieutenant Hetherton.
"Pipe all hands on deck for inspection, Lieutenant," he ordered.
Lieutenant Hetherton passed the word. A moment later men came tumbling up the companion way and fell into line aft. Jack and Frank walked forward to look them over. Jack addressed a few words to the men.
"I've just taken over command of the Brigadier," he said. "To-morrow morning, or sooner, we shall sail, our destination temporarily to be known only to myself. I believe that I may safely promise you some action before many days have passed."