Jack grinned.
"By Jove! It seems funny to have you talk like that to me," he said. "At the same time I suppose it must be done for the sake of discipline. However, it is not necessary in private."
"Nevertheless," said Frank, "I had better stick to it or I'm liable to forget in public some time."
"Well, maybe you're right," said Jack.
Frank turned on his heel and went on deck, where he relieved Lieutenant Hetherton, who had been on watch.
"Nothing to report, sir," said Lieutenant Hetherton, saluting.
"Very well, sir," was Frank's reply, as he, too, saluted.
It was after midnight, and Frank's watch was nearing its end when the lookout on the port side called:
"Boat off the port bow, sir."
Frank advanced to the rail. A moment later there was a hail from the water.