An outburst of wild hilarious laughter greeted this reminiscence, as evidently a very humorous episode was recalled. In seagoing language two red balls means that the ship carrying them is not under control; and at the time referred to by Glassfell the red balls had no business to be hoisted, and their presence brought down upon Lieutenant-Commander Gettem, nicknamed "I mean to say" by the midshipmen, a wrathful reprimand from his captain.
"That was pretty good, Glass," laughed Stonewell, "but you had to own up, and got sanded well for it."
"'Daily News,' last edition!" screamed a voice interrupting the midshipmen.
"Look here, boy, how many papers have you to sell?" inquired Glassfell.
"Twenty-five, boss; here's yours, and only one cent."
"All right. I'll buy your twenty-five papers and give you twenty-five cents besides if you'll make a hundred yard dash for the outside. Give me your papers; here's fifty cents."
"I'm your man, boss," cried the newsboy, handing over his papers, grabbing the fifty-cent piece and making a tremendous bolt toward the exit.
"He's afraid of a recall," laughed Robert. "Say, Glass, are you going to start a wholesale newspaper business?"
"Let's see what the news of the day is," replied Glassfell, unfolding one of the papers and laying the others down on a seat.