"But where have you been?"
"I've been on the Merrimac, among the Cubans and the Spaniards, and in a Spanish prison, besides being down to Guantanamo Bay with the marines from the Panther, sir."
"Great Scott, boy, do you expect me to believe all that!" burst out the officer, in sheer astonishment.
"As you will, sir; it's true, though."
"But—but—let me see; you said you were on the Merrimac?"
"Yes, sir."
"And on shore among the Cubans, and then among the enemy?"
"Yes, sir."
"And then among the marines at Guantanamo Bay?"
"Exactly, sir. I escaped from a Spanish prison, and was lucky enough to fall in with the marines by accident. I fought with them too, sir."