“It was, sir.”
“Then there is nothing mere to be said. Candidly, between ourselves, Coates, I’m more pleased than I know how to express that the young fellow gave Kester a sound thrashing. By the way, I should like to look that young man over.”
“Very good, sir. Shall I send him to you?”
“No, not that way. I’ll tell you what you had better do. Have both boys assigned as my orderlies in turn. I want these new men to get an early chance at orderly duty. It is a most excellent thing for them. Send Hickey to-morrow.”
“Very good, sir.”
“I would rather have my own boys act as my orderlies than have the marines do it.”
The captain’s orderly is supposed to stand outside the captain’s door at all times while the commanding officer is in his quarters. When the captain moves to any other part of the ship his orderly follows at a respectful distance, so as to be on hand to carry orders and to perform such other small duties as the captain may command. It is considered an honor to be chosen for the duty.
Soon after the finish of the fight Dan and Sam hurried to their quarters to turn in. Sam was chuckling over his companion’s great victory. Dan surveyed him with disapproving eyes.
“Dan, I have always looked upon you as a nice, sisterly sort of a chum.”
“Well?” questioned Dan, with a smile.