“From what I have heard I judge that you already have distinguished yourself,” smiled the doctor.
“How so, sir?”
“In the little argument you had with Able Seaman Kester, for instance.”
Dan flushed.
“May I go out with the mines, sir?” he asked hurriedly.
“Yes; I’ll let you go, but I shall have to put you on the report. First, let me bind the wrist up and splint it. Be as careful of the injured member as possible. You are liable to do still further damage if you subject the wrist to any sudden strain.”
“I’ll be careful, sir.”
After bandaging the wrist, the surgeon allowed his patient to go. On his morning report to the captain, giving the list of sick and injured, the surgeon made the following notation:
“Ordinary Seaman Daniel Davis, bones of wrist fractured, said to have been sustained by fall from hammock. Refuses to take sick leave or be placed on binnacle list, saying he has important duties to perform.”
A smile of approval appeared on the face of the captain when he read the notation.