Almost at once a rope sling was passed over the side. The men reached for the unconscious boy. Sam motioned to the diver.
“Take him first,” directed the lad. “He is the worst off.”
Bill Kester, therefore, was hoisted to the deck; then came Dan Davis. Tenderly they laid him on the deck. Stretchers were brought and the patients were started quickly for the sick bay.
“Ensign, what happened?” demanded the captain.
“Briefly, sir, those two lads made the most heroic rescue that I ever either saw or heard of. Especial credit is due to Ordinary Seaman Davis for his wonderful and heroic efforts.”
The young officer related all that had occurred out on the mine field, to which the commanding officer together with a group of other ship officers listened with grave faces.
“Orderly.”
The captain’s voice was full of decision.
“Go to the sick bay. Run! Tell the surgeon to send the boy to my cabin.”