“I should say it had!” exclaimed the amazed officer. “Let me see the rifle.”
He examined the weapon critically, Sam standing at attention, expecting every moment to be severely rebuked.
“When did this happen?”
“About an hour ago, sir.”
“You were hurt?”
“I don’t know. I was laid out. I guess I would have drowned if I hadn’t come to when I did,” answered the lad, forgetting to add the “sir.” The lieutenant commander appeared not to observe the slip.
“You regained consciousness, and have been on your extra duty tour ever since?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Come with me.”
Sam wonderingly followed his superior officer to barracks A. The officer led the way right into the mess hall. Looks of surprise greeted the appearance of the couple, which soon gave place to broad grins, for Sam Hickey at that moment was the most disreputable figure possible to imagine.