“I recall the incident, and I also recall that you both refused to state what you knew. Always obey the command of an officer; bear that in mind, young men. No matter if it does mean getting an associate into trouble. Your officers will never make a request of you that is not for the good of the service. You are well fitted for the duties that are before you. Be obedient, courteous and willing. Never allow soreheads—‘sea lawyers’ we call them on board ship—to make you discontented on board. Remember that there is no more honorable calling in the world than that which you have chosen. See that you do honor to it.”
“We shall try, sir.”
“And, by the way, you are entitled to a leave of absence for four weeks from this time, with a full allowance of pay. You may join your ship later, at the expiration of leave. I take it that you lads would like to go home and show yourselves in your uniforms.”
Dan hesitated.
“Of course, we should like it, sir, but I think we should prefer to join ship at once.”
“Very good, then; you will join the ‘Long Island’ to-morrow. In the meantime I shall arrange to have the marks against you canceled, so that there may be no bar to your progress. You will go aboard with a clean bill of health in every way.”
“May I ask where the ‘Long Island’ is, sir?” questioned Sam.
“New York.”
“At the Navy Yard, sir?”
“No, she is lying in the North River; I think about off Riverside Drive. Do you know where that is?”