"I will leave that to you. They are not doing anything just now. Perhaps you had better march them about the deck for a time. However, do as you think best."
Dan walked over to where the six delinquents were standing ruefully, with guns over their shoulders.
"Men, I am to have charge of you during this watch. How long are you to be on duty?"
"Two hours, sir."
"You are to be released at ten o'clock, then?"
"Yes, sir."
"Very good. We will now have a few moments in the manual of arms. Attention! Present arms! Carry arms! Port arms! Right face! Carry arms! Forward march!"
The midshipman smiled as the measured tramp of feet attracted his attention, the extra-duty squad in single file marching steadily toward the stern of the vessel.
"Column right, march! Column right, march! Halt!"
The men halted. They were now facing the superstructure.