The officer of the deck resumed his walk, forgetting all about the formation for which Dan was responsible. But it was brought to his notice in a most forcible manner half an hour later.
The night was moonless, and heavy clouds had settled down, enshrouding the ship in a gloom that was broken here and there by the faint rays from a port hole.
Shortly after nine o'clock the captain came up from below for a look at the weather and a breath of fresh air before turning in. He paused at the top of the hatchway, glanced about the deck, then started pacing up and down as was the midshipman doing on the opposite side.
"Halt!" ordered a voice sternly.
The captain glanced up in surprise. He found himself facing a Krag rifle.
"What—what——"
"Who goes there?"
"A friend," he answered instinctively.
"Advance, friend, and give the countersign."
Something of the truth began to dawn upon the quick mind of the commanding officer.