Dan Davis' heroic effort had deflected the torpedo slightly from its course, just enough to cause it to clear the little steamer, thus saving the lives of at least part of the crew aboard her. A life ring at the end of a rope brought Dan out of the salt water not much the worse for his thrilling experience.
"How's the motor boat?" was his first question.
"Pretty hard hit, I guess," answered the ensign. "But that doesn't matter."
The other steamer, having observed that an accident had occurred, put on all steam and hastened to the scene of the wreck. About that time some one discovered that the ship was making signals, and the ensign asked Dan if he felt able to answer them.
For answer the lad asked for a signal flag. One was placed in his hands, together with a spy glass.
"Battleship asking what the trouble is," he called.
"Tell them."
"Aye, aye, sir."
"And, while you are about it, you might tell them that Seaman Davis, by his quick wit and pluck, saved the steamer and perhaps all our lives."
"Is that a command, sir?"