The captain's lips pursed as, through his glasses, he made out the broken bow of his boat. He said nothing until Dan and the ensign had boarded the battleship.
"Ensign, who is responsible for the condition of that boat?" he demanded.
The ensign stepped aside and held a few moments' earnest conversation with the commanding officer. As he went on the stern expression on the captain's face gave place to one of admiration. He nodded his head approvingly. Those who did not understand how the motor boat had been wrecked, felt sorry for Seaman Davis. In fact, Dan was beginning to feel sorry for himself, as he realized what he had done.
"Davis, come here!" commanded the captain.
The boy approached, saluting.
"Mr. Brant has told me the story of your brilliant exploit. I congratulate you, my lad."
"I—I am sorry, sir, that I smashed your boat."
"What is the boat when compared to a human life?"
"That—that is what I thought, sir. I did not think you would feel very sorry about the boat when you knew."
"I should say not. But what about your own life? You gave no thought to that, did you?"