"N—no, sir."
"That is the way with all brave men, and that act of yours was one of the bravest I have ever seen. I want every man on board this ship to know about it—to hear the full story. Mr. Coates," beckoning to the executive officer.
"Aye, aye, sir."
"Call a general muster on the quarter-deck to-night and read my commendation of Seaman Davis' heroic conduct."
"Aye, aye, sir,"
"But, Davis, I am sorry to say that your racing ambitions will not be gratified this fall."
Dan's face showed his disappointment, but he said no word.
"The first torpedo, one of the unlucky ones, fell on Boatswain's Mate Harper as it was being hoisted aboard, and broke a leg. Some one was to blame for the accident. I do not know who, but I shall know."
"Oh, that is too bad!" breathed Dan, turning away to his disappointment.
"It's all off, Sam," he said when a few minutes later he joined his chum.