A perfect storm of applause from the officers rewarded the splendid performance of the Battleship Boys. The jackies on the deck, though few of them had been able to make out the message, the words of the beautiful anthem, realized that they were watching the work of two masters with the wig-wag flags, so they, too, added their quota to the applause. They did not do so by hand applause. The jackies threw up their hats and set up a loud cheer.
"The most remarkable performance of its kind that I ever saw," announced the captain.
"I never saw anything like it myself," agreed the executive officer. "It's lucky we happened to think of those boys."
"Indeed it is."
"Anything further, sir?" questioned Dan, saluting.
"That will be sufficient. Thank you, my lads."
The boys saluted, then marched from the forecastle, proud and happy, but not forgetting their dignity in their excitement and pleasure.
"Three cheers for the Battleship Boys," shouted one of the bluejackets the instant the officers had left the bridge. "Hurrah for little Dynamite!" That last was Dan's nickname. And the cheers were given with a will.