CHAPTER XI
ON THE ANCHOR WATCH
Dan hurried aft, without delay, for a summons from the captain meant that no unnecessary delay would be tolerated.
Dan reported and the orderly announced him. The lad entered the captain's office, which was also used as a dining room and stood waiting for his superior to speak.
Dan's ear was done up in adhesive plaster, and a bandage had been wound under his chin and up over his head, giving him the appearance of being much worse off than he really was.
"Davis, I hear you have had an accident?"
"Yes, sir; a slight one, sir. It is of no great consequence, sir."
"I understand differently. I should say that it is of greater consequence than you imagine. The master-at-arms is quite sure that an attempt has been made to do you serious injury, if not worse."
"Perhaps it was not so bad as that, sir. It was a pretty close call, just the same. I am sorry to have been the cause of so much disturbance on board, sir."