"Yes."
"For what?"
"Going where you had no right to go."
"But we meant no harm. And, besides, we are American sailors on board the 'Long Island.'"
"You will explain to the officer of the day."
The boys were taken to the barracks, where they were, after a time, brought before the officer of the day. He wore a white coat instead of a red one, and squinted at the boys through a monocle.
He heard the story of the squad that arrested the Battleship Boys, then, turning to the lads, asked who they were.
Dan stepped forward and explained briefly, telling the officer of their trip up the mountainside. The officer listened gravely.
"You say you are from the 'Long Island?'"
"Yes, sir."