Regretfully the boys turned away from the rail and sought their billets, for the bugle's command must be obeyed instantly.
Soon the ship settled down to silence and sleep, the only sound on board being the footsteps of the watch as they paced back and forth on their stations.
CHAPTER XVIII
JOLLY TARS IN EGYPT
After the work of the morning had been gotten out of the way next day, the word was passed about that shore parties were to be allowed to leave the ship immediately after the noon mess.
One party was to spend the day in Suez, while the other was to take a longer journey. The Battleship Boys were of the latter party. There were all of fifty of them. When they were ready to start they marched to the quarter-deck, where the captain addressed them.
"I am giving you three days' shore leave, men, in recognition of faithful service and attention to duty. I shall expect you to carry yourselves as befits an American man-of-wars-man. Arrangements have been made for you to visit Cairo and the Pyramids. I shall hope to see you all report on time and happy. That will be all, men. The steamers are waiting to convey you to the landing."
The men, regardless of discipline, gave three cheers for Captain Farnham.
Then they piled over the side of the ship with shouts and laughter, no effort being made to check their merriment.