"I guess it will have to."
Half an hour later the boys were standing on the quay. Off just outside the breakwater lay the battleship "Long Island."
"Doesn't she look good?" breathed Dan. "I'm really happy to get back."
"I'd be happier if I knew there was a square meal awaiting me," answered Sam. "How are we going to get aboard?"
"I'll show you."
Dan pulled out his handkerchief and began wig-wagging with it. After a little a signal flag was observed on the forecastle. It was waving a question.
"What do you want?"
"We want to come aboard," answered Dan.
About that time the officer of the deck had leveled his spyglass upon the boys.
"Messenger!" he called.