“So do I,” half-sighed Dave. “But wishing doesn’t do much for a chap in the Service.”
Turning, they walked briskly toward the naval club frequented by British and American naval officers. There, by good luck, they found Curtin, who had just come ashore.
“There are orders for you at the admiral’s office,” Dave reported. “I may as well tell you, Curtin, that Dalzell and I are detached for other duties; that you have gotten your step to a lieutenant-commandership and that you are to swing the ‘Logan’ from now on. Congratulations, old man! And I know you’ll make a record at your new post, just as you have made in your lower grades.”
“And remember, my boy,” grinned Dan, “we won’t be a bit jealous, no matter if you succeed in sinking the Kaiser’s entire submarine fleet!”
Curtin’s face showed his joy. He immediately wrote and submitted to the censor a cablegram informing his wife that he had been promoted and given a command. Further information he could not send.
“What are we going to do this evening, Danny-boy?” Dave inquired.
“I don’t know, but I expect my activities will be confined to guessing what my new line of service is to be.”
“If Curtin has attained to independent command, there’s a big chance that you will also,” Dave observed.
“That would separate us,” muttered Dan, looking almost alarmed. “David, little giant, I don’t believe I’ll be able to serve as well if I’m not on the same craft with you.”
“Nonsense!” laughed Darrin.