“Oh, yes, sir; hardly a doubt of that,” smiled the junior officer, but he added no hint of information as to the “Prince’s” mission, and Darrin was much too good an officer to press his question.
A minute or two later two other ensigns entered, and on their heels came Dalzell with a young engineer officer and a surgeon. Dan presented his junior officers to his chum, then explained:
“Usually, of course, on a war craft, the ‘Old Man’ dines in state alone, or with his guests. But the ‘Old Man’s’ dining room is in other use on this cruiser, so we will dine with the juniors so long as they permit it.”
“I suppose the ‘Old Man’s’ dining room has been converted into a cashier’s cage for the Monday bargain sale you are planning,” hinted Darrin.
“Why, yes, Darry; something like that,” grinned Dalzell.
The meal had not proceeded far when Dan leaned toward his chum to whisper:
“By the way, I forgot to say that the rules require that no officer or man of the Navy shall appear outside in uniform. You brought along civilian clothes, I believe.”
“A suit, yes.”
“And I have an old overcoat and cloth cap I can loan you,” Dan added. “I will have them sent to your cabin.”
So, after he had returned to his own quarters, Dave waited, after donning civilian garb, until the promised articles had arrived. Then, putting on the coat and cap, he made his way forward and outside.