"Please don't try to begin," laughed Dave. "An officer of the American Navy should never be thanked for the performance of his duty. I can't tell you how delighted I am that my efforts were successful, and that the scoundrels, who had tried to violate Mexico's sacred duty of hospitality, were roundly punished. Tell me, sir, how are the ladies this morning?"
"All of them are in excellent spirits, Mr. Darrin. I suppose you have not seen them yet. They are in full possession of the captain's quarters, and are at breakfast now."
The breakfast call sounded, and in twos and threes the officers of the "Long Island," passed into the ward-room.
John Carmody was provided with a seat beside the chaplain.
"Darrin, you lucky dog!" called Lieutenant-Commander Denton, as soon as the officers were seated.
"Am I really fortunate?" Dave smiled back.
"Yes; for you were privileged to order the firing of the first shots in the Mexican war that is now close at hand. You are, or will be, historical, Darrin!"
Dave's face clouded as he replied, gravely:
"And I am also aware, sir, that I had the misfortune to lose the first men killed."
"That was regrettable," replied another officer, "but we of the Navy expect to go down some day. The two men who were killed died for the honor and credit of the service, and of the Flag, which we serve. It is the lot of all of us, Darrin. If war comes many a soldier and sailor will find an honored grave, and perhaps not a few here will lose their mess numbers. It's just the way of the service, Darrin!"