Dave and Dan had had but a fleeting glimpse of the fine city that now lay astern of them. Hundreds of sailormen and scores of officers, on sight-seeing bent, had been ashore for two days.
But now the recall to the fleet had come. All save Darrin, Dalzell and Jetson, with Seaman Runkle, who was now up forward on the launch, were already aboard their respective ships. The Admiral waited only for the coming of this launch before he gave the sailing order.
Jetson was assigned to the battleship "Allegheny," a craft only a trifle smaller than the massive "Hudson."
The three brother officers and Runkle had traveled by express from Paris to Genoa, and had come through without incident. At last even the watchful Runkle was convinced that they had eluded all spies.
"Boatswain's Mate," said Dave, "as this launch belongs to the flagship, it will be better to take Mr. Jetson, first, over to his ship."
"Aye, aye, sir," responded the man in charge of the launch.
Twenty minutes later Dave Darrin found himself leading his own party up over the side of the "Hudson."
"Captain Allen wishes to see Ensigns Darrin and Dalzell at once," announced Lieutenant Cranston, the officer of the deck. "You will report to the Captain without further instructions."
"Very good, sir," Dave answered, saluting.
Exactly ten minutes later the two young ensigns were ushered into the presence of their commanding officer.