"Our compliments, and we will report at once," Dave answered. Both young officers were now in uniform, for Dan had left his in Dave's quarters before going ashore, and the chums had changed their clothes while chatting. It now remained only for Dave to reach for his sword and fasten it on, then draw on white gloves, while Dalzell went to his quarters, next door, and did the same.
"What can be in the wind?" whispered Dan. "This is the first time that Admiral Timworth has ever expressed any desire to see us. Can it be that we bungled in some way with the Cushing business?"
"I'm not going to waste any time in guessing," replied Ensign Darrin, as they stepped briskly along, "when I'm going to have the answer presented to me so soon."
Then they halted before the entrance to the admiral's quarters, to learn if it would be agreeable for the admiral to receive them at once.
CHAPTER II
DAN'S THIRTY-THREE-DOLLAR GUESS
As the two young officers entered the admiral's quarters the curtains were closed behind them by the marine orderly.
Admiral Timworth was seated at his desk. Beside him was Captain Allen, commanding officer of the battleship "Hudson," flagship of the Mediterranean Squadron.
Lieutenant Totten and Cushing were also present.