“Cast off. Make back to the gunboat.”
The coastwise steamer was already sounding her hoarse whistle, and moving under slow way.
Once in the launch, Ensign Darrin stood up and waved his cap at the lonely little figure standing by the stern rail on the after-deck of the steamship.
Until the launch rounded up under the “Castoga’s” quarter Dave waved his cap frequently. Through the mist that lay over his eyes he could barely see the answering fluttering of white on the deck of the southbound steamship.
“Let the crew remain in the launch,” came from the officer of the deck. “Ensign Darrin will report to the executive officer.”
“Lieutenant-Commander Tuthill and Ensigns Darrin and Dalzell are ordered aboard the flagship,” announced the executive officer. “Mr. Darrin, you will make the necessary change in uniform.”
Hastening to his quarters, Dave changed to full dress uniform for which the regulations now called. He girded on his dress belt, with his dress sword, and drew on white gloves. Then he gained the deck, saluting and reporting to the commander of the gunboat.
“We shall be called upon to make our report, Mr. Darrin, of the Nu-ping affair. It is a good thing that we can do so with clear consciences,” smiled the Lieutenant-Commander.
“The Admiral may not approve of all that I did to His Excellency, the Governor,” remarked Ensign Dave.
“I think he will,” replied the commanding officer. “In my opinion, at least, you made the best possible use of your discretion.”