"I think we are, sir," Dave responded.
"On Saturday of each week, as long as the 'Dodger' is at Annapolis," went on Benson, "we intend to take out one of the best squads. We shall drop down the Bay, not returning, probably before Sunday noon. Would you gentlemen like to be the first squad to go on the longer cruise—-next Saturday?"
The faces of all six midshipmen shone with delight for an instant, until Dave Darrin answered mournfully:
"It would give us great delight, sir, but for one thing. We play Creighton University next Saturday, and we are all members of the Navy team."
"None of you look forward to having to go to hospital during the progress of the game, do you?" inquired Lieutenant Benson with a slight smile.
"Hardly, sir."
"Then the 'Dodger' can sail an hour after the finish of the game, and perhaps stay out a little later on Sunday. Will that solve the problem?"
"Splendidly, sir!"
"Then I will use such persuasion as I can with the superintendent to have you six men detailed for the Saturday-Sunday detail this week," promised Lieutenant Benson. "And now I will write your names down, in order that there may be no mistake about the squad that reports to me late next Saturday afternoon. Dismissed!"
As Dave and his friends stepped ashore even Dan Dalzell had a more gracious estimate of "that kid, Benson."