"Show some nearly human intelligence, and maybe you'll get a chance at one of the Saturday cruises, Peckham," called back Farley, as he began to towel down vigorously.
Dave and his friends were the first men of the team to be dressed and ready to leave.
"Give our best regards to Davy Jones!" shouted one of the football men.
"If you go down to the bottom of Chesapeake Bay, and can't get up again, don't do anything to spoil the fishing," called another middy.
By this time Dave Darrin and his mates were outside and on their way to the basin.
Lieutenant Jack Benson was the only one of the "Dodger's" officers on view when the midshipmen arrived alongside. They passed aboard, saluting Benson, who returned their salutes without affectation.
"All here?" said Benson. "Mr. Somers, tumble the crew on deck!"
"Shall we go below, sir?" inquired Dave, again saluting.
"Not until so directed," Benson replied. "I wish you to see every detail of the boat handling."
At Lieutenant Jack's command the crew threw the hawsers aboard and soon had them out of the way.