Dan had done it, unobserved by his comrades, in an irrepressible spirit of mischief. He had reached over, touching the indicator, and thus directing the engine-room man to proceed at less speed. Dalzell, however, did not answer.
"I'd like to know if the speed were slackened intentionally," fussed Farley. "Darry, do you mind going below and inquiring?"
"Not in the least," smiled Dave, "but is it good Naval etiquette for one midshipman to use another midshipman as a messenger?"
"Oh, bother etiquette!" grunted Farley. "What would you really do if you were in command of the deck—-as I am—-and you wanted to ask a question, with the answer down below?"
"I'll go to the conning tower and summon a man on deck, if you wish," Dave offered.
Farley nodded, so Dave stepped over to the conning tower, calling down:
"One man of the watch—-on deck!"
Seaman Mallock was on deck in a hurry, saluting Midshipman Farley.
"Mallock, report to Lieutenant Benson, or the next ranking officer who may be visible below. Report with my compliments that the speed of the craft has slackened, and inquire whether that was intentional."
"Aye, aye, sir."