"Have the men breakfasted, sir?" was Hal's first thought and question. A really good officer always thinks first of his men.
"They have all breakfasted, Mr. Overton. I do not imagine you will have much to do in the day-time. You have only your boat guard of six men under Sergeant Raney. The water-front patrol I have called in and sent to camp."
Hal ate his breakfast in leisurely fashion. He had slept well and was refreshed, but he believed that he had a long and dull day before him. And so it proved. The day passed on with absolutely nothing to do but eat and lounge, save for the one sentry who watched both boat and shore end.
It was almost dark, and Hal had just seated himself in the cabin to eat his supper when the sentry hailed:
"Lieutenant Overton!"
Hal showed his head at the cabin door.
"A detachment of troops approaching, sir."
"Well, they're our own men, aren't they, sentry?" Hal inquired.
"I think not, sir."
Hal stepped back into the cabin, picked up and donned his cap, then stepped out on deck. The approaching troops were on the dock by the time that the young lieutenant had returned to the open.