After a few days spent in Lisbon the cruiser sets sail for the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and once the shores of Portugal are left astern a muster of all hands on deck is called, and Captain De Long orders:
“Cadet Midshipman Merrill to the front!”
Mark Merrill promptly obeys, and then as the captain takes from a morocco case a beautiful gold badge, he, for the first time, realizes that he is to be the recipient of a token as an appreciation of his services when he leaped from the yardarm to save the life of Scott Clemmons.
In a few well-chosen words the captain made the presentation, in which occurred the following:
“This souvenir, Midshipman Merrill, is a unanimous expression of the appreciation of your daring deed by this ship’s crew, for from quarter-deck to forecastle every one has insisted upon being a subscriber, with the one exception of Mr. Clemmons, from whom the intention was kept a secret as well as from yourself. I pin it upon your breast for you to wear as a badge which you may well feel proud of.”
As the captain spoke he pinned upon the jacket of the young hero a beautiful emblem of his courage, which was a massive anchor of solid gold, to which was suspended a shield with bars of pearls, turquoises and rubies to represent the colors red, white and blue, while below was engraved:
“PRESENTED
BY THE OFFICERS AND MEN
OF
The U. S. Cadet Cruising Ship Constellation
TO
CADET MIDSHIPMAN MARK MERRILL
As an Appreciation of His Splendid Courage
in Leaping Overboard at Night
in a Storm to Save the Life of
a Shipmate.”
In what was certainly a very neat speech, though taken unawares, Mark Merrill thanked Captain De Long and all for their great kindness, and raised his cap as three cheers were given for him.
A number of eyes were turned upon Scott Clemmons during this scene, and it could be easily discovered that he seemed ill at ease, though he stepped forward and told his rescuer how glad he was of the honor bestowed upon him, adding, with some feeling:
“Had I chipped in, Merrill, it would have spoiled all, or had I suggested it, for my debt to you can never be cancelled.”