"You can bet the Dewey will be in on any such stunts as that," pursued Ted. "And why shouldn't we go right after them? The United States Navy never did lie back and wait for the enemy to come out."
Passing along, the deck to the conning tower, Lieutenant McClure stopped to eye the little group.
"You fellows just aching for a scrap again," he said finally. "Well, there's no telling when we might run right into one to-night. Those German destroyers are likely to make a sortie from Ostend. Besides, you never can tell when some of the Kaiser's air navy is likely to be popping around."
As he spoke "Little Mack" scanned the sky to the east. Turning to the boys, he remarked laughingly: "You three pretty good chums, aren't you?" gazing along the line, from Jack to Ted and then to Bill Witt.
"Just like three peas in a pod," declared Bill Witt. "These two Brighton boys took me right in—-and me a rank outsider! I'm sure lucky to have struck two such good friends."
Everybody laughed at Bill's frank avowal of friendship and Jack responded with a crack on the back that made Bill wince.
"Guess we know good goods when we meet it," he added.
"Little Mack" had been taking it all in with approval.
"That's right, boys," he smiled. "You've got the right spirit. That's the kind of democracy we stand for, and that's why the good old U.S. Navy is the best in the world—-fellows all pulling together. I'm mighty proud of all my boys," continued the little lieutenant. "You've made a great record so far, and I only hope you keep up the good work. Stick together like pals—-and be proud of that flag of ours."
With a wave of the hand the ship's commander passed along the deck and into the conning tower.