“If you will not think it presumptuous, sir, I have a suggestion,” volunteered Stark.
“And that is?”
“That we turn the guns over to those who need them most, like they do presentation bouquets to a hospital.”
“Your analogy is very apt, Stark. Who would you suggest making the recipients of these ‘flowers.’”
“Why, sir, the men who can use them to the best advantage—our friends, the Costavezan government troops.”
“An excellent idea, my boy, except for one thing—United States naval officers cannot figure as combatants in this affair, and I’m afraid that if to-night’s adventures are ever traced to their source that would be the inference that would be drawn.”
“Why not turn them over to the consul, sir?” suggested the ensign, “perhaps he could devise a way of their reaching a desirable destination without Mr. Stark and the men figuring in the thing.”
“That’s the best plan yet, Conkling. We’ll do it!” exclaimed Lieutenant Timmons. “Colonel Thompson is still on board. I’ll consult with him on my return.”