"I shall see, however, that the service does what is in its power to recognize the signal ability you have displayed, Mr. Strong," remarked the Secretary.
"Thank you, sir," responded Ned, with glowing cheeks, "but the knowledge that I have been of service to the Flag is in itself reward enough."
"Hardly substantial, however," smiled the Secretary.
A few moments later Ned was dismissed and joined Herc. Their greeting was not an effusive one on the surface. Both had been trained in a school where men are taught to restrain and control their emotions. But in the hearty handclasp, and the few spoken words, each friend recognized the glad emotion that the other was feeling over their reunion.
Later in the day both lads were summoned to the captain's cabin.
"Here is where we lose our commands," said Herc, with dismal foreboding.
He was right. Captain Dunham's first words apprised both boys that they were no longer officers.
"You are relieved of the command of your gunboat," said the captain crisply; and then, as the boys' faces fell, despite all their efforts to maintain "stiff upper lips," he added, "to take charge of an expedition which will be explained to you."
The boys longed to exchange glances, but they stood stiffly at "eyes front." What could be coming now?