“Why not let some of our boys go,” suggested the naval officer. “Strong and Taylor would be delighted at the idea of such an excursion. They can get a rig here at the livery attached to the hotel.”
“The very thing,” exclaimed the inventor, and hastened off to find the lads. He discovered them with Boatswain’s Mate Stanley and old Tom. The four were busily discussing old times in Costaveza when Mr. Lockyer came upon them. Stanley, it will be recalled, had played a prominent part in the adventures of the “Dreadnought Boys Aboard a Destroyer.” Mr. Lockyer soon explained his errand, and, of course, our lads jumped at the chance of a long drive on a fine, moonlight night.
Lieutenant Parry having put the official sanction upon the trip, the lads set out shortly afterward.
“Say, Ned,” remarked Herc, as they drove along the moon-flooded roads, “it seems to me we’re having pretty easy times for two able-bodied Boatswain’s Mates.”
“Wait till we get to work on board the Lockyer in real earnest,” rejoined Ned. “I fancy you’ll find a difference then. Of course, on special duty like this discipline is always relaxed a good deal, but when we get to sea again, even in a submarine, the old lines will be drawn.”
“Oh Chowder!” grumbled Herc. “I suppose that means more of those everlasting sea-going chores.”
“I guess so,” laughed Ned; “but every day we do our full duty, Herc, we’re getting closer to the goal we set ourselves back in Lamb’s Corners—to make the best sailors we could of ourselves, and devote our best efforts for our country’s good. A sailor can do that, too, just as well as some pork-fed politician who wallows in a lot of oratory about saving the nation.”
“I wish there were a little less of deck-cleaning and brass work, though,” complained Herc.
“Wait till we take our next step up,” was Ned’s assurance. “We’ll be able to live almost as easy as commissioned officers then.”
“Hope so,” muttered Herc; “things can’t come too easy for me.”