"Sir!"
The orderly sprang into view, like a familiar spirit, from behind the curtain where he had been standing at attention.
"Take these general orders to Mr. Scott!"
"Yes, sir!"
The galvanic orderly saluted and was off like a shot.
"I wonder if that fellow is equipped with springs?" mused Ned, "or if he is galvanized daily, or merely wound up by clockwork?"
"Well, Strong."
The captain was gazing at the boy quizzically.
Ned saluted stiffly, and stood straighter than ever at attention, waiting for what was to come.