Now, however, the stranger was at the boys' sides. They saluted instinctively.
"I was a witness of your plucky conduct," he exclaimed warmly, "and I am glad to see that I was not to be disappointed in the estimate I had formed of both your characters. I shall keep a sharp lookout over your future careers as seamen in the navy."
It was a moment when ordinary barriers seemed to be let down, and Herc, in a hesitating tone, asked, as they gained the boat deck:
"Are you in the navy, too, sir, may we ask?"
"You may, my boy," was the hearty response. "I am Captain Dunham of the Manhattan."
"You're all right, sir," sputtered Herc, in his enthusiasm entirely forgetting the respect due to an officer.
The next minute, with cheeks even more crimson than the flames and his exertions had painted them, the farmer boy plunged forward into the confusion of the boat deck, much embarrassed at his impulsive breach of discipline.