"I guess we headed off his thrilling narrative, all right," commented Ned, echoing Herc's merriment.
"And for a good reason, too," went on Herc. "I recognized Hank as he slunk away from that woman last night. He was the coward who struck her and disgraced his uniform."
"I'm glad his overcoat covered it," rejoined Ned.
At this juncture one of the reporters, who had noticed that both the lads wore Uncle Sam's uniforms, hurried up to them.
"Can you tell us what was the matter with that fellow?" he demanded. "He was just in the middle of giving us a good story, when he suddenly hurried off as if he had been shot. Is he a reliable chap, do you know?"
"Well, I wouldn't believe all he told you," grinned Herc, as the Dreadnought Boys hurried ashore, to cross New York and join their ship.
[CHAPTER VII.]
"WE ARE PART OF THE FLEET."