"Humph!" remarked the captain. "I suppose it was an accident, and we can take no official notice of it. By the way, Scott, those two young men, I perceive now, are the ones I spoke to you about as having behaved with such singular courage and cool-headedness when the Rhode Island burned. Keep an eye on them, for I think they have the makings of real sailors in them."
"I shall, sir," replied the executive officer, saluting, as the captain turned away with a return of the courtesy.
If Ned and Herc were wet and cold without, they were warm enough within as they gained the deck. Ned's eye had detected Kennell's foot in the act of reaching out to trip his chum and cousin, and he felt within him an overpowering desire to seek the man out and demand an explanation.
Fortunately, however, for himself, other matters occupied his attention at that moment.
Dripping wet as they were, the boys did not forget their carefully instilled training, and each came to attention and saluted as they faced the officer of the deck.
"Who are you men?" demanded that dignitary, red tape not allowing him to comment on the accident.
"Recruits, s-s-sir, from Newport T-T-T-Training School," answered Ned respectfully, his teeth chattering.
"Get on dry clothes and report to the master-at-arms. Messenger!"
A messenger slid to the officer's side with a hand raised in salute.