“Yes, and from what I hear, you have fully earned it. Of course, you won’t object to taking it?”
“Well hardly, sir.”
“Sit down now and tell me all about your adventures ashore, Strong. I am interested in knowing the details of such a meritorious performance as yours has been.”
Ned, with a very red face, seated himself at his superior’s orders and launched into his story. He mentioned himself as little as he could, but it was impossible for the captain not to read between the lines of Ned’s plain, unembroidered story and recognize him for the plucky, gritty young tar that he was.
He was half through his narration when the orderly entered the cabin.
“Officer of the deck reports a police launch approaching, sir.”
Poor Ned! His heart began to beat thick and fast. He hardly dared to look up. Suppose that some charge should be made against him, how could he face the captain who had just been complimenting him so highly? His embarrassment was not lessened by his knowledge that he actually had no reason to fear anything.
“Report to me when they make fast,” ordered the captain. “Now go on, Strong. You had hidden behind a barrel, I think you were saying.”
Ned went on with his narrative, but he related it haltingly. His mind was on the police launch and what its possible mission might be.
The orderly came back.