"Getting ready for inspection by the Admiral," was the reply. "See, the men have donned their uniforms and are taking their places on the deck. And yonder—do you see?—the Admiral and his staff are pushing off from the flag-ship."
The boatswain's whistle and the roll of a drum were now heard coming from the "Wanita."
"Oh, and is that the executive officer on the bridge of the 'Wanita,' Papa?" asked Max, excitedly. "And what is he doing?"
"Giving an order to the gunner, doubtless to fire a salute in honour of the Admiral."
Before the words had fairly left the Captain's lips, the loud boom of the first gun burst upon the ear.
"Oh, Max, wouldn't you like to be in that Admiral's place?" queried Walter Travilla; "I would."
"Oh, our Maxie means to be an admiral one of these days; and I'm sure I hope he will," said Rosie.
"Very good in you, Rosie," returned Max, smiling and blushing; "but I'm afraid I'll be an old man before that happens, if it ever does."
"But you may comfort yourself that you can be very useful in maintaining your country's honour without waiting to be made an admiral," remarked Evelyn Leland, smiling pleasantly at Max.