"Very good, sir."
It was Ensign Fullerton, who, acting as executive officer, transmitted the needed orders to Hal, Eph and Midshipman Drake.
The three young officers now removed their swords, sending them by a marine orderly to their respective cabins. Hal took command from the bridge, subject to Fullerton's directions, while Jack, as commanding officer, also took his station there briefly. Eph, being free to do as he pleased for the time, went to his cabin to try to figure out whether he were dreaming.
Quickly the "Sudbury" left her anchorage, proceeding downstream. As soon as the start had been fairly made Ensign Fullerton reported at the cabin of the young commanding officer. They worked out on the chart the probable positions that the suspected schooner would take that afternoon.
"We should sight her at about five o'clock, sir, if she doesn't change her course, and if the wind holds the same," said Ensign Fullerton.
"If we get the right craft, first off, it will be a short cruise, won't it?" smiled Jack, rather wistfully.
"I—I—" began Ensign Fullerton, slowly, then paused.
"Well?" smiled Jack Benson.
"On second thought, I believe I had better not say what I started to say," replied the ensign.
"Oh, go ahead, Fullerton," urged Jack. "It isn't easy to wound my sensibilities."