Captain Taylor awaited them in his cabin.
“I have just finished reading the proceedings of Mr. Perry’s court martial,” he began, shaking both boys by the hand, “and I could but marvel at the wickedness of Ensign Lazar: I had believed he was an example of honor and efficiency. The actions of both of you have been worthy of the best traditions of American naval officers. You, Mr. Perry, were willing to stand convicted of this military crime rather than make charges against an officer which were conclusive in your own mind but which might have been considered recriminating in the mind of the court.”
“There was nothing else to do, sir,” Phil replied, his face flushed with pride. “I did disobey the order and my one defense was that I did it to save the good name of our minister.”
“Sir, the officer of the deck reports the signal to get under way is about to be hoisted by the admiral,” the orderly informed the captain.
“Very good, orderly,” Captain Taylor answered, and then turning again toward the midshipmen, who had moved toward the door to go to their station: “Gentlemen, you may ever consider me ready to help you in your ambitions in the service. If there is aught I can do for you, let me know; your services here can only be rewarded in such ways: official recognition is denied you.”
“Well! What is it?” the captain exclaimed, reading the look in Phil’s face.
“We would like to go to the Orient, sir,” Phil answered bashfully; “we want to see the world.”
“Is that all you wish?” returned the captain surprised at the modesty of the lads. “I shall see that your wish is gratified. I have received an intimation that I shall go to that station when I have received my promotion to rear-admiral, which will be in a few months now, and I shall be happy to have such officers under my command. I am sorry the naval regulation does not allow me to nominate midshipmen on my personal staff.”
The boys thanked him enthusiastically. Phil stood irresolutely regarding the captain: there was one more request he wished to make.
“Go on, out with it,” Captain Taylor exclaimed kindly.