ay.

"Pardon me, gentlemen, for suggesting that you had better put your
swords on," suggested Fullerton, "Inspection of crew at quarters is
about to come off."

Hal and Eph vanished, but soon reappeared, wearing their new swords
and trying hard not to look conscious of the fact. Jack was engaged
in adjusting his own side-arm to his belt.

"I neglected to state, sir," continued Ensign Fullerton, "that we have
no medical officer at present. A hospital steward down in sick bay is
our nearest approach, at present, to a medical officer."

"Forewarned is forearmed," laughed Jack. "We'll try not to be ill."

It was time, now, to proceed to the quarterdeck; for, forward, the
shrill sound of the boatswain's whistle seemed to fill the air.

Though all the crew, including the marines, had been summoned and
formed at the mast, the inspection was but a matter of a moment. Its
purpose was more to give the crew a glimpse of their new officers.

Just as the inspection was ending, a marine of the guard approached,
announcing in a low tone:

"Telegram for the commanding officer, sir."

Ensign Fullerton received it, returning the marine's salute, and passed
the envelope to Jack Benson, who opened it.

"Our sailing orders, Mr. Fullerton," announced Jack, as soon as the
former had dismissed the formation at the mast. "This telegram gives,
as you see, the latest reported position of the schooner believed to be
the 'Juanita,' and her course. You will get under way at once, Mr.
Fullerton. Then you and I will work out the course."

"This is the starboard watch, sir," continued the executive officer.
"Which officer is to command it?"

"Mr. Hastings. Mr. Somers will take the port watch."

"Very good, sir. And I would suggest, sir, that Mr. Drake is an
excellent pilot between here and the sea."

"Then direct Mr. Drake to take the bridge with the watch officer."

"Very good, sir."

"And, as soon as we are under way, Mr. Fullerton, come to my cabin and
we will figure out our course more in detail."

"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