s is wounded. I don't know how seriously, but he
looks to be in pretty bad shape."

The men needed no further urging. In a few minutes they were on their
way back to the ship, towing both small boats behind them.

"There's the other whaleboat, sir," announced the lookout.

"Hail them. Tell them to turn about and return to ship," directed the
officer.

The lookout did so.

As they approached the side the battleship's rails were seen to be
lined with officers and men. Dan, by this time, was sitting up and the
prisoners were coming around slowly.

"Did you get them all?" called the executive officer.

"Yes, sir."

"Are they all right?"

"Pretty well knocked out, sir."

"Pull alongside the starboard gangway. Need any help?"

"No, sir; I think we can manage them. But we need the doctor right
away. Seaman Davis is hurt."

"No, no," protested Dan. "I'm all right. I want to report. I'm not a
baby, sir."

"I should say you are not."

Dan was permitted to stand up as the whaleboat drew up to the starboard
gangway. Waiting until the boat rose on a swell he grasped a
stanchion, swinging himself to the platform of the gangway by sheer
grit, for he had little strength left. He poised on the landing
planking, still clinging to the stanchion. A jackie ran down the
gangway, extending a helping hand.

"Never mind me. I'm all right, shipmate," said the boy pluckily.

Directing all his strength to the task, the Battleship Boy climbed the
gangway. Never before had the stairs seemed so long to him. At last
he reached the quarter-deck.

"You are hurt, my lad," exclaimed the captain, starting forward.
"Surgeon, here!"

Dan's face was covered with blood, while the white jacket was stained a
deep crimson clear down to his duck trousers.

All at once he started forward unsteadily. He had espied the officer
of the deck, the one whose command he had nearly lost his life in
obeying.

"Sir, I beg to report that I have overhauled the dinghy and captured
the men."

The boy came to attention, saluting stiffly, for it hurt him to raise
his hand to his forehead.

"Very good, Seaman Davis."

"Take that man to the sick bay," commanded the captain. "Don't you see
that he is barely able to stand on his feet? How about those other
men? Are they seriously hurt?"

"I think not, sir," answered the surgeon, who had made a quick
examination of the Hawaiians.

"Then give them attention. Master-at-arms, if the