e
motor boat's engine developed the fact that the engine had been
wrenched loose from its foundation. The nose of the boat had been
badly smashed.

Dan was of the opinion, however, that the damage to the boat could be
repaired in a day. Things were not nearly so bad as they looked to be
at first glance.

The two disabled boats, towed by the steamer, made their way slowly
back to the ship.

"This torpedo practice has been a fine piece of business," Dan confided
to a shipmate. "It strikes me that this will be a good time to quit,
or somebody will get hurt."

"I guess you are IT, then. You'll catch it when the captain sees his
motor boat," answered the other, with a laugh.

The captain's lips pursed as, through his glasses, he made out the
broken bow of his boat. He said nothing until Dan and the ensign had
boarded the battleship.

"Ensign, who is responsible for the condition of that boat?" he
demanded.

The ensign stepped aside and held a few moments' earnest conversation
with the commanding officer. As he went on the stern expression on the
captain's face gave place to one of admiration. He nodded his head
approvingly. Those who did not understand how the motor boat had been
wrecked, felt sorry for Seaman Davis. In fact, Dan was beginning to
feel sorry for himself, as he realized what he had done.

"Davis, come here!" commanded the captain.

The boy approached, saluting.

"Mr. Brant has told me the story of your brilliant exploit. I
congratulate you, my lad."

"I--I am sorry, sir, that I smashed your boat."

"What is the boat when compared to a human life?"

"That--that is what I thought, sir. I did not think you would feel
very sorry about the boat when you knew."

"I should say not. But what about your own life? You gave no thought
to that, did you?"

"N--no, sir."

"That is the way with all brave men, and that act of yours was one of
the bravest I have ever seen. I want every man on board this ship to
know about it--to hear the full story. Mr. Coates," beckoning to the
executive officer.

"Aye, aye, sir."

"Call a general muster on the quarter-deck to-night and read my
commendation of Seaman Davis' heroic conduct."

"Aye, aye, sir,"

"But, Davis, I am sorry to say that your racing ambitions will not be
gratified this fall."

Dan's face showed his disappointment, but he said no word.

"The first torpedo, one of the unlucky ones, fell on Boatswain's Mate
Harper as it was