. "You seem to be in command. What shall I call you?"

"Herbert Jenkins, seaman gunner."

"Captain Jenkins," growled a man, and others repeated it.

"Captain Jenkins," responded Denman, "I greet you cordially. My name is
William Denman, ensign in the United States Navy, and formally executive
officer of this boat."

A suppressed exclamation came from the group; a man stepped forward,
peered closely into Denman's face, and stepped back.

"None o' that, Forsythe," said Jenkins, sternly. "We're all to treat Mr.
Denman with respect. Now, you fellows, step forward, and introduce
yourselves. I know only a few of you by name."

Jenkins went to the wheel, picked up the buoys played upon by the
searchlights, and sent the man to join the others, as one after another
faced Denman and gave his name.

"Guess you know me, Mr. Denman," said Forsythe, the first to respond.

"I know you, Forsythe," answered Denman, hot and ashamed; for at the
sight and sound of him the old heart jump and throat ache had returned.
He fought it down, however, and listened to the names as the men gave
them: William Hawkes, seaman; George Davis, seaman; John Kelly, gunner's
mate; Percy Daniels, ship's cook, and Thomas Billings, wardroom
steward.

John Casey and Frank Munson, they explained, were at the searchlights
forward; and down below were the four machinists, Riley, Sampson, King,
and Dwyer.

Denman politely bowed his acknowledgments, and asked the ratings of the
searchlight men.

"Wireless operators," they answered.

"You seem well-equipped and well-chosen men," he said, "to run this
boat, and to lead the government a lively dance for a while. But until
the end comes, I hope we will get on together without friction."

In the absence of the masterful Jenkins, they made embarrassed
replies--all but Forsythe, who remained silent. For no sudden upheaval
and reversing of relations will eliminate the enlisted man's respect for
an officer.

Daylight had come, and Jenkins, having cleared the last of the buoys,
called down the men at the searchlights.

"You're wireless sharps, aren't you?" he asked. "Go down to the
apparatus, and see if you can pick up any messages. The whole coast must
be aroused."

The two obeyed him, and went in search of the wireless room. Soon one
returned. "The air's full o' talk," he said. "Casey's at the receiver,
still listening, but I made out only a few words like 'Charleston,'
'Brooklyn,' 'jail,' 'pirates,' 'Pe