Part 18 (2/2)
”How could we, sir? We had little on which to base our suspicions, and besides it did not seem the manly thing to do, to carry tales about one's s.h.i.+pmates.”
”He's the fellow, sir, who threw the pie,” spoke up Hickey.
”What's that?”
”Threw the pie.” Sam did not heed the warning look from his companion.
”The day we entered the training school.”
”I recall the incident, and I also recall that you both refused to state what you knew. Always obey the command of an officer; bear that in mind, young men. No matter if it does mean getting an a.s.sociate into trouble.
Your officers will never make a request of you that is not for the good of the service. You are well fitted for the duties that are before you.
Be obedient, courteous and willing. Never allow soreheads-'sea lawyers'
we call them on board s.h.i.+p-to make you discontented on board. Remember that there is no more honorable calling in the world than that which you have chosen. See that you do honor to it.”
”We shall try, sir.”
”And, by the way, you are ent.i.tled to a leave of absence for four weeks from this time, with a full allowance of pay. You may join your s.h.i.+p later, at the expiration of leave. I take it that you lads would like to go home and show yourselves in your uniforms.”
Dan hesitated.
”Of course, we should like it, sir, but I think we should prefer to join s.h.i.+p at once.”
”Very good, then; you will join the 'Long Island' to-morrow. In the meantime I shall arrange to have the marks against you canceled, so that there may be no bar to your progress. You will go aboard with a clean bill of health in every way.”
”May I ask where the 'Long Island' is, sir?” questioned Sam.
”New York.”
”At the Navy Yard, sir?”
”No, she is lying in the North River; I think about off Riverside Drive.
Do you know where that is?”
”No, sir.”
”That is nearly opposite General Grant's tomb. You can find the place easily. Any policeman will tell you how to get there.”
”Yes, sir; when do we go, sir?”
”On the night boat. You came up here on that, did you not?”
”Yes, sir.”
”I will have your papers prepared and your transportation ready at five o'clock. You will call here for them. The quartermaster will instruct you as to what you are to take with you and how to proceed. My lads, I trust I shall hear good reports from you. We always feel a keen interest in the young men who have had their first instruction here at the Training School. That will be all.”
Two hands were brought to foreheads in precise salute, and, executing a right about face, the Battles.h.i.+p Boys, marched steadily from the room, their faces grave, their shoulders thrown well back.
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