Part 38 (1/2)
”I shall report to no--”
”You must report to the sentry on duty outside without delay. If you do not, I'll do it myself. There will be an investigation over this, and there ought to be.”
”There'll be something more than an investigation, I reckon,” muttered Seaman Davis, moving toward the deck, still holding his injured wrist.
CHAPTER XX-OUT ON THE MINE FIELD
An investigation did follow. It began right after reveille the next morning.
As soon as possible, after having gotten up from his uncomfortable bed on the floor, Dan hastened to the sick bay, for his wrist was swelling and demanded immediate attention.
The surgeon examined it carefully.
”You have broken two small bones in the wrist. How did you do it?”
The lad explained.
”Very well, I shall have to put you on the binnacle list to-day. You will not be able to do any heavy work with that hand for some days to come.”
”I do not wish to go on the binnacle list,” replied the lad promptly.
”You don't wish to?”
”No, sir.”
”Then you are different from most sailors. They all pull the list on the slightest pretext, some under no pretext at all. Why are you so particular?” questioned the surgeon, his curiosity aroused by the unusual objection on the boy's part.
”I expect to have duties to perform.”
”What are they?”
”Mine work.”
”You will not be able to work on mines to-day. I shall not permit it,”
decided the surgeon firmly.
”I hope to go out as a signal man. I can do that, can I not?”
”You might, but I shall advise against it.”
”Please do not tell the officers that,” pleaded Dan. ”I want to go. It is my first chance to prove that I am good for anything at all. I have made a mess of almost everything I have tried so far.”
”I hear differently.”
Somehow the earnest young seaman seemed to appeal to the sympathies of the surgeon. He was different from the others; perhaps that was the reason.
”From what I have heard I judge that you already have distinguished yourself,” smiled the doctor.