dorsed these views of mine upon
Lieutenant Cantor's report and also upon your own. I can find no
fault with your course of action."

"I cannot tell you, sir, how highly I appreciate your decision."

"Of course you do, Darrin!" cried Captain Gales, holding out his
hand. "No young officer in the service enjoys being censured
when he has used the very best judgment with which Heaven has
endowed him. No man of earnest effort, likes to have his motives
questioned. And I am happy to say, Ensign Darrin, that I regard
you as the same faithful, hardworking officer that I considered
you when you had not been more than three days aboard the '_Long
Island_.' I congratulate you, Ensign, upon your skilful handling
of a bad situation last night. Now, I am not going to keep you
here longer, for mess call is due in two minutes, and you will
want your breakfast."

With a heart full of joy and gratitude Dave hastened back to his
quarters, where he laid aside his sword and gloves.

Just outside the ward-room door he encountered John Carmody, who
appeared to have been waiting there purposely.

"Now, Mr. Darrin," cried the planter, holding out his hand, "I
want to try to give you some idea of my gratitude for the magnificent
work you did last night for my dear ones and our friends. I don't
know how to begin, but-----"

"Please don't try to begin," laughed Dave. "An officer of the
American Navy should never be thanked for the performance of his
duty. I can't tell you how delighted I am that my efforts were
successful, and that the scoundrels, who had tried to violate
Mexico's sacred duty of hospitality, were roundly punished. Tell
me, sir, how are the ladies this morning?"

"All of them are in excellent spirits, Mr. Darrin. I suppose
you have not seen them yet. They are in full possession of the
captain's quarters, and are at breakfast now."

The breakfast call sounded, and in twos and threes the officers
of the "_Long Island_," passed into the ward-room.

John Carmody was provided with a seat beside the chaplain.

"Darrin, you lucky dog!" called Lieutenant-Commander Denton, as
soon as the officers were seated.

"Am I really fortunate?" Dave smiled back.

"Yes; for you were privileged to order the firing of the first
shots in the Mexican war that is now close at hand. You are, or
will be, historical, Darrin!"

Dave's face clouded as he replied, gravely:

"And I am also aware, sir, that I had the misfortune to lo