ing made this last reply, Commander Bainbridge touched a button.
The ward-room door was thrown open, and the mess-servants once
more entered.

But now a new note crept into the talk. The fact that the "_Long
Island_" was to carry to Mexican waters full supplies of all kinds,
including small and large ammunition, was enough to satisfy these
officers of the Navy that the government at Washington had an
important move on hand, and that move was expected to bring about
armed conflict between the two countries.

"Now, am I a dreamer?" demanded Lieutenant Holton of those about
him.

The two most excited officers present were also the newest on
hoard the "_Long Island_." At the thought of active service against
an enemy, Dave Darrin and Dan Dalzell fairly tingled.

"This is the greatest news we could possibly get," beamed Danny
Grin, turning to his chum.

"It seems too great to be true," replied Ensign Darrin. "Danny,
the Mexicans have been boasting that we don't _dare_ tackle them and
stir up that Mexican hornet's nest. If we get a chance, the American
Navy will show them---and the world---something well worth
remembering!"

Both Darrin and Dalzell had already been notified that they were
detailed to "day duty" for that day. This meant that they would
have no watch duty to stand, but would be employed through the
day, while watch duty fell to the lot of others.

While Dalzell was to go below, with Trent, aiding in the storage
of shells in the magazine, Darrin was ordered to report to Lieutenant
Cantor to supervise the oiling of mechanisms of the guns of Cantor's
division, and, later, to perform other important duties.

"Your face is flushed," sneered Cantor, when he found an opportunity
to speak aside with Dave. "You are dreaming of active service in
war, perhaps."

"Yes, sir," said Dave, simply.

"Look out that war service doesn't bring you disgrace, instead of
honor or glory," warned Cantor, darkly.

"What do you mean, sir?"

"You have made me your enemy, and I am a good hater," retorted
Lieutenant Cantor.

"You will be under my orders, and I may find a chance-----"

Lieutenant Cantor finished only with an expressive shrug of his
shoulders.

Though Dave Darrin felt a tremor of uneasiness, his eyes flashed
back honest indignation and contempt for so unworthy a superior
officer.

CHAPTER V

WATCHING AND WAITING---BEHIND BIG GUNS

April, in the tropics!

Four miles off the coast of Me