urging him to study and work hard that he
might be far enough advanced to take the course.

At quarters that night Dan Davis's name was called among those who were
to go on watch. He was to take the anchor watch, which would place him
on the quarter-deck from eight until twelve o'clock. Both lads had had
other watches, but this was the first time either had been on anchor
watch, the watch that is always set when the vessel is in port or at
anchor.

The Battleship Boy was pleased. Only those men in whom their superiors
had confidence, were ever chosen for these duties, for no little
responsibility rests on the watch, especially at night.

The lad's superior on this watch was a midshipman named Carter, a
clean-cut, bright young officer who had on several occasions had
opportunity to speak to Dan complimenting him on certain well-performed
duties.

"Davis, are you on watch to-night?" he asked as Dan approached,
saluting.

"Yes, sir."

"How is your wound?"

"Improving, sir, thank you."

"Seeing you are on anchor watch with me, I will let you take charge of
the extra-duty squad."

This squad is obliged to remain on duty after the regular hours of work
because of some trifling offences. In such cases it is customary to
give the squad some light work to do. Now and then the men would be
obliged to stand at attention with their rifles for half an hour at a
time. Different officers employ different methods with their
extra-duty squads.

"Aye, aye, sir," answered Dan, his heart giving a jump, for this was to
be his first real command. To all intents he was an officer. He was
to command this unhappy squad of shipmates and assist in their
punishment. When this thought came to him the boy did not feel half so
elated as he had been a moment before.

"What do you wish me to do with them, sir?"

"I will leave that to you. They are not doing anything just now.
Perhaps you had better march them about the deck for a time. However,
do as you think best."

Dan walked over to where the six delinquents were standing ruefully,
with guns over their shoulders.

"Men, I am to have charge of you during this watch. How long are you
to be on duty?"

"Two hours, sir."

"You are to be released at ten o'clock, then?"

"Yes, sir."

"Very good. We will now have a few moments in the manual of arms.
Attention! Present arms! Carry arms! Port arms! Right face! Carry
arms! Forward march!"

The midshipman smiled