as the measured tramp of feet attracted his
attention, the extra-duty squad in single file marching steadily toward
the stern of the vessel.

"Column right, march! Column right, march! Halt!"

The men halted. They were now facing the superstructure.

"Right face!"

"Men, I am going to form you into a guard. Count off."

"One, two, three, four, five, six," counted the men.

"Numbers one and two will take the forward end of the deck, three and
four the port and starboard sides respectively, with numbers five and
six at the stern. Each set will march back and forth from opposite
ends of their stations, patroling their beats. You will carry
yourselves like soldiers. Remember, you are on guard duty. You are
responsible for this part of the ship. Let no person pass unless he is
halted, and then gives the countersign."

"What is the countersign, sir?"

Dan reflected. He had not thought of that. It would not do to let
them see that he was at a loss to answer the question.

"I think, men," said Dan, with a smile, "that a pretty good countersign
for you will be 'Never again.' Yes, that is the countersign. To your
posts, forward march!"

Six faces, reflecting as many grins of appreciation, marched to their
posts, which they began patroling, marching back and forth in opposite
directions.

The midshipman, officer of the deck, halted in his leisurely pacing up
and down the deck, glancing at the sentries with a puzzled look.

"Now what is that boy Davis up to, I should like to know?" he wondered.
"Ah, I see. He has turned out a guard. Not a half-bad idea, at that.
He will do. He ought to be an officer, with such resourcefulness as he
shows on every occasion."

The officer of the deck resumed his walk, forgetting all about the
formation for which Dan was responsible. But it was brought to his
notice in a most forcible manner half an hour later.

The night was moonless, and heavy clouds had settled down, enshrouding
the ship in a gloom that was broken here and there by the faint rays
from a port hole.

Shortly after nine o'clock the captain came up from below for a look at
the weather and a breath of fresh air before turning in. He paused at
the top of the hatchway, glanced about the deck, then started pacing up
and down as was the midshipman doing on the opposite side.

"Halt!" ordered a voice sternly.

The captain glanced up in surprise. He found himself facing a Krag
rifle.

"What--what----