surgeon decides that
they are fit, lock them in the brig. As soon as all hands are in
condition we will have a quick examination."

The islanders proved to be in a more serious condition than had at
first been supposed. Acting upon the surgeon's orders, they were taken
to the sick bay, where their wounds were dressed and they were put to
bed, with a guard placed over them.

Dan's wounds were washed and dressed and his head bandaged. The cut on
his forehead where the sharp edge of the oar had struck it was deep and
wide, the oar blade having gone clear to the bone, while the lad
himself was weak from loss of blood.

"You are lucky that you did not sustain a fracture," decided the
surgeon, as, with nimble fingers, he sewed the flesh together. "You
will turn in and sleep here to-night."

"I can't do that, sir."

"Why not?"

"I am on the anchor watch, sir. I'm under orders."

"Anchor watch nothing; you'll remain here."

"I am sorry, sir, but I cannot do so until I am relieved at eight
bells. If they do not want me on watch they will tell me so. I am all
right now. I feel fine."

The surgeon grunted.

"Very well; but I shall tell the captain that you are unfit for duty.
You have lost more blood than is good for you."

Dan left the sick bay, the surgeon watching his unsteady steps as the
boy made his way down the dimly lighted corridor.

A group of officers were gathered on the quarter-deck discussing the
exciting incidents of the evening, when the Battleship Boy made his
appearance there.

"I report for duty, sir. I am ready to finish my watch, sir," he said,
saluting the officer of the deck.

The officer of the deck looked the boy over, who, with bandaged head
and pale face, presented a woebegone appearance.

"I thought you were ordered to the sick bay?"

"I was, sir, to have my wounds dressed."

"From your appearance I should say that was the place for you, not the
quarter-deck."

At that juncture the captain strode across the deck.

"Davis, what are you doing here?" he demanded.

"Finishing my watch, sir," answered the boy, saluting.

"Did I not order you to the sick bay?"

"You did, sir, but you did not order me to stay there."

"I do so now, then. You will report at the sick bay at once, and
remain there until you are released by the surgeon." The command was
delivered sternly.

"Aye, aye, sir," answered the Battleship Boy, saluting.

"Boatswain's mate, order out another man