to take Seaman Davis' watch
until eight bells. Come here, my lad."

Dan had started away to obey the captain's command. At that he turned,
retracing his steps.

The captain laid a hand on his shoulder.

"My lad, I am proud of you. I know you would much prefer to remain on
deck and do your duty as you see it. There is another side to this
matter, however. Your duty just now lies in getting yourself into
shape for the morrow. You are in no condition to work. You have done
quite enough for one day."

"I feel perfectly well, sir."

"I know you think you do, but turn in and get a good night's rest. I
shall require your services further in this matter, if you are able to
get up in the morning. That will be all."

Dan saluted and walked off, but it was evident, from his hesitating
steps, that he was reluctant to do so.

"That boy is all nerve," nodded the captain. "He has more pluck than
any two men on this ship, and that is saying a good deal. Ord'ly, tell
the surgeon I desire to speak with him when he is at leisure."

"Yes," agreed the executive officer. "Davis and his red-headed friend
are both a credit to the service."

CHAPTER XV

BEFORE THE SUMMARY COURT

Dan was released from the sick bay late on the following afternoon. In
the evening of the same day Black and White were removed to the brig,
and a marine sentry placed in front of their cells to see that they
were properly looked after.

Dan wondered what would be done in their case. Being unfamiliar with
forms on shipboard, he did not understand that punishments are not
inflicted hastily.

On the morning of the second day, after quarters, there was a stir
below decks. Dan had rejoined the crew of the seven-inch gun when he
was informed by the captain's orderly that his presence would be
required in the captain's quarters promptly at ten o'clock.

"I wish I were you to-day," whispered Sam.

"Why?"

"'Cause there's going to be a court-martial--a summary court-martial!"

"What for?"

"They're going to try Black and White. How I'd like to help soak those
heathens."

A few minutes before the hour named, Dan went below. He found the
corridor of the captain's office thronged with shipmates. In front of
the door stood a marine sentry.

"Am I to go in?" he asked.

"Are you a witness?"

"Yes."

"I guess you may enter, then."

Dan did so. At one side of the room he espied Black and White, in
charge of the master-at-arms;