give
you. At the same time full credit should be given to Seaman Davis for
his splendid work. Young man, I congratulate you. You are not unknown
to me. I well recall other fine deeds on your part performed some time
since. I trust you suffered no injury during your trying experience."

"No, sir."

"You are interested in guns?"

"Very deeply interested."

"But you have not been stationed at one of the guns?"

"No, sir."

"Would you like to be? Would you prefer to be a member of a gun crew?"

"It has been my ambition to join a gun crew, sir. I feel that I should
do well in that position."

"Then you shall. Coates, will you be good enough to tell the ship's
writer to enter Seaman Davis as a member of the starboard seven-inch
crew?"

"Yes, sir."

"Thank you, sir," answered the Battleship Boy, his eyes gleaming with
pleasure. "I shall try not to be a discredit to the seven-inch, sir."

"You will not. That goes without saying."

"May I ask a favor, sir?"

"Certainly. What is it?"

"Will it be possible for my friend, Seaman Hickey, to have a place in
that gun squad?"

"I think that can be arranged," answered the captain with an indulgent
smile. "Has your friend also a desire to learn to shoot?"

"Yes, sir."

"His desire shall be gratified. And, as for you, Davis, continue in
the way you have started and there is little doubt as to where you will
eventually bring up. I shall watch your career with deep interest. I
always take an interest in the young men who are striving to work
themselves up. If I can be of assistance to you, at any time,
communicate in the proper manner, and I shall be glad to do all I can
for you."

Dan rose, for they had invited him to be seated when he first entered
the cabin. He came to stiff attention, saluted and, when the
commanding officer waved his hand, the Battleship Boy executed a smart
right-about-face and marched from the room.

On the following morning Dan and Sam were marched to the quarter-deck
with the seven-inch starboard gun crew at muster. They were proud
boys, too, and, after quarters, they proceeded directly to their
station, where they spent the forenoon receiving instruction under the
captain of the gun's crew.

Dan fondled the great gun almost affectionately. It already had become
a thing of life to him, for had not this same gun been thundering away
at him, hurling projectiles at him in a determined effort to sink the
ship under him, o