ver, it was not a half-bad shot for a
landlubber. Number three, take your place."

The man indicated made an even worse shot than had Hickey, though he
had been practising with the dotter for three weeks.

"You never will do at this work," decided the gun captain. "About all
you will be good for will be to clean bright work and pass along
ammunition. Davis, let's see what you can do."

Dan was all expectation. He could hardly wait for his turn at the gun.

"You understand how to work it?"

"I think so."

"Take your time. Make sure of your mark, then let go quickly. You
will find in actual target work, or in shooting at an enemy, that a
fraction of a second's delay will ordinarily roll the target out of
your range. Better to shoot a second too soon than a second too late."

Dan was peering through the sights, his eye fixed on the pin-head
opening. One hand crept slowly to the trigger. It rested there for a
few seconds without a tremor. His nerves were steady and true.

"Bang!"

"What luck?"

"Squarely in the center. That's what I should call a bull's eye,"
announced Dan Davis triumphantly. "Am I right, sir?"

"Yes; you hit the mark all right. It may have been a chance shot."

"I think not, sir. I will see if I can do it again."

Dan applied his eye to the finder. An instant's hesitation, then there
followed the sharp report of the dotter.

"Once more in the center, sir. Shall I fire again?"

"No. You've sunk the ship, young man. You have put the enemy out of
business. You are not only going to make a splendid gunner, but you
are far above the average already."

Ere Dan could express his thanks the bugle blew, piping gun crews down
to other duties.

CHAPTER VIII

SAM GETS A PIG'S FOOT

The "Long Island" was still lying inside the breakwater when the lads
were piped to their gun station the following morning.

"Seaman Dan Davis and Sam Hickey will hereafter act as gun pointers in
number four turret," said the gun captain. "You will get your rating
badges at the canteen, meaning the ship's storeroom. See that you have
them before the afternoon practice at four bells."

The Battleship Boys looked at each other triumphantly, and Sam winked
wisely at his companion. How the lads did go through their work that
day, performing each duty with a snap that drew nods of approval from
the gun captain and wondering looks from their companions.

After the noon meal they hastened to