e warrant from the government at
Washington," the commodore said with a smile, and I began by
explaining why we started in search of the fleet, not forgetting to
make mention of the fact that we had hoped to find a sale for fish or
oysters.

Then I gave a detailed account of all that had happened to us, winding
up by saying:

"We count that you'll take the prisoners from us, sir, because we
haven't overly much food for so large a number, and if it so be you
can buy such as we can catch, it shall be at whatever price you set."

"Do you think, lad, that I would encourage you to spend your time
fishing when you have already shown yourselves capable of bigger
things? I can use Darius to good advantage, and I doubt not but that
he may need you and your vessel. Are you minded to serve your country,
lad?"

"Ay, sir, if it so be she needs me; but lads like Jerry and me may be
of more service as fishermen than as soldiers."

"Regarding that I am not so certain, because of the proof you have
brought; it strikes me that your pungy and her crew will well serve my
turn. You may deliver the prisoners to an officer whom I will send
aboard, and later in the day we will have another chat."

Then the commodore arose to his feet in token that the interview was
at an end, and we lads went out, Joshua Barney saying to Darius as he
went up the companion-way stairs:

"Since your joints are so stiff it may be a good plan for you to stay
aboard the sloop during the remainder of the day, and then you'll be
on hand when I'm ready to see you."

I was both surprised and pleased to know that the old man stood so
well with the commander, I had looked upon Darius Thorpe as a
broken-down sailor; but Commodore Barney appeared to have a far
different idea on the subject.

Darius was actually puffed up with pride when he gained the deck of
the Avenger. His face was as red as a beet, and his mouth open so wide
that I could have tossed a quart of oysters into it without spilling
one.

"Well, lads," he cried, turning on Jerry and me insistently, "you've
seen the biggest man in this country, an' what do you think of him?"

Neither Jerry nor I could do less than praise the commodore, for he
had treated us in a friendly fashion; but although we spoke our minds
emphatically, declaring that he was a very pleasant gentleman, Darius
was not satisfied.

"I tell you he's the greatest man in the country," he repeated, and I
am not certain but that he