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138 "All right; I'll go!" I answered, half in jest and half in earnest. "I know something about guns as well as about engines."

"You are certainly the kind we want," was the pleasant response. "Good-night, and good-by until we meet again!" And as the steam launch moved away, the commodore waved his hand pleasantly, and Dan and I took off our hats to him in return. Soon the darkness swallowed up the little craft.

"Dan, I wish I was going with him!" I burst out impulsively. "A cruise on a man-o'-war, especially in war times, would just suit me."

"So say I, Oliver," answered my chum.

"Hurrah for the American Navy!"