Page:Barbour--For the freedom from the seas.djvu/160

 yet in the Navy. You're a mighty lucky fellow to get out of a scrape like that. What was it like on the Gyandotte last night?"

"Pretty rough, sir."

"I guess it was. You know the Gyandotte, George," he added, turning to the lieutenant. "Weren't you on her once?"

"Yes, I was with the Gyandotte five years ago. It was her last cruise. We thought she wouldn't hold together to make port. She's been overhauled, though, I believe."

"Hope so. Well, make yourself at home, Troy. Townsend will find you something to do perhaps. We'll put you back on your ship when we can, but I don't know when we'll see her again."

"Thank you, sir." Nelson followed Martin into the next compartment and was introduced to two of the crew who were lounging there. Something in their attitude toward Martin prompted Nelson to ask, as he seated himself on a bench beside the other: "Are you a petty officer?"

"Surest thing you know, old scout!" Martin laughed. "They made me a gunner's mate, third class. Don't ask me why, though. See that you treat me properly after this. Now tell me the whole yarn, Troy. What's happened to you since 135