CHAPTER XXIV--CONCLUSION

"You say the boy is out of his head?"

"Yes, sir; he is in a high fever," answered the surgeon.

"Nothing more than exposure is it?" questioned the captain.

"He had a broken wrist when he went out this morning. I understand he broke it again in getting into the whale boat this morning. I advised that he go on binnacle list for the day, but Davis refused. He said he had duties to perform, that he must go."

"You should have declined to permit it."

"I could not well do so, sir. I admired the boy's spirit too much to order him on the list."

The captain nodded reflectively.

"The Secretary of the Navy shall be informed of this at once. Mr. Coates!"

The executive officer approached.

"Never in my experience have I known of such unselfish heroism as those two lads have shown to-day. Kester is the man with whom young Davis and Hickey had difficulties, is he not?"

"Yes, sir."

"And to-day the boys save his life. By the way, surgeon, how did the lad break his wrist in the first place?"

"I believe it was through a fall from his hammock."

"I looked into that matter, sir," spoke up the executive officer. "I learn that Davis's hammock lashings had been cut during the night, or some time earlier. At least he did not observe the fact and got his tumble after he had been asleep several hours."

"Find the man who did that. He shall be dismissed from the service instantly."

"Yes, sir."

"What is the boy's temperature?"

"One hundred and four," answered the surgeon.

"You have a nurse with him?"

"Yes, sir."

"See that nothing is omitted that will make for his comfort. Mr. Coates, you see to it that the affidavits of the witnesses to that heroic rescue, are taken at once. Have them ready for my signature at the earliest possible moment as I wish to forward them to Washington no later than to-morrow morning, with especial recommendation for Ordinary Seaman Davis."

"Ordinary Seaman Hickey requests permission to sit with the man Davis, sir," announced a messenger.

"Permit Ordinary Seaman Hickey to do whatever he wishes on this ship so long as his requests are not in violation of regulations," replied the captain, with emphasis. "There is a divan in my bedroom that he can sleep on. Keep me informed, doctor, on the lad's condition."

"Very good, sir."

"Is Kester in a serious condition?"

"I think not. He should be around in a few days at the most. He is too tough to be downed thus easily."

"Davis downed him the other night," laughed the executive officer.

For two days Dan Davis raged in delirium; then on the morning of the third day, as the ship was riding easily at anchor, the sun peeping through the portholes of the cabin, the Battleship Boy opened his eyes. He gazed about him wonderingly.

"What place is this?" he asked.

"This is the captain's cabin."

"Am I the captain?"

"No, but you have been very ill," the nurse informed him. "Lie still and keep quiet."

Dan closed his eyes blissfully. Such luxury as that with which he was surrounded exceeded his fondest dreams.

From that moment, Dan improved rapidly. He was able to be up and dressed on the fourth day, and in another twenty-four hours he was on deck, where he was provided with a chair near the stern of the quarter-deck. Sam took great pleasure in winking at his shipmates when they passed him, he having remained with Dan constantly. Sam was enjoying himself hugely.

One morning, soon after, Dan reported that he felt fit for duty, and asked to be permitted to return to his post. Sam advised him not to do so, but in this Dan persisted. However, he did not return to his post that day, nor for several days thereafter.

That afternoon a muster was called on the quarter-deck. The Battleship Boys were surprised when informed that their presence was required on deck. Upon arriving there, they were lined up in front of the captain and executive officer, as if they were to be sentenced after a court-martial. On each side of them stood their shipmates, erect, shoulders thrown well back, each brown face reflecting a poorly-disguised smile.

"Daniel Davis and Samuel Hickey step three paces to the front," commanded the executive officer.

They did so, wonderingly.

The ship's commander stepped out before them.

"I have here," he began, "a communication from the Secretary of the Navy, which I will read. It is as follows:

"'It is hereby ordered that Ordinary Seaman Daniel Davis and Ordinary Seaman Samuel Hickey, at present assigned to the battleship 'Long Island,' do present themselves at the executive mansion in Washington, on the morning of July twenty-ninth, at eleven o'clock. It is desired to show proper recognition for their joint deed of heroism in rescuing, from three fathoms of water, the ship's diver, William Kester. The President is desirous of seeing these young men in person. It will be his pleasure to express to them the gratitude of the government for their splendid achievement. The men will report in blue dress.'"

The Battleship Boys, even now, did not fully understand what was expected of them, but they were proud in the thought that they had done something to merit the praise of their superior officers.

"You will be put ashore at three o'clock this afternoon, men. You will take a night train to Washington and report in accordance with the instructions as contained in the order just read. Your shipmates should be proud of you. You have given all of us a lesson in self-sacrificing patriotism that we shall do well to bear in mind. Beside your undaunted bravery, you showed rare judgment and coolness. These are more valuable than bravery alone because they direct bravery. Especially do I wish to commend you, Davis, for your splendid heroism in rescuing your shipmate."

The captain came to attention, saluted the two boys before him, then to the measured beat of the drum, sailors and marines marched from the quarter-deck, leaving the two lads standing before their officers. The jackies looked as if they would like to cheer the boys, but discipline would not permit.

"My lads, you had better go to your quarters and prepare for your journey. Ord'ly, tell the master-at-arms to see that these lads have a warm meal before they leave the ship this afternoon. Davis and Hickey, no duties will be required of you to-day, save to prepare for your journey. Carry on."

Saluting their commander, the Battleship Boys executed a right about face and marched from the deck.

"It begins to look as if we were the people," Sam confided to his companion, with a wink after they had left the quarter-deck behind them.

"Two of the people, that's all, Sam," corrected Dan. "You and I are just two boys who are serving the people under the Stars and Stripes. Let's not forget that."

Reaching their quarters they were met by a shipmate with a message.

"Bill Kester wants to see you and the red-head," he said.

"Is he in the sick bay?" asked Dan

"Yes."

"I wonder what he wants," mused Dan, as they started away.

"Maybe he wants to fight us both, now, because we pulled him out of the brine," laughed Sam Hickey.

Kester had not improved as rapidly as had been expected. They found him on a cot in the sick bay, pale and weak from his terrible experience.

"Hello, Bill," greeted Sam, with a grin. "How are you feeling to-day?"

"Tolerable, shipmates. Dynie, you licked me didn't you?" he demanded after a pause, using the nickname that the men had bestowed upon Dan.

"I'm sorry," muttered Dan.

"I got what I deserved, I did. But I didn't know I had. I swore I'd get even with you. I said you and me couldn't stay on the same ship."

"Never mind, that's all right," murmured Dan, at a loss what to say.

"It ain't all right. I've got something I want to say to you. Dynamite, I cut them hammock lashings."

Kester waited to let his words sink in, but neither boy made any reply. So the man went on:

"I was mad, crazy mad. I'd have laughed for joy if I could have seen you both sewn up in rolls of canvas and dumped overboard with a flag draped over the sacks. You'll report me, I know. They are trying to find out who did it. Report me. I deserve all I'll get."

"You are mistaken, Bill, we are not going to report you," answered Dan firmly.

"You ain't going to report me?"

"Certainly not."

"Then maybe red-head here would like to give me a wallop on the jaw to even things up."

"No."

"No? What then?"

"We are going to shake hands with you, Bill," replied Dan. Each boy extended an impulsive hand. Bill took the hands, gazing keenly into the bronzed faces as he did so.

"I've heard all about it," he muttered. "Yes, I've heard all about it. They told me to-day, and--and----"

Bill Kester, once the bully of the "Long Island" buried his face in the pillow. There was a convulsive upheaval of his shoulders, and the lads caught what sounded to them like a sob.

"Forget it, Bill," said Sam awkwardly.

"Yes," added Dan; "we didn't do a thing for you that you would not have done for either or both of us, old shipmate. Good-bye, until we see you a few days from now."

They stole from the room, leaving Bill Kester to a refreshing sleep, which his relieved conscience permitted him to take.

"I'd have blubbered if I had stayed there another minute," muttered Sam Hickey.

On the following morning two brown-faced boys, clad in the blue service uniform of the United States Navy--one with a bandaged hand--made their way up Pennsylvania Avenue and were promptly admitted to the White House. They were conducted to the East Room, where were assembled a number of Navy and Army officers, together with a few other invited guests.

The President entered soon after. He made straight for the lads with a quick, nervous walk, grasping the hands of the Battleship Boys impulsively. The others in the room now ranged themselves behind the President.

"My lads," began the Chief Executive, without loss of time, "I am proud to take you by the hand. The country too, has reason to be proud of young men like you. You have shown the true American spirit. Your signal bravery and heroic acts should, and will, challenge the admiration of every one of your countrymen. The testimony of your officers and of your associates, who saw your battle for life in your efforts to rescue a shipmate, leave no question as to your right to be rewarded by the government. A special mention is made of you, Davis, to which I add another of my own. You, though suffering from broken bones, ill enough to occupy a place in the sick bay of your ship, went to the rescue of a drowning comrade. My lads, it gives me more pleasure than I can express, to have the privilege of presenting to each of you a medal of honor, the most highly prized decoration at the disposal of a grateful republic. That you will wear these medals with credit there can be no doubt."

Stepping forward, the President pinned, on the breast of each lad, the badge that would for all time mark them out from most of their fellows.

"The government," continued the President, resuming his former position, "has provided a further reward in cases such as yours. To each of you I present on behalf of the government, a purse containing one hundred dollars in gold."

The eyes of the Battleship Boys were swimming, and Sam Hickey's red hair appeared to stand up straighter than ever. A warm, cordial pressure of the hands of the lads by the President completed the ceremony, after which, each of the guests stepped forward for a hand shake and a word of congratulation for the brave boys.

Fairly dazed because of these wonderful things that had come to them, the boys muttered their thanks and made their way from the White House as quickly thereafter as was possible. They were unusually silent as they hurried from the grounds, wearing their shining gold badges. Their hearts were too full for words, and each made a mental resolve that he would serve his country and his Flag from that moment on with a devotion which should never fade.

The achievements of the Battleship Boys were not yet at an end. There were other things ahead of them, far more alluring than any they had known--thrilling experiences in strange lands and among strange peoples, and best of all, promotion in their chosen profession.

In a following volume entitled, "The Battleship Boys' First Step Upward; Or, Winning Their Grades as Petty Officers," the story of their further exciting adventures on board a United States man-o'-war will be told, and this will show more of the fascination and the charm that ever surround the roving life of the jackie in Uncle Sam's Service.

The End.

Henry Altemus Company's Catalogue Of

THE BEST AND LEAST EXPENSIVE BOOKS

FOR

REAL BOYS AND GIRLS

These fascinating volumes will interest boys and girls of every age under sixty.

Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price

Henry Altemus Company

507-513 CHERRY STREET, PHILADELPHIA

THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB SERIES

By H. Irving Hancock

The keynote of these books is manliness. The stories are wonderfully entertaining, and they are at the same time sound and wholesome. The plots are ingenious, the action swift, and the moral tone wholly healthful. No boy will willingly lay down an unfinished book in this series, at the same time he will form a taste for good literature and the glory of right living.

1 The Motor Boat Club of the Kennebec; Or, The Secret of Smugglers' Island.

2 The Motor Boat Club at Nantucket; Or, The Mystery of the Dunstan Heir.

3 The Motor Boat Club off Long Island; Or, A Daring Marine Game at Racing Speed.

4 The Motor Boat Club and the Wireless; Or, The Dot, Dash and Dare Cruise.

5 The Motor Boat Club in Florida; Or, Laying the Ghost of Alligator Swamp.

6 The Motor Boat Club at the Golden Gate; Or, A Thrilling Capture in the Great Fog.

Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50 cts.

Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price

Henry Altemus Company

507-513 CHERRY STREET, PHILADELPHIA

SUBMARINE BOYS SERIES

By Victor G. Durham

These splendid books for boys and girls deal with life aboard submarine torpedo boats, and with the adventures of the young crew, who, by degrees, become most expert in this most wonderful and awe-inspiring field of modern naval practice. The books are written by an expert and possess, in addition to the author's surpassing knack of story-telling, a great educational value for all young readers.

1 The Submarine Boys on Duty; Or, Life on a Diving Torpedo Boat.

2 The Submarine Boys' Trial Trip; Or, "Making Good" as Young Experts.

3 The Submarine Boys and the Middies; Or, The Prize Detail at Annapolis.

4 The Submarine Boys and the Spies; Or, Dodging the Sharks of the Deep.

5 The Submarine Boys' Lightning Cruise; Or, The Young Kings of the Deep.

6 The Submarine Boys for the Flag; Or, Deeding Their Lives to Uncle Sam.

Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50 cts.

Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price

Henry Altemus Company

507-513 CHERRY STREET, PHILADELPHIA

PONY RIDER BOYS SERIES

By Frank Gee Patchin

These tales may be aptly described as those of a new Cooper. As the earlier novelist depicted the first days of the advancing frontier, so does Mr. Patchin deal charmingly and realistically with what is left of the strenuous outdoor West of the twentieth century. In every sense they belong to the best class of books for boys.

1 The Pony Rider Boys in the Rockies; Or, The Secret of the Lost Claim.

2 The Pony Rider Boys in Texas; Or, The Veiled Riddle of the Plains.

3 The Pony Rider Boys in Montana; Or, The Mystery of the Old Custer Trail.

4 The Pony Rider Boys in the Ozarks; Or, The Secret of Ruby Mountain.

5 The Pony Rider Boys on the Alkali; Or, Finding a Key to the Desert Maze.

6 The Pony Rider Boys in New Mexico; Or, The End of the Silver Trail.

Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50 cts.

Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price

Henry Altemus Company

507-513 CHERRY STREET, PHILADELPHIA

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SERIES

By H. Irving Hancock

In this series of bright, crisp books a new note has been struck.

Boys of every age under sixty will be interested in these fascinating volumes.

1 The High School Freshmen; Or, Dick & Co's First Year Pranks and Sports.

2 The High School Pitcher; Or, Dick & Co. on the Gridley Diamond.

3 The High School Left End; Or, Dick & Co. Grilling on the Football Gridiron.

4 The High School Captain of the Team; Or, Dick & Co. Leading the Athletic Vanguard.

Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated--Price, per Volume, 50c.

GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS SERIES

By H. Irving Hancock

This series of stories, based on the actual doings of grammar school boys comes near to the heart of the average American boy.

1 The Grammar School Boys of Gridley; Or, Dick & Co. Start Things Moving.

2 The Grammar School Boys Snow-bound; Or, Dick & Co. at Winter Sports.

3 The Grammar School Boys in the Woods; Or, Dick & Co. Trail Fun and Knowledge.

4 The Grammar School Boys in Summer Athletics; Or, Dick & Co. Make Their Fame Secure.

Cloth, Illustrated--Price, per Volume, 50c.

WEST POINT SERIES

By H. Irving Hancock

The principal characters in these narratives are two sound, wholesome, manly young Americans who go strenuously through their four years of cadetship. Their doings will prove an inspiration to all American boys.

1 Dick Prescott's First Year at West Point; Or, Two Chums in the Cadet Gray.

2 Dick Prescott's Second Year at West Point; Or, Finding the Glory of the Soldier's Life.

3 Dick Prescott's Third Year at West Point; Or, Standing Firm for Flag and Honor.

4 Dick Prescott's Fourth Year at West Point; Or, Ready to Drop the Gray for Shoulder Straps.

Cloth, Illustrated--Price, per Volume, 50c.

ANNAPOLIS SERIES

By H. Irving Hancock

The Spirit of the new Navy is delightfully and truthfully depicted in these volumes.

1 Dave Darrin's First Year at Annapolis; Or, Two Plebe Midshipmen at the U. S. Naval Academy.

2 Dave Darrin's Second Year at Annapolis; Or, Two Midshipmen as Naval Academy "Youngsters."

3 Dave Darrin's Third Year at Annapolis; Or, Leaders of the Second Class Midshipmen.

4 Dave Darrin's Fourth Year at Annapolis; Or, Headed for Graduation and the Big Cruise.

Cloth, Illustrated--Price, per Volume, 50c.

BOYS OF THE ARMY SERIES

By H. Irving Hancock

These books breathe the life and spirit of the United States Army of to-day, and the life, just as it is, is described by a master-pen.

1 Uncle Sam's Boys in the Ranks; Or, Two Recruits in the United States Army.

2 Uncle Sam's Boys on Field Duty; Or, Winning Corporal's Chevrons.

3 Uncle Sam's Boys As Sergeants; Or, Handling Their First Real Commands.

(Other volumes to follow rapidly.)

Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated--Price, per Volume, 50c.

BATTLESHIP BOYS SERIES

By Frank Gee Patchin

These stories throb with the life of young Americans on to-day's huge drab Dreadnaughts.

1 The Battleship Boys at Sea; Or, Two Apprentices in Uncle Sam's Navy.

2 The Battleship Boys' First Step Upward; Or, Winning Their Grades as Petty Officers.

3 The Battleship Boys in Foreign Service; Or, Earning New Ratings in European Seas.

(Other volumes to follow rapidly.)

Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated--Price, per Volume, 50c.

THE CIRCUS BOYS SERIES

By Edgar B. P. Darlington

Mr. Darlington is known to all real circus people along every route that big and little shows travel. His books breathe forth every phase of an intensely interesting and exciting life.

1 THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE FLYING RINGS; Or, Making the Start in the Sawdust Life.

2 THE CIRCUS BOYS ACROSS THE CONTINENT; Or, Winning New Laurels on the Tanbark.

3 THE CIRCUS BOYS IN DIXIE LAND; Or, Winning the Plaudits of the Sunny South.

(Other volumes to follow rapidly.)

Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated--Price, per Volume, 50c.

THE HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SERIES

By Jessie Graham Flower, A. M.

These breezy stories of the American High School Girl take the reader fairly by storm.

1 GRACE HARLOWE'S PLEBE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or The Merry Doings of the Oakdale Freshmen Girls.

2 GRACE HARLOWE'S SOPHOMORE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Record of the Girl Chums in Work and Athletics.

3 GRACE HARLOWE'S JUNIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, Fast Friends in the Sororities.

4 GRACE HARLOWE'S SENIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Parting of the Ways.

Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated--Price, per Volume, 50c.

THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS SERIES

By Laura Dent Crane

No girl's library--no family book-case can be considered at all complete unless it contains these sparkling twentieth-century books, written for present-day girls.

1 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT NEWPORT; Or, Watching the Summer Parade.

2 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS IN THE BERKSHIRES; Or, The Ghost of Lost Man's Trail.

3 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS ALONG THE HUDSON; Or, Fighting Fire in Sleepy Hollow.

(Other volumes to follow rapidly.)

Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated--Price, per Volume, 50c

End of Project Gutenberg's The Battleship Boys at Sea, by Frank Gee Patchin