The Boy Allies at Jutland | Page 8

when the young man approached them. The lads turned
quickly.
"Can you fight?" demanded the young man again. His eyes rested on Jack.
"Well," said the latter with a smile, "I can if I'm pushed to it. Who wants to lick me
now?"
The young midshipman also smiled.
"It's not that kind of a fight I'm talking about," he said. "You're new aboard, so I'll
explain."
"Do," said Jack.
"Well, there has been considerable rivalry between the men of our ship and the crew of
the Indefatigable. We had an athletic contest last year and they beat us, carrying
everything but the standing broad jump. This year we are better fortified and we hope to
get even. Among other things there will be a boxing match. Jackson, that's the man we
had entered in that event, is ill. I have been elected to find a substitute. I sized you up as
being able to hold your own with most."
"Well, if that's the way of it, you can count me in, of course," said Jack. "When does this
come off?"
"As soon as we come up with the Indefatigable. Probably tomorrow."
"What other events are there?" asked Frank.
"Plenty," was the reply. "Besides the boxing match and standing broad jump are the
running broad jump; high jumping, a match with foils and a revolver contest."
"And are your lists filled?" asked Frank.
"I believe so. Why?"
"Well, I'd like to get in the revolver contest," replied the lad. "I'm pretty handy with a
gun."
"I'll see what can be done," returned the midshipman. "By the way, my name is
Lawrence."
They shook hands and walked off.

"Well, that's something to liven things up a bit," said Frank.
"Yes; but I didn't know they were doing such things in time of war."
"Neither did I; but it seems they are."
It was late that evening when Lawrence again approached the two lads.
"You're in luck," he said to Frank. "We are still one man shy on our revolver team. I have
named you for the place."
"Thanks," said Frank. "I'll promise to do the best I can. By the way, where is this match
to take place?"
"Right here. Last year it was pulled off on the Indefatigable."
It was drawing toward night when the _Queen Mary,_ steaming swiftly, sighted smoke
upon the horizon. Two hours later she slowed down a short distance from three other
vessels, which proved to be the Indefatigable, the Invincible and the Lion, the latter the
flagship of Vice-Admiral Beatty.
The commanders exchanged salutations; and among other things made arrangements for
the athletic contest that was to take place aboard the Queen Mary the following day. This
was explained to the men.
The day's events were to begin at nine o'clock. They were to come in this order: Standing
broad jump, running broad jump, high jump, foil match, revolver contest and boxing
match.
"You're last on the card, Jack," said Frank, with a laugh, when they were informed of the
manner in which the events were to be pulled off.
"Hope I'm last on my feet, too," said Jack, with a laugh.
"Oh, I'm not worrying about you. You'll come through with flying colors. I hope I am not
nervous, though."
"You won't be," said Jack, positively. "I know you and that revolver of yours too well."
"Guess we had better turn in early so as to be fit," said Frank.
And they did, retiring several hours after mess.
Every man aboard the Queen Mary was astir bright and early the following morning.
Each man was filled with enthusiasm and each was ready to wager his next year's pay on
the outcome of each event. But there was to be no gambling. Admiral Beatty had issued
orders to that effect.
At eight o'clock the championship entrants from the Indefatigable came aboard,

accompanied by many of their companions, who would be present to cheer them on.
Officers as well as men were greatly interested in the day's sports. Admiral Beatty could
not be present, but Captain Reynolds, of the Indefatigable, stood by Captain Raleigh, of
the Queen Mary, as the first event was called.
"We're going to get even with you this time, Reynolds," said Captain Raleigh.
"Oh, no you won't. The score will be two in our favor after today."
They became silent as four men, two from each ship, made ready for the standing broad
jump.
The jumping was superb. After eight attempts one man from each ship was eliminated;
and at length the Indefatigable man won.
"Two points for us, Raleigh," said Captain Reynolds, jotting down something on the back
of an envelope.
"Don't crow, we'll get you yet, Reynolds," was Captain Raleigh's reply.
The running broad jump was won by the _Queen Mary's_ entrants. Then