The Boy Allies with the Victorious Fleets | Page 8

on deck."
They ascended to the bridge. Jack addressed Lieutenant Hetherton.
"Pipe all hands on deck for inspection, Lieutenant," he ordered.
Lieutenant Hetherton passed the word. A moment later men came
tumbling up the companion way and fell into line aft. Jack and Frank
walked forward to look them over. Jack addressed a few words to the
men.
"I've just taken over command of the Brigadier," he said. "To-morrow
morning, or sooner, we shall sail, our destination temporarily to be
known only to myself. I believe that I may safely promise you some
action before many days have passed."
A hearty British cheer swept the ship.
"Hurrah!" cried the men.
A few moments later Jack dismissed them. Then the officers returned
to the bridge, where Jack told off the watches.
"Now," he said, "I'll have to look over the ship."
Frank accompanied him on his tour of inspection. They found
everything absolutely clean and ship-shape. The muzzles of the big
guns were shining brightly beneath their coat of polish. After the
inspection, Jack and Frank went below for a look at the ship's papers.
The Brigadier was a small destroyer, not more than 200 feet long. It
had a complement of 250 men, officers and crew; carried two batteries
of 9-inch guns in turrets forward and aft and was equipped with three
2-inch torpedo tubes. It was not one of the latest of British destroyers,
but still it was modern in many respects.
"A good ship," said Jack, after a careful examination of the papers. "As

to speed, we should get twenty-three knots on a pinch. Her fighting
equipment is excellent, everything is spick and span, and I was
impressed with the officers and crew. Yes, she is a good ship."
"And you're the boss of the whole ranch, Jack," said Frank. "Think of it.
Less than four years ago you knew nothing at all of naval tactics, and
now you're in command of a British destroyer. By George! I wouldn't
mind having your job myself."
Jack smiled.
"Never mind," he said. "You'll get yours some day. I've just been more
fortunate, that's all. Besides, I knew something of navigation before
you did, and while you have mastered it now, I had a long start."
"That's true enough," Frank admitted, "but at the same time you are
considerably more fit for the job than I am. Another thing. I don't know
that I would trade my berth here for a command of a ship."
Jack looked his surprise.
"Why?" he asked.
"Because it would separate us," was Frank's reply. "We've been
together now since the war began, almost. I hope that we may see it
through together."
"Here, too," declared the commander of the Brigadier, "but at the same
time you should not let a matter of friendship stand between you and
what may be your big opportunity."
"Oh, I'd probably take the job if it were offered me," said Frank. "I'm
just hoping the offer will not be made; that's all."
The lads conversed for some moments longer. Then Frank looked at his
watch.
"My watch," he said quietly. "I'll be going on deck."

"Right," said Jack. "Call me if anything happens."
"Yes, sir," said Frank, saluting his commander gravely.
Jack grinned.
"By Jove! It seems funny to have you talk like that to me," he said. "At
the same time I suppose it must be done for the sake of discipline.
However, it is not necessary in private."
"Nevertheless," said Frank, "I had better stick to it or I'm liable to
forget in public some time."
"Well, maybe you're right," said Jack.
Frank turned on his heel and went on deck, where he relieved
Lieutenant Hetherton, who had been on watch.
"Nothing to report, sir," said Lieutenant Hetherton, saluting.
"Very well, sir," was Frank's reply, as he, too, saluted.
It was after midnight, and Frank's watch was nearing its end when the
lookout on the port side called:
"Boat off the port bow, sir."
Frank advanced to the rail. A moment later there was a hail from the
water.
"What ship is that?'
"His Majesty's Ship Brigadier," Frank called back.
"I'm coming aboard you," said the voice from the darkness. "Lower a
ladder."
Frank gave the necessary command. A few moments later a man attired
in the uniform of a British captain came over the side. He approached

Frank, who was barely visible in the darkness.
"Captain Templeton?" he asked.
"No, sir. I'm Lieutenant Chadwick. A moment, sir, and I'll call the
captain."
"If you please," said the visitor.
Frank passed the word for the quartermaster, who arrived within a few
moments.
"Call Captain Templeton," Frank directed.
Jack arrived on deck a few moments later and exchanged greetings with
his visitor. The latter produced a packet of papers.
"From the admiralty,"