Dave Darrin at Vera Cruz by H. Irving (Harrie Irving) Hancock
page 38 of 234 (16%)
page 38 of 234 (16%)
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Bainbridge, who had just appeared on the quarter-deck. There
was a low-toned conversation between the two officers. Then, as the pair exchanged salutes, and Bainbridge went on to the captain's quarters, Lieutenant Cantor came back to his selected victim. "Darrin, you will go below and finish the watch, loading stores in the number four hold. I will pass the word for the petty officer who will have charge under you, and he will show you to the hold. If you wish you may put on dungarees, for it is rough work down there." "My baggage has not come aboard, sir," Dave replied. "This is the only uniform I have." In his perturbed state of mind, it did not occur to the young ensign that he could draw dungarees---the brown overall suit that is worn by officers and crew alike when doing rough work about the ship, from the stores, nor did Cantor appear to notice his reply. The messenger came, and brought Riley, the coxswain of one of the gigs. "Coxswain, Ensign Darrin will take charge of the shipping of the stores in number four hold," Cantor announced. "Show him the way to the hold and receive his instructions." Dave was speedily engaged between decks, in charge of tire work of some twenty men of the crew. At the hatch above, a boatswain's mate had charge of the lowering of the stores. |
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