means, show good judgment consulting a younger officer. But remember,
Darrin, that not all men are equally wise. Be very careful whom
you select at any time as adviser. And remember that, for any
advice that you may properly ask of me, you may come to me without
hesitation."

"Thank you, sir. I trust you realize how deeply grateful I am to
you," Dave protested earnestly.

As other officers came up, Commander Bainbridge cut the discussion
short by turning to greet the arrivals.

Dinner in the ward-room was the formal meal of the day. The table,
covered with snowy damask, glittered with crystal and silver.
Silent, soft-moving little Filipinos, in their white mess suits,
glided about, serving noiselessly.

At the head of the table sat Commander Bainbridge, the executive
officer, for the captain of a battleship dines in solitary state
in his own apartments. On either side of the executive officer
sat the other officers, in two long rows, according to their rank.
On either side of the Commander were seated the officers with
rank of lieutenant commander. Next to them were the lieutenants,
senior grade. After them came the lieutenants, junior grade.
At the foot of the table was a group of ensigns, the lowest in
rank of commissioned officers of the Navy.

Course followed course, and good humor prevailed at the officers'
table. Now and then a good joke or a witty sally called forth
hearty laughter. Here and there officers, dismissing laughter for