"What did you hear Mr. Benson say, Mr. Trahern?" demanded the gunboat's
commander, turning to the ensign who had stood with him on the bridge.

"Why, sir, I understood the lad to say what he states that he said."

"You are sure of that, Mr. Trahern?"

"Unless my ears tricked me badly," replied the ensign, "Mr. Benson said
just what he now states. I wondered, sir, at your calling for slow
speed astern."

Lieutenant Commander Mayhew gazed for some moments fixedly at the face
of Ensign Trahern. Then, of a sudden, the gunboat's commander, who was
both an officer and a gentleman, broke forth, contritely:

"As I think it over, I believe, myself, that Benson advised as he now
states he did. It was my own error--I am sure of it now."

Wheeling about, Mayhew held out his right hand.

"Mr. Benson," he said, in a deep voice full of regret, "I was the one
in error. I am glad to admit it, even if tardily. Will you pardon my
too hasty censure?"

"Gladly, sir," Benson replied, gripping the proffered hand. Jacob
Farnum stood back, wagging his head in a satisfied way. It had been
difficult for him to believe that his young captain had been at fault
in so simple a matter, or in a harbor with which he was so intimately
acquainted.