broad pennant in this mess-room."

The caterer was astounded when he found his authority thus set at
defiance, and without further parley he retired to his room; and in a
few moments returned with the books, papers, and the small amount of
money that belonged to the mess; laying them on the table, he said:

"Gentlemen, you will please elect another caterer."

The debate was instantly hushed, for not one member of the mess, besides
the caterer just resigned, could have been hired to take the
responsibility of managing affairs. When the officers had finished their
dinner, they walked carelessly out on deck, as if the question of where
the next meal was to come from did not trouble them in the least.
Nothing was done toward an election; no one took charge of the books or
papers, and when the table was cleared away they were thrown
unceremoniously under the water-cooler. The money, however, was taken
care of by the doctor. Dinner-time came, and when Frank, tired and
hungry, was relieved from the deck, he inquired what was to be had to
eat.

"There's nothing been done about it yet," answered the officer who
relieved him. "The steward went to several of the members of the mess,
and asked what they wished served up; but they told him that they had
nothing to do with the caterer's business, and the consequence is, if
you want any thing to eat, you will have to go into the pantry and help
yourself."

Frank was a good deal amused at the obstinacy displayed by the different
members of the mess, and wondered how the affair would end. The mess