The Dreadnought Boys in Home Waters

prig just out of Annapolis, had come to the Manhattan with an idea not uncommon among young gentlemen

d to smooth out his path in life for him. Despite this fact, though, Kenworth

cause to recollect will throw a sidelight on Mr. Kenwor

g

re part of a crew sent to bring some young officers off to the ship from Guantanamo harbor. As it hap

y abusing Ned, who had incurred Kenworth's ill-will by his sturdy independence and t

her. It required the whole strength of Ned's arm to keep the craft, which

," ordered Kenworth, when they

y be safe, sir

g

ed young Kenworth; "do wha

against his will Ned did let

The crest of a sea broke on them, drenching Kenw

mpoop," he sputtered, "I'll ha

mply, knowing there was nothing to be gained

" howled Kenworth. "Co

other midshipman. "It wasn't his fault. He

ame from one of the men at the oars in a l

g

from the men, none of whom bore him any liking, his ways

" he demanded of Ned, choosing in his anger

ing, sir," r

t utter a word," came f

he mast to-morrow, insolent water

an-o'-war tribunal where the captain deals out justice. Luckily Ned had no difficulty in clearing himself, thanks to friendl

g

er, while he remained on the Manhattan, lost a chance to "work him up," as it is called. On one occasion, he went

scenery, and then, stepping up to Kenworth, who was swelling with

what I told you?"

ousand nine hundred and ninety-fiv

ooked shar

ou know?"

"You[Pg 63] can check up my count if y

ittle dialogue, and who discreetly vanished before the arrogant middie's wrath could descend on them. Soon after this Ke

the little gunboat. But now their positions were reversed. Ned was in command, Herc was his second

id, when he had recovered his self-possession; "I

g

e was an embarrassing situation in the air and hastened to suggest that they go on deck, wh

r of the men. The shrill sounds of the bos'un's whistles filled the air,

ceremony of introduction. When it was over, the ensign ta

ater, as he knows the channels hereabouts thoroughly," said th

g

will take the bridg

ff to take his post. But as he

y long, you beggar on horseback, you forecastle Jack on the quarter deck! If I don't fix you and

t below as soon as Ensign S

, Ned and Herc lingered over the ch

rc in a lull, "this is a

under way and look at my orders. Who knows wh

g

destined to learn ere long. Over the horizon of that day of life lay new experiences to be met, n