The Battleship Boys at Sea

That must be the place over there, Sam. Where? Just across the street on the next block. I see something in front of the building that looks like the picture we saw in the post office at home. Dan Davis turned to a passing policeman and, respectfully touching his hat, asked: Will you tell us, sir, where we may find the United States Navy recruiting station? The policeman pointed to the building in front of which Dans eyes had caught sight of a highly colored lithograph. Thank you, sir. Come on, Sam; I was right. That is the place we are looking for. See that flag up there in the third story window? Thats the flag you and I are going to serve under if we are lucky enough to be accepted. Sam Hickey nodded and started after his companion across the street. A moment later the lads stood before the picture that had attracted their attention. In the foreground of the picture stood a sailor clad in the uniform of a seaman in Uncle Sams Navy, while on beyond him, in the distant background, lay a white battleship, the Stars and Stripes floating from her after staff, a line of signal flags fluttering from the signal halyard just aft of the battleships navigating bridge. Palm trees and similar foliage showed it to be a tropical scene. For several moments the lads stood gazing on the picture with fascinated interest. Each seemed unable to withdraw his gaze from it. At last, with a deep sigh, Dan turned his shining eyes upon his young companion. Isnt it beautiful, Sam? he breathed. What, the sailor? I was not thinking of the sailor; I was thinking of the shipthe battleshipand that Flag floating there, the most beautiful Flag in the world. At least I guess it must be. Ive never seen any of the other flags, except in pictures, but that one is handsome enough for me. Shall we go upstairs to the recruiting office now? Dont be in a hurry, objected Sam. I want to look at the picture some more. We can do that afterwards. The first thing is to see whether we shall be able to enlist. This letter that I got from the station says we have to be examined, though I dont know just what sort of examination they will give us. Sam Hickey still lingered. Are you coming, Sam? No. Not coming? No; Ive changed my mind. I dont understand, rejoined Dan, a puzzled expression in his eyes. I guess I do not want to enlist. I think I shall go back home to Piedmont. Look here, Sam Hickey, you will do nothing of the sort! We came down here to enlist in the Navy and that is exactly what we are going to do, providing they will have us. You say you are going back home. How do you expect to get there? The way we cameon a train, of course. Dan smiled grimly. I guess not. You forget that we have no money leftthat is, not more than enough with which to buy one more meal. I can walk, grumbled Sam. No, you cannot. We are three hundred miles from Piedmont. Why do you wish to back out at this late hour? You were so anxious to enlist, and now you are talking the other way. Why? Ive changed my mind; thats all. Dan grasped his companion firmly by the arm. You come along with me! You have changed your mind too late this time. Sam hesitated, then reluctantly accompanied his companion up the stairs. A few moments later, they were knocking at the door of the recruiting office. Sam Hickey felt a strong inclination to bolt, and no doubt he would have done so had it not been for the firm grip on his arm. He ran one hand nervously through his shock of red hair, shifted his weight from one foot to the other and muttered something that was unintelligible to his companion. But Dans ears were keenly alert for the response to his summons, and he straightened up ever so little as he heard footsteps approaching the door. It had been the dream of these two young American boys for many months to join the Navy. They had talked and talked of the day when they should have arrived at the age that permitted them to make application for admission to the service. A few weeks before reaching the legal age, which is seventeen, each had received a letter from a recruiting station in New York City pointing out the advantages that the service offers to young Americans. Correspondence had been immediately opened with the recruiting office, with the result that the lads made their preparations to go directly to New York City and present themselves at the recruiting station. Dan, who lived with his widowed mother, was a clerk in the general store in his home town; while Sam, an orphan, had been serving an apprenticeship in a small machine shop. It had been therefore no small effort for the boys to get together enough money for their expenses to the metropolis; and, as already stated, they were now practically at the end of their resources. But this did not discourage them. If we are rejected we shall be able to find something to do in New York that will let us earn enough money to take us back home, Dan had declared resolutely, his pale face lighting up, his eyes sparkling with purpose and determination. Yes; I had just as lief work in New York as in Piedmont, agreed Sam. I hope, Sam, we shall have to do neither. The door was thrown open abruptly, and the boys found themselves confronted by a middle-aged man clad in a blue suit. On the right sleeve he wore three bright red chevrons enclosing a white pilot wheel, surmounted by a white eagle, showing that he was a quartermaster in the United States Navy. Well, what is it? he demanded rather brusquely. We wish to join the Navy, sir, answered Dan firmly. The quartermaster surveyed the lads keenly. Come inside, he said. The boys entered the waiting room, where they were directed to seat themselves at a table. A printed blank form was placed before each. Fill out those applications, directed the petty officer who had admitted them. If your answers to the questions are satisfactory you will be asked some further questions; then we shall have you examined. Having spent three years in high school, after finishing at the grammar school, the boys found themselves well able to fill out the application blanks without having to ask questions of the quartermaster. This they did with much care, giving such facts about themselves as the application blank demanded. Sam nudged his companion. See that man sitting over there to the left of you? he asked. Yes. I think he must be a general or something of the sort. Humph! Theres only one general in the Navy, and he is in the Marine Corps, answered Dan reprovingly. I know what that officer is. What is he, then, if you know so much? He is a commander. How do you know? I know by the three gold stripes on his sleeve. If he had two and a half stripes there he would be a lieutenant-commander. If he had four he would be a captain. Sam looked incredulous. How do you happen to know all about that? I read about it in a dictionary. They were all pictured out there. I know a lot more of them, too, only Im too busy to tell you about them now. Have you finished filling out your blank? Not quite. Then you had better get busy. If we take too much time it may count against us. I dont know about it for sure. For several minutes thereafter the lads wrote industriously. Dan was the first to lay down his pen, waiting in silence for his companion to finish, which Sam did shortly afterwards. What shall we do now? questioned Sam, glancing up into the face of his friend. I do not know. Give me your paper and I will hand both to the officer over there. Dan stepped to the commanders desk, handing the applications to him. Whats this? demanded the commander sharply. They are our applications, sir. Give them to the quartermaster. Yes, sir, answered Dan respectfully, turning away. As he did so, the eyes of the commander were fixed inquiringly upon him. That is a likely looking lad, muttered the officer. In fact, they both look like excellent materialgood, clean-cut American boysjust the sort of material the United States Navy is looking for. In the meantime Dan had stepped to the door through which he had observed the petty officer who had first greeted them, and walked towards him. Here are our papers, sir. What are we to do next? Go back and sit down. Ill tell you when we want you. The quartermaster seated himself at a desk, where he went over the applications carefully. He looked them over a second time, nodded approvingly, then glanced up quickly at the flushed, expectant faces of the two lads. You men come with me, he said, rising. He called us men. Did you hear it? I guess we are, all right, whispered Sam. The quartermaster conducted them into an adjoining room, where they were turned over to the examining surgeon, who, after scanning their applications, began asking them pointed questions about their parents and their life. In fact, he asked more questions than either lad knew how to answer, for the inquiry went back more years than they had lived. The examination lasted fully an hour, after which the lads were directed to return to the room where they had filled out their applications. He knows more about me than I ever thought there was to know, confided Sam to his companion. Just then the surgeon came hurrying in. He laid their applications on the desk before the commander, engaging in earnest conversation with that officer. I think they are going to turn us out, whispered Dan. I hope they do, grumbled Sam, brushing a hand across his freckled cheek. I dont see why they have to go through all this rigmarole. Reminds me of the time they tried a fellow up in our place for stealing a yearling heifer. It is well worth the rigmarole if we can get in, answered Dan, ignoring the comparison. I do not care how much they put us through. And, besides, it proves that everybody cannot get into Uncle Sams Navy. A fellow has got to be a real man if he wants to be a jackie these days, added Dan somewhat proudly. I wonder what they are talking about? Well know in a minute. There comes that quartermaster fellow, answered Sam. The lads rose as he stepped up to them. Have we passed? questioned Dan, unable to repress his anxiety. Your examination has been satisfactory, but the commander desires to speak with you. That is the commander at the roll top desk yonder. Step over, but be very respectful. Remember, he is an officer in the United States Navy, and We are not likely to forget that we are young gentlemen, sir, interrupted Dan, flushing slightly. The lads walked over to the commanders desk, where Dan, with heels together, made a correct military salute, raising the right hand smartly till the tip of the forefinger touched the forehead just above the right eye, then dropping the arm smartly to his side. Sam did the same, but rather more clumsily. Instantly the commanders right hand went up in a return salute, while the faces of the boys flushed rosy red. You have had some previous military instruction? asked the commander, with a twinkle in his eyes. Nothing very much, sir, replied Dan. We belong to the village fire company at homethat is all. The commander smiled. You are a pair of very likely lads. Have we passed, sir? You have. Oh, Im so glad! breathed Dan, unable to conceal his delight. Thenthen we are in the Navy? stammered Sam. Not quite. You will be, very soon, providing you have fulfilled all the requirements. What are we to do? Have you the consentthe written consentof your parents? Yes, sir. That is, I have my mothers consent. My friend, Sam, here, has no parents. Has he a guardian? Yes, sir. And has his guardian given his written consent also? He has, sir. Let me have both of them. The papers were handed to the commander, who perused them carefully. How did you lads chance to come so well prepared? We had written to find out, so that we might not be disappointed when we got here. We could not afford to make the trip back home, so we did what we could before coming on. You did well. Young men, I am proud to see lads of your type entering the service. I predict for you both a rapid rise. You will, of course, meet with hardships. These are a part of the life, but it is a noble career, and if you are the lads I believe you to be you will overcome all these things. You have in you the making of splendid men, and the United States Navy will surely bring out every dormant good quality that you may possess. Thank you, sir; we shall do our best, answered Dan. I am sure of that. What are we to do now, if it is proper to ask? You will be furnished with transportation to Newport, R. I., where you will go to-night. You will enter the apprentice training school there. After a course of three months, if qualified, you will be given an assignment on one of the ships of the fleet. You understand, you will enter the training school as apprentices. While there you will receive a salary of seventeen dollars and sixty cents a month. Your board and lodging, of course, will be furnished by the government, as will your uniforms and equipment. Thank you, sir, reiterated Dan. The commander then administered the oath of allegiance to the lads in slow, impressive tones, while they stood rigidly at attention, their eyes fixed upon his. You will now report to the quartermaster, announced the commander after the lads had subscribed to the oath. I shall expect to hear good reports from you, my lads. He cordially extended a hand to each, much to the amazement of the quartermaster, who never had seen his commander do that to an apprentice before. The remaining details were disposed of in a very few minutes thereafter, and the boys made their way downstairs, out into the street, light-hearted and happy. Look! cried Dan, pointing off to the East River. What is it? Its a war ship. I wonder which one it is. Can you tell me, sir, what ship that is? asked Dan of a passer-by. That is the United States battleship Idaho, was the answer. I wonder if we ever will be placed on a ship like that, mused Dan, gazing in fascinated interest at the slow-moving vessel as she plowed her way under the Brooklyn bridge, heading for the open sea. Dan Davis drew a long sigh. Come, he said. Where? Somewhere where we can spend our last fifty cents for a meal. That will be the last meal we shall have until we get to Newport. Then we will look about some. We have several hours before the boat leaves. We shall probably get lost the first thing we do, but we have plenty of time in which to find ourselves, added Dan, with a short laugh. Naturally, the ships that lined one side of South Street, along which they were strolling, held the greatest interest for them. There were sailing ships from the four quarters of the globe, tramp steamers, coasters from southern ports, interspersed with ferry boats and tug boats of every size and class. There was such a confusion of craft that the boys could scarcely make out one from the other. They had reached a cross street, up which they decided to turn, having learned that it would lead them to Broadway, which thoroughfare they were anxious to see, when there occurred an interruption that changed their plans entirely for the time being. Sam had paused beside a little two-wheeled cart to purchase an apple from an old woman who had asked him to buy. He had just handed over his nickel for the apple when a crowd of firemen from a tramp steamer came rolling up the street, the grime of the stoke hole still on their faces. Freed from the restraint of their floating prison, the men were hilarious and bent on mischief. But neither of the lads observed them, nor did they hear the shouts and songs of the stokers above the roar of the traffic in the busy street. The first intimation the boys had that trouble was abroad was when a hulking stoker let fly a heavily booted foot at the little apple wagon. His aim was true. Up shot the wagon, apples flying in all directions, showering over the heads of the lads and into the muddy gutter. The apple wagon itself turned bottom upward, landing fairly on the head of the aged woman, carrying her down with it, and flattening her in the gutter amid the ruin of her precious wares. Sam wheeled like a flash. The freckles on his now pale face seemed to stand out like scars. Without an instants hesitation he let go a fist. It caught the stoker fairly on the side of the jaw. The fellow dropped as if he had been shot, his face burrowing in the mud of the gutter, where he lay motionless for a few seconds. So astonished were his companions that for the moment they stood gaping. Then the humor of the situation seemed to strike them all at once. All hands broke out into a roar of mirth. That a slender lad should have put out one of their number was to them a huge joke. Just as soon as he got over his bewilderment at having been so easily handled by a boy, the stoker got to his feet. He did not immediately follow up his intention of soundly trouncing that forward youngster. This for the very simple reason that the stoker had gone down on his face in the mud. Now he held more than a mouthful of that plastic stuff. Growling, the stoker thrust two fingers of one hand into his mouth, trying to force the sticky mess out. Fine, isnt it? jeered Sam, c*****g his head on one side and leering comically. What? queried one of the stokers own mates, for the one who had just struggled to his feet could not speak. Mud pies, of course, grinned Sam. Healthful, nourishing and great food, for they make you think and work. But only a hog would gulp down a mouthful like that. Illwhoofmake you eat someugh!of thatbr-r-r!blamedwaugh!mud piegr-r-r!o yourn! raged the humiliated stoker as he pawed out the last remnants of that muddy mouthful. Of a sudden the stoker, crouching low, made a vengeful bolt forward. But he did not catch Sam Hickey unawares. That young man dodged, then landed a second and harder blow on the fellows jaw. This time Mr. Stoker struck the mud puddle, again face downward, with a force that made the man fairly bury his face in the ooze. Last call to the dining car! yelled Sam, dancing about. Gone back for a second helping of mud pie! Wow, but its good! This time the stoker did not regain his feet quite so soon. He had measured his full length in the gutter again, where he lay stretched out, none of his companions making an effort to assist their fallen shipmate nor to avenge the blow that had laid him low. Right hot off the bat, jeered the stokers. The fallen man was making desperate efforts to pull himself together when a policeman laid a heavy hand on Sam Hickeys collar. Thats the time I caught you in the act, young man. You come with me! commanded the officer sternly. You leggo of me! Ill do nothing of the sort, retorted the lad belligerently, struggling to free himself, surprised at his inability to throw off the officers grip. It was Sams first experience with a New York policeman. Yes, let the kid go, shouted the crowd. Hes all right. He is a winner, even if he did hand it out to a shipmate. Dan edged his way around in front of the policeman. He saw that Sams lips were set tight and knew that this meant trouble. Take it easy, Sam, warned Dan in a low tone. Officer, this boy has done nothing worse than to punish a ruffian. It is the other man whom you ought to arrest, if anyone. Whats this you say? Dont you dare interfere with an officer, young man, or in you go! I am not interfering, sir. You are, but youd better not. I am just trying to explain. That fellow there, picking himself up from the ground, kicked the old apple womans wagon into the air. See, shes just crawling out from under it now. I should not be surprised if she were hurt. Pretty much all her wares are spoiled, as you can see for yourself. He did My friend Sam punched the fellow, but the man deserved it. I should have done it myself if he had not, though I am sure I could not have done so thorough a job. Youyou say the stoker there kicked the old womans cart over? questioned the policeman. Yes, sir. And your friend handed him one for it? Two of them. And who are you fellows, anyway? Dan gave the officer their names and addresses. What are you doing here? We are sailors in the United States Navy, answered Dan proudly. We are on our way to the training station at Newport. You had better not detain us, or there may be trouble. The policeman grinned broadly. Beat it, then, he commanded, giving Sam a sudden shove that excited that young mans anger somewhat. Get out of here both of you, before I run you in for disturbing the peace. Here, you stokers, you clear out, too, and dont you let me catch you raising any more rows on my beat or your ship will sail without you when she goes out again. Off with you! While all this had been happening, the old apple woman had been busily engaged in gathering her stock in trade. The loss of a few dozen apples would have been serious to her. But now she hobbled toward Hickey, resting a withered hand on his coat sleeve. II dont know how to thank you, young man, she quavered. Im glad you dont, maam, answered Sam, uncovering as quickly as though the little old woman had been an admirals wife. The thanks of the ladies always embarrass me, maam. But Im glad I settled your bill against that sea-going miner. Now the two brand-new fighting men of the Navy edged quickly away from the crowd that was growing every instant. Come on, Sam, urged Dan. Lets go over and take a look at Broadway, linking his arm within that of his companion and leading him from the scene. We have begun our fighting career rather early, it strikes me. No; Ive changed my mind. I dont want to go to Broadway, objected Sam, pulling back. What do you wish to do? demanded Dan suspiciously. I want to hang around here and see the fun, answered Hickey. Right about face! March! commanded Dan. Sam eyed his companion resentfully, then, turning sharply about, fell into a military stride, with his face turned toward Broadway.