Chapter 2
1512 Words
Do you know where you are going?
No, but I shall find out pretty soon, Sam.
Dan Davis paused, pointing off over the beautiful Narragansett Bay to where the cage masts of two big battleships were observable, towering high above a point of land.
Do you see them?
Who knows but we may be on one of those ships in three months from now. I wish we were going there to-day.
The lads were standing on a rise of ground just in front of the executive building of the Newport, R. I., training station. A long, green lawn sloped down to the waters edge where a fleet of cutters belonging to the station, swayed idly at their moorings. On beyond, lay the old Constitution, fully rigged, a handsome craft despite the fact that more than a hundred years had elapsed since she left the hands of her builders. The boys did not know her name, but they did know that she belonged to another age. To the right, lay the Cumberland, a full rigged sailing ship; the Boxer, a barkentine, and some distance from the latter they saw moored to a wharf the Reina Mercedes, captured during the war with Spain.
Dans eyes lighted up and his face glowed with pleasure.
Beautiful! he breathed.
It might be if I had some breakfast inside of me, answered Sam Hickey. We havent had a thing to eat since we had that plate of ham and eggs in New York yesterday. Im hungry enough to eat anything.
The hour was still early, and few of the apprentices of the training school were to be seen on the grounds of the station.
Then come along. We will see whether we can find some one to direct us.
The lads started on again. As they came abreast of the flagstaff from which floated the Stars and Stripes, Dan halted. Coming to attention he saluted the Flag respectfully.
Sam Hickey grinned, but he did not salute.
Why do you do that every time? he questioned.
Because it is the Flag of our country, Sam. Always salute the Flag whenever you see it. You will find that we shall be expected to do so from this time on.
You never did that to the Flag in front of the High School at home.
Perhaps I did not know then, answered Dan, with a smile.
They moved on, gazing about them with the keenest interest. A moment later Dan caught sight of an officer, clad completely in white, approaching them at a brisk pace.
Im going to ask him where we should go, said Sam.
No; let me do that. I am afraid you will make a mess of it, laughed Dan. Officers are very particular as to how they are addressed. Perhaps I shant do it right, but I think I know how it ought to be done.
Sam muttered something that his companion did not catch. In fact, Dan was not listening. His eyes were fixed on the dignified figure approaching them. When within eight or ten paces of the officer Dan halted, raising his right hand in salute as he came to attention.
The salute was answered by the officer, who, noting that the boy wished to speak to him, also halted.
What is it, my lad? he demanded in a sharp, incisive tone.
We are new recruits, sir. Will you kindly direct us where to go?
When did you get in?
This morning.
From what station?
We enlisted at the recruiting office in South Street, New York, sir.
The officer surveyed them inquiringly for a moment. His examination evidently was satisfying, for he nodded approvingly.
You will go to the detention barracks first.
Will you kindly tell me where that is, sir?
Follow this walk. The detention barracks is the third building on your left.
Whom shall we ask for, sir?
Inquire for Chief Quartermaster Broder, if you do not see him at once. He will probably see you first, however. You had better make haste, for the men are about ready for breakfast there.
Yes, sir; thank you, sir, answered Dan, saluting and moving on.
My, hes so full of dignity its a wonder he doesnt explode, commented Sam, after they had gone on a few steps.
He has a right to be dignified, replied Dan.
How so?
He is a captain in the United States Navy. I would rather be that than President of the United States.
Does he earn as much money as the president does?
Oh, no; not by a great many thousand dollars.
Then me for the presidency, concluded the irrepressible Sam.
Theres the barracks.
A few minutes later the lads presented themselves at the door of the detention barracks. They were met by an officer wearing the insignia of a chief quartermaster.
Are you Mr. Broder, sir? asked Dan.
Yes; who are you?
My name is Dan Davis. My companion is Sam Hickey. We enlisted in New York yesterday. We have come to report for instruction.
Where are your papers?
The lad presented them.
After reading the papers, the quartermaster turned on his heel.
Come with me, he said.
The boys were conducted to a bathroom, where they were directed to disrobe and take a shower bath. After the bath, they were once more examined by a surgeon, who pronounced them to be in splendid physical condition.
Sams face wore a smile. It was all highly amusing to him, but when the quartermaster finally conducted them to another room, where several uniforms were laid out on a table, the boy began to feel a keener interest.
The petty officer glanced over the display of clothes, then picking out two suits, handed them to the lads.
Put these on, he said, then report to me.
It did not take the boys long to get into their new white uniforms.
I wish I had a looking glass, grumbled Sam.
What for? I can tell you how you look.
How do I look?
Well, barring the freckles, you look as if you might be a jackie some day. But dont stand there with your shoulders slouched forward. Stand up and act as if you were proud of the uniform you are wearing. Here, we havent put on our leggins yet.
Leggins? Do we wear those things?
Yes. Otherwise we shall be dressed just like the sailors on the war ships.
At that moment the quartermaster entered. He stood surveying them critically.
What shall we do with our citizen clothes? asked Dan.
Leave them. I will have them taken care of. Do you wish them sent to your homes?
No, sir; it is not necessary. I presume we shall be permitted to take them aboard ship with us when we leave here?
That depends upon what ship you join.
What are we to do now, sir?
In the first place I will instruct you about your clothing. These bags here will answer for your trunks. All your belongings will be kept in them, said the quartermaster, exhibiting two canvas bags, about three feet long, and on which the names of the boys had been stamped with a stencil. Each piece of clothing must be folded neatly, rolled up tightly and secured with a white cotton stop two inches from the end of the roll.
Sam measured off what he thought to be two inches with his fingers.
The clothes are to be stowed in the bags in layers of three pieces, each layer at right angles to the one below it.
Whats all that for? Why not stuff them in till the bags full? interrupted Sam.
The petty officer fixed him with a stern eye.
Dont ask unnecessary questions, young man, rebuked the officer, whereat Sam subsided.
Is there any system, other than what you have spoken of, for stowing the clothes, sir? questioned Dan respectfully.
Yes. Ill explain. Place the blue clothes and cap in the bottom of the bag, white clothes and hats next, small bags, socks and other articles on top. Secure the bag with two turns of the lanyard as close down on the contents as possiblethis way. Do you understand?
Yes, sir; thank you, sir.
That will be all for the present. Have you had your breakfast?
No, sir, and were half starved, spoke up Sam Hickey quickly. I could eat a horse.
No comments, please. Remember, men, you are now full fledged rookies. You are in the service of the United States Government and you must remember to conduct yourselves accordingly. I will see that you get further instruction after breakfast.
The bugle was blowing the breakfast call at that moment. The quartermaster conducted the lads outside the building and around into another apartment where a group of white-uniformed young fellows were standing about waiting for the command to seat themselves at the tables.
Fall to! commanded the officer.
There followed a rattling of dishes and a scraping of feet as the apprentices seated themselves at the long table, each with a keen zest for his morning meal.
- Writer
