“I had hoped,” resumed Captain Gales, “that the affair on shore could he conducted without firing a single shot, However, Ensign Darrin, the fact has been established to my satisfaction that you did your work well; that you did not allow your men to fire a shot until you had been attacked in force.  Nor did you fire upon Mexican troups or reputable natives, but upon a body of bandits—–­outlaws—–­who are enemies of all mankind.  Not to have returned the fire, under such circumstances, would have been censurable conduct.  That several times through the night you held your party’s fire, and at no time fired oftener than appeared to be absolutely necessary, is established by the eye-witnesses with whom I have talked.  Nor were the losses to your command higher than might have been looked for in a fight against superior numbers, such as you encountered.  I have endorsed these views of mine upon Lieutenant Cantor’s report and also upon your own.  I can find no fault with your course of action.”

“I cannot tell you, sir, how highly I appreciate your decision.”

“Of course you do, Darrin!” cried Captain Gales, holding out his hand.  “No young officer in the service enjoys being censured when he has used the very best judgment with which Heaven has endowed him.  No man of earnest effort, likes to have his motives questioned.  And I am happy to say, Ensign Darrin, that I regard you as the same faithful, hardworking officer that I considered you when you had not been more than three days aboard the ’Long Island.’  I congratulate you, Ensign, upon your skilful handling of a bad situation last night.  Now, I am not going to keep you here longer, for mess call is due in two minutes, and you will want your breakfast.”

With a heart full of joy and gratitude Dave hastened back to his quarters, where he laid aside his sword and gloves.

Just outside the ward-room door he encountered John Carmody, who appeared to have been waiting there purposely.

“Now, Mr. Darrin,” cried the planter, holding out his hand, “I want to try to give you some idea of my gratitude for the magnificent work you did last night for my dear ones and our friends.  I don’t know how to begin, but-----”

“Please don’t try to begin,” laughed Dave.  “An officer of the American Navy should never be thanked for the performance of his duty.  I can’t tell you how delighted I am that my efforts were successful, and that the scoundrels, who had tried to violate Mexico’s sacred duty of hospitality, were roundly punished.  Tell me, sir, how are the ladies this morning?”

“All of them are in excellent spirits, Mr. Darrin.  I suppose you have not seen them yet.  They are in full possession of the captain’s quarters, and are at breakfast now.”

The breakfast call sounded, and in twos and threes the officers of the “Long Island,” passed into the ward-room.

John Carmody was provided with a seat beside the chaplain.