It was in the "Dick Prescott Christmas Series" that we found all six of our fine, manly young friends in the full flower of high school boyhood.  A few months after that the six were separated.  The further fortunes of Dick Prescott and Greg Holmes are then found in the "West Point Series," while the careers of Darrin and Dalzell are set forth in the "Annapolis Series," just as the adventures of Reade and Hazelton are set forth in the "Young Engineers Series."

At Annapolis, Darrin and Dalzell went through stirring times, indeed, as young midshipmen.  Now, we again come upon them when they have become commissioned officers in the Navy.  They are now seen at the outset of their careers as ensigns, ordered to duty aboard the dreadnought “Long Island” in the latter part of March, 1914.

Certainly the times were favorable for them to see much of active naval service, though as yet they could hardly more than guess the fact.

General Huerta, who had usurped the presidency of Mexico following the death—–­as suspected, by assassination—–­of the former president Madero—–­had not been recognized as president by the United States.  Some of Madero’s friends and former followers, styling themselves the “Constitutionalists” had taken to the field in rebellion against the proclaimed authority of the dictator, Huerta.  The two factions had long fought fiercely, and between the two warring parties that had rapidly reduced life in Mexico, to a state of anarchy, scores of Americans had been executed through spite, as it was alleged, and American women and children had also suffered at the hands of both factions.

Lives and property of citizens of European governments had been sacrificed, and now these European governments looked askance at the Washington government, which was expected to safeguard the rights of foreigners in Mexico.

To the disappointment and even the resentment of a large part of the people of the United States, the Washington government had moved slowly, expressing its hope that right would triumph in Mexico without outside armed interference.

This policy of the national administration had become known as watchful waiting.  Many approved of it; other Americans demanded a policy of active intervention in Mexico to end the uncertainty and the misery caused by the helpless of many nations, who were ground between the opposing factions of revolution in Mexico.

With this brief explanation we will once more turn to the fortunes of Ensigns Dave and Dan.

At 6.45 the next morning the telephone bell began to tinkle in Dave’s room.  It continued to ring until Darrin rose, took down the receiver, and expressed, to the clerk, on duty below, his thanks for having been called.

“Turn out, Danny Grin!” Darry shouted from the bathroom.  “Come, now, sir!  Show a foot!  Show a foot, sir!”

Drowsily, Dalzell thrust one bare foot out from under the sheet.