"You see what you have to do, Kline," said Major Woodruff, presently.
Then the older officer turned to Jack to say:
"Mr. Benson, since Mr. Farnum has been kind enough to place you and the
boat at our orders, Kline is going to remain on board, today, during the
tests. He will give Mr. Somers whatever orders are necessary in order
to make the tests most successful."
"Why not give the orders to me, sir?" Jack asked.
"Why, you see, Mr. Benson," replied the major, "I plan for you to be on
shore, out on the neck, to make certain observations regarding the work
of your craft. Those observations you will turn in to me."
"Very good, sir. The neck, I take it, is the narrow strip of land that
separates this part of the bay from the ocean?"
"Quite right, Mr. Benson."
It was to be observed that the major, like naval officers, addressed Jack
by the title of "mister," not "captain." This was because, in the
military service, Army and Navy titles are not recognized unless
conferred by government appointment or commission. Hence, though young
Benson was "captain" to his crew and to civilians, officers of the
United Service could address, him only as "mister.
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