"
Two minutes later, a messenger entered, handing a sealed envelope to
the Secretary of the Navy.
Breaking the seal, Mr. Sanders drew forth three heavy, folded sheets
of parchment.
"Here you are, Mr. Benson," resumed the Secretary, handing over one of
the parchments. "This document confers upon you, for the time being,
the rank, pay and command of a lieutenant, junior grade, in the
United States Navy. You, Mr. Hastings, and you, Mr. Somers, will rank
as ensigns under your special appointments."
Jack's head swam a bit as he thanked Mr. Sanders; then he started to
glance over this marvelous document.
But the Secretary of the Navy now cut in, briskly:
"That is all, gentlemen. You know your instructions, in general,
Lieutenant Benson. You will now go to my chief clerk, who will swear
you into the service. He will also give you an order on a local tailor
for the uniforms of your ranks. In one hour and twenty minutes your
train starts south. On arrival at Norfolk you will report without an
instant's delay at the Navy Yard. Aboard the 'Sudbury' you will
receive all further instructions, wired from this Department.
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