He and his comrades hurried below, doffing their uniforms, which
went back into the dress suit cases. Then, in citizen dress, with
their precious swords again wrapped in chamois skin, the three
submarines went over the side.
There was the same ceremony, however, which had attended their coming
aboard. The marine guard turned out, presenting arms as Lieutenant
Jack Benson passed to the side gangway. Ensign Fullerton and Mr. Drake
stood by to salute Jack, and to receive his formal acknowledgment of
their courtesy.
Their feet touched the bottom of the gig. They seated themselves, and
the short row to the landing stage commenced.
On the landing stage stood an orderly, who promptly saluted.
"The Commandant's compliments to Lieutenant Benson, and will the
Lieutenant and his comrades report at the Commandant's office."
Early as the hour was, the commandant was at his desk, in uniform, and
received the young officers most graciously.
"Mr. Benson, and gentlemen," declared the commandant of the navy yard,
"you have done your work well, and as quickly as it could have been
done. I congratulate you. The Secretary of the Navy, I believe, will
thank you personally, It was splendidly done.
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