man of about sixty, of fine naval bearing. He looked greatly surprised to see Clare Todd with his head tied up.
"You want to be careful in the future," he said, when the lieutenant of marines had told his story. "We can't afford to lose any men just now. So these lads assisted you?"
"They did, Commodore, and they are as plucky lads as I ever met."
"Oh, our American lads are always plucky!" smiled the commodore, who, as I afterward leearned, was one of the most warm-hearted of commanders.
"Commodore Dewey, I hope you are going to Manila to settle the Spaniards there!" I burst out impulsively.
"Are you particularly interested in having me go to Manila?" was the somewhat quick question put in return.
"I am, sir," and in a few words I explained why.
"Well, there is no telling where we may get before this war is over, Raymond," he said, when I had finished. "I shall certainly do all in my power to protect American interests, wherever they may be. But we must be off now." He turned to the under-officer in charge of the steam launch. "Cast off from shore!"
"Good-by!" shouted Clare Todd, and we said
