“Ladies and gentlemen,” began Dick. “We are met here on a memorable occasion, one which--which will long live in the--in the--” “Memories of those present,” prompted Chub. “We are about to christen the pride of these waters, a boat which will in future--in future--” “Hear! Hear!” shouted Chub appreciatively. “In future make for itself,” continued Dick, encouraged by the applause, “a name which will become famous from--from Poughkeepsie to Albany,--aye, from Long Island Sound to Lake George! We are about to place another star in the galaxy which--which has for generations upheld the supremacy of the American nation at home and abroad, by land and by sea, in peace and in war!” The applause was almost deafening, largely due to the fact that Roy had one arm around Dick’s shoulders and was clapping his hands within three inches of his nose. On the other side Chub shouted “Bravo!” into his ear, while at his feet, so to speak, Harry had let go of the launch that she might have both hands to applaud with and was now squirming undignifiedly across the gunwale trying to reach it again. Dick warmed to his work. He threw back his head with a noble gesture and tried to thrust his right hand into the bosom of his negligée shirt. [Chub called them “neglected” shirts.] But as this would have seriously upset his audience he was forcibly restrained. “Upon these beautiful, tranquil waters, upon the bosom of this historic river this graceful boat will add the--the finishing touch to Nature’s work. Breasting the curling waves, tossed by the singing winds--” “Hooray!” yelled Chub. “Hip, hip, hooray!” “Singing winds--” “Tiger! Tiger! Tiger!” Roy vociferated. “Winds, this lovely creation of the hands of--” “Somes! Somes! Somes! Speech! Speech!” cried Chub, and Harry, having rescued herself, joined the hilarity. Dick gave it up and with a low bow to the mythical multitude which lined the shore of Victory Cove, he joined Roy in the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner.” Of course Chub and Harry lent what assistance they could, and for several minutes discord reigned supreme. Then, having gained the attention of the audience, Chub announced: “Ladies and gentlemen, I have the honor to present to you the Honorable Thomas H. Eaton, Secretary of the Navy. Hooray! Eaton! Eaton!” Chub bowed. “Ladies and gentlemen, citizens of Camp Torohadik: It gives me great pleasure to be with you to-day. I have traveled a long distance and feel that I am amply repaid. I thank you for your invitation, for the honor you have done me and for the evidences of your good-will. This is indeed a suspicious--I should say auspicious occasion. Never before, possibly, since the founding of our glorious Republic has so much intelligence, so much worth, so much beauty been met together as I see before me. Ladies and gentlemen, we are wonderfully privileged. Generations hence posterity will look back with reverential awe upon this--this grand occasion!”