"Well, there has been considerable rivalry between the men of our ship and the crew of the _Indefatigable_. We had an athletic contest last year and they beat us, carrying everything but the standing broad jump. This year we are better fortified and we hope to get even. Among other things there will be a boxing match. Jackson, that's the man we had entered in that event, is ill. I have been elected to find a substitute. I sized you up as being able to hold your own with most." "Well, if that's the way of it, you can count me in, of course," said Jack. "When does this come off?" "As soon as we come up with the _Indefatigable_. Probably tomorrow." "What other events are there?" asked Frank. "Plenty," was the reply. "Besides the boxing match and standing broad jump are the running broad jump; high jumping, a match with foils and a revolver contest." "And are your lists filled?" asked Frank. "I believe so. Why?" "Well, I'd like to get in the revolver contest," replied the lad. "I'm pretty handy with a gun." "I'll see what can be done," returned the midshipman. "By the way, my name is Lawrence." They shook hands and walked off. "Well, that's something to liven things up a bit," said Frank. "Yes; but I didn't know they were doing such things in time of war." "Neither did I; but it seems they are." It was late that evening when Lawrence again approached the two lads. "You're in luck," he said to Frank. "We are still one man shy on our revolver team. I have named you for the place." "Thanks," said Frank. "I'll promise to do the best I can. By the way, where is this match to take place?" "Right here. Last year it was pulled off on the _Indefatigable_." It was drawing toward night when the _Queen Mary,_ steaming swiftly, sighted smoke upon the horizon. Two hours later she slowed down a short distance from three other vessels, which proved to be the _Indefatigable_, the _Invincible_ and the _Lion_, the latter the flagship of Vice-Admiral Beatty. The commanders exchanged salutations; and among other things made arrangements for the athletic contest that was to take place aboard the _Queen Mary_ the following day. This was explained to the men. The day's events were to begin at nine o'clock. They were to come in this order: Standing broad jump, running broad jump, high jump, foil match, revolver contest and boxing match. "You're last on the card, Jack," said Frank, with a laugh, when they were informed of the manner in which the events were to be pulled off. "Hope I'm last on my feet, too," said Jack, with a laugh. "Oh, I'm not worrying about you. You'll come through with flying colors. I hope I am not nervous, though." "You won't be," said Jack, positively. "I know you and that revolver of yours too well." "Guess we had better turn in early so as to be fit," said Frank. And they did, retiring several hours after mess.