"By Jove!" ejaculated Jack suddenly, struck with a sudden idea. "Why cannot we go with you, Captain Dreyfuss." "Go with me?" echoed the commander of the Marie Theresa. "Yes," cried Frank, falling in with the idea at once. "May we, captain?" The captain mused silently for some time. "It would be very irregular," he said at length. "We would certainly be pleased to see service under another flag," persisted Jack. "Indeed we would," agreed Frank; "and we would be willing to go in any capacity. If we go to London we may have a long wait before being assigned to another ship." Suddenly Captain Dreyfuss slapped his leg with his hand and got to his feet. "It shall be done," he said; "and, I may say that I shall be glad of your company. I will have you shown your quarters. As it happens, I am short handed. I shall see that your crew is set ashore and given passage for London." At his signal a young midshipman entered the cabin and came to attention. "I place these young men in your charge," Captain Dreyfuss said to him. "You will show them quarters. From this time on they will be your shipmates." The young Frenchman saluted, and the lads followed him from the commander's cabin. He showed them to very neat quarters and said abruptly: "You will bunk here." He departed without another word. Frank and Jack stared after him in some surprise. "Nice, pleasant companion he'll make," said Frank with fine sarcasm. "I should say so," answered Jack. "From his actions you'd think we had done something to offend him." "Oh, well," said Frank, "I guess we don't need to worry a whole lot about him." "No," said Jack, "but just the same I would rather be on good terms with all on board." The British sailors had now been gathered on deck and Frank and Jack went up to bid them goodbye. As they were rowed away in the direction of the little town the sailors stood up in the boats and gave three lusty cheers for both lads. The lads waved their hats at them. "You'd think these English were somebody," came a voice from Frank's elbow, and turning the lad saw several French midshipmen standing nearby. "They leave us to do all the fighting," continued one, whom Frank now recognized as the one who had escorted them to their quarters. "If they fought as well as they talk, this war wouldn't last long." Frank took a quick step toward the speaker, but Jack's hand fell on his arm and stayed him. "Quiet," said Jack. "We don't want to have any trouble with them. Besides their words do not apply to you. You are American." "You are right," said Frank, and turned away. Suddenly Captain Dreyfuss' voice rang out on the bridge. Instantly all became bustle and confusion. The Marie Theresa was about to get under way. Not yet having been assigned to their duties, Jack and Frank stood a little to one side.