“You boys acted for the best,” he said, “and I admire you for what you did. But the pity of it is your pluck and bravery can never become known. However, if you care to be appointed by me to some special work, I think I have some ahead for you in the near future.” With kindling eyes the boys thanked him. The next day they had leave ashore, and spent it in walking about the city, recalling the eventful things that had happened to them in its vicinity. Suddenly Ned was almost suffocated by an arm being thrown about his neck, and a bristly face being pressed to his. “Ah, my brave, I salute you!” exclaimed a voice in his ear. It was little Captain Gomez. Drawing the boys into a sheltered eating-place, he ordered cooling refreshments, and then related to them all over again how they had captured the insurgent navy, ending with the information that he was to be made Minister of Marine for his services in the revolution. “But I owe it all to you!” he exclaimed warmly. “To you and your brave comrades.” “But don’t ever tell any one so,” laughed Ned. The fleet remained in the harbor for three days more, during which time Midshipman Stark’s leave was much occupied with visits to the hacienda of Senorita de Guzman and her mother. On one occasion the boys and their faithful comrade, Stanley, accompanied him, and received--much to their embarrassment--the warm thanks and embraces of the two women for their part in the rehabilitation of their fortunes. One bright morning an orderly stepped up to Lieutenant Timmons and reported that the expected signal for getting under way was about to be set on the vessel of the commanding officer of the division. An hour later the American squadron steamed slowly seaward, out of the landlocked harbor of the turbulent republic. Seaward with them for many miles came the _General Barrill_, firing furious salutes at every knot. Captain Gomez was saying farewell. “Well, there is good-by to a stirring chapter in our lives, Herc,” said Ned, as the hazy outline of the Costavezan coast grew dimmer, and finally dissolved into the sky line. Herc nodded. For once the red-headed youth was devoid of words. For some time the boys stood silent, gazing westward, where lay the vanished shore. Then Stanley came up behind them, and together the three began to talk over once more the subject of which they never tired--their adventures ashore and on board a destroyer. But, although none of the three realized it, more stirring experiences than any they had yet known lay ahead of them. In the future both Ned and Herc and their rugged companion were to be participants in many thrilling scenes and perilous adventures. What these were must be kept for the telling in another volume of this series: THE DREADNOUGHT BOYS ON A SUBMARINE. THE END. * * * * * _Reasons why you should obtain a Catalogue of our Publications_ _A postal to us will place it in your hands_