Arriving at the port gangway, the liberty party went aboard and fell in on the quarter-deck for inspection before being dismissed. Corporal Dorlan, standing at the top of the gangway, was surprised to hear Dick whisper as he passed, "Search the rubber boots, Corporal," but he was not slow of comprehension, and as soon as the men were all in line he went directly up to Joe and "Slugger" and feeling down their boot legs brought forth several flat flasks carefully wrapped in dry seaweed. "What is this?" said Mr. Thorp, the Officer of the Deck. And Corporal Dorlan merely answered: "’Wilson--that’s all,’ sir." "That is fine work, Corporal. I congratulate you," said a hearty voice behind the line of men who had witnessed this little scene, and turning Dorlan found Commander Bentley standing near him. "It’s not me what discovered it, sir. All the credit belongs to Drummer Comstock. He’s the lad what put me wise, sir." "We will hold ’mast’ and investigate this matter at once, Mr. Thorp; have Comstock report here immediately." Dick, having heard his name called, approached. "Now, young man, tell me all you know of this business," ordered the Captain, and having heard the entire story of the exciting afternoon ashore he ordered Dick to go to the Executive Officer’s office and dictate a full report to the Yeoman. "A man like the one you describe has no business to be at large," he said. "I will communicate with the authorities ashore and have him locked up. In the meantime, Mr. Thorp, send a detail of marines ashore under arms to search and destroy the shack these two boys discovered. It’s on the government reservation and has no business there. Trumpeter Cabell will go ashore and act as guide." Then turning to the two culprits, Commander Bentley said: "I’ll keep you men in close confinement until a court-martial can dispose of your case. Have these two men taken to the brig[#] at once, Mr. Thorp." [#] Brig--Cell for confinement of men under punishment. "Aye, aye, sir!" and Ensign Thorp gave the Master-at-Arms the necessary orders. CHAPTER IX HISTORIC BATTLEFIELDS "Speaking of that report against our horse beater," remarked Henry a few days later, "reminds me, Dick, that I never thought to inquire if you ever heard from the report you wrote out in Washington against those plotters." "No," answered Dick, looking up from the signal card he was studying, "I wrote it the following Monday and sent it to Dad, but never heard anything from it."