The sound of the instruments ceased
for a moment, then they struck up "The Stars and Stripes for Ever."
"Hello," cried Katherine, "can your band play Sousa?"
"I should say we could," boasted the Lieutenant, "and we can play his
music, in a way to give some hints to Mr. Sousa's own musicians."
"To beat the band, eh?-- Sousa's band?" rejoined Katherine, dropping
into slang.
"Exactly," smiled the Lieutenant, "and now, young ladies, will you
excuse me for a few moments? This musical selection means that your
Secretary of the Navy is on the waters, and I must be in my place with
the rest of the officers to receive him and his staff with all
ceremony. Please promise you will not leave this spot till I return: I
implore you."
"Better put the blue-jacket on guard over us," laughed Katherine.
"By Jove! a very good idea."
Dorothy saw all levity depart from his face, giving way to a look of
sternness and command. Although he was engaged in a joke, the
subordinate must see no sign of fooling in his countenance. He said a
sharp word to a blue-jacket, who nimbly sprang to the end of the
settee, raised his hand in salute, and stiffened himself to an
automaton. Then the girls saw the tall figure of the Lieutenant
wending its way to the spot where the commander stood.
"I say, Dorothy, we're prisoners. I wonder what this Johnny would do
if we attempted to fly. Isn't the Lieutenant sumptuous?"
"He seems a very agreeable person," murmured Dorothy.
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