When all had been served, the executive officer glanced up, then rose.
"The attendants will withdraw," he ordered.

"Orderly!" "Aye, aye, sir!" responded the marine orderly on post just inside the door.
"As soon as the attendants have gone outside, orderly, you will chose the door from the outside, and remain there to keep any one from entering the room." "Aye, aye, sir!" responded the orderly, who then followed the last attendant outside, closing the door after him.
"Gentlemen," continued the executive officer, remaining standing, "Captain Gales sent for me this morning, to make a most important communication.

With his approval I am going to tell you something of what he said.

In a word, then, this ship is ordered to be fitted for a cruise to Mexico in the shortest time possible.
Within three or four days we must be on our way to Mexican waters.
"We are to go with bunkers filled with coal.

We are to carry abundant clothing supplies for tropical service.