Pennington was the only one who did not come forward to hold his hand out to Darrin--a fact that was noted at the time by many of the youngsters.
To the captain the trio recounted what had befallen them, as matter for official record.
"Mr.Darrin and Mr.Dalzell," announced the battleship's captain, "I must commend you both for wholly heroic conduct in going to the aid of your classmate.

And, Mr.Darrin, I am particularly interested in your incidental determination to preserve government property--the life buoys that you brought back with you." "It's possible I may need them again, sir," returned Dave, with a smile, though he had no notion of prophetic utterance..