CHAPTER V.
WATCHING AND WAITING---BEHIND BIG GUNS April, in the tropics! Four miles off the coast of Mexico, east of the historic port of Vera Cruz, the United States dreadnought, "_Long Island_," moved along at slow cruising speed.
The few days out from New York had brought marked changes in climate.
While people in New York found the weather still cold, here in Mexican waters, officers and men alike were in the white uniforms of the tropics---all save those whose work below compelled them to wear dungarees.
On the bridge forward, two officers paced at a time.

During the night hours there were always three there.
Aft, on the quarter-deck, marines were going through the rifle gymnastic drill.

In some of the divisions officers and men were busy at the big gun drills.

Others were cleaning a ship that always seemed spotless.

The few that were off duty gathered wherever they could find room, for a battleship at sea, with her full complement of officers and men on board, is a crowded affair.
No other ship of the American fleet was in sight, but two operators, constantly on duty in the wireless room, kept the "_Long Island_" in constant touch with a score of vessels of the United States Navy.
"Have you any idea what we're doing here ?" asked Danny Grin, as he and Dave met on the superstructure.
"No idea whatever," Ensign Darrin admitted.