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THE FIGHTING ENGINEER.
143

to get mad simply because I showed him how to fix up the launch engine."

"He is jealous of you, especially as Commodore Dewey complimented you on your work, Oliver."

The second night on board of the man-o'-war proved a nasty one, and it looked as if we would have to pull up anchors and move out of the bay, for fear of having a sudden wind send us ashore. Yet Commodore Dewey hated to get too far from shore, for he was awaiting final orders before sailing in quest of the Spanish fleet.

"This is enough to make one sick," I observed to Dan. "I would rather sleep on shore to-night."

Bill Graves was passing us at the time, and a sneer showed itself on his lip.

"You're a fine landlubber to be on one of Uncle Sam's men-o'-war," he sniffed.

The remark nettled me, and I swung around quickly and caught him by the shoulder.

"See here, Graves," I said. "I have no quarrel with you, but if you want to act nasty let me tell you that you had better take care."

"Humph! Do you think I am afraid of you?" he blustered.

"I'll let you know that you can't bully me,