ny way," murmured
Denton to himself, as he moved on.

In the ward-room that evening the "impertinence" of two new ensigns
in capturing such prized details was commented upon with a great
deal of chaffing. Even Lieutenant Cantor was declared to be much
too young to be entrusted with such important work.

At eight o'clock the fortunate lieutenant and ensigns were once
more sent for, to go over the map and instructions with Captain
Gales.

At nine o'clock, just before the "_Long Island_" was abreast of
the Alvarez mill, the first launch was cleared away and lowered,
falling behind and lying to.

Then Darrin, with his own crew, went down over the side to the
launch towing alongside. It was Coxswain Riley who stood by to
catch the young commanding officer's arm.

"Hullo, Coxswain," was Dave's greeting. "Are you to handle the
launch to-night?"

"No, sir," Riley answered, saluting. "I am the petty officer
in charge of the seamen. Coxswain Schmidt handles the launch,
sir."

As soon as his party had hurried aboard, Darrin gave the order
to cast off. Under slow speed astern the launch joined Lieutenant
Cantor's craft.

"I'm glad that I'm to have you on shore tonight with me, Coxswain,"
said Dave, heartily.

"Thank you, sir," answered the coxswain, saluting and actually
blushing with pleasure.

Soon after Dan's launch ranged up with the other two, and the
"_Long Island_" was vanishing in the distance ahead, not a light
showing, for it is the privilege of the commander of a war vessel
to sail without lights, when the interests of the services may
be furthered thereby. Nor did any of the launches display lights.

As each of the boats was to run at slow speed, it was hoped that
each landing party would reach shore without detection.

Lieutenant Cantor went over the instructions once more, talking
in low tones across the water.

"And above all, remember that there is to be no fighting," Cantor
added, impressively, looking straight into Darrin's eyes.

"Punk orders, when each man is provided with a hundred rounds
of rifle ammunition, and when each automatic gun is supplied with
two thousand rounds!" grumbled Coxswain Riley, under his breath.

"Gentlemen, you will now get under way," ordered Lieutenant Cantor.
"You will remember each sentence of your instructions!"

Silently, two of the launches stole away into the night, bound
east and west, while the third launch awaited the time to start
shoreward.

O