nes of the mine-laying
kind."

"I understand, sir," Fernald nodded. The tone of enthusiasm had faded
from his voice. Now he displayed only the grave interest of the
professional sea-fighter.

"All officers and men will have to work twice as hard as usual," Darrin
went on. "There will be some chance to sleep, but no other leisure. Meals
will be taken in the least possible time. Our entire crew must be at all
times ready for instant response to the call to quarters."

"That will not be hard in such times, sir," answered Fernald. "All
officers and men laid in a good supply of sleep while in port. A few
added waking hours in each day won't hurt any of us."

"Direct all officers to see that they and their men are fully awake and
alert at all times when they are on duty," continued Dave. "Otherwise, we
are not likely to make port again. Dalzell and I have been intrusted with
keeping down the mine-laying peril as close to zero as possible."

"Very good, sir," replied Lieutenant Fernald. That capable executive
officer had nothing more to say at present, for his quick mind was
already devising methods for keeping the crew unusually alert.

An hour and a half after sailing night had settled down. The English
shore was but a vague, distant line. A short, choppy sea was running. In
the sky was a new moon that would set early.

The watch had changed, but Dave and his executive officer remained on the
bridge. Down in the wardroom such officers as were off duty were stowing
away food in record time.

Half a mile off to the west steamed the "Reed." Suddenly the lookouts on
both craft reported a vessel ahead. Orders quietly given sent the men to
gun stations. All eyes were turned on the approaching craft. Then her
identification signal shone forth in the night. The stranger was a
British scout cruiser racing back to port from some errand.

In almost the same instant Dave and Dan displayed recognition signals,
yet the two Yankee craft closely watched the stranger until she moved
between them, when she was fully recognized as one of John Bull's
friendly sea-racers.

"Any enemy signs?" Dave signalled.

"No," came the answer.

Soon the British scout cruiser had passed on into the night and vanished,
but the Yankee lookouts kept vigil even more zealously than before.

Half an hour later an English patrol boat, after exchange of signals,
passed near by on Dave's port side. Twenty minutes after that two British
mine-sweepers we