o assure
you that you have. You yourself have made some notable captures, and have
destroyed some enemies whom you could not capture. Mr. Dalzell's record
has also been a splendid one. The plan by which you are catching
mine-layers on or near the shoals before they start out on new
mine-laying work is one that has enabled our mine-sweeping craft to
accomplish more than they have hitherto been able to do. The record of
mines discovered and swept out of the paths of navigation is a fine one,
but you have done even better work in blocking the enemy so thoroughly in
their operation of laying the mines in the first instance. Your successes
are assuming extremely notable proportions. To-morrow the dirigible will
be ready to start out again to aid in finding mine-cargo-carrying
submarines bound for these waters."

"Sir," Dave replied, "I greatly appreciate your words of praise, and I
can speak in the same vein for Mr. Dalzell. Now, as he has had no share
in destroying the submarines that bring over cargoes of mines I intend to
detail him for that work to-morrow."

"That fits in with my plans," nodded the admiral. "If you will put to sea
and find the 'Reed,' and then return to this port, dropping anchor, but
keeping up steam, I shall have for you, to-night or to-morrow, a special
task of the greatest importance."

"Very good, sir. Is that all for the present?"

"Yes. Your further instructions will be given to you when the time
comes."

"Very good, sir. Thank you."

Saluting, Darrin left the flagship, returning at once to the "Grigsby,"
which soon put to sea. The weather being now comparatively clear, Darrin
raced away at nearly full speed. Not long afterward he overhauled and
boarded the "Reed," informing Dalzell of his chance to go on the hunt for
the submarine mine-carrying craft on the morrow.

"I had been wondering if I was to have a little share in that sport of
kings," said Dan, with one of his grins.

"You prevaricator!" Darrin uttered, sternly. "When did I ever hog all of
the best sport and leave you the rind?"

"Kamerad! Don't shoot!" begged Dan, with another grin.

"Kamerad" (comrade) is the word the German soldiers employ when offering
to surrender to Allied troops. But "Kamerad" does not always mean as much
as it conveys, for instances have been numerous when Germans have
pretended so to surrender, then have whipped out hitherto hidden weapons
and slain their captors.

Returning to port before dark, Da