ance."

"Is there still time for us to get that hour's start?" asked Darrin,
rising.

"Unfortunately, the orders were misunderstood, Mr. Darrin. The
'Gloucester' actually sailed about an hour ago. You will find her exact
course written on this paper, and you are directed by the admiral to
reach her with all speed and convoy her----"

"One moment, please!"

Darrin broke off the conversation long enough to telephone the executive
officer, instructing him to transmit the needful orders to the engineer
officer on duty, and to pipe all hands on deck.

"I am listening, sir," Darrin resumed, wheeling about.

"Outside you will find two of our fastest mine-sweepers," continued the
staff officer. "They are to follow you as closely as possible, and, on
nearing the 'Gloucester,' they are to turn and sweep the course ahead of
the hospital ship, while you are to be extremely alert for submarines."

"I understand, sir," Darrin nodded. "Are there any further orders?"

"No, Mr. Darrin. Whatever else comes up must be left to your own
discretion to handle. The admiral bade me state that he has the fullest
confidence in your proven ability to handle circumstances as they arise."

"My thanks to the admiral for his good opinion, and to yourself for
informing me of it," smiled Dave, still on his feet and moving slowly
toward the door.

"I--er--have some further information, Mr. Darrin, that will prove of
considerable interest to you," resumed the naval staff officer, also
moving toward the door.

"Yes?"

"It possesses a personal interest for you. There are, of course, nurses
on board, and other Red Cross workers. One of them is Mrs. Darrin."

Dave's quick smile of happiness was reflected in the staff officer's
ruddy face.

"So, you see, Mr. Darrin, you have more than a professional interest in
meeting the hospital ship and bringing her through safely, for in doing
so you will also be guarding your wife. It is rather an unusual stimulus
to duty, isn't it?"

CHAPTER XXII

THE RED CROSS TRAGEDY

"NO, sir!" said Dave, promptly. "I love my wife, and it will not surprise
you to hear me say it, but in the discharge of my duty Mrs. Darrin has
exactly the same status as a stranger. I shall be glad, for my own sake,
to bring through in safety any ship on which she sails, but I shall be
just as glad to be able to insure the safety of any wounded Tommy Atkins
on the 'Gloucester' who is longing for a sight of his loved ones a