an undertone that reached only Senby's ear, Darrin added:

"Man, you've been a bit unstrung, but you've gotten away without the loss
of a life. Bring your nerve back from this moment! Don't let it spoil
your life or your career. Pull yourself together and smile. Smile! Don't
let any one see that you've a single doubt of yourself! Smile, and go up
for your examination to-morrow. All that ails you is that you worry for
the safety of others--a most commendable fault in a skipper!"

From that instant Captain Senby gave at least a very good imitation of a
man who was modestly satisfied with his achievement, though he realized
that he owed most of the success of the last two hours to Lieutenant
Commander Dave Darrin, U. S. N.

Arriving at the Italian vessel, Darrin transferred Belle and himself to a
launch from the "Grigsby" and promptly rejoined his craft.

Taking Belle to his own seldom-occupied quarters on the destroyer, Dave
left her there, and then went to the bridge and signalled his orders to
the mine-sweepers and to the Italian steamship.

The mine-sweepers were ordered to move in advance of the rescue vessel to
sweep any hidden mine from her path.

"And you, Mr. Fernald, will cross the course continually ahead of the
steamship and keep the most vigilant guard against submarine attack!"

Dave next went to the chart-room, his teeth chattering from his soaked,
chilled condition.

Here he stripped and gave himself as vigorous a rub-down as he could
administer, after which he attired himself in dry clothing throughout and
sent orders to the mess kitchen for a pot of hot coffee.

Over this warmer Dave lingered long enough to gulp down three cups of the
steaming beverage.

Then pulling on a dry sheepskin coat and turning up the fur collar
against the wintry blast, he went to the bridge.

"All's secure, and no sign of trouble so far, sir," reported Lieutenant
Fernald.

Yet, unknown to any on the destroyer, the "Grigsby," driving ahead
obliquely from port to starboard well ahead of the steamship, was heading
straight toward a mine that lurked beneath the surface of the water.

CHAPTER XXIV

CONCLUSION

"SHALL I order the helm to starboard, sir?" asked Ensign Ormsby. "We're
due to sail too close to that mine-sweeper."

Though the two craft were separated by several hundreds of yards,
Darrin's quick, trained eye took in the fact that the mine-sweeper, by
the time the "Grigsby" crossed her course, wou