such
conditions until every human being on board had been transferred to
safety."

"That was made possible largely by the nature of the holes in the ship's
hull, sir. I cannot say positively, but from my examination of the holes
I believe that the mine that the 'Gloucester' struck was not moored as
securely to her anchoring device as is usually the case. It was not the
bow of the hospital ship, but the side of her hull forward that struck
the mine. Two fragments or two groups of fragments of the exploding mine
struck the hull, but from my hurried inspection it is my belief that the
mine, not being securely moored, was brushed somewhat aside by the
impact, and therefore the injury was not as great as it would have been
had the anchoring device held the mine more firmly in place. So the ship
was not as badly hurt as one would have expected her to be. That much for
the mine, sir. Then I had the gallant, splendid help of Captain Senby and
his mates and crew. I shall mention their performance in my written
report."

"Better put it in early, then," advised the admiral, "for Senby and his
mates go up for examination day after tomorrow. I can forward to the
board an extract from your report."

"They are to be examined just the same, sir, though the 'Gloucester' is
no more?"

"Oh, yes; England has a few more ships left," smiled the admiral, "and we
cannot get along with a reduced number of hospital craft."

So, though Dave Darrin, on his return, escorted Belle to the chart-room
and chatted with her a few moments, and even allowed her to remain while
he worked, he sent for a yeoman and to him dictated an official report of
the disaster, parts of which document did not fail to do justice to
Captain Senby and his mates.

"Type that for two copies to be transmitted, and one to be filed here, as
early as you can, and bring to me for signature," Dave directed. "I wish
to go ashore after signing and sending off the reports."

For, at their parting, Admiral Wheatleigh had said:

"Darrin, you and your officers and men have been overworked for some
time. You have done splendidly, but now you all need a short rest or your
nerves will snap. You will therefore remain in port a few days, and I
would recommend you to be liberal in the matter of shore leave."

Even before the typed reports had come in Lieutenant Fernald reported
with a written list of the names of officers and men whom he recommended
for shore leave beginning that e