the fairy-like illumination was switched off, leaving
the hushed and darkened fleet riding to only the necessary anchor lights
on the motionless, moon-lit sound--who witnessed it all might not doubt
the existence of that spirit which in conflict makes for more than
thickness of armor or weight of shell.

* * * * *

We went to war; and it was with an immense confidence in what they would
do that I heard of the sailing of our first group of destroyers for the
business of convoying ships and hunting U-boats on the other side. Ships
were up to date and officers and men knew their business; and there was
something more than knowing their business.

Other groups of destroyers followed that first one, and a lot of us were
wondering how they were making out. They had sailed out into the
Atlantic--that we knew; but what were they doing? We who knew them
believed they were doing well. But how well?

I thought it worth-while finding out. I went to Washington and from
Secretary Daniels and Chief Censor George Creel secured necessary
credentials, and through the War Department the word which would put me
aboard a troop-ship.

It is only justice to Secretary Daniels to say that he granted me all
aid even though I told him I would probably work for _Collier's_ on the
trip--for _Collier's_ which had been pounding him editorially.

What I learned of this game of escorting ships and hunting U-boats is in
the chapters which follow.

SEEING THEM ACROSS

He had been on what most anybody would agree was pretty trying sort of
work; and so, having an idea that a furlough was coming to him, he
applied for it, but did not get it. The department had other things in
view. Instead of going home, he took time to write a few letters,
printing the one to his little girl in big capitals, so that--being six
going on seven--she might, with mama's help, be able to read it.

They sent him to a ship that had been running between north and south
ports on our own coast, shifting in winter-time to tropical waters. She
was one of a group of thirty or forty that the department had on its
little list to be made over into transports. She was the handsomest
boat, but war makes nothing of beauty. Our officer ordered all her
gleaming black underpaint off, also her pure white topside enamelling
with the gold decorations here and there; then he swabbed her top and
bottom with that dull blue-gray which the naval sharps s