slow headway."

Lieutenant Cantor will lie to, while the other two launches are
being lowered. Ensigns Darrin and Dalzell will then steam back
and report to Lieutenant Cantor. Under slow speed it will take
the launches, commanded by the two ensigns, each about an hour
and ten minutes to reach their respective lagoon destinations.
It will take the lieutenant just under thirty minutes to reach
the Alvarez lagoon. Ensign Dalzell will go to the Perdita lagoon,
and Ensign Darrin to the Acunda lagoon. Forty minutes after Dalzell
and Darrin have steamed away, Lieutenant Cantor will run in to
the Alvarez mill. Our launches are not likely to be observed
from shore, where the '_Long Island_,' if she remained in these
waters, would be sure to be seen and recognized.

"Therefore, after dropping the steamers, we shall go ahead at
cruising speed and not return opposite the Alvarez mill until
called by a rocket, which Lieutenant Cantor will send up as soon
as the rescue has been accomplished---or has failed. But,
gentlemen"---here Captain Gales' voice sank low, yet vibrated with
intense earnestness---"all of you will realize the extreme
importance of your mission, and the awful consequences of failure.
Therefore, I feel certain that none of you will break the Navy's
long list of traditions for zealous, careful, successful
performance of duty. Lieutenant Cantor will be in command of the
expedition, as a whole."

For some minutes the officers remained in the captain's quarters,
discussing further the important work of the coming night.