sir."

As soon as his party had hurried aboard, Darrin gave the order
to cast off. Under slow speed astern the launch joined Lieutenant
Cantor's craft.

"I'm glad that I'm to have you on shore tonight with me, Coxswain,"
said Dave, heartily.

"Thank you, sir," answered the coxswain, saluting and actually
blushing with pleasure.

Soon after Dan's launch ranged up with the other two, and the
"_Long Island_" was vanishing in the distance ahead, not a light
showing, for it is the privilege of the commander of a war vessel
to sail without lights, when the interests of the services may
be furthered thereby. Nor did any of the launches display lights.

As each of the boats was to run at slow speed, it was hoped that
each landing party would reach shore without detection.

Lieutenant Cantor went over the instructions once more, talking
in low tones across the water.

"And above all, remember that there is to be no fighting," Cantor
added, impressively, looking straight into Darrin's eyes.

"Punk orders, when each man is provided with a hundred rounds
of rifle ammunition, and when each automatic gun is supplied with
two thousand rounds!" grumbled Coxswain Riley, under his breath.