of different ages, sexes, and nationalities, sleeping in the most
charming confusion and proximity."

Well, the _Rochambeau_ arrived without untoward incident as she had done
so often before and has done since. Another letter is that of a Yale
senior, enlisted in the navy and one of the crew of a transport. "We
looked very formidable as we steamed out of the harbor. An armored
cruiser led the way and on either side a torpedo destroyer.... We
proceed very cautiously. After sunset all lights go out. There is no
smoking anywhere on board and not a light even in the stateroom. Then if
we look out we see the other ships of the convoy--we hug one another
closely--just stumbling through the water like phantom shapes--and
that's the weirdest sight I have ever seen.... To-day we are having gun
practice on board the transport--trial shots for the subs and the
cruiser experimenting with balloon observers. Such are our interests....
Last night I had a wonderful experience. It was delightful--one of those
that tickle my masculine pride. I was detailed in charge of a watch in
the forward crow's-nest--a basket-like affair on the very top of the
foremast about 150 feet from the water.... From the nest you get a
wonderful view--a real bird's-eye view--for the men walking on the deck
appear as pigmies, and the boats following in our trail look like
dories. Our duty is to watch with powerful glasses for any traces of
periscopes, and we are connected up with telephones to the gunners who
are always ready for the 'call' and eager for action. This is only the
first of the thrilling experiences which I expect, or, rather, hope to
have." But that convoy arrived safely, too.

The convoy, by the way, was largely an American idea, a departure from
the policy of protecting a single vessel. A group of craft about to
cross, sometimes as many as a score or more, are sent forth together