"Great Scott!" exclaimed Frank. "I hadn't heard anything about that.
Was the raid a success?"

"It was not," replied Jack briefly.

"Explain," said Frank.

"I'm trying to," smiled Jack. "Give me a chance, will you?"

He became silent and mused for a few moments. Then he said
meditatively:

"The destroyer service might well be called the cavalry of the sea. It
calls for dashing initiative, aggressiveness and courage and daring to
the point of rashness. Where an officer would be justified --even duty
bound -- by navy standards to run away with a bigger and more valuable
vessel, the commander of a destroyer often must close in to almost
certain annihilation."

"Hm-m-m," said Frank slyly. "You are not feeling a bit proud of
yourself, are you?"

"Oh, I'm not talking about myself," said Jack quietly. "I was thinking
of a man like Captain Ames -- and other men of his caliber. However,
I've been pretty close to death myself, and having come as close to a
fellow as death did to me, I believe he'll become discouraged and
quit. Yes, sir, I don't believe I shall ever die afloat."

"Don't be too cock-sure," said Frank dryly. "However, proceed."