"Coffee for the men," said Captain Templeton.

The morning coffee was served on deck in the darkness.

Lights appeared in the distance, and presently another destroyer joined
the Plymouth. Running lights of two more appeared as the clock struck 4
a.m.

Captain Templeton signalled the engine room for two-thirds speed ahead.
Running lights were blanketed on the four destroyers, and the ships fell
into column.

Lieutenant Chadwick felt a drop on his face. He held out a hand.

"Rain," he said briefly.

Jack--Captain Templeton--nodded.

"So much the better, Frank," he replied.

The four destroyers cleared the channel light and spread out like a fan
into line formation.

"Full speed ahead!" came Jack's next command.

The Plymouth leaped ahead, as did her sister ships on either side.

"We're off," said Frank.

Away they sped in the darkness, a division of four Yankee destroyers,