“Maybe we’ll catch most of them in there,” said Jack hopefully.

“They won’t be able to get out again if we do,” declared Frank.

“Right,” Jack agreed, “and the ones that are outside won’t be able to get back in again.”

“So you see,” Frank continued, “we have them coming and going, as we say in America.”

“I see,” said Jack.

“And what time are we to start?” asked Frank.  “You must remember you were in private conference with Admiral Keyes.  You’re a captain now, and the big fellows talk to you.  I’m still only a lieutenant.”

“The passage will most likely be made by daylight,” said Jack.  “That has been decided in order that we may do our work there under the cover of darkness so far as possible.  Of course, this may be changed, but that’s the way the plan lies now.”

“Strikes me we are taking a pretty big force along, from what you say.”

“Necessary, I guess,” said Jack.  “It seems that the admiral has overlooked nothing that will go toward making the attack a success.”

“Well, we can’t start any too soon to suit me,” declared Frank.  “When do you expect to get orders to move?”

“I’m not certain, but I wouldn’t be surprised to receive them early in the morning.”

As it developed Jack was a good prophet.

Bright and early next morning, a small boat approached the Brigadier.  A few moments later an officer came aboard and presented Jack with a document.  Then he departed.

Jack read the paper, then leaped to the bridge.

“To your post, Mr. Chadwick,” he called to Frank, who had been standing near by.  “Pipe all men to quarters and signal for half speed ahead.”

The passage was about to begin.

CHAPTER VIII

THE ATTACK BEGINS

The main force was divided into three columns.  The center column was led by the Vindictive, with the Brigadier second and the Iris in tow, followed by the five blocking ships and the paddle mine-sweeper Lingfield, escorting five motor launches for taking off the surplus steaming parties of the blocking ships.  The starboard column was led by the Warwick, flying the flag of Admiral Keyes, followed by the Phoebe and North Star, which three ships were to cover the Vindictive from torpedo attack while the storming operations were in progress.

The submarines were towed by the Trident and Mansfield.  The Tempest escorted the two Ostend block ships.

The port column was led by the Whirlwind, followed by Myngs and Moorsom, which ships were to patrol to the northward of Zeebrugge; and the Tetrarch, also to escort the Ostend block ships.  Every craft was towing one or more coastal motor boats, and between the columns were motor launches.

The greater part of the passage, as Jack had explained, had to be carried out in broad daylight, with the consequent likelihood of discovery by enemy aircraft or submarines.  This risk was largely countered by the escort of all the scouting escort under Admiral Keyes’ command.