Units were now landing rapidly and No. 7 platoon succeeded in placing heavy scaling ladders in positions, and then formed up to support Nos. 9 and 10 platoons.  Numbers 11 and 12 platoons were dispatched along the parapet, and reached the lookout station, where they were checked.  Commander Adams and his men, who had again united with the parties commanded by Frank and Commander Hastings, were some forty to fifty yards ahead of them, and both parties could make no headway along the exposed parapet.  Meanwhile No. 5 platoon, which had been recalled from its advanced position, with Nos. 7 and 8 platoons were forming up on the Mole for an assault on the fortified zone and the 4.1-inch battery at the Mole head.  This attack was launched, but before it could be developed the general recall was sounded.

There was a cheer from the men.  They knew by the sounding of the recall at this moment meant that the expedition had been a success.  Otherwise the fighting on the Mole would have continued.

The units fell back in good order, taking their wounded with them.  The passing of the men from the Mole on to the parapet by means of the scaling ladders was rendered hazardous by the enemy opening fire at that portion of the Mole.  Several ladders were destroyed.

The men were sent across in small batches from the comparative shelter afforded by long distance fire from the battleships.  Such rushes were made as far as possible in the intervals between the bursts of German fire.

The landing parties re-embarked in the manner which they had left their ships—­climbing to the deck of the Vindictive and then proceeding to their deck of the Vindictive and then proceeding to their various ships by small boats.

This undertaking was hazardous, too, for enemy shells were falling all about.  Nevertheless, the most of the men reached their ship in safety, and from the flagship came the signal to retreat.

Upon returning to the Brigadier, Frank surveyed his own men.  There had been few casualties among them.  Less than a dozen men had been killed and left behind.  Of wounded Frank counted fifteen.  Immediately he ascended to the bridge to report to Jack.

Jack greeted his chum with a smile.  Although the Brigadier had been in the midst of the battle, and many German shells had found their marks aboard her, Jack was as cool and unruffled as before the battle started.

“What luck, Frank?” he asked.

“Good,” Frank replied.  “We held the Mole until ordered back.  And you?”

“The best of luck.  I’ve stuck tight to the Vindictive through the heat of the battle, and I believe our guns have done some damage.”

“And the block ships?” asked Frank.

“They have been sunk at the mouths of both harbors, I am informed.  The raid has been a complete success.”

At that moment came the recall signal from the flagship.

“See,” said Jack, “there’s proof of it.  If we had not been successful, the recall would not have been sounded yet.  There is still plenty of time if we needed it, and our damage has not been great enough to leave the job unfinished.”