“Personally,” declared Jack, “I believe that the war will be over before Christmas.”

“I hope so.  But I can’t be as optimistic as you are.”

The run to Newport News was made without incident and the Essex dropped anchor close to the spot where she had been stationed before.

She was greeted with wild cheers, for news of her success had preceded her to the little Virginia city.  Jack and his officers and men were hailed with acclaim when they went ashore.

“Want to go to Washington with me, Frank?” asked Jack.

“That’s a foolish question,” was Frank’s reply.  “Of course I want to go.”

“All right.  Then we’ll catch the ten o’clock train this morning.  That will put us in the capital some time before five.”

“Suits me,” declared Frank.

This program was carried out.  Arrived again in the capital of the nation, the lads went straight to the Raleigh hotel, where they got in touch with the British ambassador.

“I’ve been hearing good reports about you, Captain,” said the ambassador’s voice over the telephone.

“We were a bit lucky, sir, that is all,” replied Jack deprecatingly.

“Nevertheless,” said the ambassador, “Secretary Daniels wishes to thank you in person, as does the President.  I shall call for you within the hour.”

“Very well, sir.”

Jack hung up the ’phone.

The ambassador was as good as his word.  He arrived less than an hour later and the lads accompanied him to the Navy Department, where they were ushered into the presence of the Secretary of the Navy at once.

Secretary Daniels shook hands with both of the lads.

“You deserve the thanks of the whole nation for your gallant work,” he said.  “I am instructed to take you to the President.”

Jack and Frank flushed with pleasure, but there was nothing either could say.  From the Navy Department, the lads were escorted to the White House immediately across the street, where President Wilson was found in his office.  The President was reached with little ceremony, and Secretary Daniels himself made the introduction.

“So,” said the President, “these are the young officers who commanded the British destroyer Essex, which accounted for two of the enemy’s submarines?  They look rather young for such important posts.”  He gazed closely at Frank.  “Surely,” he said finally, “surely you are an American.”

“Yes, sir,” said Frank.  “Born in Massachusetts, sir.”

“Chadwick,” mused the President.  “Not, by any chance, related to Dr. Chadwick, of Woburn.”

“He is my father, sir.”

The President seemed surprised.

“But I didn’t know my old friend Chadwick had a son of your age,” he said.

“Well, he has, sir,” replied Frank with a smile.

“But how do you happen to be in the British service?”

Frank explained briefly.