“You have certainly seen excitement,” said the President.  “I am glad to have seen you.  Give my regards to your father when you see him.  I am glad to have met you, too, Captain,” and the President shook hands with Jack.  “I hope to have the pleasure of meeting you both again some day.”

The lads understood by this that the interview was ended.  They followed Secretary Daniels and the British ambassador back to the former’s office, where the latter handed Jack a paper.

“Cable from the British Admiral, I judge,” he said.

Jack read the message.

“You are right, sir,” he said.  “We are ordered to home waters whenever you are through with us, sir.”

“I judged as much,” said the Secretary, “which is the reason I had Admiral Sellings order you to report to me.  You are at liberty to return whenever you please, sir.  But first let me thank you for your services in the name of the American people.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Jack, and saluted stiffly.

The lads now took their leave.  The ambassador insisted on their going home with him to dinner.

“But we should get back to our ship at once, sir,” Jack demurred.

“Never mind,” said the ambassador, “I’ll take the responsibility of holding you over an extra day.”

So Jack and Frank dined with the ambassador, and took a late train to Richmond, where they changed early in the morning for Newport News.  When they boarded the Essex later in the day they found in Jack’s cabin the commandant of Fortress Monroe, who, having learned that the Essex would soon depart for home, had come to pay his respects while he yet had time.

“I want to tell you,” he said to Jack, “that the Essex has made quite a name for herself among my men.”

“I’m glad to hear that, sir,” declared Jack.

“The men are only sorry, and naturally,” continued the commandant, “that she was not manned by an American crew.”

“Naturally, as you say, sir,” Jack agreed.  “Yet my first officer is an American.”

The Commandant glanced at Frank.

“Can that be true?” he asked.

Frank smiled.

“It’s true enough, sir,” he said.  “Yes, I’m a native of the Bay state and am in the British service merely as the result of an accident.”

He explained.

“Well,” said the Commandant, ’I’m glad of it.  I’ll have something to tell my officers and men that will make them proud.  I hope that the next time either of you find yourselves in these parts you will look me up.”

“Thank you, sir.  We certainly shall,” said Jack.

The Commandant took his departure.

“And now,” said Jack, “for England.”

First, Jack made a personal tour of inspection of the destroyer.  Finding everything ship-shape, the crew was piped to quarters and Jack rang for half speed ahead.

A crowd had gathered at the water’s edge and the Essex was speeded on her way by cheering and waving thousands.  It was a touching scene, and Jack was very proud.