In the center of the convoy, the ten ships containing the most valuable cargoes were ranged in parallel lines. They were ringed around by a cordon of converted merchant vessels, armed cargo ships and destroyers, in addition to the U. S. Cruiser Comerford, and the aforementioned British cruiser of First World War vintage.
On the bridge of the Comerford, Navigating Officer Nelson, ex-U. S. N., stood watching the other vessels as they plowed their way through the heavy seas.
All were running without lights, but the phosphorescent wash of the water against their bows and the dark bulk of their hulls revealed their positions.
Nelson's chief attention was focused on the central group of ships—especially on the Carethusia. Another day, perhaps, and it would be time to make his bid to cut the Carethusia out of the convoy and head her for the French port designated in the secret orders which Herr Kommander Brandt had brought on board with him.
Here was Herr Kommander Brandt now, climbing the ladder to the bridge on his stumpy legs. He came up to Nelson, puffing obesely.
"Ach! I vish dis woyage was ofer!" Brandt grunted.
"I hope you mean successfully over," Nelson said.
"Dot old Czech!" Brandt grumbled. "He iss driving me crazy with his fool inventions!"
"Czech and double Czech!" Nelson kidded him. "But his inventions do all he claims for them; and that's saying a lot!"
"Ja!" Brandt agreed. "Dot's so. But—"