Early the following morning the Essex slipped from her little harbor and put to sea. Cutlip and his son, who had been put ashore shortly before the departure, stood at the edge of the water and waved farewell. Following the father's conversion, he and his son seemed to be closer than before, and they went away happily together.
Jack descended to the radio room.
"Get the Dakota for me," he instructed the operator.
"Dakota! Dakota!" flashed the wireless.
Ten minutes later the answer came.
"Destroyer Essex," flashed the operator again, following Jack's direction. "Submarine reported to me yesterday destroyed. Crew either killed or captured."
"Fine work, Templeton," was the reply flashed back a few moments later.
"I'm awaiting instructions," Jack flashed.
"Proceed to Newport News," came the answer, "and report in person to Secretary of the Navy."
"O.K." flashed the operator.