"And still they have had some success," said Frank.
"True. But not much after all. What is the total tonnage destroyed in comparison with the tonnage still sailing the seas unharmed?"
"There's something in that," Frank agreed. "But I can't say that I'm of your opinion."
"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."