"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.
"A great country," he confided to Frank, as the vessel moved slowly out into the Roads. "A great country. I am glad to have seen it again, and I hope to come back some day."
"Oh, you'll come back," said Frank. "You'll come back when the war's over, to visit me."
"I certainly will," Jack declared.
The fortifications of Fortress Monroe now loomed ahead.