Following the return of the Essex to English waters, Jack reported at once to Lord Hastings in Dover.
"I hear great things of you boys," said Lord Hastings. "Great things indeed."
"We were a bit fortunate, sir," Jack admitted.
"It was more than good fortune," declared Lord Hastings. "But it's nothing more than I expected of you both."
They conversed about various matters for some minutes. Then Jack asked:
"And what is in store for us now, sir?"
"You will report to Admiral Beatty," said Lord Hastings. "The Essex will be assigned to duty with the Grand Fleet in the North Sea. Patrol work, mostly. There is little likelihood that the Germans will make another effort, but the sea must be patrolled, nevertheless."
"When do we report, sir?"
"At once. You will weigh anchor in the morning. Admiral Beatty's flagship is somewhere off the coast of Belgium."
"Very well, sir," said Jack, and departed.