At eight o'clock the fortunate lieutenant and ensigns were once more sent for, to go over the map and instructions with Captain Gales.
At nine o'clock, just before the "Long Island" was abreast of the Alvarez mill, the first launch was cleared away and lowered, falling behind and lying to.
Then Darrin, with his own crew, went down over the side to the launch towing alongside. It was Coxswain Riley who stood by to catch the young commanding officer's arm.
"Hullo, Coxswain," was Dave's greeting. "Are you to handle the launch to-night?"
"No, sir," Riley answered, saluting. "I am the petty officer in charge of the seamen. Coxswain Schmidt handles the launch, sir."
As soon as his party had hurried aboard, Darrin gave the order to cast off. Under slow speed astern the launch joined Lieutenant Cantor's craft.
"I'm glad that I'm to have you on shore tonight with me, Coxswain," said Dave, heartily.
"Thank you, sir," answered the coxswain, saluting and actually blushing with pleasure.
Soon after Dan's launch ranged up with the other two, and the "Long Island" was vanishing in the distance ahead, not a light showing, for it is the privilege of the commander of a war vessel to sail without lights, when the interests of the services may be furthered thereby. Nor did any of the launches display lights.
As each of the boats was to run at slow speed, it was hoped that each landing party would reach shore without detection.