"Sergeant Raney," called Lieutenant Hal, "move your squad to the dock in double time."
Prescott followed this with similar orders to Sergeant Kelly.
The two captured craft and the "Restless" lay at the dock. As the troops, their officers in the lead, marched out on the pier Skipper Tom Halstead sang out:
"Stand by the engine, Joe!"
With that the young motor boat captain leaped to the dock and ran to the stern hawser, while Hank Butts stood by the bow-hawser.
"Squad halt! Break ranks! Get aboard lively," ordered Sergeant Raney. Nor did Kelly let his own squad lose any time. The young officers followed in the wake of their men.
"Want to cast off?" called Skipper Halstead pleasantly.
"Without loss of a second," replied Lieutenant Hal.
Without waiting for other orders Hank let go the bow-line and carried it aboard with him. Tom Halstead went up over the stern.
"Slow speed ahead, Joe," Hank called down as he rested one hand on the wheel. The "Restless" began to move from her pier.