The nurses had a party. There were shrieks of laughter until late in the night.
July 8th. No drills nor work to-day. It is cloudy and very cold. At ten forty-five Divine Service on deck. All the enlisted men, nurses and officers were present. The service was quiet, impressive and very earnest. The tension is growing hourly.
At five p.m. all the boat commanders were summoned to Colonel Winter's room to talk over final arrangements for boat personnel. They have not swung my boats out yet, although I have spoken several times to Trinder about it. They say that part of the ship is so much lower that if a sea kicked up they would have to swing them in again. I certainly have a mean station.
At four p.m. we officers had a voluntary drill. I got a good bath afterwards. It may be the last for several days, as it is suggested that no one wants to get caught with clothes off. A good many men are sleeping partially dressed to-night. The rumor is, to-morrow we wear preservers, not carry them, and the time at meals is to be reduced to a minimum. We all sat around in the smoking-room this afternoon. The conversation was largely on submarines and army life. Colonel Winter tried to put a bit of cheer into things with a few stories, but it was hard. Outside the moon is trying to struggle out, the sea is dead calm, and the ship is bleak as perdition. No ports or ventilators are allowed to be opened. Fortunately, it is cold.
July 9th. A day really of terrible suspense. We are in the danger zone. The life-boats have been partially lowered over the side. Every conceivable precaution is being taken. The nurses' suits are all laid out on deck. Every one is strung up to the breaking point. All the enlisted men have been moved up. Many are sleeping on deck.
About five p.m. the Captain began his zig-zag course, making wide sweeps every five or ten minutes. There were rumors that a torpedo-boat would turn up late this afternoon, but now, at eleven p.m., there is nothing in sight. And with it all it is the most beautiful night ever conceived. A little moon half on the wane came peeping up out of a bank of clouds, about ten thirty, making its silver path of light and doubtless silhouetting us clearly against the sky.
Passed a small freighter lower on the horizon before dinner. Everything is scanned with most suspicious glances and carefully shunned. Well, here it goes for a few hours' sleep, or an attempt at it, for it's up at the first break of dawn.
July 10th. Jim woke me a little before four a.m. We went out on deck. A beautiful morning with the sun just rising. Peck was there and Miss Francis, the head nurse, had been sitting up all night. She looked it. I took a few turns and then turned in till eight thirty.
Nothing of any particular interest, except we sighted another C. P. boat with a torpedo-boat escort. It was curious to watch her. First she was on one side and then the other. The zigzagging gets one completely confused as to position.