‘Ten knots steady.’
‘Then I’ll do about twenty-two zig-zag and keep ahead of you. You’ll have to steer a straight course, I suppose.’
‘Yes, and if we see anything I shall dive at once. Don’t you worry about me. You probably won’t be able to see me, but I shall look out for myself and help you all I can if you have to put up a scrap.’
‘All right. You’ve got a copy of the secret signals for entering Darlton?’
‘Yes, and they know we’re coming at every signal station down the coast.’
‘No anchor lights, by the way.’
‘Rotten job this escorting business when it’s a submarine. Every one suspects ’em, friend and foe alike. I expect there are patrols about there at night, and that’s why we’ve got to anchor.’
‘Expect so. Anyway it’s not very far, only about 180 miles. How long are you stopping in Darlton?’
‘I’m not. Got to return on Sunday. Rotten job escorting anyway. Had quite a lot of it lately. Hate it.’
‘Well, that’s all arranged for, and now—yes, I think so,’ and together they returned to the ward-room and rejoined the revellers.