"Tails up!" exhorted his companion. "I know of a way. Game for a swim?"
"Right-o!" replied the R.A.F. officer. "Lead on, old son! It's the night of nights, isn't it?"
CHAPTER XV
The Passing of M.-L. 4452
"Lucky blighters!" ejaculated Lieutenant Farnborough, referring enviously to the M.-L.'s told off to rescue the crews of the block-ships. "They're on the move, by Jove!"
"Wish we were on the same game," added Branscombe covetously. "I suppose we can't log an imaginary signal ordering us in support?"
"Brilliant idea of yours, old man," replied Farnborough. "Half a mind to try the wheeze."
M.-L. 4452, having for the time being completed her smoke-screen task, was "lying off", an interested spectator of the dash of the block-ships into Zeebrugge Harbour.
Other M.-L.'s had been detailed to cover the retirement of the old Vindictive and the two ex-ferry boats—if they were fortunate enough to draw away from the inferno of fire and shot, shell and poison gas; but Farnborough's command, together with six other M.-L.'s, was to stand by as a reserve rescue vessel.
The Thetis and her consorts had vanished into the smoke-laden harbour. After them dashed the small motor craft detailed for the rescue of the crews of the block-ships.