“Perhaps they have given it up and are heading for their home ports. If so, that’s good news. In less than twenty-four hours we shall be safe in port.”
“Oh! Happy day!” Sally exclaimed.
And it was indeed a happy day when, with her convoy, every precious ship of it safe, the aircraft carrier dropped anchor in a broad harbor. A small puffing tug came alongside to take members of the crew, who had been granted shore leave, to the dock. Among these were Sally, Nancy, Erma Stone, Riggs, and Mrs. Duke.
Sally, Nancy, and Danny’s mother stuck close together once they entered the streets of the only European city they had ever known.
“So this is merry England,” said Nancy. “It doesn’t seem very merry.”
And indeed it did not. A heavy fog hung over the city. The streets were narrow and dark. The people were poorly dressed. They seemed overworked and weary.
“They are merry in a way, all the same,” said Sally. “Take a look at their faces.”
Nancy did just that and was amazed. In every face was the glorious light of hope.
“How can you be happy after so many months of war?” Sally asked of a very old lady.
“Oh, the Americans are coming,” the cracked old voice replied. “You are an American, aren’t you?” she asked, peering at Sally’s blue uniform.