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 aboard them would remain unchanged. The "blinkies" at the masthead would flash American slang across the dark waters of a foreign harbor with the same zeal and detachment as here in Pettasantuck Bay.

A message from the Billington was broken off abruptly, much to the disappointment of the spectators on the rock. In fact, all the destroyers had stopped signaling simultaneously.

"She's going to send an official message, I guess," Steve said.

Dash—dash—dash—dash the lights blinked briskly.

"Cornet again," Jim remarked.

The ships all replied with their own call-letters, and after a great deal of repetition of calls and displaying of steady lights, the Billington proceeded with her message:

Recall all liberty men at once.

"That likewise includes officers on leave of absence, I guess,—meaning me," Steve sighed. "They've gone and pinched a half hour off our time."

"The bay's as flat as a mill-pond," Jim said. "Mrs. Pemberley and Miss Kirkland will row you over to the Billington in no time; I've got to stay on the job. Good luck, Steve! I hope