Willing hands bore the rescued ones as ordered. Dan himself followed Dave's bearers down to the sick bay and there supervised the treatment given Dave and Captain Kennor, while the medical officer went to Dan's quarters, the best on the craft. The Englishman was soon more comfortable. His wife, however, required serious attention. Dalzell shook his head over Dave, who appeared all in and not able to talk. "Was he in the water longer than the rest of you?" asked Dalzell, as soon as Captain Kennor was able to talk. "No; but he vas der water in vonce before," was the reply. "Der second time he could stand not so well." That gave Dan the clue. As soon as the medical officer could be spared from the care of the Englishwoman for a few moments he was ordered to the sick bay. "Mr. Darrin may pull through, but I won't guarantee anything," said the surgeon, after an examination. "The chances are all against him. I am afraid the woman is going to die also." CHAPTER XIV DAVE PLEDGES HIS WORD FOR RESULTS THAT double report helped Dan Dalzell to make up his mind. "Run straight for port," he ordered the executive officer, naming the nearest British haven that offered rail connection. In an hour and a half the destroyer had dropped anchor at the port. More medical aid was brought aboard, including a trained nurse for the Englishwoman. A few hours after daylight the woman had recovered sufficiently to warrant her removal to a hospital on shore. No strong hopes were yet entertained of keeping her alive for more than a day or two. Her husband had stood the watery ordeal much better. Captain Kennor, who, with Dave, was taken to the hospital later in the day, had nearly recovered by the day following. But for Dave Darrin there followed black hours. According to the doctors a severe case of pneumonia was about the best that could be predicted for him. On the day after he was taken ashore Darrin opened his eyes with a light of recognition in them. At the foot of the cot, in a chair, sat a stalwart, youthful figure. Dan Dalzell, whose orders took him to sea again that night, was waiting to the last for better news. "Dan," Dave called, softly, and Dalzell was instantly bending over him. "David, little giant, did you know that the 'Reed' had the good luck to pick you up?" asked Dan, eagerly. "I had a notion of it, but I was too dazed to know really," Darrin answered. "I've been here about all the time ever since," Dan went on. "I wanted to know the news of you as soon as it could be had. But you're going to be all right, now." "Of course I am," agreed Dave, feebly. Unseen by the man on the hospital cot, Dan signalled with one hand. Down the ward came a doctor, followed by a young woman wearing the blue cape ulster of the Red Cross. There was a quick, glad cry; soft lips touched Dave's face. "Belle!" gasped Dave, delightedly.