Sailing the afternoon of June 1st, accompanied by the destroyers _Nicholson_ and _Wadsworth_, at 7:16 o'clock a periscope wake was sighted on the starboard quarter. "Full speed ahead!" was rung, and the _Leviathan_ sprang forward, a cloud of black smoke pouring from her funnels. Her guns began firing, and from the signal bridge floated the green-and-white submarine warning flag. The destroyers turned quickly and charged down the wake, laying a barrage of depth-bombs which shook the _Leviathan_, by that time nearly two miles away. The _Nicholson's_ blinker lights flashed: We saw periscope of submarine and laid barrage of depth-charges around the spot. Will report to Force Commander. The _Wadsworth_ then inspected the locality, but soon signaled, "We see no submarine now." A few minutes later both destroyers steamed up to the big vessel and resumed escort. Twilight had come, and it was an impressive scene when the chaplain (always called the sky pilot), as was his daily custom, went to the navigation bridge and offered the sunset prayer at sea--a prayer for the safety of captain, officers and crew; for soldiers, passengers and all on board. Making the most of her speed, the _Leviathan_ traveled alone, except for man-of-war escort, until August. Then she was accompanied by the _Great Northern_ and _Northern Pacific_, and these fast ships made several voyages together. After arrival from her eighth trip, Sept. 19th, Captain William W. Phelps became the _Leviathan's_ commanding officer, succeeding Captain Bryan. In April, 1919, he was succeeded by Captain E. H. Durell. There were rumors of peace when the _Leviathan_ sailed on her tenth trip October 27th, and as the destroyers met her they signaled that all the German submarines in that area had been recalled October 21st. Arriving at Liverpool November 3rd, she landed her last load of troops going to the front. A week later, when she was in drydock undergoing repairs, the armistice was signed; the fighting was over. The _Leviathan_ had transported to Europe 96,804 officers and men of the American Army. She had carried across 119,215 persons, including her crew and naval supernumeraries. She had carried on a single voyage as many as 10,860. In returning the troops all war-time records were broken. On the sixteenth west-bound trip, there were on board, including the naval crew, 14,300 persons. The vessel brought home 93,746 soldiers. She carried to or from Europe, including naval personnel and passengers, over 200,000 persons. Completed in 1914, the _Leviathan_ made but one round trip under the German flag. She had just arrived in New York on her second voyage when war broke out in Europe. That was all the use the Germans ever got of this wonder of the seas, which cost millions to build and was the pride of Germany. CHAPTER X GUARDING THE COAST OF FRANCE