near prospect of liberty--of an opportunity to see home
and friends, of again setting foot on shore--transformed the entire
crew.

Everywhere could be seen smiling faces. Laughter and merry chatter
filled the air, and the rollicking songs written by "Steve" and others
were more in evidence than ever. The daily routine of work seemed
lighter. There was no grumbling, no fault finding; even the interminable
task of shifting coal was carried on with actual cheerfulness. Grimy
hands and blackened faces and tired bodies were forgotten.

"There's a mighty good dinner waiting for me in the dear old house,"
exclaimed "Stump," unctuously. "I can sniff it afar. And say, fellows,
won't we forget--for a few hours at least--that such things as reveille
and scrub and wash clothes and coal humping and salt-horse exist on
earth?"

"Oh, good Mr. Captain, how long will it be before we hear the welcome
call, 'Shift into clean blue, the liberty party!' and find ourselves
piling over the side," groaned "Hay."

"You will be glad enough to come back to your Uncle Samuel," grinned
"Steve." "When your time is up you will be waiting for the boat."

"No doubt," replied Flagg. "We will be ready to complete our time of
service, but there are some, if rumor speaks the truth--"

He finished with a significant wink.

He referred to the many threats of "French leave" made by certain
members of the crew--threats which did not materialize except in a very
few cases. The disgruntled members of the "Yankee's" crew were composed
mainly of the "outside" men--men not of the Naval Reserves. Among the
latter, despite the unaccustomed hardships to which they were subjected,
a firm determination existed to remain until lawfully mustered out.

The trip from Key West to New York was marked by only one important
incident--the celebration of the Fourth of July. It was unlike that
familiar to the majority of the crew. There were no fireworks, no
parades, nor bands playing the national anthem. The day opened squally,
and sharp gusts of rain swept the decks. The usual routine of work was
proceeded with, and it was not until eight bells (noon) that we fully
realized the date. At exactly midday a salute of twenty-one guns was
fired, and those of us who were super-patriotic, took off our caps in
honor of the flag. That ended the ceremony.

"Never mind," said Tommy, when one of the boys bewailed the meagre
celebration, "never mind, shipmate. There's a good time co