Once afloat, I would advise each
of you to swim for land and take your chances there. That's all."
And with a wave of his hand he dismissed his men.
The hours dragged on into the afternoon and evening. Some of the men
crouched alone in their quarters, facing in solitude the impending
ordeal; others conversed together in low tones debating how they would
choose their method of escape. Bill Witt, true to his inherent
optimism, toted out his old banjo.
"Old Black Joe," he sang, and all the old familiar home songs. And
then, while some of the braver spirits were singing he swung into
"The Star Spangled Banner."
Instantly every man was on his feet and standing at attention. Thus
they stood until Bill picked his way through to "the home of the brave."
Yes, the "home of the brave!" Here were sons of Uncle Sam, wrecked on
the bottom of the sea, exemplifying that bravery that has characterized
the boys of our army and navy in every stage of our history. Not a
man in the _Dewey_ but was inspired by the grand old song and steeled
to die bravely for Old Glory if necessary and uphold the fair
traditions of the U.
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