noon
`` I 'm sure I hope so . Certainly the allies will never permit Germany to attain such power that may make all our fighting futile -- they 'll never let her grow strong enough to start another world struggle . '' The lads conversed far into the night before retiring . Nevertheless they were astir at an early hour , awaiting orders that they knew must come that day ; and they came shortly after noon in the shape of a wireless from Lord Hastings . `` Return to Dover at once , '' the message read . Again the Essex put to sea . But it was upon a peaceful voyage that the destroyer was bound now .