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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/10081-0.txt b/10081-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..05c176d --- /dev/null +++ b/10081-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,7647 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10081 *** + +The Boy Allies At Jutland + +or + +The Greatest Naval Battle of History + +By Ensign ROBERT L. DRAKE + +AUTHOR OF + + "The Boy Allies Under the Sea" + "The Boy Allies In the Baltic" + "The Boy Allies on the North Sea Patrol" + "The Boy Allies Under Two Flags" + "The Boy Allies with the Flying Squadron" + "The Boy Allies with the Terror of the Seas" + +1917 + + + + + + + +CHAPTER I + +H.M.S. "QUEEN MARY" + + +A great, long, gray shape moved swiftly through the waters of the +Thames. Smoke, pouring from three different points in the middle of +this great shape, ascended, straight in the air some distance, then, +caught by the wind, drifted westward. + +It was growing dark. Several hours before, this ocean greyhound--one of +Great Britain's monster sea-fighters--had up-anchored and left her +dock--where she had been undergoing slight repairs--heading eastward +down the river. + +Men lined the rails of the monster ship. These were her crew--or some +of her crew, to be exact--for the others were engaged in duties that +prevented them from waving to the crowds that thronged the shore--as +did the men on deck. + +Sharp orders carried across the water to the ears of those on shore. +The officers were issuing commands. Men left the rail and disappeared +from the view of the spectators as they hurried to perform their +duties. Came several sharp blasts of the vessel's siren; a moment later +her speed increased and as she slid easily through the waters of the +river, a cheer went up from both shores. + +The crowd strained its eyes. Far down the river now the giant +battleship was disappearing from the sight of the men and women who +lined the banks. In vain, a few moments later, did many eyes try to +pierce the darkness. The battleship was lost to sight. + +The vessel that had thus passed down the Thames was H. M. S. _Queen +Mary_, one of the most formidable of England's sea fighters. It was +with such ships as the _Queen Mary_, supported by smaller and less +powerful craft, that Great Britain, for almost two years of the great +war, had maintained her supremacy of the seas. + +This great ship was new in service, having been completed only a few +years before the outbreak of the war. She was constructed at a cost of +$10,000,000. She was 720 feet long, of 27,000 tons burden and had a +complement of almost 1,000 men. For fighting purposes she was equipped +with all that was modern. + +In her forward turret she carried a battery of six 16-inch guns. Aft, +the turret was similarly equipped. Also the _Queen Mary_ mounted other +big guns and rapid firers. She was equipped with an even half-dozen +12-inch torpedo tubes. She was one of the biggest ships of war that +roved the seas. + +The _Queen Mary_ was one of the fleet of battleships that had patrolled +the North Sea since the outbreak of hostilities. Already she had seen +her share of fighting, for she had led more than one attack upon the +enemy when the Germans had mustered up courage enough to leave the +safety of the great fortress of Heligoland, where the main German high +sea fleet was quartered. + +It had been in a skirmish with one of these venturesome enemy vessels +that the _Queen Mary_ had received injuries that necessitated her going +into dry dock for a few days, while she was given an overhauling and +her wounds healed. True enough, she had sent the foe to the bottom; but +with a last dying shot, the Germans had put a shell aboard the _Queen +Mary._ + +Her damage repaired, the _Queen Mary_ was now steaming to the open +waters of the North Sea, where she would again take up patrol duty with +the other vessels that comprised the British North Sea fleet, under +command of Vice-Admiral Beatty, whose flagship, the _Lion_, had taken +up the additional burden of patrolling the _Queen Mary's_ territory +while the latter was being overhauled. + +Aboard the battleship, the British tars, who had become fretful at the +delay, were happy at the thought of getting back into active service. +While they had been given an opportunity to stretch their legs ashore, +they, nevertheless, had been glad when the time to steam back into the +open sea had come. Now, as the _Queen Mary_ entered the mouth of the +Thames and prepared' to leave the shores of Old England for the broad +expanse of the North Sea, they sang, whistled and laughed gaily. + +They were going back where they would get another chance at the enemy, +should he again venture from his lair. + +Forward, upon the upper deck, stood two young officers, who peered into +the darkness ahead. + +"To my mind," said one, "this beats a submarine. Just look about you. +Consider the size of this battleship! Look at her armament! Think of +the number of men aboard!" + +"You may be right," returned the second officer, "but we have had some +grand times beneath the sea. We have been to places and seen things +that otherwise would have been impossible." + +"True enough; but at the same time, when it came to a question of +fight, we have had to slink about like a cat in the night, afraid to +show ourselves to larger and heavier adversaries. Now, aboard the +_Queen Mary_, that will be done away with. Now we are the cat rather +than the mouse." + +"It may be that I shall come to your way of thinking in time," said the +second speaker, "but at this moment I would rather have the familiar +feel of a submarine beneath my heel. I would feel more at home there. +Besides, we have lost one thing by being assigned to the _Queen Mary_ +that hits me rather hard." + +"I know what you mean," said the first speaker. "We indeed have lost +the companionship of a gallant commander. Captain Raleigh undoubtedly +is a first class officer--otherwise he would not be in command of the +_Queen Mary_--but we are bound to miss Lord Hastings." + +"Indeed we are. Yet, as he told us, things cannot always be as we +would like to have them. He was called for other service, as you know, +and he did his best for us. That is why we find ourselves here as minor +officers." + +"Yes; and it's a whole lot different than being the second and third in +command." + +At that moment another young officer hurried by. + +"Coming, Templeton? Coming, Chadwick?" he asked as he passed. + +"Where?" demanded the two friends. + +"Didn't you hear the call for mess?" + +"No; By Jove! and I'm hungry, too," said the young officer addressed as +Templeton. "Come along, Frank. We have been so busy talking here that +we had forgotten all about the demands of the inner man." + +The two hurried after the officer who had accosted them; and while they +are attending to the wants of the inner man, as Templeton termed their +appetites, we will take the time to explain how these two lads came to +be aboard the giant battleship, steaming into the North Sea in search +of the enemies of Great Britain and her allies. + +Frank Chadwick was an American youth of some eighteen years. Separated +from his father in Naples at the outbreak of the great war, he had been +shanghaied aboard a sailing vessel when he had gone to the aid of a man +apparently in distress. There he was made a prisoner. + +Some days later he had been rescued by Jack Templeton, a young +Englishman, who had boarded the vessel off the coast of Africa, seeking +payment for goods he had sold to the mutinous crew. The two lads had +been instrumental in helping Lord Hastings, a British nobleman, put +through a coup that kept Italy out of the war on the side of Germany +and Austria. Lord Hastings had become greatly attached to the lads, and +when he had been put in command of a vessel, he had both boys assigned +to his ship. + +Through gallant service Frank and Jack had won their lieutenancies. +Later Lord Hastings had assumed command of a submarine and had made +Jack his first officer and Frank his second officer. + +Through many a tight place the lads had gone safely, though they had +faced death more than once, and faced it calmly and bravely. Also, at +this period of the war, they had seen service in many seas. They had +been engaged in the first battle of the North Sea, when Great Britain +had struck her first hard blow; they had participated in the sinking of +the German Atlantic squadron near the Falkland islands, off the coast +of Argentina, in South America; they had fought in Turkish waters and +in the Indian Ocean, and also had been with the British land forces +when the Japanese allies of the English had won the last of the German +possessions in China. + +In stature and disposition the boys were as different as could be. +Frank, though large for his age, looked small when alongside of Jack. +The latter, though no older than his friend, was a huge bulk of a boy, +standing well over six feet. He was built proportionately. Strong as an +ox, he was, and cool of head. + +Here he differed from Frank, who had something of a temper and was +likely to do something foolish on the spur of the moment if he became +angry. Jack had served as a damper for his friend's anger and +enthusiasm more than once. + +That they could fight, both boys had shown more than once. Jack, +because of his huge bulk and great strength, was, of course, harder to +beat in a hand-to-hand struggle than was Frank; but what the latter +lacked in this kind of fighting, he more than made up in the use of +revolver, rifle or sword. + +Frank was a crack shot with a revolver; and more than once this +accomplishment had stood them both in good stead. Each was a good +linguist and conversed in French and German as well as in English. This +also had been of help to them in several ticklish situations. + +On their last venture, at which time they had been under command of +Lord Hastings, they had reached the distant shores of Russia, where +they had been of some assistance to the Czar. In reaching Petrograd it +had been necessary for them to pass through the Kiel canal, which they +had done safely in their submarine in spite of the German warships and +harbor defenses. Also they had managed to sink several enemy vessels +there. + +Returning, Frank and Jack had gone home with Lord Hastings, where Lady +Hastings had insisted that they remain quiet for some time. This they +had done and had been glad of the rest. + +One day Lord Hastings had come home with the announcement that he had +been called back into the diplomatic service. It was the aim of the +British government to align Greece and Roumania on the side of the +Allies. Realizing that they could not hope to accompany Lord Hastings, +and not wishing to remain idle longer, Frank and Jack had requested +Lord Hastings to have them assigned on active duty at once. Lord +Hastings promised to do his best. + +And this was the reason that Frank Chadwick and Jack Templeton found +themselves aboard H.M.S. _Queen Mary_ when she steamed out to the North +Sea on an evening in the last week of May, 1916. + + + +CHAPTER II + +A BIT OF HISTORY + + +Up to this time the German Sea fleet, as a unit, had suffered +comparatively little damage in the great war. Sheltered as it was +behind the great fortress of Heligoland, the British sea forces had +been unable to reach it; nor would the Germans venture forth to give +battle to the English, in spite of the bait that more than once had +been placed just outside the mine fields that guarded the approach to +the great German fortress itself. + +To have attacked this fortress would have been foolhardy and the +British knew it. The British fleet, powerful though it was, would have +been no match for the great guns of the German fortress, even had the +battleships been able to force a passage of the mine fields; and this +latter feat would have been a wonderful one in itself, could it be +accomplished. + +Upon several occasions German battleships, cruisers and submarines had +ventured from behind the mine field and had delivered raids upon the +British coast, almost 400 miles away. How they escaped the eyes of the +waiting British was a riddle that so far had not been explained. But +while they reached alien shores in safety, they had not returned with +the same success. Twice the British had come into contact with these +German raiders and in each case the enemy had come off second best. +Several German cruisers had been sent to the bottom. + +After occasions like these, the Germans would lie long behind their +snug walls before venturing forth into the open again. They held the +British navy in too great awe to treat it lightly. + +But the fact that the British were able to keep the German fleet +bottled up was a victory in itself, though a bloodless one. Practically +all commerce with Germany had been shut off. It settled down to a +question of how long the German Empire could survive without the +necessary food and other commodities reaching her shores. What little +in the way of foodstuffs did reach Germany came by the way of the +Scandinavian countries--Norway, Sweden and Denmark; also some grain was +still being shipped in by the way of Roumania and was being transported +up the Danube, which had been opened to traffic again after Serbia had +been crushed. + +But these supplies were not great enough to take care of the whole +German population. In the conquest of Russian Poland, Germany had +improved her lot somewhat, for the fertile fields had immediately been +planted and a good crop had been reaped. + +And the one thing that prevented Germany from importing the things that +would in the end be necessary to her existence was the British +supremacy of the sea, abetted now somewhat by the navies of France, +Italy and Japan. German commerce had been cleared from the seven seas. +What vessels of war had been scattered over the world at the outbreak +of the war had either been sent to the bottom, captured or were +interned in foreign ports. These latter were of no value to Germany. + +It had been more than a year now since the last German commerce raider +had been sunk. The German commercial flag was seen no more in the four +corners of the globe. It appeared that Germany was nearing the end of +her rope. + +And yet, bottled up in Heligoland, remained the German high sea fleet +practically intact. It was a formidable fleet and one, it seemed, that +should not be afraid to venture from behind the protection of the +fortress. And some day, the world knew, when all other ways had failed, +this great fleet would steam forth to give battle to the British, in a +last effort of the German Emperor to turn the tide in his favor; and +while, in the allied nations at least, there was no doubt of the +ultimate outcome of such a struggle, it was realized that the German +fleet would give a good account of itself when it did venture forth. + +Therefore, it was considered just as well that the British keep the +German high sea fleet bottled up and give it no chance to reach the +open, where, although the greater part might be sent to the bottom, +some vessels might escape and embark upon a cruise of commerce warfare. +This bloodless victory, it was pointed out, was of just as great value +to Great Britain as if all the German ships of war had been at the +bottom of the North Sea. Bottled up as they were, they were just as +ineffective. + +This was the situation, then, when the _Queen Mary,_ with Jack and +Frank aboard, steamed down the Thames and out into the North Sea to +take up again her patrol of those waters; and there was nothing to warn +those on board of the great battle that even now was impending and that +was to result disastrously for Great Britain, even though the Germans +were to suffer no less. + +Mess over, Frank and Jack made their way to their own quarters +amidships. Here they sat down and for some time talked over the events +of the days gone by. + +"I guess there will be nothing for us to do this night," said Frank at +last. "We may as well turn in." + +"I am afraid there will be nothing for us to do for some time to come," +was Jack's reply. "I am afraid it will be rather monotonous sailing +about the North Sea looking for German warships, when the latter are +afraid to come out and fight." + +"Well, you can't tell," said Frank. "However, that's one beauty of a +submarine. You don't have to wait around for something to happen. You +can go out and make it happen." + +"That's so. But, by Jove! I wish these fellows would come out and +fight! Maybe we could put an end to this war real quickly." + +"Yes, but we might not," returned Frank. + +"Why, don't you think we can thrash them?" + +"I suppose we can; but at the same time they can do a lot of damage. +Besides, some of them have come out. We've sunk some, of course, but +the others have returned safely enough. I can't see any excuse for +that." + +"It does seem that they should have been caught," Jack agreed, "but I +guess Admiral Jellicoe, Admiral Beatty and the admiralty know what is +going on." + +"Sometimes it doesn't look like it," declared Frank. "I suppose there +are still some of these German submarines scooting about almost under +our feet." + +"I suppose so. However, ordinarily, as you know, they won't attack a +battleship. It's too risky. If they miss with the first torpedo, the +chances are they will be sunk." + +"Well, we sunk a few," said Frank. + +"I know we did; but we took long chances." + +"The Germans take long chances, too." + +"You must have a little German blood in you, Frank," said Jack, with a +smile. "If I didn't know you better, I would think you were sticking up +for them." + +"No, I'm not sticking up for them; but they do things we seem to be +afraid to do. To my way of thinking, we should have gone and cleaned up +Heligoland a long time ago." + +"By Jove! You want the enemy to win this war quickly, don't you?" + +"No, but----" + +"Come, now. You know very well what would have happened if we had tried +to take a fleet into Heligoland. They would have blown us out of the +water." + +"Well, such things have been done," grumbled Frank. "I can tell you a +couple of cases. At Mobile Bay----" + +"Oh, I've heard all that before. But conditions now are absolutely +different. What was done fifty years ago can't be done today." + +"They aren't being done, that much is sure," replied Frank. "But this +argument is not doing us any good. Me for a little sleep." + +"I'm with you," said Jack. + +And half an hour later, as the _Queen Mary_ still steamed due east, +Frank and Jack slept. + +Above, the third officer held the bridge. The great searchlight forward +lighted the water for some distance ahead, and aft a second light cast +its powerful rays first to port and then to starboard. There was not +another vessel in sight. + +Farther to the east, other British battleships patrolled the sea, their +lights also flashing back and forth. It would be a bold enemy who would +venture to run that blockade; and yet, in spite of this, the strictest +watch was maintained. For the fact still remained fresh in the minds of +the British that upon two occasions the Germans had run the British +blockade; and both times the failure of the British to intercept them +had resulted in heavy loss of life on the coast, where the German +warships had shelled unfortified towns--against all rules of civilized +warfare--killing thousands of helpless men, women and children. + +It was against some such similar attack that the British warships were +patrolling every mile of water. The British coast must be protected. No +more German raiders must be allowed to slip through and bombard +undefended coast towns. + +Also, strict watch was kept aloft. For almost nightly now, huge German +Zeppelins were sailing across the sea and dropping bombs upon the coast +of Kent, upon Dover, and close even to London itself. It was feared +that one of these monsters of the air might swoop down upon the +battleships and, with a well directed bomb, send the vessel to the +bottom of the sea. + +All British war vessels were equipped with anti-aircraft guns and these +were ever loaded and ready for action; for there was no telling what +moment they might be called into use to repel a foe. Upon several +occasions attacks of the Zeppelins had been beaten off with these guns, +though, up to date, none had been brought down. + +But now there had been perfected a new anti-aircraft gun. With this it +was believed that the battleship stood a good chance of bringing down a +Zeppelin should it venture near enough. + +With such a gun the _Queen Mary_ had been equipped as she was +overhauled in dry dock. With this gun went four men. One to stand by +the gun at night and keep watch of the sky and a second to do duty in +the day time. The other two men stood relief watches and were of +additional need should one of the first men be injured, taken sick or +killed. + +And so it was that, as the _Queen Mary_ continued on her way, one of +these men stood by his gun just aft of the bridge, watching the sky. +Nor did he shirk his task. + +Almost continuously his eye swept the dark heavens, following, as well +as he could, in the path of one or the other of the searchlights. He +used powerful night glasses for this purpose. Suddenly he gave a start. +He looked closely again through his glasses. Then he uttered a cry of +alarm. + +The third officer, on the bridge, gave an exclamation. + +"What do you see?" he demanded. + +"Zeppelin," was the reply. "Douse the light aft. Have the man forward +see if he can pick up the craft with his flash. About two points east +by north." + +There came sharp commands aboard the _Queen Mary._ + + + +CHAPTER III + +WARSHIP AND ZEPPELIN + + +A bell tinkled in the engine room of the _Queen Mary_. The ship slowed +down. Captain Raleigh had been called by the third officer. He took the +bridge and issued his orders sharply. + +There was no telling whether the Zeppelin sighted by the man at the gun +would attack the ship, but Captain Raleigh considered it best to be on +the safe side. That was why he had left orders to be called immediately +should an enemy appear. + +Again a bell tinkled in the engine room, following an order from the +commander of the _Queen Mary_. + +The great engines stopped and became silent. + +"Cut off all lights!" was the next command. + +A moment later the great ship was in darkness. + +Frank and Jack, in their quarters, were awakened by the sounds of +confusion above. All hands had not been piped on deck, so most of the +men still lay asleep, unconscious of what was going on above, but the +two lads, dressing hurriedly, made their way on deck. They walked +forward, toward the bridge. + +All was dark and it was this that told Frank and Jack that something +was going on. + +"Wonder what's up?" said Frank. + +"Airship, I guess," was the reply. "Can't see any other reason for +extinguishing all lights." + +Near the bridge the lads stopped and waited to see what would happen. +All was quiet aboard. Not a sound came from the officers or the men on +deck. Then Captain Raleigh commanded: + +"Try the forward searchlight there. See if you can pick her up!" + +The light flashed aloft; and there, so far above the _Queen Mary_ as to +be little more than a tiny speck, hovered a giant Zeppelin; and even as +they looked, the airship came lower. + +"She's sighted us," said Captain Raleigh to his first officer, who +stood beside him. "Try a shot, Mr. Harrison." + +The first officer passed the word and a second later there came the +sound of the anti-aircraft gun. The gunner had taken his range at the +moment the flashlight revealed the airship. + +The shot brought no noticeable result. + +"Fifteen knots ahead, Mr. Harrison!" ordered the captain. + +He was afraid that the Zeppelin might drop a bomb on the ship; and from +that moment until the end of the battle the _Queen Mary_ did not pause. +First she headed to port and then to starboard, manoeuvering rapidly +that the German airmen might not be able to reach her with a bomb. + +"Another shot!" commanded Captain Raleigh. + +Still no result. + +"Funny she doesn't rise and try and escape," said Frank. + +"No, it's not," returned Jack. "They don't know anything about this new +anti-aircraft gun. They believe they are out of range." + +"Well, they're likely to hit us with one of those bombs, and then where +will we be?" said Frank. + +"If they hit us you won't know anything about it," was Jack's response. + +Again the _Queen Mary_ tried a shot at the Zeppelin. + +A cheer went up from the members of the crew who stood upon deck; for +the Zeppelin was seen to wabble. + +"Nicked her," shouted the first officer. + +Jack, standing near the rail, heard something whiz by his head. +Instinctively the lad ducked. He knew in a moment what had passed him; +he heard something splash into the sea. + +"Bomb just missed us, sir!" he cried, stepping forward. + +"Where?" demanded Captain Raleigh. + +"Right here, forward, sir," replied Jack. + +Captain Raleigh gave a quick command to his first officer, who passed +it to the man at the wheel. + +"Hard a-port!" he cried. + +The ship veered crazily; and at the some moment, Frank, who was +standing where Jack had been a moment before, heard something swish +past. + +"Another bomb, sir!" he reported. + +There was no reply from the bridge. Captain Raleigh felt that, by +bringing the ship's head hard to port, he had spoiled the range of the +enemy in the air. + +For some time no more bombs dropped near. + +Again the _Queen Mary_ fired at the Zeppelin; and again and again. + +The last shot was rewarded by another cheer from the crew. The giant +Zeppelin was seen to drop suddenly. + +The crew cheered loud and long for it appeared that the Zeppelin was +about to drop into the sea. Down she came and still down; and then her +descent suddenly halted. + +To those aboard the _Queen Mary_ this was unexplainable. + +"Fire again, quickly!" shouted the captain. + +The air gun boomed. At the same moment a man was seen to lean over the +side of the Zeppelin. He dropped something. + +Again Captain Raleigh acted promptly and brought the head of the _Queen +Mary_ around. The German bomb missed. Before another could be dropped, +the man who manned the anti-aircraft gun fired again. + +Another cheer from the crew. + +The Zeppelin began to sink slowly. + +"Full speed ahead!" cried Captain Raleigh. "They'll sink us!" + +The _Queen Mary_ leaped ahead just in time. + +And then the Zeppelin dropped. + +With a splash it hit the water perhaps a quarter of a mile from the +British battleship. Came cries from the men, caught beneath the gas +bag. At that moment Jack stood close to the bridge. Captain Raleigh saw +him. + +"Man a boat, Mr. Templeton," he called, "and rescue those fellows in +the water." + +Quickly Jack sprang to obey. Frank leaped after him. Hurriedly a small +boat was gotten out and launched. A half dozen sailors sprang in and +took up the oars. Frank and Jack leaped in after them. + +The oars glistened in the glare of the searchlight as the men raised +them and awaited the word. + +"Give way," said Jack. + +The boat sped over the smooth surface of the sea. + +Close to the wreckage of the Zeppelin it approached; and cries told +Jack that some of the Germans still lived. + +"Hurry!" he cried, and the men increased their stroke. + +Near the wreckage Jack gave the command to cease rowing. A German swam +toward the boat. Hands helped him in and he lay in the bottom panting. +Other forms swam toward them. These, too, were lifted in the boat. And +at last Jack counted fifteen Germans who had been saved. + +"Are you all here?" he asked of a German officer. + +"All but Commander Butz, sir," was the man's reply. + +Jack commanded his men to row closer to the wreckage. + +"Ahoy there!" he shouted, when he had come close. + +The lad thought he heard a muffled answer, but he could not make sure. +He called again. This time the answer came plainer. + +"Where are you?" asked Jack. + +"Under the wreckage," was the reply. + +Jack scrutinized the wreckage closely. + +"Looks like it might sink any minute," he said "But we can't leave him +there." + +"What are you going to do?" asked Frank. + +For answer Jack arose in the boat. Quickly he threw off his coat and +kicked off his shoes. Then he poised himself on the edge of the boat. + +"I'm going after him," he replied. + +Before Frank could reply, he had dived head first into the sea. + +With a cry of alarm, Frank also sprang to his feet and divested himself +of his coat and shoes. + +"Stay close, men!" he commanded. "I'll lend a hand if it's needed." + +He, too, leaped into the water. + +Rapidly, Jack swam close to the wreckage. He continued to call to the +German, and while he received an answer each time, he could not locate +the man. Twice he swam around all that remained of the huge Zeppelin. +By this time Frank had come up with him. + +"Can't you find him?" he asked. + +"No," returned Jack, "and I am rather afraid to swim under there. The +balloon may sink and carry me under. But if I were certain in exactly +what spot the man is imprisoned, I'd have a try at it." + +Frank listened attentively; and directly the German's voice came again. +To Frank it seemed that the voice came from directly ahead of him. + +"Lay hold of this end here," he said to Jack. "If you can lift it a bit +I'll go under and have a look." + +"Better let me do it, Frank," said Jack. + +"No; you're stronger than I am. You can hold this up better." + +Jack did as his chum requested and a moment later Frank disappeared +under the wreckage, diving first to make sure that he got under. + +Under the water the lad swam forward. His hand touched something that +was threshing about. + +He felt sure it was the German. He rose. His head came in contact with +something, but the lad opened his eyes and saw that he was above the +surface. The imprisoned German was close beside him. + +"Dive!" said Frank. "You can come out all right." + +"Can't," was the reply. "My arm is caught." + +Frank made a quick examination. + +"I can loosen it," he said at last, "but I'll probably break the arm." + +"Loosen it," said the German, quietly. + +Frank took a firm hold on the arm at the elbow and gave a quick wrench. +He felt something give, and when he released his hold on the man's arm, +the latter sank suddenly. + +Frank dived after him quickly. It was even as the lad feared. The +German had fainted from the pain of the arm, which Frank had broken +cleanly as he released it. + +Frank dived deep and his outstretched hand encountered the German. The +lad grasped the man firmly by the collar and then struck upwards. A +moment later he succeeded in making his way to where Jack still tugged +at the balloon. + +Jack lent a hand and they dragged the German from beneath the wreckage. +Then they towed him to the boat and other hands lifted him in. Frank +and Jack clambered aboard. + +"Give way!" said Jack, sharply. + +The boat moved toward the battleship; and even as it did so, the mass +of wreckage suddenly disappeared from sight with a loud noise. + +Jack shuddered. + +"Pretty close, Frank," he said quietly. "You can see what would have +happened if you had still been under there." + + + +CHAPTER IV + +ATHLETICS + + +"Can you fight?" + +The speaker was a young British midshipman. Jack and Frank stood at the +rail, gazing off toward the distant horizon, when the young man +approached them. The lads turned quickly. + +"Can you fight?" demanded the young man again. His eyes rested on Jack. + +"Well," said the latter with a smile, "I can if I'm pushed to it. Who +wants to lick me now?" + +The young midshipman also smiled. + +"It's not that kind of a fight I'm talking about," he said. "You're new +aboard, so I'll explain." + +"Do," said Jack. + +"Well, there has been considerable rivalry between the men of our ship +and the crew of the _Indefatigable_. We had an athletic contest last +year and they beat us, carrying everything but the standing broad jump. +This year we are better fortified and we hope to get even. Among other +things there will be a boxing match. Jackson, that's the man we had +entered in that event, is ill. I have been elected to find a +substitute. I sized you up as being able to hold your own with most." + +"Well, if that's the way of it, you can count me in, of course," said +Jack. "When does this come off?" + +"As soon as we come up with the _Indefatigable_. Probably tomorrow." + +"What other events are there?" asked Frank. + +"Plenty," was the reply. "Besides the boxing match and standing broad +jump are the running broad jump; high jumping, a match with foils and a +revolver contest." + +"And are your lists filled?" asked Frank. + +"I believe so. Why?" + +"Well, I'd like to get in the revolver contest," replied the lad. "I'm +pretty handy with a gun." + +"I'll see what can be done," returned the midshipman. "By the way, my +name is Lawrence." + +They shook hands and walked off. + +"Well, that's something to liven things up a bit," said Frank. + +"Yes; but I didn't know they were doing such things in time of war." + +"Neither did I; but it seems they are." + +It was late that evening when Lawrence again approached the two lads. + +"You're in luck," he said to Frank. "We are still one man shy on our +revolver team. I have named you for the place." + +"Thanks," said Frank. "I'll promise to do the best I can. By the way, +where is this match to take place?" + +"Right here. Last year it was pulled off on the _Indefatigable_." + +It was drawing toward night when the _Queen Mary,_ steaming swiftly, +sighted smoke upon the horizon. Two hours later she slowed down a short +distance from three other vessels, which proved to be the +_Indefatigable_, the _Invincible_ and the _Lion_, the latter the +flagship of Vice-Admiral Beatty. + +The commanders exchanged salutations; and among other things made +arrangements for the athletic contest that was to take place aboard the +_Queen Mary_ the following day. This was explained to the men. + +The day's events were to begin at nine o'clock. They were to come in +this order: Standing broad jump, running broad jump, high jump, foil +match, revolver contest and boxing match. + +"You're last on the card, Jack," said Frank, with a laugh, when they +were informed of the manner in which the events were to be pulled off. + +"Hope I'm last on my feet, too," said Jack, with a laugh. + +"Oh, I'm not worrying about you. You'll come through with flying +colors. I hope I am not nervous, though." + +"You won't be," said Jack, positively. "I know you and that revolver of +yours too well." + +"Guess we had better turn in early so as to be fit," said Frank. + +And they did, retiring several hours after mess. + +Every man aboard the _Queen Mary_ was astir bright and early the +following morning. Each man was filled with enthusiasm and each was +ready to wager his next year's pay on the outcome of each event. But +there was to be no gambling. Admiral Beatty had issued orders to that +effect. + +At eight o'clock the championship entrants from the _Indefatigable_ +came aboard, accompanied by many of their companions, who would be +present to cheer them on. Officers as well as men were greatly +interested in the day's sports. Admiral Beatty could not be present, +but Captain Reynolds, of the _Indefatigable_, stood by Captain Raleigh, +of the _Queen Mary_, as the first event was called. + +"We're going to get even with you this time, Reynolds," said Captain +Raleigh. + +"Oh, no you won't. The score will be two in our favor after today." + +They became silent as four men, two from each ship, made ready for the +standing broad jump. + +The jumping was superb. After eight attempts one man from each ship was +eliminated; and at length the _Indefatigable_ man won. + +"Two points for us, Raleigh," said Captain Reynolds, jotting down +something on the back of an envelope. + +"Don't crow, we'll get you yet, Reynolds," was Captain Raleigh's reply. + +The running broad jump was won by the _Queen Mary's_ entrants. Then it +was Captain Raleigh's time to smile. + +"Told you so," he said to Captain Reynolds. + +"Oh, you won one event last year," was the reply. "This high jump comes +to us." + +And it did. The score was now four to two in favor of the +_Indefatigable_. Then came the match with foils and this also went to +the _Indefatigable_, making the score nine to two, for this match +carried five points for the winner. Also, the pistol contest and the +boxing match carried five points each. + +"We've got you now, Raleigh," laughed Captain Reynolds. "Nine to two. +You've got to take both of the next two events to win. It can't be +done." + +"It has been done," was the reply. + +"It won't be this time," was the reply. "I think we will win the +revolver contest, for I have some pretty fair shots, but if we don't, +we are sure to take the boxing match. We've a surprise for you there. +Here they go." + +The revolver match was on. There were three men on each team. The first +mark was set, a target at twenty yards with a six-inch bull's eye. +Frank fired first. He hit the bull's eye easily. So did the others, all +except one of the _Indefatigable_ crew, who was thus eliminated, much +to his disgust, as the spectators jeered him. + +The next shot at a smaller mark eliminated one of the _Queen Mary's_ +crew. An _Indefatigable_ man and a _Queen Mary_ man both missed the +next mark and there remained but Frank for the _Queen Mary_ and a man +named Simpson for the _Indefatigable_. + +The target had been removed to sixty yards and the bull's eye was but +two inches. Frank fired and scored a hit. So did Simpson. Next both hit +the mark ten yards farther back. + +A one-inch bull's eye was substituted. Frank fired first. He scored a +clean hit. Simpson also hit the eye, though not so squarely. Still it +counted a hit. + +Now the bull's eye was reduced to half an inch, and at seventy yards it +seemed almost impossible to hit it. This time Simpson was to fire +first. Carefully he took deliberate aim and fired. + +A shout went up from the _Queen Mary_ men who stood near. + +"Missed it by a hair," said one. "Beat it, Chadwick! Beat it!" + +"He can't beat it! Hooray! We've won!" This from the _Indefatigable's_ +crew. + +"Good shooting, old man," said Frank, quietly, as he took his position. + +Carefully he measured the distance with his eye. + +Then he raised his revolver slowly, and seeming scarcely to take aim, +fired. + +And a yell went up from the _Queen Mary's_ crew. + +"Bull's eye! Bull's eye!" they cried, and danced and capered about the +deck. + +Frank had won. He had hit the bull's eye squarely. + +The men rushed up and danced about him. + +"Good work!" they cried. "Five points for us. Nine to seven now. We'll +win this yet!" + +Simpson approached Frank and extended a hand. + +"Good shooting, son," he exclaimed. + +Simpson was a man well along in years, and he put this touch of +familiarity to his words to make Frank realize that they were sincere. +"I used to be something of a shot myself," he said. "But I guess you +are better than I ever was." + +Frank took Simpson's hand. + +"You would probably beat me next time," he said. + +Simpson shook his head. + +"Not in a thousand years," he said, and walked off. + +Meantime, Captain Raleigh and Captain Reynolds were having it out. + +"Told you so! Told you so!" exclaimed the former, as pleased as a boy. +"We'll beat you yet, sure." + +"No, you won't, Raleigh," said Reynolds, with a wink. "I'll tell you +something. Ever hear of a man named Harris?" + +"Yes; I know several men by that name." + +"Ever hear of Tim Harris?" + +"By George! You mean Tim Harris, of the _Queen Elizabeth_?" + +"The same." + +"The champion of the British fleet, eh? You mean to tell me you have +rung him in on us?" + +"We didn't ring him in," was the reply. "He was transferred to the +_Indefatigable_ before the _Queen Elizabeth_ went to the Dardanelles. +We've been saving this up as a little surprise." + +Captain Raleigh had lost his look of optimism. + +"Then our man should be warned," he said. "He may wish to withdraw." + +"It is only fair to tell him who his opponent is," agreed Captain +Reynolds. "I guess we should have done it long ago." + +"I'll tell him," said Captain Raleigh. + +At this moment there was a loud cheer from the crew of the _Queen +Mary_. + +"Here he comes!" they shouted. + +Jack, stripped to the waist and wearing a pair of trunks, had appeared +on deck. Two men accompanied him. These, it seemed, were to be his +seconds. Jack caught sight of Frank and smiled. + +And again the crew of the _Queen Mary_ went wild. + + + +CHAPTER V + +THE FIGHT + + +The champion of the _Indefatigable_ had not yet appeared on deck; and +the crew of the _Queen Mary_ strained their necks hunting him out. + +"Bring out your champion!" they called. "What's the matter with him? Is +he afraid?" + +The men of the _Indefatigable_ returned these compliments with jeers of +their own. + +"Oh, just wait!" they howled. + +Captain Raleigh, in the meantime, had approached Jack and his seconds. + +"It is only fair to warn you," he said quietly, "that the man whom you +are to oppose is Tim Harris, champion of the British fleet." + +Jack was surprised. + +"I didn't know that, sir. I thought he was with the _Queen Elizabeth_." + +"Well, he's here; but I didn't know it until a moment ago. It will be +no dishonor to you if you wish to withdraw. A man must be in perfect +trim to stand before Harris." + +"Why," said Jack, in surprise, "I can hardly do that now, sir. The men +are depending on me." + +Captain Raleigh smiled frankly. + +"You are all right, boy," he said. "At your first words I thought you +were afraid. But you cannot hope for victory." + +"I always hope for victory, sir, and I shall do my best. I am no +novice." + +"Perhaps not; but Harris is almost a professional; in fact, I may say, +a good deal better than many professionals. He is fast for a man of his +size and has a terrible right-hand punch. I have seen him box often. If +you are decided to go on with this, a word of warning. Watch that right +hand of his like you would a hawk." + +"I shall remember, sir," replied Jack. "Thank you." + +"All right then," said Captain Raleigh. "I like your spunk. Good luck +to you." + +Captain Raleigh walked back to Captain Reynold's side. + +"Will he withdraw?" asked the latter. + +"He will not. He says the men are depending on him and he must go +through with it." + +"By Jove! a fine spirit!" exclaimed Captain Reynolds. "I hope he is not +too easily disposed of." + +"I don't think he will be," said Captain Raleigh, quietly. "Someway, I +have a feeling that you haven't carried off the honors yet." + +"But it's foolish to talk like that, Raleigh," said Captain Reynolds. +"You know this man, Harris." + +"I suppose it is foolish, but it's the way I feel just the same. Ah! +There's Harris now." + +Tim Harris had appeared on deck; and the crew of the _Indefatigable_ +went wild. Now for the first time the crew of the _Queen Mary_ knew who +Jack's opponent would be; and after a look at Harris, they became +strangely silent. Then one voice called: + +"Never mind who he is. Templeton can lick him, anyhow!" + +The others took up the cry and Jack smiled. + +Now the referee called the principals to him and gave them their +instructions. + +"No hitting in clinches, and clean breaks," he said. + +Jack and Harris nodded that they understood. As the two stood there +together, the crowd sized them up. + +Jack, standing well above six feet, still was not as tall as his +opponent, who topped him by a full inch. Their arms were about of a +length, but Harris was big through the chest and his arms seemed more +powerful than Jack's. A close observer, however, would have seen that +while Jack was in perfect physical condition, Harris carried a trifle +too much fat--not much, but still a trifle. With the battle anywhere +near equal, this fat might prove to Jack's advantage. + +Jack's arms showed strength, but the muscles were not knotted like +those of Harris. Harris was perhaps twenty-eight years old, Jack almost +ten years younger. Jack had the youth, but Harris had the experience of +many hard encounters. It appeared that the odds were heavily against +Jack. + +Jack and Harris sized each other carefully. Jack smiled. So did Harris. +As they touched gloves, Harris said: + +"You're a nice boy. I don't want to hurt you too much, so I'll make +this short"--the referee had announced that the match was to be for ten +rounds. + +"Don't worry about me," said Jack. "I can take care of myself. If the +match is short you won't find me on the deck." + +Harris would have replied, but at that moment the referee called: + +"Time!" + +Jack leaped lightly backward even as Harris aimed a vicious blow at his +head, apparently trying to make good his word to end the battle at +once. The blow missed Jack's face by the fraction of an inch. Harris +followed up this blow with a right and left, which Jack blocked neatly, +and then brought his right up, trying to upper cut. + +Jack leaped backward and the blow grazed his chin. Before Harris could +recover, Jack stepped quickly forward and planted a sharp right and a +hard left to Harris' nose. Harris stepped back and wiped away a stream +of red. + +It was first blood for Jack and the crew of the _Queen Mary_ sent up a +wild cheer. + +But Harris only smiled. He was not to be caught so easily again. + +These two blows had given the _Indefatigable_ champion some respect for +Jack's ability. He advanced more carefully this time. He feinted +rapidly and shot his left forward, quickly followed by his right. But +Jack had not been deceived and caught both blows upon his forearms. + +"You're all right, boy," said Harris, admiringly, "It's a pleasure to +box with you." + +"And I may say the same," said Jack. + +They fell to it again. + +As Harris stepped quickly forward his foot slipped and he fell to one +knee. + +"Hit him when he gets up!" came a cry from the crowd. + +Instead, Jack lowered his guard and extended a hand. He helped his +opponent to his feet. Then he stepped back and the battle continued. + +Now Jack decided that he would feel the other out. He feinted rapidly, +once, twice, and struck out with a right; and he staggered back +suddenly, for something had suddenly come up under his chin with +terrible force. In a moment Jack realized what _it_ was. It was +Harris' right, which Captain Raleigh had warned him against. Had the +blow been timed perfectly, Jack realized, the fight would have been +over then and there. + +Guarding desperately, Jack managed to fall into a clinch, where he hung +on until his head cleared. As he stepped back the referee called time. +The first round was Harris' by the margin of that hard uppercut. + +"I'll be a little more careful of that right," Jack confided to his +seconds, as he again advanced into the ring. + +Again the lad assumed the offensive, keeping careful eye on his +opponent's right fist. Again Harris tried to reach Jack's chin, but +this time Jack blocked the blow. He knew he would not be caught that +way again. Jack feinted three times, twice with his left and once with +his right, and then the right crashed against Harris' ear. The man +staggered back and before he could recover Jack planted two hard blows +--right and left--to his sore nose. Desperately, Harris rushed into a +clinch. + +Again the crew of the _Queen Mary_ cheered. + +"And what do you think of that, eh?" asked Captain Raleigh of Captain +Reynolds. + +"The boy is a fighter," was the latter's reply. "But wait; experience +will tell." + +Harris became more cautious. He circled around Jack, lightly, dancing +about on his toes. The lad followed him quietly. Suddenly, Harris' left +fist shot out. Jack blocked, but before he could recover, Harris +launched himself like a catapult and a series of right and lefts +descended on Jack's face, neck, ears and abdomen. + +Jack staggered back and Harris followed him closely, giving him no rest +Jack was still retreating at the bell. + +Again in the third and in the fourth round Jack seemed to be getting +the worst of it. In the fifth he braced and sent in as good as he +received. In the sixth he almost floored Harris with a straight right +to the side of the jaw; and in the seventh Harris was kept on the +defensive. + +But in the eighth Jack again encountered Harris' right and the force of +the blow sent him reeling. All through the round Harris followed up +this advantage, and at the bell, it seemed that Jack would be unable to +continue the fight. + +But his head cleared in the one minute rest period; and he fought +through the ninth round carefully. The lad realized now that, so far, +Harris had the better of the encounter and that, if he hoped to win, it +must be by a knockout. So, while Harris was trying in vain to put in a +finishing punch, Jack husbanded his strength, determined to make a +strong effort in the final round. + +The rest refreshed him still more; and as time was called for the +tenth, Jack cast discretion to the winds and leaped forward. + +In spite of this, he was cool, however, and kept his eye peeled for the +movement that would tell him Harris was about to launch his right. + +A right and left he landed to Harris' sore nose. Then Harris rushed. +Jack was forced back around the ring by the force of this rush and +backed against the ropes; but he bounded out with great force and +landed a vicious left to the side of Harris' jaw. Then they clinched. + +As the referee parted them, Jack saw the movement for which he had been +watching. Harris again was about to launch that terrible right. The lad +waited calmly. + +"Swish!" + +It flashed forth faster than the eye could see. But it had not come too +quick for Jack, who was expecting it. + +The blow was aimed for the point of the chin and would have ended the +fight right there. But, judging the distance exactly, Jack moved his +head a trifle to one side; and Harris' fist flashed by his chin by the +fraction of an inch. + +With all his force behind the blow, Jack put a straight left to Harris' +jaw. A terrible jolt to the abdomen followed; and, as Harris head came +forward again, Jack pivoted on his heel and struck with his right. + +He had judged the time and the distance perfectly. His right fist +caught Harris squarely upon the point of the chin. There was a "smack" +that could be heard even above the cheering of the _Queen Mary's_ crew, +followed by a crash as Harris fell to the deck. With half a minute of +the last round to go, Jack had knocked the man out and won the day for +the _Queen Mary_ by a score of twelve to nine. + +And the crew cheered again! + + + +CHAPTER VI + +SCOUTING + + +Harris remained prostrate on the deck. + +Quickly, Jack pulled off his gloves and, leaning down, he picked up the +unconscious man and carried him to his own cabin. There he bathed the +man's face and brought him back to consciousness. + +"How do you feel, old man?" he asked. + +Harris looked at the lad queerly. + +"So you beat me, eh?" he said. "Well, to tell you the truth, after the +fifth round I expected it. I am no match for you and I know it. Do you +realize that you are the champion of the British fleet now?" + +"I hadn't thought of that," was Jack's reply. + +"You have defeated the champion, so your title is undisputed," said +Harris. + +He rose from the bunk where Jack had placed him and felt tenderly of +his chin. + +"Quite a wallop," he said calmly. "Well, let me congratulate you. I am +glad that, as long as I had to be defeated some day, it was you who +turned the trick." + +He extended a hand and Jack grasped it heartily. + +"You would probably down me next time," he said. + +"Not a chance," replied Harris. "I know when I have met my superior." + +He moved toward the door. There he paused for a moment and said: + +"Well, I must go and dress now. I hope that I may see you again before +long." + +"I am sure I hope so, too," returned Jack. + +Hardly had Harris taken his departure when running feet approached +Jack's cabin. A moment later a crowd of sailors burst into the room. +Before Jack realized what was going on, they had seized him, hoisted +him to their shoulders and rushed out on deck again. There, for perhaps +half an hour, they paraded up and down, cheering wildly. + +They lowered him to the deck, however, when Captain Raleigh and Captain +Reynolds approached. The former spoke first. + +"I must congratulate you upon your remarkable exhibition," he said. +"You are a brave boy." + +Jack flushed and hung his head. + +"When I am mistaken I admit it," said Captain Reynolds. "You are more +than a match for Harris at any time." + +"I did the best I could," said Jack, sheepishly. + +"Well, it was pretty good," said Captain Reynolds. + +With Captain Raleigh he moved away. + +Frank now approached and accompanied Jack back to their cabin, where +Jack got info his uniform. + +"Some scrapper, you are," said Frank. "I thought you were done for once +or twice, though." + +"I thought so myself," returned Jack, with a grin. "I was pretty lucky +in that last round, if you ask me." + +"Harris was pretty unlucky, I know that," said Frank, grimly. "Hurry +up, it's time to eat." + +Jack's fight was the talk of the day aboard the _Queen Mary_; and +aboard the _Indefatigable_, too, for that matter. In fact, all the +British fleet within wireless radius knew before night that there was a +new champion of the British fleet; and they cheered him, though he +could not hear. + +It was upon the following morning, while the _Queen Mary_ steamed about +in the North Sea, that Jack and Frank embarked upon their first piece +of work since they had been assigned to the giant battleship. + +Both lads were in their cabin studying, when an orderly announced that +Captain Raleigh desired their presence. They obeyed the summons at +once. + +"And how do you feel today?" asked Captain Raleigh, as he eyed Jack, +quietly. + +"First rate, sir." + +"Feel like another fight?" + +"No, sir. I don't make a practice of that sort of thing." + +"I'm glad to hear that. How would you like to take a little trip?" + +"First rate, sir. Where to, sir?" + +"Well, that's rather a difficult question," returned Captain Raleigh. +"Here, read this," and he passed the lad a slip of paper. + +Jack did as commanded. This is what he read: + +"Large number of enemy aircraft reported flying over North Sea, fifty +miles south of you, every night. Investigate. + +(Signed) "BEATTY." + +Jack passed the slip of paper back. + +"Well?" exclaimed Captain Raleigh. + +"Yes, sir," replied Jack. "You want me to find out what's going on, +sir?" + +"Exactly. Can you run a hydroplane?" + +"No, sir; but Frank here can." + +"Who?" + +"Lieutenant Chadwick, sir." + +"Oh," said the commander, "so he is Frank, eh? All right. Then here is +what I want you two to do. Take the hydroplane aft and fly south. Take +your time and see what you can find out. The matter may amount to +nothing, and then again it may forebode something serious." + +"Very well, sir," replied Frank. "When shall we start, sir?" + +"You may as well start immediately. It is hardly possible, judging by +the tone of that message, that you will find anything by daylight, but +at least you can be on the ground by night." + +"Very well, sir," said Jack, and waited to see if there were any +further instructions. + +Captain Raleigh dismissed the two lads with a wave of his hand. + +"That is all," he said. "Report the moment you are able to do so." + +The two lads saluted and returned to their own cabin. + +"You see," said Frank, "we didn't have to wait very long to find +something to do." + +"I see we didn't," agreed Frank. "Now, the first thing to do is shed +these uniforms." + +"What for?" + +"So that we shall not be taken for British should we fall among the +enemy. We'll put on plain khaki suits." + +"Well, whatever you say," said Frank. + +This was the work of but a few moments; and half an hour later the two +lads soared into the air in one of the _Queen Mary's_ large +hydroplanes. + +"This is something like it, if you ask me," said Frank, as he bent over +the wheel. + +"Pretty fine," Jack agreed, raising his voice to make himself heard +above the whir of the propellers and the noise of the engine. "I +wouldn't mind flying all the time." + +"Where do we want to come down, Jack?" asked Frank. + +"Let's see. The message said the enemy was flying about fifty miles +south. They probably won't be out before dark, so I should say it might +be well to go a little beyond that point." + +"All right. But we may miss them in the darkness tonight." + +"By Jove! That's so! Funny I didn't think of that. Let me think a +moment." + +"No use of thinking," said Frank, "I have a scheme that will work all +right." + +"What is it?" + +"Why, we'll stop right in the path taken by the enemy planes and then +drop down upon the water." + +"So the Germans can see us as they fly by, eh?" + +"They won't see us in the dark," said Frank. "We'll be a pretty small +spot down on the water. They will be looking for nothing so small." + +"I guess you are right, after all," Jack agreed. "At least it's worth +trying. We'll be sure to hear them flying above; and if we went beyond +the lane of travel, or didn't go far enough, we might not even see +them." + +"Exactly," said Frank. "Well, there is no hurry, so I may as well slow +down a bit." + +He did so and they went along more leisurely. + +"Can't see what the Germans would be flying about here for," said Jack, +"and I have been trying to figure it out ever since I read that +message." + +"So have I," declared Frank, "If they were Zeppelins I could understand +it; they would be going and returning from raids on the British coast; +but surely they would not venture that distance with aeroplanes." + +"I wouldn't think so. Still, you never can tell about those fellows. +They do a lot of strange things." + +"So they do. Say!" Frank was struck with a sudden thought. "You don't +suppose the presence of many of those fellows heralds the advance of +the German fleet, do you? They might be just reconnoitering, you know." + +"No, I hardly think that could be it. The Germans are afraid to venture +out. They know they'll get licked if they do." + +"Well, those aeroplanes come out every night for some purpose, that's +sure," said Frank. "It's a wonder to me the Germans haven't tried to +sneak out in great force before now. They could come along here without +any trouble, or they could make the effort farther north, say near +Jutland." + +"Well, I suppose they'll try it some day," said Jack, "but not right +away. How much farther do we have to go?" + +Frank glanced at his chart and then at his speedometer. + +"About fifteen miles," was his reply; "and then we'll be there too +soon." + +The lad was right. It was not three o'clock when the hydroplane came to +the spot the lads had selected to descend. + +"Well, here we are," said Frank. + +"Guess we may as well go down, then," said Jack. "Some of those fellows +are likely to be prowling about and spot us." + +"Just as you say," agreed Frank. + +He set the planes and the machine glided to the water, where it came to +rest lightly. + +"Glad there is no sun," said Jack, "it would be awfully hot down here." + +And there the lads spent the afternoon. Darkness came at last, and with +its coming, the lads made ready for whatever might occur. Eight o'clock +came and there had been no sounds of airships flying above. The lads +strained their ears, listening for the slightest sound. + +And, shortly after nine o'clock, their efforts were rewarded. Jack +suddenly took Frank by the arm. + +"Listen!" he exclaimed in a low voice. + + + +CHAPTER VII + +AMONG THE ENEMY + + +To Frank's ears came a distant whirring. To ears less keen than the +lad's the sound, which came from above, might have been some bird of +the night flapping its wings as it soared overhead. But to Frank and +Jack both it meant something entirely different. It was the sound for +which they had been waiting. It was an airship. + +Through his night glass Jack scanned the clouds and at last he picked +up the object for which he sought. Almost directly overhead at that +moment, but flying rapidly westward, was a single aeroplane. So high in +the air was the machine that it looked a mere speck and Jack was unable +to determine from that distance whether it was British or German. + +"See it, Jack?" asked Frank in a low voice. + +"Yes," was the reply. "A single craft, perhaps half a mile up." + +"No more in sight, eh?" + +"Not yet. This one is heading west." + +"Guess we had better get up that way, then," said Frank. + +Jack assented. + +A moment later the hydroplane was skimming swiftly over the water. For +perhaps three hundred yards Frank kept the craft on the water; then +sent it soaring into the air above. + +There was not a word between the two boys until the hydroplane was a +quarter of a mile in the air. Then Jack said: + +"Make your elevation half a mile and then head west, slowly. The +chances are there will be more of them. In the darkness we can let them +overtake us and mingle with them in safety." + +Frank gave his endorsement to this plan and the machine continued to +rise. At the proper elevation, Frank turned the hydroplane's head +westward and reduced the speed to less than thirty miles an hour. So +slow was its gait, in fact, that it had the appearance of almost +standing still. + +Jack scanned the eastern horizon with his glass. + +"See anything?" asked Frank. + +"Thought I did," was the reply, "but whatever I saw has disappeared +now. Guess I must have been mistaken." + +But Jack had not been mistaken. + +Far back, even now, a fleet of perhaps a dozen German air planes were +speeding westward. For the most part they were small craft, having a +capacity of not more than three men, with the single exception of one +machine, which, larger than the rest, carried four men. The air planes +were strung out for considerable distance, no two being closer than two +hundred yards together. + +And in this manner they overtook the hydroplane driven by Frank and +Jack. + +Jack, again surveying the horizon with his night glass, gave an +exclamation. + +"Here they come, Frank," he said. "Let her out a little more." + +Frank obeyed without question and the speed of the hydroplane increased +from something more than thirty miles an hour to almost sixty. And +still the Germans gained. + +"This will do," said Jack, leaning close to Frank. "They'll overtake +us, but believing we are of their number, there is little likelihood +that they will investigate us very closely. We can fall in line without +trouble and accompany them wherever they go." + +"Suits me," said Frank. "Just keep me posted on their proximity." + +Gradually the Germans reduced the distance and at length the first +plane was only a few yards behind the craft in which Frank and Jack +were risking their lives. The German craft flashed by a moment later +without paying any attention to the hydroplane. + +"Little more speed, Frank," called Jack. + +The hydroplane skimmed through the air faster than before and the next +German craft did not overtake it so easily; but at length it passed, as +did a third and a fourth. + +"Here's a good place for us to fall in line," Jack instructed. + +Again Frank increased the speed of the hydroplane and it moved swiftly +in the wake of the fourth German craft. After that no enemy air plane +passed them. + +"Any idea where we are?" asked Frank of his chum. + +"We're not far off the Belgian coast, but how far west I can't say," +returned Jack. "Don't suppose it makes any particular difference, +though." + +"I guess not." + +Frank became silent and gave his undivided attention to keeping the +German plane ahead of him in sight. + +And in this manner they proceeded for perhaps another half hour. + +Then the machine ahead of Frank veered sharply to the south. Frank +brought the head of his own craft in the same direction and the flight +continued. + +"Headed for the Belgian or French coast, apparently," said Jack to +himself. "Wonder what the idea is?" + +Now the craft ahead of that in which the two boys rode reduced its +speed abruptly. Frank cut down the gait of his own craft and they +continued on their way more slowly. + +"Nearing our destination, wherever that is," muttered Jack. + +The lad felt of his revolvers to make sure that they were ready in case +of an emergency. + +"Land ahead," said Frank, suddenly. + +Jack gazed straight before him. There, what appeared to be many miles +away, though in reality it was but a few, was a dark blur below. +Occasionally what appeared to be little stars twinkled there. Jack knew +they were the lights of some town. + +"Guess that's where we are headed for, all right," he told himself. + +Behind the British hydroplane the other German airships came rapidly, +keeping some distance apart, however. Jack leaned close to Frank. + +"Just do as the ones ahead of you do," he said quietly. "I don't know +where we are nor what is likely to happen. Keep your nerve and we'll be +all right." + +"Don't worry about me," responded Frank. "I'm having the time of my +life." + +Jack smiled to himself, for he knew that Frank was telling the truth. +There was nothing the lad liked better than to be engaged in a +dangerous piece of work and more than once his fondness for excitement +had almost ended disastrously. + +"Frank's all right if he can just keep his head," muttered Jack. "I'm +likely to have to hold him in check a bit, though." + +They had approached the shore close enough now to perceive that the +distant lights betokened a large town. + +"Probably Ostend," Jack told himself, "though why they should come this +way is too deep for me." + +But Jack was wrong, as he learned a short time later. + +The town that they now were approaching was the French port of Calais +and it was still held by the French despite determined efforts of the +Germans at one time or another to extend their lines that far. The +capture of Calais by the Germans would have been a severe blow to +England, for with the French seaport in their possession, the Germans, +with their great guns, would have been able to command the English +channel and a considerable portion of the North Sea coast. + +When it appeared that the German aircraft would fly directly over the +city, the leading machine suddenly swerved to the east. The others +followed suit. + +The night was very dark, and in spite of the occasional searchlight +that was flashed into the air by the French in Calais, the Teuton +machines so far had been undiscovered. Now, hanging low over the land, +a sudden bombardment broke out from the German air planes. + +It was not the sound of bombs that came to the lads' ears; rather the +sharp "crack! crack!" of revolver firing. Jack and Frank gazed about +them quickly, for they believed, for the moment, that the Germans had +encountered a squadron of French airships. + +But there was no other machine in sight save the German craft. + +"What in the world is the meaning of this?" Frank asked of Jack. + +"Don't know," returned the lad, "but I guess I'd better join in." + +He drew his revolver and fired several shots in the air. + +"Seems to be expected of us," he said. "We don't want to disappoint +them." + +The German aircraft now headed straight for the city of Calais. Frank +sent his machine speeding in the same direction. Then, just as it +appeared they would fly directly above the city, the first German craft +began to descend. The others did likewise and a moment or so later they +all came to earth in the center of what Frank and Jack could see was a +small army camp; and as they alighted from their machines, the lads saw +that it was an Allied camp and not a German. + +"Must be Calais," said Frank to Jack in a whisper. "Have we been +mistaken? Are these French and British machines?" + +"Well, it looks like it," returned Jack. "We'll keep quiet and let the +other fellows do the talking." + +A French officer now approached the pilot of the first aircraft. + +"We heard the firing aloft a moment ago," he said. "Did you encounter +the enemy?" + +"We were pursued all the way from the German lines," was the reply. + +"Anyone hit?" + +"I think not, though I believe we accounted for one or two of the +enemy." + +"Good. Will you fly again tonight?" + +"Yes; but not before midnight." + +The French officer withdrew. + +At this one of the aviators raised a hand and the others gathered about +him, Frank and Jack with them. All wore khaki clothing and their +features were concealed by heavy goggles. + +"Careful," whispered the aviator. "A false move and we are discovered. +Spread out now and see what you can learn. Gather here at midnight." + +He waved a hand and the Germans, for such Jack and Frank now knew them +to be, separated. When the two lads were alone a moment later, Jack +said: + +"Well, this is what I call a piece of nervy business. What shall we do? +Inform the French commander immediately?" + +"No. I have a better plan that that. They can hardly work any mischief +tonight. What information they learn will avail them naught for we can +warn the French commander later. We must find out what they are up to. +We'll stick close and follow them back to the German lines, if +necessary." + +"Good, then! Guess we had better do a little skirmishing about. It will +keep suspicion from us should we be watched." + +"All right," said Frank. "Come on." + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +A STARTLING DISCOVERY + + +With the coming of midnight Frank and Jack returned to the spot where +the aeroplanes had been parked. Several of the German aviators already +had returned. The man who appeared to be the leader announced that they +would await the arrival of the others before taking to the air. + +The others arrived one at a time until all were present but two. The +machines were in readiness to ascend the moment the missing men +arrived. The aviators were at their posts. + +Suddenly there came a shout. A moment later the two German aviators who +were delaying the departure burst into sight at a dead run. + +"Quick!" called one. "We are discovered!" + +Immediately the others--Frank and Jack among them--leaped into their +machines and soared into the air. The last comers also leaped for their +craft and succeeded in getting above ground just as rifles began to +crack in the French camp. + +Came a sudden cry from the machine nearest that of Frank and Jack. The +lads saw a man rise to his feet, throw up his arms and pitch, head +foremost, toward the ground. The aircraft, freed of a guiding hand, +rocked a moment crazily and then turned over, hurling its other +occupant into space. + +There was a cry of anger from aboard some of the other German craft, +but no man raised a hand to stay the flight of his car. It would have +been suicide and the Germans realized it. They sped away into the +darkness whence they had come. Frank and Jack, in their British +hydroplane, went with them. + +For an hour or two the aeroplanes sped through the darkness at +undiminished speed; then the foremost craft slowed down. The others did +likewise. + +"Surely we haven't reached the German lines already?" said Jack. Frank +shrugged his shoulders. + +"You know about as much of what is going on as I do," he returned. +"Evidently we are going down, however." + +The lad was right. + +The leading German plane swooped toward the earth and the others +followed its example. A few minutes later all had reached the ground +safely and their occupants had alighted. + +The two lads glanced around. It was very dark. A short distance to the +north they could see the broad expanse of the North Sea, stretching +away in the night. The dark waves lapped the shore gently with a faint +thrashing sound. The water was very calm. + +Except for the figures that had alighted upon the shore in the darkness +there was not a human being in sight. To the south, to the east and +west stretched miles and miles of sand dunes. Just these sand dunes and +the waters of the North Sea--there was nothing else in sight. + +At a signal the men gathered around the man who appeared to be the +leader. Frank and Jack thanked their lucky stars that the night was +very dark, for otherwise they would have been in imminent danger of +being discovered; and each lad realized that it would go hard with them +should their true identities be penetrated. + +The darkness served them like a shield. Nevertheless, both lads kept +their hands on their revolvers. Each had determined that if discovered, +he would make an effort to escape in the nearest of the aircraft. Each +knew that there was little hope of such an escape, but, realizing what +was in store for them should they be discovered and captured, they had +decided it would be better to die fighting than to be stood up against +a wall and shot, or, possibly, hanged. + +The group of men on the bench became silent as the leader addressed +them. + +"Men," he said, "it is to be regretted that we have discovered so soon. +There was still work to be done before the hour for our great effort to +crush the British fleet. However, to a certain extent we have been +successful. We have managed to sow the seed of suspicion in the minds +of our enemies. Prisoners, whom we have allowed to be taken, have let +slip words that will lead the British to think our fleet will slip from +its base and approach England from the south. We know better than that. +We know that on the night of May 31--which is tomorrow--our fleet will +strike the British off Jutland." + +There was a subdued cheer from the assembled Germans. The speaker +continued: + +"Through our efforts the British fleet has been scattered. The main +portion of the fleet lies to the south and will be unable to reach +Jutland in time to save the portion of the British fleet there from +destruction. Of course, should wind of the move reach the British there +would still be time for the fleet to gather. But no such word will +reach the enemy. After sinking the first section of the British fleet, +our vessels will steam south and meet the main British fleet. The +numbers will be nearer equal then. We shall be victorious." + +Again there was a subdued cheer, in which Frank and Jack joined for the +sake of appearances. Again the speaker continued: + +"I shall now explain the reason we have landed here. Our part in the +work has been done. Here we shall remain until nightfall tomorrow. We +shall then sail north and take part in the battle. In my pocket here," +he tapped the breast of his coat, "are instructions I shall read to you +before we leave. Until that time we shall rest here, for we have done +work enough for the present. We shall be safe here. Our position now is +directly between two French lines and for that reason we shall not be +disturbed. Of course, if it becomes necessary, we can take to our +machines and get out of harm's way. We have provisions and water enough +to last us; and while the weather is warm, it is still cool enough. At +any rate, we shall have to make the best of it." + +The man ceased speaking and beckoned the others to follow him. He +walked a hundred yards to the east. There he made a mark in the sand +with his foot. + +"Until the time for us to move has come," he said, "let no man set foot +beyond that line. I make this rule for safety's sake." + +He walked two hundred yards from the sea itself and repeated the +operation and instructions; and then to the west. + +"Within these bounds," he said, "we will spend tonight and tomorrow. +The man who disobeys these instructions shall be shot. Do I make myself +plain?" + +There was a murmur of assent. + +"Very well," said the leader. "Now you are all left to your own +devices. First, however, I shall pick the watches for the night." + +Frank and Jack, at this, slunk well back into the crowd, for they did +not wish to be scrutinized closely. But they need have had no fear. The +leader of the Germans laid a hand on the shoulders of the two men +nearest him. + +"You two," he said, "shall stand guard the remainder of the night, one +to the southeast and one to the southwest. But do not venture beyond +the boundaries I have laid down." + +The Germans saluted and moved away. + +The leader moved toward the sea and none of the others followed him. +Instead, some walked a short distance to the east, others to the south +and still others to the west. They threw themselves down in the sand. A +few remained near the airships. + +Frank and Jack walked a short distance toward the sea, but kept some +distance behind the German leader, who stood looking off across the +water, apparently deep in thought. The lads sat down upon the ground. + +"Well," said Frank, "what are we going to do about it?" + +"Do!" echoed Jack. "Why, there is only one thing we can do--one thing +we must do! We must get away from here and warn the fleet!" + +"All right," said Frank, "it sounds easy; but how?" + +"Well, that doesn't make any difference. We've got to do it." + +"And the moment we have gone our absence will be discovered, the +Germans will know the fleet has been warned and the attack will be +given up," said Frank. "And we don't want anything like that to happen. +It will be the first time the Germans have mustered up courage enough +to come out and give battle. We don't want to frighten them off." + +"We don't want to let them sneak up on a part of our fleet unguarded, +either," declared Jack. + +"Of course not. You say we must give the warning. We'll try, of course. +But first, why not let's put all the aeroplanes except the one we want +out of commission?" + +"By Jove! a good plan! We'll do it." + +"Exactly," said Frank. "Then there is still another thing." + +"What is that?" + +"Why, we want the instructions that fellow carries," and Frank waved a +hand in the direction of the German leader. "He was kind enough to let +us know he has them. We'll have to take them away from him." + +"Say!" exclaimed Jack, "you've laid out quite a job for us, haven't +you?" + +"It's got to be done," declared Frank. + +"Well, all right, but we shall have to be careful." + +"Right you are," Frank agreed, "one little slip and the whole thing +will be spoiled." + +"Then there must be no slip," said Jack, quietly + +"I agree with you there. Now the question arise? as how the thing may +best be done." + +"We'll have to wait until they're all asleep," said Jack. + +"You forget the sentinels won't sleep," said Frank. + +"No, I don't; and they will be the first disposed of. They are not +looking for enemies from within, you know. You walk up to one and I'll +walk up to the other. We'll be challenged when we get close, of course. +Then it will be up to us to silence those fellows before they can make +an outcry." + +"We'll try it. Then what?" + +"Then we'll come back and put the airships out of commission as +carefully as possible." + +"That's easy enough. All we have to do is to let out the 'gas.'" + +"Next we'll have to go through the commander's pockets without arousing +him." + +"That's more difficult, but I suppose it can be done." + +"Next we'll have to get our hydroplane to the water. Fortunately, we +came down closer to the sea than the others. We should be able to do +that without awakening the sleepers." + +"Then," said Frank, "we climb in and say goodbye, eh?" + +"That's it." + +"All right. We'll work it that way then. It's as good as any other. Now +we'll keep quiet until we are sure everyone is asleep." + +Their plans thus arranged, the lads became quiet. They said not a word +as they waited for sleep to overcome the Germans, but gazed out quietly +over the dark sea. + + + +CHAPTER IX + +THE PLAN WORKS--ALMOST + + +"Time to get busy." + +It was Frank who spoke. All was quiet among the sand dunes. The +commander of the Germans had laid down upon the ground, some distance +from the others, half an hour before. Snores from various points +announced that most of the men were sleeping soundly. + +Jack and Frank got to their feet + +"Careful," said Jack as they separated. "Remember, don't give your man +a chance to let out a cry." + +Frank nodded in the darkness and walked slowly toward the sentinel he +had selected to silence. Jack moved in the other direction. + +As Jack came within a few yards of his prey, the man raised his rifle +and commanded: + +"Halt!" + +"It's all right," said Jack. "I couldn't sleep and it was lonesome back +there. I want company." + +The German lowered his rifle. + +"It's lonesome here, too," he said. "Wish you had been selected for my +job." + +"I wouldn't have minded it tonight," said Jack, approaching closer. + +The German reached in his pocket and produced a pack of cigarettes. He +extended the pack to Jack. + +"Have one?" he invited. + +Jack accepted a cigarette. + +The German produced a match. He laid his rifle upon the ground as he +struck the match upon the leg of his trousers. + +It was the moment for which Jack had been waiting. + +Quickly his revolver leaped out. In almost the same instant he reversed +it and before the German realized what was about to happen he brought +the butt down on the man's head with great force. + +The man fell to the ground without a sound. + +Frank, advancing upon the other German, also was challenged when he +drew close, but he, too, engaged his prey in conversation. As the man +turned his head for a moment to gaze across the dark sand, the lad +struck him violently over the head with his revolver butt. The German +dropped like a log. + +A few moments later Frank and Jack met again near the first aeroplane. + +"It'll have to be quick work here," Jack warned "We haven't a whole lot +of time, you know." + +Frank nodded that he understood. Rapidly they passed from one plane to +another letting out the gasoline. Five minutes later, with the +exception of their hydroplane, which rested some distance away, every +craft upon the beach was dry. They were absolutely useless--or so the +lads thought. + +"Now for the papers," said Jack, as he straightened up after tinkering +with the last machine. + +Cautiously the two lads advanced upon the sleeping German. Frank raised +his revolver and would have brought it down on the man's head had not +Jack stayed him with a gesture. + +"No need of that," he said. "I don't like to hurt a man except when it +is absolutely necessary." + +Frank put the revolver back in his pocket. + +Gently, Jack thrust his hand into the German's pocket. He fumbled about +a moment and then drew forth a paper. Turning his head aside he struck +a match and glanced at the paper. Then he nodded his satisfaction. + +"This is it," he said. + +Frank, at that moment, had risen to his feet. Believing the work was +accomplished, he was moving off toward the hydroplane. As Jack now made +to get to his feet, he chanced to glance at the German he had just +relieved of the papers. + +The lad uttered an exclamation of surprise, and no wonder. The man's +eyes were open and gazed straight at Jack. In his hand he held a +revolver and it was levelled at Jack's head. + +"Hands up!" said the German, quietly. + +There was nothing for Jack to do but obey or be shot. His hands went +high in the air, but he still retained the valuable papers. + +"Drop those papers," was the next command. + +Jack obeyed and the papers fluttered to his feet. The German reached +out and picked them up with his left hand while with his right he still +covered the lad with his revolver. + +"So you're a spy, eh?" said the German. + +Jack made no reply, but a gleam of hope lighted up his eye; for, Frank, +chancing to turn for some unexplainable reason, had taken in the +situation and was now advancing on tiptoe to his friend's aid. + +"How did you get here?" demanded the German, making ready to rise. + +Again Jack made no reply; but none was necessary, for at that moment +Frank had come within striking distance. His arm rose and fell, and as +his revolver butt descended upon the German's head, the latter toppled +over in a heap. + +Quickly, Jack stooped and again recovered the papers he had taken so +much pains to get. + +"Come on!" cried Frank. "We haven't time to fool around here. The rest +of this crowd is likely to wake up in a minute or two." + +Jack followed his friend across the sand. They laid hold of the +hydroplane and rolled it toward the water. In it went with a splash and +Frank cried: + +"Climb aboard quickly!" + +Jack needed no urging and a moment later the two boys were ready for +flight. And then, suddenly, there was the crack of a revolver behind +them and a bullet flew close to Jack's ear. + +The German leader had recovered consciousness, and springing to his +feet, dashed to the water's edge and fired point blank at the machine. +Fortunately, in his excitement his aim was poor and he missed. Before +he could fire again, Frank wheeled about and his revolver spoke +sharply. + +The German threw up his arms, and with a gasp, pitched headlong into +the sea. + +But the sounds of the two shots had aroused the sleeping camp. Wild +cries came from the shore, followed by heavy footfalls as the Germans +rushed toward the water. + +"Hurry, Frank!" cried Jack. + +As lightly as a fairy the hydroplane skimmed over the water; then went +soaring in the air. Frank gave a loud cheer. + +"Safe!" he exclaimed. + +But the lad was wrong. + +From on shore came a chorus of angry cries and imprecations. Hastily +the Germans made a rush for their aeroplanes to give chase. None would +move. Followed more cries and angry shouts. + +"Wait," said one German. "I've some gasoline." + +Rapidly he opened up a big can, which he took from the bottom of his +machine. Quickly the tank was filled and the man climbed into the +pilot's seat. Another jumped in with him. + +"Give us some of that gasoline!" cried another. + +The German shook his head. + +"Not enough," he replied. "We'll overtake those fellows and then come +back for the rest of you." + +The aeroplane leaped skyward and started in pursuit of Frank and Jack. + +The two boys, believing that they were safe, were going along only at a +fair rate of speed when Jack's keen ears caught the sound of the +pursuing machine. + +"They're after us, Frank!" he called. + +"Impossible!" replied Frank. "How can they fly without gas?" + +"Well, they're coming, all the same," declared Jack. + +He produced his two revolvers and examined them carefully. + +"You run this thing and I'll do what fighting is necessary," he said. +"Wish I could shoot like you can; but I can't; and I can't run this +machine either." + +The German aeroplane was gaining steadily. + +"He can outrun us," said Frank, quietly. "There is only one, thank +goodness. You'll have to bring him down, Jack." + +"I'll try," was Jack's reply. "If I had a rifle I might be able to pick +him off now." + +"Well, he won't hardly have any the best of it," said Frank. "The +chances are he has no rifle either." + +Frank was correct in this surmise. + +Rapidly the German aircraft gained. + +"Crack!" the German had fired the first shot. + +It went wild. Jack fired, but with no better result. + +"Hit anything?" asked Frank, without turning his head. + +"No," said Jack, "but neither did the other fellow." + +"Try it again," said Frank. + +Jack did so; but again the bullet went wild. All this time the two +craft were flying straight out to sea. + +Once more the German fired and Jack felt something whizz overhead. + +"This is getting too close," the lad muttered to himself. Then he +called to Frank. + +"Slow down, quick!" + +Frank had no means of telling what plan Jack had in mind, but he did +not hesitate. The hydroplane slowed down with a jerk. + +The pilot of the German craft was caught off his guard. He dashed upon +the hydroplane. But as he neared it he swerved to the left to avoid a +collision. It was what Jack had expected. Standing up in his precarious +position, Jack took a snap shot at the pilot as the German craft swept +by. + +At that close distance, in spite of the rate of speed at which the +enemy was travelling, a miss was practically impossible. + +The German machine swayed crazily from one side to the other; then +dived. + +"I got him, Frank!" shouted Jack. + +Both lads gazed over the side at the falling enemy. + +Suddenly the machine righted and descended more slowly. + +"By Jove! a cool customer," said Frank. "He's regained control of the +plane. He'll be up again in a moment." + +Again they watched the foe carefully. + +"No, he won't," said Jack, "he's still going down." + +"Then we may as well be moving," said Frank. + +"Hold on!" shouted Jack. "We can't leave those fellows there. They may +get to shore or be picked up. Then they would give the warning and all +our efforts would be for naught." + +"Right," said Frank. "We'll go down after them." + +The hydroplane descended slowly. + + + +CHAPTER X + +THE FIGHT ON THE WATER + + +Below, the fallen aeroplane rested upon the surface of the sea. In the +darkness, it was hard for the lads to tell just how badly the craft was +damaged and whether it would float; but Jack's idea was to be on the +safe side. + +While still some distance from the water, there was a shot from below. + +"Hello!" said Jack. "They're alive and kicking, all right. Wonder if we +can't go down and get them from the water." + +"It's a better plan, I guess," said Frank. "We'll have an even break +then. This way they have all the advantage." + +He opened up the engine and the hydroplane ran some distance from the +position of the men below. Then he shut off the motor and allowed the +plane to glide down to the sea. + +With the craft riding the swell of the waves, Jack picked up the enemy +with his night glass. The disabled craft also was riding the waves +gently perhaps five hundred yards away. + +Jack gave the position to Frank, and the hydroplane approached the foe +slowly. Within a range that would make accurate revolver shooting +possible, the hydroplane came to a halt. As it did so there was the +sound of a revolver shot from across the water and something whizzed +overhead. + +"Must have some pretty fair shooters over there," said Frank, quietly. +"However, they can't see us any better than we can see them. Of course, +they can see our craft all right, the same as we can see theirs, but +they can't spot us." + +"No; nor we can't spot them, which makes it worse," said Jack. + +"We'll try a couple of shots for luck," said Frank. + +He raised his revolver and fired quickly twice. His efforts were +rewarded by a scream, apparently of pain. + +"Must have hit one of them," he said grimly. + +Again a revolver across the water flashed and the two lads heard a +bullet whistle by. + +Jack fired but without result and then Frank fired again. + +There was another scream. + +"Either got the other one, or the same one again," said Frank. + +They waited some moments in silence, but no further shots came from +the foe. + +"By Jove!" said Jack, "you must have got them both. Let's go and have a +look." + + Slowly, Frank started the hydroplane and they bore down on the enemy. +Now they were two hundred, then one hundred yards away. + +"Must have got them, all right," said Frank. "I----" + +The flash of a revolver from the disabled craft interrupted him. It was +closely followed by another and then two more. + +With a sudden move, Frank changed the course of the hydroplane. He felt +a sharp pain in his left shoulder. + +"Got me," he called to Jack. + +The latter was alarmed. + +"Where?" he demanded. + +"Left shoulder," said Frank, quietly. "Nothing serious, though." + +Jack levelled his revolver and fired rapidly at the enemy. His pains +were rewarded by howls of derision. + +"They tricked us, all right," said Jack, as he reloaded. + +"That's what they did. I should have known better, too. They almost +settled us." + +"We've got to get them, some way," declared Jack. + +"Show me how, and I'll go along with you," declared Frank. + +"Well, I've got a scheme, but I don't know whether it will work or +not." + +"Let's hear it." + +"All right. But first, can you manage this plane all right with that +bad shoulder?" + +"Sure; it's not very bad." + +"All right then. Well, you keep under cover about here, moving about +just enough to spoil the aim of the foe. I'll drop over the side and +swim to the enemy. I can get there unobserved, all right, because they +won't be expecting me. I'll pull one of them over and settle with him +first. Then I'll get the other." + +"I don't know," Frank considered the plan. "I suppose it might work, +but there is nothing sure about it." + +"There's nothing sure about anything," declared Jack. "But it's better +than staying here all the rest of the night. Besides, we must hurry, +you know." + +"That's right," agreed Frank. "All right, then. So be it. Will you take +your gun?" + +"No use," said Jack. "It would be wet by the time I got there. Here I +go." + +"Good luck," Frank called after him. + +Gently, Jack lowered himself over the side of the hydroplane, first +divesting himself of his coat and shoes; then struck out for the +disabled aeroplane. + +Slowly the lad swam, for he did not wish to betray his coming by the +sound of a splash. The distance was not great and a powerful swimmer, +such as Jack, could cover it easily in a few moments. + +Jack did not approach the enemy craft from the front. Giving it a wide +berth, he swam around it and then, turning quickly, bore down upon the +aeroplane more swiftly. He swam with his head barely above the water, +and he was ready to dive immediately should he be sighted. + +There was not a sound aboard the aeroplane as Jack drew close to it. +Raising his head slightly, he could see no human form. + +"Funny," the lad muttered to himself. "Wonder where they keep +themselves. No wonder we couldn't hit them." + +He was within a few feet of the disabled craft and he now rose higher +in the water to get a good look about. Still he saw no one. + +Twice around the machine the lad swam and not a human being did he see. + +"There is something awfully queer about this," he told himself. "I'll +go aboard." + +He laid hands on the aeroplane and scrambled aboard. Quickly he sprang +to his feet, ready to tackle any foe that might have seen him crawl +aboard. Nothing happened. + +Jack made a careful inspection of the disabled plane. Then, as he still +gazed around, a sudden thought struck him. Without taking time to +consider it, he sprang suddenly to the side of the plane and leaped +into the water and with swift and powerful strokes struck out for his +own craft. + +Jack had hit upon the solution of the desertion of the German +aeroplane. + +Even as Jack had lowered himself from the hydroplane and swam across +the water, the Germans in the other craft had done the same thing. Both +sides had struck the same plan almost simultaneously. Jack, in making a +wide detour as he approached the foes' machine, must have passed the +two Germans in the water. + +Now, realizing that the Germans must be close to the hydroplane, had +they not already reached it, and remembering that Frank was wounded, +Jack felt a sudden dread steal over him. His long, powerful strokes +sent him through the water at great speed. + +But the Germans had not made their presence known to Frank yet. Neither +was as swift a swimmer as Jack, and for that reason, their progress +through the water had been considerably slower. Also they had gone very +cautiously. + +A short distance from the hydroplane, one had swum to one side of the +plane and the second to the other. The Germans also had discarded their +revolvers, for they had realized they would be useless after their +trip through the water. Also, not being expert swimmers, they had +wanted to be unhampered by weight as much as possible. + +Frank was still guiding the plane about occasionally to avoid a chance +bullet from the enemy, but at the moment the Germans came close, he had +stopped the craft and was peering into the darkness, straining his ears +for the sound of a struggle that would tell him Jack was engaged with +the enemy. + +Suddenly a sound came to his ears from across the water, but it was not +what he expected, although it was in Jack's voice: + +"Frank! Look out! They are after you!" + +Instantly, the lad understood the situation. He drew his revolver with +his uninjured arm and sprang to one side of the aeroplane. As he did +so, a figure reached up and grabbed him by the hand so that he could +not fire. At the same time a second figure clambered aboard the craft +from the opposite side. Frank raised a cry: + +"Hurry, Jack!" + +Jack needed no urging. He was swimming through the water as fast as +possible. + +With a sudden move, Frank jerked his hand loose from the grip that held +him and turned just in time to encounter the second German. Frank +raised his revolver and fired quickly; but the German ducked, and +before Frank could fire again, he had come up close to Frank and +grappled with him. In vain Frank sought to release his arm so that he +could bring the weapon down on his opponent's head. The man clung +tightly. + +A sudden lurching of the hydroplane told Frank that the second German +was coming aboard. Unmindful of his wounded shoulder, Frank struggled +on. With a sharp kick of his right foot he succeeded in knocking the +first German's legs from beneath him; and again the lad tried to raise +his revolver to shoot the second German, who now advanced. + +But the latter was too quick for him. Closing with the lad, the man +knocked the revolver from the boy's hand with a quick blow. The weapon +spun into the sea. + +The first German returned to the attack. + +"Get him quick!" he shouted. "There is another one around here some +place." + +Jack, at this moment, was within a few yards of the boat. + +"You bet there is!" he said between his teeth. "And he'll be there in a +minute." + +He did not call encouragement to Frank, for he wished to get aboard the +plane, if possible, before the men could stay him. + +The two Germans rushed Frank simultaneously, and bore him back in the +plane. At the same instant, Jack, unmindful of danger that might lurk +aboard and thinking only of Frank's danger, laid hold of the plane and +climbed aboard. Then he stood erect and shouted: + +"Come on, you cowards! Here's the other one!" + + + +CHAPTER XI + +DAWN--AND A NEW ENEMY + + +The two Germans, just about to throw Frank overboard, turned quickly at +the sound of this new voice. They wasted no time. + +"At him!" cried one, and leaped. + +The other sprang after him. + +Jack, with his feet wide apart and arms extended, braced himself to +receive the shock; and when it came he was ready. Frank, in the +meantime, sank down in the plane almost unconscious, for one of the +Germans had all but choked the life from him. + +As the first German sprang, Jack met him with a straight right hand +blow to the face and the man reeled back. The second, seeing the fate +of his companion, dived for Jack's legs and seized them, pulling the +lad down. + +Jack felt out with his left hand and encircled the German's neck. Then +he squeezed. The German gasped for breath as his wind was shut off. His +hand searched his belt and presently flashed aloft with a knife. Jack +saw it. Releasing his hold on the man's throat, he seized the knife arm +with his left hand and twisted sharply, at the same time driving his +right fist into the man's face. + +There was a sharp snap and a cry of pain. The knife fell clattering to +the deck of the plane. Jack, very angry, rose to his feet, stooped +over, and picking up the German as though he had been a child, heaved +him overboard. + +"So much for you!" he muttered. + +He stepped across the body of the second German to Frank's side and +stooped over him. Gently he raised his chum's head to his knee. + +Frank's eyelids flickered and directly he opened his eyes. + +"How do you feel, old man?" asked Jack. + +Frank struggled free from his chum's grip and sat up. He shook his head +once or twice and then rose to his feet. + +"I'll be all right in--Look out!" he broke off suddenly. + +He dodged. But Jack, not realizing the import of Frank's words, +remained still. He felt something hot sear the lobe of his ear. +Wheeling abruptly, the lad saw the German whom he had first knocked +unconscious facing him with levelled revolver--the weapon was Jack's +own, which he had left behind when he swam to the enemy's aeroplane. + +The German faced him with a smile. + +"Hands up!" he commanded. + +But Jack, with a few drops of blood trickling from his ear, suddenly +became very angry. He objected to being shot at from behind. + +"Put down that gun!" he commanded in a cold voice. "Put it down before +I kill you!" + +The German was struck by the menace in the lad's tones, and for a +moment he hesitated and the revolver wavered. Then he braced and +brought the weapon up again. + +But that moment of hesitation decided the issue. In spite of the fact +that the revolver was pointed right at him, and that only a few feet +away, Jack took a quick step forward. + +The German fired. Jack swerved a trifle. The bullet plowed through the +sleeve of his shirt and touched the skin; but that was all. + +Again the man's hand tightened on the trigger, but he never fired +again. Jack's powerful left hand seized his wrist and twisted the +revolver from it Then, still grasping the wrist, the lad wheeled on his +heel. The German left the spot where he had been standing as though +pulled by a locomotive. He was lifted high in the air and, as Jack gave +a jerk and then released his hold, the man went sailing through the air +and dropped into the sea with a loud splash. + +And at the same moment the intense darkness was shattered. The first +faint streak of dawn showed in the east. + +Jack sat down. Frank did likewise. + +"That settles that," said Jack, briefly. "Now we had better get away +from here. We haven't any too much time." + +Frank, without a word, took his place at the wheel. + +"Feel fit?" asked Jack. + +Frank nodded, though he felt terribly faint. + +"Sure you can make it?" Jack continued. + +"Yes," replied Frank. + +"Well, I just wanted to know," said Jack, "because here comes a German +torpedo boat." + +Frank was startled. He turned in his seat, and there, not a mile and a +half away, was a ship of war. She was flying the German flag and was +making directly for the spot where the British hydroplane rested. + +"By George! Won't we ever get out of this?" the lad muttered. + +"We won't unless you hurry," said Jack. + +"But those two Germans. Won't they be picked up and give the alarm?" + +"One of 'em won't," said Jack, grimly, "and I feel pretty safe about +the other, too. Let's get up in the air." + +Frank tinkered with the motor and took a firm grip on the wheel. But +the hydroplane did not move. + +"Something wrong," said Frank, quietly. + +"What?" demanded Jack. + +"Something wrong with the motor. It won't work." + +Frank had bent over and was examining it carefully. + +Came a shot from the German torpedo boat. + +"If we don't get out of here pretty quick," said Jack, quietly, "we +won't get out at all." + +Frank made no reply, but continued to tinker with the engine. + +A second shot from the German torpedo boat. It skimmed the water ahead +of the hydroplane. Jack gazed toward the vessel. As he did so a small +boat put off from the German and headed toward them. + +"They're coming after us, Frank," said Jack, "a whole boatload of 'em. +How long will it take you to fix that thing?" + +Frank uttered an exclamation of satisfaction. + +"I've found it," he cried. "Five minutes," he answered Jack's question. + +"Five minutes is liable to be too late," returned Jack, measuring the +distance to the rapidly approaching German boat with his eye. "However, +hurry as much as you can." + +Frank did not take his eye from his engine. + +"How far away?" he asked as he worked. + +"Three quarters of a mile," replied Jack, calmly. + +"Lots of time for us, then," said Frank, still working as swiftly as +possible. + +"Maybe," replied his chum. "Don't forget they carry pretty fair rifles +with them." + +"If we can get started before they shoot, I'll guarantee they don't get +us," returned Frank. + +"Well, they'll get us if you keep talking and don't get a move on +there," said Jack. "They're coming like the wind." + +"That's just the way I'm working. She's almost fixed row. Can you hold +them off?" + +"What, with a single revolver against a score of rifles? Not much. +They're right on us now. How's that engine?" + +"Fixed!" cried Frank at that moment, straightening up. + +"All right. Let her go then," said Jack, calmly. "They don't know yet +that we're going to run. They have made no preparations to fire. +Evidently they think we shall wait for them." + +Even while Jack was speaking, the hydroplane began to move slowly over +the surface of the water. Very slowly it went at first, then faster and +faster. + +"Halt!" came a cry from the German boat. + +Jack picked up his cap and waved it at the Germans. + +"Some other time," he called back. "We're terrible busy today. +Goodbye." + +The German officer gave a sharp command. Several sailors sprang to +their feet and blazed away at the hydroplane with their rifles. Bullets +flew by on all sides, but none struck home. + +Again Jack waved his cap. + +"Very bad shooting," he remarked. "Looks like some of my--Hello! That +wasn't so bad." + +For the lad's cap, which he had been waving in derision at the pursuing +foe, was suddenly carried from his hand by a German bullet. + +"By Jove!" said Jack, quietly, "I wouldn't have lost that cap----" He +gazed at it as it floated in the water. + +And at that instant Frank sent the hydroplane soaring into the air with +a lurch. Jack glanced down into the water. + +"Hold on, Frank!" he cried. + +In response to this command, Frank slowed down. + +"What's the matter now?" he demanded. + +"Why, one of our erstwhile German friends has come to life. He was just +about to lay hold of us when you came up in the air. Great Scott! What +do you think of that?" + +"What do I think of what?" + +"Why, the Germans in the boat have just shot him." + +"Shot whom? The German?" + +"Yes; they saw him coming after us and evidently thought he was a +friend of ours. Poor fellow! To be shot down by one of his own +countrymen. And so goes the last chance the Germans had of learning +that we have discovered their plans." + +"Then it is a good thing for us they shot him." + +"For us, yes. But think of the irony of it!" + +"Well," said Frank, "I wouldn't like to have shot him, defenseless as +he was; and I didn't want you to. That's why I didn't suggest having a +look for him before we came up." + +"I couldn't have done it," returned Jack. + +"No; nor I; and yet duty would have demanded it. For with him alive, +there always remained a chance that he would give the warning." + +"It just goes to show," said Jack, slowly, "that even fate sometimes +works on the side of the right." + +"True." + +Unconsciously, Frank had allowed the speed of the hydroplane to +diminish during this conversation, and the crew of the German boat +again had found themselves within range. They had started to abandon +the chase when the plane soared aloft, but when it had slowed down, +they had resumed the pursuit, hoping that something had gone wrong with +the craft. + +Several bullets flew about the machine. + +"Great Scott! They're at it again!" cried Jack. "Let's get away from +here right now." + +"All right, here she goes," said Frank. "Full speed ahead!" + + + +CHAPTER XII + +THE BOYS GIVE THE WARNING + + +One other adventure, it transpired, was to befall Frank and Jack before +they found themselves once more aboard the British battleship, _Queen +Mary_; and while it did not result seriously, both lads once more +approached the very door of death. + +The morning sun was well above the horizon when Jack, shading his eyes, +made out in the distance a smudge of smoke. + +"Smoke ahead, Frank," he called. + +"Hope it's the _Queen Mary_" replied the lad. "It should be if I have +calculated correctly." + +A few moments later the outline of a large ship of war loomed up ahead. + +"Can you make her out yet?" asked Jack. + +"No; but she's built like the _Queen Mary_" + +The hydroplane sped on. + +"By Jove! She is the _Queen Mary_" cried Frank, a few moments later. +"We're in luck." + +Frank was right. As the hydroplane drew nearer it was plain to make out +that the vessel was the giant battleship the lads had quitted the day +before. + +"Wonder what Captain Raleigh will think of our information?" said +Frank, with a chuckle. + +"Don't know. We've been pretty fortunate, though. I hope we are in +time." + +"So do I. The trouble is, our ships are scattered so far apart that +they may not be able to assemble quick enough in sufficient strength to +beat off the enemy." + +"Don't worry; they won't get very far," said Jack, confidently. + +"Oh, I know that. But if they should happen to come upon a small +portion of our fleet we are likely to get the worst of it." + +"Well, there is no reason why they should be able to do that now. We +know their plans." + +"That's true, too. And they won't, unless it is decided to engage them +in spite of their numbers, trusting reinforcements will arrive in +time." + +And, though the lad had no idea he was making a prophecy, that is just +what actually occurred. + +The hydroplane now was less than a quarter of a mile from the _Queen +Mary_ and Frank reduced its speed abruptly. Whether this sudden slowing +down had anything to do with what followed it is hard to tell; but, no +sooner had Frank reduced the speed of the craft, than the plane wabbled +crazily. + +"Look out, Jack!" shouted Frank. "She's going down!" + +Jack had not realized that there was anything wrong and now he did not +grasp the full significance of Frank's words. What Jack thought Frank +meant was that he was going to glide down to the deck of the +battleship. Frank, however, knew that there was something seriously +wrong with the craft. His first thought had been to jump after crying +out to Jack, but seeing that his friend had not understood, Frank stuck +to his post, trying as well as he knew how to bring the plane to the +sea as gently as possible. + +For a moment it seemed that he would succeed, for, as it neared the +water, the plane righted itself. Frank drew a breath of relief. But his +relief was short-lived. + +After remaining upon a level keel for one single instant, the +hydroplane turned turtle. + +There came a cry of warning from aboard the _Queen Mary_, and even +before the falling boys struck water, boats were lowered over the side, +manned, and dashed to the rescue. + +Although Frank had been unable to maintain the plane on an even keel, +his efforts had done some good; for the distance was not so great from +the water when the plane capsized as it would have been but for his +strenuous efforts. + +Jack uttered a cry of alarm as he felt himself being hurled into space, +for he had not realized what was about to happen. Frank, on the other +hand, had realized his position full well and no sound escaped him as +he was thrown into the water. + +In falling, Jack was thrown clear of the machine, which struck the +water with a great splash. Not so Frank, who, held in by the wheel, was +carried down with the plane. The lad was very close to death at that +moment and he knew it. + +He had caught a deep breath as he was drawn under, however, and this +stood him in good stead. Calmly the lad reached for the large +pocketknife he always carried, and with this, under water as he was, +proceeded quietly to cut the sides of the craft sufficiently to allow +him to escape. And in this he was successful. + +At last he was free and struck upward as swiftly as possible. When it +seemed that his lungs must burst for want of air, his head suddenly +bobbed upon the surface. He gasped as he inhaled great breaths of the +fresh air. A boat approached at that moment and he was drawn aboard, +where he sank down. + +Jack, when he came up from below, had thought first of Frank. Rapidly +he scanned the surface of the sea for some sign of his chum or of the +wreckage. Seeing neither, he knew what had happened. Taking a deep +breath he dived. + +It took the lad some time to locate the sinking mass of wreckage below +and when he did come upon it there was no sign of Frank. Jack stayed +below until he could stand it no more; then rose to the surface. There +rough hands seized him and dragged him into a boat. + +In vain the lad struggled. He wanted to get loose so he could make +another attempt to rescue his friend. + +"Frank!" he cried. + +"Be still," said a voice kindly. "Frank is safe in the next boat." + +Jack uttered an exclamation of relief and lay still, resting from his +exertions. + +And so they came again to the _Queen Mary_ and were lifted aboard. +Frank and Jack clasped hands when they stood on deck and Jack +exclaimed: + +"By Jove! I thought it was all over when I couldn't find you down +there." + +"I thought it was all over myself for a minute," said Frank. "That's +one time when this old knife of mine helped out. I brought it back with +me." + +He displayed the knife and patted it affectionately. + +"How do you feel?" asked Jack. + +"First rate. And you?" + +"Fine. Now we want to see Captain Raleigh." + +At this moment the third officer approached. + +"Captain Raleigh will receive you the moment you have put on some dry +clothes," said the third officer. + +"But we must see him at once," exclaimed Frank. + +"Change your clothes first," said the third officer kindly. + +"But----" Frank began. + +"I have Captain Raleigh's orders for you to report to him the moment +you have changed," said the third officer sharply. "You will hurry, if +you please." + +Frank could see that there was no use protesting further. He shrugged +his shoulders and the two boys made their way to their cabin. + +"The big chump," said Frank, as he slipped off his wet clothing. "The +whole British navy might be sent to the bottom while we are doing this. +What are a few wet clothes?" + +"I guess it was the way we went at it," said Jack. "If we had blurted +out what we knew----" + +"To tell the truth, I've a good notion to say nothing about what I +learned," said Frank. + +Jack looked at his companion in the greatest surprise. + +"Oh, no, you've not," he said at last, as he slipped on a dry shirt. + +"Don't you believe I haven't," declared Frank. "I'm mad. I don't like +that way of doing things. Now if it had been Lord Hastings----" + +"Well, it wasn't," said Jack. "I'm afraid that's one trouble with us." + +"What do you mean by that?" + +"Why, simply that he allowed us to get too familiar with him. The +result is we expect it from others, and when they don't treat us that +way we are disappointed." + +"That may be it, of course," Frank conceded. "But at the same time, I +didn't like the tone of the third officer just now." + +"Perhaps I didn't either," said Jack, "but I've got more sense than to +show it. As a matter of fact, I suppose we should have obeyed without +question." + +Frank continued to mumble as he slipped into a dry coat. He picked up +his cap and moved toward the door. + +"Ready?" he asked of Jack. + +"Almost. How's that shoulder?" + +"All right. How's your wound?" + +"Just a scratch. Didn't even bleed much." Jack picked up his cap and +also moved toward the door of the cabin. "Guess maybe he'll let us see +Captain Raleigh now," he said. "Come on." + +Frank followed his chum. + +On deck almost the first person they encountered was the third officer. + +"Didn't take you long," he said with a smile. + +"That is because we have important news," said Frank. + +"Come, then. I'll conduct you to the captain myself," said the third +officer. + +Frank and Jack hurried after him. + +Captain Raleigh greeted the two lads with a smile, as they stood at +attention before him. + +"You are back really sooner than I expected you," he said quietly. +"Have you learned anything?" + +"If you please, sir," said Jack, "I shall skip the details until later. +The German high sea fleet will be off the coast of Denmark before +midnight!" + +"What's that you say?" he demanded. + +"It's true, sir," replied Frank, quietly, stepping forward. "The German +high sea fleet, in almost full strength, will attack our patrol +squadron in the Skagerak, off Jutland, tonight!" + +For one moment Captain Raleigh looked at both lads closely. Then he +cried sharply, including all in the cabin with his words: + +"Follow me!" + +He sprang for the bridge! + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +PREPARING FOR BATTLE + + +"Eleven o'clock!" + +Jack returned his watch to his pocket. + +"Not much time to gather the fleet together," he said quietly to Frank. + +"No," was his chum's reply, "but you can rest assured that all can be +done will be done." + +Captain Raleigh, upon the bridge, had issued orders swiftly. The _Queen +Mary_, which had been heading southward after Frank and Jack returned +aboard, was quickly brought about. After several sharp commands to his +officers, Captain Raleigh motioned to Frank and Jack. + +"Come with me," he said. "You shall tell me what you have learned as we +go along." + +The two lads followed him. + +Straight to the wireless room went the commander of the _Queen Mary_. + +"Get the _Lion_ quickly," he ordered the wireless operator. + +"_Lion! Lion_!" the call went across the water. + +There was no reply. + +"Try the _Indefatigable_," was the next command. + +"_Indefatigable! Indefatigable_!" flashed the wireless. + +The receiving apparatus aboard the _Queen Mary_ clicked sharply. + +"_Indefatigable_ answering, sir," reported the operator. + +"Send this," ordered Captain Raleigh, and passed a slip of paper on +which he had scribbled rapidly to the wireless operator. + +The message read as follows: + +"German high sea fleet to attack off Jutland tonight. Inform Admiral +Beatty. Relay message. Am steaming for Danish coast to engage enemy. +Information authentic. Follow me! + +(Signed) "RALEIGH." + +A short pause and again the receiving apparatus on the _Queen Mary_ +clicked sharply. + +"O.K., sir," said the operator. + +"All right," this from Captain Raleigh. "Call the _Invincible._" + +Again the wireless began to click. Two minutes later the operator +reported: + +"_Invincible_ answering, sir." + +"Send the same message," instructed Captain Raleigh. + +It might be well to state here that all these messages were sent in +code, for it was probable that a German vessel of some sort might be +within the wireless zone and, if able to read the messages as they +flashed across the sea, would have communicated with the main German +fleet. + +One after another now the wireless of the _Queen Mary_ picked up the +battle cruisers _Defense, Black Prince, Warrior_ and the +super-dreadnaught _War-spite,_ all of which chanced to be within range +of the _Queen Mary's_ wireless. The destroyers _Tipperary, Turbulent_ +and _Nestore_ also answered the call and were instructed to proceed to +the Skagerak at full speed. + +And to each vessel, as it answered, the single word "relay" was +flashed. This meant that Captain Raleigh wanted the word sent to other +vessels of the British fleet not within her own wireless radius. And +the answer to this was invariably the same: + +"O.K.!" + +Still in the wireless room, Captain Raleigh turned to Frank and Jack +and said: + +"Now, I shall be glad to know how you boys learned this information." + +Jack explained as briefly as possible. Captain Raleigh interrupted +occasionally as Jack proceeded with his story and when the lad had +concluded, he said quietly: + +"You have done well, young sirs. England has much to thank you for." + +"But will the others arrive in time, sir?" asked Frank, anxiously. +"That," said Captain Raleigh, "I cannot say. You may be sure that they +will come to our assistance at all possible speed, however." + +"But you will not await them there, sir?" + +"No; I shall engage the enemy single handed if necessary." + +With this Captain Raleigh turned on his heel and would have left the +wireless room. At that moment, however, the wireless began to click +again, and the commander of the _Queen Mary_ paused. + +"For us?" he asked. + +The operator nodded. + +"Admiral Beatty, aboard the _Lion_, calling, sir." + +"Take his message!" + +There was silence for a moment, and then the operator called off the +clicks of his apparatus. + +"Admiral Beatty wants to know your source of information," he reported. + +Captain Raleigh dictated a reply. + +Again silence for a few moments; and then the operator said: + +"The _Queen Mary_ is ordered to the Skagerak under full speed. Hold the +enemy until the arrival of the main fleet. Assistance on the way. +_Indefatigable, Defense_ and _Black Prince_ also steaming for Jutland +to lend a hand. Open the engagement immediately you sight the enemy." + +"Sign O.K.," said Captain Raleigh. + +The operator obeyed and heard the operator aboard the _Lion_ repeat his +message. + +"I guess that is about all we can do," said Captain Raleigh. Again he +turned to leave the room and once more paused at the door. + +"Keep your instrument going," he ordered the operator. "Pick up any +ship that may not have heard the message. Come, boys," this last to +Frank and Jack. + +The boys followed their commander back to the bridge; thence to his +cabin. + +The interchange of messages had taken time, and glancing at his watch +now, Frank saw that it was after one o'clock. + +"Great Scott!" he exclaimed. "I had no idea we had been in the wireless +room so long." + +Back in his cabin, Captain Raleigh seemed to have forgotten the boys' +presence. He was busy for perhaps an hour poring over a mass of charts +and other papers. Frank and Jack stood at attention. They were becoming +uneasy, when Captain Raleigh looked up suddenly. + +"Pass the word for the first officer," he instructed. + +Jack sprang to obey and in a moment the first officer of the _Queen +Mary_ was in the cabin. + +"Shape your course for Jutland proper," ordered Captain Raleigh. + +The first officer saluted and obeyed. + +"We'll go back to the wireless room," Captain Raleigh informed the two +lads. "I want to keep you boys near me for I may desire to ask a +question at any moment." + +The lads followed their commander back to the wireless room. + +"Any calls?" he asked the operator. + +"One coming now, sir." + +"Repeat it as it comes." + +"Very well, sir. _Indefatigable_ calling." + +"Ask her position." + +"Five miles south by southwest, sir." + +"Inform Captain Reynolds that we shall slow down and wait for him to +come up with us." + +"Very well, sir." + +The operator sent the message. + +"O.K., sir, signed, 'Reynolds,'" the operator reported a few moments +later. + +"Ask her if she has picked up any other vessels." + +"Destroyers _Fortune_ and _Shark_, sir," reported the operator a little +later. + +"Good. Give Captain Reynolds our position and tell him to keep working +his wireless. Tell him we are likely to need every ship we can bring +up." + +"Very well, sir." + +The operator sent the message. + +"O.K., again, sir," he reported. + +Captain Raleigh passed a slip of paper to the operator. + +"On this," he said, "are enumerated the ships that should be somewhere +in these waters. Pick up as many of them as you can. As you give the +warnings when answered check them off on the list. If any information +is asked, call me." + +"Very well, sir," replied the operator, taking the slip of paper. "No +other instructions, sir?" + +"No. Send the same message as you sent to the _Indefatigable_." + +Captain Raleigh motioned Frank and Jack to follow him and left the +room. + +"I want you two to attend me closely," he informed the lads. "I shall +have lots of leg work that must be done from now until we sight the +enemy and even after that. You shall act as my orderlies tonight and +while the battle lasts." + +Frank and Jack were considerably flattered by this. They knew that +Captain Raleigh had been pleased with their work. + +They saluted. + +"Very well, sir," they exclaimed in a single breath. + +"I want one of you to report to the wireless room, room, ready to bring +me any message that may come," instructed Captain Raleigh. "The other +will stay here. You can suit yourselves about your positions." + +"I'll go to the wireless room, then, sir," said Frank. + +"Very well. Report to me instantly a message is received." + +Frank saluted and took his departure. Jack stood at attention in +Captain Raleigh's cabin as the commander of the _Queen Mary_ again +plunged into a mass of charts. + +Captain Raleigh sprang to his feet and opened his watch. + +"Four o'clock," he said. "We won't reach Skagerak until well after six. +I am in hopes the Germans will not try to pass through before early +morning. We shall be ready for them then." + +"How big a fleet have we there now, sir?" asked Jack. + +"None, to speak of. Two or three cruisers and a couple of torpedo +boats. I believe we have a submarine or two there also, though I cannot +be sure of that." + +"We'll lick 'em, sir," said Jack, enthusiastically. + +Captain Raleigh smiled. + +"I hope so," he said quietly. + +At that moment the first officer called from the bridge. + +"Battleship overhauling us fast, sir." + +"Probably the _Indefatigable_," said Captain Raleigh. + +He went on deck. Jack followed him. + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +CHANGED ORDERS + + +At the same moment Frank came running up. + +"_Indefatigable_ reports she has sighted us, sir!" + +"Good!" exclaimed Captain Raleigh. "I felt sure it was the +_Indefatigable_. Tell her we shall steam slowly until she comes up with +us." + +Frank saluted and returned to the wireless room. + +Now Captain Raleigh gave an order to the first officer. + +"Have all hands piped to quarters, Mr. MacDonald." + +Instantly, all became bustle aboard the _Queen Mary._ Men rushed hither +and thither; but in a moment order was restored out of the seeming +confusion. + +Followed by Jack, his first and second officers, Captain Raleigh made +an inspection of the giant battleship. + +He addressed the different groups of men as he passed and told them +what was about to transpire. + +"It is likely to be a one-sided battle at first," he told the men +quietly, "but I know that none of you will shrink because of that. You +have fought against odds before now. You will not mind doing it again." + +The men cheered him. + +His tour of inspection completed, Captain Raleigh ordered: + +"Let each man be served with a good meal and let them have two hours +sleep--all but the watches." + +The necessary orders were given and a short time later the men were +eating heartily. Then they went to their quarters, where some lay down +to sleep while others sat in groups and discussed the impending battle. + +Shortly after five o'clock Frank and Jack found themselves alone in +their cabin, having been relieved of duty for an hour. + +"It's going to be a great fight, Frank," declared Jack. + +"You bet it is. It will be the greatest naval battle of history, if the +bulk of the British fleet comes up in time. Never before has such a +vast array of giant fighting ships as will be engaged in this struggle +contended for supremacy. In total tonnage engaged and in the matter of +armament and complement it will outrival even the victory of Nelson at +Trafalgar and the defeat of the Spanish Armada. And the British, as +always, will win." + +"Let us hope so. But, as you and I know, the Germans are no mean +opponents. Considering the fact that, since the outbreak of the war, +they have had little opportunity to practise war tactics on the sea and +practically no chance at all to practise gunnery, the few battles that +have been fought have proven them foemen worthy of the best we have to +offer." + +"True," said Frank. "Until reinforcements arrive they will outnumber +us. I don't know how many to one." + +"To my mind it is foolish to engage the German fleet with only a few +ships," said Jack. "It won't gain us anything. I believe we should +retreat slowly and draw them on." + +"I believe that would be a much better plan. We might engage them at +long range, running slowly before them. Then, when the main fleet came +up, we would take them by surprise." + +And even at that moment the same plan was being revolved in the mind of +Vice-Admiral Beatty as, in his flagship, the _Lion_, he steamed swiftly +northward. + +By this time the battleship _Indefatigable_ had drawn up almost on even +terms with the _Queen Mary._ The wireless of both ships were busy as +the commanders exchanged greetings and discussed their plans for +battle. A little later, as the _Indefatigable_ drew even closer, +Captain Reynolds of the _Indefatigable_ flashed this message: + +"I am coming aboard you." + +Half an hour later he came over the side of the _Queen Mary_ and +disappeared with Captain Raleigh in the latter's cabin. Directly an +aide was despatched for Frank and Jack, who made their way to their +commander's quarters. + +"So!" exclaimed Captain Reynolds, when his eye fell on Jack, "this lad +is one of the two who gained this important information, eh? Let me +hear your story again, sir." + +Jack repeated the account of the adventures he and his friend had had +the night before. Captain Raleigh produced the paper the lads had taken +from the commander of the German air squadron and the two commanders +scanned it together. + +"Well, there is one thing in our favor," said Captain Reynolds. "The +Germans will fail to get the air support they are expecting." + +"There probably will be other aircraft with the fleet," said Captain +Raleigh. + +"Most likely. Probably a Zeppelin or two with them. Fortunate we have +these new anti-aircraft guns aboard. They weren't completed any too +soon. Raleigh, what ships are in the Skagerak now?" + +"Only three, I believe. The _Glasgow, Albert_ and the _Victoria_, the +former a battle cruiser and the latter two torpedo boats. If we can +arrive in time there will be five of us. Then, if the _Warspite_, the +_Invincible_ and the cruisers _Defense, Black Prince_ and _Warrior_ +come up in time we will be more on even terms." + +"Exactly. But the main fleet, farther south, will hardly arrive in time +I am afraid; and, by the way, you are wrong in your calculations. The +_Warspite_ is with the main fleet." + +"Is that so? So, then, is the _Edinsburgh_, the _Tiger_, the +_Peerless_, the _Terror_, the _George IV_ and the _Richard_?" + +"Yes; those, with a dozen battle cruisers and a score of torpedo boats, +comprise the main fleet. If they arrive in time, the Germans must +either run or be sent to the bottom." + +At this moment a message was handed to Captain Raleigh from the +wireless room. + +"Change in orders," said the commander briefly, after scanning the +piece of paper. "We are to engage the enemy at long range and seek to +draw him farther into the North Sea. Orders have been sent to the three +ships off Jutland to fall back before the approach of the enemy until +we can join them, if they sight the enemy before we arrive. If not, we +are all to retire slowly. The _Invincible_, three cruisers and half a +dozen torpedo boats will join us soon after dawn. The main fleet cannot +arrive until two hours before noon." + +"By Jove, Raleigh!" exclaimed Captain Reynolds, "I am better satisfied +with those orders. There is more chance of success now. It would have +been foolhardy for us to engage the whole German fleet." + +"I agree with you." + +"Well, I'll get back to my vessel now." + +Captain Reynolds arose and extended his hand to his fellow commander. + +"In case----" he said simply. + +Captain Raleigh gripped the hand. Then he accompanied Captain Reynolds +and saw him over the side. + +It was now after 6 o'clock. The German fleet was due off Jutland at +almost any moment. Captain Raleigh and Jack made their way to the +wireless room. + +"Get the _Glasgow_," commanded Captain Raleigh of the operator. + +"_Glasgow! Glasgow_!" went the call. + +"_Glasgow!_" came the reply a few moments later. + +This conversation between the two commanders ensued: + +"Have you sighted the enemy?" This from the _Queen Mary_. + +"No," from the _Glasgow_. + +"Have any of your consorts picked up the foe?" + +"Not yet." + +"You received my earlier instructions?" + +"Yes. We are holding our ground until we sight the enemy. Then we shall +retire. How long before you will come up with us?" + +"In your present position, two hours. If you fall back, we shall, of +course, be with you sooner. Are you ready for action?" + +"Yes; cleared." + +"Good. I am giving my men all the rest possible. Goodbye." + +"Funny," said Captain Raleigh to Jack, "they should have sighted the +enemy by this time." + +"It would seem so, sir," agreed Jack. + +"Well, they probably will be in sight by the time we come up with the +_Glasgow_," said Captain Raleigh. + +But two hours later, when the _Queen Mary_ and _Indefatigable_ came up +with the other British ships, no enemy had been sighted yet. It was +then almost nine o'clock. + +"You are sure you have not miscalculated the time?" Captain Raleigh +asked of Frank and Jack. + +"Positive, sir," replied the former. "Besides, you have the document +relating to the attack." + +"True enough. The enemy probably has been delayed. Or perhaps they will +await the coming of daylight." + +"It would be better if they did, for us, I mean, wouldn't it, sir?" +asked Frank. + +"Much better," replied his commander briefly. + +"Then let us hope that is what happens." + +"But I am afraid it won't happen," said Jack. "If the Germans get this +far safely, they won't wait for us to overtake them." + +"No; you're right there," said Captain Raleigh. "The thing that worries +me is that, if they do get by us, they will spread out all over the +sea. They will be able to raid the British coast, may succeed in +running through the English channel, and then we shall have to round +them up all over again. They would scatter over the seven seas." + +"Then we've got to lick 'em," declared Frank, grimly. + +Captain Raleigh smiled. + +"That's the spirit I like to see," he said quietly. "It is the spirit +that has carried the British flag to victory against overwhelming odds +on many occasions." + +"But he is not an Englishman, sir," said Jack with a smile. + +"What?" exclaimed Captain Raleigh. "Not an Englishman? Then what is +he?" + +"American," was Jack's reply. + +"Oh, well, it amounts practically to the same thing," declared Captain +Raleigh. + +"Next to being an American," said Frank, quietly, "I would be English." + +The first officer, Lieutenant MacDonald, burst into the captain's cabin +at this moment. + +"Message from the _Glasgow_, sir!" he exclaimed. "German battle +squadron, steaming at twenty knots, sighted five miles off Jutland, +sir!" + + + +CHAPTER XV + +THE FIRST GUN + + +Skagerak, in which the greatest naval battle of history was about to be +fought, is an arm of the North Sea between Norway and Denmark. The +scene of the battle was laid off Jutland and Horn Reef, on the southern +extremity of Denmark. + +From the reef of Heligoland, the main German base in the North Sea, to +Jutland, is about one hundred miles as the crow flies. Therefore, it +became evident that the German high sea fleet must have left the +protection of that supposedly impregnable fortress some time before. + +That the advance of the German fleet had been well planned was +indicated by the very fact that it could successfully elude the British +cruisers patrolling the entrance to the mine fields that guarded +Heligoland itself. Could a British fleet of any size have got between +the German high sea fleet and Heligoland the menace of the German fleet +would have ended for all time. + +At the moment, however, the British warships were scattered over the +North Sea in such a manner as to preclude such an attempt; and the best +Admiral Beatty and Admiral Jellicoe could hope for was to come up with +the German fleet and give battle, preventing, if possible, the escape +of any units of the fleet to other parts of the sea and to drive all +that the British could not sink back to Heligoland. + +The German dash of one hundred miles across the North Sea was a bold +venture and one that the British had not believed the Germans would +attempt at that time. British vigilance had been lax or the German +fleet could never have gone so far from its base without discovery; and +this laxity proved costly for the British; and might even have proven +more costly still. + +Above the German fleet came a fleet of aircraft, augmented to a great +degree by three powerful Zeppelin balloons. Lying low upon the water +also was a fleet of German submarines. + +As the German fleet approached Jutland on the night of May 31, it was +shrouded in darkness. The night was very black and a heavy fog hung +over the sea. The night could not have been better for the attempt, +which would, in all probability have succeeded, had it not been for the +fact that the British had been forewarned. + +Forewarned is forearmed; and this fact alone prevented the Germans from +carrying out their designs. It is history that the approach of the +German fleet had been reported to the commander of the British cruiser +_Glasgow_ by an aviator, who had sailed across the dark sea in a +hydroplane. Whether the Germans knew that there were but three British +vessels in the Skagerak cannot be told, but certainly they believed +they were in sufficient strength to force a passage, particularly by a +surprise attack, which they believed the present venture would be. + +Therefore, it must have been a great disappointment to the German +admiral when a single big gun boomed in the distance. + +This was the voice of the British battleship _Queen Mary,_ which, +taking directions from the _Glasgow's_ aviator, had fired the opening +shot, telling the Germans that their approach had been discovered and +that the passage of the Skagerak would be contested. + +Immediately the German fleet slowed down; for the German admiral had no +means of knowing the strength of the British fleet at that point. +Hurried orders flashed back and forth. A few moments later three +aeroplanes, which had been hanging low above the German fleet, dashed +forward. + +They had been ordered forth to ascertain the strength of the British. + +In almost less time than it takes to tell it they were directly above +the British fleet, which, so far, consisted only of five ships of war-- +besides the _Glasgow,_ an armored cruiser, the _Albert_ and _Victoria_, +torpedo boats, being the _Queen Mary_ and _Indefatigable_. + +As the Germans approached in the air, a hydroplane ascended from each +of the British ships and British aviators gave chase to the enemy. One, +which had come too close, was brought down; but the other two returned +safely to the shelter of the German fleet, where the British dare not +follow them because of the presence of a superior force of the enemy. + +But the German aviators had learned what they had been sent to learn. +They had discovered the strength of the British. Again sharp orders +were flashed from the German flagship. + +The fleet came on faster. + +Captain Raleigh, because of his seniority, had taken command of the +small British squadron. He had drawn his ships up in a semicircle, +heads pointed to the foe. As his aviators signalled that the Germans +were again advancing, Captain Raleigh gave the command that had been +long eagerly awaited by the men--a command which the commander of the +_Queen Mary_ had delayed giving until the last moment because he +desired to give his men all the rest he could. + +"Clear for action!" he thundered. + +Jack glanced at his watch and as he did so eight bells struck. + +"Midnight!" + +The exclamation was wrung from Frank. + +"And no aid for at least three hours," said Jack, quietly. + +As the lad spoke the fog suddenly lifted and gave to the British a view +of the advancing German fleet. + +"Forward turret guns!" cried Captain Raleigh, "Fire at will!" + +A terrible salvo burst from the 16-inch guns in the forward turret. + +At almost the same moment the leading German ships opened fire. + +The first few salvos from each side did no damage, for the range had +not been gauged accurately. + +It became apparent now that the German admiral had no intention of +risking all his first line ships in this encounter. Apparently he had +decided that his smaller vessels were fully capable of coping with the +small number of the enemy that was contesting his advance. + +From the shelter of the larger ships advanced the battle cruisers. Not +a battleship nor a dreadnaught came forward. But the smaller ships +dashed on swiftly and presently their guns found the range. + +A shell burst aboard the _Glasgow's_ bridge, carrying away nearly the +entire superstructure. The captain and his first officer were killed, +and many men were injured as huge splinters flew in all directions. +Under the command of the second officer, the _Glasgow_ fought back. + +A shell from her forward turret burst aboard the closest German vessel +and there was a terrific explosion, followed by a series of blasts not +so loud. Came fearful cries from aboard the enemy. + +And then the whole sky was lighted up for miles around as the German +ship sprang into a brilliant sheet of flame. For perhaps two minutes it +lighted up the heavens; then there was another violent explosion and +the German cruiser disappeared beneath the water with a hiss like that +of a thousand serpents. + +A cheer rose on the air--a loud British cheer. + +"One gone," said Frank, quietly. + +"Yes, but only one gone," replied Jack. + +"Yes, but it's two o'clock now," said Frank, hopefully. + +"About time to begin our retreat then," said Jack. + +And the order for retreat came a few moments later. + +The five British ships--for all were still able to navigate in spite of +the damage that had been inflicted--came about in a broad circle and +headed westward. + +Then it was the Germans' time to cheer and they did so with a will. It +was not often that a British battleship had fled before a German ship +or ships and the Germans, since the war opened, had little chance to +cheer such a procedure. But now that they had such a chance, they +cheered their best Apparently, they had lost sight of the fact that the +British were retiring before superior numbers, and that, even in spite +of that and the fact that they now were retreating, they still had the +best of the encounter so far. + +For one German cruiser lay at the bottom of the sea. + +The British retreat was slow; and, for some unaccountable reason, the +Germans did not press forward as swiftly as they might have done. +Whether they feared a trap, or whether the German admiral had +determined to await the coming of day before disposing of the enemy, +was not apparent. But that he had some plan in mind, every Briton +realized. + +"The longer he holds off the better," said Frank. + +"Right," agreed Jack. "Of course, we probably could run away from them +if they pressed us too hard, but we wouldn't; and for that reason he +should be able to dispose of us if he came ahead swiftly." + +"Wonder why some of these Zeppelins and airships haven't come into +action?" said Frank. + +"I don't know. Perhaps the Germans are afraid of losing one of them. +They probably have other uses for them, for, should they break through +here, it is likely they have their plans laid. What time have you?" + +"Three thirty," said Frank, after a glance at his watch. "An hour, +almost, till daylight. Do you suppose the others will arrive on time?" + +"I hope so. It would be better, of course, if they arrived while it is +yet dark, for then they might come up unseen. But with their arrival we +still will be outnumbered; and, realizing that, the Germans, when the +day breaks, will press the attack harder." + +"I guess we will manage to hold them till the main fleet arrives in the +morning," said Frank, hopefully. + +"We will have to hold them," declared Jack. + +At this moment the lads' attention was directed to the cruiser +_Glasgow_. Already badly damaged, a second German shell had now burst +amidships with a loud explosion. + +"And that settles the _Glasgow_," said Jack, sadly. + +He was right. Gamely the _Glasgow_ fought back, but it was apparent to +all, in spite of the darkness, that she was settling lower and lower in +the water. + +"And we can't rescue the men," said Frank. "Remember the admiralty +orders. No ship in action is to go to the aid of another. It would be +suicide." + +"So it would," said Jack. "Poor fellows." + +Slowly the _Glasgow_ settled; and for a moment the fire of all the +other vessels--Germans as well as British--lulled a bit. All eyes were +bent on the sinking ship. + +A wireless message was flashed from the _Glasgow_ to Captain Raleigh of +the _Queen Mary_. + +"Goodbye," it said. "Hold them!" + +After that there was no further word from the doomed cruiser. + +The searchlights of both fleets played full upon the _Glasgow_ as she +settled lower in the water. She staggered, seemed to make an effort to +hold herself afloat, and then sank suddenly. + +The duel of big guns broke out afresh. + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +THE BATTLE + + +Dawn. + +With the breaking of the intense darkness what a surprise was in store +for the Germans! + +Back of the four remaining British ships that had at first engaged the +Germans, interrupting their dash and holding them in check until the +arrival of a force strong enough to engage the foe more closely, came +now the relief promised by Vice-Admiral Beatty. + +Gathered from various parts of the North Sea, they had steamed toward +Jutland, and, arriving there at almost the same time, they had assumed +battle formation in the darkness. + +That the British were approaching must have been known by the German +admiral, for their wireless apparatus had been working unceasingly, +telling of their approach, and these signals must have been caught by +the German warships, though, because sent in code, they were +undecipherable. Nor could the enemy tell, by the sound, just how close +the British were. + +Captain Raleigh, too, as well as the other British commanders, had +known the other English ships were forming some distance back. Toward +these they now retreated; and just as dawn broke, and the British +sailors obtained their first view of the promised assistance--and +greeted the new arrivals with cheers--the British advanced to the +attack. + +The German admiral, taking in the situation, knew that he still +outnumbered the British--that the advantage was still with him. He +determined to give battle. He knew, too, that it was only a question of +time until the main British fleet would approach and he determined to +win the battle before the arrival of new foes. He signalled an advance. + +The British fleet was great and powerful--but not so great and powerful +as the German by far. As the _Queen Mary, Indefatigable_ and the two +torpedo boats fell back, still the center of German fire and still +hurling shell, seeking their proper places in the battle line, the +other British vessels came on. And presently the _Queen Mary_ and +others had gained their places in the formation. + +Ahead of the larger ships now--the _Queen Mary_, the _Indefatigable_ +and the _Invincible,_ advanced the speediest of light cruisers--the +_Defense_, the _Biack Prince_ and the _Warrior_. Behind these, spread +out fan-wise, came the destroyers _Tipperary, Turbulent, Nestore, +Alcaster, Fortune, Sparrow Hawk, Ardent_ and the _Shark_. The _Albert_ +and _Victoria_ also had fallen in line, though badly battered by the +effects of the German shells during the night. + +Then the three battle cruisers advanced; and as the battle opened, far +back came the battleship _Marlborough_, hurrying to join in the +struggle. + +The German fleet advanced to the attack in a broad semi-circle. The +flagship, the _Westphalen_, a dreadnaught of 18,600 tons, was squarely +in the center. To her left was the battleship _Pommern_ and next the +_Freiderich_; to her right the battleships _Wiesbaden_ and _Frauenlob_. +Beyond the battleships to the left were the cruisers _Hindenburg_ and +_Lutzow_, and beyond the battleships to the right the cruisers _Elbing_ +and _Essen_. Torpedo boats, more than a score of them, also spread far +on either side. + +Directly behind the single dreadnaught and the battleships came a +flotilla of submarines, ready to dash forward at the proper moment and +launch their deadly torpedoes. Overhead, and moving forward, were the +three giant Zeppelins and a flotilla of other aircraft. + +Of all the vessels engaged, the _Queen Mary_ was the largest. The +_Marlborough_, advancing rapidly, came next and then the German +dreadnaught _Westphalen_. The British battle cruisers _Indefatigable_ +and _Invincible_ were the next most powerful, in the order named, and +the other German vessels were by far superior to the British. + +Now, as the battle opened with the greatest fury, another British +vessel was sighted to the westward. It was the _Lion_, the flagship of +Vice-Admiral Beatty, steaming at full speed ahead. + +Over the tops of the three British cruisers, light vessels travelled +swiftly toward the enemy, the larger ships opened with their big guns. +The range was found almost with the first salvo and shells began to +drop aboard the enemy. + +The British cruiser _Defense_, making straight for the German +dreadnaught _Westphalen_, hurled a shell aboard the German flagship +that burst amidships. There was a terrible explosion and men were +hurled into the water in little pieces. A hole was blown through the +upper deck. + +But the _Defense_ paid dearly for this act. The forward guns of the +_Westphalen_ poured a veritable rain of shells upon the British vessel +and in a moment she was wounded unto death. + +There was nothing the other vessels of the fleet could do to aid her; +and it was plainly apparent that she must sink. But the British tars +stuck to their guns and they continued to hurl shells into the German +line until the water of the North Sea washed over them. + +The _Defense_ was gone. + +This left the _Black Prince_ and the _Warrior_ alone before the larger +British vessels and they stood to their work gallantly. The fire of +both cruisers was centered on the German flagship; and it was plain +that if they continued at their work the _Westphalen_ was doomed. + +An order was flashed to the German Zeppelins. Two sped forward. + +Captain Raleigh of the _Queen Mary_ saw them advancing and the forward +anti-aircraft gun was unloosened. The first Zeppelin, flying low, was +pierced before it had moved forward a hundred yards; and it fell into +the sea between the German battleships, a flaming mass. But the second +came on. + +Above the _Black Prince_ the Zeppelin paused. Something dropped through +the air. There was a flash, an explosion and a dense black cloud rolled +across the water. When it had cleared the _Black Prince_ was gone! + +The anti-aircraft guns of the _Queen Mary_ and the _Indefatigable_ +fired furiously at the Zeppelin; and a few moments later a shot from +the latter struck home. The second Zeppelin fell into the sea. By this +time the _Marlborough_ had drawn up with the _Queen Mary_ and the other +large British ships; and now these advanced majestically. + +The first to encounter the weight of their guns was the German +battleship _Pommern_, of 12,900 tons. Raked fore and aft, she was soon +ablaze. Her crew leaped into the sea, almost as one man, following an +explosion in her boiler room; and the water was dark with bobbing +heads. + +The _Pommern's_ sister ship, the _Freiderich_, slowed down and gave +assistance in picking up the crew of the former vessel; and while she +was engaged in this work no British gun fired at her. + +Gradually the _Marlborough_, the _Queen Mary_, the _Indefatigable_ and +the _Invincible_ drew closer together as they advanced upon the +Germans. Shells burst over them with regularity, but so far none had +reached a vital spot. + +The _Queen Mary_ turned all her forward guns on the _Westphalen_ and +raked her fore and aft. In vain the other vessels of the German fleet +sought to detract the _Queen Mary's_ fire. Captain Raleigh had started +out with the intention of disposing of the German flagship and he was +determined not to heed the others until the _Westphalen_ had been sent +to the bottom. + +It was no easy task he had set for himself, for he now was the center +of fire of the whole German fleet--almost. A submarine darted forward +to save the _Westphalen_. The quick eye of a British gunner caught it. +He took aim and fired. The submarine disappeared. + +With a view to disposing of the enemy immediately, Captain Raleigh +ordered that one of the two forward torpedoes be launched. + +There was a hiss as the little tube was released. The distance was so +close now that a miss was impossible. There was an instant of silence, +followed by a terrible rending sound; then a loud blast. The torpedo +had reached the _Westphalen's_ boiler room. + +Quickly the German admiral and his officers clambered over the side and +rowed to the _Wiesbaden_, where they were taken on board and the +admiral's flag run up. The _Westphalen_ was abandoned; and she sank a +few moments later. + +In the meantime, the British cruiser _Warrior_, of 13,500 tons, had +been sent down by the explosion of a German shell which had reached her +magazine. So rapidly had she settled that not a man of her crew +escaped. Thus had the three light battle cruisers of the British--the +vessels that had shown the way--been disposed of. + +At this moment Vice-Admiral Beatty and his flagship, the _Lion_, +entered the battle. The great guns of the flagship roared above the +others and the battleship _Frauenlob_, singled out by her fire, soon +sank. + +In spite of the German losses, the British, so far, had had the worst +of the encounter and the German admiral, despite the loss of his +flagship, had no mind to give up the battle. He pushed to closer +quarters. + +Now the fighting became more terrific. Shells struck upon all ships +engaged at intervals of a few seconds apart. Frequently loud explosions +were heard above the voices of the great guns; and in most cases these +signified the end of a ship of war. + +Among the smaller vessels--the torpedo boats--which had singled each +other out, the execution had been terrible. Dead and wounded strewed +the decks and there was no time for the uninjured to give aid. They +were too busy attending to their guns and manoeuvering their vessels. + +But the outcome of an engagement such as this could have but one +result, it seemed. Outnumbered as they were and fighting as bravely as +they knew how, the British were getting the worst of it. Rather than +sacrifice more lives and ships, Vice-Admiral Beatty, on the _Lion_, +gave the signal to retire. He was in hopes that the Germans would +follow and thus fall into the clutches of the main British fleet which +was advancing at full speed and with which Vice-Admiral Beatty had been +in communication by wireless. + +The Germans accepted the bait as the British drew off slowly; and as +they advanced more ships steamed up from the east. It was a second +German squadron advancing to the aid of the first. + +There was a cry of surprise from the British, for they had not known +that there was a second fleet in such close proximity. These new +vessels evidently were the reserves the German admiral had been +depending upon to turn the tide of battle should his first line ships +not be able to overcome the British. + +Seeing apparent victory within his grasp, the German admiral signalled +his fleet to full speed; so the British retreated more rapidly. + +Suddenly there was a terrible explosion to the right of the _Queen +Mary_. Frank and Jack, as well as all others on the _Queen Mary_, gazed +in that direction. The battle cruiser _Invincible_ suddenly sprang into +a sheet of flame and parted in half. A German shell had struck her +vitals. + +A cry of despair broke from the British as the _Invincible_--the +greatest British ship to suffer so far--dived beneath the waves. + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +THE MAIN FLEET ARRIVES + + +It was by a miracle, it seemed, that the _Queen Mary,_ the +_Indefatigable_, the _Marlborough_ and the _Lion_, now in the front +line, had escaped being struck in their vitals by the German shells +that flew all about. On the _Queen Mary_, dead men and wounded men +strewed the deck. They were being carried below as rapidly as possible, +where the ship's surgeon, with a corps of assistants, was attending to +their wounds. + +Frank and Jack had been working like demons. From one part of the ship +to the other they had been running with orders ever since the battle +opened. The heart of each lad was in his throat--not because of fear-- +but because the British were getting the worst of the engagement. Never +before had they seen an enemy fleet stand up to a British squadron of +this size and fight. Always before it had been the German policy to +run. + +But now they were not only standing up to the British, but were giving +them a bad thrashing. Each lad realized, of course, that the British +were out-numbered and that the weight of guns was in favor of the +enemy; but in spite of this they felt that the enemy should be +defeated. They cast occasional glances to the west, hoping to catch +sight of the main British fleet, which should be drawing near now. + +But at nine o'clock there was no smoke on the horizon. + +The loss of the _Invincible_ had been a hard blow to the British. As +the others retreated now the Germans pressed them closely. A shot +struck the _Marlborough_ in the forward turret, exploding her guns +there and killing the gun crews. The effect of the explosion was +terrible. Men were hurled high in the air and came down in small +pieces. + +Jack, in the forward turret of the _Queen Mary_ a moment later, was +hurled to the deck as a German shell struck one of the guns and blew it +to pieces. The lad escaped the rain of steel that descended a moment +later, but others in the turret were not so fortunate. Fully half the +men there were killed or wounded so badly that they could fight no +more. + +Jack sprang to one of the guns himself. It was loaded. Quickly the lad +sighted it upon one of the enemy ships and fired. + +He watched the effect of this shot. It was the German cruiser _Elbing_ +at which he had aimed. He saw a cloud of missiles ascend from amidships +and knew that the shot had struck home. + +Jack forgot all about reporting to Captain Raleigh for further orders, +and as the battle raged, he continued to fire one of the big 16-inch +guns--he and other unwounded British tars. + +Frank had not seen his chum for an hour; and chancing to poke his head +into the forward turret, he was surprised to see Jack working like a +Trojan with the members of the gun crew. + +"Good work, Jack! Keep it up!" he called. + +Jack looked in Frank's direction long enough to wave his hand; then +turned back to his work. + +Came a loud British cheer. "What's happened?" demanded Jack of the man +next him, shouting at the top of his voice to make himself heard above +the din of battle. + +The man shook his head. + +"Don't know," he shouted back, "unless the main fleet has been +sighted." + +"We might have sunk one of the enemy," said another. + +As a matter of fact, both men were right. + +Two German torpedo boats had gone to the bottom almost simultaneously +under well directed British shots; and, far back across the sea, a +flotilla of battleships had been sighted. + +Apparently the Germans had not yet sighted the British reinforcements, +for they continued to press their foes hard. + +Four British torpedo boats had been sent to the bottom of the sea. They +were the _Tipperary_, the _Turbulent_, the _Nestore_ and the _Shark_. +The others gave slowly before the enemy; and a moment later two of +those sank--the _Sparrow Hawk_ and the _Ardent_. + +There now remained facing the entire German fleet the _Lion_, the +_Queen Mary_, the _Indefatigable_, the _Marlborough_ and two torpedo +boats, the _Fortune_ and the _Alcaster_. + +But the German losses had been great. The _Westphalen_ had been sunk. +So had the _Pommern_ and the _Freiderich_. The _Frauenlob_ had gone to +the bottom and the _Wiesbaden_, the new flagship, was badly crippled. +As another German torpedo boat sank, the Germans slackened their pace. + +The British had a breathing spell. + +But the battle was not over yet. The second German squadron had now +approached almost close enough to take a hand in the battle. Apparently +this Was what the German admiral was waiting for before resuming +operations. + +It was plainly evident now that the Germans had sighted the approaching +British fleet, but at that distance they were unable to make out its +strength. The German admiral decided to continue the battle if he could +do so with any hope of success. + +So, with the second squadron in range, he gave the command to advance +again. + +The _Queen Mary_ and the _Indefatigable_ bore the brunt of this next +attack and for half an hour it seemed that it was impossible for the +two ships to live through the rain of shells that fell all about them. +But live they did and they gave as good or better than they received. + +The German battleship _Hindenburg_, pierced by half a dozen shells at +almost the same time, staggered back and fell out of line. But the +British had no mercy on her. Shell after shell they poured upon her; +and at last she sank. + +The _Wiesbaden_, the German flagship, pressed hotly to the attack. +Although struck in a dozen places and her port side batteries out of +commission, she continued to play on the _Queen Mary_ and the +_Indefatigable_ with her forward turret guns. + +As a matter of fact, it was fortunate for the _Queen Mary_ and the +_Indefatigable_ that they had begun to retire; for their forward turret +guns had been silenced and the only pieces that they could now bring +into play were in the turrets aft. + +A shell from the German battleship _Lutzow_ exploded on the bridge of +the _Marlborough_. The bridge was carried completely away and the +commander of the ship was killed, as were half a score of other +officers. A second shell struck the _Marlborough_ and carried away her +steering apparatus. Absolutely uncontrollable now, the _Marlborough_ +drifted toward the _Lion_, with which she almost collided before the +_Lion_ could get out of the way. + +There was nothing that could be done for her until after the battle, at +any rate, and the others left her to her fate. Drifting as she was, the +_Marlborough_ continued her fire; and of a sudden she put a shot aboard +the _Lutzow_ in a vital spot. + +The _Lutzow_ blew up with a terrible roar. The crew of the +_Marlborough_ cheered and waved their hands to their companions on the +other British ships. + +Apparently this was more than the German admiral had bargained for. +With his whole second squadron intact and the British apparently +helpless, he had thought to crush these few ships before aid should +reach them; and then, if the approaching British were not too +formidable, to offer them battle also. + +Now there were only three British ships in line--the _Lion_, the +_Queen Mary_ and the _Indefatigable_--and these were really not fit +nor able to continue the fight. + +But the men fought on doggedly. None of the others had thought of +surrender and no such idea entered the head of a single man aboard any +of the British ships. Help was at hand and then the Germans would get +the thrashing of their lives, the men told themselves. They would keep +the Germans busy until this help arrived. + +Hardly a man aboard the _Queen Mary_ that had not been wounded. Sweat +poured from their faces, hands and body as they continued to fight +their guns; and as they fought they shouted and yelled encouragement to +one another. + +"Boom!" + +There was a different tone to this deep voice and every man on board +the hard pressed British ships knew what it meant. + +The first ship of the main British fleet had come within range and had +opened with her biggest gun. + +Other new voices took up the challenge and within a few moments the +roar of battle was at its height once more. + +Still a considerable distance away, the dimensions of the approaching +British fleet now became apparent to the German admiral. He had +thought, at first, that perhaps the newcomers would number a few ships, +attracted by the sounds of battle, but as he looked at the formidable +array now bearing down on him he knew that his plans, whatever they +were, had been frustrated. + +"And we had it all planned so carefully," he said between clenched +teeth. + +He strode up and down angrily, beating the palm of one hand with a +knotted fist. + +"How could they have learned of it?" he cried. "How could they?" + +He was very angry. An officer approached him. + +"Shall we draw off, sir?" he asked, and pointed to the fresh British +ships bearing down on them. + +"No!" thundered the admiral. "Why don't you sink those three ships +ahead of you there? Sink them, I tell you!" + +The officer saluted and moved away. + +For some moments the German admiral continued to talk to himself in +great anger; then he suddenly cooled down. With a finger he summoned +the officer who had accosted him a moment before. The officer +approached and saluted. + +"I forgot myself a moment ago," said the admiral. "You may give the +signal to retire!" + +A moment later the big German ships began to come about; and from the +decks of the _Queen Mary_, the _Lion_ and the _Indefatigable_ there +came loud British cheers. + +The _Marlborough_, still helpless, poured shell after shell upon the +enemy. + +Some distance away still, the British fleet was approaching in an +endeavor to intercept the retreat of the enemy. Captain Raleigh of the +_Queen Mary_ took in the situation at a glance. + +"They'll never do it!" he exclaimed. + +He determined upon a bold step. He gave command to bring the _Queen +Mary_ about. Then, disabled as his ship was, he started in pursuit of +the enemy. + +There was a cheer from the _Indefatigable_, and presently the head of +that vessel also came about She started after the _Queen Mary_! + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +THE SINKING OF THE "QUEEN MARY" + + +Perceiving this move by two vessels that he believed the same as at the +bottom of, the sea, so far as fighting purposes went, the German +admiral became very angry again. + +"A blight on these English!" he exclaimed. "Don't they know when they +are beaten?" + +Certainly it seemed not, if the Admiral's version that they were +defeated was correct. + +The _Queen Mary_ and the _Indefatigable_ steamed after the enemy at +full speed. + +Jack had relinquished his duties in the gun turret to more experienced +hands and had joined Frank on deck. To some extent the forward turret +had been repaired and was now in condition to hurl more shells after +the fleeing enemy. + +It was well after noon when the Germans fled; and as the two British +ships followed close on the heels of the enemy--with the main British +fleet still some distance back--one of those deep impenetrable fogs +that often impede progress on the North Sea suddenly descended. + +It was indeed a boon to the fleeing Germans, for without its aid, there +is little likelihood that they could have escaped the British fleet, +which had the heels of the enemy. But the fog blotted the foe +completely from the sight of the main British fleet; and even from the +decks of the _Queen Mary_ and the _Indefatigable_, much closer, it was +impossible to make out the whereabouts of the Germans. + +The British continued to fire ahead into the fog, but with what result +it was impossible to tell. + +The fog became more dense until it was impossible to see ten yards +ahead. Even the great searchlights on the vessels failed to penetrate +the gloom. + +"Well, I guess that settles it," said Frank. + +"Looks that way," Jack agreed. "These Germans are pretty slippery +customers anyhow. It's impossible to catch them in the dark." + +"This fog descended as though it were all made to order for them," +Frank complained. + +"Pretty hard to beat a fellow when the elements are fighting on his +side," Jack admitted. "I imagine Captain Raleigh will give up the chase +now." + +But Jack was wrong, though, as it turned out, it would have been a +great deal better for all concerned if the chase had been abandoned at +that point. + +After some conversation with Captain Reynolds of the _Indefatigable_ by +wireless, Captain Raleigh announced that the pursuit would be continued +and ordered full speed ahead in the deep darkness. + +As the vessel gathered momentum, Frank exclaimed: + +"I don't like this. I feel as though something disastrous was about to +happen." + +"Another one of those things, eh?" said Jack, grinning in the darkness +that enveloped them. + +"What things?" + +"I never can remember what you call them. Premonitions, I mean." + +"You mean a hunch," said Frank, quietly. "Yes, that's just what I have +--a hunch." + +"Take it to Captain Raleigh. Maybe he will give you something for it," +said his friend. + +"This is no joking matter," declared Frank. "I'm not naturally nervous, +as you know, but right now my nerves are on edge." + +"Just the after effects of the battle," said Jack, quietly. "You are +all unstrung." + +"I'm unstrung, all right," Frank admitted, "but the battle had nothing +to do with it. I tell you something is going to happen." + +"Well, what?" + +"I don't know." + +"It's a poor hunch, unless it will tell you what is going to happen," +declared Jack. + +"Have it your own way," said Frank. "But wait." + +"I'm waiting," said Jack, cheerfully. + +The _Indefatigable_ also, following Captain Reynold's wireless +conversation with Captain Raleigh, had dashed after the retreating +Germans at full speed. + +Gradually, although in the darkness neither their commanders nor anyone +else on board realized it, the _Queen Mary_ and the _Indefatigable_, +dashing ahead at full speed as they were, were drawing closer together +at every turn of the screws. + +Frank's forebodings were about to bear fruit. + +Now, in the darkness, the vessels were running upon about even terms, +but the bows were both pointed toward an angle that would drive them +together in collision about a mile distant. Although none realized it, +this is what would happen unless the fog lifted suddenly. + +But the fog did not lift. + +Frank, try as he would could not shake off his spell. + +"I tell you." he said again to his chum, "something is going to happen +--and it's going to happen soon." + +There was so much force behind Frank's words--the lad seemed in such +deadly earnest--that Jack grew alarmed. He had had some experience with +these premonitions of Frank's. + +"What is it?" he asked anxiously. + +"I wish I knew," said Frank. "I----" + +Came a sudden shout forward; a cry from the bridge. Instinctively, +Frank threw out a hand and grasped Jack by the arm. + +Another series of startled cries, the tinkling of a bell in the engine +room; a shock as the engines were reversed--but it was too late. + +The two British warships came together with a terrible crash! + +So great was the force of the shock that Frank, standing on the far +side, was thrown clear over the rail. But the lad's grasp upon his +chum's arm was so tight that it dragged Jack along with him; and the +two boys fell into the sea together. + +Aboard both British ships all was confusion now. With startled cries, +men rushed on deck. Unable to see in the dense fog, they became panic +stricken. While these same men would have faced death bravely in +battle, they were completely bewildered at this moment. + +In vain the officers aboard both vessels sought to bring some semblance +of order out of the confusion. Something had gone wrong with the +electric lighting apparatus on both vessels. There was no light. The +fog was as thick as ever. The crews stampeded for the rails, but at the +rails they hesitated, for they did not wish to throw themselves into +the great unknown. + +Next came the stampede for life preservers. Men fought over their +possession, whereas, in cooler moments, hardly a man aboard either ship +who would not willingly have given the life preservers to companions. + +Had the men thrown themselves into the sea immediately, it is likely +that many of them would have been saved; but their hesitation cost them +dearly. + +In vain did the reversed engines of both ships work. The sharp steel +bow of the _Indefatigable_ had become so firmly embedded in the side of +the _Queen Mary_ that it could not be unloosened. + +And so the two battleships sank, together in their last moments as they +had been when they had faced almost certain destruction under the +muzzles of the great German guns such a short time before. + +Now men from both ships hurled themselves into the sea in an effort to +cheat the waters of their prey. Commanders and officers, however, +realizing that there was no hope of life even in the sea, so swiftly +were the ships sinking, stood calmly on the bridges and awaited the +end. For, they realized, the suction would be so strong when the +vessels took their final plunge, that all those anywhere near in the +water would be drawn under. + +Captain Raleigh sent a hail across the water in a loud voice. + +"Are you there, Reynolds?" + +"Right here, Raleigh," came back the response. "There is no hope here. +How about you?" + +"No hope here either," was Captain Raleigh's answer. + +"Goodbye, then," shouted Captain Reynolds. + +"Goodbye, old man!" + +They were the last words spoken by these two old friends, who had been +boys together, schoolmates and bosom companions. + +Suddenly the two ships took their final plunge. Men still on board, +those of the crew who had been frightened and had not cast themselves +into the sea, straightened instinctively as they felt the vessels give +beneath them. In the presence of death--when they knew it had arrived-- +they were as brave and courageous as in the midst of battle. + +So there was silence aboard the _Queen Mary_ and aboard the +_Indefatigable_ as the waves parted for their coming. All on board, +officers and members of the two crews as well, stood calmly, waiting +for the dark waters to close over them. + +The two ships made a last desperate effort to resist the call of the +sea. They failed. A moment later they disappeared from sight. No sound +came from the depths. + +When Frank and Jack had felt themselves in the water, the latter, +realizing immediately what would happen if the ships sank before they +had put some distance in between them, struck out swiftly toward what +he felt to be the south, giving Frank a hand as he did so. + +The latter recovered himself a moment later, however, and gasped. + +"I'm all right, Jack. Let me swim for myself." + +"All right," said Jack, "but keep close beside me. We'll have to hurry +or we shall be pulled under by the suction when the ships sink." + +Keeping close together they swam with powerful strokes. + +And so it was that they were out of harm's way when the two ships +disappeared from sight with a deafening roar as the waters closed over +them; they were beyond reach of the suction. + +"There they go," said Frank, sadly. + +"And it is only a miracle that prevented us from going with them," said +Jack. + +"We might as well have gone as to be in the middle of the North Sea," +said Frank. + +"Nonsense. While there's life there's hope." + +They swam on. + +Suddenly Jack's hand came in contact with something in the darkness. + +"A man!" he exclaimed. + +"What did you think I was? A fish?" came the reply. "I've a right to +escape as well as you." + +"Who are you?" asked Frank. + +At that moment, as suddenly as it had descended, the fog lifted. + +Jack looked at the other man in the water and uttered an exclamation of +pleasure. + +"Harris!" he cried. + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +ADRIFT + + +The great naval battle of Jutland was over. + +The British fleet now had given up pursuit of the fleeing Germans and +Vice-Admiral Beatty paused to take stock of his losses; and they were +enormous. + +Three great battle cruisers had gone to the bottom--the _Queen Mary_, +of 27,000 tons; the _Indefatigable_, of 18,750 tons, and the +_Invincible_, of 17,250 tons. Cruisers lost included the _Defense_, of +14,600 tons; the _Black Prince_; of 13,550 tons, and the _Warrior_, of +13,550 tons. The giant battle cruiser _Marlborough,_ of 27,500 tons, +had been badly damaged, as had the _Lion_ and other vessels. The +destroyers _Tipperary, Turbulent, Nestore, Alcaster, Fortune, Sparrow +Hawk, Ardent_ and _Shark_ had been sunk. Total losses ran high into the +millions and in the number of men above 7,000. + +The German losses had been less, but nevertheless, taking into +consideration damage done to the effectiveness of the two fleets as a +whole, the enemy had sustained the harder blow. The British fleet still +maintained control of the North Sea, while the Germans, because of +their losses, had been deprived of a large part of the fighting +strength of their fleet. The British, in spite of their heavier losses, +would recover more quickly than could the enemy. + +The dreadnaught _Westphalen_ was the largest ship lost by the Germans. +It was of 18,600 tons. The three German battleships lost, the +_Pommern_, the _Freiderich_ and the _Frauenlob_, were each of 13,350 +tons. Four battle cruisers had been sent to the bottom. They were the +_Elbing_, the _Essen_, the _Lutzow_ and the _Hindenburg_, each of +14,400 tons. The German losses in torpedo destroyers had been +particularly heavy, an even dozen having been sent to the bottom. +Besides this, the enemy had lost three submarines and two Zeppelin +airships, besides a number of smaller aircraft. In men the Germans had +lost slightly less than the British. + +And so both British and Germans counted the battle a victory; the +Germans because in total tonnage sunk they had the best of it; the +British, because they held the scene of battle when the fighting was +over and because the enemy had retired. + +But, no matter with which side rested the victory, there was no +gainsaying the fact that the battle of Jutland was the greatest naval +struggle of all time. + +After giving up pursuit of the enemy, the British withdrew. Damage to +the various vessels was repaired as well as could be done at sea and +the ships in need of a more thorough overhauling steamed for England, +where they would go into dry-dock. The bulk of the British fleet, +however, still in perfect fighting trim, again took up the task of +patrolling the North Sea, that no German vessels might make their +escape from the fortress of Heligoland, for which point the enemy +headed immediately after the battle. + +In spite of the severe losses of the Germans, the return of the high +sea fleet to Heligoland was marked by a grand ovation by the civil +population. Various reports were circulated on the island, and all +through Germany for that matter. One report had it that the entire +British fleet had been sent to the bottom; and Berlin, and all Germany, +rejoiced. + +But as time passed and the German fleet still remained secure behind +its fortifications, the German people began to realize that the victory +had not been so great as they had been led to believe. They knew they +had been fooled; and they vented their anger in many ways. + +Street riots occurred in Berlin and in others of the large cities. The +people demanded to be told the facts. Later they were told, in a +measure, but even then they were denied the whole truth. So conditions +in the central empires grew from bad to worse. + +Jack and Frank, struggling in the water where they had been hurled by +the collision of the _Queen Mary_ and the _Indefatigable_, were glad of +the company of Harris, who had bobbed up so suddenly alongside of them +in the darkness. + +Harris greeted Jack's exclamation of surprise with a grin. + +"Yes; it's me," he replied, discarding his grammar absolutely; "and I'm +glad to see you fellows again. Question is, what are we going to do +now?" + +"Well, you know as much about it as I do," declared Jack. "I haven't +any idea how far we are from shore, but I am afraid it is farther than +we can swim." + +All three cast their eyes over the water. There was not a spar nor +other piece of wreckage in sight. But Jack made out a few moments +later, some distance to the east, what appeared to be a ship of some +sort. He called the attention of the others to it. + +"Suppose we might as well head in that direction, then," declared +Harris. + +"Right," agreed Frank. + +He struck out vigorously and the others did the same. + +It was a long ways to that little speck on the water and the lads knew +that if the vessel were moving away from them they probably would be +lost. But at that distance the vessel seemed to be stationary, so they +did not give up hope. + +Half an hour later Frank exclaimed: "We're making headway. Ship must be +standing still." + +"Well, I wish it would come this way," declared Harris. "We're still a +long way from safety." + +"It's probably a German, anyhow," said Jack, "so if we are rescued it +will be only to be made prisoners." + +"That's better than being made shark bait," said Harris; "and, by the +way, speaking of sharks, I have heard that there were many of them in +these waters." + +Frank shuddered; for he had a wholesome disgust for the man eaters. + +"Hope they don't smell us," he said. + +"And so do I," agreed Jack. "We couldn't hope to fight them off, for we +have no arms." + +"I've got a knife," said Harris, "but I am afraid I wouldn't know what +to do with it should a shark get after me." + +The three became silent, saving all their strength for swimming. + +An hour later they had drawn close to the vessel. + +"It's a German all right," said Jack, regretfully. + +"Any port in a storm," said Harris. "That talk of shark a while back +made me feel sort of squeamish. I want to get out of this water." + +They continued to swim toward the ship. + +"Wonder what's the matter on board?" exclaimed Frank, suddenly. + +They had approached close enough now to see men rushing hurriedly about +the deck. Hoarse commands carried across the water, though the words +were unintelligible to the three swimmers at that distance. + +"Something wrong," said Jack, quietly. + +"That's what I call hard luck," declared Frank. "Here we think we have +reached a place of safety and something goes wrong." + +"Don't cry till you're hurt, youngster," said Harris, quietly. "The +ship is there and we're pretty close to it. Those fellows aboard, +German or English, are bound to lend us a hand." + +"I'm not so sure about that," declared Frank. + +"Well, I am," said Harris. "The German sailor is all right. It's the +German officer who makes all the trouble. They'll help us if they can." + +The three swimmers were a short distance from the ship now. + +Jack raised his voice in a shout. + +"Help!" he cried in German. + +There was no move aboard the German vessel to indicate that the lad's +cry had been heard. + +"Told you so," said Frank. + +"Don't cry too soon, youngster," said Harris. "We'll try it again, and +all yell together." + +They did and this time their cries were heard. + +Several men aboard the German vessel stopped their rushing about and +gazed across the sea in the direction of the swimmers. One man produced +a glass and levelled it in their direction. Then he turned to the +others and they could be seen to gesticulate excitedly. + +"One wants to save us and the others don't," declared Frank. + +For some moments the men continued to argue. One shook his finger in +the faces of the others and pointed in the direction of the swimmers. + +"You're all right," declared Frank, speaking of the one man. "Wish I +were there to lend you a hand. But I'm afraid the others are too much +for you." + +At this juncture the man who opposed the others produced a revolver and +made an angry gesture. He was ordering the others to the aid of the +three friends in the water. + +"By Jove!" said Harris. "He's all right. I'd like to be able to do him +a good turn." + +And the chance was to come sooner than he expected. + +Apparently the men aboard the German vessel had decided to obey the +order of the man who would save the three swimmers. A boat was lowered +over the side. + +Three men stood ready to leap into it. The hopes of the three friends +in the water rose high; but they were shattered a moment later in a +sudden and unexpected manner. + +A dull rumbling roar came suddenly across the water. Instantly all +became confusion aboard the German vessel. Officers shouted hoarse +commands and struck out with the flat of their swords as members of the +crew rushed for the rails. + +"An explosion!" cried Frank. "Swim back quickly." + +The others understood the significance of that strange rumbling aboard +the German vessel as quickly as Frank, and turning rapidly, they struck +out as fast as they could. + +An explosion such as that dull roar indicated could have but one result +and the lads knew it. Evidently there had been a fire on board--that +accounted for the strange activities of the men on the ship--and the +flames had reached the vessel's magazine. + +A second and a louder roar came now. Men jumped into the sea by the +scores and struck out vigorously that they might not be pulled under by +the suction when the ship sank. + +Then there came an explosion even louder than the rest. The great ship +parted in the middle as though cut by a knife. A huge tongue of flame +shot high in the air. Hoarse cries from aboard, screams and frightful +yells. Split in twain, the vessel settled fore and aft. + +A second huge tongue of flame leaped into the sky; and then the vessel +disappeared beneath the sea. + +Giant waves leaped in the direction taken by Jack, Frank and Harris. +The sea churned angrily about them and the three had all they could do +to keep their heads above water. Then the water calmed down. Frank +looked around and there, not fifty feet away, rolling gently on the +waves, was the small boat so recently lowered over the side of the +German vessel. + +With a cry to the others to follow him, Frank turned about and headed +for the boat with powerful strokes. + + + +CHAPTER XX + +FRIENDS AND FOES + + +There was reason for Frank's haste. + +Swimming close together and bearing down upon the boat from the +opposite direction--almost as close from their side as Frank was from +his--four German sailors were racing. + +They espied Frank and his friends at almost the same moment Frank saw +them. One uttered a cry and the others redoubled their efforts to beat +Frank to the boat. + +Jack and Harris took in the situation quickly. It was then that Jack +exerted himself to the utmost. His great, powerful strokes sent him +skimming through the water as lightly as a denizen of the deep. A dozen +strokes and he had passed Frank. A few more only, it seemed, and he +laid hold of the boat and drew himself aboard. Standing erect he looked +around quickly. Then, stepping forward, he picked up an oar. He moved +to the side of the boat where the Germans were approaching and raised +the oar aloft. + +"Keep off there!" he cried. + +The Germans uttered exclamations of alarm; but they came closer. + +"Keep back!" cried Jack, again. + +"But you won't let us drown!" exclaimed one of the enemy. + +"You stay there until my friends get aboard. Then I'll see what I can +do for you," replied Jack. + +With this the Germans were forced to be content; for they realized that +Jack held the upper hand. It would be impossible for them to climb +aboard while the lad stood there brandishing that oar. + +Frank laid hold of the boat a moment later and clambered over the side. +Harris was close beside him. Jack called a consultation. + +"There is plenty of room for those fellows in here," he said, "but-- +shall we let them in?" + +"We can't see them drown," said Frank. "Still, there is no telling how +long we shall be here. Is there sufficient water and food to go +around?" + +"I'll have a look," said Harris. "Enough for seven of us for about one +drink apiece," he said, after an exploration. "There is no food." + +"Well, what shall we do?" said Jack. + +"Let them come aboard," said Frank. "We can't see them perish without +raising a hand to help them." + +"And yet they would not have helped us a short time ago," said Jack. + +"One man would have helped us," said Harris. "Perhaps he is one of +these." + +"No, he's not," said Jack. "I would know him in a moment if I saw him. +I obtained a good look at his face." + +"Let them in anyhow," said Harris. + +"All right," said Jack. He called to the men in the water. "You fellows +climb aboard here, one at a time; and when you get in, remember you are +our prisoners. Any foolishness and we'll pitch you back again." + +The Germans offered no protest and climbed into the boat one at a time. + +"Sit in the back, there," said Jack. + +The men obeyed. + +"Now," said Jack, "I'll tell you where we stand. Water is scarce and +there is no food. We shall have to make for shore immediately. I'm in +command of this boat and you will have to obey me. Get out the oars and +row as I tell you." + +The Germans grumbled a bit but they obeyed. + +"No time to waste," said Jack, briefly. "We'll head south." + +He gave the necessary directions and the boat moved off. + +"Help!" came a sudden cry from the water. + +Jack looked in the direction of this sound. A single head came toward +them, swimming weakly. + +"Ship your oars, men," said Jack. + +There came a grumble from one of the Germans. + +"There is no more room," he declared. + +"No," agreed a second. "There is not enough water now. Why should we +let another man in the boat?" + +"Stop that!" said Jack, sharply. "Cease rowing!" + +The men made no move to obey. Jack stood up in the boat and stepped +forward. + +"Did you hear me?" he said quietly, though it was plain to Frank that +he was very angry. "Cease rowing!" + +"But----" began the nearest German. + +Jack wasted no further time in words. His left arm shot out and he +grasped the nearest German by the coat. Raising him quickly to his +feet, he struck him heavily with his right fist and then released his +hold. The man dropped to the bottom of the boat and lay still. + +"Any more?" asked Jack. "Cease rowing!" + +The remaining three Germans shipped their oars without a word, although +each bestowed an evil glance upon the lad. Frank, catching the look in +their eyes, muttered to himself: + +"They'll bear watching." + +"Harris," said Jack. "That man in the water is the one who would have +saved us a short time ago. He seems to be weak. Slip over the side and +lend him a hand, will you?" + +Harris did so without question and a moment or two later the German +tumbled into the boat, where he lay panting, blood streaming from an +open wound in his forehead. Harris climbed back in the boat. + +"Bandage him up as well as you can and give him a few drops of that +water," said Jack. + +For his part, Jack stooped over the German soldier he had so recently +knocked unconscious and raised him to a sitting posture. Reaching over +the side of the boat the lad wet his handkerchief and applied it to the +German's head. Soon the man recovered consciousness. + +"A drop of water here, too," said Jack, quietly. + +"Say," said Harris. "This water is precious scarce. We'll need it +ourselves." + +"But this man must have a little," said Jack. "Pass it along." + +Harris did not protest further and Jack allowed the German soldier to +moisten his tongue. + +"Now get back to your oars," the lad commanded. + +The German did as commanded and soon the little boat was leaping +lightly over the waves. + +"Take the helm, Frank," said Jack. + +Frank relieved Harris, who had been performing this duty. + +"Got your pocket compass, Frank?" asked Jack. + +"Yes." + +"Keep your course due south, then." + +"All right, sir," said Frank, with a smile. + +"Harris," said Jack, "I want you to stand guard over these sailors for +a few minutes. I want to have a talk with our latest arrival. I'll be +with you in a few minutes." + +Harris stepped forward. + +"Ought to have a gun, I suppose," he said. + +"I guess not," said Jack. "You and I together should be able to hold +these fellows in check." + +"Sure; unless they hit us over the head with an oar when we're not +looking." + +"But one of us must always be looking," said Jack, quietly. + +"Well, that's not a bad idea. I'll keep my eyes open." + +Jack moved to the side of the German who had been the last to get into +the boat. His wound had been bound up as well as possible under the +circumstances and he sat quietly, looking out over the water. + +"What vessel was that?" asked Jack. + +"_Hanover_" was the reply. + +"What was the trouble?" + +"Shot pierced our boiler room in the battle. Returning, we were lost +from the main fleet in the fog. Our wireless wouldn't work. Fire broke +out and we were unable to check the flames. When they reached the +magazine she exploded." + +"I see," said Jack. "It's fortunate you weren't drawn under with the +ship." + +"I was," said the German, briefly. + +"What?" exclaimed Jack. + +"Yes. I was drawn under. I thought I was done for. But, under the +surface of the sea there was a second explosion. I felt myself flying +up through the water and then I shot into the air. When I came down I +was not far from your boat. I called for help." + +"By Jove! you have had an experience few can boast of," said Jack. "I +wouldn't care to go through it." + +"Nor I--again," said the German. + +"Now," said Jack, "perhaps you can tell me the nearest way to shore." + +The German considered. + +"I am not a navigator," he said, "I was only a minor officer aboard the +_Hanover_. But I heard the captain say we were almost 100 miles from +the nearest coast line. I am afraid you will not be able to make it in +this boat, if your water is as scarce as you say." + +"By Jove!" said Jack, "we've got to make it. We don't want to drown out +here." + +"It's not always what we like," said the German officer, sententiously. + +"That's true enough," agreed Jack, "but I have a feeling I was not born +to be drowned. We'll find a way out." + +"I hope so. However, should you go ashore directly south of here you +would be within German lines and you would be made a prisoner." + +"Can't help that," said Jack. "I'd much rather be a live prisoner than +a dead sailor." + +The German smiled in spite of his wound, which, it was plain to all, +was giving him great pain. + +"Of course," he said, "there is always the possibility of a passing +ship." + +"That's what we thought before," said Jack. "When we saw your vessel we +thought we were safe. But you see how it turned out." + +"Well, you'll just have to select a course and stick to it," said the +German. "By the way, these men of mine. You are likely to have trouble +with them. In our present situation I do not consider that we are +enemies, so if the worst comes you may count on me to help you." + +"Thanks," said Jack. "I shall remember that." + +And the trouble was to come sooner than could have been expected. + +One of the German soldiers suddenly laid down his oars. + +"I want a drink!" he exclaimed. "I'll row no more until I have a +drink!" + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +A FIGHT FOR A BOAT + + +As by a prearranged signal, all four of the Germans threw down their +oars and jumped to their feet. Harris, at that moment, in spite of +Jack's warning, had been gazing across the sea absolutely unconscious +of his surroundings. He was lost in thought. + +Frank, at the helm, uttered a cry of warning even as the closest German +leaped for Harris and the latter wheeled quickly. He dodged just as the +man struck out with a knife he had drawn. + +"Want to cut me up, do you?" muttered Harris. + +In spite of the wabbling of the boat he fell into an attitude of +defense--the old fighting form that had won for him the championship of +the British navy in the squared circle. He didn't advance, for he +wasn't certain of his footing, the boat pitched so, but he felt fully +able to take care of himself. + +It was characteristic of him that he made no cry for help. He knew that +Jack must have heard Frank's cry of warning. He knew that he would get +all the assistance it was in Jack's power to give; and he felt that if +Jack were unable for any reason to aid him he must, nevertheless, give +a good account of himself. + +When Harris evaded the first blow, the German, caught off his balance, +pitched forward against him. Harris was almost toppled over, but he +threw his left arm around the man's neck and aimed a vicious blow at +him with his right fist. + +The German's knife arm, because of Harris' hold, dangled helpless at +his side. In vain he sought to get it in position where he could drive +the point into Harris' body. Harris realized the man's intention. With +a sudden move, he pushed the German from him and struck out as he did +so. The man staggered back, reeled unsteadily and toppled over the side +of the boat with a cry. + +The three other Germans rushed Harris at that moment. This time the +British sailor was not caught off his guard, and he held the men at +arm's length for several seconds. + +Meanwhile, Jack had leaped forward, crying to Frank as he did so: + +"Keep the helm, Frank! We don't want the boat overturned." + +Frank obeyed, much as he would have liked to join in the fight. + +Jack reached Harris' side and together the two faced the three Germans. + +"We've got them, now," said Harris, quietly. + +"Men," said Jack, quietly, "unless you return to your oars immediately, +we shall be forced to throw you overboard." + +There was a snarl from the three men. Suddenly one dropped to his knees +and seized Harris by the legs. Caught off his guard, the latter fell to +the bottom of the boat and the others leaped on him. + +A knife flashed in the hand of one. With a cry, Jack stooped down +quickly and seized the man's wrist even as the point of the weapon +would have been buried in Harris' back. The lad twisted sharply and the +knife went flying into the sea. + +"You would, would you!" cried Jack. + +He jerked the man to his feet, planted two hard blows on his chin, and +as the man reeled forward clipped him once more. One, two, three +backward steps the man took and then pitched over the side of the boat. + +"Two gone!" exclaimed Jack. + +But he was wrong. For the first man who had been knocked into the sea +had been revived by the shock of the cold water. Swimming around the +boat unobserved, he had come up behind Frank and now reached up and +grabbed Frank by the coat. With a cry of alarm, the lad toppled into +the water. + +Jack heard his friend's cry. Quickly he took in the situation. Harris +had regained his feet and seemed capable of disposing of the two +remaining Germans. With a cry to Harris, Jack leaped over the side. + +Some distance away he saw Frank struggling with the German who had +pulled him from the boat and he swam quickly in that direction. + +"I'm coming, Frank!" he called. "Hang on to him." + +Frank was doing his best, but he had been taken by surprise and the +advantage was with his opponent. The German's hand closed about the +lad's throat and he was slowly choking him. Even as Jack came abreast +of the struggling figures, Frank threw up his hands and the two +disappeared from sight. + +Jack, greatly alarmed, dived after them. + +Below the surface of the water his hands encountered the struggling +figures. He seized the first his hand came in contact with and struck +upward. Upon the surface again, he found that he had seized hold of +Frank. + +Keeping his fingers clenched tightly in Frank's coat--that the lad +might not be drawn under again Jack aimed carefully at the face of the +German, which now was close to him, and struck out with all his +strength. + +Instantly, the hand on Frank's throat relaxed and the German sank from +sight. + +By the force of the impact as the blow landed Jack knew that the German +would trouble them no more. Supporting Frank with his left arm, he +struck out for the boat with his right. + +The German officer leaned over the side and lent a hand in dragging +Frank's limp body over the side. Jack clambered over after him. Then he +took a view of the part of the boat where Harris battled with two of +the enemy. + +Both of the latter wielded knives and it was plain to Jack that Harris +hesitated to come to close quarters with them, as he had no assistance +at hand; for he realized that, should he be overcome, the men would +have little trouble of disposing of Frank and Jack, as they tried to +climb back in the boat. But now that Jack was able to come to his +assistance again, Harris made ready for a spring. + +Jack saw this move and called: + +"Wait a minute, Harris!" + +Harris stayed his spring and Jack again advanced to his side. Jack's +face was white and his clothing was dripping water. He was very angry +and his fingers clenched and unclenched. + +"You men," he said in a cold voice, "were given a chance for your lives +the same as the rest of us. Now you will either throw down those knives +or die." + +One made as if to obey, but the other stopped him. + +"Wait!" he cried. "He wants us to throw down our knives so they can +overpower us." + +To the other this seemed good reasoning. Both Germans, still wielding +their weapons, drew backward slowly. Jack and Harris advanced as slowly +after them. + +"Drop them!" cried Jack, again. + +Suddenly one of the Germans sprang forward and aimed a vicious blow at +Jack with his knife. The move had been so unexpected, retreating as the +men had been, that Jack was almost caught off his guard. He sidestepped +quickly, however, and avoided the knife. + +But in leaping aside he had jostled Harris, who, dodging a blow aimed +by the second German, now was thrown off his balance. In vain he tried +to catch himself. It was no use. He went over the side of the boat, +uninjured, but for the moment unable to lend Jack a hand. + +With two foes before him, Jack realized there was not a moment to be +lost. He determined to take the offensive himself, in spite of the odds +against him. + +With a subdued cry of anger, he charged the two Germans, in spite of +the violent rocking of the boat. He caught a stabbing wrist with his +right hand and twisted sharply even as he drove his left fist into the +man's face. There was a cry of pain and the knife clattered to the +bottom of the boat. Again and again the lad struck, paying no attention +to the second man. Then, with an extra vicious blow, he knocked the +German clear of the boat into the sea. + +At the same instant, Harris, who was just climbing back into the boat, +uttered a cry of warning and Jack turned just in time to dodge a knife +thrust aimed at him by the second German. + +With only a single enemy before him, a smile broke over Jack's face. He +called to Harris. + +"Stay back, Harris. I'm going to settle with this man myself." + +The German shrank back, and for a moment it seemed that he would throw +down his knife and cry for mercy. But if he had such a thought in his +mind, he discarded it; he sprang at Jack, fiercely. + +Again Jack avoided the thrust of the knife and caught the stabbing +wrist in his right hand. Then, bringing all his tremendous strength to +bear, he stooped slightly and jerked with his hand. + +The German was pulled clear of the bottom of the boat and ascended into +the air. Then he shot suddenly forward and cleared the boat by a good +five feet. + +There was to be one last encounter before the possession of the boat +finally came into the hands of the friends undisputed. One of the +Germans, revived by the water, had come up aft and laid hold of the +boat near where the German officer sat. The latter saw him and shifted +his position just in time to avoid being dragged overboard. + +He grew suddenly very angry. + +"You murderous dog!" he cried. + +Rising to his feet he stooped quickly and seized an oar. Before the man +in the water could realize his purpose, he had brought the oar down +with all his force on the hand that grasped the boat. + +With a howl of pain the German released his hold, his fingers shattered +by the force of the blow. Without a word the German officer dropped the +oar and resumed his seat. + +Jack and Harris now approached Frank's side and the former bent over +him. Frank was just regaining consciousness. He smiled as Jack asked +him how he felt, and asked: + +"Did you lick them all?" + +"You bet," returned Jack, then turned to Harris. "I suppose we should +pick up some of those fellows, if we can. We can't see them drown +before our eyes." + +"You're too soft hearted for me," declared Harris. "However, whatever +you say." + +They gazed into the water. There was no German in sight. + +"Be ready to jump in the moment a head appears," said Jack. + +Harris nodded and the two stood ready to give aid to the first enemy +that should appear. + +Ten minutes they waited--fifteen. No head appeared above the surface of +the water. + +"I guess it's no use," said Jack, slowly, at last. "They're gone!" + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +PICKED UP BY THE ENEMY + + +It was dark. + +All through the afternoon Jack and Harris had rowed untiringly, but +with the coming of nightfall there was no land in sight. + +"Nothing to do but keep pulling in the same direction," said Jack. + +Harris nodded. + +"All right," he said, "but I'm getting tired. I'll have to rest up for +an hour or so." + +"Let me row awhile," said Frank. "One of you fellows can take the +tiller here." + +"Feel all right?" asked Jack. + +"First rate." + +"All right, then," said Jack. "You and Harris change places." + +This was done. Then the German officer spoke. + +"It's about time for me to take a hand," he said. + +"But your wound?" protested Jack. + +"Well, it still pains some, to be sure. But the sooner we get to shore +the sooner I will be able to have it looked after. It's better to row +awhile than to remain idle." + +"Suit yourself," said Jack. "I am a bit tired. We'll change places." + +They did so and the little boat moved on in the darkness. + +"Don't know where we are," said Jack to Harris, "but it seems to me we +should raise land with the coming of daylight." + +"Well, I hope we do," was Harris' reply. "I'm getting awfully thirsty, +but I hate to cut into that water supply." + +"There is a little more for us since we lost our other passengers," +said Jack. "I'm thirsty myself. We may as well sample that water." + +He produced a jug and each took a cooling draught. + +"Tastes pretty good," said Harris, smacking his lips. + +"You bet," agreed Jack. + +He made his way forward and gave Frank and the German officer a drink. + +"Enough for a couple of more rounds," he said, shaking the jug and +listening to the splash of the water inside. + +"Oh, I guess we've enough," said Harris. "However, it is well to use +it sparingly." + +As it turned out they had an ample sufficiency; in fact, more than they +needed. + +With the coming of daylight, Frank, who had resumed his place at the +helm a short time before, uttered an exclamation. + +"Ship!" he cried. + +He pointed off to port. + +The others glanced in the direction indicated and then raised a cheer. + +There, scarcely more than a mile away and bearing down on them rapidly, +came a German man-o'-war. Already they had been seen, for the vessel +altered its course slightly. + +Jack gave a sigh. + +"Sorry it's not a British ship," he said. + +The German officer was forced to smile. + +"And I'm glad it's not," he declared; "for if it were it would be +capture for me instead of you." + +"But there are three of us and there is only one of you," protested +Frank. + +"Well, it's the fortune of war," said the German. + +"The misfortune of war in this case," said Harris. + +The German warship was now within hailing distance and a voice called: + +"Who are you?" + +The German officer acted as spokesman and shouted back: + +"German officer and three British." + +"We'll lower a boat," was the response. + +A few moments later a boat put off from the ship, manned by a dozen +German sailors. Fifteen minutes later the lads found themselves aboard +the German warship, where they were immediately conducted to the cabin +of the commander. + +The latter turned to the German officer for an account of what had +happened. + +"So these British sailors saved you?" he said. He turned to the three. +"I must thank you in the name of the Emperor," he said, quietly. "Now, +if you will give me your paroles, I shall allow you the freedom of this +vessel." + +The three friends glanced at one another and the German commander +smiled. + +"I can assure you there is no possibility of escape," he said. + +"In that event," said Jack, "we shall give our paroles until we reach +shore." + +"That is sufficient. After that you will be in other and safe hands." + +The German commander summoned a minor officer, to whom he introduced +the three friends. + +"You will see that they are provided with suitable quarters," he said. + +The officer saluted and motioned for Jack, Frank and Harris to follow +him. A few moments later the three found themselves installed in +comfortable quarters, where clean linen and dry outer clothing Was laid +out for them. + +"You've got to give them credit," said Frank. "They do things up in +style. It seems we are to be well treated." + +"No reason why we shouldn't be," declared Jack. + +"Wonder where we are bound, anyhow?" said Harris. + +"Don't know," said Frank. "I'll try and find out as soon as we can go +on deck--providing they allow us on deck." + +"The commander said we would have the freedom of the ship," returned +Harris. + +"So he did. Hurry and dress then." + +Half an hour later, refreshed by a bath and food, the three made their +way on deck, where they found the young German officer who had escorted +them to their cabin. They approached him and the latter received them +cordially. + +"Wonder if you would tell us where we are bound?" asked Frank, with a +smile. + +"Certainly," was the reply. "Our destination is Bremen." + +"Bremen, eh?" said Jack. "What will they do with us there?" + +"Probably turn you over to the military authorities to take care of you +until the end of the war." + +"Looks like our fighting days are over," said Harris, sadly. + +The young German smiled. + +"Seems to me you should be rather glad of that," he returned. "After +your defeat off Jutland you should be willing to cry for peace." + +"Defeat!" exclaimed Frank. "Why, the Germans got the worst of it. You +know that." + +"Oh, no we didn't," said the young officer. "The greater part of the +British fleet was sent to the bottom. Our losses were insignificant." + +"Were you there?" asked Frank. + +"Why, no," said the German, "but----" + +"Well, we were there," said Frank. "Therefore, we know something about +it. I give you my word that I saw one German dreadnaught, two battle +cruisers and four cruisers sunk with my own eyes. Also I saw half a +dozen destroyers sent to the bottom and two Zeppelins shot down." + +"Impossible!" exclaimed the young German officer. "The official report +of the battle gives our losses as two destroyers and a single cruiser, +while the greater part of the British fleet was sunk." + +"Where is the German fleet now?" asked Frank. + +"Back in Heligoland. Some of the vessels are in need of slight +repairs." + +"Why didn't they keep going after that great victory?" Frank wanted to +know. + +"Why, I can't say. Probably had orders not to proceed too far +immediately." + +"I can tell you why," said Frank. + +"I wish you would," said the young officer. + +"The reason," replied Frank, "is perfectly simple. It's because the +main British fleet is out there waiting for you fellows. After we +chased your fleet back----" + +"But you didn't chase us back. We retired when the battle was won." + +"Oh, you retired when the battle was won, eh?" + +"Yes; that's what the official report says." + +"But it doesn't say who won the battle, does it?" asked Frank, with a +grin, in which his friends were forced to join. + +The young officer gazed from one to another, and Frank continued: + +"Now, I'll tell you something you don't seem to know. We were pursuing +the German fleet when two of our vessels crashed in the fog. That's how +we happen to be here now." + +"But I tell you that is not possible," protested the German. + +"It may not have been considered possible," returned Frank, "but it's a +fact, all the same." + +"You mean, then, that the official report is not true." + +"Well, that's my personal opinion of it," Frank admitted. + +"Sir!" exclaimed the young German, drawing himself up suddenly. "You +have insulted the German navy--and me with it. Were it not that you are +our guests aboard this warship, I would demand satisfaction." + +"Look here," exclaimed Frank. "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I +was just telling you the facts in the case. I----" + +The young German faced him angrily. + +"Your half apology only adds to the insult," he said. "I shall leave +you now." + +With this he drew himself up stiffly, turned on his heel and stalked +away. Frank gazed after him amusedly. + +"Now what do you think of that?" he exclaimed. + +"You should have known you couldn't convince him," said Jack. + +The three friends walked along the deck gazing out over the water. Half +an hour later, as they were about to go below, Frank caught sight of a +figure in the uniform of a German lieutenant, who was eyeing them +closely. + +There was something familiar about that figure and unconsciously the +lad gave a start. He called Jack's attention to the man, and the +latter, seeing that he was the subject of discussion, quickly withdrew. + +"I've seen him some place," said Frank. + +"And so have I," Jack declared. "There is some thing strangely familiar +about him. Say! It's unpleasant when you know a man and can't place +him." + +"Let's hope he is not some old enemy come back to life," said Frank, +quietly, as they returned to their cabin. + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +AN UNKNOWN FRIEND + + +Bremen. The greatest of all German shipping centers, and, before the +outbreak of the European war, one of the greatest seaports in the whole +world. + +Even on the third day of June, 1916, when the German warship on which +Jack, Frank and Harris were prisoners steamed into Bremen the port was +alive with activity. Great German merchant ships, useless since the war +began, appeared deserted, but other and smaller craft dashed hurriedly +hither and yon. + +"Why all the excitement?" was Frank's comment, as the three stood well +forward while the warship steamed through the harbor. + +"Several reasons, I guess," said Jack. "One is that half of these small +vessels ply between Bremen and Scandinavian ports in spite of the +British blockade; and the other reason probably is the fact that the +city is celebrating the great naval victory." + +"Naval victory?" + +"Sure; the battle of Jutland. The German people have been told that the +German fleet won; and now the people are celebrating. See all those +flags? Why else would they be displayed so profusely?" + +"Because Germany is at war," said Frank. + +"Oh, no they wouldn't. You remember we were in Hanover once while the +war was in progress. You didn't see all those flags about like that." + +"I guess you're right." + +At that moment a German officer approached the three friends. + +"I've something of interest to show you," he said; "something that will +be of interest to all the world presently." + +"We shall be glad to see it, whatever it may be," replied Jack, +courteously. + +"Look over the side there," said the German, pointing. "Do you see that +long, low shape in the water?" + +"Why, yes," said Frank. "Looks like a submarine." + +"That's what it is. Can you make out the name?" + +The three friends peered at the object closely. + +"D-e-u-t-s-c-h-l-a-n-d," Frank spelled it out. + +"Yes, the _Deutschland_" replied the German officer; "and, within a +month, the whole world will be talking about her." + +"What's she going to do?" asked Frank. "Sink the whole British fleet?" + +The German officer smiled. + +"No," he replied quietly. "The _Deutschland_ will be the first of a +fleet of merchant submarines to ply between Bremen and the United +States." + +"What?" exclaimed Jack, in the utmost surprise. "You mean that +submarine will try and run the English channel and make for the United +States?" + +"Exactly." + +"But it's impossible," said Frank. + +"Not at all," returned the German. "You may remember that German +submarines made their way to the Dardanelles safely. The only +difference will be that the _Deutschland_ will go unarmed. She will +carry a cargo of dyestuffs and other commodities of which the United +States is in need." + +"Well, she may try it, but I don't believe she'll get there," said +Harris. + +"Nor I," declared Jack. + +But Frank wasn't so sure. An American, he had not the strong prejudice +of his two companions. + +"It will be a great feat if she can accomplish it," the lad said. + +"It will, indeed," said the German, "and she will accomplish it." + +"One thing, though," said Frank, "she won't be able to carry a very +valuable cargo. She's too small." + +"She'll carry a cargo worth more than $2,000,000," said the German +officer, "and in payment she will bring back gold and securities, and +you may know that Germany is in need of cash." + +"By Jove!" exclaimed Frank. "We'll have to admit that you Germans are +progressive. We may not like to admit it, but it's a fact all the +same." + +"I thank you," said the German with a low bow. + +"Well, we're obliged to you for showing us the _Deutschland_, at all +events," said Jack, "and I want to say that if by any chance she does +reach the United States you may be well proud of her." + +"I second that," declared Harris. + +Again the German bowed low. + +"Now," said Frank, "as we have passed beyond sight of the +_Deutschland_, perhaps you can tell me what is to be done with us?" + +"As it happens, I can," was the reply. "I heard the captain inform +Lieutenant von Ludwig that you will be put in his charge. He has +instructions to see you safe in the hands of the military authorities +in Berlin, where most of the captured British and French officers are +being held." + +"Pretty tough, Jack," said Frank. + +The German officer overheard this remark, although he perhaps did not +catch the exact meaning. + +"You will be well treated," he said. + +"I've no doubt of that," declared Jack. + +The German officer left them. + +Jack turned to Frank. + +"Say!" he exclaimed, "are you thinking of turning German directly?" + +"What's that?" demanded Frank, in surprise. + +"I just wondered when you were going to take up the arms for the +Kaiser. The way you have been praising all things German recently, I +don't know what to make of you. The _Deutschland_, for instance." + +Frank smiled. + +"I just don't happen to be a hard-headed John Bull," he replied. + +"Hard headed, am I?" exclaimed Jack. "I've a notion to shake some of +that German sympathy out of you." + +"You know I haven't any German sympathies," said Frank. "But I believe +in giving credit where credit is due." + +"Well, there is no credit due there. You know that is just some cock +and bull story. The Germans will never dare such a thing." + +"I'm not so sure," said Frank, quietly. + +"Well, it will never get across the sea if the attempt is made." + +"Maybe not, maybe yes," said Frank, with a grin. + +"Well----" + +What Jack might have replied Frank never learned, for at that moment +another German officer accosted them. He was the man who was so +strangely familiar to Jack and Frank. + +"You will be ready to accompany me the moment we dock, sirs," he said. + +"All right," Frank agreed. "We'll be ready." + +They descended to their cabin where they donned the clothing they had +worn when picked up from the sea. Then they returned on deck. + +The great warship now was nearing the dock, backing in. Slowly she drew +close to the pier and then finally her engines ceased. A gangplank was +lowered and men began to disembark. + +The officer who was to conduct the three prisoners to Berlin tapped +Jack on the shoulder. + +"Whenever you are ready," he said quietly. + +"We're ready now," returned Jack. + +"Then precede me ashore," was the reply. "By the way, I might as well +advise you that there is no use of attempting to escape. I have my gun +handy and will drop either of you at the first false step." + +"Don't worry, we have no intention of trying to escape--not right here +in broad daylight," said Frank. + +"Very good. Let us move." + +Slowly they made their way down the gang plank and ashore. There a line +of automobiles waited. The officer motioned his prisoners into the +largest of these and gave instructions to the driver. He took a seat +beside Jack. + +As the automobile started down the street, Jack glanced at his captor +sharply. + +"Surely I have seen you some place before, sir?" the lad said. + +The officer shrugged his shoulders. + +"Who knows?" he said and became silent. + +"Deuced uncommunicative sort of a fellow," said Jack to himself. "But I +know I've come in contact with him some place. It may come to me +later." + +The automobile drew up in front of a large stone house and the officer +motioned his prisoners out. He spoke to his chauffeur. + +"Keep your gun handy and follow me," he instructed. + +The driver nodded and stepped alongside the officer, who motioned the +three friends up the steps ahead of him. Inside he motioned them into a +parlor and then dismissed his chauffeur. + +"Now," he said, "I want your promises not to try to escape." + +"Sorry, sir, but we can't do that," replied Frank, quietly. + +"Come! Don't be fools!" exclaimed their captor, sharply. + +He walked to the door and peered out. Then, walking close to Frank and +Jack, he said quietly: + +"If you will give me your promises to make no attempt to escape before +tomorrow night, I shall not have you guarded." + +Both lads started back in surprise, for the man had spoken in English +and without the trace of an accent. + +"Great Scott!" exclaimed Frank. "You must be an Englishman." + +The man laid a finger to his lips. + +"Sh-h-h!" he warned. "Walls have ears, you know. So you don't know me?" + +The lads gazed at him closely. + +"I know I have seen you some place," declared Jack. + +"So have I," said Frank. + +"And to think that they don't know me," said the man, half to himself. +Then he addressed them again. + +"I guess it is as well that you have not recognized me, but did I not +know you so well I would not say what I am about to say. That is this. +I am an Englishman and I am here on an important business. Tomorrow +night I shall return to England. Give me your words to remain quiet +here until then, in the meantime not trying to learn my identity, and +you shall all go with me. Is it a bargain?" + +Frank looked at the man sharply. Was he fooling them? Well, the lad +decided, they had everything to gain and nothing to lose. + +"Very well," the lad said. "You have my promise not to attempt to +escape before tomorrow night." + +"And mine," said Jack. + +"And mine," declared Harris. + +"Very well. Then I shall leave you for the moment." + +The man stalked from the room and closed the door behind him. + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +THE BOYS BECOME UNEASY + + +For some moments after the officer had taken his departure, there was +silence in the room. Then Harris exclaimed: + +"Now what do you think of that?" + +"Well, I don't hardly know what to think of it," Jack replied. "Frank +took most of the talking on himself. When he gave his parole there was +nothing left for me but to do likewise." + +"That's what I thought. Otherwise I wouldn't have given mine," said +Harris. + +"It may not be too late to call him back and tell him so," said Frank. +"I did the talking because neither of you seemed to want to do it. You +didn't have to give your parole unless you wanted to. I didn't ask you +to do it." + +"Come now, don't get mad, Frank," said Jack. + +"I'm not mad. I'm just telling you what I think. Certainly it can do us +no harm. We have everything to gain and nothing to lose." + +"That's so, too, when you stop to think of it," Harris agreed. + +"Well, I stopped to think of it," said Frank. "You fellows didn't. +That's the difference." + +"But who on earth can he be?" exclaimed Harris. "He seems to know you +two, all right." + +"There is something strangely familiar about him," said Frank, "but I +can't place him." + +"Nor I," admitted Jack, "though, as you say, there is something +familiar about him." + +"Seems to me that if I knew a man I could tell you who he was," said +Harris. + +"Seems so to me, too," declared Frank, "but I can't." + +"Well," said Jack, "I'm not as credulous as you are, Frank. I wager he +is not doing this to help us out. I'll bet we land in Berlin and stay +there until the end of the war." + +"By Jove! Let's hope not," said Harris. "Still, all things considered, +I'm of your way of thinking." + +"If he was telling the truth," said Jack, "he would have let us know +who he is. There was no reason for telling us he was English and then +concealing his identity." + +"I can't see any reason," Frank admitted, "but at the same time I +believe he was telling the truth." + +The conversation languished. Frank curled himself up on a sofa at the +far side of the room and sought a little rest. Jack dozed in his chair. +Harris also could hardly keep his eyes open. + +They were still in this condition when the door opened several hours +later and their captor again entered the room. He walked quickly across +the room and shook Jack. + +"Hello!" said the latter, sleepily, "back, eh?" + +Frank awoke at the sound of Jack's voice and Harris also opened his +eyes. + +"I had a little work that had to be disposed of immediately," said +their captor, "which is the reason I left you so abruptly. I can show +you a place to sleep now." + +He led the way from the room and upstairs. There he ushered the three +into a large, well appointed room, which contained two beds. + +"Only two beds," he said, "but it's the best I can do. Two of you can +bunk together." + +"Anything, just so it's soft," said Frank. "I'm tired out." + +"Then you had all better turn in at once," said their captor. "I have +much work to do. It is probable that I shall not be back again until +some time tomorrow night. Make yourselves at home. You are alone in the +house. You will find cold meats, bread and some other things in the +pantry down stairs. Remain here until I come." + +"Very well, sir," said Frank. "And you say we shall leave here tomorrow +night?" + +"Yes; unless something develops to interfere with my plans." + +"All right, sir. We shall remain here until you come tomorrow night. +But that is as long as our paroles hold good, sir. After that, we shall +escape if it is humanly possible." + +"I will be back before midnight tomorrow," was their captor's reply. +"Until that time, goodbye. One thing, stay in the house and keep the +blinds drawn. I do not wish to attract attention to this house." + +"Very well, sir," said Frank. + +The man took a last careful glance around the room and then +disappeared. + +"Well, he's gone again," said Jack. "He may be telling the truth and he +may not, but one thing sure, these beds look pretty comfortable. I'm +going to make use of one right now." + +He undressed quickly and slipped between the sheets. Frank and Harris +followed his example. + +All were up bright and early the next day, greatly refreshed. They +found food in the pantry, as their captor had told them they would. It +was a tedious day, confined as they were, and the time passed slowly. +But dusk descended at last. + +"He should be here at any time now," said Frank. + +The others said nothing, but when nine o'clock had come and gone even +Frank became uneasy. + +"Don't see what is detaining him," he said. + +"Nor I--if he really meant to come back," said Jack. + +Eleven o'clock and still their captor had not returned. + +"He said he would be back by midnight," said Frank. + +"He said lots of things," said Jack, "but they didn't make the same +impression on me they seem to have made on you. I don't believe he is +coming." + +"I'll tell you what I think," said Harris. "I believe he expected us to +make a break for liberty before now. The house probably is surrounded +and if we start out the door we shall most likely be shot down." + +"By Jove! I wouldn't be surprised if you had hit the nail on the head," +Jack declared. + +"Nonsense," said Frank. "What would be the advantage of a plan like +that?" + +"Well, I don't know; but there is something queer about this business," +declared Jack. + +Eleven thirty passed and still no sign of their captor. + +Jack and Harris had kept up a steady flow of conversation regarding the +probable fate that was in store for them if they poked their heads +outside the door, and at last Jack rose to his feet. + +"Well," he said quietly, "there is no need of staying here. We may as +well make a break for it Chances are, if we are quick enough, we can +get into the open without being shot down." + +"Not in these clothes," said Harris. + +"True enough. We'll have a look for other clothing. What do you say, +Frank?" + +"I'm not convinced yet the man is not coming back," said Frank, "but I +tell you what I will do. We'll hunt up some other clothes and get into +them. Then we'll wait until twelve o'clock. If he has not returned by +that time, I'm with you." + +"Fair enough," said Harris. "Come on." + +The three made their way upstairs, where they started a thorough search +of the house; and at last Jack ran onto a closet in which were stored +half a dozen suits of civilian clothes. + +He called the others. + +"All right if they'll fit," said Harris. + +Fortunately, they did fit; and fifteen minutes later the three were +garbed in plain citizens' attire. They left their uniforms in the room +where they had changed. + +"Now to see if we can find a few guns," said Jack. + +Again they searched the house. + +Frank was the first to find a weapon. There were two revolvers in a +drawer of a writing desk in the parlor and with them was a goodly +supply of ammunition. Frank gave one of the guns to Jack. + +"We ought to be able to find one more," said Harris. "I've got to have +a gun." + +They ransacked the house from top to bottom; and at length Frank came +across another weapon. Harris gave an exclamation of satisfaction. + +"Let's divide up that ammunition, now," he said. + +This was done and the three returned to the parlor. Frank glanced at +his watch. + +"Five minutes to twelve," he said. "We'll wait until midnight and not a +second longer." + +To this the others agreed. + +"I guess you were right after all," Frank told his companions. "Still I +can't understand this thing at all." + +"You'll probably understand it better when you stick your head out the +door and a bullet hits close to it," said Harris, grimly. + +"No; I don't believe there is anything like that going to happen," +Frank declared. "Maybe he was detained and couldn't get back on time." + +"When he gets back he'll find us missing," said Harris. + +"He will unless he hurries," Frank agreed. + +The minutes passed slowly; but at last the hands of Frank's watch +pointed to midnight. + +The lad closed the case of his watch with a snap and rose to his feet. +He examined his revolver carefully to make sure it was in working order +and then said: + +"Time's up; may as well be moving." + +The three advanced cautiously to the front door. Behind, the house was +perfectly dark. + +"Careful when you open the door, Frank," Jack warned. "Stoop down. +There is no telling what may be lurking out there." + +Frank heeded this warning. Stooping, he opened the door, threw it wide +and looked out. + +"Coast clear," he announced. + +He was about to step out when the sound of hurried footsteps came to +his ears. + +"Wait a minute," Frank whispered. "Some one coming." + +A man appeared down the street. He came nearer. Frank gave an +exclamation of satisfaction: + +"Come on back to the parlor," he whispered. "Here he comes now." + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +TOWARD FREEDOM + + +Jack and Harris obeyed Frank's injunction and the three flitted back to +the parlor silently. + +A moment later the front door opened softly and directly the officer +appeared in the parlor door. + +"I came almost not getting here," he said with a smile. "Did you get +tired waiting?" + +"So tired," said Frank, "that we were just about to leave when I +chanced to see you coming down the street." + +"So? Well, you would have had a hard time escaping, I am afraid. Now, +my way it will be easier. I have had my means of escape laid out ever +since I arrived here. Unless something unforeseen occurs, we should be +able to get away without difficulty." + +"I am sure I hope so," declared Frank. + +Their captor surveyed the three closely. + +"I see you are all ready," he said. "Changed your clothes, eh?" + +"I hope you didn't think we were going prowling about the street in our +British uniforms?" said Jack. + +"Hardly. By any chance did you find weapons, too?" + +Frank hesitated. For a moment he debated what was best to answer. +However, the odds were now three against one, so he replied: + +"Yes; we have a gun apiece." + +"Good; then we may as well be moving. The car should be here in ten +minutes at the latest. You see, that's why I was late. Had a blowout +aways back. We had to come in on foot. I sent my driver for another car +while I hurried here, for I was afraid that you might do something +rash. You see, I know more about you than you think I do." + +"I wish you would tell us who you are, sir," said Jack. + +"All in good time," replied the officer with a smile. "All in good +time." + +Came a "honk-honk" from without. + +"There's our car," said the officer quietly. "Come along." + +Without a word the others followed him through the dark hall, out the +door and down the steps, where they climbed into the car, in the rear +seat, their captor taking his seat with the driver. + +The automobile started immediately. + +They rode along slowly for perhaps an hour; and they came to what the +lads recognized immediately as the water front. Their captor called a +halt and climbed out, motioning the lads to follow him. Immediately +they had alighted, the automobile drove away. + +Straight down to the water their captor led the way. Jack whispered to +Frank. + +"You can't tell me we are going to get away from here as easily as all +this." + +"Sh-h-h!" was Frank's reply. + +Jack thereafter maintained a discreet silence. + +At the edge of the pier their captor pointed to a small rowboat in the +water. + +"We'll get in here," he said. + +They did so and a moment later they were being rowed across the water +by a man Frank recognized as a German sailor. The thing was becoming +more complicated. + +A short distance ahead there now loomed up what appeared to be nothing +more than a motorboat of considerable size. The rowboat approached this +craft and the officer motioned his three companions to follow him +aboard. They did so. + +Aboard, they saw that the vessel upon the deck of which they stood was +in reality a pleasure yacht, now converted into a vessel of war. A look +at her graceful outlines and long slender body told all three that the +vessel was built for speed. + +Their captor had halted and waited for the three to come up with him. + +"Follow me below," he whispered. "I'll do the talking. Agree with +whatever I say and listen carefully to my every word." + +The three friends obeyed. + +Below they were ushered into what proved to be the commander's cabin. +An officer in the dress of a lieutenant commander of the German navy +rose and greeted the boys' captor with a salute and an extended hand. +Their captor grasped the hand. + +"Commander von Ludwig, I take it," said the commander of the vessel. + +Von Ludwig bowed. + +"The same, sir," he replied. "I have here a paper that gives me command +of your vessel, sir. You are ordered to report to Berlin at once." + +"I have been expecting you, sir," was the reply. "I shall leave at +once, if your boatman is still near." + +"I ordered him to await you," was von Ludwig's reply. + +The commander of the German vessel glanced at von Ludwig's three +companions. + +"Your officers?" he asked. + +"Yes. Your officers will be relieved in the morning." + +"Very well, sir. Then I shall leave you. A safe and successful voyage +to you, sir." + +"The same to you, sir." + +Von Ludwig, motioning to his companions to remain in the cabin until +his return, went on deck with the departing commander. A few moments +later the latter was being rowed ashore. For the space of several +seconds, von Ludwig gazed after him, a peculiar smile lighting up his +face as he murmured: + +"If you only knew what a time I had getting the paper I just gave you, +you would not be going so serenely about your business right now. Oh, +well----" + +He threw open his arms with a gesture and descended to his cabin. + +"Now," he said to Jack, Frank and Harris, "the first thing we must do +is to secure the crew and the officers of this vessel. The crew, I +happen to know, numbers only ten men. There are two officers. We shall +have to overcome them." + +"And how are we going to work the ship, sir?" asked Jack. + +Von Ludwig glanced at the lad sharply. + +"You would be a better sailor, sir, if you would follow orders without +question," he said sharply; then added more calmly: "However, I shall +tell you, for I can see none of you trust me fully. I have my own crew +of five men coming aboard within the hour." + +"I beg your pardon, sir," said Jack. + +"That's all right," said von Ludwig. "Now follow me." + +The others did as ordered. Before a door not far from the commander's +cabin von Ludwig stopped. + +"In there you will find the first officer," he said + +He motioned to Frank and Jack. "Get him and get him quietly." + +The lads nodded their understanding and von Ludwig signalled Harris to +follow him. + +Jack laid his hand on the knob of the door and turned it gently. The +door flew open without a sound. + +"Find the light switch, Frank," Jack whispered. + +Frank's hand felt carefully over the wall. + +"Turn it on when I give the word," said Jack. "I may need to see what I +am doing." + +"All right; but be careful, Jack." + +Slowly Jack tiptoed across the room, where he could dimly see a form +stretched across a bunk. Bending over the figure, Jack raised a hand +and then called to Frank: + +"Lights, Frank!" + +Instantly, Frank threw the switch and then sprang forward to lend Jack +a hand should it be necessary. But his assistance was not needed. +Jack's fist rose and fell once and the form in the bunk gasped feebly +once and lay still. + +"I don't like that sort of thing," said Jack, "but I suppose it had to +be done. Help me bind him up and gag him. He's not badly hurt and will +come round in a few minutes." + +It was the work of but a few moments to tear the sheets into strips and +to bind and gag the helpless man. Then Jack and Frank left the cabin. + +At almost the same instant von Ludwig and Harris came from a second +cabin. + +"All right?" asked von Ludwig. + +"All right, sir. And you?" + +"Everything shipshape. Now for the crew. First, however," he said, +addressing Jack and Frank, "don the clothing of these two officers. You +shall be my second and third in command." + +The lads returned to the cabin they had just quitted and stripped the +prisoner. Jack donned the uniform, for the German was a big man. Then +they hurried into the second cabin and performed a similar operation +and Frank soon was attired in the uniform of a German lieutenant. + +"Now," said von Ludwig, "have the crew report here and keep your guns +ready." + +Frank made his way aft, and in German, called: + +"All hands forward!" + +The crew came tumbling from their bunks and hurried forward, most of +the men no more than half dressed. Jack, Frank and Harris, on either +side of von Ludwig, confronted them. + +"Men," said von Ludwig, "I am the new commander of this ship and we +shall get under way immediately. Fearing that you will not always obey +my commands, I have brought along these little persuaders." + +A pair of automatics flashed in his hands and covered the ten sailors. + +"Hands up!" he cried. + +Taken completely by surprise there was nothing for the German sailors +to do but obey. Up went their hands. Von Ludwig called to Harris. + +"Help me keep them covered," he said, "while you other two tie them +up." + +Under the muzzles of the revolvers levelled in steady hands by von +Ludwig and Harris, Jack and Frank set to work binding the members of +the crew. A few minutes later the work was done. + +"Trundle them into that cabin there," said von Ludwig, motioning to an +open door. "Tie them there so they cannot release their own bonds or +the bonds of the others. Then report to me on deck." + +The lads obeyed. It was the work of only a few moments, struggle as the +Germans did. Then Frank and Jack went on deck. + +A short distance away a rowboat was coming rapidly toward the +_Bismarck_--for such was the name of the vessel on which the lads found +themselves. + +Von Ludwig pointed to it. + +"My crew!" he said quietly. + + + +CHAPTER XXVI + +DISCOVERED + + +A few moments later the little skiff scraped alongside the _Bismarck_. +One at a time its occupants--five in number--scrambled over the side +and stood before von Ludwig. The latter scrutinized each man closely. + +"All right," he said at length. + +He selected three men. + +"You report to the engine room immediately," he said. "You will find +everything ready. The crew has been overpowered and there will be no +one to interfere with you." + +The men moved away. Von Ludwig addressed the other two. + +"Take the lookout forward," he said to one; and to the other: "Go aft +and keep your eyes open." Then he spoke to Harris. "I'll appoint you in +command in the engine room," he said. "Heed your signals carefully." + +Harris saluted. + +"Very well, sir," he said and disappeared. + +Von Ludwig motioned to Jack and Frank, who followed him to the bridge. +The officer cast a quick glance over the water and said: + +"I guess there is no reason to delay longer. Mr. Chadwick, will you +take the wheel? I'll be with you in a moment to give you your +directions." + +Frank moved away. Von Ludwig was just about to address Jack when he +made out another rowboat coming toward the _Bismarck_. + +"Hello!" he said aloud. "Wonder what's up now. Guess we'd better wait a +minute." + +The rowboat drew closer and Frank discovered it was filled with men. + +"Boat crowded with men, sir," he exclaimed. + +"So!" exclaimed von Ludwig. "Then I guess we won't wait, after all. You +may get under way, Mr. Templeton." + +With this order von Ludwig took his place beside Frank at the wheel and +produced a chart. The bell in the engine room tinkled. A moment later +the engines began to move and the _Bismarck_ slipped easily through the +water. + +Came a hail from the rowboat. + +"Wait a moment, there!" + +Von Ludwig paid no attention to this call. The _Bismarck_ gathered +headway. + +"Haven't time to talk to you fellows," said von Ludwig. "We want to be +a long ways from here before daylight." + +There was a sound of a shot from the rowboat, followed by many other +shots. Von Ludwig waved a hand in derision. + +"You're too late," he called. "Shoot away. I don't think you will hit +anything." + +"But, sir," said Frank, "they will awaken every sleepy German +hereabouts." + +"That's so," said von Ludwig. He called to Jack: "Full speed ahead, Mr. +Templeton." + +Jack gave the word and the vessel dashed ahead. + +"I don't know anything about these waters, sir," exclaimed Frank, in +some alarm. "There may be mines about." + +"Not here," was von Ludwig's reply. "Farther on, yes. That's why I have +this chart. We'll run the mine fields safely enough, barring +accidents." + +"What is my course, sir?" asked Frank. + +"Due north until I tell you to change." + +Frank said nothing further, but guided the vessel according to +instructions. Behind, the rowboat had given up the chase, but now, from +other parts of the harbor, from which the _Bismarck_ was fast speeding, +came sounds of confusion. + +Searchlights came to play upon the _Bismarck_. + +Von Ludwig sighed deeply. + +"I was in hopes we would get away without trouble," he said, "but it +seems we won't. The erstwhile commander of this vessel must have +discovered in some manner that he has been fooled." + +"We'll have every ship of war hereabouts after us, sir," said Frank. + +"That's what we will," was Von Ludwig's reply. "However, I am not +afraid of their catching us. This vessel has the heels of anything in +this port. Trouble is, though, they may tip off vessels on the outside +of our coming, by wireless." + +"What shall we do then, sir?" + +"We'll have to manage to get by them some way; for if we should be +caught now it would mean the noose for all of us." + +"Not a very cheerful prospect, sir," said Frank, quietly. + +"I agree with you. However, they haven't caught us yet. We'll give them +a hard race." + +"Is the vessel armed, sir?" + +"It should be, if I have been informed correctly. I'll have a look +about. Hold to your course until I return." + +He moved away. He was back in a few moments, however, with the +announcement that there were four 12-pounders aft, as well as four +forward. + +"Enough to fight with," he announced gravely. + +"But we haven't the men to man them, sir," protested Frank. + +"We'll impress our prisoners into service if it's necessary. With a man +to guard them they can handle the engine room." + +"I am afraid it will come to that, sir," said Frank. + +Von Ludwig shrugged. + +"What will be, will be," he replied quietly. + +And it did come to that, as Frank had predicted As the vessel still +flew through the water at full speed, there came a sudden cry from the +lookout forward: + +"Cruiser off our port bow, sir!" + +Von Ludwig sprang forward. He gazed at the vessel quickly and then +called to Frank: + +"Port your helm hard!" + +Frank obeyed without question and the _Bismarck_ swung about sharply. +Von Ludwig sprang to his side. + +"They'll pick us up with their searchlight in a minute or two," he +cried. "Come with me, Templeton! Chadwick, hold that course till I +come back." + +Jack sprang after von Ludwig. The latter hurried to the cabin where +the German prisoners were confined. He unloosened the bonds of five. + +"You men," he said sharply, "will go before us to the engine room, +where you will perform the necessary duties." + +Under the muzzles of the weapons of Jack and von Ludwig, the men +obeyed, for there seemed nothing else to do. In the engine room von +Ludwig explained: + +"I want you men to put forth your best efforts. Any foolishness and you +will be shot, for I will take no chances. Harris, can you guard them?" + +"Yes, sir," replied Harris, with a smile. "Give me another gun, sir." + +Von Ludwig passed a revolver to Harris. + +"There must be no half way methods here," he said quietly. "Shoot the +first man who makes a false move. Ask questions afterward. Our lives +depend upon it." + +"I shall obey your instructions, sir." + +"Good!" Von Ludwig addressed the former engine-room crew. "Follow me, +men," he exclaimed. + +No questions were asked and the others followed Jack and von Ludwig +from the room, leaving Harris in command of the German crew of five. +These Germans, under the muzzles of Harris' two revolvers, fell to work +immediately. + +Von Ludwig led the former engine-room crew to the guns forward. + +"Man these guns," he said quietly. "There may be fighting to do. When I +give the word fire as rapidly and as accurately as possible at the +closest enemy vessel." + +"Very well, sir," said one of the men. + +Von Ludwig called to Jack to follow him and returned to the bridge. +There he gave a slight alteration in course to Frank and the vessel's +head turned slightly. + +"Funny they haven't raised us with that searchlight," von Ludwig +muttered to himself. + +The _Bismarck_ was dashing through the water at a rapid gait. Suddenly +she became the center of a blinding glare. The searchlight of a German +cruiser a half a mile to port had picked them up. Von Ludwig gave a +sharp command to the men who manned the forward guns. + +"Aim and fire!" he cried. + +A moment later one of the guns spoke and a shell screamed across the +water toward the German cruiser. Apparently it did not find its mark, +however, for nothing happened aboard the enemy to indicate the shot had +struck home. + +"Again!" cried von Ludwig. + +Another gun boomed. Followed a sharp explosion. + +"Good work, men!" cried von Ludwig. "Try it again." + +But the next shot came from the enemy. A shell screamed overhead. + +"They'll do better with the next shot, sir," said Jack, quietly. + +"So they will," was von Ludwig's quiet response. "Starboard your helm, +Mr. Chadwick." + +Frank obeyed immediately, and again the course of the _Bismarck_ was +changed quickly; and none too soon. + +For another salvo had come from the German cruiser and two shells flew +past the spot where the _Bismarck_ would have been at that moment had +her course not suddenly been altered. + +"Fire, men!" cried von Ludwig. "Fire as fast as you can. If you can't +disable her we are done for!" + +The men who manned the _Bismarck's_ guns were working like Trojans. +Once, twice, thrice more they fired; and upon the fourth shot there +came a cry of dismay from aboard the enemy cruiser. + +"Must have hit something, sir," said Frank. + +"Right. I trust it was a vulnerable spot." + +Twice more the German cruiser fired at the _Bismarck_, but without +result. The smaller vessel was drawing ahead rapidly now. + +"Fifteen minutes and we will be safe," said von Ludwig. + +The men aboard the _Bismarck_ continued to fire at the German cruiser, +but apparently none of the other shots found their mark. The German, it +could be seen, was in full pursuit, but the smaller vessel forged +rapidly ahead with each turn of her screws. And at last von Ludwig +exclaimed thankfully: + +"Well, I guess we are safe enough here." + +But even as he spoke a cry apprised him of a newer and closer danger! + + + +CHAPTER XXVII + +A TERRIBLE STRUGGLE + + +The trouble had started in the engine room. Hardly had the _Bismarck_ +drawn clear of the fire of the German cruiser when one of the five +members of the German crew impressed into service fell over, apparently +in a dead faint. The men, under Harris' watchful eye, had been working +hard and the first thought that struck the Englishman was that the man +had dropped from exhaustion. + +Hastily he shoved one of his automatics in his belt and advancing, +stooped over the man. Instantly, the other four Germans rushed for him. + +Harris heard them coming and attempted to get to his feet. He was too +late. A heavy shovel, wielded by one of his four assailants, struck him +a hard blow over the head and Harris fell to the deck unconscious. +Quickly the men relieved him of his two weapons and then they held a +consultation. + +"We must release the others first," said one man. + +This plan was agreed upon and the man who had suggested it was +appointed to make his way to where the others were imprisoned and free +them. A moment later he slipped stealthily from the engine room and as +stealthily approached the cabin where his fellow countrymen were +imprisoned. Inside, he closed the door quickly and in a low voice +cautioned the others to silence. + +Quickly he unloosened their bonds and the five sailors and two officers +rose and stretched their cramped limbs. In a few words the German +sailor gave his officers the lay of the land and the first lieutenant +took command. + +"In the next cabin," he said, "is a chest containing revolvers and +ammunition. Bring it here." + +Two men hurried to obey and returned a few moments later bearing the +chest. The two officers armed themselves and the men. + +"These English must be very careless," said one, "else we would never +have this chance." + +The others agreed and the two officers considered what was best to be +done. + +"How many are there, did you say?" asked the first officer of the man +who had released the others. + +"There were nine, but we have disposed of the man in the engine room." + +"Then we are twelve to eight. Good! First we will try and capture the +bridge and the wheel. As we are in command of the engine room, the rest +should be easy. It will not be necessary to capture all the English. +With the bridge, wheel and engine room in our possession, we can run +the vessel back into the harbor. Come on, men!" + +They advanced quietly from the cabin and made their way on deck. It was +the appearance of the first head that had called forth a cry from one +of the British that had attracted von Ludwig's attention. Wheeling +quickly, von Ludwig saw the Germans dash from below. + +With a quick cry to the others, he drew his revolver and fired. One man +toppled over. The odds against the British were one less; but the +others sprang forward. Frank, at the wheel, was forced to maintain his +position while the others did the fighting. + +The lookout forward and the man stationed aft advanced to take part in +the fray, though keeping out of sight as well as possible. + +"Turn the gun on them, men!" cried von Ludwig. + +The three men who manned the gun sought to obey, but the gun stuck. It +would not turn. Most likely it had been damaged in the battle with the +German cruiser. The British tried the other guns, but with no better +result. + +"Stay where you are," shouted van Ludwig to the men at the guns. "Keep +them between us, if possible." + +The gun crew, who had been on the point of trying to join von Ludwig +and Jack, saw the strategy of this plan and stooped down behind the +guns. The lookout forward also stepped behind the mainmast, where he +began to blaze away at the foe. The man aft, by a dash, succeeded in +reaching the side of von Ludwig and Jack. + +Frank, at the wheel, was in a perilous situation, but there he had +determined to stay until ordered to shift his position. + +"Signal the engine room to slow down," said von Ludwig to Jack. + +Jack obeyed and the ship came to a pause. Apparently the men below +believed the Germans had recaptured the ship. + +"If Harris is still in command down there, we are all right," said von +Ludwig. "If not, there will be more of the enemy up here in a minute." + +And within a minute more of the enemy appeared. + +"Back here, Chadwick!" exclaimed von Ludwig. "Never mind the wheel." + +Frank sprang to the shelter of the bridge, Jack and von Ludwig +protecting his retreat. Frank drew his revolver. + +A German poked his head from the companion-way and Frank took a snap +shot. The head disappeared and there was a howl of pain. + +"Got one, I guess," said the lad quietly. + +The effect of this shot was to infuriate the Germans. The first officer +commanded a charge on the bridge. + +Ten men dashed forward at the word. + +Now the four in the shelter of the bridge--von Ludwig, Frank, Jack and +the man who had come from the after part of the vessel, stood to their +full height and fired into the crowd. From the rear, the three other +British also poured in a volley and the lookout stepped into the open +and fired. + +Caught thus between three fires, the Germans were at a loss what to do. + +One man dropped and the others dashed for the protection of the +companionway. Before reaching there, however, the first German officer +gave the command to scatter and several of the Germans posted +themselves behind whatever shelter offered on deck. The battle had +reached a deadlock. + +The British could not expose themselves without danger of being struck +by a German bullet; and the Germans confronted the same situation. + +"Signal the engine room, Jack," instructed von Ludwig. "We must know +whether Harris is still alive." + +There was no response to the signal. + +"Poor fellow," said von Ludwig. "They probably have done for him." + +From time to time Jack signalled the engine room, thinking perhaps that +Harris had only been wounded and that he might answer. Upon the fifth +signal he received an answer. + +Then Jack signalled: "Full speed ahead." + +A moment later the vessel leaped forward. There came a cry of +consternation from the Germans, who tumbled back down the steps. As +they did so, Frank again sprang to the wheel and brought the head of +the _Bismarck_ sharply about--for since he had released his hold on the +wheel the vessel had been drifting. + +Quickly the lad lashed the wheel with several lengths of cable and then +sprang back to the bridge amid a volley of revolver bullets from the +Germans who still held the deck. None hit him. + +Below, in the engine room, Harris was facing heavy odds. Before +answering Jack's signal, after regaining consciousness, he had closed +and barred the engine-room door and now he paid no attention to the +hammering upon it. He smiled grimly to himself. + +"You won't get in here as long as that door holds," he said. "Before +that I should have assistance." + +The pounding upon the door continued. + +"We'll have to lend Harris a hand, sir," said Jack. "They are too many +for him down there." + +"The first man that steps clear of this bridge is likely to get shot," +declared von Ludwig. "However, as you say, we must lend him a hand." He +called to the men who were still safe behind the guns. "Make a rush +this way," he said. "We'll cover your retreat." + +A moment later three forms flitted across the deck. Two German heads +were raised from their cover. Frank accounted for one and von Ludwig +for the other. Thus were three of the enemy placed _hors de combat_. +Seven had rushed below. There were still two left on deck. + +A spurt of flame showed Jack where one was hidden. + +With a quick move the lad sprang from the bridge and threw himself to +the deck on his face. There was another spurt of flame and a bullet +whistled over his head. Before the man could fire again, Jack had +leaped forward and seized him by his revolver arm. Angrily, the lad +wrested the weapon from the man's grasp. + +The latter drew a knife. There was but one thing for Jack to do. +Quickly he raised his revolver, pointed it squarely at the German's +face, and fired. + +A flash of flame had betrayed the hiding place of the last German on +deck. Two of the British rushed for him. The German accounted for both +of them before they could reach him. + +The losses so far, had been two British and four of the enemy. There +were still six British on deck and a single German; but seven Teutons +were still hammering at the door of the engine room in an effort to get +at Harris. + +"We've got to get rid of this fellow on deck," muttered Frank. He spoke +to one of the men near him. + +"You advance from one side and I'll advance from the other," said the +lad quietly. "The man, apparently, is a dead shot and he probably will +get one of us. But he's dangerous there. He may fire at you and he may +fire at me, but the other will get him." + +The man nodded that he understood, and one from each side of the bridge +they advanced. + +As it transpired it was not Frank who was to pay the penalty for this +rash advance. Perceiving two men approaching, one from either side, the +German fired. Quickly, Frank raised his revolver and also fired. The +German threw up his arms and fell to the deck. + +Frank turned quickly and looked for the man who had left the shelter of +the bridge with him. He lay prone on the deck. + +"Poor fellow," said Frank. "Yet it had to be done. Just luck that it +wasn't me." + +"Deck's clear, sir," said Frank to von Ludwig. "Now to lend Harris a +hand in the engine room." + +"Forward, then," said von Ludwig. "All except you, Frank, and you, +Jack. You two stay on deck. Take the wheel again, Frank. Jack, you +stand at the head of the companionway and shoot the first German who +appears there." + +"Very well, sir," said Jack, although he was disappointed that he was +not permitted to go to Harris' aid. + +"The others follow me," said von Ludwig. + +There were but two other men that could follow. + +"You are attempting too much, sir," said Jack. + +"I think not," said von Ludwig, calmly. + +He led the way below. + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII + +THE CHEATING OF HARRIS + + +Below, Harris had just armed himself with a great iron bar; for he knew +that the door was about to give under the attacks of the Germans. + +"The fools!" he said to himself. "Why don't they blow the lock off?" + +It seemed that the same thought struck the German first officer at +about the same moment. Motioning his men back, he approached the door +and put the muzzle of his revolver against the lock. He pulled the +trigger, and when the Germans again surged against the door it flew +open beneath their weight. + +One man stumbled headlong through the door. As he did so, Harris raised +his heavy bar and brought it down on the man's head. The German dropped +with a crushed skull. + +But before Harris could raise his weapon again the Germans had closed +about him and sought to strike him down with the butts of their +revolvers. The struggling figures were so closely entwined now that the +enemy could not fire without fear of hitting one of their own number. + +Harris struck out right and left and men staggered back before his +terrific blows. Then came the sounds of running footsteps without. + +"Back!" called the German first officer. + +Two British heads appeared in the doorway almost simultaneously. + +"Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!" + +The Germans poured a volley into the two men and the latter sagged to +the deck. + +Harris, at the same moment, had jumped toward the door. As he leaped +over the prostrate forms, he collided with von Ludwig. + +"Quick, sir!" he cried. "They are too many for us. Back on deck!" + +There was something in Harris' manner that impressed von Ludwig. +Without stopping to argue, he followed Harris. When both were safe on +deck, Harris quickly closed the door of the companionway and battened +it down. + +"We've a breathing spell, at any rate," he said, mopping his face. + +"Why all this rush?" demanded von Ludwig. "Where are the men who went +to your assistance?" + +"Dead, the same as we would be if we had lingered another moment," +replied Harris, quietly. "It was impossible to pass through that door +without being shot down. It was only due to the diversion of the +appearance of the others that permitted me to escape." + +Came heavy blows against the covering of the companionway. + +"They want to come out," said Harris, grinning. + +"That door won't stand much battering," said von Ludwig. + +"No, it won't," was Harris' reply, "but one man can guard it well +enough. Besides, we have the bridge. We can steer the vessel where we +will." + +"As long as the engines run we can," agreed von Ludwig. "But unless I'm +greatly mistaken the Germans will soon stop them." + +He was right; for a few moments later the battering at the door of the +companionway ceased and the engines ceased work. + +"Well, we can't go any place now, sir," said Frank, leaving the wheel +and approaching von Ludwig and Harris at the companionway. + +Jack also came up to them. + +"You're right," agreed von Ludwig, "and that's not the worst of it. The +German cruiser probably is in pursuit of us. If they sight us we are +done for." + +Came more violent blows on the door over the companionway, followed by +a shot from below. + +Jack sprang aside as a bullet plowed its way through the hard wood. + +"We'll have to stand to one side," he said. "Otherwise, they are likely +to drop one of us." + +"The door will stand considerable battering," said von Ludwig. "There +is but one thing I can think of. We shall have to desert the ship." + +"In what, a rowboat?" asked Frank, with some sarcasm. + +"Hardly," returned von Ludwig; "but I have discovered that there is a +high-powered motor boat aboard. We can launch that and move off." + +"And as soon as the Germans break out here, they'll come after us and +shoot us full of holes," said Harris. + +"Well, that's true enough, too," agreed von Ludwig. "Of course, if we +had an hour's start we might get through. But the door won't hold that +long." + +Harris had been turning a plan over in his mind. + +"If you please, sir," he said slowly at last, "I have a plan that may +work." + +"Let's hear it," said Frank. + +"Yes; let's have it," said von Ludwig. + +"Well," said Harris, "one man, with a couple of revolvers, should be +able to guard this passageway for an hour without trouble. He can shoot +the Germans down as fast as they come up. My plan is this. Let one man +stay behind on guard. The others can put off in the motor boat." + +"But the one man will die," said Frank. + +"Of course," said Harris, simply. "That shall be my job." + +"Not much," said Jack. "I'll pick that job for myself." + +"Not while I'm here you won't," declared Frank. "I'm plenty big to +guard the companionway." + +"The plan you suggest, Harris," von Ludwig said quietly, "is the only +one, so far as I can see, that promises any degree of success. In my +pocket are papers that must reach the British admiralty at the earliest +possible moment." + +"Then there is no reason why you should think of staying, sir," said +Harris. + +"Wait," said von Ludwig. "In a venture such as this, there is no reason +one man should be called upon to sacrifice himself more than another. +We shall all have an even chance." + +"What do you mean, sir?" asked Frank. + +"Simply this. We shall draw lots to see who shall remain." + +"Suits me," said Harris, with a shrug. + +"And me," declared Jack. + +"Well, then I'm agreeable," Frank said quietly. + +"Good. Harris, in the pocket of my coat, which hangs in the pilot +house, you will find a pack of cards. Bring them here." + +Harris walked away and returned a few seconds later with a pack of +playing cards. Von Ludwig opened the box and produced the cards. + +"The man who cuts the lowest card shall stay behind," he said quietly. +"Shuffle." + +He passed the cards to Harris, who riffled them lightly. + +"One moment," said von Ludwig. "If I should be the man to stay, I want +one of you to take these papers in my pocket. They must be turned over +to the admiralty at the earliest possible moment. Should the man who +carries them be in danger of capture, they must be destroyed. Do you +understand?" + +"Yes, sir," said Jack. + +Frank nodded. + +"It shall be as you say, sir," said Harris, "Now who will cut first?" + +"It may as well be me as another," said von Ludwig. + +He cut the cards and exposed to view a jack of hearts. + +"Looks like you will carry the papers yourself, sir," said Frank, as he +advanced to cut the cards. + +He held up a nine spot of spades. + +"That lets you out, sir," he said to von Ludwig. + +The latter was plainly nervous. + +Jack cut the cards next. Frank uttered a cry of consternation: + +"The three of clubs!" + +"Looks like I was the fellow to stay, all right," said Jack, smiling +slightly. + +"And this time," said Frank, "you may not be as fortunate as upon the +day you remained behind and faced death on the submarine." + +Jack shrugged. + +"Can't be helped," he said quietly. + +Now Harris advanced and cut the cards quickly. + +As he picked up the upper half of the deck, he turned his shoulder +slightly so that the others, for the moment, might not see what he had +cut. He glanced at the bottom card. It was the six of diamonds. + +Deftly, Harris shuffled the cards with his hands. Adept in the art of +trickery, though the others did not know it, he had placed the cards in +such position that he knew almost identically where the high and low +cards were. + +Like a flash his hand passed across the bottom of the deck and when it +was withdrawn the six of diamonds had disappeared. Then he turned to +the others and exposed: + +The two spot of spades! + +"I lose," he said quietly. + +Harris' movements had been so quick that they had not been perceived by +the others. + +Jack was the first to extend a hand. + +"I'm sorry," the lad said quietly. "I was in hopes that it would be +me." + +As he shook hands with the others, Harris kept his left hand behind +him; for in it reposed the card he had palmed--the six of diamonds, +which would have allowed him to go with the others and would have put +Jack in his place. + +As he turned, Harris slipped the card quickly into his pocket, that it +might not be accidentally seen. Then, he knew, he was safe. + +Jack picked up the deck. + +"I shall keep these, Harris," he said, "that I may always remember a +brave man." + +All this time the thundering on the door of the companionway had +continued. + +"Come," said von Ludwig, "we must delay no longer. Already it is +growing light." + +He hastened along the deck to where the high-powered motor boat lay +covered with a tarpaulin. Quickly the little craft was lowered over the +side, von Ludwig first inspecting it. + +"Plenty of water and provisions," he said quietly. He turned to Harris. + +"It is time to say goodbye," he said quietly. "You are a brave man. +This gallant action shall be known to the world." + +"Goodbye, sir," said Harris, quietly. + +"Remember," said von Ludwig, "there is always a chance that you may +escape. If it comes, make the most of it. Goodbye." + +He pressed Harris' hand and passed over the side of the vessel. + +As Frank and Jack shook hands with Harris, the latter squeezed Harris' +hand affectionately. The latter smiled. + +"I had promised myself another bout with you some day," he said. "My +only regret is that it is not possible now." + +A moment more Jack was in the motor boat and it moved away. Harris drew +his revolvers and mounted guard over the companionway, the door of +which now had begun to splinter. + +"An hour is what you needed," he said quietly. "You'll get it!" + + + +CHAPTER XXIX + +A CHAMPION PASSES + + +Harris laid one of his revolvers on the deck, reached in his pocket and +produced the six of diamonds. He looked at it closely in the half +darkness and a smile passed over his face. + +"I suppose I'm a fool," he muttered to himself, "but someway I couldn't +help it. I was afraid Jack would cut the low card. I wouldn't have done +it for one of the others, but Jack, well, he's a boy after my own +heart." + +Harris replaced the card in his pocket; then thought better of his +action, drew it forth again and sent it spinning off across the sea. + +"There," he said quietly, "goes all evidence that I cheated." + +He picked up the revolver he had laid on the deck and moved a short +distance from the companionway. + +There was an extra violent crash and it seemed that the door must burst +open. + +"Another one like that will do the work," said Harris, calmly. + +He took up what he considered a strategic position and produced his +watch. This he lay on the deck and sat down beside it. + +"May as well be comfortable," he remarked. + +Again there was a crash and the door of the companionway burst open. A +German head appeared. + +"Crack!" Harris had fired without moving from his sitting posture. + +The German head disappeared and there was a cry of alarm from below. + +"One down, I guess," said Harris, quietly, to himself. + +For some moments there was silence, broken occasionally, however, by +the dull sound of voices from below. + +"Talking it over, eh?" muttered Harris. "Well, I'll still be here when +you try again." + +It was perhaps fifteen minutes later that a cap appeared in the +opening. Again Harris fired. The cap did not disappear and Harris fired +twice more quickly. + +The cap disappeared. + +"Guess I got another one," said Harris. + +Twice more within the next fifteen minutes this happened. + +"That should be four, if I have counted correctly," said Harris; "and +I've still four cartridges left. I won't have to reload yet." + +He felt in his pocket and then uttered an exclamation of alarm. + +"No more bullets. I'll have to make these four count for the next two." + +Nothing appeared in the doorway again for ten minutes more and then +Harris fired again. Fifteen minutes later the same thing happened and +Harris, making sure that this was the last of the enemy, emptied his +revolver at it. + +Then he got to his feet and put his watch in his pocket. + +"Guess that settles it," he said. "Now I'll look around for a boat. I +didn't know it was going to be as easy as all that. If I had I would +have had the others wait for me." + +He moved toward the companionway, and as he did so, a bullet whistled +by his ear. Harris stepped back in surprise; and in that moment the +solution came to him. + +"By Jove! They've fooled me," he muttered. "They poked their caps up +and I shot them full of holes. However, they don't know yet that I'm +out of bullets." + +A few moments later a cap again appeared in the opening. Harris had no +bullets to fire at it. + +"They'll discover my predicament in a moment or so, though," he told +himself. + +He pulled his watch from his pocket and glanced at it. + +"An hour," he said. "They have had time enough. However, I'll just see +the thing through." + +As he spoke it grew light. Harris looked off across the sea. There, so +far away that it appeared but a speck upon the water, he saw what he +took to be the motor boat bearing his friends to safety. He waved his +cap. + +"Good luck!" he said quietly. + +Now a German head appeared in the door of the companionway. It was not +a cap this time. Harris saw it, and drawing back his arm, hurled one of +his revolvers swiftly. His aim was true and the weapon struck the +German squarely in the face. With a scream of pain the man fell back +into the arms of his companions. + +But Harris' action had told his enemies that he had no more bullets, +and seeing that they had but one man to contend with, the Germans +sprang from their shelter and leaped for him. + +Harris clubbed his remaining revolver, and with his back to the pilot +house, where he had retreated, awaited the approach of the four foes. + +"You're going to have the fight of your lives," he said grimly. + +A German sprang. Harris' arm rose and fell and there was one German +less to contend with. But before Harris could raise his arm again, the +other three had closed in upon him. Harris felt himself borne back. + +The former pugilistic champion of the British navy cast all ring ethics +to the winds. He struck, kicked and clawed and sought to wreak what +damage he could upon his enemies without regard for the niceties of +fighting. He knew that they would do the same to him. + +So great had been the force of the shock of the three Germans--all that +were now left of the original twelve--that Harris was borne to the +deck. His revolver hand struck the floor with great force and the +weapon was sent spinning from his grasp. + +With a mighty effort, he hurled the three men from him and leaped to +his feet. The Germans also arose. Harris did not wait for them to +resume the offensive. With head lowered he charged. + +Nimbly the foe skipped to either side and Harris felt a keen pain in +his right side. One of the foe had drawn a knife and stabbed as Harris +rushed by. Whirling quickly, Harris again sprang forward. One man did +not leap out of his way quickly enough, and Harris' hands found his +throat. + +The man gave a screech as Harris' hands squeezed. The Englishman raised +his enemy bodily from the deck, flung him squarely in the faces of the +other two, and followed after the human catapult. + +The foremost German dodged and seized Harris by the legs. Both went +over in a heap, Harris on top. Harris raised his right fist and would +have brought it down on the German's face but for the fact that the +second foe seized his arm in a fierce grasp. At the same moment he +struck with his knife. + +The point penetrated Harris' right side and he felt himself growing +faint. Angrily, he shook the German from him and rose to his feet. The +man who had been underneath the Englishman also got quickly to his +feet, and before Harris could turn, stabbed him in the back. + +With a cry, Harris whirled on him and seized the knife arm. He twisted +sharply. The German cried out in pain and sought to free himself. But +his effort was in vain. + +With the grasp by the wrist, Harris swung the man in the air, and +spinning on his heel, hurled him far across the deck, where the +unconscious form struck with a crash; and at the same moment the other +German struck again with his knife. + +Harris staggered back. + +Now the German who so recently had felt the effect of Harris' fingers +in his throat, pulled himself from the deck and renewed the battle. He +advanced, crouching, and another knife gleamed in his hand. + +It is possible that, had it not been for the effects of the knife +wounds, Harris, in the end, would have overcome these foes, for he was +a powerful man. But when a man is bleeding from half a dozen wounds and +faces two adversaries both armed with knives, he has little chance of +ultimate victory. Harris realized it; but he was not the man to beg for +mercy. Besides, so fierce had been his attacks and so great his +execution, it is not probable that the Germans would have spared him +anyhow. They were insane with rage. + +There were only two of them left now; and Harris told himself that +their number would be fewer by one before they finished with him. He +leaned against the pilot house panting from his exertions. + +"A great lot of fighters, you are," he taunted his enemies. "Four of +you attacked me with knives and you haven't done for me yet." + +The Germans also were glad of a breathing spell. Their faces reddened +as Harris taunted them. + +"We shall kill you yet," said one angrily. + +"Don't be too sure," said Harris. "I'm an Englishman, you know, and you +have always been afraid of an Englishman." + +At this the Germans uttered a cry of rage and sprang forward, their +knives flashing aloft. + +The first German missed his mark as Harris dodged beneath his arm and +closed with him. He uttered a cry for help. + +"That's right, you coward! You'll need it," said Harris. + +He squeezed the man with all his might. Out of the tail of his eye he +caught the glint of the other German's knife as it descended. Releasing +his hold upon the one man, he stepped quickly backward. But the knife +caught him a glancing blow on the forehead, inflicting a deep wound. + +For a moment Harris paused to shake the blood out of his eyes. Then, +with a smile playing across his features, he advanced; and as he +advanced he said: + +"You've done for me, the lot of you. But I shall take you with me." + +The Germans quailed at the look in his face; and as he moved forward +swiftly they threw down their knives and turned to run. + +But they had delayed too long. + +Harris stretched both hands out straight before him. One hand closed +about the arm of the German to his right. The other clutched the second +man by the throat. Harris pulled the man he held by the arm close; then +released his grip, but before the German could stagger away, seized +him, too, by the throat. + +"Now I've got you," he said. + +Blow after blow the Germans rained upon his face and shoulders, kicking +out with their feet the while. Harris paid no more attention to these +than he would have to the taps of a child. + +But the Englishman felt his strength waning fast. It was with an effort +that he staggered across the deck. At the rail he paused for a moment, +gathering his strength for a final effort. + +Then, still holding a German by the throat with each hand, he leaped +into the sea. + +Once, twice, three times the three heads appeared on the surface and a +spectator could have seen that Harris retained his grip. Then the three +sank from sight. + +And so passed the former pugilistic champion of the British fleet, +brave in death as he had been in life. The waves washed over the spot +where he had gone down. + + + +CHAPTER XXX + +THE UNKNOWN UNMASKS + + +With the coming of dawn the three figures in the little motor boat +gazed back in the direction from whence they had come. There they could +still make out the distant shape of the _Bismarck_. She rode quietly in +the water, and there was nothing about her appearance to tell the three +in the motor boat of the terrible struggle that was raging even at that +moment. + +"Poor Harris," said Jack. "I hope that in some manner he is able to +escape." + +"Certainly I hope so, too," declared Frank. + +"He's a brave man," said von Ludwig. + +Jack drew the fateful deck of cards from his pocket. + +"These," he said, "I shall keep." + +He ran through the deck several times, playing with them. Unconsciously +he counted them. + +There was something wrong. Jack counted the cards again. The result was +the same. + +"Sir!" he called to von Ludwig. + +"Well?" "How did you chance to have this pack of cards?" + +"I play solitaire considerably," was the reply. + +"You couldn't have played solitaire with this deck," said Jack. + +"Why not?" +"All the cards are not here. There are but fifty-one." + +"There were fifty-two when I put them in my pocket," said von Ludwig, +"because I counted them." + +Again Jack ran through the deck There were but fifty-one cards. +Suddenly the lad gave a start. He spread the cards out in the bottom +of the boat, making four piles all suits together. He counted the hearts. +They were all there, thirteen of them. He counted the clubs. They were +all there, too. Next he counted the spades. All were there. Last he +counted the diamonds. There were but twelve. Jack arranged them in order. +There was one card shy. Jack found what it was a moment later. There was +no six of diamonds in the deck. For some moments Jack sat silent, +staring at the cards before him. He had been struck with a great light. + +"So!" he said to himself at last, "Harris cheated." + +"What's that?" said Frank, who had heard Jack's muttered words, but had +not caught their import. + +"I said," replied Jack, slowly, "that Harris cheated." + +Frank was surprised. A moment later he said: "Well, even if he did, he +lost anyhow." + +"That's it," said Jack, quietly. "He didn't lose." + +"You mean----" exclaimed Frank, excitedly. + +"Yes; I mean that I lost. I should have been the one to stay." + +"Impossible," said Frank. + +"It's true," declared Jack. "Von Ludwig here says the deck was a full +deck. It's shy a card now. The six of diamonds is missing. That is the +card Harris cut first. You remember he turned aside?" + +"Yes, but----" + +"That's when he slipped the six of diamonds out of sight and exposed +the deuce of spades." + +"What's all this talk about cards?" asked von Ludwig, at this juncture. + +Jack explained and for a few moments von Ludwig was lost in thought. + +"You know," he said, finally, "I think more of that fellow every minute. +That's the one case I have ever heard of where a man cheated with honor." + +There was silence aboard the little craft as it sped over the water, all +three aboard keeping a close watch for the approach of a German vessel +of some sort. Von Ludwig referred to his chart occasionally, for he +wished to steer as clear of mines as possible. They might be deep in the +water and they might be close to the surface. There was no use taking +chances. And while the voyage continued the lads were to be treated to +yet another surprise; but this surprise was to be a pleasure and would +not bring heavy hearts, as had the discovery of the missing card. + +"I wish," said Jack, suddenly, to von Ludwig, "that you would +tell me who you really are. I sit here and look at you and know I +should be able to call your name. But I can't do it and it makes it +decidedly unpleasant." + +Von Ludwig smiled. "I should have thought you would know me in a minute +in spite of my disguise," he said quietly. "I am sure I should have known +both of you no matter what pains you took to conceal your features." + +"You're only making matters worse," said Frank. "Come on now and tell us +who you are." + +Again von Ludwig smiled. "I wonder if you can guess who I am when I say +that I can tell you all about yourselves?" he said. "For instance, you, +Jack. You spent most of your life in a little African village. And you, +Frank, are an American who was shanghaied aboard a sailing vessel in +Naples soon after the outbreak of the war." + +"By Jove!" said Jack. "Outside of Frank here there is only one man who +knows all that about me." + +"And there is but a single man who knows as much of me," declared Frank. +"Can it be----" + +For answer von Ludwig rose in his seat and stripped from his face the +heavy German beard that had given him the true Teutonic expression, and +there stood revealed before Jack and Frank none other than Lord +Hastings, their erstwhile commander and good friend. Frank gave a cry +of delight and sprang forward at the imminent risk of upsetting the +motor boat. He seized Lord Hastings' hand and pressed it warmly. The +latter's greeting was no less affectionate. Jack, not so given to +demonstrations as his chum, also advanced and grasped Lord Hasting's +hand. + +"You don't know how glad I am to see you again, sir," the lad said +quietly. "It seems like an age since we saw you. And to think that we +didn't recognize you instantly." + +"That's what seemed so funny to me," said Lord Hastings. "When I first +saw you aboard that German vessel I was fearful for a minute that you +would recognize me and blurt it out right there." + +"But what were you doing there, Lord Hastings?" asked Frank. + +"It's a long story," was the latter's reply, "but I guess now is as +good a time as any to explain." + +"I wish you would, sir," said Jack. + +"Well," said Lord Hastings, "as you know, I told you when we parted +that I had an important diplomatic duty to perform. First, it carried +me to Roumania, where, I may say, I was successful." + +"You mean that Roumania has decided to cast in her fortunes with the +Allies, sir?" + +"Exactly. She will take that step some time in August, though the exact +date I am unable to say. My mission there at an end, I was ordered to +report to Berlin. As you know, we still maintain a staff of +correspondents in the German capital, although their identities are +closely hidden." + +Frank and Jack nodded, for they had known this some time before. + +"Well," Lord Hastings continued, "in Berlin I was instructed to learn +what Germany planned to do to offset the Roumanian menace, for she is +sure to know of Roumanians decision by this time. I had some trouble, +but I succeeded at last." + +"And what will she do, sir?" asked Frank. + +"That," was the reply, "I am unable to state at this minute. It is a +secret that I am guarding carefully and I cannot even tell you lads +about it." + +Frank and Jack asked no further questions along that line. + +"But how came you aboard the German vessel, sir?" Jack wanted to know. + +Lord Hastings smiled. + +"In Berlin," he said, "I was supposed to be a Roumanian officer, who +had hopes of changing the attitude of that country. The Kaiser wished +to show me how foolish it would be for the little Balkan state to join +the Allies, and for that reason, had me shown through the German naval +fortifications. That information, too, I am carrying back with me." + +"But why didn't you tell us who you were in Bremen, sir?" + +"I don't know. At first I guess because I wanted to surprise you both +when you did learn who I was." + +"But you told us not to try and learn who you were." + +"Well, that was for a good reason. For, if you should have sought to +pry, it might have aroused suspicions and there is no telling what +would have happened." + +"I see, sir," said Frank. "But you almost lost us when you didn't get +back in time." + +"I know that now. I wouldn't do the same thing again." + +"And what are you going to do after you return to London, sir?" Frank +wanted to know. + +Again Lord Hastings smiled. + +"That's hard to tell," he replied. "Still, I imagine it will not be +very long before I feel a deck under my heels again." + +"You mean you will leave the diplomatic service again, sir?" asked +Jack. + +"I expect to. The king promised me a new command before he despatched +me to the Balkans. But I do not know how long I shall be kept waiting." + +"And when you get it, sir, will we go back with you?" asked Frank. + +"Why," was the reply, "I should have thought that by this time you +would perhaps have changed your minds." + +"Never, sir," declared Jack, positively. "We would rather serve under +you, sir." + +"I'll see what can be done," Lord Hastings promised. + +And with that the lads were forced to be content. Still, they knew well +enough that Lord Hastings would do what he could to have them with him +again. + +"The main thing now," said Lord Hastings, "is to dodge the enemy and +get back to England." + +"With you here, sir," said Frank, "I am sure we shall get back safely." + +And Frank proved a good prophet. + +All that day they made their way slowly through the North Sea. Several +times enemy ships were sighted, but, because the little motor boat lay +so low in the water, the Germans did not see them. + +With the coming of night, however, Lord Hastings increased the speed of +the little craft. He felt that they were now beyond the German mine +fields and that if another vessel were encountered it probably would be +British. + +And this proved to be the case. + +Along toward morning of the second day, a British cruiser bore down on +them. Soon all were aboard the vessel, which, when Lord Hastings +informed the commander of the nature of the papers he carried, turned +about and headed for London. + +A day or two later, Frank and Jack again found themselves installed in +the comfortable home of Lord Hastings, where they sat down to await +what time might bring forth--confident, however, that it would not be +long before they were upon active service under the command of their +good friend, Lord Hastings. + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10081 *** diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..09e7057 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #10081 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10081) diff --git a/old/10081.txt b/old/10081.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3a5c1f3 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/10081.txt @@ -0,0 +1,8072 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Boy Allies at Jutland, by Robert L. Drake + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: The Boy Allies at Jutland + +Author: Robert L. Drake + +Release Date: November 14, 2003 [eBook #10081] + +Language: English + +Chatacter set encoding: US-ASCII + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY ALLIES AT JUTLAND*** + + +E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Ginny Brewer, and Project Gutenberg +Distributed Proofreaders + + + +The Boy Allies At Jutland + +or + +The Greatest Naval Battle of History + +By Ensign ROBERT L. DRAKE + +AUTHOR OF + + "The Boy Allies Under the Sea" + "The Boy Allies In the Baltic" + "The Boy Allies on the North Sea Patrol" + "The Boy Allies Under Two Flags" + "The Boy Allies with the Flying Squadron" + "The Boy Allies with the Terror of the Seas" + +1917 + + + + + + + +CHAPTER I + +H.M.S. "QUEEN MARY" + + +A great, long, gray shape moved swiftly through the waters of the +Thames. Smoke, pouring from three different points in the middle of +this great shape, ascended, straight in the air some distance, then, +caught by the wind, drifted westward. + +It was growing dark. Several hours before, this ocean greyhound--one of +Great Britain's monster sea-fighters--had up-anchored and left her +dock--where she had been undergoing slight repairs--heading eastward +down the river. + +Men lined the rails of the monster ship. These were her crew--or some +of her crew, to be exact--for the others were engaged in duties that +prevented them from waving to the crowds that thronged the shore--as +did the men on deck. + +Sharp orders carried across the water to the ears of those on shore. +The officers were issuing commands. Men left the rail and disappeared +from the view of the spectators as they hurried to perform their +duties. Came several sharp blasts of the vessel's siren; a moment later +her speed increased and as she slid easily through the waters of the +river, a cheer went up from both shores. + +The crowd strained its eyes. Far down the river now the giant +battleship was disappearing from the sight of the men and women who +lined the banks. In vain, a few moments later, did many eyes try to +pierce the darkness. The battleship was lost to sight. + +The vessel that had thus passed down the Thames was H. M. S. _Queen +Mary_, one of the most formidable of England's sea fighters. It was +with such ships as the _Queen Mary_, supported by smaller and less +powerful craft, that Great Britain, for almost two years of the great +war, had maintained her supremacy of the seas. + +This great ship was new in service, having been completed only a few +years before the outbreak of the war. She was constructed at a cost of +$10,000,000. She was 720 feet long, of 27,000 tons burden and had a +complement of almost 1,000 men. For fighting purposes she was equipped +with all that was modern. + +In her forward turret she carried a battery of six 16-inch guns. Aft, +the turret was similarly equipped. Also the _Queen Mary_ mounted other +big guns and rapid firers. She was equipped with an even half-dozen +12-inch torpedo tubes. She was one of the biggest ships of war that +roved the seas. + +The _Queen Mary_ was one of the fleet of battleships that had patrolled +the North Sea since the outbreak of hostilities. Already she had seen +her share of fighting, for she had led more than one attack upon the +enemy when the Germans had mustered up courage enough to leave the +safety of the great fortress of Heligoland, where the main German high +sea fleet was quartered. + +It had been in a skirmish with one of these venturesome enemy vessels +that the _Queen Mary_ had received injuries that necessitated her going +into dry dock for a few days, while she was given an overhauling and +her wounds healed. True enough, she had sent the foe to the bottom; but +with a last dying shot, the Germans had put a shell aboard the _Queen +Mary._ + +Her damage repaired, the _Queen Mary_ was now steaming to the open +waters of the North Sea, where she would again take up patrol duty with +the other vessels that comprised the British North Sea fleet, under +command of Vice-Admiral Beatty, whose flagship, the _Lion_, had taken +up the additional burden of patrolling the _Queen Mary's_ territory +while the latter was being overhauled. + +Aboard the battleship, the British tars, who had become fretful at the +delay, were happy at the thought of getting back into active service. +While they had been given an opportunity to stretch their legs ashore, +they, nevertheless, had been glad when the time to steam back into the +open sea had come. Now, as the _Queen Mary_ entered the mouth of the +Thames and prepared' to leave the shores of Old England for the broad +expanse of the North Sea, they sang, whistled and laughed gaily. + +They were going back where they would get another chance at the enemy, +should he again venture from his lair. + +Forward, upon the upper deck, stood two young officers, who peered into +the darkness ahead. + +"To my mind," said one, "this beats a submarine. Just look about you. +Consider the size of this battleship! Look at her armament! Think of +the number of men aboard!" + +"You may be right," returned the second officer, "but we have had some +grand times beneath the sea. We have been to places and seen things +that otherwise would have been impossible." + +"True enough; but at the same time, when it came to a question of +fight, we have had to slink about like a cat in the night, afraid to +show ourselves to larger and heavier adversaries. Now, aboard the +_Queen Mary_, that will be done away with. Now we are the cat rather +than the mouse." + +"It may be that I shall come to your way of thinking in time," said the +second speaker, "but at this moment I would rather have the familiar +feel of a submarine beneath my heel. I would feel more at home there. +Besides, we have lost one thing by being assigned to the _Queen Mary_ +that hits me rather hard." + +"I know what you mean," said the first speaker. "We indeed have lost +the companionship of a gallant commander. Captain Raleigh undoubtedly +is a first class officer--otherwise he would not be in command of the +_Queen Mary_--but we are bound to miss Lord Hastings." + +"Indeed we are. Yet, as he told us, things cannot always be as we +would like to have them. He was called for other service, as you know, +and he did his best for us. That is why we find ourselves here as minor +officers." + +"Yes; and it's a whole lot different than being the second and third in +command." + +At that moment another young officer hurried by. + +"Coming, Templeton? Coming, Chadwick?" he asked as he passed. + +"Where?" demanded the two friends. + +"Didn't you hear the call for mess?" + +"No; By Jove! and I'm hungry, too," said the young officer addressed as +Templeton. "Come along, Frank. We have been so busy talking here that +we had forgotten all about the demands of the inner man." + +The two hurried after the officer who had accosted them; and while they +are attending to the wants of the inner man, as Templeton termed their +appetites, we will take the time to explain how these two lads came to +be aboard the giant battleship, steaming into the North Sea in search +of the enemies of Great Britain and her allies. + +Frank Chadwick was an American youth of some eighteen years. Separated +from his father in Naples at the outbreak of the great war, he had been +shanghaied aboard a sailing vessel when he had gone to the aid of a man +apparently in distress. There he was made a prisoner. + +Some days later he had been rescued by Jack Templeton, a young +Englishman, who had boarded the vessel off the coast of Africa, seeking +payment for goods he had sold to the mutinous crew. The two lads had +been instrumental in helping Lord Hastings, a British nobleman, put +through a coup that kept Italy out of the war on the side of Germany +and Austria. Lord Hastings had become greatly attached to the lads, and +when he had been put in command of a vessel, he had both boys assigned +to his ship. + +Through gallant service Frank and Jack had won their lieutenancies. +Later Lord Hastings had assumed command of a submarine and had made +Jack his first officer and Frank his second officer. + +Through many a tight place the lads had gone safely, though they had +faced death more than once, and faced it calmly and bravely. Also, at +this period of the war, they had seen service in many seas. They had +been engaged in the first battle of the North Sea, when Great Britain +had struck her first hard blow; they had participated in the sinking of +the German Atlantic squadron near the Falkland islands, off the coast +of Argentina, in South America; they had fought in Turkish waters and +in the Indian Ocean, and also had been with the British land forces +when the Japanese allies of the English had won the last of the German +possessions in China. + +In stature and disposition the boys were as different as could be. +Frank, though large for his age, looked small when alongside of Jack. +The latter, though no older than his friend, was a huge bulk of a boy, +standing well over six feet. He was built proportionately. Strong as an +ox, he was, and cool of head. + +Here he differed from Frank, who had something of a temper and was +likely to do something foolish on the spur of the moment if he became +angry. Jack had served as a damper for his friend's anger and +enthusiasm more than once. + +That they could fight, both boys had shown more than once. Jack, +because of his huge bulk and great strength, was, of course, harder to +beat in a hand-to-hand struggle than was Frank; but what the latter +lacked in this kind of fighting, he more than made up in the use of +revolver, rifle or sword. + +Frank was a crack shot with a revolver; and more than once this +accomplishment had stood them both in good stead. Each was a good +linguist and conversed in French and German as well as in English. This +also had been of help to them in several ticklish situations. + +On their last venture, at which time they had been under command of +Lord Hastings, they had reached the distant shores of Russia, where +they had been of some assistance to the Czar. In reaching Petrograd it +had been necessary for them to pass through the Kiel canal, which they +had done safely in their submarine in spite of the German warships and +harbor defenses. Also they had managed to sink several enemy vessels +there. + +Returning, Frank and Jack had gone home with Lord Hastings, where Lady +Hastings had insisted that they remain quiet for some time. This they +had done and had been glad of the rest. + +One day Lord Hastings had come home with the announcement that he had +been called back into the diplomatic service. It was the aim of the +British government to align Greece and Roumania on the side of the +Allies. Realizing that they could not hope to accompany Lord Hastings, +and not wishing to remain idle longer, Frank and Jack had requested +Lord Hastings to have them assigned on active duty at once. Lord +Hastings promised to do his best. + +And this was the reason that Frank Chadwick and Jack Templeton found +themselves aboard H.M.S. _Queen Mary_ when she steamed out to the North +Sea on an evening in the last week of May, 1916. + + + +CHAPTER II + +A BIT OF HISTORY + + +Up to this time the German Sea fleet, as a unit, had suffered +comparatively little damage in the great war. Sheltered as it was +behind the great fortress of Heligoland, the British sea forces had +been unable to reach it; nor would the Germans venture forth to give +battle to the English, in spite of the bait that more than once had +been placed just outside the mine fields that guarded the approach to +the great German fortress itself. + +To have attacked this fortress would have been foolhardy and the +British knew it. The British fleet, powerful though it was, would have +been no match for the great guns of the German fortress, even had the +battleships been able to force a passage of the mine fields; and this +latter feat would have been a wonderful one in itself, could it be +accomplished. + +Upon several occasions German battleships, cruisers and submarines had +ventured from behind the mine field and had delivered raids upon the +British coast, almost 400 miles away. How they escaped the eyes of the +waiting British was a riddle that so far had not been explained. But +while they reached alien shores in safety, they had not returned with +the same success. Twice the British had come into contact with these +German raiders and in each case the enemy had come off second best. +Several German cruisers had been sent to the bottom. + +After occasions like these, the Germans would lie long behind their +snug walls before venturing forth into the open again. They held the +British navy in too great awe to treat it lightly. + +But the fact that the British were able to keep the German fleet +bottled up was a victory in itself, though a bloodless one. Practically +all commerce with Germany had been shut off. It settled down to a +question of how long the German Empire could survive without the +necessary food and other commodities reaching her shores. What little +in the way of foodstuffs did reach Germany came by the way of the +Scandinavian countries--Norway, Sweden and Denmark; also some grain was +still being shipped in by the way of Roumania and was being transported +up the Danube, which had been opened to traffic again after Serbia had +been crushed. + +But these supplies were not great enough to take care of the whole +German population. In the conquest of Russian Poland, Germany had +improved her lot somewhat, for the fertile fields had immediately been +planted and a good crop had been reaped. + +And the one thing that prevented Germany from importing the things that +would in the end be necessary to her existence was the British +supremacy of the sea, abetted now somewhat by the navies of France, +Italy and Japan. German commerce had been cleared from the seven seas. +What vessels of war had been scattered over the world at the outbreak +of the war had either been sent to the bottom, captured or were +interned in foreign ports. These latter were of no value to Germany. + +It had been more than a year now since the last German commerce raider +had been sunk. The German commercial flag was seen no more in the four +corners of the globe. It appeared that Germany was nearing the end of +her rope. + +And yet, bottled up in Heligoland, remained the German high sea fleet +practically intact. It was a formidable fleet and one, it seemed, that +should not be afraid to venture from behind the protection of the +fortress. And some day, the world knew, when all other ways had failed, +this great fleet would steam forth to give battle to the British, in a +last effort of the German Emperor to turn the tide in his favor; and +while, in the allied nations at least, there was no doubt of the +ultimate outcome of such a struggle, it was realized that the German +fleet would give a good account of itself when it did venture forth. + +Therefore, it was considered just as well that the British keep the +German high sea fleet bottled up and give it no chance to reach the +open, where, although the greater part might be sent to the bottom, +some vessels might escape and embark upon a cruise of commerce warfare. +This bloodless victory, it was pointed out, was of just as great value +to Great Britain as if all the German ships of war had been at the +bottom of the North Sea. Bottled up as they were, they were just as +ineffective. + +This was the situation, then, when the _Queen Mary,_ with Jack and +Frank aboard, steamed down the Thames and out into the North Sea to +take up again her patrol of those waters; and there was nothing to warn +those on board of the great battle that even now was impending and that +was to result disastrously for Great Britain, even though the Germans +were to suffer no less. + +Mess over, Frank and Jack made their way to their own quarters +amidships. Here they sat down and for some time talked over the events +of the days gone by. + +"I guess there will be nothing for us to do this night," said Frank at +last. "We may as well turn in." + +"I am afraid there will be nothing for us to do for some time to come," +was Jack's reply. "I am afraid it will be rather monotonous sailing +about the North Sea looking for German warships, when the latter are +afraid to come out and fight." + +"Well, you can't tell," said Frank. "However, that's one beauty of a +submarine. You don't have to wait around for something to happen. You +can go out and make it happen." + +"That's so. But, by Jove! I wish these fellows would come out and +fight! Maybe we could put an end to this war real quickly." + +"Yes, but we might not," returned Frank. + +"Why, don't you think we can thrash them?" + +"I suppose we can; but at the same time they can do a lot of damage. +Besides, some of them have come out. We've sunk some, of course, but +the others have returned safely enough. I can't see any excuse for +that." + +"It does seem that they should have been caught," Jack agreed, "but I +guess Admiral Jellicoe, Admiral Beatty and the admiralty know what is +going on." + +"Sometimes it doesn't look like it," declared Frank. "I suppose there +are still some of these German submarines scooting about almost under +our feet." + +"I suppose so. However, ordinarily, as you know, they won't attack a +battleship. It's too risky. If they miss with the first torpedo, the +chances are they will be sunk." + +"Well, we sunk a few," said Frank. + +"I know we did; but we took long chances." + +"The Germans take long chances, too." + +"You must have a little German blood in you, Frank," said Jack, with a +smile. "If I didn't know you better, I would think you were sticking up +for them." + +"No, I'm not sticking up for them; but they do things we seem to be +afraid to do. To my way of thinking, we should have gone and cleaned up +Heligoland a long time ago." + +"By Jove! You want the enemy to win this war quickly, don't you?" + +"No, but----" + +"Come, now. You know very well what would have happened if we had tried +to take a fleet into Heligoland. They would have blown us out of the +water." + +"Well, such things have been done," grumbled Frank. "I can tell you a +couple of cases. At Mobile Bay----" + +"Oh, I've heard all that before. But conditions now are absolutely +different. What was done fifty years ago can't be done today." + +"They aren't being done, that much is sure," replied Frank. "But this +argument is not doing us any good. Me for a little sleep." + +"I'm with you," said Jack. + +And half an hour later, as the _Queen Mary_ still steamed due east, +Frank and Jack slept. + +Above, the third officer held the bridge. The great searchlight forward +lighted the water for some distance ahead, and aft a second light cast +its powerful rays first to port and then to starboard. There was not +another vessel in sight. + +Farther to the east, other British battleships patrolled the sea, their +lights also flashing back and forth. It would be a bold enemy who would +venture to run that blockade; and yet, in spite of this, the strictest +watch was maintained. For the fact still remained fresh in the minds of +the British that upon two occasions the Germans had run the British +blockade; and both times the failure of the British to intercept them +had resulted in heavy loss of life on the coast, where the German +warships had shelled unfortified towns--against all rules of civilized +warfare--killing thousands of helpless men, women and children. + +It was against some such similar attack that the British warships were +patrolling every mile of water. The British coast must be protected. No +more German raiders must be allowed to slip through and bombard +undefended coast towns. + +Also, strict watch was kept aloft. For almost nightly now, huge German +Zeppelins were sailing across the sea and dropping bombs upon the coast +of Kent, upon Dover, and close even to London itself. It was feared +that one of these monsters of the air might swoop down upon the +battleships and, with a well directed bomb, send the vessel to the +bottom of the sea. + +All British war vessels were equipped with anti-aircraft guns and these +were ever loaded and ready for action; for there was no telling what +moment they might be called into use to repel a foe. Upon several +occasions attacks of the Zeppelins had been beaten off with these guns, +though, up to date, none had been brought down. + +But now there had been perfected a new anti-aircraft gun. With this it +was believed that the battleship stood a good chance of bringing down a +Zeppelin should it venture near enough. + +With such a gun the _Queen Mary_ had been equipped as she was +overhauled in dry dock. With this gun went four men. One to stand by +the gun at night and keep watch of the sky and a second to do duty in +the day time. The other two men stood relief watches and were of +additional need should one of the first men be injured, taken sick or +killed. + +And so it was that, as the _Queen Mary_ continued on her way, one of +these men stood by his gun just aft of the bridge, watching the sky. +Nor did he shirk his task. + +Almost continuously his eye swept the dark heavens, following, as well +as he could, in the path of one or the other of the searchlights. He +used powerful night glasses for this purpose. Suddenly he gave a start. +He looked closely again through his glasses. Then he uttered a cry of +alarm. + +The third officer, on the bridge, gave an exclamation. + +"What do you see?" he demanded. + +"Zeppelin," was the reply. "Douse the light aft. Have the man forward +see if he can pick up the craft with his flash. About two points east +by north." + +There came sharp commands aboard the _Queen Mary._ + + + +CHAPTER III + +WARSHIP AND ZEPPELIN + + +A bell tinkled in the engine room of the _Queen Mary_. The ship slowed +down. Captain Raleigh had been called by the third officer. He took the +bridge and issued his orders sharply. + +There was no telling whether the Zeppelin sighted by the man at the gun +would attack the ship, but Captain Raleigh considered it best to be on +the safe side. That was why he had left orders to be called immediately +should an enemy appear. + +Again a bell tinkled in the engine room, following an order from the +commander of the _Queen Mary_. + +The great engines stopped and became silent. + +"Cut off all lights!" was the next command. + +A moment later the great ship was in darkness. + +Frank and Jack, in their quarters, were awakened by the sounds of +confusion above. All hands had not been piped on deck, so most of the +men still lay asleep, unconscious of what was going on above, but the +two lads, dressing hurriedly, made their way on deck. They walked +forward, toward the bridge. + +All was dark and it was this that told Frank and Jack that something +was going on. + +"Wonder what's up?" said Frank. + +"Airship, I guess," was the reply. "Can't see any other reason for +extinguishing all lights." + +Near the bridge the lads stopped and waited to see what would happen. +All was quiet aboard. Not a sound came from the officers or the men on +deck. Then Captain Raleigh commanded: + +"Try the forward searchlight there. See if you can pick her up!" + +The light flashed aloft; and there, so far above the _Queen Mary_ as to +be little more than a tiny speck, hovered a giant Zeppelin; and even as +they looked, the airship came lower. + +"She's sighted us," said Captain Raleigh to his first officer, who +stood beside him. "Try a shot, Mr. Harrison." + +The first officer passed the word and a second later there came the +sound of the anti-aircraft gun. The gunner had taken his range at the +moment the flashlight revealed the airship. + +The shot brought no noticeable result. + +"Fifteen knots ahead, Mr. Harrison!" ordered the captain. + +He was afraid that the Zeppelin might drop a bomb on the ship; and from +that moment until the end of the battle the _Queen Mary_ did not pause. +First she headed to port and then to starboard, manoeuvering rapidly +that the German airmen might not be able to reach her with a bomb. + +"Another shot!" commanded Captain Raleigh. + +Still no result. + +"Funny she doesn't rise and try and escape," said Frank. + +"No, it's not," returned Jack. "They don't know anything about this new +anti-aircraft gun. They believe they are out of range." + +"Well, they're likely to hit us with one of those bombs, and then where +will we be?" said Frank. + +"If they hit us you won't know anything about it," was Jack's response. + +Again the _Queen Mary_ tried a shot at the Zeppelin. + +A cheer went up from the members of the crew who stood upon deck; for +the Zeppelin was seen to wabble. + +"Nicked her," shouted the first officer. + +Jack, standing near the rail, heard something whiz by his head. +Instinctively the lad ducked. He knew in a moment what had passed him; +he heard something splash into the sea. + +"Bomb just missed us, sir!" he cried, stepping forward. + +"Where?" demanded Captain Raleigh. + +"Right here, forward, sir," replied Jack. + +Captain Raleigh gave a quick command to his first officer, who passed +it to the man at the wheel. + +"Hard a-port!" he cried. + +The ship veered crazily; and at the some moment, Frank, who was +standing where Jack had been a moment before, heard something swish +past. + +"Another bomb, sir!" he reported. + +There was no reply from the bridge. Captain Raleigh felt that, by +bringing the ship's head hard to port, he had spoiled the range of the +enemy in the air. + +For some time no more bombs dropped near. + +Again the _Queen Mary_ fired at the Zeppelin; and again and again. + +The last shot was rewarded by another cheer from the crew. The giant +Zeppelin was seen to drop suddenly. + +The crew cheered loud and long for it appeared that the Zeppelin was +about to drop into the sea. Down she came and still down; and then her +descent suddenly halted. + +To those aboard the _Queen Mary_ this was unexplainable. + +"Fire again, quickly!" shouted the captain. + +The air gun boomed. At the same moment a man was seen to lean over the +side of the Zeppelin. He dropped something. + +Again Captain Raleigh acted promptly and brought the head of the _Queen +Mary_ around. The German bomb missed. Before another could be dropped, +the man who manned the anti-aircraft gun fired again. + +Another cheer from the crew. + +The Zeppelin began to sink slowly. + +"Full speed ahead!" cried Captain Raleigh. "They'll sink us!" + +The _Queen Mary_ leaped ahead just in time. + +And then the Zeppelin dropped. + +With a splash it hit the water perhaps a quarter of a mile from the +British battleship. Came cries from the men, caught beneath the gas +bag. At that moment Jack stood close to the bridge. Captain Raleigh saw +him. + +"Man a boat, Mr. Templeton," he called, "and rescue those fellows in +the water." + +Quickly Jack sprang to obey. Frank leaped after him. Hurriedly a small +boat was gotten out and launched. A half dozen sailors sprang in and +took up the oars. Frank and Jack leaped in after them. + +The oars glistened in the glare of the searchlight as the men raised +them and awaited the word. + +"Give way," said Jack. + +The boat sped over the smooth surface of the sea. + +Close to the wreckage of the Zeppelin it approached; and cries told +Jack that some of the Germans still lived. + +"Hurry!" he cried, and the men increased their stroke. + +Near the wreckage Jack gave the command to cease rowing. A German swam +toward the boat. Hands helped him in and he lay in the bottom panting. +Other forms swam toward them. These, too, were lifted in the boat. And +at last Jack counted fifteen Germans who had been saved. + +"Are you all here?" he asked of a German officer. + +"All but Commander Butz, sir," was the man's reply. + +Jack commanded his men to row closer to the wreckage. + +"Ahoy there!" he shouted, when he had come close. + +The lad thought he heard a muffled answer, but he could not make sure. +He called again. This time the answer came plainer. + +"Where are you?" asked Jack. + +"Under the wreckage," was the reply. + +Jack scrutinized the wreckage closely. + +"Looks like it might sink any minute," he said "But we can't leave him +there." + +"What are you going to do?" asked Frank. + +For answer Jack arose in the boat. Quickly he threw off his coat and +kicked off his shoes. Then he poised himself on the edge of the boat. + +"I'm going after him," he replied. + +Before Frank could reply, he had dived head first into the sea. + +With a cry of alarm, Frank also sprang to his feet and divested himself +of his coat and shoes. + +"Stay close, men!" he commanded. "I'll lend a hand if it's needed." + +He, too, leaped into the water. + +Rapidly, Jack swam close to the wreckage. He continued to call to the +German, and while he received an answer each time, he could not locate +the man. Twice he swam around all that remained of the huge Zeppelin. +By this time Frank had come up with him. + +"Can't you find him?" he asked. + +"No," returned Jack, "and I am rather afraid to swim under there. The +balloon may sink and carry me under. But if I were certain in exactly +what spot the man is imprisoned, I'd have a try at it." + +Frank listened attentively; and directly the German's voice came again. +To Frank it seemed that the voice came from directly ahead of him. + +"Lay hold of this end here," he said to Jack. "If you can lift it a bit +I'll go under and have a look." + +"Better let me do it, Frank," said Jack. + +"No; you're stronger than I am. You can hold this up better." + +Jack did as his chum requested and a moment later Frank disappeared +under the wreckage, diving first to make sure that he got under. + +Under the water the lad swam forward. His hand touched something that +was threshing about. + +He felt sure it was the German. He rose. His head came in contact with +something, but the lad opened his eyes and saw that he was above the +surface. The imprisoned German was close beside him. + +"Dive!" said Frank. "You can come out all right." + +"Can't," was the reply. "My arm is caught." + +Frank made a quick examination. + +"I can loosen it," he said at last, "but I'll probably break the arm." + +"Loosen it," said the German, quietly. + +Frank took a firm hold on the arm at the elbow and gave a quick wrench. +He felt something give, and when he released his hold on the man's arm, +the latter sank suddenly. + +Frank dived after him quickly. It was even as the lad feared. The +German had fainted from the pain of the arm, which Frank had broken +cleanly as he released it. + +Frank dived deep and his outstretched hand encountered the German. The +lad grasped the man firmly by the collar and then struck upwards. A +moment later he succeeded in making his way to where Jack still tugged +at the balloon. + +Jack lent a hand and they dragged the German from beneath the wreckage. +Then they towed him to the boat and other hands lifted him in. Frank +and Jack clambered aboard. + +"Give way!" said Jack, sharply. + +The boat moved toward the battleship; and even as it did so, the mass +of wreckage suddenly disappeared from sight with a loud noise. + +Jack shuddered. + +"Pretty close, Frank," he said quietly. "You can see what would have +happened if you had still been under there." + + + +CHAPTER IV + +ATHLETICS + + +"Can you fight?" + +The speaker was a young British midshipman. Jack and Frank stood at the +rail, gazing off toward the distant horizon, when the young man +approached them. The lads turned quickly. + +"Can you fight?" demanded the young man again. His eyes rested on Jack. + +"Well," said the latter with a smile, "I can if I'm pushed to it. Who +wants to lick me now?" + +The young midshipman also smiled. + +"It's not that kind of a fight I'm talking about," he said. "You're new +aboard, so I'll explain." + +"Do," said Jack. + +"Well, there has been considerable rivalry between the men of our ship +and the crew of the _Indefatigable_. We had an athletic contest last +year and they beat us, carrying everything but the standing broad jump. +This year we are better fortified and we hope to get even. Among other +things there will be a boxing match. Jackson, that's the man we had +entered in that event, is ill. I have been elected to find a +substitute. I sized you up as being able to hold your own with most." + +"Well, if that's the way of it, you can count me in, of course," said +Jack. "When does this come off?" + +"As soon as we come up with the _Indefatigable_. Probably tomorrow." + +"What other events are there?" asked Frank. + +"Plenty," was the reply. "Besides the boxing match and standing broad +jump are the running broad jump; high jumping, a match with foils and a +revolver contest." + +"And are your lists filled?" asked Frank. + +"I believe so. Why?" + +"Well, I'd like to get in the revolver contest," replied the lad. "I'm +pretty handy with a gun." + +"I'll see what can be done," returned the midshipman. "By the way, my +name is Lawrence." + +They shook hands and walked off. + +"Well, that's something to liven things up a bit," said Frank. + +"Yes; but I didn't know they were doing such things in time of war." + +"Neither did I; but it seems they are." + +It was late that evening when Lawrence again approached the two lads. + +"You're in luck," he said to Frank. "We are still one man shy on our +revolver team. I have named you for the place." + +"Thanks," said Frank. "I'll promise to do the best I can. By the way, +where is this match to take place?" + +"Right here. Last year it was pulled off on the _Indefatigable_." + +It was drawing toward night when the _Queen Mary,_ steaming swiftly, +sighted smoke upon the horizon. Two hours later she slowed down a short +distance from three other vessels, which proved to be the +_Indefatigable_, the _Invincible_ and the _Lion_, the latter the +flagship of Vice-Admiral Beatty. + +The commanders exchanged salutations; and among other things made +arrangements for the athletic contest that was to take place aboard the +_Queen Mary_ the following day. This was explained to the men. + +The day's events were to begin at nine o'clock. They were to come in +this order: Standing broad jump, running broad jump, high jump, foil +match, revolver contest and boxing match. + +"You're last on the card, Jack," said Frank, with a laugh, when they +were informed of the manner in which the events were to be pulled off. + +"Hope I'm last on my feet, too," said Jack, with a laugh. + +"Oh, I'm not worrying about you. You'll come through with flying +colors. I hope I am not nervous, though." + +"You won't be," said Jack, positively. "I know you and that revolver of +yours too well." + +"Guess we had better turn in early so as to be fit," said Frank. + +And they did, retiring several hours after mess. + +Every man aboard the _Queen Mary_ was astir bright and early the +following morning. Each man was filled with enthusiasm and each was +ready to wager his next year's pay on the outcome of each event. But +there was to be no gambling. Admiral Beatty had issued orders to that +effect. + +At eight o'clock the championship entrants from the _Indefatigable_ +came aboard, accompanied by many of their companions, who would be +present to cheer them on. Officers as well as men were greatly +interested in the day's sports. Admiral Beatty could not be present, +but Captain Reynolds, of the _Indefatigable_, stood by Captain Raleigh, +of the _Queen Mary_, as the first event was called. + +"We're going to get even with you this time, Reynolds," said Captain +Raleigh. + +"Oh, no you won't. The score will be two in our favor after today." + +They became silent as four men, two from each ship, made ready for the +standing broad jump. + +The jumping was superb. After eight attempts one man from each ship was +eliminated; and at length the _Indefatigable_ man won. + +"Two points for us, Raleigh," said Captain Reynolds, jotting down +something on the back of an envelope. + +"Don't crow, we'll get you yet, Reynolds," was Captain Raleigh's reply. + +The running broad jump was won by the _Queen Mary's_ entrants. Then it +was Captain Raleigh's time to smile. + +"Told you so," he said to Captain Reynolds. + +"Oh, you won one event last year," was the reply. "This high jump comes +to us." + +And it did. The score was now four to two in favor of the +_Indefatigable_. Then came the match with foils and this also went to +the _Indefatigable_, making the score nine to two, for this match +carried five points for the winner. Also, the pistol contest and the +boxing match carried five points each. + +"We've got you now, Raleigh," laughed Captain Reynolds. "Nine to two. +You've got to take both of the next two events to win. It can't be +done." + +"It has been done," was the reply. + +"It won't be this time," was the reply. "I think we will win the +revolver contest, for I have some pretty fair shots, but if we don't, +we are sure to take the boxing match. We've a surprise for you there. +Here they go." + +The revolver match was on. There were three men on each team. The first +mark was set, a target at twenty yards with a six-inch bull's eye. +Frank fired first. He hit the bull's eye easily. So did the others, all +except one of the _Indefatigable_ crew, who was thus eliminated, much +to his disgust, as the spectators jeered him. + +The next shot at a smaller mark eliminated one of the _Queen Mary's_ +crew. An _Indefatigable_ man and a _Queen Mary_ man both missed the +next mark and there remained but Frank for the _Queen Mary_ and a man +named Simpson for the _Indefatigable_. + +The target had been removed to sixty yards and the bull's eye was but +two inches. Frank fired and scored a hit. So did Simpson. Next both hit +the mark ten yards farther back. + +A one-inch bull's eye was substituted. Frank fired first. He scored a +clean hit. Simpson also hit the eye, though not so squarely. Still it +counted a hit. + +Now the bull's eye was reduced to half an inch, and at seventy yards it +seemed almost impossible to hit it. This time Simpson was to fire +first. Carefully he took deliberate aim and fired. + +A shout went up from the _Queen Mary_ men who stood near. + +"Missed it by a hair," said one. "Beat it, Chadwick! Beat it!" + +"He can't beat it! Hooray! We've won!" This from the _Indefatigable's_ +crew. + +"Good shooting, old man," said Frank, quietly, as he took his position. + +Carefully he measured the distance with his eye. + +Then he raised his revolver slowly, and seeming scarcely to take aim, +fired. + +And a yell went up from the _Queen Mary's_ crew. + +"Bull's eye! Bull's eye!" they cried, and danced and capered about the +deck. + +Frank had won. He had hit the bull's eye squarely. + +The men rushed up and danced about him. + +"Good work!" they cried. "Five points for us. Nine to seven now. We'll +win this yet!" + +Simpson approached Frank and extended a hand. + +"Good shooting, son," he exclaimed. + +Simpson was a man well along in years, and he put this touch of +familiarity to his words to make Frank realize that they were sincere. +"I used to be something of a shot myself," he said. "But I guess you +are better than I ever was." + +Frank took Simpson's hand. + +"You would probably beat me next time," he said. + +Simpson shook his head. + +"Not in a thousand years," he said, and walked off. + +Meantime, Captain Raleigh and Captain Reynolds were having it out. + +"Told you so! Told you so!" exclaimed the former, as pleased as a boy. +"We'll beat you yet, sure." + +"No, you won't, Raleigh," said Reynolds, with a wink. "I'll tell you +something. Ever hear of a man named Harris?" + +"Yes; I know several men by that name." + +"Ever hear of Tim Harris?" + +"By George! You mean Tim Harris, of the _Queen Elizabeth_?" + +"The same." + +"The champion of the British fleet, eh? You mean to tell me you have +rung him in on us?" + +"We didn't ring him in," was the reply. "He was transferred to the +_Indefatigable_ before the _Queen Elizabeth_ went to the Dardanelles. +We've been saving this up as a little surprise." + +Captain Raleigh had lost his look of optimism. + +"Then our man should be warned," he said. "He may wish to withdraw." + +"It is only fair to tell him who his opponent is," agreed Captain +Reynolds. "I guess we should have done it long ago." + +"I'll tell him," said Captain Raleigh. + +At this moment there was a loud cheer from the crew of the _Queen +Mary_. + +"Here he comes!" they shouted. + +Jack, stripped to the waist and wearing a pair of trunks, had appeared +on deck. Two men accompanied him. These, it seemed, were to be his +seconds. Jack caught sight of Frank and smiled. + +And again the crew of the _Queen Mary_ went wild. + + + +CHAPTER V + +THE FIGHT + + +The champion of the _Indefatigable_ had not yet appeared on deck; and +the crew of the _Queen Mary_ strained their necks hunting him out. + +"Bring out your champion!" they called. "What's the matter with him? Is +he afraid?" + +The men of the _Indefatigable_ returned these compliments with jeers of +their own. + +"Oh, just wait!" they howled. + +Captain Raleigh, in the meantime, had approached Jack and his seconds. + +"It is only fair to warn you," he said quietly, "that the man whom you +are to oppose is Tim Harris, champion of the British fleet." + +Jack was surprised. + +"I didn't know that, sir. I thought he was with the _Queen Elizabeth_." + +"Well, he's here; but I didn't know it until a moment ago. It will be +no dishonor to you if you wish to withdraw. A man must be in perfect +trim to stand before Harris." + +"Why," said Jack, in surprise, "I can hardly do that now, sir. The men +are depending on me." + +Captain Raleigh smiled frankly. + +"You are all right, boy," he said. "At your first words I thought you +were afraid. But you cannot hope for victory." + +"I always hope for victory, sir, and I shall do my best. I am no +novice." + +"Perhaps not; but Harris is almost a professional; in fact, I may say, +a good deal better than many professionals. He is fast for a man of his +size and has a terrible right-hand punch. I have seen him box often. If +you are decided to go on with this, a word of warning. Watch that right +hand of his like you would a hawk." + +"I shall remember, sir," replied Jack. "Thank you." + +"All right then," said Captain Raleigh. "I like your spunk. Good luck +to you." + +Captain Raleigh walked back to Captain Reynold's side. + +"Will he withdraw?" asked the latter. + +"He will not. He says the men are depending on him and he must go +through with it." + +"By Jove! a fine spirit!" exclaimed Captain Reynolds. "I hope he is not +too easily disposed of." + +"I don't think he will be," said Captain Raleigh, quietly. "Someway, I +have a feeling that you haven't carried off the honors yet." + +"But it's foolish to talk like that, Raleigh," said Captain Reynolds. +"You know this man, Harris." + +"I suppose it is foolish, but it's the way I feel just the same. Ah! +There's Harris now." + +Tim Harris had appeared on deck; and the crew of the _Indefatigable_ +went wild. Now for the first time the crew of the _Queen Mary_ knew who +Jack's opponent would be; and after a look at Harris, they became +strangely silent. Then one voice called: + +"Never mind who he is. Templeton can lick him, anyhow!" + +The others took up the cry and Jack smiled. + +Now the referee called the principals to him and gave them their +instructions. + +"No hitting in clinches, and clean breaks," he said. + +Jack and Harris nodded that they understood. As the two stood there +together, the crowd sized them up. + +Jack, standing well above six feet, still was not as tall as his +opponent, who topped him by a full inch. Their arms were about of a +length, but Harris was big through the chest and his arms seemed more +powerful than Jack's. A close observer, however, would have seen that +while Jack was in perfect physical condition, Harris carried a trifle +too much fat--not much, but still a trifle. With the battle anywhere +near equal, this fat might prove to Jack's advantage. + +Jack's arms showed strength, but the muscles were not knotted like +those of Harris. Harris was perhaps twenty-eight years old, Jack almost +ten years younger. Jack had the youth, but Harris had the experience of +many hard encounters. It appeared that the odds were heavily against +Jack. + +Jack and Harris sized each other carefully. Jack smiled. So did Harris. +As they touched gloves, Harris said: + +"You're a nice boy. I don't want to hurt you too much, so I'll make +this short"--the referee had announced that the match was to be for ten +rounds. + +"Don't worry about me," said Jack. "I can take care of myself. If the +match is short you won't find me on the deck." + +Harris would have replied, but at that moment the referee called: + +"Time!" + +Jack leaped lightly backward even as Harris aimed a vicious blow at his +head, apparently trying to make good his word to end the battle at +once. The blow missed Jack's face by the fraction of an inch. Harris +followed up this blow with a right and left, which Jack blocked neatly, +and then brought his right up, trying to upper cut. + +Jack leaped backward and the blow grazed his chin. Before Harris could +recover, Jack stepped quickly forward and planted a sharp right and a +hard left to Harris' nose. Harris stepped back and wiped away a stream +of red. + +It was first blood for Jack and the crew of the _Queen Mary_ sent up a +wild cheer. + +But Harris only smiled. He was not to be caught so easily again. + +These two blows had given the _Indefatigable_ champion some respect for +Jack's ability. He advanced more carefully this time. He feinted +rapidly and shot his left forward, quickly followed by his right. But +Jack had not been deceived and caught both blows upon his forearms. + +"You're all right, boy," said Harris, admiringly, "It's a pleasure to +box with you." + +"And I may say the same," said Jack. + +They fell to it again. + +As Harris stepped quickly forward his foot slipped and he fell to one +knee. + +"Hit him when he gets up!" came a cry from the crowd. + +Instead, Jack lowered his guard and extended a hand. He helped his +opponent to his feet. Then he stepped back and the battle continued. + +Now Jack decided that he would feel the other out. He feinted rapidly, +once, twice, and struck out with a right; and he staggered back +suddenly, for something had suddenly come up under his chin with +terrible force. In a moment Jack realized what _it_ was. It was +Harris' right, which Captain Raleigh had warned him against. Had the +blow been timed perfectly, Jack realized, the fight would have been +over then and there. + +Guarding desperately, Jack managed to fall into a clinch, where he hung +on until his head cleared. As he stepped back the referee called time. +The first round was Harris' by the margin of that hard uppercut. + +"I'll be a little more careful of that right," Jack confided to his +seconds, as he again advanced into the ring. + +Again the lad assumed the offensive, keeping careful eye on his +opponent's right fist. Again Harris tried to reach Jack's chin, but +this time Jack blocked the blow. He knew he would not be caught that +way again. Jack feinted three times, twice with his left and once with +his right, and then the right crashed against Harris' ear. The man +staggered back and before he could recover Jack planted two hard blows +--right and left--to his sore nose. Desperately, Harris rushed into a +clinch. + +Again the crew of the _Queen Mary_ cheered. + +"And what do you think of that, eh?" asked Captain Raleigh of Captain +Reynolds. + +"The boy is a fighter," was the latter's reply. "But wait; experience +will tell." + +Harris became more cautious. He circled around Jack, lightly, dancing +about on his toes. The lad followed him quietly. Suddenly, Harris' left +fist shot out. Jack blocked, but before he could recover, Harris +launched himself like a catapult and a series of right and lefts +descended on Jack's face, neck, ears and abdomen. + +Jack staggered back and Harris followed him closely, giving him no rest +Jack was still retreating at the bell. + +Again in the third and in the fourth round Jack seemed to be getting +the worst of it. In the fifth he braced and sent in as good as he +received. In the sixth he almost floored Harris with a straight right +to the side of the jaw; and in the seventh Harris was kept on the +defensive. + +But in the eighth Jack again encountered Harris' right and the force of +the blow sent him reeling. All through the round Harris followed up +this advantage, and at the bell, it seemed that Jack would be unable to +continue the fight. + +But his head cleared in the one minute rest period; and he fought +through the ninth round carefully. The lad realized now that, so far, +Harris had the better of the encounter and that, if he hoped to win, it +must be by a knockout. So, while Harris was trying in vain to put in a +finishing punch, Jack husbanded his strength, determined to make a +strong effort in the final round. + +The rest refreshed him still more; and as time was called for the +tenth, Jack cast discretion to the winds and leaped forward. + +In spite of this, he was cool, however, and kept his eye peeled for the +movement that would tell him Harris was about to launch his right. + +A right and left he landed to Harris' sore nose. Then Harris rushed. +Jack was forced back around the ring by the force of this rush and +backed against the ropes; but he bounded out with great force and +landed a vicious left to the side of Harris' jaw. Then they clinched. + +As the referee parted them, Jack saw the movement for which he had been +watching. Harris again was about to launch that terrible right. The lad +waited calmly. + +"Swish!" + +It flashed forth faster than the eye could see. But it had not come too +quick for Jack, who was expecting it. + +The blow was aimed for the point of the chin and would have ended the +fight right there. But, judging the distance exactly, Jack moved his +head a trifle to one side; and Harris' fist flashed by his chin by the +fraction of an inch. + +With all his force behind the blow, Jack put a straight left to Harris' +jaw. A terrible jolt to the abdomen followed; and, as Harris head came +forward again, Jack pivoted on his heel and struck with his right. + +He had judged the time and the distance perfectly. His right fist +caught Harris squarely upon the point of the chin. There was a "smack" +that could be heard even above the cheering of the _Queen Mary's_ crew, +followed by a crash as Harris fell to the deck. With half a minute of +the last round to go, Jack had knocked the man out and won the day for +the _Queen Mary_ by a score of twelve to nine. + +And the crew cheered again! + + + +CHAPTER VI + +SCOUTING + + +Harris remained prostrate on the deck. + +Quickly, Jack pulled off his gloves and, leaning down, he picked up the +unconscious man and carried him to his own cabin. There he bathed the +man's face and brought him back to consciousness. + +"How do you feel, old man?" he asked. + +Harris looked at the lad queerly. + +"So you beat me, eh?" he said. "Well, to tell you the truth, after the +fifth round I expected it. I am no match for you and I know it. Do you +realize that you are the champion of the British fleet now?" + +"I hadn't thought of that," was Jack's reply. + +"You have defeated the champion, so your title is undisputed," said +Harris. + +He rose from the bunk where Jack had placed him and felt tenderly of +his chin. + +"Quite a wallop," he said calmly. "Well, let me congratulate you. I am +glad that, as long as I had to be defeated some day, it was you who +turned the trick." + +He extended a hand and Jack grasped it heartily. + +"You would probably down me next time," he said. + +"Not a chance," replied Harris. "I know when I have met my superior." + +He moved toward the door. There he paused for a moment and said: + +"Well, I must go and dress now. I hope that I may see you again before +long." + +"I am sure I hope so, too," returned Jack. + +Hardly had Harris taken his departure when running feet approached +Jack's cabin. A moment later a crowd of sailors burst into the room. +Before Jack realized what was going on, they had seized him, hoisted +him to their shoulders and rushed out on deck again. There, for perhaps +half an hour, they paraded up and down, cheering wildly. + +They lowered him to the deck, however, when Captain Raleigh and Captain +Reynolds approached. The former spoke first. + +"I must congratulate you upon your remarkable exhibition," he said. +"You are a brave boy." + +Jack flushed and hung his head. + +"When I am mistaken I admit it," said Captain Reynolds. "You are more +than a match for Harris at any time." + +"I did the best I could," said Jack, sheepishly. + +"Well, it was pretty good," said Captain Reynolds. + +With Captain Raleigh he moved away. + +Frank now approached and accompanied Jack back to their cabin, where +Jack got info his uniform. + +"Some scrapper, you are," said Frank. "I thought you were done for once +or twice, though." + +"I thought so myself," returned Jack, with a grin. "I was pretty lucky +in that last round, if you ask me." + +"Harris was pretty unlucky, I know that," said Frank, grimly. "Hurry +up, it's time to eat." + +Jack's fight was the talk of the day aboard the _Queen Mary_; and +aboard the _Indefatigable_, too, for that matter. In fact, all the +British fleet within wireless radius knew before night that there was a +new champion of the British fleet; and they cheered him, though he +could not hear. + +It was upon the following morning, while the _Queen Mary_ steamed about +in the North Sea, that Jack and Frank embarked upon their first piece +of work since they had been assigned to the giant battleship. + +Both lads were in their cabin studying, when an orderly announced that +Captain Raleigh desired their presence. They obeyed the summons at +once. + +"And how do you feel today?" asked Captain Raleigh, as he eyed Jack, +quietly. + +"First rate, sir." + +"Feel like another fight?" + +"No, sir. I don't make a practice of that sort of thing." + +"I'm glad to hear that. How would you like to take a little trip?" + +"First rate, sir. Where to, sir?" + +"Well, that's rather a difficult question," returned Captain Raleigh. +"Here, read this," and he passed the lad a slip of paper. + +Jack did as commanded. This is what he read: + +"Large number of enemy aircraft reported flying over North Sea, fifty +miles south of you, every night. Investigate. + +(Signed) "BEATTY." + +Jack passed the slip of paper back. + +"Well?" exclaimed Captain Raleigh. + +"Yes, sir," replied Jack. "You want me to find out what's going on, +sir?" + +"Exactly. Can you run a hydroplane?" + +"No, sir; but Frank here can." + +"Who?" + +"Lieutenant Chadwick, sir." + +"Oh," said the commander, "so he is Frank, eh? All right. Then here is +what I want you two to do. Take the hydroplane aft and fly south. Take +your time and see what you can find out. The matter may amount to +nothing, and then again it may forebode something serious." + +"Very well, sir," replied Frank. "When shall we start, sir?" + +"You may as well start immediately. It is hardly possible, judging by +the tone of that message, that you will find anything by daylight, but +at least you can be on the ground by night." + +"Very well, sir," said Jack, and waited to see if there were any +further instructions. + +Captain Raleigh dismissed the two lads with a wave of his hand. + +"That is all," he said. "Report the moment you are able to do so." + +The two lads saluted and returned to their own cabin. + +"You see," said Frank, "we didn't have to wait very long to find +something to do." + +"I see we didn't," agreed Frank. "Now, the first thing to do is shed +these uniforms." + +"What for?" + +"So that we shall not be taken for British should we fall among the +enemy. We'll put on plain khaki suits." + +"Well, whatever you say," said Frank. + +This was the work of but a few moments; and half an hour later the two +lads soared into the air in one of the _Queen Mary's_ large +hydroplanes. + +"This is something like it, if you ask me," said Frank, as he bent over +the wheel. + +"Pretty fine," Jack agreed, raising his voice to make himself heard +above the whir of the propellers and the noise of the engine. "I +wouldn't mind flying all the time." + +"Where do we want to come down, Jack?" asked Frank. + +"Let's see. The message said the enemy was flying about fifty miles +south. They probably won't be out before dark, so I should say it might +be well to go a little beyond that point." + +"All right. But we may miss them in the darkness tonight." + +"By Jove! That's so! Funny I didn't think of that. Let me think a +moment." + +"No use of thinking," said Frank, "I have a scheme that will work all +right." + +"What is it?" + +"Why, we'll stop right in the path taken by the enemy planes and then +drop down upon the water." + +"So the Germans can see us as they fly by, eh?" + +"They won't see us in the dark," said Frank. "We'll be a pretty small +spot down on the water. They will be looking for nothing so small." + +"I guess you are right, after all," Jack agreed. "At least it's worth +trying. We'll be sure to hear them flying above; and if we went beyond +the lane of travel, or didn't go far enough, we might not even see +them." + +"Exactly," said Frank. "Well, there is no hurry, so I may as well slow +down a bit." + +He did so and they went along more leisurely. + +"Can't see what the Germans would be flying about here for," said Jack, +"and I have been trying to figure it out ever since I read that +message." + +"So have I," declared Frank, "If they were Zeppelins I could understand +it; they would be going and returning from raids on the British coast; +but surely they would not venture that distance with aeroplanes." + +"I wouldn't think so. Still, you never can tell about those fellows. +They do a lot of strange things." + +"So they do. Say!" Frank was struck with a sudden thought. "You don't +suppose the presence of many of those fellows heralds the advance of +the German fleet, do you? They might be just reconnoitering, you know." + +"No, I hardly think that could be it. The Germans are afraid to venture +out. They know they'll get licked if they do." + +"Well, those aeroplanes come out every night for some purpose, that's +sure," said Frank. "It's a wonder to me the Germans haven't tried to +sneak out in great force before now. They could come along here without +any trouble, or they could make the effort farther north, say near +Jutland." + +"Well, I suppose they'll try it some day," said Jack, "but not right +away. How much farther do we have to go?" + +Frank glanced at his chart and then at his speedometer. + +"About fifteen miles," was his reply; "and then we'll be there too +soon." + +The lad was right. It was not three o'clock when the hydroplane came to +the spot the lads had selected to descend. + +"Well, here we are," said Frank. + +"Guess we may as well go down, then," said Jack. "Some of those fellows +are likely to be prowling about and spot us." + +"Just as you say," agreed Frank. + +He set the planes and the machine glided to the water, where it came to +rest lightly. + +"Glad there is no sun," said Jack, "it would be awfully hot down here." + +And there the lads spent the afternoon. Darkness came at last, and with +its coming, the lads made ready for whatever might occur. Eight o'clock +came and there had been no sounds of airships flying above. The lads +strained their ears, listening for the slightest sound. + +And, shortly after nine o'clock, their efforts were rewarded. Jack +suddenly took Frank by the arm. + +"Listen!" he exclaimed in a low voice. + + + +CHAPTER VII + +AMONG THE ENEMY + + +To Frank's ears came a distant whirring. To ears less keen than the +lad's the sound, which came from above, might have been some bird of +the night flapping its wings as it soared overhead. But to Frank and +Jack both it meant something entirely different. It was the sound for +which they had been waiting. It was an airship. + +Through his night glass Jack scanned the clouds and at last he picked +up the object for which he sought. Almost directly overhead at that +moment, but flying rapidly westward, was a single aeroplane. So high in +the air was the machine that it looked a mere speck and Jack was unable +to determine from that distance whether it was British or German. + +"See it, Jack?" asked Frank in a low voice. + +"Yes," was the reply. "A single craft, perhaps half a mile up." + +"No more in sight, eh?" + +"Not yet. This one is heading west." + +"Guess we had better get up that way, then," said Frank. + +Jack assented. + +A moment later the hydroplane was skimming swiftly over the water. For +perhaps three hundred yards Frank kept the craft on the water; then +sent it soaring into the air above. + +There was not a word between the two boys until the hydroplane was a +quarter of a mile in the air. Then Jack said: + +"Make your elevation half a mile and then head west, slowly. The +chances are there will be more of them. In the darkness we can let them +overtake us and mingle with them in safety." + +Frank gave his endorsement to this plan and the machine continued to +rise. At the proper elevation, Frank turned the hydroplane's head +westward and reduced the speed to less than thirty miles an hour. So +slow was its gait, in fact, that it had the appearance of almost +standing still. + +Jack scanned the eastern horizon with his glass. + +"See anything?" asked Frank. + +"Thought I did," was the reply, "but whatever I saw has disappeared +now. Guess I must have been mistaken." + +But Jack had not been mistaken. + +Far back, even now, a fleet of perhaps a dozen German air planes were +speeding westward. For the most part they were small craft, having a +capacity of not more than three men, with the single exception of one +machine, which, larger than the rest, carried four men. The air planes +were strung out for considerable distance, no two being closer than two +hundred yards together. + +And in this manner they overtook the hydroplane driven by Frank and +Jack. + +Jack, again surveying the horizon with his night glass, gave an +exclamation. + +"Here they come, Frank," he said. "Let her out a little more." + +Frank obeyed without question and the speed of the hydroplane increased +from something more than thirty miles an hour to almost sixty. And +still the Germans gained. + +"This will do," said Jack, leaning close to Frank. "They'll overtake +us, but believing we are of their number, there is little likelihood +that they will investigate us very closely. We can fall in line without +trouble and accompany them wherever they go." + +"Suits me," said Frank. "Just keep me posted on their proximity." + +Gradually the Germans reduced the distance and at length the first +plane was only a few yards behind the craft in which Frank and Jack +were risking their lives. The German craft flashed by a moment later +without paying any attention to the hydroplane. + +"Little more speed, Frank," called Jack. + +The hydroplane skimmed through the air faster than before and the next +German craft did not overtake it so easily; but at length it passed, as +did a third and a fourth. + +"Here's a good place for us to fall in line," Jack instructed. + +Again Frank increased the speed of the hydroplane and it moved swiftly +in the wake of the fourth German craft. After that no enemy air plane +passed them. + +"Any idea where we are?" asked Frank of his chum. + +"We're not far off the Belgian coast, but how far west I can't say," +returned Jack. "Don't suppose it makes any particular difference, +though." + +"I guess not." + +Frank became silent and gave his undivided attention to keeping the +German plane ahead of him in sight. + +And in this manner they proceeded for perhaps another half hour. + +Then the machine ahead of Frank veered sharply to the south. Frank +brought the head of his own craft in the same direction and the flight +continued. + +"Headed for the Belgian or French coast, apparently," said Jack to +himself. "Wonder what the idea is?" + +Now the craft ahead of that in which the two boys rode reduced its +speed abruptly. Frank cut down the gait of his own craft and they +continued on their way more slowly. + +"Nearing our destination, wherever that is," muttered Jack. + +The lad felt of his revolvers to make sure that they were ready in case +of an emergency. + +"Land ahead," said Frank, suddenly. + +Jack gazed straight before him. There, what appeared to be many miles +away, though in reality it was but a few, was a dark blur below. +Occasionally what appeared to be little stars twinkled there. Jack knew +they were the lights of some town. + +"Guess that's where we are headed for, all right," he told himself. + +Behind the British hydroplane the other German airships came rapidly, +keeping some distance apart, however. Jack leaned close to Frank. + +"Just do as the ones ahead of you do," he said quietly. "I don't know +where we are nor what is likely to happen. Keep your nerve and we'll be +all right." + +"Don't worry about me," responded Frank. "I'm having the time of my +life." + +Jack smiled to himself, for he knew that Frank was telling the truth. +There was nothing the lad liked better than to be engaged in a +dangerous piece of work and more than once his fondness for excitement +had almost ended disastrously. + +"Frank's all right if he can just keep his head," muttered Jack. "I'm +likely to have to hold him in check a bit, though." + +They had approached the shore close enough now to perceive that the +distant lights betokened a large town. + +"Probably Ostend," Jack told himself, "though why they should come this +way is too deep for me." + +But Jack was wrong, as he learned a short time later. + +The town that they now were approaching was the French port of Calais +and it was still held by the French despite determined efforts of the +Germans at one time or another to extend their lines that far. The +capture of Calais by the Germans would have been a severe blow to +England, for with the French seaport in their possession, the Germans, +with their great guns, would have been able to command the English +channel and a considerable portion of the North Sea coast. + +When it appeared that the German aircraft would fly directly over the +city, the leading machine suddenly swerved to the east. The others +followed suit. + +The night was very dark, and in spite of the occasional searchlight +that was flashed into the air by the French in Calais, the Teuton +machines so far had been undiscovered. Now, hanging low over the land, +a sudden bombardment broke out from the German air planes. + +It was not the sound of bombs that came to the lads' ears; rather the +sharp "crack! crack!" of revolver firing. Jack and Frank gazed about +them quickly, for they believed, for the moment, that the Germans had +encountered a squadron of French airships. + +But there was no other machine in sight save the German craft. + +"What in the world is the meaning of this?" Frank asked of Jack. + +"Don't know," returned the lad, "but I guess I'd better join in." + +He drew his revolver and fired several shots in the air. + +"Seems to be expected of us," he said. "We don't want to disappoint +them." + +The German aircraft now headed straight for the city of Calais. Frank +sent his machine speeding in the same direction. Then, just as it +appeared they would fly directly above the city, the first German craft +began to descend. The others did likewise and a moment or so later they +all came to earth in the center of what Frank and Jack could see was a +small army camp; and as they alighted from their machines, the lads saw +that it was an Allied camp and not a German. + +"Must be Calais," said Frank to Jack in a whisper. "Have we been +mistaken? Are these French and British machines?" + +"Well, it looks like it," returned Jack. "We'll keep quiet and let the +other fellows do the talking." + +A French officer now approached the pilot of the first aircraft. + +"We heard the firing aloft a moment ago," he said. "Did you encounter +the enemy?" + +"We were pursued all the way from the German lines," was the reply. + +"Anyone hit?" + +"I think not, though I believe we accounted for one or two of the +enemy." + +"Good. Will you fly again tonight?" + +"Yes; but not before midnight." + +The French officer withdrew. + +At this one of the aviators raised a hand and the others gathered about +him, Frank and Jack with them. All wore khaki clothing and their +features were concealed by heavy goggles. + +"Careful," whispered the aviator. "A false move and we are discovered. +Spread out now and see what you can learn. Gather here at midnight." + +He waved a hand and the Germans, for such Jack and Frank now knew them +to be, separated. When the two lads were alone a moment later, Jack +said: + +"Well, this is what I call a piece of nervy business. What shall we do? +Inform the French commander immediately?" + +"No. I have a better plan that that. They can hardly work any mischief +tonight. What information they learn will avail them naught for we can +warn the French commander later. We must find out what they are up to. +We'll stick close and follow them back to the German lines, if +necessary." + +"Good, then! Guess we had better do a little skirmishing about. It will +keep suspicion from us should we be watched." + +"All right," said Frank. "Come on." + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +A STARTLING DISCOVERY + + +With the coming of midnight Frank and Jack returned to the spot where +the aeroplanes had been parked. Several of the German aviators already +had returned. The man who appeared to be the leader announced that they +would await the arrival of the others before taking to the air. + +The others arrived one at a time until all were present but two. The +machines were in readiness to ascend the moment the missing men +arrived. The aviators were at their posts. + +Suddenly there came a shout. A moment later the two German aviators who +were delaying the departure burst into sight at a dead run. + +"Quick!" called one. "We are discovered!" + +Immediately the others--Frank and Jack among them--leaped into their +machines and soared into the air. The last comers also leaped for their +craft and succeeded in getting above ground just as rifles began to +crack in the French camp. + +Came a sudden cry from the machine nearest that of Frank and Jack. The +lads saw a man rise to his feet, throw up his arms and pitch, head +foremost, toward the ground. The aircraft, freed of a guiding hand, +rocked a moment crazily and then turned over, hurling its other +occupant into space. + +There was a cry of anger from aboard some of the other German craft, +but no man raised a hand to stay the flight of his car. It would have +been suicide and the Germans realized it. They sped away into the +darkness whence they had come. Frank and Jack, in their British +hydroplane, went with them. + +For an hour or two the aeroplanes sped through the darkness at +undiminished speed; then the foremost craft slowed down. The others did +likewise. + +"Surely we haven't reached the German lines already?" said Jack. Frank +shrugged his shoulders. + +"You know about as much of what is going on as I do," he returned. +"Evidently we are going down, however." + +The lad was right. + +The leading German plane swooped toward the earth and the others +followed its example. A few minutes later all had reached the ground +safely and their occupants had alighted. + +The two lads glanced around. It was very dark. A short distance to the +north they could see the broad expanse of the North Sea, stretching +away in the night. The dark waves lapped the shore gently with a faint +thrashing sound. The water was very calm. + +Except for the figures that had alighted upon the shore in the darkness +there was not a human being in sight. To the south, to the east and +west stretched miles and miles of sand dunes. Just these sand dunes and +the waters of the North Sea--there was nothing else in sight. + +At a signal the men gathered around the man who appeared to be the +leader. Frank and Jack thanked their lucky stars that the night was +very dark, for otherwise they would have been in imminent danger of +being discovered; and each lad realized that it would go hard with them +should their true identities be penetrated. + +The darkness served them like a shield. Nevertheless, both lads kept +their hands on their revolvers. Each had determined that if discovered, +he would make an effort to escape in the nearest of the aircraft. Each +knew that there was little hope of such an escape, but, realizing what +was in store for them should they be discovered and captured, they had +decided it would be better to die fighting than to be stood up against +a wall and shot, or, possibly, hanged. + +The group of men on the bench became silent as the leader addressed +them. + +"Men," he said, "it is to be regretted that we have discovered so soon. +There was still work to be done before the hour for our great effort to +crush the British fleet. However, to a certain extent we have been +successful. We have managed to sow the seed of suspicion in the minds +of our enemies. Prisoners, whom we have allowed to be taken, have let +slip words that will lead the British to think our fleet will slip from +its base and approach England from the south. We know better than that. +We know that on the night of May 31--which is tomorrow--our fleet will +strike the British off Jutland." + +There was a subdued cheer from the assembled Germans. The speaker +continued: + +"Through our efforts the British fleet has been scattered. The main +portion of the fleet lies to the south and will be unable to reach +Jutland in time to save the portion of the British fleet there from +destruction. Of course, should wind of the move reach the British there +would still be time for the fleet to gather. But no such word will +reach the enemy. After sinking the first section of the British fleet, +our vessels will steam south and meet the main British fleet. The +numbers will be nearer equal then. We shall be victorious." + +Again there was a subdued cheer, in which Frank and Jack joined for the +sake of appearances. Again the speaker continued: + +"I shall now explain the reason we have landed here. Our part in the +work has been done. Here we shall remain until nightfall tomorrow. We +shall then sail north and take part in the battle. In my pocket here," +he tapped the breast of his coat, "are instructions I shall read to you +before we leave. Until that time we shall rest here, for we have done +work enough for the present. We shall be safe here. Our position now is +directly between two French lines and for that reason we shall not be +disturbed. Of course, if it becomes necessary, we can take to our +machines and get out of harm's way. We have provisions and water enough +to last us; and while the weather is warm, it is still cool enough. At +any rate, we shall have to make the best of it." + +The man ceased speaking and beckoned the others to follow him. He +walked a hundred yards to the east. There he made a mark in the sand +with his foot. + +"Until the time for us to move has come," he said, "let no man set foot +beyond that line. I make this rule for safety's sake." + +He walked two hundred yards from the sea itself and repeated the +operation and instructions; and then to the west. + +"Within these bounds," he said, "we will spend tonight and tomorrow. +The man who disobeys these instructions shall be shot. Do I make myself +plain?" + +There was a murmur of assent. + +"Very well," said the leader. "Now you are all left to your own +devices. First, however, I shall pick the watches for the night." + +Frank and Jack, at this, slunk well back into the crowd, for they did +not wish to be scrutinized closely. But they need have had no fear. The +leader of the Germans laid a hand on the shoulders of the two men +nearest him. + +"You two," he said, "shall stand guard the remainder of the night, one +to the southeast and one to the southwest. But do not venture beyond +the boundaries I have laid down." + +The Germans saluted and moved away. + +The leader moved toward the sea and none of the others followed him. +Instead, some walked a short distance to the east, others to the south +and still others to the west. They threw themselves down in the sand. A +few remained near the airships. + +Frank and Jack walked a short distance toward the sea, but kept some +distance behind the German leader, who stood looking off across the +water, apparently deep in thought. The lads sat down upon the ground. + +"Well," said Frank, "what are we going to do about it?" + +"Do!" echoed Jack. "Why, there is only one thing we can do--one thing +we must do! We must get away from here and warn the fleet!" + +"All right," said Frank, "it sounds easy; but how?" + +"Well, that doesn't make any difference. We've got to do it." + +"And the moment we have gone our absence will be discovered, the +Germans will know the fleet has been warned and the attack will be +given up," said Frank. "And we don't want anything like that to happen. +It will be the first time the Germans have mustered up courage enough +to come out and give battle. We don't want to frighten them off." + +"We don't want to let them sneak up on a part of our fleet unguarded, +either," declared Jack. + +"Of course not. You say we must give the warning. We'll try, of course. +But first, why not let's put all the aeroplanes except the one we want +out of commission?" + +"By Jove! a good plan! We'll do it." + +"Exactly," said Frank. "Then there is still another thing." + +"What is that?" + +"Why, we want the instructions that fellow carries," and Frank waved a +hand in the direction of the German leader. "He was kind enough to let +us know he has them. We'll have to take them away from him." + +"Say!" exclaimed Jack, "you've laid out quite a job for us, haven't +you?" + +"It's got to be done," declared Frank. + +"Well, all right, but we shall have to be careful." + +"Right you are," Frank agreed, "one little slip and the whole thing +will be spoiled." + +"Then there must be no slip," said Jack, quietly + +"I agree with you there. Now the question arise? as how the thing may +best be done." + +"We'll have to wait until they're all asleep," said Jack. + +"You forget the sentinels won't sleep," said Frank. + +"No, I don't; and they will be the first disposed of. They are not +looking for enemies from within, you know. You walk up to one and I'll +walk up to the other. We'll be challenged when we get close, of course. +Then it will be up to us to silence those fellows before they can make +an outcry." + +"We'll try it. Then what?" + +"Then we'll come back and put the airships out of commission as +carefully as possible." + +"That's easy enough. All we have to do is to let out the 'gas.'" + +"Next we'll have to go through the commander's pockets without arousing +him." + +"That's more difficult, but I suppose it can be done." + +"Next we'll have to get our hydroplane to the water. Fortunately, we +came down closer to the sea than the others. We should be able to do +that without awakening the sleepers." + +"Then," said Frank, "we climb in and say goodbye, eh?" + +"That's it." + +"All right. We'll work it that way then. It's as good as any other. Now +we'll keep quiet until we are sure everyone is asleep." + +Their plans thus arranged, the lads became quiet. They said not a word +as they waited for sleep to overcome the Germans, but gazed out quietly +over the dark sea. + + + +CHAPTER IX + +THE PLAN WORKS--ALMOST + + +"Time to get busy." + +It was Frank who spoke. All was quiet among the sand dunes. The +commander of the Germans had laid down upon the ground, some distance +from the others, half an hour before. Snores from various points +announced that most of the men were sleeping soundly. + +Jack and Frank got to their feet + +"Careful," said Jack as they separated. "Remember, don't give your man +a chance to let out a cry." + +Frank nodded in the darkness and walked slowly toward the sentinel he +had selected to silence. Jack moved in the other direction. + +As Jack came within a few yards of his prey, the man raised his rifle +and commanded: + +"Halt!" + +"It's all right," said Jack. "I couldn't sleep and it was lonesome back +there. I want company." + +The German lowered his rifle. + +"It's lonesome here, too," he said. "Wish you had been selected for my +job." + +"I wouldn't have minded it tonight," said Jack, approaching closer. + +The German reached in his pocket and produced a pack of cigarettes. He +extended the pack to Jack. + +"Have one?" he invited. + +Jack accepted a cigarette. + +The German produced a match. He laid his rifle upon the ground as he +struck the match upon the leg of his trousers. + +It was the moment for which Jack had been waiting. + +Quickly his revolver leaped out. In almost the same instant he reversed +it and before the German realized what was about to happen he brought +the butt down on the man's head with great force. + +The man fell to the ground without a sound. + +Frank, advancing upon the other German, also was challenged when he +drew close, but he, too, engaged his prey in conversation. As the man +turned his head for a moment to gaze across the dark sand, the lad +struck him violently over the head with his revolver butt. The German +dropped like a log. + +A few moments later Frank and Jack met again near the first aeroplane. + +"It'll have to be quick work here," Jack warned "We haven't a whole lot +of time, you know." + +Frank nodded that he understood. Rapidly they passed from one plane to +another letting out the gasoline. Five minutes later, with the +exception of their hydroplane, which rested some distance away, every +craft upon the beach was dry. They were absolutely useless--or so the +lads thought. + +"Now for the papers," said Jack, as he straightened up after tinkering +with the last machine. + +Cautiously the two lads advanced upon the sleeping German. Frank raised +his revolver and would have brought it down on the man's head had not +Jack stayed him with a gesture. + +"No need of that," he said. "I don't like to hurt a man except when it +is absolutely necessary." + +Frank put the revolver back in his pocket. + +Gently, Jack thrust his hand into the German's pocket. He fumbled about +a moment and then drew forth a paper. Turning his head aside he struck +a match and glanced at the paper. Then he nodded his satisfaction. + +"This is it," he said. + +Frank, at that moment, had risen to his feet. Believing the work was +accomplished, he was moving off toward the hydroplane. As Jack now made +to get to his feet, he chanced to glance at the German he had just +relieved of the papers. + +The lad uttered an exclamation of surprise, and no wonder. The man's +eyes were open and gazed straight at Jack. In his hand he held a +revolver and it was levelled at Jack's head. + +"Hands up!" said the German, quietly. + +There was nothing for Jack to do but obey or be shot. His hands went +high in the air, but he still retained the valuable papers. + +"Drop those papers," was the next command. + +Jack obeyed and the papers fluttered to his feet. The German reached +out and picked them up with his left hand while with his right he still +covered the lad with his revolver. + +"So you're a spy, eh?" said the German. + +Jack made no reply, but a gleam of hope lighted up his eye; for, Frank, +chancing to turn for some unexplainable reason, had taken in the +situation and was now advancing on tiptoe to his friend's aid. + +"How did you get here?" demanded the German, making ready to rise. + +Again Jack made no reply; but none was necessary, for at that moment +Frank had come within striking distance. His arm rose and fell, and as +his revolver butt descended upon the German's head, the latter toppled +over in a heap. + +Quickly, Jack stooped and again recovered the papers he had taken so +much pains to get. + +"Come on!" cried Frank. "We haven't time to fool around here. The rest +of this crowd is likely to wake up in a minute or two." + +Jack followed his friend across the sand. They laid hold of the +hydroplane and rolled it toward the water. In it went with a splash and +Frank cried: + +"Climb aboard quickly!" + +Jack needed no urging and a moment later the two boys were ready for +flight. And then, suddenly, there was the crack of a revolver behind +them and a bullet flew close to Jack's ear. + +The German leader had recovered consciousness, and springing to his +feet, dashed to the water's edge and fired point blank at the machine. +Fortunately, in his excitement his aim was poor and he missed. Before +he could fire again, Frank wheeled about and his revolver spoke +sharply. + +The German threw up his arms, and with a gasp, pitched headlong into +the sea. + +But the sounds of the two shots had aroused the sleeping camp. Wild +cries came from the shore, followed by heavy footfalls as the Germans +rushed toward the water. + +"Hurry, Frank!" cried Jack. + +As lightly as a fairy the hydroplane skimmed over the water; then went +soaring in the air. Frank gave a loud cheer. + +"Safe!" he exclaimed. + +But the lad was wrong. + +From on shore came a chorus of angry cries and imprecations. Hastily +the Germans made a rush for their aeroplanes to give chase. None would +move. Followed more cries and angry shouts. + +"Wait," said one German. "I've some gasoline." + +Rapidly he opened up a big can, which he took from the bottom of his +machine. Quickly the tank was filled and the man climbed into the +pilot's seat. Another jumped in with him. + +"Give us some of that gasoline!" cried another. + +The German shook his head. + +"Not enough," he replied. "We'll overtake those fellows and then come +back for the rest of you." + +The aeroplane leaped skyward and started in pursuit of Frank and Jack. + +The two boys, believing that they were safe, were going along only at a +fair rate of speed when Jack's keen ears caught the sound of the +pursuing machine. + +"They're after us, Frank!" he called. + +"Impossible!" replied Frank. "How can they fly without gas?" + +"Well, they're coming, all the same," declared Jack. + +He produced his two revolvers and examined them carefully. + +"You run this thing and I'll do what fighting is necessary," he said. +"Wish I could shoot like you can; but I can't; and I can't run this +machine either." + +The German aeroplane was gaining steadily. + +"He can outrun us," said Frank, quietly. "There is only one, thank +goodness. You'll have to bring him down, Jack." + +"I'll try," was Jack's reply. "If I had a rifle I might be able to pick +him off now." + +"Well, he won't hardly have any the best of it," said Frank. "The +chances are he has no rifle either." + +Frank was correct in this surmise. + +Rapidly the German aircraft gained. + +"Crack!" the German had fired the first shot. + +It went wild. Jack fired, but with no better result. + +"Hit anything?" asked Frank, without turning his head. + +"No," said Jack, "but neither did the other fellow." + +"Try it again," said Frank. + +Jack did so; but again the bullet went wild. All this time the two +craft were flying straight out to sea. + +Once more the German fired and Jack felt something whizz overhead. + +"This is getting too close," the lad muttered to himself. Then he +called to Frank. + +"Slow down, quick!" + +Frank had no means of telling what plan Jack had in mind, but he did +not hesitate. The hydroplane slowed down with a jerk. + +The pilot of the German craft was caught off his guard. He dashed upon +the hydroplane. But as he neared it he swerved to the left to avoid a +collision. It was what Jack had expected. Standing up in his precarious +position, Jack took a snap shot at the pilot as the German craft swept +by. + +At that close distance, in spite of the rate of speed at which the +enemy was travelling, a miss was practically impossible. + +The German machine swayed crazily from one side to the other; then +dived. + +"I got him, Frank!" shouted Jack. + +Both lads gazed over the side at the falling enemy. + +Suddenly the machine righted and descended more slowly. + +"By Jove! a cool customer," said Frank. "He's regained control of the +plane. He'll be up again in a moment." + +Again they watched the foe carefully. + +"No, he won't," said Jack, "he's still going down." + +"Then we may as well be moving," said Frank. + +"Hold on!" shouted Jack. "We can't leave those fellows there. They may +get to shore or be picked up. Then they would give the warning and all +our efforts would be for naught." + +"Right," said Frank. "We'll go down after them." + +The hydroplane descended slowly. + + + +CHAPTER X + +THE FIGHT ON THE WATER + + +Below, the fallen aeroplane rested upon the surface of the sea. In the +darkness, it was hard for the lads to tell just how badly the craft was +damaged and whether it would float; but Jack's idea was to be on the +safe side. + +While still some distance from the water, there was a shot from below. + +"Hello!" said Jack. "They're alive and kicking, all right. Wonder if we +can't go down and get them from the water." + +"It's a better plan, I guess," said Frank. "We'll have an even break +then. This way they have all the advantage." + +He opened up the engine and the hydroplane ran some distance from the +position of the men below. Then he shut off the motor and allowed the +plane to glide down to the sea. + +With the craft riding the swell of the waves, Jack picked up the enemy +with his night glass. The disabled craft also was riding the waves +gently perhaps five hundred yards away. + +Jack gave the position to Frank, and the hydroplane approached the foe +slowly. Within a range that would make accurate revolver shooting +possible, the hydroplane came to a halt. As it did so there was the +sound of a revolver shot from across the water and something whizzed +overhead. + +"Must have some pretty fair shooters over there," said Frank, quietly. +"However, they can't see us any better than we can see them. Of course, +they can see our craft all right, the same as we can see theirs, but +they can't spot us." + +"No; nor we can't spot them, which makes it worse," said Jack. + +"We'll try a couple of shots for luck," said Frank. + +He raised his revolver and fired quickly twice. His efforts were +rewarded by a scream, apparently of pain. + +"Must have hit one of them," he said grimly. + +Again a revolver across the water flashed and the two lads heard a +bullet whistle by. + +Jack fired but without result and then Frank fired again. + +There was another scream. + +"Either got the other one, or the same one again," said Frank. + +They waited some moments in silence, but no further shots came from +the foe. + +"By Jove!" said Jack, "you must have got them both. Let's go and have a +look." + + Slowly, Frank started the hydroplane and they bore down on the enemy. +Now they were two hundred, then one hundred yards away. + +"Must have got them, all right," said Frank. "I----" + +The flash of a revolver from the disabled craft interrupted him. It was +closely followed by another and then two more. + +With a sudden move, Frank changed the course of the hydroplane. He felt +a sharp pain in his left shoulder. + +"Got me," he called to Jack. + +The latter was alarmed. + +"Where?" he demanded. + +"Left shoulder," said Frank, quietly. "Nothing serious, though." + +Jack levelled his revolver and fired rapidly at the enemy. His pains +were rewarded by howls of derision. + +"They tricked us, all right," said Jack, as he reloaded. + +"That's what they did. I should have known better, too. They almost +settled us." + +"We've got to get them, some way," declared Jack. + +"Show me how, and I'll go along with you," declared Frank. + +"Well, I've got a scheme, but I don't know whether it will work or +not." + +"Let's hear it." + +"All right. But first, can you manage this plane all right with that +bad shoulder?" + +"Sure; it's not very bad." + +"All right then. Well, you keep under cover about here, moving about +just enough to spoil the aim of the foe. I'll drop over the side and +swim to the enemy. I can get there unobserved, all right, because they +won't be expecting me. I'll pull one of them over and settle with him +first. Then I'll get the other." + +"I don't know," Frank considered the plan. "I suppose it might work, +but there is nothing sure about it." + +"There's nothing sure about anything," declared Jack. "But it's better +than staying here all the rest of the night. Besides, we must hurry, +you know." + +"That's right," agreed Frank. "All right, then. So be it. Will you take +your gun?" + +"No use," said Jack. "It would be wet by the time I got there. Here I +go." + +"Good luck," Frank called after him. + +Gently, Jack lowered himself over the side of the hydroplane, first +divesting himself of his coat and shoes; then struck out for the +disabled aeroplane. + +Slowly the lad swam, for he did not wish to betray his coming by the +sound of a splash. The distance was not great and a powerful swimmer, +such as Jack, could cover it easily in a few moments. + +Jack did not approach the enemy craft from the front. Giving it a wide +berth, he swam around it and then, turning quickly, bore down upon the +aeroplane more swiftly. He swam with his head barely above the water, +and he was ready to dive immediately should he be sighted. + +There was not a sound aboard the aeroplane as Jack drew close to it. +Raising his head slightly, he could see no human form. + +"Funny," the lad muttered to himself. "Wonder where they keep +themselves. No wonder we couldn't hit them." + +He was within a few feet of the disabled craft and he now rose higher +in the water to get a good look about. Still he saw no one. + +Twice around the machine the lad swam and not a human being did he see. + +"There is something awfully queer about this," he told himself. "I'll +go aboard." + +He laid hands on the aeroplane and scrambled aboard. Quickly he sprang +to his feet, ready to tackle any foe that might have seen him crawl +aboard. Nothing happened. + +Jack made a careful inspection of the disabled plane. Then, as he still +gazed around, a sudden thought struck him. Without taking time to +consider it, he sprang suddenly to the side of the plane and leaped +into the water and with swift and powerful strokes struck out for his +own craft. + +Jack had hit upon the solution of the desertion of the German +aeroplane. + +Even as Jack had lowered himself from the hydroplane and swam across +the water, the Germans in the other craft had done the same thing. Both +sides had struck the same plan almost simultaneously. Jack, in making a +wide detour as he approached the foes' machine, must have passed the +two Germans in the water. + +Now, realizing that the Germans must be close to the hydroplane, had +they not already reached it, and remembering that Frank was wounded, +Jack felt a sudden dread steal over him. His long, powerful strokes +sent him through the water at great speed. + +But the Germans had not made their presence known to Frank yet. Neither +was as swift a swimmer as Jack, and for that reason, their progress +through the water had been considerably slower. Also they had gone very +cautiously. + +A short distance from the hydroplane, one had swum to one side of the +plane and the second to the other. The Germans also had discarded their +revolvers, for they had realized they would be useless after their +trip through the water. Also, not being expert swimmers, they had +wanted to be unhampered by weight as much as possible. + +Frank was still guiding the plane about occasionally to avoid a chance +bullet from the enemy, but at the moment the Germans came close, he had +stopped the craft and was peering into the darkness, straining his ears +for the sound of a struggle that would tell him Jack was engaged with +the enemy. + +Suddenly a sound came to his ears from across the water, but it was not +what he expected, although it was in Jack's voice: + +"Frank! Look out! They are after you!" + +Instantly, the lad understood the situation. He drew his revolver with +his uninjured arm and sprang to one side of the aeroplane. As he did +so, a figure reached up and grabbed him by the hand so that he could +not fire. At the same time a second figure clambered aboard the craft +from the opposite side. Frank raised a cry: + +"Hurry, Jack!" + +Jack needed no urging. He was swimming through the water as fast as +possible. + +With a sudden move, Frank jerked his hand loose from the grip that held +him and turned just in time to encounter the second German. Frank +raised his revolver and fired quickly; but the German ducked, and +before Frank could fire again, he had come up close to Frank and +grappled with him. In vain Frank sought to release his arm so that he +could bring the weapon down on his opponent's head. The man clung +tightly. + +A sudden lurching of the hydroplane told Frank that the second German +was coming aboard. Unmindful of his wounded shoulder, Frank struggled +on. With a sharp kick of his right foot he succeeded in knocking the +first German's legs from beneath him; and again the lad tried to raise +his revolver to shoot the second German, who now advanced. + +But the latter was too quick for him. Closing with the lad, the man +knocked the revolver from the boy's hand with a quick blow. The weapon +spun into the sea. + +The first German returned to the attack. + +"Get him quick!" he shouted. "There is another one around here some +place." + +Jack, at this moment, was within a few yards of the boat. + +"You bet there is!" he said between his teeth. "And he'll be there in a +minute." + +He did not call encouragement to Frank, for he wished to get aboard the +plane, if possible, before the men could stay him. + +The two Germans rushed Frank simultaneously, and bore him back in the +plane. At the same instant, Jack, unmindful of danger that might lurk +aboard and thinking only of Frank's danger, laid hold of the plane and +climbed aboard. Then he stood erect and shouted: + +"Come on, you cowards! Here's the other one!" + + + +CHAPTER XI + +DAWN--AND A NEW ENEMY + + +The two Germans, just about to throw Frank overboard, turned quickly at +the sound of this new voice. They wasted no time. + +"At him!" cried one, and leaped. + +The other sprang after him. + +Jack, with his feet wide apart and arms extended, braced himself to +receive the shock; and when it came he was ready. Frank, in the +meantime, sank down in the plane almost unconscious, for one of the +Germans had all but choked the life from him. + +As the first German sprang, Jack met him with a straight right hand +blow to the face and the man reeled back. The second, seeing the fate +of his companion, dived for Jack's legs and seized them, pulling the +lad down. + +Jack felt out with his left hand and encircled the German's neck. Then +he squeezed. The German gasped for breath as his wind was shut off. His +hand searched his belt and presently flashed aloft with a knife. Jack +saw it. Releasing his hold on the man's throat, he seized the knife arm +with his left hand and twisted sharply, at the same time driving his +right fist into the man's face. + +There was a sharp snap and a cry of pain. The knife fell clattering to +the deck of the plane. Jack, very angry, rose to his feet, stooped +over, and picking up the German as though he had been a child, heaved +him overboard. + +"So much for you!" he muttered. + +He stepped across the body of the second German to Frank's side and +stooped over him. Gently he raised his chum's head to his knee. + +Frank's eyelids flickered and directly he opened his eyes. + +"How do you feel, old man?" asked Jack. + +Frank struggled free from his chum's grip and sat up. He shook his head +once or twice and then rose to his feet. + +"I'll be all right in--Look out!" he broke off suddenly. + +He dodged. But Jack, not realizing the import of Frank's words, +remained still. He felt something hot sear the lobe of his ear. +Wheeling abruptly, the lad saw the German whom he had first knocked +unconscious facing him with levelled revolver--the weapon was Jack's +own, which he had left behind when he swam to the enemy's aeroplane. + +The German faced him with a smile. + +"Hands up!" he commanded. + +But Jack, with a few drops of blood trickling from his ear, suddenly +became very angry. He objected to being shot at from behind. + +"Put down that gun!" he commanded in a cold voice. "Put it down before +I kill you!" + +The German was struck by the menace in the lad's tones, and for a +moment he hesitated and the revolver wavered. Then he braced and +brought the weapon up again. + +But that moment of hesitation decided the issue. In spite of the fact +that the revolver was pointed right at him, and that only a few feet +away, Jack took a quick step forward. + +The German fired. Jack swerved a trifle. The bullet plowed through the +sleeve of his shirt and touched the skin; but that was all. + +Again the man's hand tightened on the trigger, but he never fired +again. Jack's powerful left hand seized his wrist and twisted the +revolver from it Then, still grasping the wrist, the lad wheeled on his +heel. The German left the spot where he had been standing as though +pulled by a locomotive. He was lifted high in the air and, as Jack gave +a jerk and then released his hold, the man went sailing through the air +and dropped into the sea with a loud splash. + +And at the same moment the intense darkness was shattered. The first +faint streak of dawn showed in the east. + +Jack sat down. Frank did likewise. + +"That settles that," said Jack, briefly. "Now we had better get away +from here. We haven't any too much time." + +Frank, without a word, took his place at the wheel. + +"Feel fit?" asked Jack. + +Frank nodded, though he felt terribly faint. + +"Sure you can make it?" Jack continued. + +"Yes," replied Frank. + +"Well, I just wanted to know," said Jack, "because here comes a German +torpedo boat." + +Frank was startled. He turned in his seat, and there, not a mile and a +half away, was a ship of war. She was flying the German flag and was +making directly for the spot where the British hydroplane rested. + +"By George! Won't we ever get out of this?" the lad muttered. + +"We won't unless you hurry," said Jack. + +"But those two Germans. Won't they be picked up and give the alarm?" + +"One of 'em won't," said Jack, grimly, "and I feel pretty safe about +the other, too. Let's get up in the air." + +Frank tinkered with the motor and took a firm grip on the wheel. But +the hydroplane did not move. + +"Something wrong," said Frank, quietly. + +"What?" demanded Jack. + +"Something wrong with the motor. It won't work." + +Frank had bent over and was examining it carefully. + +Came a shot from the German torpedo boat. + +"If we don't get out of here pretty quick," said Jack, quietly, "we +won't get out at all." + +Frank made no reply, but continued to tinker with the engine. + +A second shot from the German torpedo boat. It skimmed the water ahead +of the hydroplane. Jack gazed toward the vessel. As he did so a small +boat put off from the German and headed toward them. + +"They're coming after us, Frank," said Jack, "a whole boatload of 'em. +How long will it take you to fix that thing?" + +Frank uttered an exclamation of satisfaction. + +"I've found it," he cried. "Five minutes," he answered Jack's question. + +"Five minutes is liable to be too late," returned Jack, measuring the +distance to the rapidly approaching German boat with his eye. "However, +hurry as much as you can." + +Frank did not take his eye from his engine. + +"How far away?" he asked as he worked. + +"Three quarters of a mile," replied Jack, calmly. + +"Lots of time for us, then," said Frank, still working as swiftly as +possible. + +"Maybe," replied his chum. "Don't forget they carry pretty fair rifles +with them." + +"If we can get started before they shoot, I'll guarantee they don't get +us," returned Frank. + +"Well, they'll get us if you keep talking and don't get a move on +there," said Jack. "They're coming like the wind." + +"That's just the way I'm working. She's almost fixed row. Can you hold +them off?" + +"What, with a single revolver against a score of rifles? Not much. +They're right on us now. How's that engine?" + +"Fixed!" cried Frank at that moment, straightening up. + +"All right. Let her go then," said Jack, calmly. "They don't know yet +that we're going to run. They have made no preparations to fire. +Evidently they think we shall wait for them." + +Even while Jack was speaking, the hydroplane began to move slowly over +the surface of the water. Very slowly it went at first, then faster and +faster. + +"Halt!" came a cry from the German boat. + +Jack picked up his cap and waved it at the Germans. + +"Some other time," he called back. "We're terrible busy today. +Goodbye." + +The German officer gave a sharp command. Several sailors sprang to +their feet and blazed away at the hydroplane with their rifles. Bullets +flew by on all sides, but none struck home. + +Again Jack waved his cap. + +"Very bad shooting," he remarked. "Looks like some of my--Hello! That +wasn't so bad." + +For the lad's cap, which he had been waving in derision at the pursuing +foe, was suddenly carried from his hand by a German bullet. + +"By Jove!" said Jack, quietly, "I wouldn't have lost that cap----" He +gazed at it as it floated in the water. + +And at that instant Frank sent the hydroplane soaring into the air with +a lurch. Jack glanced down into the water. + +"Hold on, Frank!" he cried. + +In response to this command, Frank slowed down. + +"What's the matter now?" he demanded. + +"Why, one of our erstwhile German friends has come to life. He was just +about to lay hold of us when you came up in the air. Great Scott! What +do you think of that?" + +"What do I think of what?" + +"Why, the Germans in the boat have just shot him." + +"Shot whom? The German?" + +"Yes; they saw him coming after us and evidently thought he was a +friend of ours. Poor fellow! To be shot down by one of his own +countrymen. And so goes the last chance the Germans had of learning +that we have discovered their plans." + +"Then it is a good thing for us they shot him." + +"For us, yes. But think of the irony of it!" + +"Well," said Frank, "I wouldn't like to have shot him, defenseless as +he was; and I didn't want you to. That's why I didn't suggest having a +look for him before we came up." + +"I couldn't have done it," returned Jack. + +"No; nor I; and yet duty would have demanded it. For with him alive, +there always remained a chance that he would give the warning." + +"It just goes to show," said Jack, slowly, "that even fate sometimes +works on the side of the right." + +"True." + +Unconsciously, Frank had allowed the speed of the hydroplane to +diminish during this conversation, and the crew of the German boat +again had found themselves within range. They had started to abandon +the chase when the plane soared aloft, but when it had slowed down, +they had resumed the pursuit, hoping that something had gone wrong with +the craft. + +Several bullets flew about the machine. + +"Great Scott! They're at it again!" cried Jack. "Let's get away from +here right now." + +"All right, here she goes," said Frank. "Full speed ahead!" + + + +CHAPTER XII + +THE BOYS GIVE THE WARNING + + +One other adventure, it transpired, was to befall Frank and Jack before +they found themselves once more aboard the British battleship, _Queen +Mary_; and while it did not result seriously, both lads once more +approached the very door of death. + +The morning sun was well above the horizon when Jack, shading his eyes, +made out in the distance a smudge of smoke. + +"Smoke ahead, Frank," he called. + +"Hope it's the _Queen Mary_" replied the lad. "It should be if I have +calculated correctly." + +A few moments later the outline of a large ship of war loomed up ahead. + +"Can you make her out yet?" asked Jack. + +"No; but she's built like the _Queen Mary_" + +The hydroplane sped on. + +"By Jove! She is the _Queen Mary_" cried Frank, a few moments later. +"We're in luck." + +Frank was right. As the hydroplane drew nearer it was plain to make out +that the vessel was the giant battleship the lads had quitted the day +before. + +"Wonder what Captain Raleigh will think of our information?" said +Frank, with a chuckle. + +"Don't know. We've been pretty fortunate, though. I hope we are in +time." + +"So do I. The trouble is, our ships are scattered so far apart that +they may not be able to assemble quick enough in sufficient strength to +beat off the enemy." + +"Don't worry; they won't get very far," said Jack, confidently. + +"Oh, I know that. But if they should happen to come upon a small +portion of our fleet we are likely to get the worst of it." + +"Well, there is no reason why they should be able to do that now. We +know their plans." + +"That's true, too. And they won't, unless it is decided to engage them +in spite of their numbers, trusting reinforcements will arrive in +time." + +And, though the lad had no idea he was making a prophecy, that is just +what actually occurred. + +The hydroplane now was less than a quarter of a mile from the _Queen +Mary_ and Frank reduced its speed abruptly. Whether this sudden slowing +down had anything to do with what followed it is hard to tell; but, no +sooner had Frank reduced the speed of the craft, than the plane wabbled +crazily. + +"Look out, Jack!" shouted Frank. "She's going down!" + +Jack had not realized that there was anything wrong and now he did not +grasp the full significance of Frank's words. What Jack thought Frank +meant was that he was going to glide down to the deck of the +battleship. Frank, however, knew that there was something seriously +wrong with the craft. His first thought had been to jump after crying +out to Jack, but seeing that his friend had not understood, Frank stuck +to his post, trying as well as he knew how to bring the plane to the +sea as gently as possible. + +For a moment it seemed that he would succeed, for, as it neared the +water, the plane righted itself. Frank drew a breath of relief. But his +relief was short-lived. + +After remaining upon a level keel for one single instant, the +hydroplane turned turtle. + +There came a cry of warning from aboard the _Queen Mary_, and even +before the falling boys struck water, boats were lowered over the side, +manned, and dashed to the rescue. + +Although Frank had been unable to maintain the plane on an even keel, +his efforts had done some good; for the distance was not so great from +the water when the plane capsized as it would have been but for his +strenuous efforts. + +Jack uttered a cry of alarm as he felt himself being hurled into space, +for he had not realized what was about to happen. Frank, on the other +hand, had realized his position full well and no sound escaped him as +he was thrown into the water. + +In falling, Jack was thrown clear of the machine, which struck the +water with a great splash. Not so Frank, who, held in by the wheel, was +carried down with the plane. The lad was very close to death at that +moment and he knew it. + +He had caught a deep breath as he was drawn under, however, and this +stood him in good stead. Calmly the lad reached for the large +pocketknife he always carried, and with this, under water as he was, +proceeded quietly to cut the sides of the craft sufficiently to allow +him to escape. And in this he was successful. + +At last he was free and struck upward as swiftly as possible. When it +seemed that his lungs must burst for want of air, his head suddenly +bobbed upon the surface. He gasped as he inhaled great breaths of the +fresh air. A boat approached at that moment and he was drawn aboard, +where he sank down. + +Jack, when he came up from below, had thought first of Frank. Rapidly +he scanned the surface of the sea for some sign of his chum or of the +wreckage. Seeing neither, he knew what had happened. Taking a deep +breath he dived. + +It took the lad some time to locate the sinking mass of wreckage below +and when he did come upon it there was no sign of Frank. Jack stayed +below until he could stand it no more; then rose to the surface. There +rough hands seized him and dragged him into a boat. + +In vain the lad struggled. He wanted to get loose so he could make +another attempt to rescue his friend. + +"Frank!" he cried. + +"Be still," said a voice kindly. "Frank is safe in the next boat." + +Jack uttered an exclamation of relief and lay still, resting from his +exertions. + +And so they came again to the _Queen Mary_ and were lifted aboard. +Frank and Jack clasped hands when they stood on deck and Jack +exclaimed: + +"By Jove! I thought it was all over when I couldn't find you down +there." + +"I thought it was all over myself for a minute," said Frank. "That's +one time when this old knife of mine helped out. I brought it back with +me." + +He displayed the knife and patted it affectionately. + +"How do you feel?" asked Jack. + +"First rate. And you?" + +"Fine. Now we want to see Captain Raleigh." + +At this moment the third officer approached. + +"Captain Raleigh will receive you the moment you have put on some dry +clothes," said the third officer. + +"But we must see him at once," exclaimed Frank. + +"Change your clothes first," said the third officer kindly. + +"But----" Frank began. + +"I have Captain Raleigh's orders for you to report to him the moment +you have changed," said the third officer sharply. "You will hurry, if +you please." + +Frank could see that there was no use protesting further. He shrugged +his shoulders and the two boys made their way to their cabin. + +"The big chump," said Frank, as he slipped off his wet clothing. "The +whole British navy might be sent to the bottom while we are doing this. +What are a few wet clothes?" + +"I guess it was the way we went at it," said Jack. "If we had blurted +out what we knew----" + +"To tell the truth, I've a good notion to say nothing about what I +learned," said Frank. + +Jack looked at his companion in the greatest surprise. + +"Oh, no, you've not," he said at last, as he slipped on a dry shirt. + +"Don't you believe I haven't," declared Frank. "I'm mad. I don't like +that way of doing things. Now if it had been Lord Hastings----" + +"Well, it wasn't," said Jack. "I'm afraid that's one trouble with us." + +"What do you mean by that?" + +"Why, simply that he allowed us to get too familiar with him. The +result is we expect it from others, and when they don't treat us that +way we are disappointed." + +"That may be it, of course," Frank conceded. "But at the same time, I +didn't like the tone of the third officer just now." + +"Perhaps I didn't either," said Jack, "but I've got more sense than to +show it. As a matter of fact, I suppose we should have obeyed without +question." + +Frank continued to mumble as he slipped into a dry coat. He picked up +his cap and moved toward the door. + +"Ready?" he asked of Jack. + +"Almost. How's that shoulder?" + +"All right. How's your wound?" + +"Just a scratch. Didn't even bleed much." Jack picked up his cap and +also moved toward the door of the cabin. "Guess maybe he'll let us see +Captain Raleigh now," he said. "Come on." + +Frank followed his chum. + +On deck almost the first person they encountered was the third officer. + +"Didn't take you long," he said with a smile. + +"That is because we have important news," said Frank. + +"Come, then. I'll conduct you to the captain myself," said the third +officer. + +Frank and Jack hurried after him. + +Captain Raleigh greeted the two lads with a smile, as they stood at +attention before him. + +"You are back really sooner than I expected you," he said quietly. +"Have you learned anything?" + +"If you please, sir," said Jack, "I shall skip the details until later. +The German high sea fleet will be off the coast of Denmark before +midnight!" + +"What's that you say?" he demanded. + +"It's true, sir," replied Frank, quietly, stepping forward. "The German +high sea fleet, in almost full strength, will attack our patrol +squadron in the Skagerak, off Jutland, tonight!" + +For one moment Captain Raleigh looked at both lads closely. Then he +cried sharply, including all in the cabin with his words: + +"Follow me!" + +He sprang for the bridge! + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +PREPARING FOR BATTLE + + +"Eleven o'clock!" + +Jack returned his watch to his pocket. + +"Not much time to gather the fleet together," he said quietly to Frank. + +"No," was his chum's reply, "but you can rest assured that all can be +done will be done." + +Captain Raleigh, upon the bridge, had issued orders swiftly. The _Queen +Mary_, which had been heading southward after Frank and Jack returned +aboard, was quickly brought about. After several sharp commands to his +officers, Captain Raleigh motioned to Frank and Jack. + +"Come with me," he said. "You shall tell me what you have learned as we +go along." + +The two lads followed him. + +Straight to the wireless room went the commander of the _Queen Mary_. + +"Get the _Lion_ quickly," he ordered the wireless operator. + +"_Lion! Lion_!" the call went across the water. + +There was no reply. + +"Try the _Indefatigable_," was the next command. + +"_Indefatigable! Indefatigable_!" flashed the wireless. + +The receiving apparatus aboard the _Queen Mary_ clicked sharply. + +"_Indefatigable_ answering, sir," reported the operator. + +"Send this," ordered Captain Raleigh, and passed a slip of paper on +which he had scribbled rapidly to the wireless operator. + +The message read as follows: + +"German high sea fleet to attack off Jutland tonight. Inform Admiral +Beatty. Relay message. Am steaming for Danish coast to engage enemy. +Information authentic. Follow me! + +(Signed) "RALEIGH." + +A short pause and again the receiving apparatus on the _Queen Mary_ +clicked sharply. + +"O.K., sir," said the operator. + +"All right," this from Captain Raleigh. "Call the _Invincible._" + +Again the wireless began to click. Two minutes later the operator +reported: + +"_Invincible_ answering, sir." + +"Send the same message," instructed Captain Raleigh. + +It might be well to state here that all these messages were sent in +code, for it was probable that a German vessel of some sort might be +within the wireless zone and, if able to read the messages as they +flashed across the sea, would have communicated with the main German +fleet. + +One after another now the wireless of the _Queen Mary_ picked up the +battle cruisers _Defense, Black Prince, Warrior_ and the +super-dreadnaught _War-spite,_ all of which chanced to be within range +of the _Queen Mary's_ wireless. The destroyers _Tipperary, Turbulent_ +and _Nestore_ also answered the call and were instructed to proceed to +the Skagerak at full speed. + +And to each vessel, as it answered, the single word "relay" was +flashed. This meant that Captain Raleigh wanted the word sent to other +vessels of the British fleet not within her own wireless radius. And +the answer to this was invariably the same: + +"O.K.!" + +Still in the wireless room, Captain Raleigh turned to Frank and Jack +and said: + +"Now, I shall be glad to know how you boys learned this information." + +Jack explained as briefly as possible. Captain Raleigh interrupted +occasionally as Jack proceeded with his story and when the lad had +concluded, he said quietly: + +"You have done well, young sirs. England has much to thank you for." + +"But will the others arrive in time, sir?" asked Frank, anxiously. +"That," said Captain Raleigh, "I cannot say. You may be sure that they +will come to our assistance at all possible speed, however." + +"But you will not await them there, sir?" + +"No; I shall engage the enemy single handed if necessary." + +With this Captain Raleigh turned on his heel and would have left the +wireless room. At that moment, however, the wireless began to click +again, and the commander of the _Queen Mary_ paused. + +"For us?" he asked. + +The operator nodded. + +"Admiral Beatty, aboard the _Lion_, calling, sir." + +"Take his message!" + +There was silence for a moment, and then the operator called off the +clicks of his apparatus. + +"Admiral Beatty wants to know your source of information," he reported. + +Captain Raleigh dictated a reply. + +Again silence for a few moments; and then the operator said: + +"The _Queen Mary_ is ordered to the Skagerak under full speed. Hold the +enemy until the arrival of the main fleet. Assistance on the way. +_Indefatigable, Defense_ and _Black Prince_ also steaming for Jutland +to lend a hand. Open the engagement immediately you sight the enemy." + +"Sign O.K.," said Captain Raleigh. + +The operator obeyed and heard the operator aboard the _Lion_ repeat his +message. + +"I guess that is about all we can do," said Captain Raleigh. Again he +turned to leave the room and once more paused at the door. + +"Keep your instrument going," he ordered the operator. "Pick up any +ship that may not have heard the message. Come, boys," this last to +Frank and Jack. + +The boys followed their commander back to the bridge; thence to his +cabin. + +The interchange of messages had taken time, and glancing at his watch +now, Frank saw that it was after one o'clock. + +"Great Scott!" he exclaimed. "I had no idea we had been in the wireless +room so long." + +Back in his cabin, Captain Raleigh seemed to have forgotten the boys' +presence. He was busy for perhaps an hour poring over a mass of charts +and other papers. Frank and Jack stood at attention. They were becoming +uneasy, when Captain Raleigh looked up suddenly. + +"Pass the word for the first officer," he instructed. + +Jack sprang to obey and in a moment the first officer of the _Queen +Mary_ was in the cabin. + +"Shape your course for Jutland proper," ordered Captain Raleigh. + +The first officer saluted and obeyed. + +"We'll go back to the wireless room," Captain Raleigh informed the two +lads. "I want to keep you boys near me for I may desire to ask a +question at any moment." + +The lads followed their commander back to the wireless room. + +"Any calls?" he asked the operator. + +"One coming now, sir." + +"Repeat it as it comes." + +"Very well, sir. _Indefatigable_ calling." + +"Ask her position." + +"Five miles south by southwest, sir." + +"Inform Captain Reynolds that we shall slow down and wait for him to +come up with us." + +"Very well, sir." + +The operator sent the message. + +"O.K., sir, signed, 'Reynolds,'" the operator reported a few moments +later. + +"Ask her if she has picked up any other vessels." + +"Destroyers _Fortune_ and _Shark_, sir," reported the operator a little +later. + +"Good. Give Captain Reynolds our position and tell him to keep working +his wireless. Tell him we are likely to need every ship we can bring +up." + +"Very well, sir." + +The operator sent the message. + +"O.K., again, sir," he reported. + +Captain Raleigh passed a slip of paper to the operator. + +"On this," he said, "are enumerated the ships that should be somewhere +in these waters. Pick up as many of them as you can. As you give the +warnings when answered check them off on the list. If any information +is asked, call me." + +"Very well, sir," replied the operator, taking the slip of paper. "No +other instructions, sir?" + +"No. Send the same message as you sent to the _Indefatigable_." + +Captain Raleigh motioned Frank and Jack to follow him and left the +room. + +"I want you two to attend me closely," he informed the lads. "I shall +have lots of leg work that must be done from now until we sight the +enemy and even after that. You shall act as my orderlies tonight and +while the battle lasts." + +Frank and Jack were considerably flattered by this. They knew that +Captain Raleigh had been pleased with their work. + +They saluted. + +"Very well, sir," they exclaimed in a single breath. + +"I want one of you to report to the wireless room, room, ready to bring +me any message that may come," instructed Captain Raleigh. "The other +will stay here. You can suit yourselves about your positions." + +"I'll go to the wireless room, then, sir," said Frank. + +"Very well. Report to me instantly a message is received." + +Frank saluted and took his departure. Jack stood at attention in +Captain Raleigh's cabin as the commander of the _Queen Mary_ again +plunged into a mass of charts. + +Captain Raleigh sprang to his feet and opened his watch. + +"Four o'clock," he said. "We won't reach Skagerak until well after six. +I am in hopes the Germans will not try to pass through before early +morning. We shall be ready for them then." + +"How big a fleet have we there now, sir?" asked Jack. + +"None, to speak of. Two or three cruisers and a couple of torpedo +boats. I believe we have a submarine or two there also, though I cannot +be sure of that." + +"We'll lick 'em, sir," said Jack, enthusiastically. + +Captain Raleigh smiled. + +"I hope so," he said quietly. + +At that moment the first officer called from the bridge. + +"Battleship overhauling us fast, sir." + +"Probably the _Indefatigable_," said Captain Raleigh. + +He went on deck. Jack followed him. + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +CHANGED ORDERS + + +At the same moment Frank came running up. + +"_Indefatigable_ reports she has sighted us, sir!" + +"Good!" exclaimed Captain Raleigh. "I felt sure it was the +_Indefatigable_. Tell her we shall steam slowly until she comes up with +us." + +Frank saluted and returned to the wireless room. + +Now Captain Raleigh gave an order to the first officer. + +"Have all hands piped to quarters, Mr. MacDonald." + +Instantly, all became bustle aboard the _Queen Mary._ Men rushed hither +and thither; but in a moment order was restored out of the seeming +confusion. + +Followed by Jack, his first and second officers, Captain Raleigh made +an inspection of the giant battleship. + +He addressed the different groups of men as he passed and told them +what was about to transpire. + +"It is likely to be a one-sided battle at first," he told the men +quietly, "but I know that none of you will shrink because of that. You +have fought against odds before now. You will not mind doing it again." + +The men cheered him. + +His tour of inspection completed, Captain Raleigh ordered: + +"Let each man be served with a good meal and let them have two hours +sleep--all but the watches." + +The necessary orders were given and a short time later the men were +eating heartily. Then they went to their quarters, where some lay down +to sleep while others sat in groups and discussed the impending battle. + +Shortly after five o'clock Frank and Jack found themselves alone in +their cabin, having been relieved of duty for an hour. + +"It's going to be a great fight, Frank," declared Jack. + +"You bet it is. It will be the greatest naval battle of history, if the +bulk of the British fleet comes up in time. Never before has such a +vast array of giant fighting ships as will be engaged in this struggle +contended for supremacy. In total tonnage engaged and in the matter of +armament and complement it will outrival even the victory of Nelson at +Trafalgar and the defeat of the Spanish Armada. And the British, as +always, will win." + +"Let us hope so. But, as you and I know, the Germans are no mean +opponents. Considering the fact that, since the outbreak of the war, +they have had little opportunity to practise war tactics on the sea and +practically no chance at all to practise gunnery, the few battles that +have been fought have proven them foemen worthy of the best we have to +offer." + +"True," said Frank. "Until reinforcements arrive they will outnumber +us. I don't know how many to one." + +"To my mind it is foolish to engage the German fleet with only a few +ships," said Jack. "It won't gain us anything. I believe we should +retreat slowly and draw them on." + +"I believe that would be a much better plan. We might engage them at +long range, running slowly before them. Then, when the main fleet came +up, we would take them by surprise." + +And even at that moment the same plan was being revolved in the mind of +Vice-Admiral Beatty as, in his flagship, the _Lion_, he steamed swiftly +northward. + +By this time the battleship _Indefatigable_ had drawn up almost on even +terms with the _Queen Mary._ The wireless of both ships were busy as +the commanders exchanged greetings and discussed their plans for +battle. A little later, as the _Indefatigable_ drew even closer, +Captain Reynolds of the _Indefatigable_ flashed this message: + +"I am coming aboard you." + +Half an hour later he came over the side of the _Queen Mary_ and +disappeared with Captain Raleigh in the latter's cabin. Directly an +aide was despatched for Frank and Jack, who made their way to their +commander's quarters. + +"So!" exclaimed Captain Reynolds, when his eye fell on Jack, "this lad +is one of the two who gained this important information, eh? Let me +hear your story again, sir." + +Jack repeated the account of the adventures he and his friend had had +the night before. Captain Raleigh produced the paper the lads had taken +from the commander of the German air squadron and the two commanders +scanned it together. + +"Well, there is one thing in our favor," said Captain Reynolds. "The +Germans will fail to get the air support they are expecting." + +"There probably will be other aircraft with the fleet," said Captain +Raleigh. + +"Most likely. Probably a Zeppelin or two with them. Fortunate we have +these new anti-aircraft guns aboard. They weren't completed any too +soon. Raleigh, what ships are in the Skagerak now?" + +"Only three, I believe. The _Glasgow, Albert_ and the _Victoria_, the +former a battle cruiser and the latter two torpedo boats. If we can +arrive in time there will be five of us. Then, if the _Warspite_, the +_Invincible_ and the cruisers _Defense, Black Prince_ and _Warrior_ +come up in time we will be more on even terms." + +"Exactly. But the main fleet, farther south, will hardly arrive in time +I am afraid; and, by the way, you are wrong in your calculations. The +_Warspite_ is with the main fleet." + +"Is that so? So, then, is the _Edinsburgh_, the _Tiger_, the +_Peerless_, the _Terror_, the _George IV_ and the _Richard_?" + +"Yes; those, with a dozen battle cruisers and a score of torpedo boats, +comprise the main fleet. If they arrive in time, the Germans must +either run or be sent to the bottom." + +At this moment a message was handed to Captain Raleigh from the +wireless room. + +"Change in orders," said the commander briefly, after scanning the +piece of paper. "We are to engage the enemy at long range and seek to +draw him farther into the North Sea. Orders have been sent to the three +ships off Jutland to fall back before the approach of the enemy until +we can join them, if they sight the enemy before we arrive. If not, we +are all to retire slowly. The _Invincible_, three cruisers and half a +dozen torpedo boats will join us soon after dawn. The main fleet cannot +arrive until two hours before noon." + +"By Jove, Raleigh!" exclaimed Captain Reynolds, "I am better satisfied +with those orders. There is more chance of success now. It would have +been foolhardy for us to engage the whole German fleet." + +"I agree with you." + +"Well, I'll get back to my vessel now." + +Captain Reynolds arose and extended his hand to his fellow commander. + +"In case----" he said simply. + +Captain Raleigh gripped the hand. Then he accompanied Captain Reynolds +and saw him over the side. + +It was now after 6 o'clock. The German fleet was due off Jutland at +almost any moment. Captain Raleigh and Jack made their way to the +wireless room. + +"Get the _Glasgow_," commanded Captain Raleigh of the operator. + +"_Glasgow! Glasgow_!" went the call. + +"_Glasgow!_" came the reply a few moments later. + +This conversation between the two commanders ensued: + +"Have you sighted the enemy?" This from the _Queen Mary_. + +"No," from the _Glasgow_. + +"Have any of your consorts picked up the foe?" + +"Not yet." + +"You received my earlier instructions?" + +"Yes. We are holding our ground until we sight the enemy. Then we shall +retire. How long before you will come up with us?" + +"In your present position, two hours. If you fall back, we shall, of +course, be with you sooner. Are you ready for action?" + +"Yes; cleared." + +"Good. I am giving my men all the rest possible. Goodbye." + +"Funny," said Captain Raleigh to Jack, "they should have sighted the +enemy by this time." + +"It would seem so, sir," agreed Jack. + +"Well, they probably will be in sight by the time we come up with the +_Glasgow_," said Captain Raleigh. + +But two hours later, when the _Queen Mary_ and _Indefatigable_ came up +with the other British ships, no enemy had been sighted yet. It was +then almost nine o'clock. + +"You are sure you have not miscalculated the time?" Captain Raleigh +asked of Frank and Jack. + +"Positive, sir," replied the former. "Besides, you have the document +relating to the attack." + +"True enough. The enemy probably has been delayed. Or perhaps they will +await the coming of daylight." + +"It would be better if they did, for us, I mean, wouldn't it, sir?" +asked Frank. + +"Much better," replied his commander briefly. + +"Then let us hope that is what happens." + +"But I am afraid it won't happen," said Jack. "If the Germans get this +far safely, they won't wait for us to overtake them." + +"No; you're right there," said Captain Raleigh. "The thing that worries +me is that, if they do get by us, they will spread out all over the +sea. They will be able to raid the British coast, may succeed in +running through the English channel, and then we shall have to round +them up all over again. They would scatter over the seven seas." + +"Then we've got to lick 'em," declared Frank, grimly. + +Captain Raleigh smiled. + +"That's the spirit I like to see," he said quietly. "It is the spirit +that has carried the British flag to victory against overwhelming odds +on many occasions." + +"But he is not an Englishman, sir," said Jack with a smile. + +"What?" exclaimed Captain Raleigh. "Not an Englishman? Then what is +he?" + +"American," was Jack's reply. + +"Oh, well, it amounts practically to the same thing," declared Captain +Raleigh. + +"Next to being an American," said Frank, quietly, "I would be English." + +The first officer, Lieutenant MacDonald, burst into the captain's cabin +at this moment. + +"Message from the _Glasgow_, sir!" he exclaimed. "German battle +squadron, steaming at twenty knots, sighted five miles off Jutland, +sir!" + + + +CHAPTER XV + +THE FIRST GUN + + +Skagerak, in which the greatest naval battle of history was about to be +fought, is an arm of the North Sea between Norway and Denmark. The +scene of the battle was laid off Jutland and Horn Reef, on the southern +extremity of Denmark. + +From the reef of Heligoland, the main German base in the North Sea, to +Jutland, is about one hundred miles as the crow flies. Therefore, it +became evident that the German high sea fleet must have left the +protection of that supposedly impregnable fortress some time before. + +That the advance of the German fleet had been well planned was +indicated by the very fact that it could successfully elude the British +cruisers patrolling the entrance to the mine fields that guarded +Heligoland itself. Could a British fleet of any size have got between +the German high sea fleet and Heligoland the menace of the German fleet +would have ended for all time. + +At the moment, however, the British warships were scattered over the +North Sea in such a manner as to preclude such an attempt; and the best +Admiral Beatty and Admiral Jellicoe could hope for was to come up with +the German fleet and give battle, preventing, if possible, the escape +of any units of the fleet to other parts of the sea and to drive all +that the British could not sink back to Heligoland. + +The German dash of one hundred miles across the North Sea was a bold +venture and one that the British had not believed the Germans would +attempt at that time. British vigilance had been lax or the German +fleet could never have gone so far from its base without discovery; and +this laxity proved costly for the British; and might even have proven +more costly still. + +Above the German fleet came a fleet of aircraft, augmented to a great +degree by three powerful Zeppelin balloons. Lying low upon the water +also was a fleet of German submarines. + +As the German fleet approached Jutland on the night of May 31, it was +shrouded in darkness. The night was very black and a heavy fog hung +over the sea. The night could not have been better for the attempt, +which would, in all probability have succeeded, had it not been for the +fact that the British had been forewarned. + +Forewarned is forearmed; and this fact alone prevented the Germans from +carrying out their designs. It is history that the approach of the +German fleet had been reported to the commander of the British cruiser +_Glasgow_ by an aviator, who had sailed across the dark sea in a +hydroplane. Whether the Germans knew that there were but three British +vessels in the Skagerak cannot be told, but certainly they believed +they were in sufficient strength to force a passage, particularly by a +surprise attack, which they believed the present venture would be. + +Therefore, it must have been a great disappointment to the German +admiral when a single big gun boomed in the distance. + +This was the voice of the British battleship _Queen Mary,_ which, +taking directions from the _Glasgow's_ aviator, had fired the opening +shot, telling the Germans that their approach had been discovered and +that the passage of the Skagerak would be contested. + +Immediately the German fleet slowed down; for the German admiral had no +means of knowing the strength of the British fleet at that point. +Hurried orders flashed back and forth. A few moments later three +aeroplanes, which had been hanging low above the German fleet, dashed +forward. + +They had been ordered forth to ascertain the strength of the British. + +In almost less time than it takes to tell it they were directly above +the British fleet, which, so far, consisted only of five ships of war-- +besides the _Glasgow,_ an armored cruiser, the _Albert_ and _Victoria_, +torpedo boats, being the _Queen Mary_ and _Indefatigable_. + +As the Germans approached in the air, a hydroplane ascended from each +of the British ships and British aviators gave chase to the enemy. One, +which had come too close, was brought down; but the other two returned +safely to the shelter of the German fleet, where the British dare not +follow them because of the presence of a superior force of the enemy. + +But the German aviators had learned what they had been sent to learn. +They had discovered the strength of the British. Again sharp orders +were flashed from the German flagship. + +The fleet came on faster. + +Captain Raleigh, because of his seniority, had taken command of the +small British squadron. He had drawn his ships up in a semicircle, +heads pointed to the foe. As his aviators signalled that the Germans +were again advancing, Captain Raleigh gave the command that had been +long eagerly awaited by the men--a command which the commander of the +_Queen Mary_ had delayed giving until the last moment because he +desired to give his men all the rest he could. + +"Clear for action!" he thundered. + +Jack glanced at his watch and as he did so eight bells struck. + +"Midnight!" + +The exclamation was wrung from Frank. + +"And no aid for at least three hours," said Jack, quietly. + +As the lad spoke the fog suddenly lifted and gave to the British a view +of the advancing German fleet. + +"Forward turret guns!" cried Captain Raleigh, "Fire at will!" + +A terrible salvo burst from the 16-inch guns in the forward turret. + +At almost the same moment the leading German ships opened fire. + +The first few salvos from each side did no damage, for the range had +not been gauged accurately. + +It became apparent now that the German admiral had no intention of +risking all his first line ships in this encounter. Apparently he had +decided that his smaller vessels were fully capable of coping with the +small number of the enemy that was contesting his advance. + +From the shelter of the larger ships advanced the battle cruisers. Not +a battleship nor a dreadnaught came forward. But the smaller ships +dashed on swiftly and presently their guns found the range. + +A shell burst aboard the _Glasgow's_ bridge, carrying away nearly the +entire superstructure. The captain and his first officer were killed, +and many men were injured as huge splinters flew in all directions. +Under the command of the second officer, the _Glasgow_ fought back. + +A shell from her forward turret burst aboard the closest German vessel +and there was a terrific explosion, followed by a series of blasts not +so loud. Came fearful cries from aboard the enemy. + +And then the whole sky was lighted up for miles around as the German +ship sprang into a brilliant sheet of flame. For perhaps two minutes it +lighted up the heavens; then there was another violent explosion and +the German cruiser disappeared beneath the water with a hiss like that +of a thousand serpents. + +A cheer rose on the air--a loud British cheer. + +"One gone," said Frank, quietly. + +"Yes, but only one gone," replied Jack. + +"Yes, but it's two o'clock now," said Frank, hopefully. + +"About time to begin our retreat then," said Jack. + +And the order for retreat came a few moments later. + +The five British ships--for all were still able to navigate in spite of +the damage that had been inflicted--came about in a broad circle and +headed westward. + +Then it was the Germans' time to cheer and they did so with a will. It +was not often that a British battleship had fled before a German ship +or ships and the Germans, since the war opened, had little chance to +cheer such a procedure. But now that they had such a chance, they +cheered their best Apparently, they had lost sight of the fact that the +British were retiring before superior numbers, and that, even in spite +of that and the fact that they now were retreating, they still had the +best of the encounter so far. + +For one German cruiser lay at the bottom of the sea. + +The British retreat was slow; and, for some unaccountable reason, the +Germans did not press forward as swiftly as they might have done. +Whether they feared a trap, or whether the German admiral had +determined to await the coming of day before disposing of the enemy, +was not apparent. But that he had some plan in mind, every Briton +realized. + +"The longer he holds off the better," said Frank. + +"Right," agreed Jack. "Of course, we probably could run away from them +if they pressed us too hard, but we wouldn't; and for that reason he +should be able to dispose of us if he came ahead swiftly." + +"Wonder why some of these Zeppelins and airships haven't come into +action?" said Frank. + +"I don't know. Perhaps the Germans are afraid of losing one of them. +They probably have other uses for them, for, should they break through +here, it is likely they have their plans laid. What time have you?" + +"Three thirty," said Frank, after a glance at his watch. "An hour, +almost, till daylight. Do you suppose the others will arrive on time?" + +"I hope so. It would be better, of course, if they arrived while it is +yet dark, for then they might come up unseen. But with their arrival we +still will be outnumbered; and, realizing that, the Germans, when the +day breaks, will press the attack harder." + +"I guess we will manage to hold them till the main fleet arrives in the +morning," said Frank, hopefully. + +"We will have to hold them," declared Jack. + +At this moment the lads' attention was directed to the cruiser +_Glasgow_. Already badly damaged, a second German shell had now burst +amidships with a loud explosion. + +"And that settles the _Glasgow_," said Jack, sadly. + +He was right. Gamely the _Glasgow_ fought back, but it was apparent to +all, in spite of the darkness, that she was settling lower and lower in +the water. + +"And we can't rescue the men," said Frank. "Remember the admiralty +orders. No ship in action is to go to the aid of another. It would be +suicide." + +"So it would," said Jack. "Poor fellows." + +Slowly the _Glasgow_ settled; and for a moment the fire of all the +other vessels--Germans as well as British--lulled a bit. All eyes were +bent on the sinking ship. + +A wireless message was flashed from the _Glasgow_ to Captain Raleigh of +the _Queen Mary_. + +"Goodbye," it said. "Hold them!" + +After that there was no further word from the doomed cruiser. + +The searchlights of both fleets played full upon the _Glasgow_ as she +settled lower in the water. She staggered, seemed to make an effort to +hold herself afloat, and then sank suddenly. + +The duel of big guns broke out afresh. + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +THE BATTLE + + +Dawn. + +With the breaking of the intense darkness what a surprise was in store +for the Germans! + +Back of the four remaining British ships that had at first engaged the +Germans, interrupting their dash and holding them in check until the +arrival of a force strong enough to engage the foe more closely, came +now the relief promised by Vice-Admiral Beatty. + +Gathered from various parts of the North Sea, they had steamed toward +Jutland, and, arriving there at almost the same time, they had assumed +battle formation in the darkness. + +That the British were approaching must have been known by the German +admiral, for their wireless apparatus had been working unceasingly, +telling of their approach, and these signals must have been caught by +the German warships, though, because sent in code, they were +undecipherable. Nor could the enemy tell, by the sound, just how close +the British were. + +Captain Raleigh, too, as well as the other British commanders, had +known the other English ships were forming some distance back. Toward +these they now retreated; and just as dawn broke, and the British +sailors obtained their first view of the promised assistance--and +greeted the new arrivals with cheers--the British advanced to the +attack. + +The German admiral, taking in the situation, knew that he still +outnumbered the British--that the advantage was still with him. He +determined to give battle. He knew, too, that it was only a question of +time until the main British fleet would approach and he determined to +win the battle before the arrival of new foes. He signalled an advance. + +The British fleet was great and powerful--but not so great and powerful +as the German by far. As the _Queen Mary, Indefatigable_ and the two +torpedo boats fell back, still the center of German fire and still +hurling shell, seeking their proper places in the battle line, the +other British vessels came on. And presently the _Queen Mary_ and +others had gained their places in the formation. + +Ahead of the larger ships now--the _Queen Mary_, the _Indefatigable_ +and the _Invincible,_ advanced the speediest of light cruisers--the +_Defense_, the _Biack Prince_ and the _Warrior_. Behind these, spread +out fan-wise, came the destroyers _Tipperary, Turbulent, Nestore, +Alcaster, Fortune, Sparrow Hawk, Ardent_ and the _Shark_. The _Albert_ +and _Victoria_ also had fallen in line, though badly battered by the +effects of the German shells during the night. + +Then the three battle cruisers advanced; and as the battle opened, far +back came the battleship _Marlborough_, hurrying to join in the +struggle. + +The German fleet advanced to the attack in a broad semi-circle. The +flagship, the _Westphalen_, a dreadnaught of 18,600 tons, was squarely +in the center. To her left was the battleship _Pommern_ and next the +_Freiderich_; to her right the battleships _Wiesbaden_ and _Frauenlob_. +Beyond the battleships to the left were the cruisers _Hindenburg_ and +_Lutzow_, and beyond the battleships to the right the cruisers _Elbing_ +and _Essen_. Torpedo boats, more than a score of them, also spread far +on either side. + +Directly behind the single dreadnaught and the battleships came a +flotilla of submarines, ready to dash forward at the proper moment and +launch their deadly torpedoes. Overhead, and moving forward, were the +three giant Zeppelins and a flotilla of other aircraft. + +Of all the vessels engaged, the _Queen Mary_ was the largest. The +_Marlborough_, advancing rapidly, came next and then the German +dreadnaught _Westphalen_. The British battle cruisers _Indefatigable_ +and _Invincible_ were the next most powerful, in the order named, and +the other German vessels were by far superior to the British. + +Now, as the battle opened with the greatest fury, another British +vessel was sighted to the westward. It was the _Lion_, the flagship of +Vice-Admiral Beatty, steaming at full speed ahead. + +Over the tops of the three British cruisers, light vessels travelled +swiftly toward the enemy, the larger ships opened with their big guns. +The range was found almost with the first salvo and shells began to +drop aboard the enemy. + +The British cruiser _Defense_, making straight for the German +dreadnaught _Westphalen_, hurled a shell aboard the German flagship +that burst amidships. There was a terrible explosion and men were +hurled into the water in little pieces. A hole was blown through the +upper deck. + +But the _Defense_ paid dearly for this act. The forward guns of the +_Westphalen_ poured a veritable rain of shells upon the British vessel +and in a moment she was wounded unto death. + +There was nothing the other vessels of the fleet could do to aid her; +and it was plainly apparent that she must sink. But the British tars +stuck to their guns and they continued to hurl shells into the German +line until the water of the North Sea washed over them. + +The _Defense_ was gone. + +This left the _Black Prince_ and the _Warrior_ alone before the larger +British vessels and they stood to their work gallantly. The fire of +both cruisers was centered on the German flagship; and it was plain +that if they continued at their work the _Westphalen_ was doomed. + +An order was flashed to the German Zeppelins. Two sped forward. + +Captain Raleigh of the _Queen Mary_ saw them advancing and the forward +anti-aircraft gun was unloosened. The first Zeppelin, flying low, was +pierced before it had moved forward a hundred yards; and it fell into +the sea between the German battleships, a flaming mass. But the second +came on. + +Above the _Black Prince_ the Zeppelin paused. Something dropped through +the air. There was a flash, an explosion and a dense black cloud rolled +across the water. When it had cleared the _Black Prince_ was gone! + +The anti-aircraft guns of the _Queen Mary_ and the _Indefatigable_ +fired furiously at the Zeppelin; and a few moments later a shot from +the latter struck home. The second Zeppelin fell into the sea. By this +time the _Marlborough_ had drawn up with the _Queen Mary_ and the other +large British ships; and now these advanced majestically. + +The first to encounter the weight of their guns was the German +battleship _Pommern_, of 12,900 tons. Raked fore and aft, she was soon +ablaze. Her crew leaped into the sea, almost as one man, following an +explosion in her boiler room; and the water was dark with bobbing +heads. + +The _Pommern's_ sister ship, the _Freiderich_, slowed down and gave +assistance in picking up the crew of the former vessel; and while she +was engaged in this work no British gun fired at her. + +Gradually the _Marlborough_, the _Queen Mary_, the _Indefatigable_ and +the _Invincible_ drew closer together as they advanced upon the +Germans. Shells burst over them with regularity, but so far none had +reached a vital spot. + +The _Queen Mary_ turned all her forward guns on the _Westphalen_ and +raked her fore and aft. In vain the other vessels of the German fleet +sought to detract the _Queen Mary's_ fire. Captain Raleigh had started +out with the intention of disposing of the German flagship and he was +determined not to heed the others until the _Westphalen_ had been sent +to the bottom. + +It was no easy task he had set for himself, for he now was the center +of fire of the whole German fleet--almost. A submarine darted forward +to save the _Westphalen_. The quick eye of a British gunner caught it. +He took aim and fired. The submarine disappeared. + +With a view to disposing of the enemy immediately, Captain Raleigh +ordered that one of the two forward torpedoes be launched. + +There was a hiss as the little tube was released. The distance was so +close now that a miss was impossible. There was an instant of silence, +followed by a terrible rending sound; then a loud blast. The torpedo +had reached the _Westphalen's_ boiler room. + +Quickly the German admiral and his officers clambered over the side and +rowed to the _Wiesbaden_, where they were taken on board and the +admiral's flag run up. The _Westphalen_ was abandoned; and she sank a +few moments later. + +In the meantime, the British cruiser _Warrior_, of 13,500 tons, had +been sent down by the explosion of a German shell which had reached her +magazine. So rapidly had she settled that not a man of her crew +escaped. Thus had the three light battle cruisers of the British--the +vessels that had shown the way--been disposed of. + +At this moment Vice-Admiral Beatty and his flagship, the _Lion_, +entered the battle. The great guns of the flagship roared above the +others and the battleship _Frauenlob_, singled out by her fire, soon +sank. + +In spite of the German losses, the British, so far, had had the worst +of the encounter and the German admiral, despite the loss of his +flagship, had no mind to give up the battle. He pushed to closer +quarters. + +Now the fighting became more terrific. Shells struck upon all ships +engaged at intervals of a few seconds apart. Frequently loud explosions +were heard above the voices of the great guns; and in most cases these +signified the end of a ship of war. + +Among the smaller vessels--the torpedo boats--which had singled each +other out, the execution had been terrible. Dead and wounded strewed +the decks and there was no time for the uninjured to give aid. They +were too busy attending to their guns and manoeuvering their vessels. + +But the outcome of an engagement such as this could have but one +result, it seemed. Outnumbered as they were and fighting as bravely as +they knew how, the British were getting the worst of it. Rather than +sacrifice more lives and ships, Vice-Admiral Beatty, on the _Lion_, +gave the signal to retire. He was in hopes that the Germans would +follow and thus fall into the clutches of the main British fleet which +was advancing at full speed and with which Vice-Admiral Beatty had been +in communication by wireless. + +The Germans accepted the bait as the British drew off slowly; and as +they advanced more ships steamed up from the east. It was a second +German squadron advancing to the aid of the first. + +There was a cry of surprise from the British, for they had not known +that there was a second fleet in such close proximity. These new +vessels evidently were the reserves the German admiral had been +depending upon to turn the tide of battle should his first line ships +not be able to overcome the British. + +Seeing apparent victory within his grasp, the German admiral signalled +his fleet to full speed; so the British retreated more rapidly. + +Suddenly there was a terrible explosion to the right of the _Queen +Mary_. Frank and Jack, as well as all others on the _Queen Mary_, gazed +in that direction. The battle cruiser _Invincible_ suddenly sprang into +a sheet of flame and parted in half. A German shell had struck her +vitals. + +A cry of despair broke from the British as the _Invincible_--the +greatest British ship to suffer so far--dived beneath the waves. + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +THE MAIN FLEET ARRIVES + + +It was by a miracle, it seemed, that the _Queen Mary,_ the +_Indefatigable_, the _Marlborough_ and the _Lion_, now in the front +line, had escaped being struck in their vitals by the German shells +that flew all about. On the _Queen Mary_, dead men and wounded men +strewed the deck. They were being carried below as rapidly as possible, +where the ship's surgeon, with a corps of assistants, was attending to +their wounds. + +Frank and Jack had been working like demons. From one part of the ship +to the other they had been running with orders ever since the battle +opened. The heart of each lad was in his throat--not because of fear-- +but because the British were getting the worst of the engagement. Never +before had they seen an enemy fleet stand up to a British squadron of +this size and fight. Always before it had been the German policy to +run. + +But now they were not only standing up to the British, but were giving +them a bad thrashing. Each lad realized, of course, that the British +were out-numbered and that the weight of guns was in favor of the +enemy; but in spite of this they felt that the enemy should be +defeated. They cast occasional glances to the west, hoping to catch +sight of the main British fleet, which should be drawing near now. + +But at nine o'clock there was no smoke on the horizon. + +The loss of the _Invincible_ had been a hard blow to the British. As +the others retreated now the Germans pressed them closely. A shot +struck the _Marlborough_ in the forward turret, exploding her guns +there and killing the gun crews. The effect of the explosion was +terrible. Men were hurled high in the air and came down in small +pieces. + +Jack, in the forward turret of the _Queen Mary_ a moment later, was +hurled to the deck as a German shell struck one of the guns and blew it +to pieces. The lad escaped the rain of steel that descended a moment +later, but others in the turret were not so fortunate. Fully half the +men there were killed or wounded so badly that they could fight no +more. + +Jack sprang to one of the guns himself. It was loaded. Quickly the lad +sighted it upon one of the enemy ships and fired. + +He watched the effect of this shot. It was the German cruiser _Elbing_ +at which he had aimed. He saw a cloud of missiles ascend from amidships +and knew that the shot had struck home. + +Jack forgot all about reporting to Captain Raleigh for further orders, +and as the battle raged, he continued to fire one of the big 16-inch +guns--he and other unwounded British tars. + +Frank had not seen his chum for an hour; and chancing to poke his head +into the forward turret, he was surprised to see Jack working like a +Trojan with the members of the gun crew. + +"Good work, Jack! Keep it up!" he called. + +Jack looked in Frank's direction long enough to wave his hand; then +turned back to his work. + +Came a loud British cheer. "What's happened?" demanded Jack of the man +next him, shouting at the top of his voice to make himself heard above +the din of battle. + +The man shook his head. + +"Don't know," he shouted back, "unless the main fleet has been +sighted." + +"We might have sunk one of the enemy," said another. + +As a matter of fact, both men were right. + +Two German torpedo boats had gone to the bottom almost simultaneously +under well directed British shots; and, far back across the sea, a +flotilla of battleships had been sighted. + +Apparently the Germans had not yet sighted the British reinforcements, +for they continued to press their foes hard. + +Four British torpedo boats had been sent to the bottom of the sea. They +were the _Tipperary_, the _Turbulent_, the _Nestore_ and the _Shark_. +The others gave slowly before the enemy; and a moment later two of +those sank--the _Sparrow Hawk_ and the _Ardent_. + +There now remained facing the entire German fleet the _Lion_, the +_Queen Mary_, the _Indefatigable_, the _Marlborough_ and two torpedo +boats, the _Fortune_ and the _Alcaster_. + +But the German losses had been great. The _Westphalen_ had been sunk. +So had the _Pommern_ and the _Freiderich_. The _Frauenlob_ had gone to +the bottom and the _Wiesbaden_, the new flagship, was badly crippled. +As another German torpedo boat sank, the Germans slackened their pace. + +The British had a breathing spell. + +But the battle was not over yet. The second German squadron had now +approached almost close enough to take a hand in the battle. Apparently +this Was what the German admiral was waiting for before resuming +operations. + +It was plainly evident now that the Germans had sighted the approaching +British fleet, but at that distance they were unable to make out its +strength. The German admiral decided to continue the battle if he could +do so with any hope of success. + +So, with the second squadron in range, he gave the command to advance +again. + +The _Queen Mary_ and the _Indefatigable_ bore the brunt of this next +attack and for half an hour it seemed that it was impossible for the +two ships to live through the rain of shells that fell all about them. +But live they did and they gave as good or better than they received. + +The German battleship _Hindenburg_, pierced by half a dozen shells at +almost the same time, staggered back and fell out of line. But the +British had no mercy on her. Shell after shell they poured upon her; +and at last she sank. + +The _Wiesbaden_, the German flagship, pressed hotly to the attack. +Although struck in a dozen places and her port side batteries out of +commission, she continued to play on the _Queen Mary_ and the +_Indefatigable_ with her forward turret guns. + +As a matter of fact, it was fortunate for the _Queen Mary_ and the +_Indefatigable_ that they had begun to retire; for their forward turret +guns had been silenced and the only pieces that they could now bring +into play were in the turrets aft. + +A shell from the German battleship _Lutzow_ exploded on the bridge of +the _Marlborough_. The bridge was carried completely away and the +commander of the ship was killed, as were half a score of other +officers. A second shell struck the _Marlborough_ and carried away her +steering apparatus. Absolutely uncontrollable now, the _Marlborough_ +drifted toward the _Lion_, with which she almost collided before the +_Lion_ could get out of the way. + +There was nothing that could be done for her until after the battle, at +any rate, and the others left her to her fate. Drifting as she was, the +_Marlborough_ continued her fire; and of a sudden she put a shot aboard +the _Lutzow_ in a vital spot. + +The _Lutzow_ blew up with a terrible roar. The crew of the +_Marlborough_ cheered and waved their hands to their companions on the +other British ships. + +Apparently this was more than the German admiral had bargained for. +With his whole second squadron intact and the British apparently +helpless, he had thought to crush these few ships before aid should +reach them; and then, if the approaching British were not too +formidable, to offer them battle also. + +Now there were only three British ships in line--the _Lion_, the +_Queen Mary_ and the _Indefatigable_--and these were really not fit +nor able to continue the fight. + +But the men fought on doggedly. None of the others had thought of +surrender and no such idea entered the head of a single man aboard any +of the British ships. Help was at hand and then the Germans would get +the thrashing of their lives, the men told themselves. They would keep +the Germans busy until this help arrived. + +Hardly a man aboard the _Queen Mary_ that had not been wounded. Sweat +poured from their faces, hands and body as they continued to fight +their guns; and as they fought they shouted and yelled encouragement to +one another. + +"Boom!" + +There was a different tone to this deep voice and every man on board +the hard pressed British ships knew what it meant. + +The first ship of the main British fleet had come within range and had +opened with her biggest gun. + +Other new voices took up the challenge and within a few moments the +roar of battle was at its height once more. + +Still a considerable distance away, the dimensions of the approaching +British fleet now became apparent to the German admiral. He had +thought, at first, that perhaps the newcomers would number a few ships, +attracted by the sounds of battle, but as he looked at the formidable +array now bearing down on him he knew that his plans, whatever they +were, had been frustrated. + +"And we had it all planned so carefully," he said between clenched +teeth. + +He strode up and down angrily, beating the palm of one hand with a +knotted fist. + +"How could they have learned of it?" he cried. "How could they?" + +He was very angry. An officer approached him. + +"Shall we draw off, sir?" he asked, and pointed to the fresh British +ships bearing down on them. + +"No!" thundered the admiral. "Why don't you sink those three ships +ahead of you there? Sink them, I tell you!" + +The officer saluted and moved away. + +For some moments the German admiral continued to talk to himself in +great anger; then he suddenly cooled down. With a finger he summoned +the officer who had accosted him a moment before. The officer +approached and saluted. + +"I forgot myself a moment ago," said the admiral. "You may give the +signal to retire!" + +A moment later the big German ships began to come about; and from the +decks of the _Queen Mary_, the _Lion_ and the _Indefatigable_ there +came loud British cheers. + +The _Marlborough_, still helpless, poured shell after shell upon the +enemy. + +Some distance away still, the British fleet was approaching in an +endeavor to intercept the retreat of the enemy. Captain Raleigh of the +_Queen Mary_ took in the situation at a glance. + +"They'll never do it!" he exclaimed. + +He determined upon a bold step. He gave command to bring the _Queen +Mary_ about. Then, disabled as his ship was, he started in pursuit of +the enemy. + +There was a cheer from the _Indefatigable_, and presently the head of +that vessel also came about She started after the _Queen Mary_! + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +THE SINKING OF THE "QUEEN MARY" + + +Perceiving this move by two vessels that he believed the same as at the +bottom of, the sea, so far as fighting purposes went, the German +admiral became very angry again. + +"A blight on these English!" he exclaimed. "Don't they know when they +are beaten?" + +Certainly it seemed not, if the Admiral's version that they were +defeated was correct. + +The _Queen Mary_ and the _Indefatigable_ steamed after the enemy at +full speed. + +Jack had relinquished his duties in the gun turret to more experienced +hands and had joined Frank on deck. To some extent the forward turret +had been repaired and was now in condition to hurl more shells after +the fleeing enemy. + +It was well after noon when the Germans fled; and as the two British +ships followed close on the heels of the enemy--with the main British +fleet still some distance back--one of those deep impenetrable fogs +that often impede progress on the North Sea suddenly descended. + +It was indeed a boon to the fleeing Germans, for without its aid, there +is little likelihood that they could have escaped the British fleet, +which had the heels of the enemy. But the fog blotted the foe +completely from the sight of the main British fleet; and even from the +decks of the _Queen Mary_ and the _Indefatigable_, much closer, it was +impossible to make out the whereabouts of the Germans. + +The British continued to fire ahead into the fog, but with what result +it was impossible to tell. + +The fog became more dense until it was impossible to see ten yards +ahead. Even the great searchlights on the vessels failed to penetrate +the gloom. + +"Well, I guess that settles it," said Frank. + +"Looks that way," Jack agreed. "These Germans are pretty slippery +customers anyhow. It's impossible to catch them in the dark." + +"This fog descended as though it were all made to order for them," +Frank complained. + +"Pretty hard to beat a fellow when the elements are fighting on his +side," Jack admitted. "I imagine Captain Raleigh will give up the chase +now." + +But Jack was wrong, though, as it turned out, it would have been a +great deal better for all concerned if the chase had been abandoned at +that point. + +After some conversation with Captain Reynolds of the _Indefatigable_ by +wireless, Captain Raleigh announced that the pursuit would be continued +and ordered full speed ahead in the deep darkness. + +As the vessel gathered momentum, Frank exclaimed: + +"I don't like this. I feel as though something disastrous was about to +happen." + +"Another one of those things, eh?" said Jack, grinning in the darkness +that enveloped them. + +"What things?" + +"I never can remember what you call them. Premonitions, I mean." + +"You mean a hunch," said Frank, quietly. "Yes, that's just what I have +--a hunch." + +"Take it to Captain Raleigh. Maybe he will give you something for it," +said his friend. + +"This is no joking matter," declared Frank. "I'm not naturally nervous, +as you know, but right now my nerves are on edge." + +"Just the after effects of the battle," said Jack, quietly. "You are +all unstrung." + +"I'm unstrung, all right," Frank admitted, "but the battle had nothing +to do with it. I tell you something is going to happen." + +"Well, what?" + +"I don't know." + +"It's a poor hunch, unless it will tell you what is going to happen," +declared Jack. + +"Have it your own way," said Frank. "But wait." + +"I'm waiting," said Jack, cheerfully. + +The _Indefatigable_ also, following Captain Reynold's wireless +conversation with Captain Raleigh, had dashed after the retreating +Germans at full speed. + +Gradually, although in the darkness neither their commanders nor anyone +else on board realized it, the _Queen Mary_ and the _Indefatigable_, +dashing ahead at full speed as they were, were drawing closer together +at every turn of the screws. + +Frank's forebodings were about to bear fruit. + +Now, in the darkness, the vessels were running upon about even terms, +but the bows were both pointed toward an angle that would drive them +together in collision about a mile distant. Although none realized it, +this is what would happen unless the fog lifted suddenly. + +But the fog did not lift. + +Frank, try as he would could not shake off his spell. + +"I tell you." he said again to his chum, "something is going to happen +--and it's going to happen soon." + +There was so much force behind Frank's words--the lad seemed in such +deadly earnest--that Jack grew alarmed. He had had some experience with +these premonitions of Frank's. + +"What is it?" he asked anxiously. + +"I wish I knew," said Frank. "I----" + +Came a sudden shout forward; a cry from the bridge. Instinctively, +Frank threw out a hand and grasped Jack by the arm. + +Another series of startled cries, the tinkling of a bell in the engine +room; a shock as the engines were reversed--but it was too late. + +The two British warships came together with a terrible crash! + +So great was the force of the shock that Frank, standing on the far +side, was thrown clear over the rail. But the lad's grasp upon his +chum's arm was so tight that it dragged Jack along with him; and the +two boys fell into the sea together. + +Aboard both British ships all was confusion now. With startled cries, +men rushed on deck. Unable to see in the dense fog, they became panic +stricken. While these same men would have faced death bravely in +battle, they were completely bewildered at this moment. + +In vain the officers aboard both vessels sought to bring some semblance +of order out of the confusion. Something had gone wrong with the +electric lighting apparatus on both vessels. There was no light. The +fog was as thick as ever. The crews stampeded for the rails, but at the +rails they hesitated, for they did not wish to throw themselves into +the great unknown. + +Next came the stampede for life preservers. Men fought over their +possession, whereas, in cooler moments, hardly a man aboard either ship +who would not willingly have given the life preservers to companions. + +Had the men thrown themselves into the sea immediately, it is likely +that many of them would have been saved; but their hesitation cost them +dearly. + +In vain did the reversed engines of both ships work. The sharp steel +bow of the _Indefatigable_ had become so firmly embedded in the side of +the _Queen Mary_ that it could not be unloosened. + +And so the two battleships sank, together in their last moments as they +had been when they had faced almost certain destruction under the +muzzles of the great German guns such a short time before. + +Now men from both ships hurled themselves into the sea in an effort to +cheat the waters of their prey. Commanders and officers, however, +realizing that there was no hope of life even in the sea, so swiftly +were the ships sinking, stood calmly on the bridges and awaited the +end. For, they realized, the suction would be so strong when the +vessels took their final plunge, that all those anywhere near in the +water would be drawn under. + +Captain Raleigh sent a hail across the water in a loud voice. + +"Are you there, Reynolds?" + +"Right here, Raleigh," came back the response. "There is no hope here. +How about you?" + +"No hope here either," was Captain Raleigh's answer. + +"Goodbye, then," shouted Captain Reynolds. + +"Goodbye, old man!" + +They were the last words spoken by these two old friends, who had been +boys together, schoolmates and bosom companions. + +Suddenly the two ships took their final plunge. Men still on board, +those of the crew who had been frightened and had not cast themselves +into the sea, straightened instinctively as they felt the vessels give +beneath them. In the presence of death--when they knew it had arrived-- +they were as brave and courageous as in the midst of battle. + +So there was silence aboard the _Queen Mary_ and aboard the +_Indefatigable_ as the waves parted for their coming. All on board, +officers and members of the two crews as well, stood calmly, waiting +for the dark waters to close over them. + +The two ships made a last desperate effort to resist the call of the +sea. They failed. A moment later they disappeared from sight. No sound +came from the depths. + +When Frank and Jack had felt themselves in the water, the latter, +realizing immediately what would happen if the ships sank before they +had put some distance in between them, struck out swiftly toward what +he felt to be the south, giving Frank a hand as he did so. + +The latter recovered himself a moment later, however, and gasped. + +"I'm all right, Jack. Let me swim for myself." + +"All right," said Jack, "but keep close beside me. We'll have to hurry +or we shall be pulled under by the suction when the ships sink." + +Keeping close together they swam with powerful strokes. + +And so it was that they were out of harm's way when the two ships +disappeared from sight with a deafening roar as the waters closed over +them; they were beyond reach of the suction. + +"There they go," said Frank, sadly. + +"And it is only a miracle that prevented us from going with them," said +Jack. + +"We might as well have gone as to be in the middle of the North Sea," +said Frank. + +"Nonsense. While there's life there's hope." + +They swam on. + +Suddenly Jack's hand came in contact with something in the darkness. + +"A man!" he exclaimed. + +"What did you think I was? A fish?" came the reply. "I've a right to +escape as well as you." + +"Who are you?" asked Frank. + +At that moment, as suddenly as it had descended, the fog lifted. + +Jack looked at the other man in the water and uttered an exclamation of +pleasure. + +"Harris!" he cried. + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +ADRIFT + + +The great naval battle of Jutland was over. + +The British fleet now had given up pursuit of the fleeing Germans and +Vice-Admiral Beatty paused to take stock of his losses; and they were +enormous. + +Three great battle cruisers had gone to the bottom--the _Queen Mary_, +of 27,000 tons; the _Indefatigable_, of 18,750 tons, and the +_Invincible_, of 17,250 tons. Cruisers lost included the _Defense_, of +14,600 tons; the _Black Prince_; of 13,550 tons, and the _Warrior_, of +13,550 tons. The giant battle cruiser _Marlborough,_ of 27,500 tons, +had been badly damaged, as had the _Lion_ and other vessels. The +destroyers _Tipperary, Turbulent, Nestore, Alcaster, Fortune, Sparrow +Hawk, Ardent_ and _Shark_ had been sunk. Total losses ran high into the +millions and in the number of men above 7,000. + +The German losses had been less, but nevertheless, taking into +consideration damage done to the effectiveness of the two fleets as a +whole, the enemy had sustained the harder blow. The British fleet still +maintained control of the North Sea, while the Germans, because of +their losses, had been deprived of a large part of the fighting +strength of their fleet. The British, in spite of their heavier losses, +would recover more quickly than could the enemy. + +The dreadnaught _Westphalen_ was the largest ship lost by the Germans. +It was of 18,600 tons. The three German battleships lost, the +_Pommern_, the _Freiderich_ and the _Frauenlob_, were each of 13,350 +tons. Four battle cruisers had been sent to the bottom. They were the +_Elbing_, the _Essen_, the _Lutzow_ and the _Hindenburg_, each of +14,400 tons. The German losses in torpedo destroyers had been +particularly heavy, an even dozen having been sent to the bottom. +Besides this, the enemy had lost three submarines and two Zeppelin +airships, besides a number of smaller aircraft. In men the Germans had +lost slightly less than the British. + +And so both British and Germans counted the battle a victory; the +Germans because in total tonnage sunk they had the best of it; the +British, because they held the scene of battle when the fighting was +over and because the enemy had retired. + +But, no matter with which side rested the victory, there was no +gainsaying the fact that the battle of Jutland was the greatest naval +struggle of all time. + +After giving up pursuit of the enemy, the British withdrew. Damage to +the various vessels was repaired as well as could be done at sea and +the ships in need of a more thorough overhauling steamed for England, +where they would go into dry-dock. The bulk of the British fleet, +however, still in perfect fighting trim, again took up the task of +patrolling the North Sea, that no German vessels might make their +escape from the fortress of Heligoland, for which point the enemy +headed immediately after the battle. + +In spite of the severe losses of the Germans, the return of the high +sea fleet to Heligoland was marked by a grand ovation by the civil +population. Various reports were circulated on the island, and all +through Germany for that matter. One report had it that the entire +British fleet had been sent to the bottom; and Berlin, and all Germany, +rejoiced. + +But as time passed and the German fleet still remained secure behind +its fortifications, the German people began to realize that the victory +had not been so great as they had been led to believe. They knew they +had been fooled; and they vented their anger in many ways. + +Street riots occurred in Berlin and in others of the large cities. The +people demanded to be told the facts. Later they were told, in a +measure, but even then they were denied the whole truth. So conditions +in the central empires grew from bad to worse. + +Jack and Frank, struggling in the water where they had been hurled by +the collision of the _Queen Mary_ and the _Indefatigable_, were glad of +the company of Harris, who had bobbed up so suddenly alongside of them +in the darkness. + +Harris greeted Jack's exclamation of surprise with a grin. + +"Yes; it's me," he replied, discarding his grammar absolutely; "and I'm +glad to see you fellows again. Question is, what are we going to do +now?" + +"Well, you know as much about it as I do," declared Jack. "I haven't +any idea how far we are from shore, but I am afraid it is farther than +we can swim." + +All three cast their eyes over the water. There was not a spar nor +other piece of wreckage in sight. But Jack made out a few moments +later, some distance to the east, what appeared to be a ship of some +sort. He called the attention of the others to it. + +"Suppose we might as well head in that direction, then," declared +Harris. + +"Right," agreed Frank. + +He struck out vigorously and the others did the same. + +It was a long ways to that little speck on the water and the lads knew +that if the vessel were moving away from them they probably would be +lost. But at that distance the vessel seemed to be stationary, so they +did not give up hope. + +Half an hour later Frank exclaimed: "We're making headway. Ship must be +standing still." + +"Well, I wish it would come this way," declared Harris. "We're still a +long way from safety." + +"It's probably a German, anyhow," said Jack, "so if we are rescued it +will be only to be made prisoners." + +"That's better than being made shark bait," said Harris; "and, by the +way, speaking of sharks, I have heard that there were many of them in +these waters." + +Frank shuddered; for he had a wholesome disgust for the man eaters. + +"Hope they don't smell us," he said. + +"And so do I," agreed Jack. "We couldn't hope to fight them off, for we +have no arms." + +"I've got a knife," said Harris, "but I am afraid I wouldn't know what +to do with it should a shark get after me." + +The three became silent, saving all their strength for swimming. + +An hour later they had drawn close to the vessel. + +"It's a German all right," said Jack, regretfully. + +"Any port in a storm," said Harris. "That talk of shark a while back +made me feel sort of squeamish. I want to get out of this water." + +They continued to swim toward the ship. + +"Wonder what's the matter on board?" exclaimed Frank, suddenly. + +They had approached close enough now to see men rushing hurriedly about +the deck. Hoarse commands carried across the water, though the words +were unintelligible to the three swimmers at that distance. + +"Something wrong," said Jack, quietly. + +"That's what I call hard luck," declared Frank. "Here we think we have +reached a place of safety and something goes wrong." + +"Don't cry till you're hurt, youngster," said Harris, quietly. "The +ship is there and we're pretty close to it. Those fellows aboard, +German or English, are bound to lend us a hand." + +"I'm not so sure about that," declared Frank. + +"Well, I am," said Harris. "The German sailor is all right. It's the +German officer who makes all the trouble. They'll help us if they can." + +The three swimmers were a short distance from the ship now. + +Jack raised his voice in a shout. + +"Help!" he cried in German. + +There was no move aboard the German vessel to indicate that the lad's +cry had been heard. + +"Told you so," said Frank. + +"Don't cry too soon, youngster," said Harris. "We'll try it again, and +all yell together." + +They did and this time their cries were heard. + +Several men aboard the German vessel stopped their rushing about and +gazed across the sea in the direction of the swimmers. One man produced +a glass and levelled it in their direction. Then he turned to the +others and they could be seen to gesticulate excitedly. + +"One wants to save us and the others don't," declared Frank. + +For some moments the men continued to argue. One shook his finger in +the faces of the others and pointed in the direction of the swimmers. + +"You're all right," declared Frank, speaking of the one man. "Wish I +were there to lend you a hand. But I'm afraid the others are too much +for you." + +At this juncture the man who opposed the others produced a revolver and +made an angry gesture. He was ordering the others to the aid of the +three friends in the water. + +"By Jove!" said Harris. "He's all right. I'd like to be able to do him +a good turn." + +And the chance was to come sooner than he expected. + +Apparently the men aboard the German vessel had decided to obey the +order of the man who would save the three swimmers. A boat was lowered +over the side. + +Three men stood ready to leap into it. The hopes of the three friends +in the water rose high; but they were shattered a moment later in a +sudden and unexpected manner. + +A dull rumbling roar came suddenly across the water. Instantly all +became confusion aboard the German vessel. Officers shouted hoarse +commands and struck out with the flat of their swords as members of the +crew rushed for the rails. + +"An explosion!" cried Frank. "Swim back quickly." + +The others understood the significance of that strange rumbling aboard +the German vessel as quickly as Frank, and turning rapidly, they struck +out as fast as they could. + +An explosion such as that dull roar indicated could have but one result +and the lads knew it. Evidently there had been a fire on board--that +accounted for the strange activities of the men on the ship--and the +flames had reached the vessel's magazine. + +A second and a louder roar came now. Men jumped into the sea by the +scores and struck out vigorously that they might not be pulled under by +the suction when the ship sank. + +Then there came an explosion even louder than the rest. The great ship +parted in the middle as though cut by a knife. A huge tongue of flame +shot high in the air. Hoarse cries from aboard, screams and frightful +yells. Split in twain, the vessel settled fore and aft. + +A second huge tongue of flame leaped into the sky; and then the vessel +disappeared beneath the sea. + +Giant waves leaped in the direction taken by Jack, Frank and Harris. +The sea churned angrily about them and the three had all they could do +to keep their heads above water. Then the water calmed down. Frank +looked around and there, not fifty feet away, rolling gently on the +waves, was the small boat so recently lowered over the side of the +German vessel. + +With a cry to the others to follow him, Frank turned about and headed +for the boat with powerful strokes. + + + +CHAPTER XX + +FRIENDS AND FOES + + +There was reason for Frank's haste. + +Swimming close together and bearing down upon the boat from the +opposite direction--almost as close from their side as Frank was from +his--four German sailors were racing. + +They espied Frank and his friends at almost the same moment Frank saw +them. One uttered a cry and the others redoubled their efforts to beat +Frank to the boat. + +Jack and Harris took in the situation quickly. It was then that Jack +exerted himself to the utmost. His great, powerful strokes sent him +skimming through the water as lightly as a denizen of the deep. A dozen +strokes and he had passed Frank. A few more only, it seemed, and he +laid hold of the boat and drew himself aboard. Standing erect he looked +around quickly. Then, stepping forward, he picked up an oar. He moved +to the side of the boat where the Germans were approaching and raised +the oar aloft. + +"Keep off there!" he cried. + +The Germans uttered exclamations of alarm; but they came closer. + +"Keep back!" cried Jack, again. + +"But you won't let us drown!" exclaimed one of the enemy. + +"You stay there until my friends get aboard. Then I'll see what I can +do for you," replied Jack. + +With this the Germans were forced to be content; for they realized that +Jack held the upper hand. It would be impossible for them to climb +aboard while the lad stood there brandishing that oar. + +Frank laid hold of the boat a moment later and clambered over the side. +Harris was close beside him. Jack called a consultation. + +"There is plenty of room for those fellows in here," he said, "but-- +shall we let them in?" + +"We can't see them drown," said Frank. "Still, there is no telling how +long we shall be here. Is there sufficient water and food to go +around?" + +"I'll have a look," said Harris. "Enough for seven of us for about one +drink apiece," he said, after an exploration. "There is no food." + +"Well, what shall we do?" said Jack. + +"Let them come aboard," said Frank. "We can't see them perish without +raising a hand to help them." + +"And yet they would not have helped us a short time ago," said Jack. + +"One man would have helped us," said Harris. "Perhaps he is one of +these." + +"No, he's not," said Jack. "I would know him in a moment if I saw him. +I obtained a good look at his face." + +"Let them in anyhow," said Harris. + +"All right," said Jack. He called to the men in the water. "You fellows +climb aboard here, one at a time; and when you get in, remember you are +our prisoners. Any foolishness and we'll pitch you back again." + +The Germans offered no protest and climbed into the boat one at a time. + +"Sit in the back, there," said Jack. + +The men obeyed. + +"Now," said Jack, "I'll tell you where we stand. Water is scarce and +there is no food. We shall have to make for shore immediately. I'm in +command of this boat and you will have to obey me. Get out the oars and +row as I tell you." + +The Germans grumbled a bit but they obeyed. + +"No time to waste," said Jack, briefly. "We'll head south." + +He gave the necessary directions and the boat moved off. + +"Help!" came a sudden cry from the water. + +Jack looked in the direction of this sound. A single head came toward +them, swimming weakly. + +"Ship your oars, men," said Jack. + +There came a grumble from one of the Germans. + +"There is no more room," he declared. + +"No," agreed a second. "There is not enough water now. Why should we +let another man in the boat?" + +"Stop that!" said Jack, sharply. "Cease rowing!" + +The men made no move to obey. Jack stood up in the boat and stepped +forward. + +"Did you hear me?" he said quietly, though it was plain to Frank that +he was very angry. "Cease rowing!" + +"But----" began the nearest German. + +Jack wasted no further time in words. His left arm shot out and he +grasped the nearest German by the coat. Raising him quickly to his +feet, he struck him heavily with his right fist and then released his +hold. The man dropped to the bottom of the boat and lay still. + +"Any more?" asked Jack. "Cease rowing!" + +The remaining three Germans shipped their oars without a word, although +each bestowed an evil glance upon the lad. Frank, catching the look in +their eyes, muttered to himself: + +"They'll bear watching." + +"Harris," said Jack. "That man in the water is the one who would have +saved us a short time ago. He seems to be weak. Slip over the side and +lend him a hand, will you?" + +Harris did so without question and a moment or two later the German +tumbled into the boat, where he lay panting, blood streaming from an +open wound in his forehead. Harris climbed back in the boat. + +"Bandage him up as well as you can and give him a few drops of that +water," said Jack. + +For his part, Jack stooped over the German soldier he had so recently +knocked unconscious and raised him to a sitting posture. Reaching over +the side of the boat the lad wet his handkerchief and applied it to the +German's head. Soon the man recovered consciousness. + +"A drop of water here, too," said Jack, quietly. + +"Say," said Harris. "This water is precious scarce. We'll need it +ourselves." + +"But this man must have a little," said Jack. "Pass it along." + +Harris did not protest further and Jack allowed the German soldier to +moisten his tongue. + +"Now get back to your oars," the lad commanded. + +The German did as commanded and soon the little boat was leaping +lightly over the waves. + +"Take the helm, Frank," said Jack. + +Frank relieved Harris, who had been performing this duty. + +"Got your pocket compass, Frank?" asked Jack. + +"Yes." + +"Keep your course due south, then." + +"All right, sir," said Frank, with a smile. + +"Harris," said Jack, "I want you to stand guard over these sailors for +a few minutes. I want to have a talk with our latest arrival. I'll be +with you in a few minutes." + +Harris stepped forward. + +"Ought to have a gun, I suppose," he said. + +"I guess not," said Jack. "You and I together should be able to hold +these fellows in check." + +"Sure; unless they hit us over the head with an oar when we're not +looking." + +"But one of us must always be looking," said Jack, quietly. + +"Well, that's not a bad idea. I'll keep my eyes open." + +Jack moved to the side of the German who had been the last to get into +the boat. His wound had been bound up as well as possible under the +circumstances and he sat quietly, looking out over the water. + +"What vessel was that?" asked Jack. + +"_Hanover_" was the reply. + +"What was the trouble?" + +"Shot pierced our boiler room in the battle. Returning, we were lost +from the main fleet in the fog. Our wireless wouldn't work. Fire broke +out and we were unable to check the flames. When they reached the +magazine she exploded." + +"I see," said Jack. "It's fortunate you weren't drawn under with the +ship." + +"I was," said the German, briefly. + +"What?" exclaimed Jack. + +"Yes. I was drawn under. I thought I was done for. But, under the +surface of the sea there was a second explosion. I felt myself flying +up through the water and then I shot into the air. When I came down I +was not far from your boat. I called for help." + +"By Jove! you have had an experience few can boast of," said Jack. "I +wouldn't care to go through it." + +"Nor I--again," said the German. + +"Now," said Jack, "perhaps you can tell me the nearest way to shore." + +The German considered. + +"I am not a navigator," he said, "I was only a minor officer aboard the +_Hanover_. But I heard the captain say we were almost 100 miles from +the nearest coast line. I am afraid you will not be able to make it in +this boat, if your water is as scarce as you say." + +"By Jove!" said Jack, "we've got to make it. We don't want to drown out +here." + +"It's not always what we like," said the German officer, sententiously. + +"That's true enough," agreed Jack, "but I have a feeling I was not born +to be drowned. We'll find a way out." + +"I hope so. However, should you go ashore directly south of here you +would be within German lines and you would be made a prisoner." + +"Can't help that," said Jack. "I'd much rather be a live prisoner than +a dead sailor." + +The German smiled in spite of his wound, which, it was plain to all, +was giving him great pain. + +"Of course," he said, "there is always the possibility of a passing +ship." + +"That's what we thought before," said Jack. "When we saw your vessel we +thought we were safe. But you see how it turned out." + +"Well, you'll just have to select a course and stick to it," said the +German. "By the way, these men of mine. You are likely to have trouble +with them. In our present situation I do not consider that we are +enemies, so if the worst comes you may count on me to help you." + +"Thanks," said Jack. "I shall remember that." + +And the trouble was to come sooner than could have been expected. + +One of the German soldiers suddenly laid down his oars. + +"I want a drink!" he exclaimed. "I'll row no more until I have a +drink!" + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +A FIGHT FOR A BOAT + + +As by a prearranged signal, all four of the Germans threw down their +oars and jumped to their feet. Harris, at that moment, in spite of +Jack's warning, had been gazing across the sea absolutely unconscious +of his surroundings. He was lost in thought. + +Frank, at the helm, uttered a cry of warning even as the closest German +leaped for Harris and the latter wheeled quickly. He dodged just as the +man struck out with a knife he had drawn. + +"Want to cut me up, do you?" muttered Harris. + +In spite of the wabbling of the boat he fell into an attitude of +defense--the old fighting form that had won for him the championship of +the British navy in the squared circle. He didn't advance, for he +wasn't certain of his footing, the boat pitched so, but he felt fully +able to take care of himself. + +It was characteristic of him that he made no cry for help. He knew that +Jack must have heard Frank's cry of warning. He knew that he would get +all the assistance it was in Jack's power to give; and he felt that if +Jack were unable for any reason to aid him he must, nevertheless, give +a good account of himself. + +When Harris evaded the first blow, the German, caught off his balance, +pitched forward against him. Harris was almost toppled over, but he +threw his left arm around the man's neck and aimed a vicious blow at +him with his right fist. + +The German's knife arm, because of Harris' hold, dangled helpless at +his side. In vain he sought to get it in position where he could drive +the point into Harris' body. Harris realized the man's intention. With +a sudden move, he pushed the German from him and struck out as he did +so. The man staggered back, reeled unsteadily and toppled over the side +of the boat with a cry. + +The three other Germans rushed Harris at that moment. This time the +British sailor was not caught off his guard, and he held the men at +arm's length for several seconds. + +Meanwhile, Jack had leaped forward, crying to Frank as he did so: + +"Keep the helm, Frank! We don't want the boat overturned." + +Frank obeyed, much as he would have liked to join in the fight. + +Jack reached Harris' side and together the two faced the three Germans. + +"We've got them, now," said Harris, quietly. + +"Men," said Jack, quietly, "unless you return to your oars immediately, +we shall be forced to throw you overboard." + +There was a snarl from the three men. Suddenly one dropped to his knees +and seized Harris by the legs. Caught off his guard, the latter fell to +the bottom of the boat and the others leaped on him. + +A knife flashed in the hand of one. With a cry, Jack stooped down +quickly and seized the man's wrist even as the point of the weapon +would have been buried in Harris' back. The lad twisted sharply and the +knife went flying into the sea. + +"You would, would you!" cried Jack. + +He jerked the man to his feet, planted two hard blows on his chin, and +as the man reeled forward clipped him once more. One, two, three +backward steps the man took and then pitched over the side of the boat. + +"Two gone!" exclaimed Jack. + +But he was wrong. For the first man who had been knocked into the sea +had been revived by the shock of the cold water. Swimming around the +boat unobserved, he had come up behind Frank and now reached up and +grabbed Frank by the coat. With a cry of alarm, the lad toppled into +the water. + +Jack heard his friend's cry. Quickly he took in the situation. Harris +had regained his feet and seemed capable of disposing of the two +remaining Germans. With a cry to Harris, Jack leaped over the side. + +Some distance away he saw Frank struggling with the German who had +pulled him from the boat and he swam quickly in that direction. + +"I'm coming, Frank!" he called. "Hang on to him." + +Frank was doing his best, but he had been taken by surprise and the +advantage was with his opponent. The German's hand closed about the +lad's throat and he was slowly choking him. Even as Jack came abreast +of the struggling figures, Frank threw up his hands and the two +disappeared from sight. + +Jack, greatly alarmed, dived after them. + +Below the surface of the water his hands encountered the struggling +figures. He seized the first his hand came in contact with and struck +upward. Upon the surface again, he found that he had seized hold of +Frank. + +Keeping his fingers clenched tightly in Frank's coat--that the lad +might not be drawn under again Jack aimed carefully at the face of the +German, which now was close to him, and struck out with all his +strength. + +Instantly, the hand on Frank's throat relaxed and the German sank from +sight. + +By the force of the impact as the blow landed Jack knew that the German +would trouble them no more. Supporting Frank with his left arm, he +struck out for the boat with his right. + +The German officer leaned over the side and lent a hand in dragging +Frank's limp body over the side. Jack clambered over after him. Then he +took a view of the part of the boat where Harris battled with two of +the enemy. + +Both of the latter wielded knives and it was plain to Jack that Harris +hesitated to come to close quarters with them, as he had no assistance +at hand; for he realized that, should he be overcome, the men would +have little trouble of disposing of Frank and Jack, as they tried to +climb back in the boat. But now that Jack was able to come to his +assistance again, Harris made ready for a spring. + +Jack saw this move and called: + +"Wait a minute, Harris!" + +Harris stayed his spring and Jack again advanced to his side. Jack's +face was white and his clothing was dripping water. He was very angry +and his fingers clenched and unclenched. + +"You men," he said in a cold voice, "were given a chance for your lives +the same as the rest of us. Now you will either throw down those knives +or die." + +One made as if to obey, but the other stopped him. + +"Wait!" he cried. "He wants us to throw down our knives so they can +overpower us." + +To the other this seemed good reasoning. Both Germans, still wielding +their weapons, drew backward slowly. Jack and Harris advanced as slowly +after them. + +"Drop them!" cried Jack, again. + +Suddenly one of the Germans sprang forward and aimed a vicious blow at +Jack with his knife. The move had been so unexpected, retreating as the +men had been, that Jack was almost caught off his guard. He sidestepped +quickly, however, and avoided the knife. + +But in leaping aside he had jostled Harris, who, dodging a blow aimed +by the second German, now was thrown off his balance. In vain he tried +to catch himself. It was no use. He went over the side of the boat, +uninjured, but for the moment unable to lend Jack a hand. + +With two foes before him, Jack realized there was not a moment to be +lost. He determined to take the offensive himself, in spite of the odds +against him. + +With a subdued cry of anger, he charged the two Germans, in spite of +the violent rocking of the boat. He caught a stabbing wrist with his +right hand and twisted sharply even as he drove his left fist into the +man's face. There was a cry of pain and the knife clattered to the +bottom of the boat. Again and again the lad struck, paying no attention +to the second man. Then, with an extra vicious blow, he knocked the +German clear of the boat into the sea. + +At the same instant, Harris, who was just climbing back into the boat, +uttered a cry of warning and Jack turned just in time to dodge a knife +thrust aimed at him by the second German. + +With only a single enemy before him, a smile broke over Jack's face. He +called to Harris. + +"Stay back, Harris. I'm going to settle with this man myself." + +The German shrank back, and for a moment it seemed that he would throw +down his knife and cry for mercy. But if he had such a thought in his +mind, he discarded it; he sprang at Jack, fiercely. + +Again Jack avoided the thrust of the knife and caught the stabbing +wrist in his right hand. Then, bringing all his tremendous strength to +bear, he stooped slightly and jerked with his hand. + +The German was pulled clear of the bottom of the boat and ascended into +the air. Then he shot suddenly forward and cleared the boat by a good +five feet. + +There was to be one last encounter before the possession of the boat +finally came into the hands of the friends undisputed. One of the +Germans, revived by the water, had come up aft and laid hold of the +boat near where the German officer sat. The latter saw him and shifted +his position just in time to avoid being dragged overboard. + +He grew suddenly very angry. + +"You murderous dog!" he cried. + +Rising to his feet he stooped quickly and seized an oar. Before the man +in the water could realize his purpose, he had brought the oar down +with all his force on the hand that grasped the boat. + +With a howl of pain the German released his hold, his fingers shattered +by the force of the blow. Without a word the German officer dropped the +oar and resumed his seat. + +Jack and Harris now approached Frank's side and the former bent over +him. Frank was just regaining consciousness. He smiled as Jack asked +him how he felt, and asked: + +"Did you lick them all?" + +"You bet," returned Jack, then turned to Harris. "I suppose we should +pick up some of those fellows, if we can. We can't see them drown +before our eyes." + +"You're too soft hearted for me," declared Harris. "However, whatever +you say." + +They gazed into the water. There was no German in sight. + +"Be ready to jump in the moment a head appears," said Jack. + +Harris nodded and the two stood ready to give aid to the first enemy +that should appear. + +Ten minutes they waited--fifteen. No head appeared above the surface of +the water. + +"I guess it's no use," said Jack, slowly, at last. "They're gone!" + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +PICKED UP BY THE ENEMY + + +It was dark. + +All through the afternoon Jack and Harris had rowed untiringly, but +with the coming of nightfall there was no land in sight. + +"Nothing to do but keep pulling in the same direction," said Jack. + +Harris nodded. + +"All right," he said, "but I'm getting tired. I'll have to rest up for +an hour or so." + +"Let me row awhile," said Frank. "One of you fellows can take the +tiller here." + +"Feel all right?" asked Jack. + +"First rate." + +"All right, then," said Jack. "You and Harris change places." + +This was done. Then the German officer spoke. + +"It's about time for me to take a hand," he said. + +"But your wound?" protested Jack. + +"Well, it still pains some, to be sure. But the sooner we get to shore +the sooner I will be able to have it looked after. It's better to row +awhile than to remain idle." + +"Suit yourself," said Jack. "I am a bit tired. We'll change places." + +They did so and the little boat moved on in the darkness. + +"Don't know where we are," said Jack to Harris, "but it seems to me we +should raise land with the coming of daylight." + +"Well, I hope we do," was Harris' reply. "I'm getting awfully thirsty, +but I hate to cut into that water supply." + +"There is a little more for us since we lost our other passengers," +said Jack. "I'm thirsty myself. We may as well sample that water." + +He produced a jug and each took a cooling draught. + +"Tastes pretty good," said Harris, smacking his lips. + +"You bet," agreed Jack. + +He made his way forward and gave Frank and the German officer a drink. + +"Enough for a couple of more rounds," he said, shaking the jug and +listening to the splash of the water inside. + +"Oh, I guess we've enough," said Harris. "However, it is well to use +it sparingly." + +As it turned out they had an ample sufficiency; in fact, more than they +needed. + +With the coming of daylight, Frank, who had resumed his place at the +helm a short time before, uttered an exclamation. + +"Ship!" he cried. + +He pointed off to port. + +The others glanced in the direction indicated and then raised a cheer. + +There, scarcely more than a mile away and bearing down on them rapidly, +came a German man-o'-war. Already they had been seen, for the vessel +altered its course slightly. + +Jack gave a sigh. + +"Sorry it's not a British ship," he said. + +The German officer was forced to smile. + +"And I'm glad it's not," he declared; "for if it were it would be +capture for me instead of you." + +"But there are three of us and there is only one of you," protested +Frank. + +"Well, it's the fortune of war," said the German. + +"The misfortune of war in this case," said Harris. + +The German warship was now within hailing distance and a voice called: + +"Who are you?" + +The German officer acted as spokesman and shouted back: + +"German officer and three British." + +"We'll lower a boat," was the response. + +A few moments later a boat put off from the ship, manned by a dozen +German sailors. Fifteen minutes later the lads found themselves aboard +the German warship, where they were immediately conducted to the cabin +of the commander. + +The latter turned to the German officer for an account of what had +happened. + +"So these British sailors saved you?" he said. He turned to the three. +"I must thank you in the name of the Emperor," he said, quietly. "Now, +if you will give me your paroles, I shall allow you the freedom of this +vessel." + +The three friends glanced at one another and the German commander +smiled. + +"I can assure you there is no possibility of escape," he said. + +"In that event," said Jack, "we shall give our paroles until we reach +shore." + +"That is sufficient. After that you will be in other and safe hands." + +The German commander summoned a minor officer, to whom he introduced +the three friends. + +"You will see that they are provided with suitable quarters," he said. + +The officer saluted and motioned for Jack, Frank and Harris to follow +him. A few moments later the three found themselves installed in +comfortable quarters, where clean linen and dry outer clothing Was laid +out for them. + +"You've got to give them credit," said Frank. "They do things up in +style. It seems we are to be well treated." + +"No reason why we shouldn't be," declared Jack. + +"Wonder where we are bound, anyhow?" said Harris. + +"Don't know," said Frank. "I'll try and find out as soon as we can go +on deck--providing they allow us on deck." + +"The commander said we would have the freedom of the ship," returned +Harris. + +"So he did. Hurry and dress then." + +Half an hour later, refreshed by a bath and food, the three made their +way on deck, where they found the young German officer who had escorted +them to their cabin. They approached him and the latter received them +cordially. + +"Wonder if you would tell us where we are bound?" asked Frank, with a +smile. + +"Certainly," was the reply. "Our destination is Bremen." + +"Bremen, eh?" said Jack. "What will they do with us there?" + +"Probably turn you over to the military authorities to take care of you +until the end of the war." + +"Looks like our fighting days are over," said Harris, sadly. + +The young German smiled. + +"Seems to me you should be rather glad of that," he returned. "After +your defeat off Jutland you should be willing to cry for peace." + +"Defeat!" exclaimed Frank. "Why, the Germans got the worst of it. You +know that." + +"Oh, no we didn't," said the young officer. "The greater part of the +British fleet was sent to the bottom. Our losses were insignificant." + +"Were you there?" asked Frank. + +"Why, no," said the German, "but----" + +"Well, we were there," said Frank. "Therefore, we know something about +it. I give you my word that I saw one German dreadnaught, two battle +cruisers and four cruisers sunk with my own eyes. Also I saw half a +dozen destroyers sent to the bottom and two Zeppelins shot down." + +"Impossible!" exclaimed the young German officer. "The official report +of the battle gives our losses as two destroyers and a single cruiser, +while the greater part of the British fleet was sunk." + +"Where is the German fleet now?" asked Frank. + +"Back in Heligoland. Some of the vessels are in need of slight +repairs." + +"Why didn't they keep going after that great victory?" Frank wanted to +know. + +"Why, I can't say. Probably had orders not to proceed too far +immediately." + +"I can tell you why," said Frank. + +"I wish you would," said the young officer. + +"The reason," replied Frank, "is perfectly simple. It's because the +main British fleet is out there waiting for you fellows. After we +chased your fleet back----" + +"But you didn't chase us back. We retired when the battle was won." + +"Oh, you retired when the battle was won, eh?" + +"Yes; that's what the official report says." + +"But it doesn't say who won the battle, does it?" asked Frank, with a +grin, in which his friends were forced to join. + +The young officer gazed from one to another, and Frank continued: + +"Now, I'll tell you something you don't seem to know. We were pursuing +the German fleet when two of our vessels crashed in the fog. That's how +we happen to be here now." + +"But I tell you that is not possible," protested the German. + +"It may not have been considered possible," returned Frank, "but it's a +fact, all the same." + +"You mean, then, that the official report is not true." + +"Well, that's my personal opinion of it," Frank admitted. + +"Sir!" exclaimed the young German, drawing himself up suddenly. "You +have insulted the German navy--and me with it. Were it not that you are +our guests aboard this warship, I would demand satisfaction." + +"Look here," exclaimed Frank. "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I +was just telling you the facts in the case. I----" + +The young German faced him angrily. + +"Your half apology only adds to the insult," he said. "I shall leave +you now." + +With this he drew himself up stiffly, turned on his heel and stalked +away. Frank gazed after him amusedly. + +"Now what do you think of that?" he exclaimed. + +"You should have known you couldn't convince him," said Jack. + +The three friends walked along the deck gazing out over the water. Half +an hour later, as they were about to go below, Frank caught sight of a +figure in the uniform of a German lieutenant, who was eyeing them +closely. + +There was something familiar about that figure and unconsciously the +lad gave a start. He called Jack's attention to the man, and the +latter, seeing that he was the subject of discussion, quickly withdrew. + +"I've seen him some place," said Frank. + +"And so have I," Jack declared. "There is some thing strangely familiar +about him. Say! It's unpleasant when you know a man and can't place +him." + +"Let's hope he is not some old enemy come back to life," said Frank, +quietly, as they returned to their cabin. + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +AN UNKNOWN FRIEND + + +Bremen. The greatest of all German shipping centers, and, before the +outbreak of the European war, one of the greatest seaports in the whole +world. + +Even on the third day of June, 1916, when the German warship on which +Jack, Frank and Harris were prisoners steamed into Bremen the port was +alive with activity. Great German merchant ships, useless since the war +began, appeared deserted, but other and smaller craft dashed hurriedly +hither and yon. + +"Why all the excitement?" was Frank's comment, as the three stood well +forward while the warship steamed through the harbor. + +"Several reasons, I guess," said Jack. "One is that half of these small +vessels ply between Bremen and Scandinavian ports in spite of the +British blockade; and the other reason probably is the fact that the +city is celebrating the great naval victory." + +"Naval victory?" + +"Sure; the battle of Jutland. The German people have been told that the +German fleet won; and now the people are celebrating. See all those +flags? Why else would they be displayed so profusely?" + +"Because Germany is at war," said Frank. + +"Oh, no they wouldn't. You remember we were in Hanover once while the +war was in progress. You didn't see all those flags about like that." + +"I guess you're right." + +At that moment a German officer approached the three friends. + +"I've something of interest to show you," he said; "something that will +be of interest to all the world presently." + +"We shall be glad to see it, whatever it may be," replied Jack, +courteously. + +"Look over the side there," said the German, pointing. "Do you see that +long, low shape in the water?" + +"Why, yes," said Frank. "Looks like a submarine." + +"That's what it is. Can you make out the name?" + +The three friends peered at the object closely. + +"D-e-u-t-s-c-h-l-a-n-d," Frank spelled it out. + +"Yes, the _Deutschland_" replied the German officer; "and, within a +month, the whole world will be talking about her." + +"What's she going to do?" asked Frank. "Sink the whole British fleet?" + +The German officer smiled. + +"No," he replied quietly. "The _Deutschland_ will be the first of a +fleet of merchant submarines to ply between Bremen and the United +States." + +"What?" exclaimed Jack, in the utmost surprise. "You mean that +submarine will try and run the English channel and make for the United +States?" + +"Exactly." + +"But it's impossible," said Frank. + +"Not at all," returned the German. "You may remember that German +submarines made their way to the Dardanelles safely. The only +difference will be that the _Deutschland_ will go unarmed. She will +carry a cargo of dyestuffs and other commodities of which the United +States is in need." + +"Well, she may try it, but I don't believe she'll get there," said +Harris. + +"Nor I," declared Jack. + +But Frank wasn't so sure. An American, he had not the strong prejudice +of his two companions. + +"It will be a great feat if she can accomplish it," the lad said. + +"It will, indeed," said the German, "and she will accomplish it." + +"One thing, though," said Frank, "she won't be able to carry a very +valuable cargo. She's too small." + +"She'll carry a cargo worth more than $2,000,000," said the German +officer, "and in payment she will bring back gold and securities, and +you may know that Germany is in need of cash." + +"By Jove!" exclaimed Frank. "We'll have to admit that you Germans are +progressive. We may not like to admit it, but it's a fact all the +same." + +"I thank you," said the German with a low bow. + +"Well, we're obliged to you for showing us the _Deutschland_, at all +events," said Jack, "and I want to say that if by any chance she does +reach the United States you may be well proud of her." + +"I second that," declared Harris. + +Again the German bowed low. + +"Now," said Frank, "as we have passed beyond sight of the +_Deutschland_, perhaps you can tell me what is to be done with us?" + +"As it happens, I can," was the reply. "I heard the captain inform +Lieutenant von Ludwig that you will be put in his charge. He has +instructions to see you safe in the hands of the military authorities +in Berlin, where most of the captured British and French officers are +being held." + +"Pretty tough, Jack," said Frank. + +The German officer overheard this remark, although he perhaps did not +catch the exact meaning. + +"You will be well treated," he said. + +"I've no doubt of that," declared Jack. + +The German officer left them. + +Jack turned to Frank. + +"Say!" he exclaimed, "are you thinking of turning German directly?" + +"What's that?" demanded Frank, in surprise. + +"I just wondered when you were going to take up the arms for the +Kaiser. The way you have been praising all things German recently, I +don't know what to make of you. The _Deutschland_, for instance." + +Frank smiled. + +"I just don't happen to be a hard-headed John Bull," he replied. + +"Hard headed, am I?" exclaimed Jack. "I've a notion to shake some of +that German sympathy out of you." + +"You know I haven't any German sympathies," said Frank. "But I believe +in giving credit where credit is due." + +"Well, there is no credit due there. You know that is just some cock +and bull story. The Germans will never dare such a thing." + +"I'm not so sure," said Frank, quietly. + +"Well, it will never get across the sea if the attempt is made." + +"Maybe not, maybe yes," said Frank, with a grin. + +"Well----" + +What Jack might have replied Frank never learned, for at that moment +another German officer accosted them. He was the man who was so +strangely familiar to Jack and Frank. + +"You will be ready to accompany me the moment we dock, sirs," he said. + +"All right," Frank agreed. "We'll be ready." + +They descended to their cabin where they donned the clothing they had +worn when picked up from the sea. Then they returned on deck. + +The great warship now was nearing the dock, backing in. Slowly she drew +close to the pier and then finally her engines ceased. A gangplank was +lowered and men began to disembark. + +The officer who was to conduct the three prisoners to Berlin tapped +Jack on the shoulder. + +"Whenever you are ready," he said quietly. + +"We're ready now," returned Jack. + +"Then precede me ashore," was the reply. "By the way, I might as well +advise you that there is no use of attempting to escape. I have my gun +handy and will drop either of you at the first false step." + +"Don't worry, we have no intention of trying to escape--not right here +in broad daylight," said Frank. + +"Very good. Let us move." + +Slowly they made their way down the gang plank and ashore. There a line +of automobiles waited. The officer motioned his prisoners into the +largest of these and gave instructions to the driver. He took a seat +beside Jack. + +As the automobile started down the street, Jack glanced at his captor +sharply. + +"Surely I have seen you some place before, sir?" the lad said. + +The officer shrugged his shoulders. + +"Who knows?" he said and became silent. + +"Deuced uncommunicative sort of a fellow," said Jack to himself. "But I +know I've come in contact with him some place. It may come to me +later." + +The automobile drew up in front of a large stone house and the officer +motioned his prisoners out. He spoke to his chauffeur. + +"Keep your gun handy and follow me," he instructed. + +The driver nodded and stepped alongside the officer, who motioned the +three friends up the steps ahead of him. Inside he motioned them into a +parlor and then dismissed his chauffeur. + +"Now," he said, "I want your promises not to try to escape." + +"Sorry, sir, but we can't do that," replied Frank, quietly. + +"Come! Don't be fools!" exclaimed their captor, sharply. + +He walked to the door and peered out. Then, walking close to Frank and +Jack, he said quietly: + +"If you will give me your promises to make no attempt to escape before +tomorrow night, I shall not have you guarded." + +Both lads started back in surprise, for the man had spoken in English +and without the trace of an accent. + +"Great Scott!" exclaimed Frank. "You must be an Englishman." + +The man laid a finger to his lips. + +"Sh-h-h!" he warned. "Walls have ears, you know. So you don't know me?" + +The lads gazed at him closely. + +"I know I have seen you some place," declared Jack. + +"So have I," said Frank. + +"And to think that they don't know me," said the man, half to himself. +Then he addressed them again. + +"I guess it is as well that you have not recognized me, but did I not +know you so well I would not say what I am about to say. That is this. +I am an Englishman and I am here on an important business. Tomorrow +night I shall return to England. Give me your words to remain quiet +here until then, in the meantime not trying to learn my identity, and +you shall all go with me. Is it a bargain?" + +Frank looked at the man sharply. Was he fooling them? Well, the lad +decided, they had everything to gain and nothing to lose. + +"Very well," the lad said. "You have my promise not to attempt to +escape before tomorrow night." + +"And mine," said Jack. + +"And mine," declared Harris. + +"Very well. Then I shall leave you for the moment." + +The man stalked from the room and closed the door behind him. + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +THE BOYS BECOME UNEASY + + +For some moments after the officer had taken his departure, there was +silence in the room. Then Harris exclaimed: + +"Now what do you think of that?" + +"Well, I don't hardly know what to think of it," Jack replied. "Frank +took most of the talking on himself. When he gave his parole there was +nothing left for me but to do likewise." + +"That's what I thought. Otherwise I wouldn't have given mine," said +Harris. + +"It may not be too late to call him back and tell him so," said Frank. +"I did the talking because neither of you seemed to want to do it. You +didn't have to give your parole unless you wanted to. I didn't ask you +to do it." + +"Come now, don't get mad, Frank," said Jack. + +"I'm not mad. I'm just telling you what I think. Certainly it can do us +no harm. We have everything to gain and nothing to lose." + +"That's so, too, when you stop to think of it," Harris agreed. + +"Well, I stopped to think of it," said Frank. "You fellows didn't. +That's the difference." + +"But who on earth can he be?" exclaimed Harris. "He seems to know you +two, all right." + +"There is something strangely familiar about him," said Frank, "but I +can't place him." + +"Nor I," admitted Jack, "though, as you say, there is something +familiar about him." + +"Seems to me that if I knew a man I could tell you who he was," said +Harris. + +"Seems so to me, too," declared Frank, "but I can't." + +"Well," said Jack, "I'm not as credulous as you are, Frank. I wager he +is not doing this to help us out. I'll bet we land in Berlin and stay +there until the end of the war." + +"By Jove! Let's hope not," said Harris. "Still, all things considered, +I'm of your way of thinking." + +"If he was telling the truth," said Jack, "he would have let us know +who he is. There was no reason for telling us he was English and then +concealing his identity." + +"I can't see any reason," Frank admitted, "but at the same time I +believe he was telling the truth." + +The conversation languished. Frank curled himself up on a sofa at the +far side of the room and sought a little rest. Jack dozed in his chair. +Harris also could hardly keep his eyes open. + +They were still in this condition when the door opened several hours +later and their captor again entered the room. He walked quickly across +the room and shook Jack. + +"Hello!" said the latter, sleepily, "back, eh?" + +Frank awoke at the sound of Jack's voice and Harris also opened his +eyes. + +"I had a little work that had to be disposed of immediately," said +their captor, "which is the reason I left you so abruptly. I can show +you a place to sleep now." + +He led the way from the room and upstairs. There he ushered the three +into a large, well appointed room, which contained two beds. + +"Only two beds," he said, "but it's the best I can do. Two of you can +bunk together." + +"Anything, just so it's soft," said Frank. "I'm tired out." + +"Then you had all better turn in at once," said their captor. "I have +much work to do. It is probable that I shall not be back again until +some time tomorrow night. Make yourselves at home. You are alone in the +house. You will find cold meats, bread and some other things in the +pantry down stairs. Remain here until I come." + +"Very well, sir," said Frank. "And you say we shall leave here tomorrow +night?" + +"Yes; unless something develops to interfere with my plans." + +"All right, sir. We shall remain here until you come tomorrow night. +But that is as long as our paroles hold good, sir. After that, we shall +escape if it is humanly possible." + +"I will be back before midnight tomorrow," was their captor's reply. +"Until that time, goodbye. One thing, stay in the house and keep the +blinds drawn. I do not wish to attract attention to this house." + +"Very well, sir," said Frank. + +The man took a last careful glance around the room and then +disappeared. + +"Well, he's gone again," said Jack. "He may be telling the truth and he +may not, but one thing sure, these beds look pretty comfortable. I'm +going to make use of one right now." + +He undressed quickly and slipped between the sheets. Frank and Harris +followed his example. + +All were up bright and early the next day, greatly refreshed. They +found food in the pantry, as their captor had told them they would. It +was a tedious day, confined as they were, and the time passed slowly. +But dusk descended at last. + +"He should be here at any time now," said Frank. + +The others said nothing, but when nine o'clock had come and gone even +Frank became uneasy. + +"Don't see what is detaining him," he said. + +"Nor I--if he really meant to come back," said Jack. + +Eleven o'clock and still their captor had not returned. + +"He said he would be back by midnight," said Frank. + +"He said lots of things," said Jack, "but they didn't make the same +impression on me they seem to have made on you. I don't believe he is +coming." + +"I'll tell you what I think," said Harris. "I believe he expected us to +make a break for liberty before now. The house probably is surrounded +and if we start out the door we shall most likely be shot down." + +"By Jove! I wouldn't be surprised if you had hit the nail on the head," +Jack declared. + +"Nonsense," said Frank. "What would be the advantage of a plan like +that?" + +"Well, I don't know; but there is something queer about this business," +declared Jack. + +Eleven thirty passed and still no sign of their captor. + +Jack and Harris had kept up a steady flow of conversation regarding the +probable fate that was in store for them if they poked their heads +outside the door, and at last Jack rose to his feet. + +"Well," he said quietly, "there is no need of staying here. We may as +well make a break for it Chances are, if we are quick enough, we can +get into the open without being shot down." + +"Not in these clothes," said Harris. + +"True enough. We'll have a look for other clothing. What do you say, +Frank?" + +"I'm not convinced yet the man is not coming back," said Frank, "but I +tell you what I will do. We'll hunt up some other clothes and get into +them. Then we'll wait until twelve o'clock. If he has not returned by +that time, I'm with you." + +"Fair enough," said Harris. "Come on." + +The three made their way upstairs, where they started a thorough search +of the house; and at last Jack ran onto a closet in which were stored +half a dozen suits of civilian clothes. + +He called the others. + +"All right if they'll fit," said Harris. + +Fortunately, they did fit; and fifteen minutes later the three were +garbed in plain citizens' attire. They left their uniforms in the room +where they had changed. + +"Now to see if we can find a few guns," said Jack. + +Again they searched the house. + +Frank was the first to find a weapon. There were two revolvers in a +drawer of a writing desk in the parlor and with them was a goodly +supply of ammunition. Frank gave one of the guns to Jack. + +"We ought to be able to find one more," said Harris. "I've got to have +a gun." + +They ransacked the house from top to bottom; and at length Frank came +across another weapon. Harris gave an exclamation of satisfaction. + +"Let's divide up that ammunition, now," he said. + +This was done and the three returned to the parlor. Frank glanced at +his watch. + +"Five minutes to twelve," he said. "We'll wait until midnight and not a +second longer." + +To this the others agreed. + +"I guess you were right after all," Frank told his companions. "Still I +can't understand this thing at all." + +"You'll probably understand it better when you stick your head out the +door and a bullet hits close to it," said Harris, grimly. + +"No; I don't believe there is anything like that going to happen," +Frank declared. "Maybe he was detained and couldn't get back on time." + +"When he gets back he'll find us missing," said Harris. + +"He will unless he hurries," Frank agreed. + +The minutes passed slowly; but at last the hands of Frank's watch +pointed to midnight. + +The lad closed the case of his watch with a snap and rose to his feet. +He examined his revolver carefully to make sure it was in working order +and then said: + +"Time's up; may as well be moving." + +The three advanced cautiously to the front door. Behind, the house was +perfectly dark. + +"Careful when you open the door, Frank," Jack warned. "Stoop down. +There is no telling what may be lurking out there." + +Frank heeded this warning. Stooping, he opened the door, threw it wide +and looked out. + +"Coast clear," he announced. + +He was about to step out when the sound of hurried footsteps came to +his ears. + +"Wait a minute," Frank whispered. "Some one coming." + +A man appeared down the street. He came nearer. Frank gave an +exclamation of satisfaction: + +"Come on back to the parlor," he whispered. "Here he comes now." + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +TOWARD FREEDOM + + +Jack and Harris obeyed Frank's injunction and the three flitted back to +the parlor silently. + +A moment later the front door opened softly and directly the officer +appeared in the parlor door. + +"I came almost not getting here," he said with a smile. "Did you get +tired waiting?" + +"So tired," said Frank, "that we were just about to leave when I +chanced to see you coming down the street." + +"So? Well, you would have had a hard time escaping, I am afraid. Now, +my way it will be easier. I have had my means of escape laid out ever +since I arrived here. Unless something unforeseen occurs, we should be +able to get away without difficulty." + +"I am sure I hope so," declared Frank. + +Their captor surveyed the three closely. + +"I see you are all ready," he said. "Changed your clothes, eh?" + +"I hope you didn't think we were going prowling about the street in our +British uniforms?" said Jack. + +"Hardly. By any chance did you find weapons, too?" + +Frank hesitated. For a moment he debated what was best to answer. +However, the odds were now three against one, so he replied: + +"Yes; we have a gun apiece." + +"Good; then we may as well be moving. The car should be here in ten +minutes at the latest. You see, that's why I was late. Had a blowout +aways back. We had to come in on foot. I sent my driver for another car +while I hurried here, for I was afraid that you might do something +rash. You see, I know more about you than you think I do." + +"I wish you would tell us who you are, sir," said Jack. + +"All in good time," replied the officer with a smile. "All in good +time." + +Came a "honk-honk" from without. + +"There's our car," said the officer quietly. "Come along." + +Without a word the others followed him through the dark hall, out the +door and down the steps, where they climbed into the car, in the rear +seat, their captor taking his seat with the driver. + +The automobile started immediately. + +They rode along slowly for perhaps an hour; and they came to what the +lads recognized immediately as the water front. Their captor called a +halt and climbed out, motioning the lads to follow him. Immediately +they had alighted, the automobile drove away. + +Straight down to the water their captor led the way. Jack whispered to +Frank. + +"You can't tell me we are going to get away from here as easily as all +this." + +"Sh-h-h!" was Frank's reply. + +Jack thereafter maintained a discreet silence. + +At the edge of the pier their captor pointed to a small rowboat in the +water. + +"We'll get in here," he said. + +They did so and a moment later they were being rowed across the water +by a man Frank recognized as a German sailor. The thing was becoming +more complicated. + +A short distance ahead there now loomed up what appeared to be nothing +more than a motorboat of considerable size. The rowboat approached this +craft and the officer motioned his three companions to follow him +aboard. They did so. + +Aboard, they saw that the vessel upon the deck of which they stood was +in reality a pleasure yacht, now converted into a vessel of war. A look +at her graceful outlines and long slender body told all three that the +vessel was built for speed. + +Their captor had halted and waited for the three to come up with him. + +"Follow me below," he whispered. "I'll do the talking. Agree with +whatever I say and listen carefully to my every word." + +The three friends obeyed. + +Below they were ushered into what proved to be the commander's cabin. +An officer in the dress of a lieutenant commander of the German navy +rose and greeted the boys' captor with a salute and an extended hand. +Their captor grasped the hand. + +"Commander von Ludwig, I take it," said the commander of the vessel. + +Von Ludwig bowed. + +"The same, sir," he replied. "I have here a paper that gives me command +of your vessel, sir. You are ordered to report to Berlin at once." + +"I have been expecting you, sir," was the reply. "I shall leave at +once, if your boatman is still near." + +"I ordered him to await you," was von Ludwig's reply. + +The commander of the German vessel glanced at von Ludwig's three +companions. + +"Your officers?" he asked. + +"Yes. Your officers will be relieved in the morning." + +"Very well, sir. Then I shall leave you. A safe and successful voyage +to you, sir." + +"The same to you, sir." + +Von Ludwig, motioning to his companions to remain in the cabin until +his return, went on deck with the departing commander. A few moments +later the latter was being rowed ashore. For the space of several +seconds, von Ludwig gazed after him, a peculiar smile lighting up his +face as he murmured: + +"If you only knew what a time I had getting the paper I just gave you, +you would not be going so serenely about your business right now. Oh, +well----" + +He threw open his arms with a gesture and descended to his cabin. + +"Now," he said to Jack, Frank and Harris, "the first thing we must do +is to secure the crew and the officers of this vessel. The crew, I +happen to know, numbers only ten men. There are two officers. We shall +have to overcome them." + +"And how are we going to work the ship, sir?" asked Jack. + +Von Ludwig glanced at the lad sharply. + +"You would be a better sailor, sir, if you would follow orders without +question," he said sharply; then added more calmly: "However, I shall +tell you, for I can see none of you trust me fully. I have my own crew +of five men coming aboard within the hour." + +"I beg your pardon, sir," said Jack. + +"That's all right," said von Ludwig. "Now follow me." + +The others did as ordered. Before a door not far from the commander's +cabin von Ludwig stopped. + +"In there you will find the first officer," he said + +He motioned to Frank and Jack. "Get him and get him quietly." + +The lads nodded their understanding and von Ludwig signalled Harris to +follow him. + +Jack laid his hand on the knob of the door and turned it gently. The +door flew open without a sound. + +"Find the light switch, Frank," Jack whispered. + +Frank's hand felt carefully over the wall. + +"Turn it on when I give the word," said Jack. "I may need to see what I +am doing." + +"All right; but be careful, Jack." + +Slowly Jack tiptoed across the room, where he could dimly see a form +stretched across a bunk. Bending over the figure, Jack raised a hand +and then called to Frank: + +"Lights, Frank!" + +Instantly, Frank threw the switch and then sprang forward to lend Jack +a hand should it be necessary. But his assistance was not needed. +Jack's fist rose and fell once and the form in the bunk gasped feebly +once and lay still. + +"I don't like that sort of thing," said Jack, "but I suppose it had to +be done. Help me bind him up and gag him. He's not badly hurt and will +come round in a few minutes." + +It was the work of but a few moments to tear the sheets into strips and +to bind and gag the helpless man. Then Jack and Frank left the cabin. + +At almost the same instant von Ludwig and Harris came from a second +cabin. + +"All right?" asked von Ludwig. + +"All right, sir. And you?" + +"Everything shipshape. Now for the crew. First, however," he said, +addressing Jack and Frank, "don the clothing of these two officers. You +shall be my second and third in command." + +The lads returned to the cabin they had just quitted and stripped the +prisoner. Jack donned the uniform, for the German was a big man. Then +they hurried into the second cabin and performed a similar operation +and Frank soon was attired in the uniform of a German lieutenant. + +"Now," said von Ludwig, "have the crew report here and keep your guns +ready." + +Frank made his way aft, and in German, called: + +"All hands forward!" + +The crew came tumbling from their bunks and hurried forward, most of +the men no more than half dressed. Jack, Frank and Harris, on either +side of von Ludwig, confronted them. + +"Men," said von Ludwig, "I am the new commander of this ship and we +shall get under way immediately. Fearing that you will not always obey +my commands, I have brought along these little persuaders." + +A pair of automatics flashed in his hands and covered the ten sailors. + +"Hands up!" he cried. + +Taken completely by surprise there was nothing for the German sailors +to do but obey. Up went their hands. Von Ludwig called to Harris. + +"Help me keep them covered," he said, "while you other two tie them +up." + +Under the muzzles of the revolvers levelled in steady hands by von +Ludwig and Harris, Jack and Frank set to work binding the members of +the crew. A few minutes later the work was done. + +"Trundle them into that cabin there," said von Ludwig, motioning to an +open door. "Tie them there so they cannot release their own bonds or +the bonds of the others. Then report to me on deck." + +The lads obeyed. It was the work of only a few moments, struggle as the +Germans did. Then Frank and Jack went on deck. + +A short distance away a rowboat was coming rapidly toward the +_Bismarck_--for such was the name of the vessel on which the lads found +themselves. + +Von Ludwig pointed to it. + +"My crew!" he said quietly. + + + +CHAPTER XXVI + +DISCOVERED + + +A few moments later the little skiff scraped alongside the _Bismarck_. +One at a time its occupants--five in number--scrambled over the side +and stood before von Ludwig. The latter scrutinized each man closely. + +"All right," he said at length. + +He selected three men. + +"You report to the engine room immediately," he said. "You will find +everything ready. The crew has been overpowered and there will be no +one to interfere with you." + +The men moved away. Von Ludwig addressed the other two. + +"Take the lookout forward," he said to one; and to the other: "Go aft +and keep your eyes open." Then he spoke to Harris. "I'll appoint you in +command in the engine room," he said. "Heed your signals carefully." + +Harris saluted. + +"Very well, sir," he said and disappeared. + +Von Ludwig motioned to Jack and Frank, who followed him to the bridge. +The officer cast a quick glance over the water and said: + +"I guess there is no reason to delay longer. Mr. Chadwick, will you +take the wheel? I'll be with you in a moment to give you your +directions." + +Frank moved away. Von Ludwig was just about to address Jack when he +made out another rowboat coming toward the _Bismarck_. + +"Hello!" he said aloud. "Wonder what's up now. Guess we'd better wait a +minute." + +The rowboat drew closer and Frank discovered it was filled with men. + +"Boat crowded with men, sir," he exclaimed. + +"So!" exclaimed von Ludwig. "Then I guess we won't wait, after all. You +may get under way, Mr. Templeton." + +With this order von Ludwig took his place beside Frank at the wheel and +produced a chart. The bell in the engine room tinkled. A moment later +the engines began to move and the _Bismarck_ slipped easily through the +water. + +Came a hail from the rowboat. + +"Wait a moment, there!" + +Von Ludwig paid no attention to this call. The _Bismarck_ gathered +headway. + +"Haven't time to talk to you fellows," said von Ludwig. "We want to be +a long ways from here before daylight." + +There was a sound of a shot from the rowboat, followed by many other +shots. Von Ludwig waved a hand in derision. + +"You're too late," he called. "Shoot away. I don't think you will hit +anything." + +"But, sir," said Frank, "they will awaken every sleepy German +hereabouts." + +"That's so," said von Ludwig. He called to Jack: "Full speed ahead, Mr. +Templeton." + +Jack gave the word and the vessel dashed ahead. + +"I don't know anything about these waters, sir," exclaimed Frank, in +some alarm. "There may be mines about." + +"Not here," was von Ludwig's reply. "Farther on, yes. That's why I have +this chart. We'll run the mine fields safely enough, barring +accidents." + +"What is my course, sir?" asked Frank. + +"Due north until I tell you to change." + +Frank said nothing further, but guided the vessel according to +instructions. Behind, the rowboat had given up the chase, but now, from +other parts of the harbor, from which the _Bismarck_ was fast speeding, +came sounds of confusion. + +Searchlights came to play upon the _Bismarck_. + +Von Ludwig sighed deeply. + +"I was in hopes we would get away without trouble," he said, "but it +seems we won't. The erstwhile commander of this vessel must have +discovered in some manner that he has been fooled." + +"We'll have every ship of war hereabouts after us, sir," said Frank. + +"That's what we will," was Von Ludwig's reply. "However, I am not +afraid of their catching us. This vessel has the heels of anything in +this port. Trouble is, though, they may tip off vessels on the outside +of our coming, by wireless." + +"What shall we do then, sir?" + +"We'll have to manage to get by them some way; for if we should be +caught now it would mean the noose for all of us." + +"Not a very cheerful prospect, sir," said Frank, quietly. + +"I agree with you. However, they haven't caught us yet. We'll give them +a hard race." + +"Is the vessel armed, sir?" + +"It should be, if I have been informed correctly. I'll have a look +about. Hold to your course until I return." + +He moved away. He was back in a few moments, however, with the +announcement that there were four 12-pounders aft, as well as four +forward. + +"Enough to fight with," he announced gravely. + +"But we haven't the men to man them, sir," protested Frank. + +"We'll impress our prisoners into service if it's necessary. With a man +to guard them they can handle the engine room." + +"I am afraid it will come to that, sir," said Frank. + +Von Ludwig shrugged. + +"What will be, will be," he replied quietly. + +And it did come to that, as Frank had predicted As the vessel still +flew through the water at full speed, there came a sudden cry from the +lookout forward: + +"Cruiser off our port bow, sir!" + +Von Ludwig sprang forward. He gazed at the vessel quickly and then +called to Frank: + +"Port your helm hard!" + +Frank obeyed without question and the _Bismarck_ swung about sharply. +Von Ludwig sprang to his side. + +"They'll pick us up with their searchlight in a minute or two," he +cried. "Come with me, Templeton! Chadwick, hold that course till I +come back." + +Jack sprang after von Ludwig. The latter hurried to the cabin where +the German prisoners were confined. He unloosened the bonds of five. + +"You men," he said sharply, "will go before us to the engine room, +where you will perform the necessary duties." + +Under the muzzles of the weapons of Jack and von Ludwig, the men +obeyed, for there seemed nothing else to do. In the engine room von +Ludwig explained: + +"I want you men to put forth your best efforts. Any foolishness and you +will be shot, for I will take no chances. Harris, can you guard them?" + +"Yes, sir," replied Harris, with a smile. "Give me another gun, sir." + +Von Ludwig passed a revolver to Harris. + +"There must be no half way methods here," he said quietly. "Shoot the +first man who makes a false move. Ask questions afterward. Our lives +depend upon it." + +"I shall obey your instructions, sir." + +"Good!" Von Ludwig addressed the former engine-room crew. "Follow me, +men," he exclaimed. + +No questions were asked and the others followed Jack and von Ludwig +from the room, leaving Harris in command of the German crew of five. +These Germans, under the muzzles of Harris' two revolvers, fell to work +immediately. + +Von Ludwig led the former engine-room crew to the guns forward. + +"Man these guns," he said quietly. "There may be fighting to do. When I +give the word fire as rapidly and as accurately as possible at the +closest enemy vessel." + +"Very well, sir," said one of the men. + +Von Ludwig called to Jack to follow him and returned to the bridge. +There he gave a slight alteration in course to Frank and the vessel's +head turned slightly. + +"Funny they haven't raised us with that searchlight," von Ludwig +muttered to himself. + +The _Bismarck_ was dashing through the water at a rapid gait. Suddenly +she became the center of a blinding glare. The searchlight of a German +cruiser a half a mile to port had picked them up. Von Ludwig gave a +sharp command to the men who manned the forward guns. + +"Aim and fire!" he cried. + +A moment later one of the guns spoke and a shell screamed across the +water toward the German cruiser. Apparently it did not find its mark, +however, for nothing happened aboard the enemy to indicate the shot had +struck home. + +"Again!" cried von Ludwig. + +Another gun boomed. Followed a sharp explosion. + +"Good work, men!" cried von Ludwig. "Try it again." + +But the next shot came from the enemy. A shell screamed overhead. + +"They'll do better with the next shot, sir," said Jack, quietly. + +"So they will," was von Ludwig's quiet response. "Starboard your helm, +Mr. Chadwick." + +Frank obeyed immediately, and again the course of the _Bismarck_ was +changed quickly; and none too soon. + +For another salvo had come from the German cruiser and two shells flew +past the spot where the _Bismarck_ would have been at that moment had +her course not suddenly been altered. + +"Fire, men!" cried von Ludwig. "Fire as fast as you can. If you can't +disable her we are done for!" + +The men who manned the _Bismarck's_ guns were working like Trojans. +Once, twice, thrice more they fired; and upon the fourth shot there +came a cry of dismay from aboard the enemy cruiser. + +"Must have hit something, sir," said Frank. + +"Right. I trust it was a vulnerable spot." + +Twice more the German cruiser fired at the _Bismarck_, but without +result. The smaller vessel was drawing ahead rapidly now. + +"Fifteen minutes and we will be safe," said von Ludwig. + +The men aboard the _Bismarck_ continued to fire at the German cruiser, +but apparently none of the other shots found their mark. The German, it +could be seen, was in full pursuit, but the smaller vessel forged +rapidly ahead with each turn of her screws. And at last von Ludwig +exclaimed thankfully: + +"Well, I guess we are safe enough here." + +But even as he spoke a cry apprised him of a newer and closer danger! + + + +CHAPTER XXVII + +A TERRIBLE STRUGGLE + + +The trouble had started in the engine room. Hardly had the _Bismarck_ +drawn clear of the fire of the German cruiser when one of the five +members of the German crew impressed into service fell over, apparently +in a dead faint. The men, under Harris' watchful eye, had been working +hard and the first thought that struck the Englishman was that the man +had dropped from exhaustion. + +Hastily he shoved one of his automatics in his belt and advancing, +stooped over the man. Instantly, the other four Germans rushed for him. + +Harris heard them coming and attempted to get to his feet. He was too +late. A heavy shovel, wielded by one of his four assailants, struck him +a hard blow over the head and Harris fell to the deck unconscious. +Quickly the men relieved him of his two weapons and then they held a +consultation. + +"We must release the others first," said one man. + +This plan was agreed upon and the man who had suggested it was +appointed to make his way to where the others were imprisoned and free +them. A moment later he slipped stealthily from the engine room and as +stealthily approached the cabin where his fellow countrymen were +imprisoned. Inside, he closed the door quickly and in a low voice +cautioned the others to silence. + +Quickly he unloosened their bonds and the five sailors and two officers +rose and stretched their cramped limbs. In a few words the German +sailor gave his officers the lay of the land and the first lieutenant +took command. + +"In the next cabin," he said, "is a chest containing revolvers and +ammunition. Bring it here." + +Two men hurried to obey and returned a few moments later bearing the +chest. The two officers armed themselves and the men. + +"These English must be very careless," said one, "else we would never +have this chance." + +The others agreed and the two officers considered what was best to be +done. + +"How many are there, did you say?" asked the first officer of the man +who had released the others. + +"There were nine, but we have disposed of the man in the engine room." + +"Then we are twelve to eight. Good! First we will try and capture the +bridge and the wheel. As we are in command of the engine room, the rest +should be easy. It will not be necessary to capture all the English. +With the bridge, wheel and engine room in our possession, we can run +the vessel back into the harbor. Come on, men!" + +They advanced quietly from the cabin and made their way on deck. It was +the appearance of the first head that had called forth a cry from one +of the British that had attracted von Ludwig's attention. Wheeling +quickly, von Ludwig saw the Germans dash from below. + +With a quick cry to the others, he drew his revolver and fired. One man +toppled over. The odds against the British were one less; but the +others sprang forward. Frank, at the wheel, was forced to maintain his +position while the others did the fighting. + +The lookout forward and the man stationed aft advanced to take part in +the fray, though keeping out of sight as well as possible. + +"Turn the gun on them, men!" cried von Ludwig. + +The three men who manned the gun sought to obey, but the gun stuck. It +would not turn. Most likely it had been damaged in the battle with the +German cruiser. The British tried the other guns, but with no better +result. + +"Stay where you are," shouted van Ludwig to the men at the guns. "Keep +them between us, if possible." + +The gun crew, who had been on the point of trying to join von Ludwig +and Jack, saw the strategy of this plan and stooped down behind the +guns. The lookout forward also stepped behind the mainmast, where he +began to blaze away at the foe. The man aft, by a dash, succeeded in +reaching the side of von Ludwig and Jack. + +Frank, at the wheel, was in a perilous situation, but there he had +determined to stay until ordered to shift his position. + +"Signal the engine room to slow down," said von Ludwig to Jack. + +Jack obeyed and the ship came to a pause. Apparently the men below +believed the Germans had recaptured the ship. + +"If Harris is still in command down there, we are all right," said von +Ludwig. "If not, there will be more of the enemy up here in a minute." + +And within a minute more of the enemy appeared. + +"Back here, Chadwick!" exclaimed von Ludwig. "Never mind the wheel." + +Frank sprang to the shelter of the bridge, Jack and von Ludwig +protecting his retreat. Frank drew his revolver. + +A German poked his head from the companion-way and Frank took a snap +shot. The head disappeared and there was a howl of pain. + +"Got one, I guess," said the lad quietly. + +The effect of this shot was to infuriate the Germans. The first officer +commanded a charge on the bridge. + +Ten men dashed forward at the word. + +Now the four in the shelter of the bridge--von Ludwig, Frank, Jack and +the man who had come from the after part of the vessel, stood to their +full height and fired into the crowd. From the rear, the three other +British also poured in a volley and the lookout stepped into the open +and fired. + +Caught thus between three fires, the Germans were at a loss what to do. + +One man dropped and the others dashed for the protection of the +companionway. Before reaching there, however, the first German officer +gave the command to scatter and several of the Germans posted +themselves behind whatever shelter offered on deck. The battle had +reached a deadlock. + +The British could not expose themselves without danger of being struck +by a German bullet; and the Germans confronted the same situation. + +"Signal the engine room, Jack," instructed von Ludwig. "We must know +whether Harris is still alive." + +There was no response to the signal. + +"Poor fellow," said von Ludwig. "They probably have done for him." + +From time to time Jack signalled the engine room, thinking perhaps that +Harris had only been wounded and that he might answer. Upon the fifth +signal he received an answer. + +Then Jack signalled: "Full speed ahead." + +A moment later the vessel leaped forward. There came a cry of +consternation from the Germans, who tumbled back down the steps. As +they did so, Frank again sprang to the wheel and brought the head of +the _Bismarck_ sharply about--for since he had released his hold on the +wheel the vessel had been drifting. + +Quickly the lad lashed the wheel with several lengths of cable and then +sprang back to the bridge amid a volley of revolver bullets from the +Germans who still held the deck. None hit him. + +Below, in the engine room, Harris was facing heavy odds. Before +answering Jack's signal, after regaining consciousness, he had closed +and barred the engine-room door and now he paid no attention to the +hammering upon it. He smiled grimly to himself. + +"You won't get in here as long as that door holds," he said. "Before +that I should have assistance." + +The pounding upon the door continued. + +"We'll have to lend Harris a hand, sir," said Jack. "They are too many +for him down there." + +"The first man that steps clear of this bridge is likely to get shot," +declared von Ludwig. "However, as you say, we must lend him a hand." He +called to the men who were still safe behind the guns. "Make a rush +this way," he said. "We'll cover your retreat." + +A moment later three forms flitted across the deck. Two German heads +were raised from their cover. Frank accounted for one and von Ludwig +for the other. Thus were three of the enemy placed _hors de combat_. +Seven had rushed below. There were still two left on deck. + +A spurt of flame showed Jack where one was hidden. + +With a quick move the lad sprang from the bridge and threw himself to +the deck on his face. There was another spurt of flame and a bullet +whistled over his head. Before the man could fire again, Jack had +leaped forward and seized him by his revolver arm. Angrily, the lad +wrested the weapon from the man's grasp. + +The latter drew a knife. There was but one thing for Jack to do. +Quickly he raised his revolver, pointed it squarely at the German's +face, and fired. + +A flash of flame had betrayed the hiding place of the last German on +deck. Two of the British rushed for him. The German accounted for both +of them before they could reach him. + +The losses so far, had been two British and four of the enemy. There +were still six British on deck and a single German; but seven Teutons +were still hammering at the door of the engine room in an effort to get +at Harris. + +"We've got to get rid of this fellow on deck," muttered Frank. He spoke +to one of the men near him. + +"You advance from one side and I'll advance from the other," said the +lad quietly. "The man, apparently, is a dead shot and he probably will +get one of us. But he's dangerous there. He may fire at you and he may +fire at me, but the other will get him." + +The man nodded that he understood, and one from each side of the bridge +they advanced. + +As it transpired it was not Frank who was to pay the penalty for this +rash advance. Perceiving two men approaching, one from either side, the +German fired. Quickly, Frank raised his revolver and also fired. The +German threw up his arms and fell to the deck. + +Frank turned quickly and looked for the man who had left the shelter of +the bridge with him. He lay prone on the deck. + +"Poor fellow," said Frank. "Yet it had to be done. Just luck that it +wasn't me." + +"Deck's clear, sir," said Frank to von Ludwig. "Now to lend Harris a +hand in the engine room." + +"Forward, then," said von Ludwig. "All except you, Frank, and you, +Jack. You two stay on deck. Take the wheel again, Frank. Jack, you +stand at the head of the companionway and shoot the first German who +appears there." + +"Very well, sir," said Jack, although he was disappointed that he was +not permitted to go to Harris' aid. + +"The others follow me," said von Ludwig. + +There were but two other men that could follow. + +"You are attempting too much, sir," said Jack. + +"I think not," said von Ludwig, calmly. + +He led the way below. + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII + +THE CHEATING OF HARRIS + + +Below, Harris had just armed himself with a great iron bar; for he knew +that the door was about to give under the attacks of the Germans. + +"The fools!" he said to himself. "Why don't they blow the lock off?" + +It seemed that the same thought struck the German first officer at +about the same moment. Motioning his men back, he approached the door +and put the muzzle of his revolver against the lock. He pulled the +trigger, and when the Germans again surged against the door it flew +open beneath their weight. + +One man stumbled headlong through the door. As he did so, Harris raised +his heavy bar and brought it down on the man's head. The German dropped +with a crushed skull. + +But before Harris could raise his weapon again the Germans had closed +about him and sought to strike him down with the butts of their +revolvers. The struggling figures were so closely entwined now that the +enemy could not fire without fear of hitting one of their own number. + +Harris struck out right and left and men staggered back before his +terrific blows. Then came the sounds of running footsteps without. + +"Back!" called the German first officer. + +Two British heads appeared in the doorway almost simultaneously. + +"Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!" + +The Germans poured a volley into the two men and the latter sagged to +the deck. + +Harris, at the same moment, had jumped toward the door. As he leaped +over the prostrate forms, he collided with von Ludwig. + +"Quick, sir!" he cried. "They are too many for us. Back on deck!" + +There was something in Harris' manner that impressed von Ludwig. +Without stopping to argue, he followed Harris. When both were safe on +deck, Harris quickly closed the door of the companionway and battened +it down. + +"We've a breathing spell, at any rate," he said, mopping his face. + +"Why all this rush?" demanded von Ludwig. "Where are the men who went +to your assistance?" + +"Dead, the same as we would be if we had lingered another moment," +replied Harris, quietly. "It was impossible to pass through that door +without being shot down. It was only due to the diversion of the +appearance of the others that permitted me to escape." + +Came heavy blows against the covering of the companionway. + +"They want to come out," said Harris, grinning. + +"That door won't stand much battering," said von Ludwig. + +"No, it won't," was Harris' reply, "but one man can guard it well +enough. Besides, we have the bridge. We can steer the vessel where we +will." + +"As long as the engines run we can," agreed von Ludwig. "But unless I'm +greatly mistaken the Germans will soon stop them." + +He was right; for a few moments later the battering at the door of the +companionway ceased and the engines ceased work. + +"Well, we can't go any place now, sir," said Frank, leaving the wheel +and approaching von Ludwig and Harris at the companionway. + +Jack also came up to them. + +"You're right," agreed von Ludwig, "and that's not the worst of it. The +German cruiser probably is in pursuit of us. If they sight us we are +done for." + +Came more violent blows on the door over the companionway, followed by +a shot from below. + +Jack sprang aside as a bullet plowed its way through the hard wood. + +"We'll have to stand to one side," he said. "Otherwise, they are likely +to drop one of us." + +"The door will stand considerable battering," said von Ludwig. "There +is but one thing I can think of. We shall have to desert the ship." + +"In what, a rowboat?" asked Frank, with some sarcasm. + +"Hardly," returned von Ludwig; "but I have discovered that there is a +high-powered motor boat aboard. We can launch that and move off." + +"And as soon as the Germans break out here, they'll come after us and +shoot us full of holes," said Harris. + +"Well, that's true enough, too," agreed von Ludwig. "Of course, if we +had an hour's start we might get through. But the door won't hold that +long." + +Harris had been turning a plan over in his mind. + +"If you please, sir," he said slowly at last, "I have a plan that may +work." + +"Let's hear it," said Frank. + +"Yes; let's have it," said von Ludwig. + +"Well," said Harris, "one man, with a couple of revolvers, should be +able to guard this passageway for an hour without trouble. He can shoot +the Germans down as fast as they come up. My plan is this. Let one man +stay behind on guard. The others can put off in the motor boat." + +"But the one man will die," said Frank. + +"Of course," said Harris, simply. "That shall be my job." + +"Not much," said Jack. "I'll pick that job for myself." + +"Not while I'm here you won't," declared Frank. "I'm plenty big to +guard the companionway." + +"The plan you suggest, Harris," von Ludwig said quietly, "is the only +one, so far as I can see, that promises any degree of success. In my +pocket are papers that must reach the British admiralty at the earliest +possible moment." + +"Then there is no reason why you should think of staying, sir," said +Harris. + +"Wait," said von Ludwig. "In a venture such as this, there is no reason +one man should be called upon to sacrifice himself more than another. +We shall all have an even chance." + +"What do you mean, sir?" asked Frank. + +"Simply this. We shall draw lots to see who shall remain." + +"Suits me," said Harris, with a shrug. + +"And me," declared Jack. + +"Well, then I'm agreeable," Frank said quietly. + +"Good. Harris, in the pocket of my coat, which hangs in the pilot +house, you will find a pack of cards. Bring them here." + +Harris walked away and returned a few seconds later with a pack of +playing cards. Von Ludwig opened the box and produced the cards. + +"The man who cuts the lowest card shall stay behind," he said quietly. +"Shuffle." + +He passed the cards to Harris, who riffled them lightly. + +"One moment," said von Ludwig. "If I should be the man to stay, I want +one of you to take these papers in my pocket. They must be turned over +to the admiralty at the earliest possible moment. Should the man who +carries them be in danger of capture, they must be destroyed. Do you +understand?" + +"Yes, sir," said Jack. + +Frank nodded. + +"It shall be as you say, sir," said Harris, "Now who will cut first?" + +"It may as well be me as another," said von Ludwig. + +He cut the cards and exposed to view a jack of hearts. + +"Looks like you will carry the papers yourself, sir," said Frank, as he +advanced to cut the cards. + +He held up a nine spot of spades. + +"That lets you out, sir," he said to von Ludwig. + +The latter was plainly nervous. + +Jack cut the cards next. Frank uttered a cry of consternation: + +"The three of clubs!" + +"Looks like I was the fellow to stay, all right," said Jack, smiling +slightly. + +"And this time," said Frank, "you may not be as fortunate as upon the +day you remained behind and faced death on the submarine." + +Jack shrugged. + +"Can't be helped," he said quietly. + +Now Harris advanced and cut the cards quickly. + +As he picked up the upper half of the deck, he turned his shoulder +slightly so that the others, for the moment, might not see what he had +cut. He glanced at the bottom card. It was the six of diamonds. + +Deftly, Harris shuffled the cards with his hands. Adept in the art of +trickery, though the others did not know it, he had placed the cards in +such position that he knew almost identically where the high and low +cards were. + +Like a flash his hand passed across the bottom of the deck and when it +was withdrawn the six of diamonds had disappeared. Then he turned to +the others and exposed: + +The two spot of spades! + +"I lose," he said quietly. + +Harris' movements had been so quick that they had not been perceived by +the others. + +Jack was the first to extend a hand. + +"I'm sorry," the lad said quietly. "I was in hopes that it would be +me." + +As he shook hands with the others, Harris kept his left hand behind +him; for in it reposed the card he had palmed--the six of diamonds, +which would have allowed him to go with the others and would have put +Jack in his place. + +As he turned, Harris slipped the card quickly into his pocket, that it +might not be accidentally seen. Then, he knew, he was safe. + +Jack picked up the deck. + +"I shall keep these, Harris," he said, "that I may always remember a +brave man." + +All this time the thundering on the door of the companionway had +continued. + +"Come," said von Ludwig, "we must delay no longer. Already it is +growing light." + +He hastened along the deck to where the high-powered motor boat lay +covered with a tarpaulin. Quickly the little craft was lowered over the +side, von Ludwig first inspecting it. + +"Plenty of water and provisions," he said quietly. He turned to Harris. + +"It is time to say goodbye," he said quietly. "You are a brave man. +This gallant action shall be known to the world." + +"Goodbye, sir," said Harris, quietly. + +"Remember," said von Ludwig, "there is always a chance that you may +escape. If it comes, make the most of it. Goodbye." + +He pressed Harris' hand and passed over the side of the vessel. + +As Frank and Jack shook hands with Harris, the latter squeezed Harris' +hand affectionately. The latter smiled. + +"I had promised myself another bout with you some day," he said. "My +only regret is that it is not possible now." + +A moment more Jack was in the motor boat and it moved away. Harris drew +his revolvers and mounted guard over the companionway, the door of +which now had begun to splinter. + +"An hour is what you needed," he said quietly. "You'll get it!" + + + +CHAPTER XXIX + +A CHAMPION PASSES + + +Harris laid one of his revolvers on the deck, reached in his pocket and +produced the six of diamonds. He looked at it closely in the half +darkness and a smile passed over his face. + +"I suppose I'm a fool," he muttered to himself, "but someway I couldn't +help it. I was afraid Jack would cut the low card. I wouldn't have done +it for one of the others, but Jack, well, he's a boy after my own +heart." + +Harris replaced the card in his pocket; then thought better of his +action, drew it forth again and sent it spinning off across the sea. + +"There," he said quietly, "goes all evidence that I cheated." + +He picked up the revolver he had laid on the deck and moved a short +distance from the companionway. + +There was an extra violent crash and it seemed that the door must burst +open. + +"Another one like that will do the work," said Harris, calmly. + +He took up what he considered a strategic position and produced his +watch. This he lay on the deck and sat down beside it. + +"May as well be comfortable," he remarked. + +Again there was a crash and the door of the companionway burst open. A +German head appeared. + +"Crack!" Harris had fired without moving from his sitting posture. + +The German head disappeared and there was a cry of alarm from below. + +"One down, I guess," said Harris, quietly, to himself. + +For some moments there was silence, broken occasionally, however, by +the dull sound of voices from below. + +"Talking it over, eh?" muttered Harris. "Well, I'll still be here when +you try again." + +It was perhaps fifteen minutes later that a cap appeared in the +opening. Again Harris fired. The cap did not disappear and Harris fired +twice more quickly. + +The cap disappeared. + +"Guess I got another one," said Harris. + +Twice more within the next fifteen minutes this happened. + +"That should be four, if I have counted correctly," said Harris; "and +I've still four cartridges left. I won't have to reload yet." + +He felt in his pocket and then uttered an exclamation of alarm. + +"No more bullets. I'll have to make these four count for the next two." + +Nothing appeared in the doorway again for ten minutes more and then +Harris fired again. Fifteen minutes later the same thing happened and +Harris, making sure that this was the last of the enemy, emptied his +revolver at it. + +Then he got to his feet and put his watch in his pocket. + +"Guess that settles it," he said. "Now I'll look around for a boat. I +didn't know it was going to be as easy as all that. If I had I would +have had the others wait for me." + +He moved toward the companionway, and as he did so, a bullet whistled +by his ear. Harris stepped back in surprise; and in that moment the +solution came to him. + +"By Jove! They've fooled me," he muttered. "They poked their caps up +and I shot them full of holes. However, they don't know yet that I'm +out of bullets." + +A few moments later a cap again appeared in the opening. Harris had no +bullets to fire at it. + +"They'll discover my predicament in a moment or so, though," he told +himself. + +He pulled his watch from his pocket and glanced at it. + +"An hour," he said. "They have had time enough. However, I'll just see +the thing through." + +As he spoke it grew light. Harris looked off across the sea. There, so +far away that it appeared but a speck upon the water, he saw what he +took to be the motor boat bearing his friends to safety. He waved his +cap. + +"Good luck!" he said quietly. + +Now a German head appeared in the door of the companionway. It was not +a cap this time. Harris saw it, and drawing back his arm, hurled one of +his revolvers swiftly. His aim was true and the weapon struck the +German squarely in the face. With a scream of pain the man fell back +into the arms of his companions. + +But Harris' action had told his enemies that he had no more bullets, +and seeing that they had but one man to contend with, the Germans +sprang from their shelter and leaped for him. + +Harris clubbed his remaining revolver, and with his back to the pilot +house, where he had retreated, awaited the approach of the four foes. + +"You're going to have the fight of your lives," he said grimly. + +A German sprang. Harris' arm rose and fell and there was one German +less to contend with. But before Harris could raise his arm again, the +other three had closed in upon him. Harris felt himself borne back. + +The former pugilistic champion of the British navy cast all ring ethics +to the winds. He struck, kicked and clawed and sought to wreak what +damage he could upon his enemies without regard for the niceties of +fighting. He knew that they would do the same to him. + +So great had been the force of the shock of the three Germans--all that +were now left of the original twelve--that Harris was borne to the +deck. His revolver hand struck the floor with great force and the +weapon was sent spinning from his grasp. + +With a mighty effort, he hurled the three men from him and leaped to +his feet. The Germans also arose. Harris did not wait for them to +resume the offensive. With head lowered he charged. + +Nimbly the foe skipped to either side and Harris felt a keen pain in +his right side. One of the foe had drawn a knife and stabbed as Harris +rushed by. Whirling quickly, Harris again sprang forward. One man did +not leap out of his way quickly enough, and Harris' hands found his +throat. + +The man gave a screech as Harris' hands squeezed. The Englishman raised +his enemy bodily from the deck, flung him squarely in the faces of the +other two, and followed after the human catapult. + +The foremost German dodged and seized Harris by the legs. Both went +over in a heap, Harris on top. Harris raised his right fist and would +have brought it down on the German's face but for the fact that the +second foe seized his arm in a fierce grasp. At the same moment he +struck with his knife. + +The point penetrated Harris' right side and he felt himself growing +faint. Angrily, he shook the German from him and rose to his feet. The +man who had been underneath the Englishman also got quickly to his +feet, and before Harris could turn, stabbed him in the back. + +With a cry, Harris whirled on him and seized the knife arm. He twisted +sharply. The German cried out in pain and sought to free himself. But +his effort was in vain. + +With the grasp by the wrist, Harris swung the man in the air, and +spinning on his heel, hurled him far across the deck, where the +unconscious form struck with a crash; and at the same moment the other +German struck again with his knife. + +Harris staggered back. + +Now the German who so recently had felt the effect of Harris' fingers +in his throat, pulled himself from the deck and renewed the battle. He +advanced, crouching, and another knife gleamed in his hand. + +It is possible that, had it not been for the effects of the knife +wounds, Harris, in the end, would have overcome these foes, for he was +a powerful man. But when a man is bleeding from half a dozen wounds and +faces two adversaries both armed with knives, he has little chance of +ultimate victory. Harris realized it; but he was not the man to beg for +mercy. Besides, so fierce had been his attacks and so great his +execution, it is not probable that the Germans would have spared him +anyhow. They were insane with rage. + +There were only two of them left now; and Harris told himself that +their number would be fewer by one before they finished with him. He +leaned against the pilot house panting from his exertions. + +"A great lot of fighters, you are," he taunted his enemies. "Four of +you attacked me with knives and you haven't done for me yet." + +The Germans also were glad of a breathing spell. Their faces reddened +as Harris taunted them. + +"We shall kill you yet," said one angrily. + +"Don't be too sure," said Harris. "I'm an Englishman, you know, and you +have always been afraid of an Englishman." + +At this the Germans uttered a cry of rage and sprang forward, their +knives flashing aloft. + +The first German missed his mark as Harris dodged beneath his arm and +closed with him. He uttered a cry for help. + +"That's right, you coward! You'll need it," said Harris. + +He squeezed the man with all his might. Out of the tail of his eye he +caught the glint of the other German's knife as it descended. Releasing +his hold upon the one man, he stepped quickly backward. But the knife +caught him a glancing blow on the forehead, inflicting a deep wound. + +For a moment Harris paused to shake the blood out of his eyes. Then, +with a smile playing across his features, he advanced; and as he +advanced he said: + +"You've done for me, the lot of you. But I shall take you with me." + +The Germans quailed at the look in his face; and as he moved forward +swiftly they threw down their knives and turned to run. + +But they had delayed too long. + +Harris stretched both hands out straight before him. One hand closed +about the arm of the German to his right. The other clutched the second +man by the throat. Harris pulled the man he held by the arm close; then +released his grip, but before the German could stagger away, seized +him, too, by the throat. + +"Now I've got you," he said. + +Blow after blow the Germans rained upon his face and shoulders, kicking +out with their feet the while. Harris paid no more attention to these +than he would have to the taps of a child. + +But the Englishman felt his strength waning fast. It was with an effort +that he staggered across the deck. At the rail he paused for a moment, +gathering his strength for a final effort. + +Then, still holding a German by the throat with each hand, he leaped +into the sea. + +Once, twice, three times the three heads appeared on the surface and a +spectator could have seen that Harris retained his grip. Then the three +sank from sight. + +And so passed the former pugilistic champion of the British fleet, +brave in death as he had been in life. The waves washed over the spot +where he had gone down. + + + +CHAPTER XXX + +THE UNKNOWN UNMASKS + + +With the coming of dawn the three figures in the little motor boat +gazed back in the direction from whence they had come. There they could +still make out the distant shape of the _Bismarck_. She rode quietly in +the water, and there was nothing about her appearance to tell the three +in the motor boat of the terrible struggle that was raging even at that +moment. + +"Poor Harris," said Jack. "I hope that in some manner he is able to +escape." + +"Certainly I hope so, too," declared Frank. + +"He's a brave man," said von Ludwig. + +Jack drew the fateful deck of cards from his pocket. + +"These," he said, "I shall keep." + +He ran through the deck several times, playing with them. Unconsciously +he counted them. + +There was something wrong. Jack counted the cards again. The result was +the same. + +"Sir!" he called to von Ludwig. + +"Well?" "How did you chance to have this pack of cards?" + +"I play solitaire considerably," was the reply. + +"You couldn't have played solitaire with this deck," said Jack. + +"Why not?" +"All the cards are not here. There are but fifty-one." + +"There were fifty-two when I put them in my pocket," said von Ludwig, +"because I counted them." + +Again Jack ran through the deck There were but fifty-one cards. +Suddenly the lad gave a start. He spread the cards out in the bottom +of the boat, making four piles all suits together. He counted the hearts. +They were all there, thirteen of them. He counted the clubs. They were +all there, too. Next he counted the spades. All were there. Last he +counted the diamonds. There were but twelve. Jack arranged them in order. +There was one card shy. Jack found what it was a moment later. There was +no six of diamonds in the deck. For some moments Jack sat silent, +staring at the cards before him. He had been struck with a great light. + +"So!" he said to himself at last, "Harris cheated." + +"What's that?" said Frank, who had heard Jack's muttered words, but had +not caught their import. + +"I said," replied Jack, slowly, "that Harris cheated." + +Frank was surprised. A moment later he said: "Well, even if he did, he +lost anyhow." + +"That's it," said Jack, quietly. "He didn't lose." + +"You mean----" exclaimed Frank, excitedly. + +"Yes; I mean that I lost. I should have been the one to stay." + +"Impossible," said Frank. + +"It's true," declared Jack. "Von Ludwig here says the deck was a full +deck. It's shy a card now. The six of diamonds is missing. That is the +card Harris cut first. You remember he turned aside?" + +"Yes, but----" + +"That's when he slipped the six of diamonds out of sight and exposed +the deuce of spades." + +"What's all this talk about cards?" asked von Ludwig, at this juncture. + +Jack explained and for a few moments von Ludwig was lost in thought. + +"You know," he said, finally, "I think more of that fellow every minute. +That's the one case I have ever heard of where a man cheated with honor." + +There was silence aboard the little craft as it sped over the water, all +three aboard keeping a close watch for the approach of a German vessel +of some sort. Von Ludwig referred to his chart occasionally, for he +wished to steer as clear of mines as possible. They might be deep in the +water and they might be close to the surface. There was no use taking +chances. And while the voyage continued the lads were to be treated to +yet another surprise; but this surprise was to be a pleasure and would +not bring heavy hearts, as had the discovery of the missing card. + +"I wish," said Jack, suddenly, to von Ludwig, "that you would +tell me who you really are. I sit here and look at you and know I +should be able to call your name. But I can't do it and it makes it +decidedly unpleasant." + +Von Ludwig smiled. "I should have thought you would know me in a minute +in spite of my disguise," he said quietly. "I am sure I should have known +both of you no matter what pains you took to conceal your features." + +"You're only making matters worse," said Frank. "Come on now and tell us +who you are." + +Again von Ludwig smiled. "I wonder if you can guess who I am when I say +that I can tell you all about yourselves?" he said. "For instance, you, +Jack. You spent most of your life in a little African village. And you, +Frank, are an American who was shanghaied aboard a sailing vessel in +Naples soon after the outbreak of the war." + +"By Jove!" said Jack. "Outside of Frank here there is only one man who +knows all that about me." + +"And there is but a single man who knows as much of me," declared Frank. +"Can it be----" + +For answer von Ludwig rose in his seat and stripped from his face the +heavy German beard that had given him the true Teutonic expression, and +there stood revealed before Jack and Frank none other than Lord +Hastings, their erstwhile commander and good friend. Frank gave a cry +of delight and sprang forward at the imminent risk of upsetting the +motor boat. He seized Lord Hastings' hand and pressed it warmly. The +latter's greeting was no less affectionate. Jack, not so given to +demonstrations as his chum, also advanced and grasped Lord Hasting's +hand. + +"You don't know how glad I am to see you again, sir," the lad said +quietly. "It seems like an age since we saw you. And to think that we +didn't recognize you instantly." + +"That's what seemed so funny to me," said Lord Hastings. "When I first +saw you aboard that German vessel I was fearful for a minute that you +would recognize me and blurt it out right there." + +"But what were you doing there, Lord Hastings?" asked Frank. + +"It's a long story," was the latter's reply, "but I guess now is as +good a time as any to explain." + +"I wish you would, sir," said Jack. + +"Well," said Lord Hastings, "as you know, I told you when we parted +that I had an important diplomatic duty to perform. First, it carried +me to Roumania, where, I may say, I was successful." + +"You mean that Roumania has decided to cast in her fortunes with the +Allies, sir?" + +"Exactly. She will take that step some time in August, though the exact +date I am unable to say. My mission there at an end, I was ordered to +report to Berlin. As you know, we still maintain a staff of +correspondents in the German capital, although their identities are +closely hidden." + +Frank and Jack nodded, for they had known this some time before. + +"Well," Lord Hastings continued, "in Berlin I was instructed to learn +what Germany planned to do to offset the Roumanian menace, for she is +sure to know of Roumanians decision by this time. I had some trouble, +but I succeeded at last." + +"And what will she do, sir?" asked Frank. + +"That," was the reply, "I am unable to state at this minute. It is a +secret that I am guarding carefully and I cannot even tell you lads +about it." + +Frank and Jack asked no further questions along that line. + +"But how came you aboard the German vessel, sir?" Jack wanted to know. + +Lord Hastings smiled. + +"In Berlin," he said, "I was supposed to be a Roumanian officer, who +had hopes of changing the attitude of that country. The Kaiser wished +to show me how foolish it would be for the little Balkan state to join +the Allies, and for that reason, had me shown through the German naval +fortifications. That information, too, I am carrying back with me." + +"But why didn't you tell us who you were in Bremen, sir?" + +"I don't know. At first I guess because I wanted to surprise you both +when you did learn who I was." + +"But you told us not to try and learn who you were." + +"Well, that was for a good reason. For, if you should have sought to +pry, it might have aroused suspicions and there is no telling what +would have happened." + +"I see, sir," said Frank. "But you almost lost us when you didn't get +back in time." + +"I know that now. I wouldn't do the same thing again." + +"And what are you going to do after you return to London, sir?" Frank +wanted to know. + +Again Lord Hastings smiled. + +"That's hard to tell," he replied. "Still, I imagine it will not be +very long before I feel a deck under my heels again." + +"You mean you will leave the diplomatic service again, sir?" asked +Jack. + +"I expect to. The king promised me a new command before he despatched +me to the Balkans. But I do not know how long I shall be kept waiting." + +"And when you get it, sir, will we go back with you?" asked Frank. + +"Why," was the reply, "I should have thought that by this time you +would perhaps have changed your minds." + +"Never, sir," declared Jack, positively. "We would rather serve under +you, sir." + +"I'll see what can be done," Lord Hastings promised. + +And with that the lads were forced to be content. Still, they knew well +enough that Lord Hastings would do what he could to have them with him +again. + +"The main thing now," said Lord Hastings, "is to dodge the enemy and +get back to England." + +"With you here, sir," said Frank, "I am sure we shall get back safely." + +And Frank proved a good prophet. + +All that day they made their way slowly through the North Sea. Several +times enemy ships were sighted, but, because the little motor boat lay +so low in the water, the Germans did not see them. + +With the coming of night, however, Lord Hastings increased the speed of +the little craft. He felt that they were now beyond the German mine +fields and that if another vessel were encountered it probably would be +British. + +And this proved to be the case. + +Along toward morning of the second day, a British cruiser bore down on +them. Soon all were aboard the vessel, which, when Lord Hastings +informed the commander of the nature of the papers he carried, turned +about and headed for London. + +A day or two later, Frank and Jack again found themselves installed in +the comfortable home of Lord Hastings, where they sat down to await +what time might bring forth--confident, however, that it would not be +long before they were upon active service under the command of their +good friend, Lord Hastings. + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY ALLIES AT JUTLAND*** + + +******* This file should be named 10081.txt or 10081.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/0/8/10081 + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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