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diff --git a/14711-h/14711-h.htm b/14711-h/14711-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fd8f2e7 --- /dev/null +++ b/14711-h/14711-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,8856 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Boy Allies Under the Sea, by Robert L. Drake</title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + .pagenum {position: absolute; left: 92%; font-size: smaller; text-align: right;} /* page numbers */ + .sidenote {width: 20%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em; margin-left: 1em; + float: right; clear: right; margin-top: 1em; + font-size: smaller; background: #eeeeee; border: dashed 1px;} + + .bb {border-bottom: solid 2px;} + .bl {border-left: solid 2px;} + .bt {border-top: solid 2px;} + .br {border-right: solid 2px;} + .bbox {border: solid 2px;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + .figleft {float: left; clear: left; margin-left: 0; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: + 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .figright {float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + .footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span {display: block; margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em;} + hr.full { width: 100%; } + a:link {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + link {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + a:visited {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + a:hover {color:red} + pre {font-size: 8pt;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> +</head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 14711 ***</div> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Boy Allies Under the Sea, by Robert L. +Drake</h1> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> + +<h1>THE BOY ALLIES</h1> + +<h1>Under the Sea</h1> + +<p class="center">OR</p> + +<h2>The Vanishing Submarines</h2> + +<h2>By ENSIGN ROBERT L. DRAKE</h2> + +<p class="center">AUTHOR OF +<i>The Boy Allies in the Baltic</i>, <i>The Boy Allies on the North +Sea Patrol</i>,<br /> +<i>The Boy Allies Under Two Flags</i>, <i>The +Boy Allies with the Flying Squadron</i>,<br /> +<i>The Boy Allies with the Terror of the Seas</i></p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="figcenter"><a href="./images/1.jpg"><img src="./images/1-tb.jpg" +alt="A.L. BURT COMPANY NEW YORK" title="A.L. BURT COMPANY NEW YORK" /></a></p> +<h4>1916</h4> +<p> </p> + +<hr style='width: 15%;' /> + +<h3>CONTENTS</h3> + +<!-- Autogenerated TOC. Modify or delete as required. --> +<div class="center"> +<table> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_I"><b>CHAPTER I. A MYSTERY</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_II"><b>CHAPTER II. ON ACTIVE SERVICE AGAIN</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_III"><b>CHAPTER III. A LESSON</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_IV"><b>CHAPTER IV. STRANGE WARFARE</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_V"><b>CHAPTER V. THE END OF BLOSBERG</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_VI"><b>CHAPTER VI. WITH THE MOTORBOAT FLEET</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_VII"><b>CHAPTER VII. AN ENEMY</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII"><b>CHAPTER VIII. FRANK IN TROUBLE</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_IX"><b>CHAPTER IX. JACK TO THE RESCUE</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_X"><b>CHAPTER X. LOST—THE STORM</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XI"><b>CHAPTER XI. ON THE HUNT</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XII"><b>CHAPTER XII. THE FIRST VICTIM</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII"><b>CHAPTER XIII. A DESPERATE VENTURE</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV"><b>CHAPTER XIV. WITH THE ENEMY</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XV"><b>CHAPTER XV. PLOTTING</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI"><b>CHAPTER XVI. AN ENEMY SUNK</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII"><b>CHAPTER XVII. AN ARGUMENT SETTLED—TEMPORARILY</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII"><b>CHAPTER XVIII. MISTAKEN FOR AN ENEMY</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX"><b>CHAPTER XIX. THE TRAP IS SET</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XX"><b>CHAPTER XX. THE TRAP IS SPRUNG</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI"><b>CHAPTER XXI. AT SEA AGAIN</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII"><b>CHAPTER XXII. TOWARD OSTEND AGAIN</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII"><b>CHAPTER XXIII. AN UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV"><b>CHAPTER XXIV. ANOTHER UNPLEASANT SURPRISE</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV"><b>CHAPTER XXV. DOOMED TO DIE</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI"><b>CHAPTER XXVI. MORE TROUBLE</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII"><b>CHAPTER XXVII. THE PIRATES REAPPEAR</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII"><b>CHAPTER XXVIII. THE BATTLE AND THE ATTACK ON THE U-6</b></a></td></tr> + <tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX"><b>CHAPTER XXIX. THE END OF A TRAITOR</b></a></td></tr> + </table></div> +<!-- End Autogenerated TOC. --> + + + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>THE BOY ALLIES UNDER THE SEA.</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I" />CHAPTER I.</h2> + +<h3>A MYSTERY.</h3> + + +<p>"What I would like to know," said Frank Chadwick, +"is just how long England intends to put up +with the activities of the German submarines in +the waters surrounding the British Isles."</p> + +<p>"How long?" echoed Jack Templeton. "Surely +you know that England is already conducting a +vigorous campaign against them."</p> + +<p>"I don't seem to have heard anything of such a +campaign," returned Frank dryly; "but another +big liner was torpedoed and sunk off the coast of +Ireland yesterday. What are we going to do about +it? That's what I want to know."</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you a little something you don't seem to +know," said Jack. "In the last thirty days, in the +neighborhood of a hundred German submarines +have disappeared—sunk or captured—no one seems +to know which. Nevertheless, it is a fact. Through +diplomatic channels word has been received in London +that a large number have failed to return to +their bases. The German government is much +disturbed."</p> + +<p>"Where have they gone?" asked Frank, with +some surprise.</p> + +<p>"I don't know. Nobody knows—unless, perhaps, +a few high government officials. They have just +naturally disappeared—vanished."</p> + +<p>"How do you know all this?"</p> + +<p>"I happened to hear Lord Hastings discussing +it with Mr. Churchill while you were out the other +day."</p> + +<p>"But, of course, Mr. Churchill knows what has +happened to the submarines."</p> + +<p>"Of course; but he's not telling everything he +knows."</p> + +<p>"But doesn't Lord Hastings know?"</p> + +<p>"I suppose so; but he is keeping his information +to himself."</p> + +<p>"Well, I didn't know any of them had disappeared."</p> + +<p>"They have, though, and I heard Mr. Churchill +say that the government hoped within another +month to have rid British waters entirely of the +German submersibles."</p> + +<p>"I hope his hope comes true," said Frank with a +smile.</p> + +<p>"And I; but I would like to know something +more of the mystery of these vanishing submarines."</p> + +<p>Both lads were to learn something more, even +sooner than they could possibly have hoped.</p> + +<p>The door opened and a man strode into the room. +Attired in the full uniform of a British naval commander, +he made a striking appearance in his gold +and lace. He greeted the two lads with a smile.</p> + +<p>"Well, boys?" he said.</p> + +<p>The newcomer was Lord Hastings, erstwhile distinguished +secret service agent and new commander +in his British majesty's royal navy. Also, though +the fact was known to few, he was a distant cousin +of the king himself and one of the most highly +trusted officers of the empire.</p> + +<p>"Well, boys?" he repeated.</p> + +<p>"Well, sir," said Frank, "we were just discussing +the mystery of the vanishing submarines."</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings gazed at the lad in surprise.</p> + +<p>"Vanishing submarines!" he repeated. "And tell +me, how did you know there were such things as +vanishing submarines?"</p> + +<p>"Why, Jack told me, sir," replied Frank.</p> + +<p>"And how did you know it?" demanded Lord +Hastings of Jack.</p> + +<p>"I heard you and Mr. Churchill discussing it, +sir," replied Jack.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings drew a long breath, evidently of +relief.</p> + +<p>"I didn't know we had been so indiscreet," he +said, half to himself. "However, there is no harm +done, for I know you boys are to be trusted not to +repeat what you overhear. I'll tell you this, you +two are among the very few who know that any +of the German submarines have been accounted +for."</p> + +<p>"Then it is true?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>"Oh, it's true enough," replied Lord Hastings. +"Perhaps a hundred of them have disappeared."</p> + +<p>"And where are they, sir?" asked Frank. "At +the bottom?"</p> + +<p>"That," said Lord Hastings with a slow smile, +"is the mystery the German government would +like to solve."</p> + +<p>"But surely you know, sir."</p> + +<p>"If I did, I would not repeat it within these +four walls," declared Lord Hastings. "Walls have +ears, you know, as is proven by the fact that Jack +overheard my conversation with Mr. Churchill."</p> + +<p>"I didn't mean to listen, sir," interrupted Jack.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know that," replied Lord Hastings. "But +now take my advice, and keep what you know +locked close within you."</p> + +<p>"We shall, sir," replied both lads.</p> + +<p>"Good! Now I have a piece of news for you."</p> + +<p>The two lads stepped forward eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Are we to go on active service again, sir?" asked +Frank anxiously.</p> + +<p>"It's about time we did," mumbled Jack, half +to himself.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings smiled as he saw the eager looks +upon the faces of both.</p> + +<p>"Well, we have a little work cut out for us," he +replied quietly.</p> + +<p>"Hooray!" cried Frank.</p> + +<p>A pleased expression fluttered across Jack's face, +but he gave voice to no exclamation; he was never +as effusive as his chum.</p> + +<p>"I'm glad you're pleased," returned Lord Hastings. +"Yes, we shall see active service, at once."</p> + +<p>"When do we start, sir?" asked Frank, his face +shining.</p> + +<p>"In the morning."</p> + +<p>Frank's face fell.</p> + +<p>"I was in hopes it was to-night," he replied.</p> + +<p>"Scouting, submarine or what?" demanded Jack.</p> + +<p>"You will have to wait for an answer to that +question," said Lord Hastings. "In the meantime, +it would be well this afternoon to get whatever +equipment you may need. Your other things, together +with mine, are at the bottom of the sea with +the old D-16."</p> + +<p>"And perhaps," said Frank slyly, glancing at +Lord Hastings, "before our present work is over +we may know something of the mystery"—he lowered +his voice—"of the vanishing submarines."</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings eyed him somewhat coldly.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps," he said, and, turning on his heel, left +the room.</p> + +<p>"You shouldn't have said that, Frank," declared +Jack, when they were left alone. "You remember +what he said about the walls having ears."</p> + +<p>"I know it," said Frank, with sincere regret. +"It just slipped out."</p> + +<p>"If you'll take my advice, you'll see that it +doesn't slip out again," advised Jack.</p> + +<p>"I'll be mum from now on," said his chum with +a slight smile. "But now I guess we may as well +get what things we may need."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Jack.</p> + +<p>They picked up their caps and made their way +from the house.</p> + +<p>And while they are engaged in the task of out-fitting +themselves for the coming expedition, a few +words concerning the two chums may well be +written.</p> + +<p>Jack Templeton was an English boy some eighteen +years of age. Born in the British Isles, he +had nevertheless spent most of his life in Africa, +his father having conducted a small trading station +upon the coast of that continent. Jack's father was +a scholar and from him the boy had acquired a +good education.</p> + +<p>Jack's father died, leaving the boy as a legacy +nothing but the little African trading store; and +Jack set about to make his own living there and to +put by enough so that within a few years he would +be able to return to the land of his birth.</p> + +<p>And then fate took a hand in shaping his career.</p> + +<p>A party from a passing schooner stopped for +supplies at Jack's store, and, in the lad's absence, departed +without paying for the provisions. Jack set +forth to collect. He climbed aboard the schooner +before it hove anchor, and, payment being refused +by the schooner's crew, a fight ensued.</p> + +<p>Jack was forced to take refuge in the hold, while +the ship got under way. He succeeded in making +his way to the next compartment, where he was +surprised to find two other prisoners. These he +released, and they proved to be a British secret +service agent and Frank Chadwick.</p> + +<p>Frank was an American boy. He had been +separated from his father, and while seeking him +in Naples had been shanghaied aboard the schooner, +and there he was, following a mutiny among the +crew, as Jack found him. By some resourcefulness +and not a little fighting, the lads overcame the crew +and made their way back to Jack's home, taking the +other prisoner with them.</p> + +<p>Here they joined an expedition in which the +secret service agent was implicated, and in this manner +met Lord Hastings. The latter took an interest +in them at once, and, after they had proved their +mettle, the British nobleman took them aboard his +own vessel as midshipmen.</p> + +<p>Then followed a series of exciting adventures, +which had led them to many parts of the world. +They had been instrumental in the first big victory +of the British fleet off Heligoland; they had taken +part in the pursuit of the German cruiser <i>Emden</i>, +"the terror of the seas," and had been in at the +death; they had been with the British fleet that +had sunk the last German squadron upon the oceans—off +the Falkland Islands; they had taken part in +many and dangerous other exploits, having more +than once been in the heart of the enemy's territory; +and always they had returned safely.</p> + +<p>But there was once when it seemed that all—Lord +Hastings, Frank and Jack—had come to their +end. It came about in this wise: After a long +cruise, which resulted in great successes, their +submarine, D-16, had come to grief in the Dardanelles. +They were caught below and it seemed +that all must perish.</p> + +<p>Then Jack had decided that it was futile for all +to die; there was safety for all but one. A deck of +cards decided who was to stay, and Jack had drawn +the fatal card—the ace of spades.</p> + +<p>Officers and crew were launched to safety by +means of a torpedo tube; and Jack sat down to +await the end. But, in some unaccountable manner, +the submarine had suddenly risen to the surface, +and Jack, taking advantage of the single +instant the vessel was above water before it took +its final death plunge, flung himself clear. And +thus all were saved.</p> + +<p>But, because of their desperate experiences, they +were unfit to immediately resume new duties; so +all had returned to England until such time as they +would be physically in shape again.</p> + +<p>Now Jack Templeton, although young in years, +was wise in the ways of the world. Also he was of +huge stature and as strong as an ox, as he had +proved more than once when put to the test. Frank, +although by no means as large as his chum, was +sturdy and strong, and able to give a good account +of himself when occasion required.</p> + +<p>The one noticeable difference between the two +was that Frank was high-tempered and quick, +whereas Jack was always cool and collected. And +this very fact had more than once showed that Jack, +while not exactly more dependable, could always +be relied upon to keep his head.</p> + +<p>While both were skillful in the use of weapons, +here was a place where Frank excelled. He was a +dead shot with rifle or revolver and was a strong +swordsman. Jack was a good shot himself and a +skillful fencer, but he was not in Frank's class when +it came to the use of sword or firearms.</p> + +<p>Upon their last expedition Jack and Frank had +acted as first and second officers respectively of the +submarine, and both now held the rank of first +lieutenant. Their promotions had come deservedly. +They had the implicit confidence of Lord Hastings +and more than once had offered valuable advice, +which Lord Hastings had acted upon.</p> + +<p>Now a few words about the progress of the war. +The seven seas had for some time, save for the +presence of the German submarines, been swept +clear of German, Austrian and Turkish fighting +ships. Not a one remained at large to prey upon +the shipping of the Allies. The real fighting +strength of the navies of the three central powers +still remained in their own fortified bases, well +guarded by mines.</p> + +<p>The Allies had established such an effective blockade +that none dared to venture forth. So the naval +situation was practically at a standstill, where indications +pointed to its remaining until the main +German fleet, bottled up in Heligoland, and the +main Austrian fleet in the Adriatic should summon +sufficient courage to sally forth and give battle; and +there had been nothing to indicate any sudden action +on the part of either.</p> + +<p>On several occasions British submarines had +penetrated the mine fields and created considerable +havoc, and aircraft had dropped bombs from the +air. But along these lines the German submarines +had been more successful and now were the one +real menace confronting the naval supremacy of +the Entente powers.</p> + +<p>Hundreds of ships, large and small, had fallen +easy prey to these under-sea terrors. Big ocean +liners, crowded with passengers, non-combatants, +had been sent to the bottom with terrible loss of +innocent lives. Chief among these tragedies laid +to the door of the German submarines was the +sinking of the Cunard liner <i>Lusitania</i>, in which +more than a thousand men, women and children had +been drowned.</p> + +<p>And, so far as the British public knew, England +had taken no steps to combat this under-sea peril. +However, as Lord Hastings had told the boys at +the opening of this story, Great Britain had taken +such steps, and that they were effective was evident +from his additional statement that in the neighborhood +of a hundred submarines had "vanished."</p> + +<p>But this warfare was not to end until the submarine +evil had been eradicated. The German +under-sea craft must be disposed of so effectively +as to preclude further danger to British shipping. +And it was in this work that Jack and Frank were +soon to play a prominent part.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II" />CHAPTER II.</h2> + +<h3>ON ACTIVE SERVICE AGAIN.</h3> + + +<p>For some reason unknown to Jack and Frank, +when morning came, Lord Hastings announced that +the start would not be made until after nightfall, +at which both lads showed keen disappointment.</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you what you can do," said Lord Hastings. +"I'll give you an order for my motorboat +and you can go to Gravesend during the day if +you care to. I'll meet you there at the Lion Inn +to-night at 10 o'clock."</p> + +<p>Frank was delighted.</p> + +<p>"That's better than hanging around here all day, +waiting for night to come," he said. "What do +you say, Jack?"</p> + +<p>"Anything to humor you," replied the latter with +a smile.</p> + +<p>"Take all your things with you," said Lord +Hastings; "and, above all, hang on to that motorboat. +Don't let anybody get it away from you."</p> + +<p>"We'll hang on to it, never fear," replied Frank. +"Come on, Jack."</p> + +<p>"Wait a minute," ordered Lord Hastings. +"You'll need this written order to get the boat."</p> + +<p>"I'd forgotten, sir," said Frank.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings scribbled rapidly on a piece of +paper, which he passed to Jack.</p> + +<p>"This will fix you up," he said. "Now remember, +10 o'clock sharp."</p> + +<p>The boys nodded their understanding of this order, +saluted and left. Getting their things together, +they hurried to the river, where Lord Hastings kept +his motorboat; and an hour and a half later they +were proceeding slowly down the river.</p> + +<p>"Guess none of the enemy will ever get in here," +declared Frank, after a careful survey of the river.</p> + +<p>"Guess not," replied Jack. "Look at the boats. +You wouldn't think we were at war."</p> + +<p>"Not if it wasn't for the warships," agreed +Frank. "And there are enough of them to make it +hot for any hostile fleet. But it's a wonder to me +some of these German submarines haven't taken +a little trip up the Thames."</p> + +<p>"Mines," replied Jack briefly.</p> + +<p>"True," said Frank, "but you will remember +we took a pretty long jaunt up the Dardanelles, +and passed through the Kiel canal."</p> + +<p>"And when you stop to think of it, we're pretty +lucky to be here right now," returned Jack dryly.</p> + +<p>"Well, so we are, if that's the way you look +at it. However, I wouldn't mind having another +such chance."</p> + +<p>"You'll probably get it."</p> + +<p>Conversation lagged as the boys took in the +scenes about them; and there was little more talk +during the trip. They stopped more than once, +and, loitering along, it was dark when they neared +their destination.</p> + +<p>As they would have drawn up to the wharf there +was a sudden flash of light—gone in a moment—followed +by a dark body that swished by them like +a flash.</p> + +<p>Frank uttered an exclamation of astonishment.</p> + +<p>"See that?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>"Yes. What could it have been?"</p> + +<p>"You've got me, but it's heading toward the +open sea. Great Scott! Maybe it's an enemy."</p> + +<p>"An enemy?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; you know how anxious the Germans are +over this submarine business. Maybe this fellow +has been spying about. May be going to report +to a German submarine out there some place."</p> + +<p>"Think we had better follow and have a look?" +asked Jack.</p> + +<p>"Believe it would be a good idea. Let's go."</p> + +<p>Without another word, Jack brought the boat +about and headed after the one that had so recently +dashed by them. In the darkness ahead there was +nothing to be seen.</p> + +<p>"Like looking for a needle in a haystack," Jack +called to Frank.</p> + +<p>"That fellow can't be up to any good," declared +Frank. "He showed no light and was going in a +terrible hurry. There's something up."</p> + +<p>"Does seem that way," agreed Jack.</p> + +<p>"Say! Is this as fast as this thing can go?" +demanded Frank. "We won't ever get any place +this way. Let her out a bit."</p> + +<p>Jack did so and the little boat seemed literally to +fly over the dark water. This terrific speed Jack +kept up for some time and then slowed down.</p> + +<p>"We'll bump into something at this rate," he +said; "and that would settle the whole business. +We must be cautious."</p> + +<p>"Cautious!" repeated Frank. "We won't find +that German being cautious."</p> + +<p>"If we weren't cautious, it wouldn't do us any +good if we did find him," argued Jack. "First +thing you know we would be at the bottom."</p> + +<p>Frank considered this point a moment.</p> + +<p>"Guess you're right," he said at last.</p> + +<p>"Swish!" went something at this moment, and, +turning quickly, Frank saw a dark shape speeding +away up the river.</p> + +<p>"Hey! There went one the other way," he cried +to Jack.</p> + +<p>"That so?" replied Jack anxiously. "There is +something up here, and I'm going to find out what +it is."</p> + +<p>He slowed down even more, and, striking a +match, lighted the searchlight, which, until this +moment, he had not deemed advisable.</p> + +<p>As the light flashed over the water, the lad made +out another small motorboat dead ahead, upon +which signs of life became apparent. Jack saw +figures gesticulating violently; then the boat headed +directly for the one occupied by the two boys.</p> + +<p>"Guns, Frank!" said Jack quietly. "They are +coming at us."</p> + +<p>"Leave it to me," replied Frank. "You run the +boat. I'll do the rest."</p> + +<p>"Don't shoot unless you have to," warned Jack.</p> + +<p>Frank made no reply.</p> + +<p>Jack kept the light full upon the approaching +boat. He could see several oilskin-clad figures and +that was all; and then came a hail from the oncoming +boat.</p> + +<p>"What do you want here?"</p> + +<p>The query was in English. Jack answered the +hail.</p> + +<p>"What are you doing here yourself?" he demanded. +"We are British officers. I command +you to surrender."</p> + +<p>"More likely German officers," was the response. +"Heave to now. I'm coming aboard you."</p> + +<p>"If you do you'll get a warm welcome," replied +Jack.</p> + +<p>He stopped the boat and drew his own revolvers.</p> + +<p>"Stand back!" he cried, as the other boat came +closer.</p> + +<p>In the glint of the searchlight the men aboard the +other boat made out the boys' uniforms. The boat +slowed down and the men talked among themselves.</p> + +<p>"They wear British uniforms," said one in a low +voice.</p> + +<p>"That's no sign they are English," said another.</p> + +<p>"Tell 'em to give the countersign," said a third.</p> + +<p>Another hail came from the boat.</p> + +<p>"Pass the countersign," it said.</p> + +<p>"I don't know any countersign," replied Jack, +and would have said more, had not a voice from +the other boat interrupted him.</p> + +<p>"I thought not; hands up now or you are dead +men. Quick!"</p> + +<p>Jack made his decision in a moment. Much as +he would have liked to fight it out, he determined +upon a wiser course.</p> + +<p>"Hands up, Frank," he said quietly. "They've +got the drop on us."</p> + +<p>He raised his hands in the air.</p> + +<p>Not so Frank.</p> + +<p>"They won't get me without a fight," declared +the lad angrily, and, raising his voice, he cried:</p> + +<p>"Come and get me, if you want me."</p> + +<p>At the same moment he raised his revolver and +fired.</p> + +<p>"Here," cried Jack angrily, "don't be a fool. +Give me that gun."</p> + +<p>He seized Frank's wrist and wrenched the revolver +from his grasp.</p> + +<p>The latter turned on his chum angrily.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean by that?" he demanded. +"Have you turned coward, that you surrender to +a couple of Germans without a fight?"</p> + +<p>"I haven't turned crazy," replied Jack quietly. +"They are too many for us; that's all."</p> + +<p>The other boat came alongside now and an officer +stepped aboard the boys' craft.</p> + +<p>"Your weapons," he said in perfect English.</p> + +<p>"Then please step aboard my boat. You shall be +taken to Gravesend at once."</p> + +<p>"Gravesend!" echoed Jack. "You couldn't take +us to a better place. But if you are German, why +should you take us there?"</p> + +<p>"German," repeated the man. "You know we +are English. You are the German spies."</p> + +<p>"No such thing," declared Frank, taking a hand +in things. "We are British officers and we thought +you were German spies. That's why I fired at +you. We thought you were here to learn the secret +of the vanishing submarines."</p> + +<p>"Frank!" cried Jack in warning, but it was too +late.</p> + +<p>"The vanishing submarines, eh?" repeated the +stranger. "So you have given yourselves away. +Who but a German spy would be here seeking word +of the vanishing submarines?"</p> + +<p>"But I tell you——" began Jack.</p> + +<p>"Silence," thundered the officer. "You have betrayed +yourselves, and that is enough. I give you +my word you shall be shot in the morning."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I guess not," replied Frank with a laugh. +"I guess Lord Hastings will be able to get us out of +this mess."</p> + +<p>"Lord Hastings?"</p> + +<p>"Why, yes, we happen to serve under him; that's +all."</p> + +<p>"Tell it to the marines," replied the man with +sarcasm. "I am not asking you to admit anything, +for I know enough now."</p> + +<p>"Oh, all right," said Frank.</p> + +<p>"Climb into my boat," ordered their captor.</p> + +<p>The lads complied.</p> + +<p>"Say," said Frank, "this is Lord Hastings' motorboat. +He told us not to lose it. Tie it on behind +and pull it along, will you?"</p> + +<p>"We'll pull it along all right," replied their captor. +"Now the best thing you fellows can do is +to keep quiet."</p> + +<p>The lads obeyed this gruff command, for they +had nothing particular to talk about.</p> + +<p>Half an hour later the motorboat docked at +Gravesend and the boys were ordered to climb out, +which they did, under the noses of their captors' +weapons.</p> + +<p>"Where to now?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>"Where I tell you," was the reply.</p> + +<p>Jack was struck by a sudden thought.</p> + +<p>"Will you tell me what time it is, sir?" he asked +the leader of the party which surrounded them.</p> + +<p>"As you ask in such a polite way, I shall do so," +was the reply. "I wouldn't tell this other fellow +anything. He's too smart." He produced his +watch, and after a glance at it, said: "Five minutes +to ten."</p> + +<p>"By George!" exclaimed Jack. "And we were +to meet Lord Hastings at the Lion Inn at 10 +o'clock."</p> + +<p>"I can promise you'll be at the Lion Inn at 10 +o'clock," replied the leader of the capturing party, +"but whether you will find Lord Hastings there +I can't say."</p> + +<p>"You mean you are taking us there?" asked Jack.</p> + +<p>"Exactly."</p> + +<p>"That's what I call luck," broke in Frank. +"We'll be all right in a few moments now, Jack."</p> + +<p>"You'll be all right till in the morning, I can +guarantee that," growled their captor.</p> + +<p>At the door of the inn he motioned them to enter +ahead of him. They did so and the first person on +whom their eyes rested was Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"Well, I see you are on time——" the latter began, +and then broke off as he saw the armed men +behind them.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, we are on time," replied Frank with +a smile, "and we have brought company to see you, +sir!"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III" />CHAPTER III.</h2> + +<h3>A LESSON.</h3> + + +<p>Lord Hastings was on his feet by this time and +advanced toward the two lads and their captors.</p> + +<p>"What's the meaning of this?" he demanded of +the man who appeared to be the leader.</p> + +<p>"We caught these fellows scooting down the +Thames in a high-power motorboat, sir," was the +reply. "They were unable to give a satisfactory +account of themselves and one of them took a shot +at us. So we brought them here."</p> + +<p>"Do you know who they are?" asked Lord Hastings, +smiling a bit to himself.</p> + +<p>"No, sir; but I would take them for a couple of +German spies, sir."</p> + +<p>"H-m-m," muttered Lord Hastings. He stroked +his chin a moment and then asked: "And what do +you intend to do with them?"</p> + +<p>"Turn them over to Colonel Masterson, sir, who +will return about midnight. He is stopping here, +sir."</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings seemed to consider the matter a +few moments, and then, with a gesture, he turned +on his heel, remarking:</p> + +<p>"Well, I can't see that it is any of my business."</p> + +<p>"Very good, sir," said the boys' captor.</p> + +<p>Frank and Jack had remained quiet up to this +time, but now the former took a step after his +commander, exclaiming:</p> + +<p>"Aren't you going to get us out of this, sir? +You can explain that we have done no wrong."</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings turned toward him.</p> + +<p>"I have this officer's word," he said, indicating +the boys' captor, "that you were captured under +suspicious circumstances. I thought I knew you—both +of you—but it may be that I have been mistaken. +Stranger things have happened than for a +man to sell out to the enemy. I cannot interfere +with the officer in the performance of his duty."</p> + +<p>"But, sir——" began Jack.</p> + +<p>Now the officer interrupted.</p> + +<p>"You know them?" he asked of Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"I thought I did," was the reply. "It would +seem that I have been mistaken."</p> + +<p>"I should say it does," said the officer. "Certainly +they were making their way down the river +for no good purpose."</p> + +<p>"I am afraid I must agree with you. However, +I shall not interfere. You may do as you think +best with them."</p> + +<p>"Very good, sir." The officer motioned the boys +to precede him to the stairs at the far end of the +room. "Up with you," he commanded.</p> + +<p>Frank hung back.</p> + +<p>"Prod him up a bit there, men," instructed the +officer.</p> + +<p>A second man advanced and pushed his revolver +against Frank's ribs.</p> + +<p>"Move along," he commanded gruffly.</p> + +<p>"Now look here——" began the lad, but Jack +interrupted him.</p> + +<p>"Come, Frank, don't be a fool," he said.</p> + +<p>He led the way up the stairs, and Frank, still +grumbling, followed. At the top of the steps the +boys were marched into a small room. The door +closed behind them and a key turned in the lock.</p> + +<p>"Now," said Frank, turning to his friend, "what +is the meaning of all this?"</p> + +<p>"You know just as much about it as I do," was +the reply.</p> + +<p>"But a word from Lord Hastings would have +settled all this."</p> + +<p>"But he didn't give it, did he?"</p> + +<p>"No, he didn't; and that's what seems so strange. +It looks to me as though we are in for a peck of +trouble."</p> + +<p>"Say! you heard what Lord Hastings said about +'selling out.' Do you think he believes us guilty +of such a thing?"</p> + +<p>"It's hard to tell what a man believes in times +like these. Men have been stood up against a wall +and shot on less evidence. You remember taking +a shot at the other boat, don't you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, but——"</p> + +<p>"'Buts' won't help us any, I'm afraid. I can't +account for Lord Hastings' actions, but you may +be sure he has good reasons for whatever he does. +It may even be true that he suspects us."</p> + +<p>"By George! I don't believe that," exclaimed +Frank.</p> + +<p>"It doesn't seem possible; but still you can't tell."</p> + +<p>"But what are we going to do?"</p> + +<p>"Do? There is nothing we can do. We'll have +to stay here until they decide what to do with us. +There is nothing else to do."</p> + +<p>The boys kept up their conversation for some +time, and the more they talked the more they became +convinced that their plight was more serious +than they had at first supposed. It seemed very +plain to them now that Lord Hastings must believe +in their guilt and that he would not raise a finger +in their behalf.</p> + +<p>It was after midnight and the boys were still +talking when the key again turned in the lock of +the heavy door. It swung inward and their captor +entered.</p> + +<p>"Down stairs," he said briefly, motioning them +to march down ahead of him.</p> + +<p>The lads obeyed this order.</p> + +<p>There was no one in the room below; and the +lads sat down before the fireplace to await whatever +might transpire.</p> + +<p>"There will be no use trying to escape," said +their captor. "The place is surrounded. You +would be shot down like dogs. Now just be as +comfortable as you can. I have business elsewhere."</p> + +<p>He wheeled about quickly and disappeared +through the door and the lads heard him lock it +after him.</p> + +<p>"Well, why are we allowed to sit here in solitary +glory?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>"Ask me something easy," returned Jack. +"We're here; that's all I know about it. However, +I don't imagine we shall be here alone very long."</p> + +<p>And he was right, although the first corner could +not possibly have been in his mind, nor the nature +of his coming.</p> + +<p>Jack's attention was attracted toward the window +by a slight squeaky sound. The lad glanced toward +it, but no second sound followed immediately.</p> + +<p>"Sounded like some one at the window," he +said to Frank.</p> + +<p>"I didn't hear anything," said the latter.</p> + +<p>A moment later the noise came again. Jack sat +up straight in his chair.</p> + +<p>"Hear that?" he asked.</p> + +<p>Frank nodded affirmatively.</p> + +<p>"Some one there, all right," he agreed.</p> + +<p>He made as though to rise, but Jack stayed him.</p> + +<p>"Wait and see what happens," he said softly.</p> + +<p>Both leaned back in their chairs and seemed to +pay no further heed to the window. But without +looking each became aware that the window was +being raised softly, and clear across the room they +could hear the breathing of a man. A foot sounded +on the floor and at that moment both boys sprang +to their feet and faced the intruder.</p> + +<p>Before either could speak, the newcomer laid a +finger to his lips in a sign for silence and came +toward them.</p> + +<p>"Quick!" he whispered, when he was close to +them. "Tell me what you have learned. This may +be your only chance!"</p> + +<p>Frank and Jack stepped back in astonishment.</p> + +<p>"Tell you what?" demanded the latter.</p> + +<p>"What you have learned," repeated the man. +"About the vanishing submarines. What has happened +to them?"</p> + +<p>Noticing the apparently puzzled looks on the +faces of the two boys, the man smiled slightly and +thrust a hand into his inside vest pocket.</p> + +<p>"I see," he whispered. "You want to be sure +it is all right. Here. Look!" he exhibited a small +card. "My number. Thirty-two. See it?"</p> + +<p>Jack's quick mind took in the situation on the +instant.</p> + +<p>"But you are no German," he protested.</p> + +<p>"No, I'm English. Name of Davis. But I am +in the game for what it's worth, the same as you +are."</p> + +<p>"I see," said Frank. "And you have been sent +after our information?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; and I shall have to hurry. We may be +interrupted at any moment."</p> + +<p>"We haven't had time to jot down anything," +said Jack, "but we'll tell you what we have learned."</p> + +<p>He whispered for some moments and Davis +nodded understandingly. At last the boy ceased +his whispering.</p> + +<p>"And that's all you know?" asked Davis.</p> + +<p>"Absolutely all," replied Jack, and added to himself, +"and a whole lot more than I know, for that +matter."</p> + +<p>"Then," said Davis, "you believe that if we can +get to the mouth of the Thames we can learn the +whole secret?"</p> + +<p>"That is my opinion," said Jack.</p> + +<p>"Good; then I'll pass the word along. Good-bye."</p> + +<p>Davis moved toward the window and a moment +later disappeared on the outside.</p> + +<p>"Now," said Frank to Jack, "just what did you +tell that fellow? I couldn't hear all that whispering."</p> + +<p>"Well," replied Jack, "I told him we had learned +very little; but that the secret of the whole affair +was at the mouth of the Thames; that that was +where we were heading for when we were captured."</p> + +<p>"And did you give him some kind of a hint as +to the nature of the mystery?"</p> + +<p>Jack smiled.</p> + +<p>"Well, yes," he said. "I told him he would find +some queer explosives there and a large number +of swift torpedo boat destroyers, equipped with +submarine nets. I told him that these made nightly +raids into the Channel and the North Sea and thus +disposed of the German submarines."</p> + +<p>"And he believed it?"</p> + +<p>"He seemed to. But that was the best I could +do on short notice and knowing no more than I +do of the matter."</p> + +<p>"Well, it wasn't so bad," grinned Frank.</p> + +<p>"I flatter myself that it could have been worse," +returned Jack modestly.</p> + +<p>They fell into a long silence, which was suddenly +broken by Frank, who exclaimed anxiously:</p> + +<p>"Say! Do you suppose that could have been a +trap?"</p> + +<p>"Trap?" repeated Jack. "What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"I mean, do you think Lord Hastings or some +of the other British officers sent that man here +simply to get evidence against us?"</p> + +<p>"By Jove!" exclaimed Jack. "I never thought +of that. Whew! Maybe I have gotten us into +worse trouble than ever."</p> + +<p>"If it was a trap, I guess you have," returned +Frank glumly. "Yes, it was a good job you did, +I don't think."</p> + +<p>"Wait a minute, though," said Jack. "If it were +a trap, it would be plainly evident we didn't know +what we were talking about. That should be +enough to let us out."</p> + +<p>"Unless they believe we smelled a mouse and +acted accordingly," returned Frank.</p> + +<p>"Oh, well," said Jack, "there is no use worrying +about it. We'll have to take what comes and that's +all there is about it. Now, I'm going to rest a bit. +When they come in, wake me up."</p> + +<p>He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes; +and in the meantime Frank continued to turn events +over in his mind.</p> + +<p>Half an hour later Lord Hastings, the man who +had led the party that captured the boys, a figure +attired in the uniform of a colonel of infantry, and +several others entered the room. The uniformed +man Frank immediately took to be Colonel Masterson, +and he was right. Frank nudged Jack and +the latter opened his eyes. Then both boys got to +their feet.</p> + +<p>"So these are the German spies, eh?" said Colonel +Masterson.</p> + +<p>"That's not true," declared Frank hotly. "We +are no more spies than you are."</p> + +<p>"So?" said the colonel insinuatingly. "Then +how does it happen you hold such friendly conversation +with another man who is under suspicion?"</p> + +<p>Frank's heart sank. So it had been a trap, after +all.</p> + +<p>"I can explain that, sir," said the boy, turning to +Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"I have no doubt of that," was the reply. "The +question is, can you explain it satisfactorily?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, we can," interrupted Jack.</p> + +<p>Here Colonel Masterson took a hand again. He +spoke to Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"What shall we do with them?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"That, colonel, is for you to decide," was Lord +Hastings' reply.</p> + +<p>"Do you think it necessary to call a court martial?" +continued the colonel.</p> + +<p>"In view of the evidence we have, I should say +not," returned Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"And still," said Colonel Masterson, half to himself, +"it seems to me that every man should be +given a chance."</p> + +<p>In the minds of the two boys now there was not +the slightest doubt that they were in as perilous +a situation as they had ever faced.</p> + +<p>"Lord Hastings," said Jack quietly, "I assure you +you are all mistaken. However, we shall protest +our innocence no longer, for I see it would be +useless."</p> + +<p>And then the two lads were treated to one of +the surprises of their lives. Lord Hastings' stern +expression gave way to a smile, and he strode +quickly toward them and extended a hand to each.</p> + +<p>"Surely," he said, "you didn't think I doubted +you."</p> + +<p>The lads were too stunned to say a word.</p> + +<p>"I just wanted to teach you a little lesson," continued +Lord Hastings. "In the future, perhaps +you will neither fall short nor go beyond your +orders. I ordered you to Gravesend. You should +not have gone beyond."</p> + +<p>"But Davis, sir?" exclaimed Frank.</p> + +<p>"As long as you were here, apparently prisoners," +was the reply, "I simply used you to advantage. +Davis is a German spy."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV" />CHAPTER IV.</h2> + +<h3>STRANGE WARFARE.</h3> + + +<p>It was the following night.</p> + +<p>Clad in heavy oilskins, Frank and Jack stood in +the bow of the large, high-powered motorboat as +it sped down the Thames in the darkness. Not a +light was visible anywhere and it was impossible to +see a yard ahead. But in spite of this, the boat +fairly flew over the water; for the strong hand of +Lord Hastings was on the wheel and there was not +a spot in the river with which he was not familiar.</p> + +<p>"Whew!" said Jack, as he turned about to shield +his face from the icy spray. "This is what I call +taking a long chance, if you ask me."</p> + +<p>"I should say so," replied Frank, raising his voice +to a shout to make himself heard above the sound +of the whistling wind. "Wonder how long we are +going to keep this up?"</p> + +<p>"Don't know," responded Jack. "But I don't +feel very comfortable. This is too fast for me."</p> + +<p>"Particularly when you can't see where you are +going," Frank agreed.</p> + +<p>Both became silent and peered into the intense +darkness ahead.</p> + +<p>For possibly half an hour the motorboat continued +its terrific speed; and then it slowed down +abruptly. The two boys heard Lord Hastings call +them. They felt their way to where he stood by +the wheel, for it was impossible to see.</p> + +<p>"Here," said their commander, "take this searchlight +and flash it ahead. See if you can pick up +anything."</p> + +<p>He passed a small but powerful searchlight to +Jack, who again moved to the bow.</p> + +<p>Jack pressed the little button and a tiny but brilliant +light flashed over the water before the boat. +There was nothing in sight, so far as the boy could +see.</p> + +<p>"Nothing ahead, sir," he reported to Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"Guess we had better remain about here, anyhow," +muttered Lord Hastings, half to himself.</p> + +<p>Although the lads had no idea of the nature of +their present mission, they had asked no questions +of their commander. They knew he would tell +them whatever he deemed necessary when the time +was ripe; and until that time they were satisfied to +await whatever might transpire.</p> + +<p>But one thing the boys had noticed which had +given them much food for thought. In the prow +was mounted a small but heavy gun, and a second +one of the same size loomed up formidably astern. +Plainly they were there for a purpose, and Frank +and Jack both realized that there was serious work +ahead of them.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings himself had examined both guns +carefully and announced that they were in first-class +condition.</p> + +<p>"All ready for use," he had said.</p> + +<p>And now, although neither lad knew it, the time +was fast approaching when they were to be greatly +needed.</p> + +<p>Several times in the course of the next hour Lord +Hastings ordered Jack to see what he could pick up +ahead; but each time the result had been the same. +There was nothing to disturb the calm peacefulness +of the night.</p> + +<p>And then they were spared the need of another +look, for there suddenly loomed up less than a +hundred yards ahead a dull-glowing white light.</p> + +<p>"To the forward gun, Mr. Templeton," ordered +Lord Hastings, thus, for the first time on this mission, +falling into old aboard-ship terms.</p> + +<p>Jack sprang forward.</p> + +<p>"Man the gun astern."</p> + +<p>Frank obeyed this command with alacrity.</p> + +<p>Then the two lads awaited developments.</p> + +<p>Apparently the craft ahead had not discovered +the presence of the motorboat containing Lord +Hastings, Jack, Frank, and a crew of four men; +neither did the distance between the two boats seem +to diminish. The two were not approaching each +other.</p> + +<p>"Twenty-five knots," came Lord Hastings' command, +and the little craft seemed to leap ahead.</p> + +<p>The light ahead drew closer.</p> + +<p>"Train your gun on her, Mr. Templeton," ordered +Lord Hastings, "and if I give the command, +fire to sink her."</p> + +<p>This command was needless, for Jack had already +gauged the range and trained the gun. Nevertheless +he replied:</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>The pursuers now had approached within fifty +yards of their quarry, and still not a sound save +an occasional order from Lord Hastings had broken +the stillness of the night. There had been nothing +to indicate that the other boat was even occupied, +save the sudden appearance of the light aboard.</p> + +<p>But now, as the pursuers crept even closer, there +came a sudden startled exclamation from ahead; +and at the same moment the light disappeared.</p> + +<p>"Fire!" cried Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"Boom!"</p> + +<p>Jack had fired the gun.</p> + +<p>There was another startled exclamation from +ahead.</p> + +<p>"Did you hit her?" asked Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"Think so, sir," replied Jack. "Don't see how +I could have missed at that distance."</p> + +<p>"We'll cruise about a bit and see," said Lord +Hastings.</p> + +<p>He gave the command and the motorboat slowed +down.</p> + +<p>For half an hour the little craft circled about, +but there was no trace of the other boat. All +aboard flashed searchlights about the water, and the +larger light in the bow was turned on, casting a +bright ray over the water.</p> + +<p>"They've either gone away or to the bottom, sir," +said Frank.</p> + +<p>"And I guess it's away," said Lord Hastings. +"Jack must have missed."</p> + +<p>"Don't see how I could, sir," declared the lad.</p> + +<p>"Better let me try with a revolver next time," +put in Frank. "I know I could have landed one +of them."</p> + +<p>"Well, they have gone. But we'll get them if +we have to follow them for a month."</p> + +<p>"Who, sir?" asked Frank, who could restrain his +curiosity no longer.</p> + +<p>"Why, your fellow conspirators, Davis and Baron +Blosberg."</p> + +<p>"Baron who?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>"Blosberg. He is the man we are after. We +have evidence to prove that he is at the head of a +body of spies that have been divulging our plans +to the enemy. Davis is merely one of his instruments."</p> + +<p>"I don't know anything about the baron," interrupted +Jack, "but if he is anything like Davis, I +haven't any use for him on general principles."</p> + +<p>"He's just a bit worse, if that is possible," declared +Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"Then we shall have to get him," declared Frank.</p> + +<p>"Right," agreed Jack. "A man like that is too +dangerous to be running around loose."</p> + +<p>"We may as well proceed then," Lord Hastings +decided. "The chances are we shall find them at +the mouth of the river. However, we will hardly +pick them up before daylight."</p> + +<p>And Lord Hastings was right.</p> + +<p>Day dawned cool and grey, and in spite of their +heavy oilskins, Frank and Jack were chilled to the +bone from their long stay in the cold. Several +times Lord Hastings had asked them if they wished +to go below and warm up a bit, but each was too +interested to leave his post for a moment.</p> + +<p>"Can't tell what minute we may run across them, +sir," Jack had said, "and I want to get even for +the miss I made a while ago."</p> + +<p>A slight fog rose over the water. Lord Hastings +gave an exclamation of impatience.</p> + +<p>"Even the elements conspire against us," he said +aggrievedly.</p> + +<p>"It's not much of a fog, sir," said Jack. "It may +lift at any minute."</p> + +<p>But it didn't lift, and at noon was as dense as +before.</p> + +<p>But the very fact of the fog finally brought the +pursuers upon their quarry.</p> + +<p>A small boat appeared suddenly perhaps a hundred +yards ahead, barely visible in the gloom.</p> + +<p>"Looks like them, sir," declared Jack.</p> + +<p>"What makes you think so?" demanded Lord +Hastings, at the same time throwing over the +wheel.</p> + +<p>"I don't know, sir," replied Jack. "I don't really +mean it looks like them. I just think it is them. +It's what Frank would call a—a—a——"</p> + +<p>"Hunch." Frank supplied the word.</p> + +<p>"That's it," agreed Jack. "A hunch, sir."</p> + +<p>"We'll see," said Lord Hastings grimly.</p> + +<p>At this moment the occupants of the craft ahead +realized that they were pursued. The boat bounded +ahead with a sudden burst of speed.</p> + +<p>"It must be they," declared Lord Hastings. "If +they were not here for some ulterior purpose they +wouldn't run."</p> + +<p>He signalled full speed ahead and the motorboat +sprang forward.</p> + +<p>"Shall I have a shot at them?" shouted Jack.</p> + +<p>"Not yet," replied Lord Hastings. "It may not +be the boat we are after."</p> + +<p>The race continued.</p> + +<p>Suddenly the foremost boat swerved sharply to +the left, then dashed straight ahead again.</p> + +<p>"They are heading for the shore, sir!" shouted +Jack.</p> + +<p>The pursuing boat also swerved sharply, one side +dipping to the water's edge and all but throwing +Jack overboard.</p> + +<p>"So they are," replied Lord Hastings, "Gun +ready, Mr. Templeton?"</p> + +<p>"All ready, sir."</p> + +<p>"Good. Try and do better this time. Fire!"</p> + +<p>"Boom!" went the little gun, and all strained +eagerly forward to watch the result of the shot.</p> + +<p>A volume of water shot up a few yards behind +the pursued.</p> + +<p>"Missed again," said Frank sorrowfully.</p> + +<p>"Again," commanded Lord Hastings. "Fire!"</p> + +<p>And the second shot also went wide, for even as +Jack fired the boat ahead again swerved suddenly. +Now the pursued began to steer first to one side +and then to the other, momentarily approaching +closer to shore, however.</p> + +<p>Twice more Jack fired in response to Lord +Hastings' command, but the result was always the +same. As long as the pursued continued to zig-zag +there was little hope of a successful shot.</p> + +<p>But in the meantime the pursuers were gaining. +A bullet from ahead whistled over Frank's head.</p> + +<p>The lad grew angry and drew his own revolver. +Taking careful aim, he fired. So far as he could +see there was no result.</p> + +<p>"Where's that infallible aim of yours?" demanded +Jack.</p> + +<p>Frank made no reply but fired again. This time +his effort was rewarded.</p> + +<p>A figure straightened up in the boat ahead, +waved his arms above his head, and with a cry +toppled into the water. The boat did not slow +down. The others plainly did not intend to take +the time to attempt a rescue.</p> + +<p>"Shall we pick him up, sir?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings shook his head.</p> + +<p>"We have more serious business in hand," he +replied. "He will have to take his chances."</p> + +<p>Still the pursuers gained; but it became apparent +now that they could not hope to overtake their +quarry before he reached shore.</p> + +<p>"Ready to take a shot as they jump out of the +boat," was Lord Hastings' command.</p> + +<p>All drew their revolvers and stood ready.</p> + +<p>Now, there was little doubt in the minds of all +that they could pick off the fugitives as they leaped +ashore, and they probably would have done so but +for an unforeseen occurrence.</p> + +<p>The pursuers had lost a little time in maneuvering +to get in an effective shot, and the pursued now +were more than a hundred yards ahead.</p> + +<p>As the first boat was a scant fifty yards from +shore, a third craft hove in sight, headed down the +river. It was going in such a manner as to pass +directly between pursuer and pursued as the latter +landed.</p> + +<p>In vain Lord Hastings signalled the third boat to +stop. It came on, paying no heed; and what Lord +Hastings feared came to pass. Just as the first boat +grounded and its occupants leaped ashore, the third +craft passed between the first and the pursuers. +Although all held revolvers ready, there was no +chance to fire; and when the pursuers reached shore +their quarry were some distance away.</p> + +<p>"After them!" cried Jack.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V" />CHAPTER V.</h2> + +<h3>THE END OF BLOSBERG.</h3> + + +<p>Lord Hastings and Frank needed no urging. +With a cry to the other occupants of the boat to +remain there until they returned, Lord Hastings +leaped lightly ashore and dashed in pursuit of the +fugitives. Jack and Frank were close at his heels.</p> + +<p>All had drawn their revolvers and a weapon +swung in the right hand of each as he sped over +the ground.</p> + +<p>Ahead the fugitives had redoubled their efforts. +A quick backward glance had showed them they +were pursued and now they sped over the ground +as fast as their legs would carry them.</p> + +<p>Frank gradually forged ahead of the others. At +school the lad had always been known as something +of a sprinter and his training stood him in +good stead now.</p> + +<p>"Wait for us," panted Lord Hastings, but Frank +paid no heed and continued to lengthen the distance +between himself and his friends.</p> + +<p>The fugitives had now reached the first street off +the waterfront and were dashing along it madly, +still more than a hundred yards ahead of Frank, +their nearest pursuer. Strangely enough, there was +not another soul in sight at this minute, for they +were still at the extreme edge of the city.</p> + +<p>But at this moment a man suddenly came out of +a building ahead and stood looking at the running +men curiously. Frank raised his voice.</p> + +<p>"Stop 'em!" he shouted.</p> + +<p>The man stepped directly in front of the fugitives +and threw up a hand, signifying for them to halt. +But the fugitives had no time to waste on him. +Frank saw Davis, who was slightly in advance of +Blosberg, extend his arm before him; and a moment +later the man who would have stayed the +fugitives' progress went sprawling in the street. +In the language of the football field, Davis had +"stiff-armed" him.</p> + +<p>Neither Davis nor his companion had slowed up +for this maneuver, so the pursuers had gained nothing +because of the stranger's attempt to aid them.</p> + +<p>Davis and Blosberg now came to a cross street +and turned the corner without slackening their +speed. Frank, still gaining steadily, darted around +it a few seconds later, now less than seventy-five +yards from his quarry. Lord Hastings and Jack, +running about evenly, were still fifty yards behind +Frank.</p> + +<p>The fugitives doubled around the next corner +without diminishing their speed and Frank did likewise. +The next corner saw the same maneuver +enacted, and this time Frank brought up against +trouble as he followed unwarily.</p> + +<p>As the lad turned the corner something struck +him in the face and he went tumbling to the ground +in a heap. He felt as though he had collided with +a wall. He was just picking himself up when Jack +and Lord Hastings darted around the corner and +almost stumbled over him.</p> + +<p>Jack would have stopped, but Frank shouted:</p> + +<p>"After them! Never mind me."</p> + +<p>Jack and Lord Hastings dashed on, and Frank +pulled himself up and took account of his injury. +A stream of blood flowed from a cut just over his +left eye, but Frank knew that he was not badly hurt.</p> + +<p>"One of them bumped me with his fist," the lad +told himself. "I wonder which? Guess it must +have been Davis. I don't believe a German could +do as much damage with his hand."</p> + +<p>Quickly he staunched the flow of blood and then +darted after Jack and Lord Hastings, who at that +moment were disappearing around another corner.</p> + +<p>In spite of the cut on his face, Frank felt greatly +refreshed by his enforced but brief rest, and he took +after the others with renewed energy.</p> + +<p>"They must be getting pretty tired," he told himself +as he dashed along. "If Jack and Lord Hastings +can just keep them in sight until I overtake +them, I'll promise not to be fooled again."</p> + +<p>Two minutes later he was again on even terms +with Jack and Lord Hastings, and a moment later +once more took the lead. A minute later he again +found himself less than fifty yards behind the +fugitives, who were now plodding along more +slowly and plainly out of wind.</p> + +<p>"A little sprint here, I guess," Frank muttered +to himself, and suited the action to the word.</p> + +<p>But the fugitives were able to round another +corner before the lad could come up with them. +Remembering his past experience, Frank turned +the corner more warily and then he came to a dead +stop, a cry of dismay on his lips.</p> + +<p>There was no one in sight.</p> + +<p>"Now what in the name of all that's wonderful +can have happened to them?" he asked himself.</p> + +<p>He looked around quickly. The fugitives were +not on the street. Frank gazed at the house before +which he stood. It was a two-story brick building +and stood right upon the street. There was no +yard. A flight of eight stone steps led to a small +vestibule.</p> + +<p>"Guess they must have gone up there," the lad +muttered.</p> + +<p>He moved up the steps just as Lord Hastings and +Jack hove in sight around the corner. They pulled +up at Frank's side.</p> + +<p>"Where did they go?" demanded Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"I don't know," replied Frank, "unless they went +in this house."</p> + +<p>"We'll have a look," said Lord Hastings briefly, +and mounted the steps.</p> + +<p>Frank and Jack followed him.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings turned the knob and the door +opened easily.</p> + +<p>"Look out, sir," warned Frank. "They're liable +to take a shot at you from some place."</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings did not reply, but issued orders +rapidly.</p> + +<p>"Frank, you take the rear door. If it's locked +the chances are they are in the house. Jack, hunt +the door to the basement and stand guard there, +also keeping an eye on this door if possible. I'll try +and round them up."</p> + +<p>The two lads nodded their understanding of these +orders. Jack found a door leading to the basement, +in the hall, fortunately still in view of the front +door. Frank dashed to the rear of the house and +found the back door still locked.</p> + +<p>"They must be in here, then," declared Lord +Hastings.</p> + +<p>He examined his revolver carefully and then, +holding it ready for instant use, entered the front +room. There was no one there.</p> + +<p>In vain Lord Hastings explored all the downstairs +rooms. There was no one to be found. He +came again into the hall.</p> + +<p>"Must be upstairs," he said to Jack as he passed +him.</p> + +<p>He mounted the stairs rapidly, though cautiously. +In the first room he entered he found nothing. +The door of the second room was shut. Lord +Hastings laid a hand on the knob and turned it. +The door opened easily and Lord Hastings stepped +over the threshold.</p> + +<p>And even as he would have moved into the room +a hand, gripping the barrel of a revolver, was raised +in the air and descended violently in the direction +of Lord Hastings' head. Fortunately the latter +caught the glint of steel and whirled in time to +dodge the blow and grasp the arm that delivered it. +At the same time he shouted:</p> + +<p>"Frank! Jack! Upstairs!"</p> + +<p>Then he gave his entire attention to his foes, of +whom he now found, there were two. Lord Hastings +recognized the man whose arm he grasped as +Davis. Blosberg, with levelled revolver, was circling +about the struggling figures, seeking an opportunity +to shoot Lord Hastings without wounding +Davis.</p> + +<p>With a mighty effort Lord Hastings lifted Davis +clear of his feet and, exerting tremendous strength, +swung him around. There was a sound of a thud, +and Davis' figure dropped limply to the floor. His +head had come in contact with the solid wall.</p> + +<p>At the same moment Blosberg fired and Lord +Hastings felt a stinging sensation in his left shoulder.</p> + +<p>He staggered back.</p> + +<p>Blosberg took advantage of this and darted out +the door just as Frank appeared at the top of the +steps. Both raised their revolvers at the same +moment, but Blosberg was the first to fire.</p> + +<p>Frank's gun seemed to explode in his hand. It +leaped in the air like a live thing and the lad felt a +strange sensation in his hand. He wiggled his fingers, +but now he was unable to tell whether he had +a right hand or not. There was no feeling there. +Blosberg's bullet had struck the lad's revolver and +the shock had numbed the lad's hand.</p> + +<p>Before Frank could recover, Blosberg had darted +down the hall and turned into a narrow passageway +at the end of it, disappearing just in time to escape +a bullet from Jack's revolver, the lad appearing +on the second floor at that moment.</p> + +<p>He dashed after Blosberg.</p> + +<p>Turning off the main hall into the narrow passage +at the end, Jack brought up sharply against +an object in the semi-darkness; but he found no +Blosberg. Quickly he took a match from his pocket +and struck it. There was no sign of Blosberg, and +Jack made out that the object that had interrupted +his progress was a ladder leading upward toward +the roof.</p> + +<p>"He's up on the roof," cried Jack. "Come on."</p> + +<p>Without taking thought of what danger might +be in store for him above, he mounted the ladder +rapidly.</p> + +<p>When Blosberg reached the roof he had replaced +the trapdoor, but he wasted no time, and began +looking for a means of descent. He still held a +gun in his hand and whirled sharply as the trapdoor +suddenly flew open. He saw Jack at the +same moment Jack saw him, and both fired.</p> + +<p>But the aim of each was poor and Jack followed +his shot by leaping to the roof. Then he dropped +down suddenly as Blosberg fired again, and, still +unharmed, drew himself quickly behind a chimney +nearby. Blosberg took refuge behind a second +chimney.</p> + +<p>Now Lord Hastings' head appeared and drew +back suddenly as Blosberg took a quick shot at +him.</p> + +<p>"All right, sir, come on!" called Jack. "I'll get +him if he tries to pot you again."</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings sprang through the opening and +a moment later Frank also appeared on the roof. +Blosberg made no effort to fire again, apparently +realizing the hopelessness of his case.</p> + +<p>Frank and Lord Hastings now had taken their +places with Jack behind the chimney.</p> + +<p>"Well, we can't fool around here all day," said +Jack. "We'll circle about and one of us can get +him."</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings, wounded, was left behind the +chimney, while Frank, who had produced another +revolver, leaped out suddenly to the left, Jack at +the same time springing to the right. Then they +moved forward.</p> + +<p>"Hold on," came Blosberg's voice at this moment. +"I surrender."</p> + +<p>The three friends breathed easier.</p> + +<p>"Drop your gun and come out—and have your +hands in the air," ordered Jack, still holding his +revolver ready.</p> + +<p>A moment later Blosberg appeared, unarmed.</p> + +<p>Jack lowered his own weapon, and as he did so +Blosberg, with a sudden cry, dashed forward and +leaped off the roof into space.</p> + +<p>For a brief instant Jack was stunned; then he +dashed to the edge of the roof and peered over. +He saw Blosberg's twisting, tumbling body crash +head-first upon the hard walk, and then lay still.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI" />CHAPTER VI.</h2> + +<h3>WITH THE MOTORBOAT FLEET.</h3> + + +<p>Frank and Lord Hastings also came quickly +forward and peered over the edge of the roof.</p> + +<p>Jack wiped beads of perspiration from his face; +then turned and lifted his hat.</p> + +<p>"That," he said quietly, "took nerve; for he must +have known he would be killed."</p> + +<p>"But he preferred it to falling into the hands of +an enemy," said Frank. "He was a brave man."</p> + +<p>"Come," said Lord Hastings; "we shall go down +and carry him into the house. Then we shall notify +the civil authorities and they can take charge of his +body."</p> + +<p>They made their way down stairs and tenderly +carried the body of the Baron into the house, where +they stretched out his mangled form as well as +possible and covered it with a sheet. Lord Hastings +went to the telephone in the hall and notified the +authorities.</p> + +<p>"Well," he said, "we may as well go now."</p> + +<p>"How about your wound, sir?" asked Jack. "I +saw blood on your coat a moment ago."</p> + +<p>"True; I had forgotten," replied Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>He stripped off his coat and Jack examined the +wound.</p> + +<p>"Just a scratch," he said cheerfully. "I'll fix it +up in a jiffy, sir."</p> + +<p>He did a neat job and Lord Hastings again +donned his coat and turned to go.</p> + +<p>"Wait a minute, sir; you are forgetting something," +exclaimed Frank.</p> + +<p>"What's that?" asked Lord Hastings in surprise.</p> + +<p>"Davis, sir."</p> + +<p>"By Jove! I had forgotten all about that scoundrel," +said Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>He led the way to the room where he had so +recently placed Davis hors de combat, but there +was no Davis there.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings was greatly crestfallen.</p> + +<p>"I should not have forgotten him," he said. "He +may work more mischief around here."</p> + +<p>"The chances are, knowing he has been discovered, +he'll make himself extremely scarce," suggested +Frank. "He'll probably figure that his usefulness +here is at an end."</p> + +<p>"Well, that's probably true," admitted Lord +Hastings.</p> + +<p>"We'll come across him again some place," said +Jack. "I wonder if he recognized us as the ones +from whom be obtained his information?"</p> + +<p>"I wonder, too," said Frank with a laugh. "If +not, he probably believes we are in trouble. Guess +he will imagine we have been executed as spies +by this time."</p> + +<p>"To tell the truth, I don't believe he recognized +us," said Jack. "We were too far away for that."</p> + +<p>"Except for the time he laid me out down the +street there," said Frank ruefully. "Then the +chances are he didn't take time to look at me. And +he was unconscious when we came upstairs here. +No, I don't believe he recognized us."</p> + +<p>"Well, I hope we shall have the pleasure of introducing +ourselves to him more fully at some +future date," said Jack.</p> + +<p>"And I have a hunch that we shall," declared +Frank.</p> + +<p>"There is nothing more to be done here," said +Lord Hastings at this juncture. "We'll get back +to our boat."</p> + +<p>Accordingly they took their leave of the house, +and half an hour later were again moving down +the waters of the Thames.</p> + +<p>"Where to now, sir?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings smiled slightly.</p> + +<p>"Can't wait until you find out, eh?" he replied. +"Well, I'll tell you. We are about to do a little +submarine chasing."</p> + +<p>"Submarine chasing?" exclaimed both lads.</p> + +<p>"Exactly."</p> + +<p>"Good!" ejaculated Frank. "And where is our +vessel, sir?"</p> + +<p>"If you will look about a little you will see it," +replied Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>Frank and Jack let their eyes roam over the broad +expanse of the Thames, but they could see nothing +but a few small boats of various sorts—nothing +bearing the slightest resemblance to a ship of war.</p> + +<p>"I don't see anything that looks like it, sir," +declared the boy.</p> + +<p>"That," said Lord Hastings, "is because you +insist on looking too far away. You don't see it +for the reason that you are sitting in it right now."</p> + +<p>"What, sir?" exclaimed Frank. "Sitting in it +now? You mean we are going submarine chasing +in this motorboat?"</p> + +<p>"Exactly," replied Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"But, sir——" began Jack.</p> + +<p>"You'll find," interrupted Lord Hastings, "that +for submarine warfare there is nothing to equal +the motorboat—particularly a swift motorboat such +as this; and we are now on our way to join the +fleet."</p> + +<p>"Fleet? Fleet of what?" asked Jack, with some +sarcasm. "Fleet of motorboats, perhaps?"</p> + +<p>"Precisely," said Lord Hastings with a smile, +and added: "You don't seem to think much of the +idea."</p> + +<p>"No, I don't, sir," was the reply. "I was in +hopes that we were to feel a real vessel beneath our +feet once more. What good is a motorboat against +a submarine, anyway?"</p> + +<p>"That's what I would like to know," agreed +Frank.</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you," replied Lord Hastings. "But first +let me ask you something. Do you remember, the +other day, of asking me to explain the mystery of +the vanishing submarines?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," replied both lads.</p> + +<p>"Very well. The solution of this mystery is, +primarily, motorboats."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean, sir?" exclaimed Jack.</p> + +<p>"Just what I say. In the main, the possible hundred +German submarines that have disappeared recently +have been accounted for by high-speed, +powerfully armed motorboats. The government +has discovered, after much experimenting, that the +one craft with an advantage over a submarine is a +powerful motorboat; and England now has a fleet +of several hundred scouring the seas in the proximity +of the British Isles."</p> + +<p>"But I can't see where they would do any good," +said Jack.</p> + +<p>"In the first place," said Lord Hastings, "they +are so small that they escape the notice of a submarine +until the motorboat is almost upon them; +and then it is too late for them to act. Also, the +motorboat, being small, is a much more difficult object +to hit with a torpedo—it is, in fact, a very poor +target. Then again, a motorboat is so much swifter +than a submarine that the advantage is all with the +motorboat."</p> + +<p>"By Jove, sir! the way you explain it I can see +the advantages," said Jack eagerly.</p> + +<p>"And so can I," agreed Frank.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings smiled.</p> + +<p>"You are easily convinced," he replied. "Had +some of the admiralty officials been convinced half +so easily, this submarine menace might have been +effectually stopped long before this."</p> + +<p>As the motorboat continued down the Thames, +each occupant remained busy with his thoughts. +It was Frank who broke the silence.</p> + +<p>"What has happened to the torpedoboat destroyers, +sir?" he asked. "I understood they were the +real submarine foe, with their heavy nets."</p> + +<p>"They are still in use," replied Lord Hastings. +"You know how they work their nets, I suppose?"</p> + +<p>"Why, I think so, sir. The net is carried by two +ships, and when a submarine crashes into the net +she either tangles her nose or her stern in the net +and can be disposed of with ease."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but what I want to know," said Jack, "is +why she doesn't fire a torpedo through the net and +sink the torpedoboat?"</p> + +<p>"Because," said Lord Hastings, with a smile, +"being beneath the water, she is blind. She doesn't +know in which direction to fire it. You forget that +the German submarines are not equipped as was the +D-16."</p> + +<p>"The good old D-16," said Jack. "How I wish +we had her again, sir."</p> + +<p>"And I," agreed Lord Hastings. "And yet she +came near being the death of all of us."</p> + +<p>"So she did," said Frank, "but at the same time +I wouldn't mind being aboard another such craft."</p> + +<p>"Well, just between the three of us," said Lord +Hastings, "I may tell you that another such craft +now is nearing completion and probably will be at +our disposal within a month."</p> + +<p>"You don't mean it, sir!" exclaimed Frank happily.</p> + +<p>"If he didn't mean it he wouldn't say so," Jack +reproved his chum.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know that," replied Frank. "But it seems +too good to be true."</p> + +<p>"But just where are we bound now, sir?" asked +Jack.</p> + +<p>"Well," said Lord Hastings, "at first we shall do +a little cruising off the Irish coast. In fact, most +of the motorboat fleet is in Irish waters. Since +the sinking of the <i>Lusitania</i>, most of the work has +been done there; and apparently the German government<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">is still bent upon the destruction of big</span><br /> +passenger ships, neutral or not."</p> + +<p>"Well, the sooner we can get busy the better it +will suit me," declared Frank.</p> + +<p>"I agree with you there," said Jack.</p> + +<p>It was a long voyage for the little motorboat, and +though Lord Hastings wished to join the others of +the fleet at the earliest possible moment, he did not +push the little craft, which bore the name of <i>The +Hawk</i>.</p> + +<p>Therefore, it was late the next day when they +came to where the motorboat fleet had its base—Bantry +Bay, on the extreme southern coast of +Ireland.</p> + +<p>As the little motorboat nosed its way into the +harbor, several others dashed forward, with guns +bared and alert figures standing ready for action. +It was not until Lord Hastings had been satisfactorily +identified that the warlike atmosphere disappeared.</p> + +<p>The two lads looked about curiously. The bay +was black with the little craft.</p> + +<p>"Great Scott! There are more than two hundred +here, if you ask me," declared Frank.</p> + +<p>"Looks that way to me, too," agreed Jack.</p> + +<p>They mentioned the matter to Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"Captain Smithers just told me," replied Lord +Hastings, "that at this moment there are in the +neighborhood of a thousand of these little craft +here. However, the bulk of them probably will be +sent to other stations before long."</p> + +<p>"You mean distributed up and down the coast?" +asked Frank.</p> + +<p>"Exactly."</p> + +<p>"And when are we going to get busy, sir?" asked +Jack.</p> + +<p>Again Lord Hastings smiled.</p> + +<p>"To-night," he said, after a moment's hesitation, +"I think I can promise you a little excitement to-night. +Captain Smithers has a tip that he intends +to follow, and we have been selected for the job."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII" />CHAPTER VII.</h2> + +<h3>AN ENEMY.</h3> + + +<p><i>The Hawk</i> crept over the still black waters as +silently as the night itself. Not a light showed +aboard the little craft—not a human voice was +heard. Now and then the faint exhaust of the +engine could have been heard by a keen ear, but the +engine was muffled and whatever sound it might +make carried but a few yards at most.</p> + +<p><i>The Hawk</i>, with Lord Hastings, Jack and Frank +and the other few members of the crew, was stalking +the foe—no particular foe, perhaps—but any +enemy that might be foolhardy enough to show itself.</p> + +<p>Aboard, each member of the crew, besides his +revolvers, was equipped with a small hand flashlight; +and the larger searchlight in the bow was +ready for instant use—to flash in the eyes of an +enemy to blind him and to spoil his aim.</p> + +<p>And the two heavy guns—one forward, the other +aft—were ready for action.</p> + +<p>The men stood at their posts—had stood there +now for two hours—ever since <i>The Hawk</i> had +crept silently from the friendly shelter of Bantry +Bay. The crew had been ordered to silence and the +crew of <i>The Hawk</i>, commanded by Lord Hastings, +obeyed orders.</p> + +<p>So far <i>The Hawk</i> had come upon nothing that +had justified its lonesome and silent vigil—not an +object of any kind had been encountered, and the +hour was now after midnight. Still, keen eyes +aboard the little craft peered untiringly ahead and +swept the waters in all directions, trying to pierce +the darkness of the night.</p> + +<p>The night, though dark, was perfectly calm and +peaceful, albeit black, overhanging clouds heralded +the approach of a storm. But Lord Hastings, than +whom there were few better weather prophets, +announced that the storm would not break before +well along toward morning and held to his quest +without trepidation.</p> + +<p>Frank and Jack were now becoming somewhat +restless, for they had begun to fear that the night's +venture would not bear fruit. However, each remembered +what Lord Hastings had said regarding +a "tip," so they knew that their commander had +some object in view. Also, since leaving port, <i>The +Hawk</i> had held steadily to her course.</p> + +<p>Now and then the commander of <i>The Hawk</i>, by +the faint glare of his searchlight, shielded by his +hand, consulted a chart and several times muttered +low directions to the man at the wheel.</p> + +<p>Suddenly there came a subdued command from +Lord Hastings, and in response the engines were +stopped. Lord Hastings placed a hand to his ear +and listened intently.</p> + +<p>"Did any of you hear anything?" he asked in a +low voice.</p> + +<p>No one had.</p> + +<p>"Strange," muttered Lord Hastings; "I could +have sworn I heard something moving through the +water."</p> + +<p>He gave the command to go ahead again; but +less than five moments later once more brought <i>The +Hawk</i> to a pause.</p> + +<p>"I am sure I heard something," he said to Frank, +who stood near him.</p> + +<p>"I thought I did myself, that time," replied the +lad. "Sounded like a boat, and not a great distance +away."</p> + +<p>"We shall have to be careful," said his commander. +"I know that there is not another British +vessel in these waters to-night. If there is a second +craft out here, it must be an enemy."</p> + +<p>"Shall we flash our light about?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>"And betray our own presence? Not much. +No; we shall just remain here for half an hour and +see if we can't pick up the other fellow in the darkness."</p> + +<p>Again the silence of death hung over <i>The Hawk</i>.</p> + +<p>Then, suddenly, Jack, aft, gave a subdued exclamation.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings hurried to his side.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>"Small craft of some kind bearing down on +us, sir," he replied quickly. "She'll bump us!"</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings took in the situation at a glance. +Less than 150 yards away a small object was coming +toward <i>The Hawk</i>.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings gave a quick command.</p> + +<p>"Full speed ahead!" he cried, and in response to +this command, <i>The Hawk</i> leaped forward.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings hurled a second quick command +to the man at the wheel, and <i>The Hawk</i> came about +in a broad circle; and at the same instant a blinding +glare flashed into the faces of all aboard.</p> + +<p>A searchlight from the other craft had been +turned upon them, lighting <i>The Hawk</i> up like day, +while all those aboard could see was the blinding +glare, the other boat being shielded by this light.</p> + +<p>A shot rang out over the water—the sound of a +heavy gun.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings took prompt action, in spite of the +fact he could not make out the enemy.</p> + +<p>"Turn the searchlight on him!" he shouted.</p> + +<p>A second shot rang out and Frank heard the +whistle of a heavy missile overhead.</p> + +<p>He sprang quickly to the searchlight, and with a +single movement, whirled it about. In another +moment a second white glare lighted up the sea.</p> + +<p>Frank pointed his light squarely at the point from +which he could see the other light came. While +he was unable to see the other boat, because of its +light, he knew that once his own searchlight had +found its object, those aboard the other craft would +no longer be able to see <i>The Hawk</i>.</p> + +<p>Then came the sound of a third shot, but this +time the missile was not even heard, and Frank +knew that he had been successful. The enemy had +lost the range.</p> + +<p>"Good!" shouted Lord Hastings. "And just in +time, I should say. The next shot would have hit +us."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," said Frank quietly. "He's blinded +us, sir, but we have done the same for him. Now +what, sir?"</p> + +<p>"By Jove! I don't know," replied Lord Hastings. +"Here, Jack, stand by this forward gun, and +be ready to let her go the first moment you can +see the enemy. If we can manage to work out from +under his light we may be able to get him. Frank, +don't you let that light off him a minute."</p> + +<p>"I'll keep it on him, sir," replied the lad.</p> + +<p>So there the two boats were, less than a hundred +yards apart, but still unable to do one another harm, +unless by a chance shot. For, although the occupants +aboard each craft could see the light of the +other, they couldn't gauge its origin with accuracy.</p> + +<p>Several times the enemy fired, but without result.</p> + +<p>"Well, we've got to do something," declared Lord +Hastings. "Can any of you suggest anything?"</p> + +<p>"I believe I have a plan, sir," declared Frank.</p> + +<p>"Let's have it quick," said Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"Well, sir, I should say that if you would stand +by the gun, Jack and I can slip over the side in one +of the small boats. We'll make a slight detour, +to get out of the blinding glare, then row toward +the enemy. Without the light in our eyes, we +should be able to pick off a couple of the enemy +with rifles. Then he'll have to shift his light to +hunt new foes. You can be ready and sink him the +moment he does so."</p> + +<p>"That's not a half bad idea," declared Lord Hastings. +"It shall be done. Over with you, lads."</p> + +<p>Quickly Frank and Jack got a little boat over +the side, procured a rifle apiece, and rowed away.</p> + +<p>In spite of the fact that the glare of the enemy's +searchlight was squarely upon them, they could not +be seen because of the light aboard <i>The Hawk</i> playing +upon the eyes of the foe. So, though they +rowed rapidly, they knew they were safe enough.</p> + +<p>Out of the glare of the searchlight, they shaped +their course toward the enemy, whose bulk they +could now see looming up in the darkness.</p> + +<p>"By Jove! It's another motorboat," Frank +whispered.</p> + +<p>Jack nodded his head in the darkness, but did not +reply.</p> + +<p>Less than a hundred feet from the enemy, Frank +made out several forms forward.</p> + +<p>"This is close enough," he whispered to Jack.</p> + +<p>Jack shipped his oars and picked up his rifle. +Frank did likewise.</p> + +<p>"You get the one on the left; I'll take the one on +the extreme right," said Frank. "Then get the one +next your first man if you have time before he +ducks, and I'll do the same."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Jack. "Give the word when +you're ready."</p> + +<p>"Ready! Aim! Fire!" said Frank quietly.</p> + +<p>Two sharp cracks broke the stillness of the night, +followed almost instantly by two more.</p> + +<p>When the lads lowered their rifles and gazed +toward the foe, there was not a man in sight.</p> + +<p>"Don't know whether we got them or they just +ducked," said Frank. "We'll fire a couple of more +shots, enough to make them take their light off +<i>The Hawk</i>."</p> + +<p>They did so, and a moment later their efforts +were rewarded. The searchlight aboard the enemy, +moved by an unseen hand, turned and swept the sea +carefully.</p> + +<p>"Row back!" shouted Frank, and seized his oar.</p> + +<p>Jack followed suit. Quickly the little boat was +brought about and headed back in the general +direction of <i>The Hawk</i>.</p> + +<p>And the enemy's boat was now lighted up by the +glare of <i>The Hawk</i> alone.</p> + +<p>Suddenly the flashlight of the enemy fell squarely +upon the two boys.</p> + +<p>"We're gone now, unless Lord Hastings sinks +them first," said Frank quietly.</p> + +<p>"Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!"</p> + +<p>Bullets began to spatter around the two lads. +One grazed Frank's ear.</p> + +<p>"Guess we had better go overboard," he said, +"They'll——"</p> + +<p>"Boom!"</p> + +<p>The voice of a single big gun spoke once.</p> + +<p>"<i>The Hawk!</i>" cried Frank.</p> + +<p>"Boom!"</p> + +<p>The voice came again.</p> + +<p>And then the boys were left again in darkness +as the enemy sought out <i>The Hawk</i> with his +searchlight.</p> + +<p>"Boom!"</p> + +<p>It was the third word of the forward gun of +<i>The Hawk</i>.</p> + +<p>Cries of terror and confusion came from the +direction of the foe, followed by hoarse German +cries of command.</p> + +<p>"Bully for Lord Hastings!" exclaimed Jack. +"He has scored a hit."</p> + +<p>"Hurrah!" cried Frank, and raised his voice in +a series of cheers.</p> + +<p>The big gun aboard <i>The Hawk</i> did not speak +again, and following <i>The Hawk's</i> searchlight with +their eyes, the two lads saw a mass of wreckage +floating a short distance away.</p> + +<p>"That," said Frank quietly, "is the end of her."</p> + +<p>"Right you are," agreed Jack. "Now we'll go +back to <i>The Hawk</i>."</p> + +<p>Both lads bent to their oars with a will.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII" />CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + +<h3>FRANK IN TROUBLE.</h3> + + +<p>Now perfectly happy, the two boys rowed back +to <i>The Hawk</i> as rapidly as possible. They were +happy for two reasons—first because they were once +more in active service, and second, because they had +just emerged successfully from a desperate venture.</p> + +<p>A light glowed brightly aboard the little motorboat, +now that the enemy had been disposed of; so +the two lads had no trouble making their way back. +Lord Hastings greeted them with outstretched +hands as they went over the side.</p> + +<p>"A pretty good job you made of it," he declared.</p> + +<p>"Well, we did pick off a couple before you got +busy, sir," agreed Frank. "But if you hadn't fired +the moment you did they would have potted us +sure. They had a couple of shots at us, but fortunately, +they didn't have time to get the accurate +range."</p> + +<p>"I had no idea you were so hard pressed," replied +Lord Hastings. "I fired the moment I caught +sight of the foe. Even when the searchlight was +turned from <i>The Hawk</i>, it was a moment or so before +I could make out the enemy. The light had +all but blinded me."</p> + +<p>"There is no harm done, anyhow," Jack put in. +"The enemy is at the bottom of the sea and we are +safe again."</p> + +<p>"Then we may as well continue a bit," declared +Lord Hastings. He turned to give an order, when +Frank interrupted him.</p> + +<p>"Are you sure we are safe, sir?" he questioned.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" demanded his commander.</p> + +<p>"Why, I was just wondering if by any chance +there might be more of the enemy in these waters?"</p> + +<p>"To tell the truth, I hadn't thought of that," replied +Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>Without another word, he turned on his heel and +made his way to the searchlight, which still threw +its brilliant rays across the silent waters. Quickly +he snapped it off; then returned to the lads.</p> + +<p>"We won't be spotted so easily now," he remarked.</p> + +<p>"Unless we have been spotted already," said Jack +dryly.</p> + +<p>And Jack proved to be a better prophet than +he really meant to be.</p> + +<p>At a signal from Lord Hastings, <i>The Hawk</i> now +moved slowly forward again.</p> + +<p>"Can you tell us just where we are bound, sir?" +asked Jack.</p> + +<p>"Well, not exactly," was his commander's reply. +"I have information that leads me to believe an +enemy, or several enemies, may be prowling about +around——"</p> + +<p>An interruption came suddenly and from an altogether +unexpected source, and with the interruption +all aboard became suddenly silent, except Lord +Hastings, who sprang quickly to the wheel, and before +the astonished helmsman knew what was going +on, threw the wheel over hard.</p> + +<p>For the interruption which had come so suddenly +was the voice of a big gun.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings threw the wheel over with such +violence that the motorboat careened desperately +and all but capsized. Frank and Jack saved themselves +from being thrown overboard by a quick +grasp at the rail, to which they clung with all their +might.</p> + +<p>And then, before Lord Hastings could flash the +searchlight across the water, had such been his intention, +a blinding glare lighted up <i>The Hawk</i>. +The enemy had been too quick for those aboard.</p> + +<p>Now another shot rang out and the boys heard +a terrible whistling overhead.</p> + +<p>"Pretty close," said Jack quietly. "They are +liable to get us next time."</p> + +<p>An idea suddenly struck Frank, and he dashed +aft. There he picked up his rifle and hurried forward +again.</p> + +<p>"Hold her steady a minute, sir," he called to Lord +Hastings.</p> + +<p>And the latter, realizing that the lad had some +plan, did as requested without asking a question.</p> + +<p>Quickly Frank raised his rifle to his shoulder, +and pausing just long enough to take careful aim, +fired.</p> + +<p>Frank's keen mind had detected the one hope of +salvation for those aboard <i>The Hawk</i>. The enemy +was very close and the lad realized that the next +shot must find its mark. There was but one thing +to do. The light aboard the enemy must be destroyed; +without it <i>The Hawk</i> could escape, for +minus the light, which was its eye, the foe could +not hope to detect them.</p> + +<p>As Frank's finger pressed the trigger he knew +that he had not missed; and at the same moment he +cried to Lord Hastings:</p> + +<p>"Hard-a-port!"</p> + +<p>Again <i>The Hawk</i> careened desperately in response +to the quick turn of the helm; but it was well +that Lord Hastings had acted upon the instant; +for even as Frank had fired there was another heavy +"boom" and a heavy shell passed the spot where +<i>The Hawk</i> had been a moment before.</p> + +<p>But with the sound of the shot, the glare of the +enemy's searchlight vanished. Frank's aim had +been true.</p> + +<p>"I shot her eye out, sir," he cried to Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"I see you did," chuckled his commander. "Now +it's time for us to get busy. Mr. Templeton, see +if you can pick up the enemy with our light."</p> + +<p>Jack sprang to the searchlight eagerly, and under +his guiding hand, it threw its brilliant rays over the +dark waters. He swept it in a wide half-circle to +the right without result; and then swung the glare +around to the left; and there, presenting her stern, +a little motorboat was moving swiftly away.</p> + +<p>"She's running, sir!" exclaimed Frank, who +stood forward, still holding his rifle. "Shall I give +her a shot?"</p> + +<p>"If you like," replied Lord Hastings. "It can do +no harm. In the meantime we'll have after her."</p> + +<p>He gave the signal, "Full speed ahead," and +<i>The Hawk</i> leaped forward.</p> + +<p>Again Frank took careful aim at a moving figure +upon the deck of the enemy and again his finger +pressed the trigger. Not for nothing had he been +called a crack shot. The figure, as Frank could see +in the glare of <i>The Hawk's</i> searchlight, threw up +its arms and pitched into the sea.</p> + +<p>And now suddenly misfortune befell <i>The Hawk</i>. +The enemy had stolen an idea from Frank, and +one of the men aboard, taking aim at the powerful +searchlight of <i>The Hawk</i>, fired. His aim was +as true as had been Frank's; and the ray of light +disappeared from the surface of the water. <i>The +Hawk</i> also was blind now.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings gave an exclamation of dismay.</p> + +<p>"Pretty tough," he muttered.</p> + +<p>"But we should have guarded against it, sir," declared +Jack. "We should have figured that what +we could do the other fellow could do also."</p> + +<p>"True," replied his commander; "but it's too late +now. We'll keep after her. Maybe we can pick +her up in the darkness."</p> + +<p>"Not much chance," muttered Frank to himself.</p> + +<p>But again fortune was to smile on them, although +it came near being misfortune.</p> + +<p>An hour later, <i>The Hawk</i> having been slowed to +a bare five knots, Frank thought he caught the +sound of another moving object. He called Lord +Hastings' attention, and <i>The Hawk's</i> engine was +shut off. Again came the sound, as of a choked +automobile engine.</p> + +<p>"She's off there, and pretty close," whispered +Lord Hastings, with a gesture to port.</p> + +<p>"Shall we try a shot in the darkness, sir?" asked +Frank.</p> + +<p>"No; that would be folly," said Lord Hastings. +"There is not one chance in a thousand that the first +shot would go home; and then she would be on the +move again. Now, from the fact that the sound +has come twice from the same place, I judge she +is standing still—hoping that we shall run past +her."</p> + +<p>"If you please, sir, I have a plan," said Jack.</p> + +<p>"Let's have it," said Lord Hastings briefly.</p> + +<p>"Well, why can't Frank and I take to the boats +again. Not one boat this time, but two. We can +approach from different directions. One of us can +open fire, and if a light is shown aboard, the other +can do likewise. Caught between two fires, I believe +a light will be shown, that the enemy may +try to pick us up. That will betray the enemy's +presence to you and you can sink her."</p> + +<p>"That's not a half bad idea," decided Lord Hastings +after a moment's reflection. "You shall each +have a man. Here, Edwards! Williams!"</p> + +<p>The two men came forward quickly.</p> + +<p>"Williams, you lower a boat and go with Mr. +Templeton. Edwards, you accompany Mr. Chadwick. +Get your rifles first, men."</p> + +<p>The men hurried aft to obey, Frank and Jack +in the meantime giving their attention to lowering +the boats. This done, all leaped in and rowed in +the general direction of the foe.</p> + +<p>Upon Jack's suggestion, Frank and Edwards +rowed some distance ahead before pointing the nose +of their little craft toward where they believed the +enemy to be, and then rowed a considerable distance.</p> + +<p>"We should be beyond her now," declared Frank, +after some further rowing. "We'll double back a +bit."</p> + +<p>They did so; and five minutes later a dark shape +loomed up beside them, so close almost, that Frank +could have thrown a rock aboard.</p> + +<p>"Cease rowing!" Frank commanded, laying down +his own oars.</p> + +<p>Edwards did likewise.</p> + +<p>"Get your rifle ready," Frank instructed.</p> + +<p>Edwards obeyed.</p> + +<p>"Now," said Frank, "the first man you see show +himself aboard that craft, pick him off. I'll wait +for the second one."</p> + +<p>"Very well, sir," replied Edwards quietly.</p> + +<p>He brought his rifle to bear upon the deck of the +enemy and sat quietly, waiting, as the little boat +bobbed gently up and down with the swell of the +sea.</p> + +<p>And he had not long to wait.</p> + +<p>A dark shadow appeared aboard the enemy and +Edwards and Frank caught the faint glow of a +cigar or cigarette as the man puffed upon it. The +light from this made his face plainly visible.</p> + +<p>"A very indiscreet sort of a gentleman," remarked +Edwards. "Here goes, sir."</p> + +<p>He pressed the trigger.</p> + +<p>A howl of pain rewarded this effort and Edwards +smiled grimly to himself.</p> + +<p>"Got him," he said cheerfully.</p> + +<p>The sound of the rifle brought another figure +to the deck. Now it was Frank's turn and he acted +instantly. Again there was a faint report and the +second man toppled over.</p> + +<p>"Two," said Frank quietly.</p> + +<p>"Right, sir!" replied Edwards. "All ready for +another, sir."</p> + +<p>"I guess the next will be along in a minute," said +Frank dryly. "Besides, it's about time for Jack +and Williams to take a hand in the game."</p> + +<p>"Wouldn't want to leave them out all together, +would we, sir," grinned Edwards.</p> + +<p>"I should say not," replied Frank.</p> + +<p>"No, sir; they wouldn't like that."</p> + +<p>They waited patiently, but ten minutes passed +and no other form appeared aboard the enemy.</p> + +<p>"Guess Jack is playing a waiting game on the +other side," muttered Frank. "Now, I wonder——"</p> + +<p>There came an abrupt interruption to his +thoughts.</p> + +<p>"Throw up your hands!" came a sharp voice +from behind, a trifle to the right. "Surrender or +you are dead men!"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX" />CHAPTER IX.</h2> + +<h3>JACK TO THE RESCUE.</h3> + + +<p>Frank and Edwards both whirled hurriedly; +and not a fathom's length away rode a second small +boat; and standing forward were two men, their +revolvers levelled directly at the heads of our +friends.</p> + +<p>"Up they go, Edwards," said Frank quietly, +dropping his rifle and suiting the action to the +word. "It's no use; they've got the drop on us."</p> + +<p>"They have, sir," agreed Edwards.</p> + +<p>His rifle also fell to the bottom of the boat with +a clatter and his hands went in the air.</p> + +<p>"Good!" said one of the men in the other boat. +"You will please keep your hands where they are." +He turned to his companion. "Fritz, you row +closer, while I keep them covered."</p> + +<p>The latter obeyed and soon the two boats scraped.</p> + +<p>"Now you will please come aboard my boat," +ordered their captor, still keeping them covered. +"One false move and you are dead men. Come +quickly now."</p> + +<p>Frank realized there was no hope for it, so he +obeyed without a word. Edwards followed suit.</p> + +<p>"Take your places forward there," commanded +their captor.</p> + +<p>The prisoners obeyed.</p> + +<p>"Very good. Now, Fritz, row to the boat."</p> + +<p>The latter dipped his oars in the water and the +rowboat moved toward the motorboat, at which +Frank and Edwards had so recently fired. There +the first captor—the man who seemed to be in command—ordered +Frank and Edwards over the side.</p> + +<p>"Quick, now!" he commanded.</p> + +<p>Frank climbed aboard first and as he rose to +his feet there was the sound of a shot and the +lad felt a bullet whistle past his ear. He dropped +to the deck.</p> + +<p>"Great Scott! I forgot about Jack being out +there," he muttered. "He almost picked me off +that time." He raised his voice in a shout. "Hey, +Jack! quit that! It's me, Frank! We are prisoners!"</p> + +<p>A moment later Edwards clambered over the +side of the motorboat and this time there was no +shot. Frank felt sure that Jack had heard him and +understood the situation.</p> + +<p>Now their two captors came quickly over the side +and the first turned upon Frank.</p> + +<p>"Who were you shouting to?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>"Oh, just a friend of mine," replied Frank, with +a slight shrug of his shoulders. "He's out there," +and the lad waved an arm across the water.</p> + +<p>"And what's he doing out there?"</p> + +<p>"The same thing we were doing when you found +us. Trying to get you fellows."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I see," was the reply. "You had us between +two fires, eh. It's lucky we put off before +you got so close. We heard firing and came back +to have a look around."</p> + +<p>"Then that's the way you spotted us, eh?" said +Frank. "I didn't think you could have got off without +my seeing you."</p> + +<p>The man made no reply to this, but turned quickly +to the other.</p> + +<p>"We'll have to get away from here at once, Fritz. +Take the wheel."</p> + +<p>The latter sprang aft with alacrity, while the first +man leaned down and began to tinker with the +engine. Frank took a quick step forward and +seemed about to leap upon his captor, but the latter +turned from the engine and a revolver was in his +hand.</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't if I were you," he said quietly.</p> + +<p>Frank stepped back.</p> + +<p>"Oh, all right," he said.</p> + +<p>The little motorboat began to move.</p> + +<p>The captor raised his voice.</p> + +<p>"Hans! Franz!" he called.</p> + +<p>There was no answer and after a moment he repeated +his calls.</p> + +<p>"If you were calling your men, I fear you are +wasting time," said Frank quietly.</p> + +<p>"What?" exclaimed his captor.</p> + +<p>"Exactly," replied Frank. "It was necessary for +us to shoot them before you were fortunate enough +to find us."</p> + +<p>"I see," replied the boy's captor slowly. "Well, +I shall have more to say to you about that later."</p> + +<p>He again began to tinker with the engine and the +motorboat now increased its pace; and then, as the +man raised his head to look at Frank, he perceived +two dark figures suddenly clamber over the rail and +dash toward him.</p> + +<p>Frank saw them in the same instant.</p> + +<p>"Jack!" he cried.</p> + +<p>The German, for such Frank felt sure his captor +was, rose quickly to his feet, revolver in hand. He +raised it quickly, and pointing it at Jack, who was +dashing forward closely followed by Williams, +fired.</p> + +<p>The distance was so close that a miss would +have been impossible and Jack would probably have +been killed had it not been for Frank.</p> + +<p>The latter sprang quickly forward and seized +the German's arm even as his finger pressed the +trigger and the bullet went wild. With a muttered +imprecation, the German whirled on Frank, reversed +his revolver quickly and brought it down +on the lad's head.</p> + +<p>Frank fell to the deck without a groan and lay +still.</p> + +<p>At the same moment a shot from the helmsman +struck Williams in the chest as he and Edwards +dashed toward him and the man fell to the deck, +mortally wounded.</p> + +<p>Edwards, unarmed, dashed upon the other, but +even as he would have grappled with the man, the +latter dodged and Edwards went staggering by. +Before he could recover himself, the German had +clubbed him over the head with his revolver butt.</p> + +<p>Thus were three of the friends put hors de combat +almost quicker than it takes to tell it. There +remained now only Jack, with two against him, both +armed.</p> + +<p>Jack raised his revolver at the moment Frank +fell unconscious to the deck and the German whirled +quickly to face him. Both fired at the same moment +and both stepped aside as they did so. Jack +felt a bullet graze his hand and his revolver fell +clattering to the deck. The other, he saw, had not +been touched.</p> + +<p>Jack sprang forward and grappled with the German +even as the helmsman, having disposed of +Edwards, took a snap shot at him. The lad stepped +forward just in time to escape the bullet.</p> + +<p>Realizing now that he had a foe behind as well +as in front, Jack seized the first German in a powerful +embrace, the man's pistol hand going over his +shoulder; and at that moment the German pressed +the trigger.</p> + +<p>A howl of pain came from the helmsman. The +bullet had struck the latter's revolver on the barrel +and the force of the shock had momentarily numbed +the man's hand.</p> + +<p>Jack seized the first German's arm and by a quick +twist sent the revolver spinning across the deck, +and it passed beneath the rail and into the water.</p> + +<p>Now the lad brought rushing tactics into play +and pushed the first German the length of the deck +before the latter could brace himself. There Jack's +eye caught the gleam of the helmsman's pistol and +with a quick kick he sent it hurtling overboard also.</p> + +<p>But Jack's antagonist was a strong man and the +lad knew that he had a hard job on his hands to dispose +of him alone, to say nothing of the second man, +who, the lad knew, would be fit again in a moment.</p> + +<p>But it was no time for indecision; and Jack +sprang forward. His right fist shot out with stinging +force—a blow that would have ended the battle +right there had it landed, but the German ducked +and clinched. At this kind of fighting, he was more +Jack's match and he seized the lad in a tight embrace.</p> + +<p>"Fritz!" called the German, as he and Jack struggled +about the deck. "A hand, quick!"</p> + +<p>Fritz was now on his feet and he came forward +in response to this command. One huge fist he +raised, and would have brought it down on Jack's +head had not the lad seen him out the tail of his +eye and moved his head swiftly to one side.</p> + +<p>The blow missed.</p> + +<p>Jack, with one hand free for a moment, dealt +the helmsman a blow in the face as he swooped +past; then again turned his attention to the first +man.</p> + +<p>The latter now also freed an arm and Jack staggered +back from a heavy blow in the face. Blood +streamed from a cut over his right eye, blinding +him momentarily.</p> + +<p>Jack shook the blood out of his eyes with a +toss of his head and stepped forward angrily. He +had no mind to let his adversary clinch again if he +could help it.</p> + +<p>As the German rushed Jack met him with a stiff +left to the face and the man halted in his tracks +with a cry of pain. Jack followed up this advantage +with a right-handed blow to the abdomen, +doubling the German up like a knife. Then the +lad reached his opponent's jaw with a hard left.</p> + +<p>The man staggered back and crumpled up in a +heap.</p> + +<p>"So much for you," muttered the lad, turning +just in time to meet the rush of the helmsman, +who had now recovered from the effects of Jack's +blow and was coming angrily forward.</p> + +<p>Now, this second man was even larger and +more powerfully built than the first German, and +one huge arm warded off Jack's first short jab for +the face. Instead of attempting to return the blow, +the helmsman grabbed Jack by the arm, and yanked +him suddenly forward.</p> + +<p>Jack, caught unprepared, went stumbling forward. +The helmsman stepped aside and struck +heavily at the lad as he reeled past.</p> + +<p>Had he taken his time and aimed carefully the +battle would have ended right there; fortunately, +however, his haste was too great and he only struck +the lad a glancing blow.</p> + +<p>In spite of this fact, however, the force of it was +so great that it staggered the lad. Apparently believing +that this one blow would end the fight, +the German stepped back to watch the effect of it.</p> + +<p>But Jack did not fall. Staggering forward, his +hand caught the rail of the boat, where he stood a +moment, recovering himself.</p> + +<p>The German advanced with a smile on his face. +Jack turned to meet him.</p> + +<p>Slowly the German came on, his great arms +raised awkwardly and then it dawned upon Jack +that all that was necessary to dispose of this great +brute was a little skill and caution. His head was +clear now and he advanced confidently.</p> + +<p>The German rushed forward. Jack side-stepped +neatly and struck his opponent a heavy blow just +above the right ear as he passed. The man turned +quickly and just in time to catch a second powerful +blow on the forehead. Another man would have +gone down, but the German sprang forward ready +for more.</p> + +<p>And he got more. Jack stood off at arms' length +and peppered him beautifully. In vain the German +struck out and sought to clinch. Jack dodged his +blows and evaded his clasp with ease. And then +the lad saw the opportunity he had been awaiting.</p> + +<p>In a desperate attempt to clinch, the German exposed +his jaw. Jack's right flashed out quickly and +then the lad stepped back. His fist had found its +mark; and the German staggered back, reeled, +swayed—fell to the deck unconscious.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X" />CHAPTER X.</h2> + +<h3>LOST—THE STORM.</h3> + + +<p>Jack now surveyed the field of action with some +satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"Well, I managed to lay 'em all out at last," he +told himself. "Now to see how Frank and the +others are."</p> + +<p>He hurried first to Frank's side. The latter was +just returning to consciousness and raised himself +on one elbow as Jack kneeled beside him.</p> + +<p>"How do you feel, old man?" asked Jack gently.</p> + +<p>"I don't feel so much," was Frank's reply. "Say, +that fellow must have given me a pretty good +crack."</p> + +<p>"He did," said Jack dryly. "I can vouch for that. +He landed on your head with that revolver like +a ton of brick. Do you think you can stand?"</p> + +<p>"I guess so. Lend a hand, will you?"</p> + +<p>Jack helped his chum to his feet. Frank staggered +a bit at first, but in a minute or two announced +that he was fit for whatever might come. He followed +Jack aft, where lay the bodies of Edwards +and Williams.</p> + +<p>Jack passed his hand over Edwards' face and +the man stirred feebly.</p> + +<p>"Water, Frank," said Jack.</p> + +<p>Frank hurried forward again and returned in a +moment with water. This Jack sprinkled over +Edwards' face. Five minutes later Edwards sat +up.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter?" he asked.</p> + +<p>Jack explained.</p> + +<p>"I remember now, sir," said Edwards, trying to +smile. "And did you lick 'em?"</p> + +<p>"I did," said Jack.</p> + +<p>"And Williams, sir? How is he? I saw him go +down just before I went under."</p> + +<p>"We'll see," replied Jack briefly.</p> + +<p>He led the way to where Williams still lay prone, +Frank and Edwards following.</p> + +<p>Jack bent over the man, then placed a hand over +his heart. Then he got slowly to his feet.</p> + +<p>"Is he——," began Edwards.</p> + +<p>"Dead," replied Jack quietly.</p> + +<p>For a moment there was silence; then Edwards +spoke brokenly.</p> + +<p>"The best shipmate a man ever had, sir."</p> + +<p>He knelt beside his dead companion and tears +streamed down his face. Jack and Frank did not +speak as he mourned silently for some minutes. +At last Edwards got to his feet.</p> + +<p>"War is war, sir," he said quietly.</p> + +<p>He moved aft.</p> + +<p>"Well," said Frank, "I guess we may as well be +getting back to <i>The Hawk</i>. Lord Hastings will be +worried."</p> + +<p>"Right," said Jack. "You take the wheel. I'll +try and coax the engine along."</p> + +<p>They took their respective places.</p> + +<p>"Which way, Jack?" called Frank.</p> + +<p>"By Jove! You know as much about it as I do," +was the reply. "I don't know where we are."</p> + +<p>"Must be off to the left," declared Frank. "We'll +steer that way, anyhow."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Jack.</p> + +<p>The engine began to sputter and directly the +motorboat moved.</p> + +<p>"We may as well go this way as another," Frank +shouted to make himself heard. "It'll be daylight +soon, anyhow, and we can probably pick up <i>The +Hawk</i>."</p> + +<p>"We'll go slowly, at all events," said Jack.</p> + +<p>For half an hour the little craft forged slowly +ahead, all three aboard keeping a sharp lookout +for <i>The Hawk</i>.</p> + +<p>Suddenly a breeze sprang up. It blew lightly at +first and then with more and more violence.</p> + +<p>"Looks like Lord Hastings' gale was about to +materialize," shouted Jack.</p> + +<p>"Guess this is it all right," replied Frank.</p> + +<p>Edwards now came aft and took his stand by +Frank.</p> + +<p>"Want me to take the wheel, sir?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Guess I can handle it all right," replied Frank.</p> + +<p>"Very well, sir, only I thought you would rather +be forward with Mr. Templeton."</p> + +<p>There was an odd note in his voice and Frank +glanced at him inquiringly.</p> + +<p>"What made you think that?" he asked sharply.</p> + +<p>"Only," replied Edwards, "only because this is +liable to settle things for all of us."</p> + +<p>"You mean the storm?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"You think it will be severe?"</p> + +<p>"Very severe, sir. I have sailed the seas longer +than you have, sir, and I recognize the signs."</p> + +<p>"And you don't think this craft can weather the +storm?"</p> + +<p>"I am afraid not, sir. Of course there is always +a possibility, and by running with the storm we +have, of course, a fighting chance; but that's all we +have, sir, a fighting chance."</p> + +<p>"It is as much as we have had many times before," +replied Frank.</p> + +<p>"Very well, then," to Edwards, "you may take +the wheel. Your advice is to run before it?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, at full speed."</p> + +<p>"Your advice shall be taken. We'll keep the engine +going and the steering is up to you."</p> + +<p>"Very good, sir."</p> + +<p>Edwards took the wheel and Frank made his way +forward.</p> + +<p>"Hello," said Jack. "Thought you were going +to do the steering."</p> + +<p>"I was," replied Frank, "but Edwards seemed +to think he could do better and I guess he is right. +He says we are in for a bad gale."</p> + +<p>"He's right," replied Jack. "I've seen the signs +before. You may remember I lived on the ocean. +Yes, we're in for it, I'm afraid. All we can do +is run."</p> + +<p>"That's what Edwards said."</p> + +<p>"It'll be daylight in less than half an hour," Jack +continued. "That will help some. If it will hold +off that long, I'll feel better."</p> + +<p>And the gale did hold off.</p> + +<p>A faint gray streaked the east, making more plain +the seriousness of their situation. The clouds hung +heavy and low and it took no mariner to tell that a +storm was brewing.</p> + +<p>Gradually the wind increased and the little motorboat +tore along before it. Now the swell of the +sea became heavier. Waves rolled higher and +higher and the little craft first wallowed in the +trough of the sea and then climbed the gigantic +waves.</p> + +<p>"No wonder people get seasick," Frank muttered +to himself.</p> + +<p>The wind increased in violence until it blew a +hurricane, but still the little motorboat did not +falter; it bore on as bravely as before, climbing +wave after wave swiftly and unerringly. Edwards, +at the wheel, was giving a splendid example of +seamanship.</p> + +<p>A mountainous wave, greater than the rest, descended +upon the motorboat and broke over it, +drenching all on board to the skin. The wind +whistled overhead and the air grew icy cold. Frank +shivered, as he held fast.</p> + +<p>"Br-r-r," he said. "Right now it would feel +awfully nice to be ashore. I wonder what of Lord +Hastings and <i>The Hawk</i>?"</p> + +<p>At the same moment, Lord Hastings was wondering +what of them.</p> + +<p>For hours and hours, it seemed to the two lads, +the little craft battled the storm, at each moment +seeming in imminent danger of capsizing; but always +the master hand of Edwards at the wheel +righted the little craft and it dashed away in the +gale.</p> + +<p>"Great Scott!" cried Frank, raising his voice to +a shout to make himself heard above the terrible +roaring of the wind, "we can't stand this much +longer."</p> + +<p>"You are right," declared Jack. "We are liable +to be swamped at any moment."</p> + +<p>As each wave descended upon them, breaking +over the little boat, Frank was confident that the +end had come. It did not seem possible that the +craft could withstand another. But each time the +little boat seemed to brace itself for the shock and +a moment later would ride high to safety.</p> + +<p>Edwards, at the wheel, had lashed himself +fast, that he might not be swept overboard; and +once, soon after the storm had descended, he was +startled.</p> + +<p>Something soft touched his feet; and taking his +eyes from ahead long enough to look down, he +saw that the object was the body of Williams, which +the water had washed over the deck to him.</p> + +<p>His hands fast, as they were, he could not stoop +down to touch the body as he gazed at it mournfully; +then another wave descended, and when it +had gone, Williams' body was no longer in sight.</p> + +<p>"Good-bye, old friend!" Edwards shouted after +it. "Good-bye! I may be with you soon. If I +could have reached down I would have shaken +hands with you once more before you went away."</p> + +<p>Another gigantic wave swooped down and he +gave his attention to keeping the boat's head right.</p> + +<p>At last, when it seemed that the storm would +never end, it broke suddenly. As if by magic there +was a calm, and bright sunlight streamed down +from above. The gale was over. The motorboat +and its crew of three were safe.</p> + +<p>Frank and Jack clasped hands.</p> + +<p>"Safe once more," said the latter quietly.</p> + +<p>Suddenly the little craft pitched violently. Frank +turned a quick gaze aft to the wheel where he +made out the reason for this sudden lurch.</p> + +<p>Completely exhausted by his recent experience, +Edwards had lapsed into unconsciousness once the +strain was over. No hand grasped the wheel and +the motorboat pitched this way and that in the +trough of the sea.</p> + +<p>Frank made his way aft as rapidly as possible +and took the wheel. Jack shut down the engine +and followed him. He poured water over +Edwards' face and directly the latter sat up.</p> + +<p>"Funny I had to keel over like that," he said +grinning feebly. "Don't know what's the matter +with me. Must be getting old, I guess. Never +happened before."</p> + +<p>"Here," said Jack, "you come forward with me +and rest awhile. You're about done up."</p> + +<p>The sailor protested; but Jack had his way, and +a few moments later, in the little cabin, Edwards +was fast asleep. Jack returned aft to discuss the +situation with Frank.</p> + +<p>"Well, what now?" asked the latter. "Where +are we going to find Lord Hastings?"</p> + +<p>"I imagine the best thing for us," said Jack, "is +to return to Bantry Bay. If <i>The Hawk</i> weathered +the storm, Lord Hastings will put in sometime to-day."</p> + +<p>"I suppose that is best," agreed Frank. "Let's be +on the move."</p> + +<p>The head of the motorboat was brought about, +and gaining his bearings from a compass in the +cabin, Jack shaped his course.</p> + +<p>"A four or five hour run," he said to Frank, in +giving him the proper directions.</p> + +<p>He glanced at his watch. "Six o'clock. Well, +we shall be there before noon, anyhow."</p> + +<p>He returned to his place at the engine and the +motorboat headed toward the British coast.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI" />CHAPTER XI.</h2> + +<h3>ON THE HUNT.</h3> + + +<p>"Isn't that <i>The Hawk</i>?"</p> + +<p>It was Jack who spoke. He had left his engine +and made his way aft, for he had caught sight of +another craft in the distance.</p> + +<p>Frank peered ahead.</p> + +<p>"I should say it was built along the same lines +as <i>The Hawk</i>," he replied, "but what's the matter +with her?"</p> + +<p>Something was wrong, as both boys could see. +The craft ahead, whether <i>The Hawk</i> or not they +could not yet distinguish, was plainly in distress. +She wallowed in the sea, apparently without a hand +to guide her.</p> + +<p>"Something wrong aboard, sure," declared +Frank. "Little more speed, Jack."</p> + +<p>Jack sprang back to his engine and soon the +motorboat was dashing through the water at full +speed.</p> + +<p>Jack left the engine to run itself and made his +way forward as far as possible, where he stood +gazing at the craft ahead. At last he was able +to make out the name of the craft.</p> + +<p>"<i>The Hawk</i>!" he cried.</p> + +<p>It was <i>The Hawk</i> and she was plainly in distress. +As the boys drew nearer, they were unable to make +out a sign of life aboard.</p> + +<p>"Maybe they have all been washed overboard," +Frank called to Jack.</p> + +<p>Jack made no reply. He had begun to fear so +himself.</p> + +<p>Suddenly he uttered a loud cry.</p> + +<p>"I can see some one aboard," he cried. "He's +stretched out on the deck. Looks like he might +be dead."</p> + +<p>"Who is it?" Frank shouted back.</p> + +<p>"I can't make out yet."</p> + +<p>He peered forward eagerly and anxiously; and +five minutes later he cried out again:</p> + +<p>"It's Smith."</p> + +<p>Smith was another of the crew.</p> + +<p>"Can you see Lord Hastings?" shouted Frank.</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>The two craft were less than a hundred yards +apart now and still Jack could make out but a +solitary figure aboard, that of Smith, stretched out +at full length aft.</p> + +<p>The boys closed up the remaining distance quickly +and the two boats scraped alongside each other. +Pausing only long enough to lash the two together, +Frank and Jack sprang aboard <i>The Hawk</i>.</p> + +<p>Quickly they glanced about. There was Smith +and no one else in sight. Frank stooped over him.</p> + +<p>"He's breathing," he said.</p> + +<p>He hurried to the side of the boat, and leaning +over, filled his cap with water. This he sprinkled +in Smith's face and the man stirred.</p> + +<p>Jack, in the meantime, had gone into the little +cabin and a startled cry now came to Frank's ears.</p> + +<p>He hurried to his friend; and there, in the cabin, +the boy stood over the prostrate form of their commander. +The latter lay still and white and Frank +stared at him with a great fear in his heart.</p> + +<p>"Is he dead?" he asked in a hoarse whisper.</p> + +<p>"I don't know," said Jack slowly. "He doesn't +seem to be breathing."</p> + +<p>Frank knelt down and placed a hand over Lord +Hastings' heart.</p> + +<p>"Yes, he is," he cried excitedly. "His heart is +beating. Water, quick!"</p> + +<p>Jack dashed away in response to this command +and was back in a moment with his cap filled with +water.</p> + +<p>This he poured over his commander, while Frank +bathed his head; and soon these efforts were rewarded.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings stirred, breathed a long sigh and +moaned. Five minutes later he opened his eyes and +tried to sit up.</p> + +<p>"Lie still, sir," commanded Frank.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings let his eyes rest on the lad's face, +tried to say something, attempted to move, then +fell back with a long sigh.</p> + +<p>Again Frank was alarmed. He bent over his +commander and placed a hand over his heart. Then +he arose with an exclamation of satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"He's sleeping," he said. "Let's get to shore +as soon as possible."</p> + +<p>Jack hurried away. First he returned to the +other craft and assisted Edwards aboard <i>The Hawk</i>. +Then he went to the engine, Frank took the wheel +and they headed for Bantry Bay at full speed.</p> + +<p>It was still before noon when they entered the +bay and came to anchor in the midst of the motorboat +fleet. The lads had Lord Hastings removed +ashore immediately and listened to the diagnosis +of the surgeon with bated breath.</p> + +<p>"Nothing serious," said the surgeon, much to the +lads' relief. "He's been knocked unconscious in +some way. Something must have struck him a +hard blow across the head. All he needs is perfect +quiet for a week."</p> + +<p>"He'll get it," declared Jack, "if I have to sit on +him for that length of time."</p> + +<p>"And if I have to help you hold him down," +Frank agreed.</p> + +<p>For the next week the boys gave their undivided +attention to caring for their wounded commander. +Each day, after the first, Lord Hastings grew +stronger. On the third day he wanted to get up, but +the surgeon would not hear of it.</p> + +<p>"Seven days in bed," he declared. "Not a second +less; and two more days before you can move about +much."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but look here, Doc," said Lord Hastings. +"I've work to do. I've got to get back into +harness."</p> + +<p>"And two weeks exactly before you can get back +in harness," declared the man of medicine.</p> + +<p>From this ultimatum he would not swerve.</p> + +<p>At the end of the first week Lord Hastings was +for disregarding the surgeon's orders and getting +back into harness anyhow; but Jack and Frank +would not hear of it.</p> + +<p>"Might just as well get well, first, sir," declared +Jack.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings glared at him.</p> + +<p>"How about you?" he demanded. "How would +you like to stay around like this doing nothing? +You couldn't sit here for five minutes. I know +you."</p> + +<p>"You may be right, sir," agreed Frank. "But +you are older than I am, sir, and should have more +patience and fortitude."</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings was forced to smile at this rejoinder.</p> + +<p>"You see, sir," said Frank, "I can remember +some of the things you have said to me."</p> + +<p>"I see," agreed Lord Hastings. "I guess, then, +that I shall have to remain here, if for no other +reason than to set a good example for you."</p> + +<p>"That's right, sir," declared Jack. "If you +didn't, there would be no living with Frank."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't know," said the latter. "I can remember +one time when you were in bad shape that +I had to threaten to lick you to keep you in bed."</p> + +<p>"Well, that's different," said Jack. "I——"</p> + +<p>"Well, let's talk about something cheerful," said +Lord Hastings. "Germans or anything like that."</p> + +<p>And so the conversation was changed.</p> + +<p>When the two weeks had come to an end Lord +Hastings proceeded to get back in harness immediately.</p> + +<p>"I've been here long enough," he told the boys. +"Back to <i>The Hawk</i> again now."</p> + +<p>And back to <i>The Hawk</i> they went that day.</p> + +<p>Aboard <i>The Hawk</i> Lord Hastings made a careful +inspection and then left the lads, while he held +an interview with the British commanding officer +in charge of the motorboat flotilla. When he returned +he had a smile on his face.</p> + +<p>"Good news," he said, as he came aboard.</p> + +<p>"What, sir?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>"Action to-night, sir?" demanded Jack.</p> + +<p>"Better than that—for you boys," replied Lord +Hastings. "Action, and at once."</p> + +<p>"Where?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>"Around the same neighborhood we were in before."</p> + +<p>"Good," declared Jack.</p> + +<p>"And more important prey, this time," continued +Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"Submarines?" asked Jack.</p> + +<p>"Well, that's what we expect," replied Lord +Hastings. "We hope to be fortunate enough to find +one or two."</p> + +<p>"When do we start, sir?" demanded Frank.</p> + +<p>"As soon as the <i>Glasgow</i> comes along."</p> + +<p>"The <i>Glasgow</i>, sir? You mean the steamship +<i>Glasgow</i>?"</p> + +<p>"Exactly. It appears that passengers have been +warned not to take passage on the <i>Glasgow</i>. A +warning has been circulated through the newspapers, +the same as was done before the <i>Lusitania</i> +sailed and was sunk. This naturally leads to the +belief that the Germans are planning to torpedo the +<i>Glasgow</i>. We are to be on hand to see that this +does not happen."</p> + +<p>"I see, sir," replied Frank. "Is it just <i>The +Hawk</i>, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Well, no," replied Lord Hastings. "<i>The Hawk</i> +and nine other motorboats."</p> + +<p>"A regular fleet," remarked Jack. "I suppose +the idea is for us to trail in behind the <i>Glasgow</i>?"</p> + +<p>"Exactly. You see the submarine, nine times out +of ten, lying in wait for its victim, will come to +the surface a short distance ahead of the steamer. +Now, in view of the furore that the sinking of the +<i>Lusitania</i> caused in neutral countries, it is hardly +to be expected the <i>Glasgow</i> will be torpedoed without +warning."</p> + +<p>"But just how do we get at the enemy, sir?" demanded +Frank.</p> + +<p>"I'm coming to that. When the submarine comes +to the surface and gives warning for passengers +and crew to leave the ship, we shall sneak out from +behind at full speed. Before the submarine can +submerge, we shall be close enough to get her. +That's why we carry such heavy guns. One of us +is bound to get her."</p> + +<p>"I see," said Frank. "Of course if the submarine +could submerge in a moment, it wouldn't +be possible."</p> + +<p>"Exactly," agreed Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>He led the way to the rail.</p> + +<p>"See," he said, waving a hand in the direction +of the others of the motorboat fleet, "they are +all getting ready for action."</p> + +<p>It was true. There were signs of great activity +aboard some of the other little vessels. +"Just overhauling to see that everything is shipshape," +said Lord Hastings. "We may as well +do the same."</p> + +<p>The next hour was spent in minute inspection +of every part of the little craft and then Lord +Hastings pronounced himself satisfied.</p> + +<p>Hardly was the work completed, when Frank +perceived a dark smudge upon the distant horizon.</p> + +<p>"Vessel of some kind, sir," he reported to Lord +Hastings.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings gazed long and earnestly; and +directly the shape of a large ship loomed up.</p> + +<p>"The <i>Glasgow</i>," he said quietly. "All ready, +boys. Time to get busy."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII" />CHAPTER XII.</h2> + +<h3>THE FIRST VICTIM.</h3> + + +<p>As the steamship <i>Glasgow</i> drew nearer, the signs +of activity among the various units of the motorboat +fleet became more acute. The little craft +darted hither and thither, finally dividing into two +sections, one section on each side of the channel +through which the <i>Glasgow</i> steamed toward them. +When the big steamship had steamed past, the +ten little boats fell into line behind her, moving +swiftly forward, two abreast.</p> + +<p>Apparently the commander of the <i>Glasgow</i>, Captain +Sawyer, had been informed that he was to be +provided with an escort, for only the fluttering of +a few signal flags from the <i>Glasgow</i> and from the +motorboat <i>Lion</i>, which carried Lieutenant Commander +Thompson, in charge of the mosquito fleet, +betokened a greeting.</p> + +<p>The <i>Glasgow</i> swept majestically past, not pausing +in her stride. From the decks hands were waved +and handkerchiefs fluttered toward the little vessels +below, the passengers aboard leaning over the +rails and speculating idly upon their presence.</p> + +<p>The two foremost motorboats were <i>The Hawk</i> +and the <i>Lion</i>, commanded by Lieutenant Commander +Thompson and Lord Hastings. The others +followed close behind.</p> + +<p>Jack and Frank had watched all this maneuvering +with great interest; and now that the flotilla, in +perfect formation, was proceeding straight ahead, +Frank turned to his commander with a question:</p> + +<p>"And about where do you expect to pick up the +enemy, sir?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Hardly more than twenty miles out—certainly +not more than two hours," was the reply.</p> + +<p>The motorboats followed closely in the wake of +the big steamship. Although they were, of course, +plainly visible from the steamer, and could possibly +be seen from the sides, it was hoped that the +enemies' submarine would take a position directly +in front of the <i>Glasgow</i> when she accosted her. +This would shield the motorboats from sight.</p> + +<p>The <i>Glasgow</i> and its bodyguard were now out of +sight of land. The sun shone brightly and the +day was perfectly calm. There was scarcely a ripple +upon the smooth surface of the sea.</p> + +<p>Below, aboard the <i>Glasgow</i>, the passengers were +at dinner. They were laughing and joking among +themselves.</p> + +<p>Aboard the motorboats all was peacefully quiet. +The men not on duty were idling about and talking.</p> + +<p>Suddenly Edwards, who stood forward on <i>The +Hawk</i>, caught the peculiar fluttering of the signal +flags aboard the <i>Glasgow</i>.</p> + +<p>"<i>Glasgow</i> signalling, sir," he reported to Lord +Hastings.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings quickly drew the attention of +Commander Thompson to the <i>Glasgow's</i> signals, +at the same time deciphering them for Frank and +Jack.</p> + +<p>The first signal read:</p> + +<p>"Small vessel dead ahead."</p> + +<p>Commander Thompson flashed back his response:</p> + +<p>"Submarine?"</p> + +<p>"Can't make out yet," was the answer.</p> + +<p>There was some further wig-wagging; and then +the need for this means of communication suddenly +ceased.</p> + +<p>There came a sharp blast from the <i>Glasgow's</i> +horn and the big ship slowed down abruptly. Then +came the sound of a shot from dead ahead and +there was a splash between the <i>Glasgow</i> and <i>The +Hawk</i>.</p> + +<p>"The enemy!" exclaimed Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>Aboard each of the small motorboats every man +sprang to his post. Soft commands carried back +and forth across the water, while the signal flags +of the Glasgow continued to flutter.</p> + +<p>Then, even as Lord Hastings received from the +<i>Lion</i> the command to advance, he read the last +signal of the <i>Glasgow</i>.</p> + +<p>"Submarine has halted us," it read. "Dead +ahead."</p> + +<p>The motorboat fleet came to life upon the instant. +Again it divided into two parts, one passing on each +side of the <i>Glasgow</i>, and darted forward toward +the enemy.</p> + +<p>Aboard each the forward guns were manned, +the gunners ready to fire at the word.</p> + +<p>On the <i>Glasgow</i> all was confusion. Passengers, +attracted by the sound of the shot from the submarine, +sprang from their tables and dashed on +deck. There, as they made out the submarine, they +turned pale. Only the reassuring voices of the +officers averted a panic.</p> + +<p>Then the passengers turned their attention to the +fleet that was now passing around the big liner to +the attack.</p> + +<p>Rapidly the little craft sped forward and before +the submarine commander had divined their presence, +they were swooping down upon him, seemingly +from all directions. Stunned at this unexpected +arrival and before he could give a word of +command, <i>The Hawk</i> unloosened her forward gun.</p> + +<p>The shell went wide, but it brought immediate +action from the submarine commander. Evidently +he had no mind to try and torpedo the little craft, +realizing, perhaps, that did he sink one the other +would destroy him.</p> + +<p>Motioning the other three men on deck before +him, he sprang toward the little conning tower, +bent on flight.</p> + +<p>At this juncture the <i>Lion</i> came within range +and her forward gun spoke loudly. The shell +kicked up the water a few yards from the submarine.</p> + +<p>"Hoorah!" came the British cry.</p> + +<p>"A little soon to cheer," muttered Frank to himself, +as he stepped forward to take his second shot +at the submarine.</p> + +<p>"Boom!"</p> + +<p>The gun spoke sharply.</p> + +<p>Ahead there was a terrible crash. The German +submarine seemed to soar in the air like a skyrocket, +and came down in a thousand pieces.</p> + +<p>Frank's one well-directed shot had ended the +battle.</p> + +<p>Then a mighty cheer went up from the men of +the mosquito fleet, in which the passengers aboard +the <i>Glasgow</i> joined with a will.</p> + +<p>Jack sprang forward and gave his chum a resounding +slap on the back.</p> + +<p>"That's what I call shooting," he declared fervently.</p> + +<p>"Good work, Frank," said Lord Hastings quietly, +stepping forward. "An excellent shot."</p> + +<p>Masses of wreckage floating upon the surface of +the sea were all that was left of the German submarine, +with here and there a few floating bodies. +Soon these disappeared and there was nothing to +indicate that an under-sea craft had so recently +been near.</p> + +<p>From aboard the <i>Lion</i>, Commander Thompson +signalled his compliments to The <i>Hawk</i>.</p> + +<p>"And now I suppose we will go back again," said +Frank to Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"Well, no," was the reply. "The <i>Glasgow</i> is not +safe yet. There may be other submarines in these +waters. I should say that we shall escort her all of +a hundred miles."</p> + +<p>"What I would like to know," said Frank, "is +why her commander, instead of trying to escape at +once, didn't launch a torpedo or two. He might +have disposed of one of us."</p> + +<p>"But the others would have surely done for him," +said Lord Hastings. "He probably figured he could +submerge before we could hit him."</p> + +<p>"He guessed wrong that time," declared Frank.</p> + +<p>"Rather," agreed Jack with a smile. "There is +no use talking, Frank, you are some boy when it +comes to shooting."</p> + +<p>All that afternoon the motorboat flotilla trailed +the <i>Glasgow</i>; but until nightfall no other German +submarine had appeared. An hour after nightfall, +Commander Thompson gave the command to put +about and return.</p> + +<p>Slowly the little craft came about and started +back toward Bantry Bay. Behind them now, the +<i>Glasgow</i>, safe at last, steamed rapidly away, bound +for the distant port of New York, and "home," said +Frank to Jack.</p> + +<p>"Do you wish you were on her," asked his chum +curiously.</p> + +<p>"No," replied Frank, slowly, "unless I was sure +I would find my father waiting for me when I +reached there. However, I am having a pretty +good time on this side and I know that I shall return +safely some day."</p> + +<p><i>The Hawk</i>, last in line, made her way back slowly.</p> + +<p>An hour after the lights of the <i>Glasgow</i> had +faded from view, Frank, glancing forward, was +unable to make out the distant light of a single of +the other motorboats. He called Lord Hastings' attention +to this fact.</p> + +<p>"Is that so?" exclaimed his commander in some +surprise. "I had no idea we had been going so +slowly. We'll step out a bit."</p> + +<p>He issued a command, and the speed of <i>The +Hawk</i> increased. But still, after an hour, they had +failed to come up with the others.</p> + +<p>"Well, it's nothing to worry about I guess. We +know the way back as well as the others; besides, +there is no particular hurry."</p> + +<p>Accordingly <i>The Hawk</i> continued at rather slow +speed.</p> + +<p>Half an hour later, Frank, forward, made out +a dark hulk lying low in the water a short distance +ahead. He immediately called Lord Hastings' attention +to the object.</p> + +<p>The latter acted quickly.</p> + +<p>"Extinguish all lights quickly," he called sharply.</p> + +<p>The order was obeyed, and at a second command, +<i>The Hawk</i> was slowed down so that she was barely +moving.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter, sir?" exclaimed Jack, in +great surprise.</p> + +<p>"Matter is that there is a submarine dead ahead +of us," was his commander's reply.</p> + +<p>"You mean that dark object there?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"And are we going to sink her, sir?" asked Jack.</p> + +<p>"We'll have a try at it," was the reply. "In this +darkness we can go very close without fear of being +seen, <i>The Hawk</i> is so small."</p> + +<p>Fifty yards from the submarine, which lay +quietly in the water, <i>The Hawk</i> came to a stop and +the forward gun was made ready for action.</p> + +<p>"Funny there isn't some one on deck," muttered +Frank.</p> + +<p>"By Jove! So it is," declared Lord Hastings. +"Must be something wrong. I wonder what?"</p> + +<p>"I have it, sir," declared Frank. "It's one of the +vessels that those other motorboats—the ones we +sunk—were to have reported to."</p> + +<p>"I believe Frank is right," agreed Jack. "It probably +comes to the surface here every night, awaiting +their return."</p> + +<p>"In that event the chances are that most every +one aboard is asleep," remarked Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>He gave the command for <i>The Hawk</i> to proceed.</p> + +<p>"What are you going to do, sir?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>"See if we can't capture her," replied Lord Hastings +quietly.</p> + +<p>Frank gave a low whistle. It was a plan after +his own heart, but he was keenly sensitive to the +danger that it involved.</p> + +<p>"Very well, sir," he said quietly.</p> + +<p>"This," declared Jack, manifesting a show of +enthusiasm, "is where we have a little fun."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII" />CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + +<h3>A DESPERATE VENTURE.</h3> + + +<p>There was not a sound aboard the submarine as +<i>The Hawk</i> grated alongside. To climb aboard the +silent vessel, which lay so low in the water, was +a simple task. Lord Hastings went first and Frank +and Jack followed in order. Behind the latter came +Edwards and behind him three sailors, Allen, +O'Brien and McDonald.</p> + +<p>For a brief moment they stood silently upon the +deck, each with a revolver in his hand. Then Lord +Hastings led the way to the conning tower, which +was open, and descended. The others were close +behind him.</p> + +<p>At the foot of the companionway Lord Hastings +paused again, straining his ears for a sound. None +came. He motioned the others to follow him and +led the way aft.</p> + +<p>At the extreme afterpart of the vessel he paused +before a door on the port side. From within came +the sound of voices.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings laid a hand on the knob and surveyed +those behind him.</p> + +<p>"All ready?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Ready, sir," replied Jack quietly.</p> + +<p>With a sudden movement Lord Hastings jerked +open the door and stepped quickly within.</p> + +<p>"Hands up!" he called sharply.</p> + +<p>Four men sat at a table in what appeared to be +the commander's cabin. They looked up from their +game at Lord Hastings' gruff command and seeing +but a solitary figure, all dropped their hands to their +side.</p> + +<p>"Hands up!" commanded Lord Hastings again.</p> + +<p>Instead of obeying this command, one man produced +a revolver, shouting:</p> + +<p>"There is only one! Shoot him!"</p> + +<p>But Lord Hastings' revolver spoke first and the +officer tumbled over. The other three had now +drawn their weapons and one fired at Lord Hastings. +The shot went wild and Lord Hastings +dropped him with a second well-directed bullet.</p> + +<p>At this moment Jack and Frank sprang into the +room. They saw Lord Hastings confronted by two +enemies and they acted instantly and before the Germans +could do so.</p> + +<p>The revolvers of both lads spoke simultaneously +and both Germans dropped to the floor.</p> + +<p>Jack sprang back to the door.</p> + +<p>"Stand guard there, men!" he cried. "There may +be more of them."</p> + +<p>He jumped back to Frank's side again, fearing +that one of the fallen men might arise and return +to the fray. But these fears were groundless. All +four were beyond human aid, as Lord Hastings +found after gazing at each sharply.</p> + +<p>"Poor fellows," he said sorrowfully, "but it was +their lives or ours, and they wouldn't yield. Oh, +well——" he broke off with a shrug of his shoulders +and turned to the lads.</p> + +<p>"Search the vessel," he commanded. "There are +probably others aboard."</p> + +<p>Jack and Frank hurried away in response to this +command. They went through the submarine from +stem to stern, but nowhere were they able to find +another living soul.</p> + +<p>"Looks like those were the only ones aboard," +remarked Jack.</p> + +<p>"It does," agreed Frank. "Maybe the men in the +motorboats were part of their crews and they have +been lying about here all these days waiting for +them to return."</p> + +<p>"Well, I can't guess the answer," said Jack. "But +certainly there is no other German here."</p> + +<p>They returned and reported to Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"Very well," said their commander. "Then the +best thing we can do is to try and work this submarine +back to port. It is an important capture."</p> + +<p>"If you please, sir," said Jack. "I believe I can +suggest a better plan than that."</p> + +<p>"And that is——" prompted Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"To assume the identities of these German officers, +sir. Or not necessarily to assume their +identities, but just to take charge of the vessel as +if we had been duly commissioned by the German +government. Then we can seek out the enemy's +naval base and perhaps gain information of importance."</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings looked at the lad in amusement +for some moments before he replied:</p> + +<p>"By Jove! You and Frank here do turn up some +of the most remarkable ideas I have ever heard!"</p> + +<p>"Then you don't think much of the plan, sir?"</p> + +<p>"I think so much of it," replied Lord Hastings, +"that I shall act upon it at once."</p> + +<p>Now it was Frank's turn to show his enthusiasm.</p> + +<p>"Hoorah!" he cried.</p> + +<p>"That is," Lord Hastings qualified his statement, +"I shall act upon your plan if Mr. Chadwick here +can restrain his enthusiasm. Otherwise, I would +be afraid to undertake the venture."</p> + +<p>"I'll restrain it, sir," declared Frank, subdued.</p> + +<p>"Good! See that you do," returned Lord Hastings. +"Some of these days that enthusiasm of +yours will get us all into trouble."</p> + +<p>"And what shall we do with these men, sir?" +asked Jack, indicating the fallen Germans.</p> + +<p>"Overboard with them, I suppose," returned Lord +Hastings. "It's where I expect to go when my +time comes. It's as good a grave as another."</p> + +<p>"And shall we take their uniforms, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. It may spare some explaining."</p> + +<p>And thus it was arranged.</p> + +<p>Two hours later, following a thorough exploration +of the submarine, Lord Hastings announced +that he could navigate it without trouble.</p> + +<p>"Fortunately," he said, "I find that it will be +possible for two men to handle the engine room. +We three and Edwards will take our turns at the +wheel and doing whatever else is to be done, relieving +in the engine room when it is necessary. Of +course we are short-handed, but I believe we can +pull through. Perhaps, if we are fortunate enough +to fall in with one of the enemy, we can borrow a +few men. We can concoct some story that will pass +muster and thus account for the loss of the others +of our crew."</p> + +<p>Jack smiled.</p> + +<p>"I guess it can be done, sir," he replied.</p> + +<p>The dead Germans had been buried by this time +and the three British officers had donned their uniforms, +which, fortunately, were not bad fits.</p> + +<p>"To tell the truth, I don't care much about these +uniforms," declared Frank, "but if they are going +to help out any I suppose I can stand mine for a +while."</p> + +<p>"You don't necessarily have to be in love with +them," responded Jack.</p> + +<p>"And now, sir," said Frank, "would it not be +well to be moving? There may be some of these +men prowling about the sea some place and they +may return."</p> + +<p>"Yes; there is no use lingering here," replied +Lord Hastings. "Are the men at their posts?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Good! Then you may give the signal to submerge, +Mr. Templeton."</p> + +<p>"I can give it all right," grinned Jack. "But I +don't see what good it will do unless I obey myself."</p> + +<p>"True," laughed Lord Hastings. "I had forgotten +about the tanks. We shall have to take turns +looking after them also."</p> + +<p>"I'll attend to them this time," said Jack, and +took himself off.</p> + +<p>Directly the submarine began to sink slowly and +at a depth of ten fathoms Lord Hastings called a +halt. Then he signalled the engine room for twelve +knots.</p> + +<p>"Just where are we bound, sir?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>"Well," said Lord Hastings, "the Germans are +understood to have established a naval base at Ostend +and I have shaped my course for that port."</p> + +<p>"And what are we to do when we get there?"</p> + +<p>"Events will have to shape themselves," declared +Lord Hastings. "It is impossible to foretell anything."</p> + +<p>Jack re-entered the room at this moment, and the +three held a consultation, Edwards meantime steering +the course that Lord Hastings had given him.</p> + +<p>And so the submarine continued on its course +beneath the sea for the rest of the night, running +slowly.</p> + +<p>At eight o'clock in the morning, Lord Hastings +decided to go to the surface for a look around. +He stopped for a moment, however, just below +the surface, with the periscope protruding slightly +above the water and took in his surroundings.</p> + +<p>In the distance he made out a coast line, which, +according to his calculations, should be the coast of +Belgium.</p> + +<p>"We should not be more than an hour's run from +Ostend," he told the lads. "We'll continue on the +surface."</p> + +<p>The submarine was brought clear of the water +and continued on her way.</p> + +<p>But there was to be no need of the submarine +putting into Ostend. Half an hour after the vessel +had been brought to the surface, Frank, who was +alone for the moment upon the bridge, made out a +second submarine approaching. Quickly he summoned +Lord Hastings and Jack.</p> + +<p>"Well," said Lord Hastings, "here is where we +have to do some tall talking, as the Americans would +say. He's headed directly for us."</p> + +<p>It was true. The submarines were approaching +each other rapidly.</p> + +<p>The enemy slowed down, and in response to Lord +Hastings, the captured vessel did likewise. A voice +from a figure on the bridge of the second vessel +came across the water.</p> + +<p>"Who are you?"</p> + +<p>"U-16," answered Lord Hastings, who had gone +through the former commander's papers carefully, +"Bernstorff, commanding."</p> + +<p>"Bernstorff," came the surprised response. +"Where is Captain Tarlenhein?"</p> + +<p>"If you will come aboard, I will explain," shouted +Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"Very well."</p> + +<p>A few moments later a small boat left the side +of the other vessel and came toward the U-16.</p> + +<p>"Now, boys," said Lord Hastings quietly, "keep +a tight rein on yourselves and leave the talking to +me. Say nothing unless you are addressed. It +would not do for us to be tripped up. We would +all be put to death as spies."</p> + +<p>The boys nodded their understanding of this +order.</p> + +<p>"We'll be as mum as a couple of oysters, sir," +declared Frank.</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't know what to say, anyhow," agreed +Jack.</p> + +<p>"Sh-h-h," whispered Lord Hastings. "Here he +comes."</p> + +<p>The small boat scraped the side of the U-16 at +this juncture. A man in the full uniform of a +German lieutenant commander stepped aboard. +Lord Hastings advanced to meet him with extended +hand.</p> + +<p>Jack and Frank followed their commander +closely.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV" />CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + +<h3>WITH THE ENEMY.</h3> + + +<p>"I am Captain Bernstorff," said Lord Hastings +quietly, "and you?"</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant Commander Von Rosten, sir," replied +the other, who could not have been more than +twenty-five years of age.</p> + +<p>"Von Rosten, to be sure," replied Lord Hastings, +affecting to recall the name. "Allow me to present +my friends, who are at present acting as my officers."</p> + +<p>He beckoned to Frank and Jack to approach.</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant Papen," he said, introducing Jack; +"and Lieutenant Bohring," indicating Frank.</p> + +<p>The three acknowledged the introductions and +then Lord Hastings continued:</p> + +<p>"I suppose you are wondering how I come to be +in command of the U-16?"</p> + +<p>"I am, sir," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"And also," continued Lord Hastings with a +smile, "you are no doubt wondering just who I +am anyway?"</p> + +<p>"I must confess to that, too," answered the young +German.</p> + +<p>"Well, I can explain in a very few words," said +Lord Hastings quietly. "In the first place, I carry +a number—you know what I mean?"</p> + +<p>The German nodded.</p> + +<p>"The secret service," he said quietly.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings gave him a glance of approval +and the young man flushed.</p> + +<p>"Exactly," replied Lord Hastings. "My friends +here also carry numbers. They are young, as you +see, but they have proved themselves more than +once in His Majesty's service."</p> + +<p>The young German bowed again.</p> + +<p>"Now," continued Lord Hastings, "I shall take +up the little matter of how I happen to be in command +of the U-16 and the unfortunate fate of Captain +Tarlenhein."</p> + +<p>"Fate!" exclaimed Von Rosten.</p> + +<p>"It is only too true," muttered Lord Hastings +sorrowfully. "But he died as a loyal servant of +the Emperor. I shall explain."</p> + +<p>"If you will," said the young German.</p> + +<p>"Under command of Captain Tarlenhein," said +Lord Hastings, "the U-16, as you may possibly +know, has been in the Irish Sea, and, at one time +or another, off the mouth of the Thames. Whether +you knew it or not, Captain Tarlenhein also carried +a number. There was work to be done in England.</p> + +<p>"Of course, we already had our agents there—in +fact, I was one of them, and my two friends +here. We were instructed to report to Captain Tarlenhein +aboard the U-16 at a certain time. We did +so, the vessel at that time lying off the Thames. +Captain Tarlenhein had other instructions for us. +We went ashore again and there encountered trouble. +We were captured.</p> + +<p>"In London we were being taken to The Tower, +when we all made a break for liberty right in the +middle of the city. Captain Tarlenhein was shot +down. The rest of us escaped. Through the instrumentality +of my peculiar resemblance to a British +naval officer, we overcame numerous difficulties, +although my young friends here almost came +to grief. It was here that my striking resemblance +to this British officer of whom I speak enabled +them to get away. We were, of course, dressed +in British uniforms, but the haste of another agent +of the Emperor almost caused our undoing."</p> + +<p>The German officer had followed this account +with interest. Apparently he was much wrapped +up in the narrative. He clenched his hand as Lord +Hastings paused.</p> + +<p>"And who was this agent?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>"An Englishman," replied Lord Hastings slowly. +"An Englishman known as Davis. He almost +spoiled it all. However, we at length managed +to escape in spite of Davis—I don't know what has +become of him—and made our way, after many +perils, to where the U-16 still awaited the return +of its commander.</p> + +<p>"And what was our surprise, when we went +aboard, to find it occupied by two British officers +and several British sailors. Fortunately for us, +these British officers—lazy dogs—were sleeping at +their posts and we pounced upon them and tumbled +them overboard, all but three; whom we kept as a +crew, our own men having been taken prisoners by +the enemy. That was only yesterday, and here we +are."</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings paused.</p> + +<p>"You have indeed had a hard time," said the +young German. "But I am glad to know you, all +three of you. About this man Davis. I have a +man aboard my ship who might possibly be the +same. He says his name is Davis, and he is an +Englishman; but I have placed no faith in his story. +He is a shifty-eyed scoundrel. I picked him up off +the British coast about two weeks ago."</p> + +<p>"He is undoubtedly the same," said Lord Hastings. +"Also his story probably is true. I can +vouch for the fact that he carries a number, and +that he was recently in England."</p> + +<p>"Will you and your men come aboard my vessel?" +invited the young German. "I should be +pleased to have you look at this man Davis. I +have him in irons."</p> + +<p>"We shall be pleased," Lord Hastings accepted. +"But first we must go below and tie up these English +sailors. We don't want them to get away."</p> + +<p>The young German bowed, and Lord Hastings, +Frank, and Jack went below.</p> + +<p>Here Lord Hastings called the men to him and +in a few words explained the situation. The men +consented to be bound and the three tied them up, +for, as Lord Hastings said, it was just as well to +keep up appearances.</p> + +<p>Before returning on deck Lord Hastings also +issued a few sharp commands to Jack and Frank.</p> + +<p>"Just keep your nerve and everything will turn +out all right," he said.</p> + +<p>"But Davis," exclaimed Frank. "He is likely to +betray us."</p> + +<p>"Don't you believe it," said Lord Hastings. "Von +Rosten doesn't trust him very much and Davis will +be sharp enough to know it. That's why I want to +appear to be doing him a good turn. Besides, it +will throw both of them off the track."</p> + +<p>"I see," replied Frank. "I wouldn't have thought +of that, sir."</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings again led the way on deck and +informed the young German commander that they +were ready to accompany him aboard his vessel. +The latter motioned them into the small boat ahead +of him.</p> + +<p>Ten minutes later they were all seated in Captain +Von Rosten's own cabin. The German summoned +his first officer.</p> + +<p>"Have the prisoner brought here," he commanded.</p> + +<p>A few moments later, Davis, still in irons, stood +before them. He gave an exclamation of surprise +when he glanced at the three Englishmen, and all +knew that he recognized them. Lord Hastings +thought it would be well to get in the first word.</p> + +<p>"I see you recognize us," he said sharply.</p> + +<p>"Well, I guess I do," returned Davis. "You +are——"</p> + +<p>"Never mind who we are," interrupted Lord +Hastings. "Enough for you to know that you almost +spoiled everything."</p> + +<p>"What's that?" demanded Davis. "I almost +spoiled everything? Me?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, you," returned Lord Hastings quietly. +"You and the Baron Blosberg, with your impatience. +I don't suppose you know that we carry +numbers, eh?"</p> + +<p>"I didn't know you did," replied Davis. "These +other two here," indicating Jack and Frank, "I surmised +did, or else I was fooled. But the last time +I saw you you wore a British uniform and seemed +to be perfectly at home."</p> + +<p>"Fortunately for the rest of you," commented +Lord Hastings dryly. "Otherwise none of you +would be here now."</p> + +<p>Davis was apparently convinced.</p> + +<p>"And did you have success?" he asked. "Have +you solved the mystery of the——"</p> + +<p>"Vanishing submarines?" interrupted Lord Hastings. +"Yes. We have solved it."</p> + +<p>Von Rosten sprang to his feet.</p> + +<p>"Is it true?" he exclaimed eagerly. "The mystery +has been solved?"</p> + +<p>"It has," replied Lord Hastings quietly.</p> + +<p>"And you can suggest means for overcoming it?"</p> + +<p>"I can," replied Lord Hastings, and added: "At +the proper time and place."</p> + +<p>Von Rosten sat down and indicated Davis.</p> + +<p>"Then you can vouch for this man?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Lord Hastings. "And I should +be glad if you would release him. He is a traitor +to his country and something of a bungler, but I +can make use of him."</p> + +<p>"Very well, sir," returned Von Rosten. "Then I +shall turn him over to you."</p> + +<p>"If you would be so kind," said Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>The German again summoned his first officer.</p> + +<p>"Take the irons off this man," he commanded.</p> + +<p>The first officer motioned for Davis to follow +him.</p> + +<p>"Return when you have been released," ordered +Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"Very well," said Davis.</p> + +<p>He left the cabin.</p> + +<p>"Now," said Lord Hastings to Von Rosten, "I +would be glad if you could do a further favor for +me?"</p> + +<p>"Consider it granted if it is within my power," +said the young German.</p> + +<p>"Thanks," said Lord Hastings. "I should like +to borrow half a dozen of your crew. As you +know, I am short handed, and I have work to do."</p> + +<p>The German hesitated, but only for a moment.</p> + +<p>"Very well, sir," he returned. "I shall be glad +to let you have them. Would you also wish me +to take care of your British prisoners?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no," replied Lord Hastings with a gesture. +"They are hard workers, with a little urging," and +he smiled. "They may come in very handily."</p> + +<p>"As you please," replied the German.</p> + +<p>A third time he summoned his first officer.</p> + +<p>"Pick twelve men of the crew and have them +ready to go aboard the U-16 with Captain Bernstorff +here," he commanded.</p> + +<p>The officer saluted and withdrew.</p> + +<p>"Now, is there anything further I can do for +you?" asked Von Rosten.</p> + +<p>"Nothing, thank you," replied Lord Hastings, +"and, with your permission, as soon as Davis is +freed of his shackles and the men are ready, I shall +return to my own vessel. I have work to do."</p> + +<p>The young German bowed.</p> + +<p>Half an hour later Lord Hastings, Jack and +Frank again trod the deck of the U-16. Davis and +a crew of twelve German sailors also were aboard.</p> + +<p>"And now," said Lord Hastings, "having dispensed +with the formalities, it is time to get busy."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV" />CHAPTER XV.</h2> + +<h3>PLOTTING.</h3> + + +<p>"Now," said Lord Hastings, "as soon as we have +lost sight of our new friend, Von Rosten, we shall +take a little trip to Ostend anyhow."</p> + +<p>"What for, sir?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>"Oh, just to look about a little," was the reply. +"We may be able to pick up a little useful information."</p> + +<p>"And why didn't you tell Von Rosten you were +bound there, sir?" Jack wanted to know.</p> + +<p>"Well, for one reason, because I wanted to borrow +a part of his crew," said Lord Hastings. "Had +he known we were headed for Ostend he would +have thought it strange that we didn't wait until +we got there to get more men. Besides, I wouldn't +want to try and get men there. It might prove +embarrassing."</p> + +<p>"Well, sir," remarked Frank, "that was quite a +little story you concocted for his benefit."</p> + +<p>"I flatter myself it wasn't so awfully bad," smiled +Lord Hastings. "Of course, I might have done +better if I had been given more time."</p> + +<p>"It was pretty good for a quick one," Jack admitted. +"But, what are we going to do with Davis, +sir?"</p> + +<p>"Turn him over to the British authorities at the +first opportunity. He is deserving of whatever punishment +he shall receive. But in the meantime we +must not let him suspect our true identity for he +may be of use to us."</p> + +<p>The lads nodded.</p> + +<p>"Now," said Lord Hastings, "we may as well +put about and run for Ostend."</p> + +<p>Frank gave the command to Edwards, at the +wheel, and the U-16 came about and headed east. +Frank and Jack went below to their quarters, leaving +Lord Hastings alone on the bridge.</p> + +<p>"There is no use talking," said the latter. "It +seems rather peculiar to be sailing under the German +flag."</p> + +<p>"And that's no joke," Jack agreed. "I hope we +will not have to do it long."</p> + +<p>It was late in the evening when the submarine +approached Ostend, where it was known that the +Germans had established a submarine base. The +U-16 went along slowly, for Lord Hastings was +not certain of his bearings.</p> + +<p>Suddenly there came a hail across the water and +a light flashed upon the U-16. In response to a +command Lord Hastings brought the vessel to a +halt.</p> + +<p>"Who are you?" came the challenge in the darkness.</p> + +<p>"U-16, Captain Tarlenhein," Lord Hastings +shouted back.</p> + +<p>"Good," was the reply. "We wondered what had +happened to you. Everything all right?"</p> + +<p>"All right."</p> + +<p>"Ready to join us in another desperate mission?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. Ready any time."</p> + +<p>"Good. Remain where you are. We start +within the hour. Your instructions will be sent to +you."</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings signified that he understood and +the light on the other vessel was flashed off, leaving +the U-16 in darkness again.</p> + +<p>"Now what do you suppose is up, sir?" asked +Frank eagerly.</p> + +<p>"You have just as much idea as I have," declared +Lord Hastings. "However, we shall probably +know in good time."</p> + +<p>And he was right.</p> + +<p>Half an hour later a small boat approached the +side of the U-16. In response to a signal from +Lord Hastings, who had perceived his approach, +a subordinate officer clambered aboard.</p> + +<p>"Captain Tarlenhein?" he inquired.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings kept his face half turned in the +darkness.</p> + +<p>"Yes," he replied in a husky voice.</p> + +<p>The officer drew a paper from his pocket and +passed it to Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"From Admiral Seibert, sir."</p> + +<p>He brought his heels together, gave a quick salute, +turned on his heel, and went back over the side.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings immediately hastened to his cabin +and as hastily summoned Jack and Frank.</p> + +<p>"Well," he said quietly, "here are our orders," +and he laid the paper on the table. "Sit down."</p> + +<p>The lads did so, and Lord Hastings, seating himself, +picked up the document, broke the seal, and +read aloud:</p> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Captain Tarlenhein,</span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"Commanding H.I.S. U-16:</span><br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"Proceed immediately, under command of Admiral Schuler, to Dover + Bay, joining submarine flotilla there, to proceed to the Thames + for attack British fleet. Flotilla to gather mile off Dover, + midnight, Thursday.</p></div> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 18em;">(Signed) "SEIBERT."</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>"I should say that is plain enough," said Lord Hastings, looking up.</p> + +<p>"Rather, sir," agreed Frank. "All we have to do is to be at a certain spot +at a certain time."</p> + +<p>"That's it. And the beauty of it is we do not go with any other vessel. I +suppose Admiral Seibert deems it advisable for each vessel to make her way +there separately, coming to the surface at the appointed time."</p> + +<p>"And shall we be there, sir?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>"Rather," replied Lord Hastings dryly. "First, however, we shall have to +find time to run even closer to Dover, take a trip ashore, and notify the +Admiralty. Then perhaps we can arrange a little surprise for our friends +the enemy."</p> + +<p>"That's the way, sir," said Frank enthusiastically. "And I would suggest +that the sooner we get under way the better. It may not be so easy to get +ashore without being sent to the bottom by one of our own ships or forts."</p> + +<p>"Very well," replied Lord Hastings. "You may give the word to proceed at +eighteen knots, Mr. Templeton."</p> + +<p>Jack gave the order, and the U-16 moved off in the night.</p> + +<p>Having obtained Lord Hastings' permission, Frank and Jack decided to turn +in. They made their way to the quarters they had chosen, and what was +their surprise to find that Davis had appropriated it for his own +convenience.</p> + +<p>"I say," said Jack to Davis, who was sitting there in a comfortable +chair, "you'll have to come out of here, you know."</p> + +<p>"Will I?" said Davis. "What for?"</p> + +<p>"Chiefly because we say so," replied Frank angrily. "This is our cabin."</p> + +<p>"Yours?" repeated Davis, a rising inflection in his voice. "And who gave +it to you, if you please?"</p> + +<p>"We selected it," replied Frank, growing angrier at Davis' words.</p> + +<p>"Well, I can't see that that makes it yours," returned Davis. "However, we +won't argue about that. I'll just stay here and you go some place else."</p> + +<p>"Not much you don't," declared Frank. "Either you'll skip out of here +right now, or I shall have to throw you out."</p> + +<p>"I don't believe you will do a whole lot of throwing," smiled Davis. +"Anyhow, I'll take a chance by staying."</p> + +<p>He settled himself more comfortably in his chair and picked up a book.</p> + +<p>Frank's eyes flashed angrily, but Jack laid a soothing hand on his +friend's shoulder.</p> + +<p>"Let him alone," he commanded.</p> + +<p>"What for?" demanded Frank. "Think I am going to let a man like him run me +out of my own quarters? Not much."</p> + +<p>"But we can seek other quarters," said Jack, who was always peaceable +until aroused. "What's the use of getting in trouble?"</p> + +<p>"It won't be much trouble," said Frank. "I'll just throw him out."</p> + +<p>Jack smiled.</p> + +<p>"He might fool you," he said quietly. "To me, he looks as though he would +be hard for you to handle."</p> + +<p>"I suppose you think you could do it all right?" said Frank.</p> + +<p>"Well, I suppose I could if I started out to," declared Jack. "But I don't +intend to make a fool of myself."</p> + +<p>This answer only served to enrage Frank the more and he advanced upon +Davis threateningly.</p> + +<p>"Are you going to get out of here?" he demanded angrily.</p> + +<p>Davis looked at him lazily.</p> + +<p>"Well, no," he said at last; "I'm not."</p> + +<p>Frank sprang upon him without another word and, seizing him by both +shoulders, bore him over to the floor, falling on top of him. Then the lad +quickly raised himself to his feet, and when Davis got up a moment later +Frank grabbed him by the back of the neck with his right hand and the +trousers with his left and hustled him to the door.</p> + +<p>In vain did Davis seek to free himself from this hold. Although he was +undoubtedly stronger and more than a match for Frank, the lad had him at +a disadvantage; and he could do nothing to help himself as the boy +hustled him through the door of the cabin.</p> + +<p>There Frank gave Davis a last vigorous shove and he went spinning down the +little hallway.</p> + +<p>"There," said Frank, "perhaps that will teach you to stay where you +belong."</p> + +<p>He stepped back in the cabin, closed and locked the door. Then he turned +to Jack.</p> + +<p>"He's gone," he said quietly.</p> + +<p>"I see he has," replied Jack, smiling. "Now, let's get to bed."</p> + +<p>But Davis, routed though he had been, still had a few remarks to make. He +tried the knob of the door, and, finding it locked, raised his voice.</p> + +<p>"Hey! Let me in there," he demanded.</p> + +<p>"You're out; stay out!" said Frank.</p> + +<p>"You come out here and I'll punch your face," said Davis.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I guess not," replied Frank, feeling quite well pleased with himself.</p> + +<p>"You little Dutchman!" exclaimed Davis.</p> + +<p>"Go hunt a hole and go to bed," said Frank.</p> + +<p>There was no danger of his getting angry, for he was too amused. "If you +don't," he continued, "I'll come out there and chuck you overboard."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you will, will you? Well, come out here and I'll show you."</p> + +<p>"Some other time," said Frank cheerfully.</p> + +<p>"Right now I am going to turn in. Pleasant dreams to you, Mr. Davis."</p> + +<p>Davis was very angry now. Outside the door he stamped his feet one after +the other and rattled the knob vigorously.</p> + +<p>"Let me in there, or I'll break this door down," he said fiercely.</p> + +<p>During all this conversation Jack had shed his shoes and outer garments +and was about ready for bed. He now decided that the affair had gone far +enough and stepping forward called through the closed door:</p> + +<p>"That's enough, Davis. Keep quiet, or I'll take a hand in this myself. If +I do, you'll be sorry. Get away from that door!"</p> + +<p>And Davis subsided.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI" />CHAPTER XVI.</h2> + +<h3>AN ENEMY SUNK.</h3> + + +<p>"Steamship off the port bow, sir!"</p> + +<p>Frank gave the hail from the bridge. A moment later Lord Hastings emerged +from the little conning tower. For several moments he gazed searchingly +across the water through his glass.</p> + +<p>"Britisher," he said finally. "Guess we had better submerge."</p> + +<p>"Why, sir?" demanded Frank. "Surely we have nothing to fear from one of +our own vessels."</p> + +<p>"You seem to forget about this German flag we carry," said Lord Hastings; +"also, that, so far as we know, there are no British submarines in these +waters."</p> + +<p>"That's so, sir. I had forgotten just who we are supposed to be."</p> + +<p>"We'll go below," said Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>He moved toward the conning tower, but even as he would have descended +below, Frank gave a sudden cry.</p> + +<p>"Submarine approaching the steamer, sir."</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings immediately turned his gaze toward the vessel again. Frank +had spoken truly. Halfway between the steamship and the U-16 a second +submarine had suddenly appeared. Even from where he stood, Lord Hastings +could see that the steamer had been ordered to halt.</p> + +<p>"By Jove!" he exclaimed. "They're going to sink her!"</p> + +<p>Jack came on deck just in time to hear his commander's last words, and he +took in the situation at a glance.</p> + +<p>"And we can't remain here idly and let a thing like that happen," he +declared. "Come, sir, we'll go below and we'll have a shot at our German +friend there."</p> + +<p>"You forget," said Lord Hastings dryly, "that for the moment we are one +of our friend, the enemy."</p> + +<p>"But we can't let them sink the liner, sir!" exclaimed Frank in dismay. +"We can creep up on them and launch a torpedo, sir."</p> + +<p>"And be discovered ourselves?" remarked Lord Hastings. "Remember, we are +playing for bigger game than a single German submarine."</p> + +<p>"But no one will know the difference, sir. See, there are no other +submarines near. If we sink this fellow, who is to know how it was done?"</p> + +<p>"Your reasoning is all right," replied his commander, "but another +submarine is likely to appear at just the wrong moment, and then what?"</p> + +<p>"But surely, sir, you do not intend to remain here and let all the people +aboard the liner drown?"</p> + +<p>"The chances are that they won't drown," returned Lord Hastings. "Even now +you can see that the vessel has halted. The German will give passengers +and crew time to take to the boats."</p> + +<p>"But they may not, sir."</p> + +<p>"Well, we'll get as close as possible," said Lord Hastings, "and if the +German threatens to sink the vessel before all are safely off, I'll give +my permission to sink her. But I do not wish to risk discovery unless it +is absolutely necessary."</p> + +<p>With this the lads were forced to be satisfied.</p> + +<p>The U-16 had now come within perhaps a hundred and fifty yards of the +other submarine, which in turn was possibly another hundred yards from +the big liner. The voice of the commander of the German under-water craft +carried plainly to the U-16.</p> + +<p>"Five minutes more," he called to the commander of the liner. "I can wait +no longer. If all have not left the ship by that time, I shall sink you +anyhow."</p> + +<p>Instantly all became confusion aboard the steamship. Men, women and +children ran shrieking up and down the deck; seeking a place of safety.</p> + +<p>A boat was lowered over the side loaded with passengers. Hardly had it +struck the water when perhaps a dozen men and women flung themselves over +the side of the vessel into the boat. The little craft, already +overloaded, could stand no more. It tilted gradually to one side and then +suddenly turned over.</p> + +<p>The occupants were thrown into the water and disappeared beneath it. Soon +heads bobbed up here and there and pitiful cries were borne across the +water to the U-16.</p> + +<p>A second small boat, launched in haste, met the same fate, as did a third.</p> + +<p>The panic aboard the liner became more acute. Hoarse commands of men and +shrill cries of women and children rang out over the sea, while at the +same moment the commander of the German submarine called out:</p> + +<p>"Hurry now! Five minutes more!"</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings took his decision instantly.</p> + +<p>"Below," he said quietly as he led the way. Frank and Jack followed.</p> + +<p>"Submerge, Mr. Templeton," came Lord Hastings' sharp command.</p> + +<p>Jack gave the order. The conning tower was hermetically closed instantly +and Lord Hastings took his place at the periscope. When the U-16 had +submerged until the periscope barely protruded above the water's edge, +Lord Hastings ordered:</p> + +<p>"Hold her there!"</p> + +<p>Orders came thick and fast now. Gradually the U-16 swerved a bit, to +better bring her torpedo tubes to bear. Lord Hastings gave a hurried order +to Jack, who stood at his elbow.</p> + +<p>"Let no one come near me here," he said. "It would not do to have Davis or +one of the crew see what we are about to do."</p> + +<p>"No one shall pass me, sir," was Jack's quiet response.</p> + +<p>"Good. Signal No. 2 torpedo."</p> + +<p>Immediately upon going below Frank had ordered the men to their posts, +where they now stood, eagerly expectant—the German members of the crew +because they believed a British ship was to be torpedoed, and the +Englishmen because they knew a German craft of some kind had been +encountered.</p> + +<p>The electric signal board aboard the submarine now flashed red:</p> + +<p>"No. 2 torpedo!"</p> + +<p>The man on duty there, who chanced to be a German, stood tense and +expectant.</p> + +<p>"How does she go above, sir?" asked Jack.</p> + +<p>"Still a panic on the liner," returned Lord Hastings. "Several boats have +been lowered safely, however, and are picking up those in the water. If +the German will withhold his fire for ten minutes, all will be saved."</p> + +<p>"Does he seem to be ready to fire, sir?"</p> + +<p>"He seems to be holding off and I hope he does. However, I'm ready, and +we'll beat him to it."</p> + +<p>"I——" began Jack, and whirled about suddenly. He had caught the sound of +footsteps behind him.</p> + +<p>The lad looked into the face of Davis.</p> + +<p>"Stand back there!" he commanded sharply.</p> + +<p>"Why? What's the matter? What's going on?" demanded the latter.</p> + +<p>"None of your business," replied Jack. "Back now, quick!"</p> + +<p>"Look here——" began Davis.</p> + +<p>"You heard me," said Jack slowly and very quietly. "Now obey and be quick +about it."</p> + +<p>"By whose command?" inquired Davis with a leer.</p> + +<p>"By mine," returned Jack, restraining his temper with difficulty.</p> + +<p>"I don't recognize your authority," declared Davis, and took another step +forward.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings had been peering intently into the periscope and had paid no +attention to what was going on behind him. He had given Jack his orders +and he knew they would be carried out. However, now turning from the +periscope to speak a word to the lad, he saw what was going on and he +caught Jack's last words and Davis' reply.</p> + +<p>"Then perhaps you will recognize mine," he said. "Stand back, sir!"</p> + +<p>Without awaiting a reply he again turned to the periscope. For a moment +Davis hesitated and seemed about to protest, but Jack gave him time for no +further words.</p> + +<p>The lad stretched out a long arm quietly, seized Davis by the elbow, drew +him toward him a pace, and then hurled him violently backward. Davis went +tumbling head over heels. Jack wasted no further thought on him, and +turned to Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>Davis, very angry, pulled himself slowly to his feet and glared at Jack +evilly. Suddenly he put his hand to his belt, whipped out his revolver, +and levelled it straight at Jack.</p> + +<p>But before his finger could press the trigger his wrist was seized in a +strong grasp from behind and the weapon was twisted from his hand. +Whirling angrily Davis looked into the face of Frank, who was smiling +quietly.</p> + +<p>"What's the meaning of this?" demanded the latter.</p> + +<p>Davis face turned dark with rage.</p> + +<p>"I'll show you," he cried, and struck a vicious blow at the lad.</p> + +<p>But Frank had been prepared for some such move and stepped back quickly.</p> + +<p>Davis missed.</p> + +<p>Frank realized that this was neither time nor place to settle his +grievance with Davis, so he took the simplest way out. His hand flashed to +his belt and his revolver came to a level.</p> + +<p>"That's enough," he said sharply. "One step forward and I'll shoot, so +surely as my name is Frank Chadwick."</p> + +<p>There was no mistaking the menace in the lad's tones, and growling to +himself, Davis dropped his hands. Then, still muttering and keeping at +some distance, he slunk away, hurling over his shoulder:</p> + +<p>"I'll get you for this yet. Remember that."</p> + +<p>Frank did not take the trouble to reply, but instead approached Jack and +Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"How are things, sir?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"At a standstill," replied Lord Hastings. "The German is withholding his +fire, but there are still people on the liner. If he will restrain his +impatience for a few minutes everything will be all right."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps he will, sir," said Jack hopefully.</p> + +<p>"I trust so. It will be better for all concerned. Everything ready, +Frank?"</p> + +<p>"All ready, sir. You're sure No. 2 torpedo has the range?"</p> + +<p>"Perfectly. It will reach the enemy's bridge at its present angle."</p> + +<p>"Could I have a look, sir?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>For a brief moment Lord Hastings hesitated, then stepped aside and +motioned Frank to his place at the periscope.</p> + +<p>"Give the command to fire if anything happens," instructed Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>Frank nodded, and placed his hand on the signal button, at the same time +peering into the periscope.</p> + +<p>Above everything was perfectly plain. The lad could see that the captain +of the liner and some passengers still remained aboard; and, a short +distance away, he saw the German submarine, with her commander standing +upon the bridge, watch in hand.</p> + +<p>Suddenly the German's watch closed with a snap. Frank drew a sharp breath, +for he realized what was coming. Slowly the German officer's hand moved +upward. Frank divined that he was about to give the signal to fire a +torpedo at the defenseless vessel.</p> + +<p>Frank's heart leaped into his mouth; and he pressed the little button +beneath his finger. And once again the signal board on the U-16 glowed +red:</p> + +<p>"Fire!"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII" />CHAPTER XVII.</h2> + +<h3>AN ARGUMENT SETTLED—TEMPORARILY.</h3> + + +<p>There came a sharp, metallic click; and after it the silence of death +aboard the U-16 for a brief second while Lord Hastings took Frank's place.</p> + +<p>Then the German sailor who had launched the torpedo cried out:</p> + +<p>"Did we hit her, sir?"</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings took his eye from the periscope long enough to answer: +"Squarely on the bridge, my man."</p> + +<p>The sailor gave a guttural exclamation of joy, in which his countrymen +joined. The three Englishmen had the presence of mind to say nothing. Then +one of the Germans turned to Edwards, who stood by him at that moment.</p> + +<p>"There goes one of your vessels," he said happily.</p> + +<p>"Where many of yours will go before long," returned Edwards, turning away +to hide a grin.</p> + +<p>"Then we hit her, sir?" questioned Frank eagerly.</p> + +<p>"We did," returned Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"Shall we go to the surface again?" Jack asked.</p> + +<p>"Hardly," returned Lord Hastings dryly. "The men naturally would want to +go on deck to have a look at their work, and when they saw a British +steamship floating safely they would probably do some thinking. No; we'll +submerge still deeper and get away from here."</p> + +<p>"And the people aboard the liner, sir?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>"Will have to shift for themselves," was the reply. "However, they are in +no danger now."</p> + +<p>"Very well, sir."</p> + +<p>"You may submerge to ten fathoms, Mr. Templeton," said Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>Jack gave the order, and a moment later the tanks of the U-16 began to +take in more water. When at the proper depth, Lord Hastings ordered full +speed ahead.</p> + +<p>"Where now, sir?" asked Jack.</p> + +<p>"To where we can do the most good," was his commander's reply. "To Dover, +where I shall make an attempt to acquaint the British authorities with +what we have learned."</p> + +<p>"And where we'll set a neat little trap for the enemy, sir," said Frank +eagerly.</p> + +<p>"We'll try," returned Lord Hastings grimly.</p> + +<p>One of the Germans was now called to take the wheel, and, leaving Lord +Hastings in the latter's cabin, Jack and Frank made their way aft. Here, +as they passed the compartment in which the crew bunked, they heard a +commotion.</p> + +<p>The two lads entered quickly. There, in the middle of the floor, +surrounded by half a dozen of the German sailors, stood Davis, and +confronting him was the British sailor, O'Brien. The latter was speaking.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I called you a contemptible traitor," he said, thrusting his face +forward and speaking in German. "What are you going to do about it?"</p> + +<p>"I'll show you," replied Davis.</p> + +<p>He raised an arm suddenly, and, taking O'Brien off his guard, sent him to +the floor with a blow to the point of the chin. The man lay still.</p> + +<p>Frank's blood boiled.</p> + +<p>"Guess I'll take a hand in this myself," he said through his teeth. "I've +been wanting to get at him for some time now."</p> + +<p>In vain Jack sought to stay his chum. The latter shook off the detaining +hand and sprang forward. Before Davis noticed his presence the lad was +upon him.</p> + +<p>There was a resounding smack as Frank struck Davis lightly across the face +with his open palm.</p> + +<p>"You big coward," he said, "to taunt a prisoner. I'll teach you a little +lesson. Take off your coat."</p> + +<p>For a moment Davis shrank back before the boy; but seeing the eager faces +about him and realizing that the others expected something from him he +jerked off his coat and faced the lad.</p> + +<p>"You'll wish you had kept out of my path," he sneered.</p> + +<p>It was plain to be seen that sentiment was about evenly divided among the +German crew. The men knew neither of the combatants were German, and while +they knew that Davis was a traitor to his country, they had a pretty good +idea that Jack and Frank were too. For some reason, however, none had the +slightest doubt that Lord Hastings was a German.</p> + +<p>Now Jack stepped forward, and, speaking in German, said:</p> + +<p>"Men, as long as these fellows have got to fight, it may as well be done +right, eh?"</p> + +<p>There was a general murmur of approval from the crew.</p> + +<p>"All right," said Jack. "Now, we won't have any rules, except that this is +to be a straight fight. No kicking, biting nor gouging. Nothing but fists +go." He looked Davis squarely in the eye. "Do I make myself clear?" he +asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Davis sullenly.</p> + +<p>"Good. Then when I say 'go' you can tackle each other until I cry stop, +which shall be at the end of fifteen minutes, if you are both on your +feet. And then you'll stop if I have to take you both in hand. Stand back, +men."</p> + +<p>The Germans crowded back to the edge of the little room to give the +combatants free play. To most of them this was something new.</p> + +<p>Most had seen many fights and duels, but it is doubtful if any had ever +witnessed a stand-up fight with bare fists. They leaned forward +expectantly.</p> + +<p>Frank and Davis had both rolled up their sleeves and now awaited the word, +Davis sullen and glowering, and Frank cool and collected, apparently, +though to Jack's keen eye the lad was plainly very angry. Jack was not +without some misgivings as to the outcome of the encounter, for Davis was +much the larger of the two.</p> + +<p>Also he was apparently much stronger than his adversary, and from his +position Jack knew that he must know something of the pugilistic art. To +Jack, an exceptionally skillful boxer himself, it looked as though Frank +had tackled more than he could finish.</p> + +<p>"If Davis were only a German now," he muttered to himself. "But he's +English, and, although he's a traitor, he'll probably give Frank a +trimming."</p> + +<p>"All ready," said Jack, watch in hand. "G——"</p> + +<p>At this moment there was an interruption from the doorway.</p> + +<p>"What's the meaning of this?" demanded a stern voice.</p> + +<p>All turned quickly. Lord Hastings stood in the doorway.</p> + +<p>"I say, what's the meaning of this?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>"Just a little personal affair, sir," replied Frank, stepping forward. +"Davis here and I are going to settle a difference."</p> + +<p>"Hm-m-m," muttered Lord Hastings, sizing the two up critically. "And you +think you can thrash him, eh?"</p> + +<p>"I think so, sir."</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't," was the reply. "I have a notion to forbid it."</p> + +<p>"Don't, sir," pleaded Frank. "It will have to come some time, and the +sooner the better."</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings was plainly undecided. But at last he threw open his arms in +a gesture of permission.</p> + +<p>"Go ahead, then," he said. "I'll stay and see fair play."</p> + +<p>Watch in hand, Jack raised an arm. He was silent a moment. Then,</p> + +<p>"Go!" he said, "and remember, fight fair!"</p> + +<p>The two combatants had sprung forward before the words were out of Jack's +mouth, and the latter was obliged to skip nimbly aside to get out of their +way.</p> + +<p>Davis rushed forward to meet Frank, who advanced more slowly, though with +confidence written large on his features. Jack, perceiving this, shook his +head sadly.</p> + +<p>Frank evaded Davis' first terrific blow, that must have laid him flat had +it landed. Side-stepping neatly, he struck Davis a light and glancing blow +over the right ear. There was little force behind it and Davis did not +even wince. He whirled and rushed again.</p> + +<p>Again Frank side-stepped and planted a light blow to Davis' head, +following it up quickly with a heavier blow to the forehead. Davis shook +his head, and, raising his guard, stood still. Evidently he had decided to +try no more rushing tactics.</p> + +<p>Frank, nothing loath to take the offensive, advanced confidently. He +feinted with his left and drove hard with his right. He knew that he +gauged the distance carefully and he was unable to account for the fact +that the blow failed to land. A moment later he staggered back a trifle +from a blow upon the side of the cheek. Davis had outgeneraled him there.</p> + +<p>There was not much force to the blow and Frank smiled. Now Davis advanced, +and, feinting rapidly with both hands, placed his right against Frank's +mouth. But the lad had perceived the blow coming and stepped quickly +backward, breaking the force of it, and was not hurt. Before Davis could +cover, the lad placed a hard right and left to Davis' nose, bringing +blood. Davis gave ground.</p> + +<p>Frank followed up this advantage quickly and followed his man around the +room, striking out whenever opportunity offered. Plainly Davis was +becoming rattled. He continued to retreat. Now Frank backed him into a +corner and drove a hard uppercut to the chin. Davis' head jerked backward +and struck the hard wood of the wall. Frank stepped back and allowed Davis +to come out of the corner.</p> + +<p>Davis, it could be plainly seen, was furiously angry; but he held himself +in check, apparently realizing that victory depended upon coolness and +caution.</p> + +<p>Frank advanced swiftly, swung and missed by a fraction of an inch, as +Davis jerked his head sharply to one side. Before the lad could recover, +Davis struck out viciously and landed flush on Frank's jaw. The lad +staggered back, but before Davis could follow up his advantage, Frank +covered and held his opponent off. The blow had been the hardest of the +fight so far.</p> + +<p>Davis, with more confidence since this blow, stepped forward aggressively, +feinted quickly two or three times, and sent a hard right to Frank's sore +jaw. Again Frank covered up and gave ground. Believing that he had the lad +at his mercy, Davis advanced quickly and swung hard with his left.</p> + +<p>With dazzling rapidity, Frank stepped inside and, catching the swing with +his left arm, planted his right fist squarely upon Davis' nose. Davis +uttered a cry of pain and leaped back. Frank followed, pressing him +closely.</p> + +<p>Davis seemed content to remain on the defensive now, and for the space of +perhaps a minute warded off all the lad's blows with a really remarkable +defense. Even Jack was forced to give him his due.</p> + +<p>"He can box," he muttered, "but I doubt if he can keep his head."</p> + +<p>But the end of the battle came now with sudden and unexpected swiftness. +Frank, seeking to put an end to the fight, stepped forward, feinted with +his left, and drove his right straight for Davis' chin, swinging from the +floor.</p> + +<p>Davis jerked his head back sharply, and the lad missed. Before he could +recover Davis had swung hard with both hands and both blows went home, one +catching Frank in the abdomen, doubling him up, and the other +straightening him again as it landed squarely on his chin.</p> + +<p>Frank dropped to the floor and lay still.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII" />CHAPTER XVIII.</h2> + +<h3>MISTAKEN FOR AN ENEMY.</h3> + + +<p>Davis had won—fairly and cleanly—there was no doubt about that.</p> + +<p>But Jack and Lord Hastings wasted no time in considering the merits of the +encounter. Each sprang forward and bent above the lad. Lord Hastings +raised the boy's head to his knee.</p> + +<p>"Water," he said to Jack.</p> + +<p>The latter hastened to get it, and after a few drops had been sprinkled +over his face, Frank opened his eyes. He glanced up curiously at Lord +Hastings.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter?" he asked. "What's happened?"</p> + +<p>"Matter is," returned Jack quietly, "that you have just been convinced +that you are not such a terrible fighter as you have been thinking."</p> + +<p>"You mean he licked me?" demanded Frank, suddenly realizing just what had +happened.</p> + +<p>"He did," returned Jack dryly; "and he did a pretty good job of it."</p> + +<p>"But I tell you I had him," cried Frank. "One more blow and—and——"</p> + +<p>"The one more blow didn't land," replied his chum.</p> + +<p>"But I tried——"</p> + +<p>"Yes, you tried, all right. I saw you. You just missed him and then he +landed on you—twice, and hard. That's why you're here."</p> + +<p>"He couldn't do it again," said Frank feebly.</p> + +<p>"Maybe not and maybe yes," said Jack. "However, you're not going to have +another trial. You've been licked, and licked good and proper, and that's +all there is to it. See if you can get up now. I'll take you to our own +quarters."</p> + +<p>Frank pulled himself to his feet, and, leaning on Jack, walked from the +room.</p> + +<p>Davis now had donned his coat and stood near as the two passed out. There +was a sneering smile on his puffed face, and he spoke.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you fellows will pay a little more attention to me when I say +something after this," he muttered.</p> + +<p>Jack whirled on him sharply.</p> + +<p>"See here," he said quietly, "if you make any trouble in the future I'll +take you in hand myself. You'll find that the result will be somewhat +different."</p> + +<p>"So?" sneered Davis, feeling not a little proud of himself. "You are at +liberty to try at any time. Right now, eh?"</p> + +<p>He made as if to discard his coat. Flushed with victory, he manifested no +doubt that he could handle Jack as well as Frank.</p> + +<p>In spite of himself, Jack was forced to smile.</p> + +<p>"We won't fight now," he said quietly. "You're not in condition in the +first place. But when you have been fixed up, I just want to tell you not +to trifle with me."</p> + +<p>"Threats, eh?"</p> + +<p>"Call them what you please. I don't want to have to spank you, but I may +have to. Don't bother me, that's all."</p> + +<p>He helped Frank from the room without another word. Lord Hastings, about +to leave the room, stopped for a word with Davis.</p> + +<p>"Just a word of advice," he said. "As you know, we are on a perilous duty. +Any more trouble and I'll have you ironed if necessary. You're in no +position to make a nuisance of yourself."</p> + +<p>Davis made no reply. He recognized Lord Hastings' authority to do as he +said and he was smart enough to say nothing. Lord Hastings left Davis with +the sailors.</p> + +<p>An hour after leaving the spot where the U-16 had so recently sent a +German submarine to the bottom, Lord Hastings again gave the command to +come to the surface; and the vessel proceeded then upon the top of the +water.</p> + +<p>Frank and Jack, tired out, had retired for a brief rest before their +services would again be required; but had they been in Davis' cabin they +would have overheard a strange conversation.</p> + +<p>Davis and three of the German sailors were engaged in a deep and +apparently serious discussion. They talked in subdued tones and cast +occasional furtive glances at the door. Occasionally the three nodded +their heads affirmatively as Davis talked, each occasionally volunteering +a few words himself.</p> + +<p>"Then you are with me?" asked Davis at length.</p> + +<p>The men nodded.</p> + +<p>"Good. But we shall have to bide our time. A false step and it would be +the end of all of us. This Commander Bernstorff, I should say, is a bad +man to fool with. But once we can get him in our power and silence the +others, we can make something of ourselves."</p> + +<p>"Yah!" muttered one of the sailors. "What is this war to us anyhow? You +are English and we are German; but what of it? Why should we take orders +from such men as Herr Commander Bernstorff and others of his kind?"</p> + +<p>"Why, indeed?" echoed another.</p> + +<p>"You are right," said Davis. "Now, when we take possession of this vessel +we will be our own masters. No one to tell us what to do. We won't have to +risk our lives for some one else's gain. And what booty we can get shall +be evenly divided among us. There is rich prey upon the sea."</p> + +<p>"But first," said one of the sailors, "to come into possession of this +vessel, we shall have to dispose of Commander Bernstorff, his lieutenants, +and others of the crew."</p> + +<p>"How," exclaimed one of the others suddenly, "how if some of the others +would join us? I have no doubt they would if approached in the right way."</p> + +<p>"We don't want too many," protested the third. "The fewer of us, the fewer +to share in the spoils."</p> + +<p>"True enough," said Davis, "but we must have men enough for a crew. I, of +course, shall command. You three will be my officers. We must have a +crew."</p> + +<p>"How about the English sailors?" asked one of the Germans. "They must be +dissatisfied. Here they are prisoners and will be kept under guard until +the end of the war. Certainly they should be willing to join us. It will +mean freedom and a share in the rich spoils."</p> + +<p>"With which to retire when the war is over," put in another. "Why, we can +go to America and live at ease for years to come."</p> + +<p>"Which is my plan exactly," declared Davis. "Yes, we must have a crew. +Hans, do you think you could approach these prisoners?"</p> + +<p>"Leave that to me, sir," replied Hans with an evil wink. "I think I can +convince them, sir."</p> + +<p>"Good; but in the meantime, do not talk this among yourselves. I believe +we had better wait until after the end of the expedition we are now on. +Vigilance, probably, will relax then. In the meantime, we must try and +show ourselves to be perfectly loyal to the Kaiser."</p> + +<p>"Very well, sir."</p> + +<p>"All right then," said Davis. "You fellows clear out now. I want to get a +little sleep."</p> + +<p>Silently the three conspirators made their way from the traitor's cabin. +No one saw them go and the success of the plot seemed assured as the U-16 +continued on her journey, Lord Hastings, Frank, Jack and the other British +aboard unaware and unsuspecting.</p> + +<p>Shortly after dusk of the night upon which the German under-sea fleet +expected to spring its coup, the U-16 lay upon the calm surface of the +water still some distance from the point set for the gathering of the +submarine flotilla at the midnight hour, and likewise a considerable +distance from Dover.</p> + +<p>Explaining his reason for stopping here, Lord Hastings said: "There may be +British patrol boats about—probably are. I want you boys to remain in +charge here, while I take a boat and try to reach the British +authorities."</p> + +<p>"One of us had better go along, sir," declared Frank.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings considered this a minute.</p> + +<p>"I don't know but you are right," he finally said. "Frank shall go. Jack +will take command in my absence."</p> + +<p>He addressed the latter. "Arm Edwards and our other men," he continued, +"though do it unknown to the Germans. I don't altogether trust this Davis. +Of course he is in the pay of the Germans; but once a traitor always a +traitor. Watch him closely."</p> + +<p>"I'll watch him," said Jack quietly.</p> + +<p>"Very well. Frank and I shall leave at once."</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings ordered a small boat over the side, the two jumped into it +and rowed rapidly away, leaving Jack to pass the word among the crew that +Commander Bernstorff had gone on a little scouting expedition.</p> + +<p>For half an hour Lord Hastings and Frank rowed along without incident +until they could see a few dull lights in the distant town of Dover.</p> + +<p>"Seems to me there is a terrible lack of vigilance hereabouts," declared +Frank.</p> + +<p>"It does look that way," Lord Hastings admitted. "However——"</p> + +<p>There came a sudden interruption—the sound of a shot, and a bullet +whistled overhead.</p> + +<p>"Not such a terrible lack of vigilance, either," remarked Lord Hastings. +"I wonder where that shot came from?"</p> + +<p>He gazed about but could see nothing in the darkness. Came a second shot +from behind him, and turning, the two saw a little motorboat that had +crept up behind them unnoticed.</p> + +<p>"We surrender!" called Lord Hastings, fearing to take a chance that the +next shot would miss.</p> + +<p>The motorboat came toward them quickly.</p> + +<p>"Who are you?" demanded a figure standing in the bow, and at this distance +Lord Hastings could dimly make out that the man wore a British uniform.</p> + +<p>"Friends," was the reply.</p> + +<p>The British officer peered at them sharply, then noticed their German +uniforms.</p> + +<p>"Friends, eh," he said; "in those uniforms. Not likely. Climb into my +boat."</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings and Frank obeyed without a word, and at a command from the +British officer the motorboat put about and headed shoreward.</p> + +<p>"Where are you taking us?" asked Lord Hastings quietly.</p> + +<p>"None of your business," was the sharp response.</p> + +<p>"So?" said Lord Hastings quietly. "I would advise you to speak more +respectfully. I would not like to report you. I asked you a civil question +and I would appreciate a civil answer."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'll tell you, seeing that you are so anxious," replied the +officer. "I am taking you to Admiral Fischer, at Dover, who, most likely, +will know better how to attend to your case than I do."</p> + +<p>"Most likely," repeated Lord Hastings. "And how long before we may expect +to see the admiral?"</p> + +<p>"About half an hour."</p> + +<p>"Good!" And Lord Hastings whispered to Frank: "Plenty of time. Fortunately +I am well acquainted with Admiral Fischer."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX" />CHAPTER XIX.</h2> + +<h3>THE TRAP IS SET.</h3> + + +<p>"Hastings!"</p> + +<p>The exclamation was wrung from the lips of the astonished Admiral Fischer, +in command of the naval forces operating about Dover.</p> + +<p>"Right you are, Fischer," was Lord Hastings' smiling rejoinder, "though +how you recognized me in all this German toggery is more than I can +explain."</p> + +<p>The admiral advanced and wrung Lord Hastings' hand.</p> + +<p>"And why this German uniform?" he asked. "And who is this young man with +you?"</p> + +<p>"I'll answer the last question first," smiled Lord Hastings, "by +presenting to your excellency, my second officer, Mr. Frank Chadwick."</p> + +<p>Admiral Fischer acknowledged the introduction.</p> + +<p>"Now for the answer to my other question," he said.</p> + +<p>In a few brief words Lord Hastings explained. As he progressed with his +recital Admiral Fischer became more and more astonished. And when Lord +Hastings had concluded, the admiral burst out:</p> + +<p>"And you mean to tell me the Germans have the temerity to attempt a raid +in the very mouth of the Thames?"</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings nodded.</p> + +<p>"They certainly have," he said quietly, and he produced the order he had +received from the German admiral.</p> + +<p>Admiral Fischer scanned it closely.</p> + +<p>"It's authentic enough," he said finally, "I know his signature well. And +this raid is to take place at midnight, eh?"</p> + +<p>"Well, no. We are to gather at midnight. How long it will take to reach +the mouth of the Thames you can figure yourself."</p> + +<p>"I can," declared the admiral. "And I can also figure that if these +submarines dare enter the Thames they will never get out."</p> + +<p>"But you must figure better than that, Admiral. You must figure so they +will be unable to do any damage. That's even better than figuring that +they cannot escape after the damage is done."</p> + +<p>"So it is," returned the admiral. "Have you a plan?"</p> + +<p>"Why, yes! You must immediately order all warships and other craft now at +the mouth of the Thames, further up river. Order a swift torpedo boat +flotilla down the river—as many as are available—and have half a dozen +torpedo boats—equipped with nets—to take their places behind the +motorboat fleet."</p> + +<p>"And then?"</p> + +<p>"Well, the motorboats will attack the submarines as soon as they appear. A +few of them undoubtedly will be sunk. Then let the rest retire. The +submarines, submerged by this time, will travel forward a bit. At this +point have the torpedo boats, with nets stretched, proceed down each side +of the river. Of course, the torpedo boats must advance at the moment the +motorboats flee."</p> + +<p>"But I should think the Germans are too wary to be caught in a trap like +that."</p> + +<p>"They won't be, because they expect the raid to be too unexpected for such +details to have been arranged. Only one stipulation. Instruct all your +officers under no circumstances to fire at the first submersible to move +up the river."</p> + +<p>"And why?" demanded the admiral.</p> + +<p>"Chiefly," smiled Lord Hastings, "because I don't want to go to the +bottom."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I see! You mean to lead the German advance."</p> + +<p>"Exactly, and for two reasons. First, because I wish to reach a place of +safety at the earliest possible moment, and second, because if the Germans +see one craft advance, apparently unafraid, the others will not hesitate +to follow."</p> + +<p>"But perhaps it will be impossible for you to lead the way."</p> + +<p>"You just leave that to me, Fischer. I shall be in the first submarine. +The only question that remains is whether you have time to lay your +plans."</p> + +<p>"Plenty," was the reply. "I'll begin now."</p> + +<p>He pressed a button on his desk and an orderly entered. At a command he +left the room again, only to summon other officers. Admiral Fischer +scribbled rapidly, passing paper after paper to different officers. At the +end of another half hour, he turned to Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"All ready," he said quietly.</p> + +<p>"You have lost no time," replied Lord Hastings with a smile. He glanced at +his watch. "Almost ten," he said. "Come, Frank, we shall have to hurry."</p> + +<p>"Look here, Hastings," said Admiral Fischer, "don't you think you are +taking unnecessary risks? What's the use of going back? Why not stay +here?"</p> + +<p>"Impossible, Fischer," returned Lord Hastings. "In the first place, some +of my men are there and I must return to them. Then again, I want to be in +the fun."</p> + +<p>The admiral shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>"I know you too well to insist," he said. "So be it. But one thing; +remember that you must be in the first submarine."</p> + +<p>"I'll be there," said Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>Admiral Fischer summoned the officer who had conducted the two to him and +instructed him to return them to where he had picked them up. The officer +looked surprised, but he said nothing. Lord Hastings shook hands with +Admiral Fischer and he and Frank followed the officer from the room.</p> + +<p>Quickly they made their way back to the motorboat, were hurried out over +to the dark water, and finally were given their own small boat again, in +which they headed for the U-16.</p> + +<p>"Think you can find her, sir?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>"No trouble at all," was the reply.</p> + +<p>And there was no trouble.</p> + +<p>By eleven o'clock they were safely back aboard and Jack received them +anxiously.</p> + +<p>"What luck, sir?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Excellent," replied Lord Hastings. "How did everything go in my absence?"</p> + +<p>"All quiet, sir."</p> + +<p>"No trouble with Davis?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir. I haven't even seen him."</p> + +<p>"Very well. Now you may give the order to submerge and we'll make for the +rendezvous."</p> + +<p>Jack obeyed.</p> + +<p>It was just exactly three minutes to twelve when Lord Hastings, having +taken his bearings and found he was in the designated spot, gave the +command to come to the surface.</p> + +<p>Slowly the U-16 arose from the deep, and immediately she rested upon the +surface, Jack and Frank followed Lord Hastings to the bridge.</p> + +<p>The night was perfectly dark and at first they were unable to make out an +object upon the silent water. But suddenly, to the left, there was a +single brief flash of light; a second to the right; one forward and one +astern; then other arrivals from the deep flashed a signal of their safe +arrival. Producing his small pocket flashlight, Lord Hastings did the +same.</p> + +<p>"Seven besides ourselves," he muttered to himself.</p> + +<p>Slowly now the submarines drew closer together until presently a voice +from the bridge of one could be heard by all as Admiral Schuler addressed +his captains.</p> + +<p>"We shall submerge until our periscopes alone show," he gave his orders. +"Then we shall proceed at full speed for the mouth of the Thames."</p> + +<p>"But mines?" protested a voice.</p> + +<p>"The mines have been swept clear," was the reply. "A flotilla of mine +sweepers have been busy since dark. Now, heed these orders: We shall keep +as close together as possible. Reaching the Thames, one submarine must +lead the way. I shall call for a volunteer."</p> + +<p>"Here, sir," Lord Hastings spoke up before the other commanders had a +chance.</p> + +<p>The others also volunteered, but Admiral Schuler awarded the honor to the +U-16.</p> + +<p>"You spoke first," he explained. Then he continued: "Unfortunately, we +have been unable to learn the exact positions of the various British war +vessels in the Thames, but we do know that there are many stationed +there—just how far up the river I cannot say. However, once there we +shall not return until we have sunk them."</p> + +<p>A subdued cheer ran across the water in the darkness.</p> + +<p>"It is time to go," said Admiral Schuler. "I shall show the way to the +Thames, when the U-16 will take the lead. To your posts and follow me +closely."</p> + +<p>He went below, and the other commanders did likewise. A moment later the +purr of machinery became audible aboard each vessel. Each submerged until +the tip of her periscope protruded above the water, and then they sped +after the flagship into the darkness of the night.</p> + +<p>Swiftly they went, for Admiral Schuler realized the value of haste. He +wished to make the raid and be out to sea again before the break of day.</p> + +<p>Aboard the eight units of the submarine flotilla there was joy +unrestrained. The crews of each vessel had been taken into the confidence +of their commanders by this time and the men aboard seven of the craft +were eagerly awaiting the moment when they could strike a terrible blow at +the British navy. In view of the successes that had already attended the +efforts of the German submersibles, there was little doubt in the hearts +of the men that the present venture would be accomplished.</p> + +<p>Even the three British sailors aboard the U-16 were cheerful, for although +they did not realize the exact import of their mission, they knew Lord +Hastings well enough to realize that he was acting in this manner only +because there was some big duty to perform. They were content to follow +him blindly.</p> + +<p>Perhaps the only four men with the fleet who did not really have their +interests aroused were Davis and his three fellow conspirators. Their only +hope was that the sooner they came through the venture successfully the +sooner they might get to work on their own plans.</p> + +<p>The submarine fleet sped silently through the waters, going as swift as +the wind; and when it finally reached the broad mouth of the Thames, the +key to London itself, it still lacked two hours of dawn. But it was time +for quick work and Admiral Schuler was not the man to hesitate—had he +been, he would not have held this important post.</p> + +<p>The submarines came to the surface now, in accordance with previous +instructions, and Admiral Schuler, by a signal with his light, instructed +the U-16 to proceed ahead. The other vessels dropped back a little.</p> + +<p>"Well," said Lord Hastings to Frank and Jack, who stood beside him on the +bridge, "here goes. May good fortune attend us."</p> + +<p>He gave Jack the command:</p> + +<p>"Full speed ahead!"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX" />CHAPTER XX.</h2> + +<h3>THE TRAP IS SPRUNG.</h3> + + +<p>As the three officers aboard the U-16 knew, British battleships and +vessels of war of all descriptions had been stationed all along the +Thames, many of them patrolling the very mouth of the river. But now, as +Lord Hastings, Jack and Frank stood upon the bridge of the little +submarine after it had entered the mouth of Thames, there was not a vessel +of any kind to be seen in the darkness.</p> + +<p>"Admiral Fischer's orders have been followed out, sir," said Jack in a low +voice.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings nodded but made no reply.</p> + +<p>Behind the U-16 the other German submarines followed closely, two abreast. +Aboard each the men stood to their posts, awaiting the signal they +expected at any minute. All the vessels moved along upon the surface. The +officers, from their places upon the bridge, followed with their eyes the +movements of the U-16, which displayed a small stern light to guide them +on.</p> + +<p>In case of danger Lord Hastings had been instructed to give immediate +warning, that the vessels behind might have time to dive.</p> + +<p>Perhaps a hundred yards away in the darkness Frank's keen eyes now made +out the forms of many little craft approaching them silently and swiftly. +He immediately called Lord Hastings' attention.</p> + +<p>"The motorboats," replied the latter quietly. "Things are working out just +right."</p> + +<p>Behind the motorboat flotilla could be seen forms of larger and mightier +ships of war—the torpedo boats which were advancing in the wake of the +mosquito fleet to surround the enemy submarines and capture or sink them. +They came along close to the shore on either side of the river and the +U-16 continued up the river in the exact center.</p> + +<p>"When we get by, they'll close in," said Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>But now one of the commanders with the motorboat flotilla could restrain +his impatience no longer, and while still some distance from the enemy +gave the command to fire.</p> + +<p>A single big gun boomed in the darkness and a shell screamed over the U-16 +toward the German submarines beyond.</p> + +<p>"The fool!" exclaimed Lord Hastings angrily. "Why could he not wait? +There is no reason for concealment longer."</p> + +<p>Immediately he gave the signal agreed upon with the German admiral, the +darkening of the tail light—the signal for the others to submerge—and +the U-16 dashed forward faster than before—to reach a place of safety as +quickly as possible and to get out of range of the British ships, which, a +moment later, opened upon the enemy with every available gun.</p> + +<p>Directly opposite the U-16 there was a terrible explosion, a blinding +flash, illumining the night like day. A German submarine had launched a +torpedo and it had gone home. The foremost British torpedo boat had been +destroyed.</p> + +<p>But the others rushed on.</p> + +<p>The Germans had heeded Lord Hastings' signal to submerge and were doing +their best to disappear beneath the water before the British could reach +them, the while firing an occasional torpedo, in the hope that it would go +true, for they were unable to find the range and were working on mere +guesswork.</p> + +<p>Before the first of the foe could submerge a shell from one of the little +motorboats struck her squarely upon the bridge, killing the captain and +other officers, and shattering the conning tower. The men below no longer +had a means of guiding the vessel, which drifted toward her nearest +neighbor and rammed her amidships. This blow, while not necessarily +fatal, threw the latter out of her stride, and being unable to tell for +the moment what was wrong, the German commander gave the order to cease +submerging; and the vessel remained where she was until a shell from a +British torpedo boat put an end to her.</p> + +<p>The two enemy under-sea boats last in line had turned about with the first +warning and were making full speed down river again. The rest had +submerged before the British could come upon them and had sought to come +about and make their way to safety beneath the water.</p> + +<p>But the British vessels were too swift for them. With mine nets stretched +clear across the river, now that the U-16 had passed to safety, the +torpedo boats dashed ahead; and an hour later four more German submarines, +caught in these powerful nets, were helpless. It only remained to drag +them to the surface and make prisoners of the crews, which work was +deferred until daylight.</p> + +<p>Aboard the U-16 none knew what had occurred save the three upon the +bridge—Lord Hastings, Frank and Jack. Below, all stood to their posts, +awaiting they knew not what.</p> + +<p>Jack descended.</p> + +<p>"All right, men," he said, "you may turn in, if you wish. There'll be no +fighting to-night."</p> + +<p>There was an exclamation of disappointment from among the German sailors, +who apparently had been banking on dealing a severe blow to the British. +There were several questions, which Jack answered by saying:</p> + +<p>"We haven't come upon the enemy yet, and will not to-day."</p> + +<p>He returned to the bridge.</p> + +<p>"I suppose," said Lord Hastings, "the best thing we can do now is to go +ashore and report. Frank, you shall come with me. Jack will remain +behind."</p> + +<p>The lads nodded.</p> + +<p>Half an hour later Jack was left aboard the U-16, while Lord Hastings and +Frank were being rowed ashore.</p> + +<p>Below, although Jack did not know it, trouble was brewing. Davis and his +three fellow-conspirators were plotting again.</p> + +<p>"And what did this man Edwards say?" demanded Davis of one of the Germans.</p> + +<p>"He said he would let me know some time to-day," was the reply. "Also, +that he felt sure the others would follow his lead—would do whatever he +said. He agreed with me that this was no war of ours, and added that as +long as kings and emperors were using us to do their will, there was no +reason why we shouldn't confiscate the property of kings and emperors to +gain a few advantages for ourselves."</p> + +<p>"By Jove!" exclaimed Davis. "The fellow reasons well. He may prove the +very man for us." And he added to himself: "It would be a good thing to +have another Englishman with me, if he is of the right sort."</p> + +<p>The conversation continued for some moments, and then Davis said:</p> + +<p>"Say, one of you fellows, tell Edwards I want to see him now."</p> + +<p>One of the men departed, and returned a moment later, followed by Edwards. +Davis engaged him in conversation and the two talked in low tones for +perhaps five minutes. Then Davis turned to the others.</p> + +<p>"I can see no reason why we should wait longer," he said. "Bernstorff and +one of his officers is ashore. There remains only one and the crew. We can +dispose of the one officer easily enough, and as for the crew, I am of the +opinion that most of them will join us."</p> + +<p>"Then," said Edwards, "if you will wait here until I return I will get my +other men."</p> + +<p>"It would be better that way," agreed Davis. "There will be seven of us +and that should be enough. Hurry."</p> + +<p>Edwards withdrew. First he made his way to where O'Brien and McDonald were +asleep, and, rousing them, bade them follow him; but instead of returning +to Davis' quarters, he led the way rapidly to where Jack stood upon the +bridge.</p> + +<p>Edwards explained the situation in a few brief words and Jack was +dumbfounded.</p> + +<p>"And you say Davis is preparing to spring this coup to-night?" exclaimed +Jack.</p> + +<p>"Right now, sir," returned Edwards quietly. "That's why I brought O'Brien +and McDonald here. We are all armed, sir."</p> + +<p>"Oh, we are more than a match for Davis and his trio of conspirators," +Jack agreed. "The only thing that troubles me is that the others of the +crew may join him. We shall have to act quickly. Follow me."</p> + +<p>He drew his revolver and led the way below. There he hurried straight to +Davis' quarters and flung open the door. Then he stopped in surprise.</p> + +<p>"No one here," he ejaculated.</p> + +<p>He was right. Davis and the others had gone; and though Jack did not know +it, they were at that moment aft haranguing the crew, who had gathered +about them eagerly.</p> + +<p>Every man aboard the ship was now armed, for Lord Hastings had decided it +would be inadvisable to relieve them of their weapons—it would have +aroused their suspicions—and they were receiving Davis' proposals with +satisfaction. It seemed that they had long harbored such thoughts and all +that had been needed to egg them on had been a leader. They seemed to have +found one in Davis.</p> + +<p>"Then you men are with me?" asked Davis, his face flushed with pleasure.</p> + +<p>The answer was a cheer; and the cheer carried to Jack, who was still in +Davis' quarters. It told the lad what had happened just as well as though +he had been present and overheard the conversation.</p> + +<p>"Quick men! Back to the bridge!" the lad exclaimed.</p> + +<p>He dashed forward, but he was not quick enough.</p> + +<p>As he left Davis' cabin the Germans appeared in the little passageway aft, +Davis in advance. He saw Jack the same moment the latter saw him and both +raised their revolvers and fired. But neither had paused to take careful +aim and both bullets went wide of their mark.</p> + +<p>Edwards and the two other British sailors now sprang into the little +passageway and levelled their revolvers at the foe. For a brief moment the +Germans hesitated, and in that moment the British poured in a volley. Two +men fell, another groaned, and two cursed—while at a shouted command from +Davis, the fire was returned.</p> + +<p>The sailor McDonald flung wide his arms and toppled to the floor.</p> + +<p>"Back, sir!" cried Edwards. "They are too many for us."</p> + +<p>The three retreated along the passageway until they reached the ladder +leading to the bridge.</p> + +<p>"You first, sir!" said Edwards, at the same time firing down the passage.</p> + +<p>Jack hung back.</p> + +<p>"After you," he replied.</p> + +<p>"Don't be a fool now," said Edwards. "Hurry, while I hold them off."</p> + +<p>Again he fired at the crowd of German faces down the passage, as did +O'Brien.</p> + +<p>Jack hesitated no longer and climbed the ladder rapidly.</p> + +<p>"You next, O'Brien," said Edwards.</p> + +<p>O'Brien sprang to the ladder, but a bullet from a German revolver halted +him halfway. He toppled over without a word. Edwards glanced at him +quickly once, saw that he was beyond help, and sprang to the ladder +himself.</p> + +<p>A bullet struck him in the side but it did not stop him. Jack, at the top, +lent the man a helping hand, and a moment later Edwards stood beside him +on the deck.</p> + +<p>"No time to waste, sir," said the sailor. "Over the side with you, quick!"</p> + +<p>Jack flung himself into the river as Davis showed his face on deck.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI" />CHAPTER XXI.</h2> + +<h3>AT SEA AGAIN.</h3> + + +<p>Edwards, also about to leap overboard at that moment, paused, raised his +revolver, took careful aim at Davis and fired. Davis uttered a hoarse cry, +dropped his own weapon, and crumpled up on the deck. Edwards smiled +grimly, dropped his revolver and leaped lightly into the water.</p> + +<p>He came up a moment later beside Jack, who was treading water while he +awaited him.</p> + +<p>"Which way, sir?" asked Edwards. "You know where we are. I don't."</p> + +<p>"This," said Jack, "is the Thames. We'll have no trouble making shore. +Follow me."</p> + +<p>Edwards did so and a few moments later both stood dripping on land.</p> + +<p>"Now where to, sir?" asked Edwards.</p> + +<p>"We'll have to hunt up Lord Hastings. He's gone to make his report to the +British authorities. By inquiring a bit we should have no trouble finding +him."</p> + +<p>The lad was right. A subordinate officer directed them to the quarters of +General Hamilton, where Jack felt sure he would find his commander. At the +door of the general's quarters an orderly halted them.</p> + +<p>"Is Lord Hastings here?" demanded Jack.</p> + +<p>"He is closeted with the general," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"Well," said Jack, "you tell him his first officer is here and wants to +see him immediately."</p> + +<p>The orderly hesitated, but a second look at Jack and he did as commanded. +A moment later Lord Hastings dashed out, closely followed by Frank.</p> + +<p>"What's wrong?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>"Nothing, only that we have been chased off the submarine," replied Jack +quietly. "Davis headed a conspiracy to capture the vessel and I was unable +to act quickly enough. Edwards and I escaped."</p> + +<p>"And O'Brien and McDonald?" inquired Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"Dead!"</p> + +<p>"How about Davis and the others? Weren't you able to account for any of +them?"</p> + +<p>"A few, sir," returned Jack briefly, "but Davis——"</p> + +<p>"I think I got Davis, sir," Edwards interrupted quietly. "I took a shot at +him just before I went over the side. He went down."</p> + +<p>"I'm glad to hear that," returned Lord Hastings. "He is too dangerous a +man to be at large. Besides, without him, the Germans will hardly get very +far."</p> + +<p>He turned to General Hamilton, who had followed him from his room, and +added: "If you'll be so kind as to give me a detail of ten men, sir, I'll +go and see about this matter. It may be that we can recapture the vessel."</p> + +<p>General Hamilton acted quickly. He summoned an orderly and commanded that +ten men be placed at Lord Hastings' disposal immediately. The men appeared +on the run a moment later and Lord Hastings led them toward the river, +where they all embarked in a small motorboat and headed for the spot where +they had left the submarine.</p> + +<p>But there was no submarine to be found. It had disappeared.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings uttered an exclamation of chagrin.</p> + +<p>"They've gone," he said. "Edwards, I guess you didn't hurt Davis very bad. +I don't suppose there was a sailor aboard who could navigate the vessel. +Davis probably could."</p> + +<p>"I'm sorry, sir," returned Edwards.</p> + +<p>"So am I," returned his commander. "We'll have to catch that fellow, and +it is likely to prove a hard job. However, the sooner we get after him the +better."</p> + +<p>"And what do you intend to do, sir?" asked Jack.</p> + +<p>"We'll take another of these vessels and put to sea again," declared his +commander. "We may come up with him sooner than we expect. But—we'll take +a British crew this time."</p> + +<p>It was now after daylight and Lord Hastings set about his preparations +with vigor. Before evening the lads found themselves aboard one of the +German submarines that had been captured and brought to the surface. The +vessel was manned with a full complement of British underwater sailors. +Edwards was among them.</p> + +<p>"We'll go down the river immediately," said Lord Hastings, after a tour of +inspection of the vessel, "and when we are at sea we'll fly the German +flag. None of our submarines looks anything like this craft, so if we come +up with the enemy we will be taken for a German. You may steam at ten +knots, Mr. Templeton."</p> + +<p>Jack gave the order and the vessel moved down the river.</p> + +<p>Shortly after nightfall the submarine, U-6, was proceeding into the North +Sea, for it was there that Lord Hastings believed he would be more likely +to encounter Davis and the U-16.</p> + +<p>"Besides," he explained, "our usefulness is not at an end in the matter of +obtaining information from the Germans. We may put into Ostend again if +necessary."</p> + +<p>All during the night, although Frank, Jack or Lord Hastings was +continually on the bridge, they did not encounter anything that looked +like an enemy ship, although the U-6 dived several times when it drew +close to a British ship of war—one of the blockading fleet Had the +submarine approached too closely it would have drawn a shot from the +battleship, whose commander could not possibly have known that the German +submersible carried a British crew in the service of King George.</p> + +<p>The following afternoon, having traveled far toward the east, they were to +have an adventure.</p> + +<p>Moving slowly along, and presenting the appearance, from a distance, of a +little speck upon the surface of the sea, the U-6 continued toward the +east. Frank had taken the bridge half an hour before and now was studying +a faint smudge on the eastern horizon. A moment later and a second smudge +appeared and then a third, to be followed almost immediately by a fourth.</p> + +<p>"Strange!" he muttered. "Seems to be coming from the direction of +Heligoland. Battleships all right, but the question is, British or German? +Must be the latter, though how they figure to run the British blockade is +more than I know. However, I haven't heard that any of our vessels are +this close to Heligoland. It's too dangerous on account of the German +mines."</p> + +<p>He summoned Jack, who also gazed curiously at the smoke for some moments; +but even while Jack gazed, the dim outline of a large battleship came into +sight. Soon a second appeared and then a third.</p> + +<p>"Must be German," said Jack. "Call Lord Hastings."</p> + +<p>Frank did so and soon the commander of the U-6 appeared on deck.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings wasted no time in fixing the identity of the approaching +vessels.</p> + +<p>"Germans," he said briefly.</p> + +<p>"Yes; but where are they going?" Jack wanted to know.</p> + +<p>"Probably intend another raid on the British coast," returned Lord +Hastings. "By the time they are in waters patrolled by our ships it will +be dark, and they hope to pass them in the night. You haven't forgotten +the raid on Scarborough and Hartlepool, have you?"</p> + +<p>"No, I haven't," said Jack. "But I don't figure they would have the +temerity to try another."</p> + +<p>"They seem to have temerity enough to try anything," declared Frank. +"However, I guess it's up to us to stop this raid."</p> + +<p>"Right you are, Frank," said Lord Hastings quietly. "It's up to us."</p> + +<p>"And how do you figure we are going to get all four of them?" demanded +Jack.</p> + +<p>"Well, with luck we might do it," replied his commander. "However, it +would hardly be necessary for that. If we can sink two the others will +turn and run."</p> + +<p>"And shall we remain on the surface, sir?" asked Jack.</p> + +<p>"No. We'll submerge until we are close to them. Then we can come up +safely enough, for they'll believe us friends. We can sink one and get +down again in time. Then, taking our calculations as to where they will +be, we can come up again and have a try at another. We may as well +submerge now."</p> + +<p>Jack gave the order, and a few minutes later the U-6 was beneath the +water, not even her periscope being allowed to show. Here she remained +until Lord Hastings believed the German battleships had approached close +enough to be in range of the submarine's torpedoes. Then she came to the +surface again.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings had gauged the distance accurately. The German ships were +now hard by and steaming swiftly forward. As the U-6 sprang up from +beneath the water, there was some excitement aboard the German vessels, +which soon quieted, however, as the Germans made out the lines of the +vessel and caught the German flag with their glass.</p> + +<p>"We're safe enough," declared Jack. "They take us for one of themselves."</p> + +<p>"Much to their sorrow," said Frank.</p> + +<p>"All ready below?" demanded Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"All ready, sir," replied Jack.</p> + +<p>"Good. Down with both of you then. I'll be down the moment the first +torpedo has been fired, and we'll have to submerge as quickly as +possible."</p> + +<p>The lads obeyed Lord Hastings' command and took their positions.</p> + +<p>"Ready with No. 1 torpedo," came Lord Hastings' command from above.</p> + +<p>"Ready, sir," returned Jack, after a quick scrutiny.</p> + +<p>"Ready with No. 3 torpedo," shouted Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"Ready, sir," said Jack, and then exclaimed in an aside to Frank:</p> + +<p>"By Jove! He's going to try and get two of them at once."</p> + +<p>And such, indeed, was Lord Hastings' intention. The German battleships +were so close together that Lord Hastings believed he could strike a +double blow successfully and with perfect safety to his own vessel.</p> + +<p>Signal flags now were displayed at the masthead of the foremost German +battleship and Lord Hastings knew that some answer was expected from the +submarine.</p> + +<p>"Well, I can't decipher your signals," he muttered, "but I can give you +some kind of a reply—which I don't suppose will be much to your liking."</p> + +<p>He turned and gave a command to Jack; and Jack, in turn, flashed it upon +the electric signal board below with the pressure of a button beneath his +finger.</p> + +<p>"Attention!" came the command now, displayed in letters of fire.</p> + +<p>Then a brief lapse of time, in which all was silence below.</p> + +<p>Then another signal showed red on the board.</p> + +<p>"No. 1 torpedo! Fire!"</p> + +<p>Again came that faint metallic click to which the boys had grown so +accustomed, and a terrible engine of destruction sped over the water +toward the German ships.</p> + +<p>A moment later a second command flashed on the board.</p> + +<p>"No. 3 torpedo! Fire!"</p> + +<p>Once more the click and then nothing but silence. A moment later Lord +Hastings hurried below.</p> + +<p>"Submerge!" he ordered.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII" />CHAPTER XXII.</h2> + +<h3>TOWARD OSTEND AGAIN.</h3> + + +<p>Jack had been ready for this command and repeated Lord Hastings' words +immediately. Not a second was lost, and a moment later the tanks began to +fill and the submarine sank lower and lower in the water.</p> + +<p>Jack, who had glued his eye to the periscope, gazed at the German +battleships as long as it stayed above water. In the few moments that it +took the craft to submerge, he saw that two of the enemy's craft had been +struck and that the other two had trained their big guns upon the U-6. His +heart beat fast, for he was afraid the submarine would be unable to put a +thick enough blanket of water above it to withstand the German shell, +should the first shot be gauged accurately.</p> + +<p>Just before the periscope disappeared beneath the surface, cutting off the +lad's view, he heard the faint sound of a gun. He braced himself for the +shock that he expected; but none came. The first shell had gone wide and +he breathed easier. Before the second shot came, the U-6 was safe in the +depths.</p> + +<p>"Pretty close," the lad muttered aloud.</p> + +<p>"What was pretty close?" demanded Frank, who had not heard the sound of +the shot. "Didn't we hit either one of them?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, we got them both," replied Jack. "I was talking about our own +escape. The Germans fired one shell at us and they can't have missed very +far. Fortunately, we came down before a second."</p> + +<p>"Shape your course due east, Mr. Templeton," commanded Lord Hastings at +this juncture. "We'll have a try at another of them."</p> + +<p>Jack gave the command.</p> + +<p>"Twenty knots!" ordered Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>The U-6 leaped forward beneath the water like a thing alive. For fifteen +minutes she sped on and then rose until her periscope showed above the +surface.</p> + +<p>"As I expected," said Lord Hastings. "The enemy is making for home, but we +have outrun them and are now between them and their goal." He gauged the +range carefully and then ordered: "No. 2 torpedo!"</p> + +<p>Again all was expectancy aboard the submarine as all eagerly awaited the +next command. It was not long coming.</p> + +<p>"Attention!" the signal board read.</p> + +<p>And a moment later came the next command:</p> + +<p>"Fire!"</p> + +<p>A shell sped across the water straight for the third German battleship. +Through the periscope Lord Hastings saw the German vessel give a great +lurch, then leap almost clear from the water, where it seemed to hang +suspended for a full minute, before it came down again. As it did so there +was a blinding flash and a detonation that was heard in the submarine.</p> + +<p>"Pierced her magazine!" said Lord Hastings quietly.</p> + +<p>He stepped aside that Jack might have a look above.</p> + +<p>The latter's eyes sought out the spot just in time to see the giant +battleship split in twain and disappear beneath the sea. Farther back he +saw the two others of the enemy listing badly to port, and knew that they +had received their death blow.</p> + +<p>The fourth and last vessel was still unharmed and was bearing down on them +at full speed. Even as Jack looked there came a puff of smoke from one of +her forward turrets and a great splash, less than a hundred yards ahead of +the U-6, told that the submarine had been discovered.</p> + +<p>"Submerge!" cried Jack.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings repeated the command immediately for he realized that the +vessel must be in danger. Even as the periscope disappeared from sight, +there was a second flash from the German and a shell glanced off the bow, +sending the U-6 staggering and hurling the officers and crew to the floor.</p> + +<p>The men picked themselves up quickly and all stood silent for a moment.</p> + +<p>"Test the pumps quick!" was Lord Hastings' first command after he had +regained his feet.</p> + +<p>"No damage there, sir," came the cheering news a moment later.</p> + +<p>"Signal the engine room! Something may have given way," ordered Lord +Hastings.</p> + +<p>This was done, but the engineer reported no damage.</p> + +<p>Frank and Jack both breathed easier, as did Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"A pretty narrow squeak," remarked Lord Hastings calmly.</p> + +<p>"Rather, sir," agreed Jack dryly. "And now shall we go after the other +one, sir?"</p> + +<p>"I guess not," replied his commander. "After this day's work we can afford +to let one escape. There is no use taking further chances. Besides, she'll +be on the lookout for us and might cripple us the moment we showed +ourselves. No; we'll head west again and won't come to the surface until +we are well out of this. You may come about, Mr. Templeton, and proceed +due west at ten knots."</p> + +<p>This was done and the U-6 did not come to the surface again until her +commander felt sure that he had no longer need to fear the single +remaining German battleship. Then, upon the surface again, Lord Hastings, +Frank and Jack ascended the bridge.</p> + +<p>Through their glasses, far back, they could still see the German +battleships, which, though wounded unto death, were still afloat, +apparently battling desperately to resist the sea that was trying to draw +them under. The water was still full of bobbing heads—the German sailors +who had leaped into the sea.</p> + +<p>"Poor fellows," said Lord Hastings compassionately.</p> + +<p>"Why didn't the other ship stop and pick them up?" demanded Jack.</p> + +<p>"Didn't have time, I guess," returned Jack dryly. "Her commander was in +too big a hurry to get away from there. He deserves the same fate for +running away from them, if you ask me."</p> + +<p>"He certainly does," agreed Lord Hastings. "However, there is nothing we +can do for the poor sailors in the water; we have no room for them here. +They will have to shift for themselves. It's the fortune of war."</p> + +<p>"And now where to, sir?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings looked at him amusedly.</p> + +<p>"I guess that is the hundredth time you have asked me that question," he +said. "However, I don't mind answering it, although you will find some +day, should you chance to serve under another commander, that such +questions are not received with very good grace. I believe we shall take +another little run into Ostend."</p> + +<p>"Good, sir!" said Jack. "We did very well on our last trip. Perhaps we +shall be fortunate enough to learn something this time."</p> + +<p>"Who knows?" said Frank, with a shrug of his shoulders. "However, the +nearer the enemy we are, the more chance for action. The sooner we get +started the better I shall be pleased."</p> + +<p>"It's a short run from here," said Lord Hastings, "and I believe we shall +be safe enough if we make the attempt in broad daylight. We'll take a +chance."</p> + +<p>He gave the command to go forward and the U-6 moved swiftly ahead.</p> + +<p>As Lord Hastings had said, it was not a long run, and two hours later, +standing on the bridge, the boys made out in the distance the lofty spires +and steeples that they felt sure was the Belgian seaport. And they were +right.</p> + +<p>The U-6 was not molested, not even challenged, as she moved slowly into +port, flying the German flag, her officers and crew all attired in German +uniforms.</p> + +<p>"Where are all the big German battleships?" asked Frank in surprise, after +sweeping his eye over the water in all directions in a vain effort to +locate one of them.</p> + +<p>Jack smiled.</p> + +<p>"You ought to know there are no German battleships here," he said.</p> + +<p>"But——" began Frank.</p> + +<p>"The battleships are still safely bottled up in Heligoland," Jack +explained. "While Ostend is called a German naval base, it is, strictly +speaking, nothing but a submarine base. The under-sea boats have been able +to run in here without much difficulty, but the larger vessels could +hardly get by on the surface."</p> + +<p>"I see," replied Frank. "I hadn't thought of that."</p> + +<p>"But it seems to me we are getting in pretty easily," said Jack. "It's a +wonder we are not challenged. I'm always suspicious of anything that is +attained too easily. I wonder if we can be suspected?"</p> + +<p>"Not likely," remarked Lord Hastings. "We've come pretty straight, in +spite of our short stop. They could hardly have had word of the sinking of +their vessels in the Thames as yet."</p> + +<p>"Unless from Davis and his crew, sir," suggested Frank.</p> + +<p>"I don't believe they have learned anything from Davis," Jack declared. +"That bunch of vagabonds are probably prowling about seeking whom they may +devour."</p> + +<p>"And I have a faint hope that they may seek to devour us before long," +said Frank with a smile.</p> + +<p>"I've sort-o had that wish myself," Jack seconded his chum. "However, I +feel certain that we shall come upon them sooner or later."</p> + +<p>"And still," said Lord Hastings, "there really is no telling where they +are likely to be. They can't wander too far from their base. They'll have +to put in some place every so often, you know."</p> + +<p>"They will live off their victims, providing they have any," said Frank. +"To find them is like looking for a needle in a haystack. We might have to +search the seven seas."</p> + +<p>"And then not find them," Jack added.</p> + +<p>"Well, if we do come up with them, I'd like to lay my hands on Davis," +declared Frank.</p> + +<p>Jack smiled.</p> + +<p>"You laid hands on him last time, if I remember rightly," he said. "Also +he laid hands on you, and a deal more roughly, too. He might not let you +off so easily again."</p> + +<p>"Think so, do you," said Frank, a little sulkily. "He was just lucky, +that's all."</p> + +<p>"It may have been a little luck," Jack admitted. "At the same time, you +will have to give the fellow credit. He can use his hands. I guess if we +encounter him again it will be up to me to handle him."</p> + +<p>"You don't seem to have much confidence in yourself," remarked Frank +sarcastically.</p> + +<p>"Well, a fellow has to have confidence in this world," was his chum's +reply. "It may be that he would be too much for me, too; but I've an idea +I could take care of him."</p> + +<p>"Well, you won't. He's my meat next time," declared Frank.</p> + +<p>"We won't argue about it," smiled Jack. "We'll let events shape themselves +when the time comes. Only, if he falls to my lot, I'll try to even up your +score, too."</p> + +<p>"And if he comes to me," grinned Frank, "I'll put in a few blows for you, +seeing that you are so obliging."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII" />CHAPTER XXIII.</h2> + +<h3>AN UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER.</h3> + + +<p>"Now that we have so kindly been permitted to enter," said Lord Hastings, +"I don't believe it would be half a bad idea for us to go ashore; or at +least two of us."</p> + +<p>"I speak to go with you, sir," exclaimed Frank.</p> + +<p>"So do I, sir," said Jack.</p> + +<p>"Well, all three of us can't go," Lord Hastings decided. "We'll draw +straws to see who are the fortunate—or unfortunate—two. I'll draw with +you. The one who gets the short one loses."</p> + +<p>He drew three toothpicks from his pocket, and putting them behind his +back, broke one. Then he held them out to Frank.</p> + +<p>"Pick one," he said.</p> + +<p>Frank did so, and glanced at it eagerly. It had not been broken.</p> + +<p>"I go," he declared.</p> + +<p>"It's between us now," said Lord Hastings to Jack. "Pick one, Jack."</p> + +<p>He held up the remaining two toothpicks Jack gazed at them earnestly.</p> + +<p>"I'll take this one," the lad said at length, and picked the one on the +right.</p> + +<p>"You win," said Lord Hastings quietly. "I'm the fellow that must remain +behind."</p> + +<p>Jack was equally as pleased as Frank, but he did not manifest the same +enthusiasm.</p> + +<p>"And what is it you expect us to learn, sir?" asked Jack. "I'm sure I +haven't any idea."</p> + +<p>"Nor I, sir," declared Frank.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings smiled.</p> + +<p>"You see," he said, "it might have been better to let me go." Then he +added after a brief pause: "I don't know that I had any particular plan in +view. I was just going ashore and stroll about a bit. It is barely +possible that one of you may overhear something. I wouldn't stay more than +two hours at the most." He glanced at his watch. "Two o'clock now," he +said. "I shall expect you back here at 4.30 at the latest."</p> + +<p>The lads nodded.</p> + +<p>"Will it be best for us to row ashore ourselves, sir?" asked Frank. "Or +shall we have one of the men take us?"</p> + +<p>"You would better go alone," replied Lord Hastings, after a moment's +hesitation. "You can tie your boat up some place. I hardly think any one +will bother it. A sailor might betray all of us unconsciously. In a game +like this, the fewer the better is my motto."</p> + +<p>"Come on, Jack; let's be moving," said Frank impatiently. "There is no use +staying here all day. Hurry up."</p> + +<p>"Now you just hold your horses," replied his chum. "We'll get there soon +enough—maybe a little too soon, so far as we know."</p> + +<p>Nevertheless the lads wasted no further time in talk and five minutes +later the two were rowing shoreward in a little boat.</p> + +<p>As they rowed along, they saw several other under-the-sea craft at anchor +and upon the bridges of one or two stood officers. These saluted as the +boys passed, but none so much as hailed them.</p> + +<p>"These German uniforms seem to be pretty good things," Frank remarked in a +low voice. "Guess they carry the entrée any place in the town."</p> + +<p>"We'll see," returned Jack briefly.</p> + +<p>Fifteen minutes later they reached a landing and climbed ashore. Then they +tied the little boat up, against their return, and started down the first +street.</p> + +<p>"Pretty likely looking town, this," declared Jack, as his gaze roved +about.</p> + +<p>"Yes," Frank agreed, "but you can still see the marks of the German shells +that struck during the siege."</p> + +<p>They looked around with interest—though not so curiously as to attract +attention—and continued along the street.</p> + +<p>For an hour and more they strolled about gazing at the various sights of +interest, but learning nothing of value. Several times they approached +knots of German officers, attempting to overhear their conversation. But +there was nothing in any of this street-corner talk which was worth +hearing, being concerned chiefly with accounts of adventures and curious +episodes.</p> + +<p>The lads were saluted frequently as they passed along and they returned +these salutes with customary German stiffness. No one spoke to them and +for this they were duly thankful, although each spoke German like a native +and ran little risk of detection on that score.</p> + +<p>Frank glanced at his watch.</p> + +<p>"Five minutes to four," he said. "Time to be moving back."</p> + +<p>Jack nodded.</p> + +<p>"May as well, I guess," he agreed. "If you ask me, this has been an +afternoon wasted. I don't seem to have learned anything of importance and +I don't believe you have either."</p> + +<p>"You've been with me right along," replied Frank. "You know as much as I +do."</p> + +<p>They retraced their steps toward the water front.</p> + +<p>And here, in the place they would have felt least likely to encounter a +familiar face, that very thing happened. They were still a short distance +from the water-front when a man brushed by them closely, walking rapidly. +His head was lowered and his face was well muffled in spite of the fact +that the day was not cold. There was something familiar about him, though +neither lad could place him. After he had passed both lads turned and +looked after him with one accord.</p> + +<p>"There is something familiar about that fellow," Jack declared. "I've seen +him some place before."</p> + +<p>"And so have I," agreed Frank. "And I have a feeling that it was not under +very favorable circumstances."</p> + +<p>Each lad racked his brain for a brief moment; then Jack said:</p> + +<p>"Well, I guess it doesn't make any difference. Let's go."</p> + +<p>He turned about and took a step forward. Frank was about to do the same, +when a sudden thought flashed into his head.</p> + +<p>"Wait a minute," he called. "I think I've got him."</p> + +<p>"Who?" demanded Jack.</p> + +<p>"Davis!" said Frank quietly. I'll bet a pretty red apple that man is +Davis."</p> + +<p>"By Jove!" said Jack. "I wonder—now what would he be doing here?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know," replied Frank, "but I feel sure that's who it is. Come on. +Let's go after him. We'll lose him in a minute."</p> + +<p>Even as he spoke the man he felt sure was Davis turned a corner. Not +waiting for Jack to agree, Frank hurried after him. Jack followed.</p> + +<p>The man ahead was walking rapidly, but the two lads gained on him. After +two blocks' walking they were less than fifty yards in the rear—slouching +along cautiously, with heads lowered, for they did not wish to be +recognized if the man were really Davis.</p> + +<p>Once the man turned and gazed at the two figures behind him; then, +apparently satisfied that he was not being followed, he moved on again.</p> + +<p>After two more blocks he doubled around a corner. Frank and Jack turned +the corner a moment later, just in time to see Davis mount a short flight +of steps, open a door and enter the house.</p> + +<p>Frank and Jack walked by, taking careful note of the number of the house, +however, and without glancing up again, continued down the street and +turned the next corner.</p> + +<p>There they halted as of one mind while Frank peeped around the corner, +remarking:</p> + +<p>"Don't want him to trick us. I don't think he knew he was being followed, +but you never can tell."</p> + +<p>The lads stood there for perhaps ten minutes; then Jack reached a +decision.</p> + +<p>"As long as we have come this far," he said, "we may as well finish this +man hunt. We'll go and have a look for him."</p> + +<p>"How do you figure we are going to get into the house?" demanded Frank. +"Or do you just plan to ring the bell and ask for 'Mr. Davis'?"</p> + +<p>"We'll have to get in some way," returned Jack, "or else admit that we are +wrong."</p> + +<p>"I won't admit I'm wrong," declared Frank grimly. "I feel positive the man +is Davis."</p> + +<p>"So do I," replied Jack; "else I wouldn't be so keen about getting into +that house. We'll go back and skirmish around a bit, anyhow."</p> + +<p>They retraced their steps slowly, and passing the house where the man had +entered, took careful note of it.</p> + +<p>It was a two-story building. Steps led to a porch, not high above the +street, but still high enough to make the single window in front beyond +reach from the street below. A narrow passage was between it and the house +on the left. It was built flush against the house on the right.</p> + +<p>At the corner the lads again turned and retraced their steps. "I'm going +to try the door," said Jack. "You slink back in that dark alleyway until +you hear from me."</p> + +<p>Frank signified that he understood, and passing the house, did as Jack had +instructed, the latter mounting the steps quietly and swiftly.</p> + +<p>The lad laid a hand on the knob and turned it. Then he pushed on the door, +but it held fast.</p> + +<p>"Locked," he said, plainly disappointed.</p> + +<p>There was no window in the little vestibule and the single front window +was beyond reach from the porch. Neither was there a transom that could be +forced.</p> + +<p>"No means of getting in here," Jack told himself.</p> + +<p>He descended the steps and joined Frank in the alleyway.</p> + +<p>"Well?" Frank greeted him.</p> + +<p>Jack shook his head.</p> + +<p>"Can't get in that way," he said.</p> + +<p>"Well," said Frank, "I have been doing a little exploring while you were +up there and I have found a way."</p> + +<p>"How?" asked Jack, a little surprised.</p> + +<p>For answer, Frank motioned to a little aperture in the side of the house, +close to the ground.</p> + +<p>"Window into the basement," he explained. "It's open."</p> + +<p>Jack wasted no time. He dropped to his hands and knees and, pushing the +window open, shoved his feet through. Then he wriggled his body through +the opening and dropped.</p> + +<p>It was not a hard fall and he picked himself up unhurt. He called softly +to Frank and the latter was beside him a moment later. Walking softly, +Jack led the way up a little flight of stairs to a door which opened +easily. He stepped inside.</p> + +<p>Frank followed and Jack closed the door. It was perfectly dark.</p> + +<p>But suddenly the darkness was lighted up. The astonished lads gazed into +the muzzles of a pair of automatics and a well-known voice cried:</p> + +<p>"Hands up!"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV" />CHAPTER XXIV.</h2> + +<h3>ANOTHER UNPLEASANT SURPRISE.</h3> + + +<p>To say that the lads were astonished is putting it mildly. There they +were, so they believed, sneaking upon an unsuspecting victim and now they +found themselves absolutely in that victim's power, for it took but the +first glance to assure them that the face that gazed so evilly and +sardonically into theirs was the face of Davis.</p> + +<p>Now Davis grinned at them.</p> + +<p>"I was expecting you, gentlemen," he said with biting sarcasm. "I did not +wish to seem discourteous, which is the reason I welcome you in person. +But, also, knowing your kind, I surmised that you would not announce +yourselves at the front door, as would most British gentlemen; therefore I +receive you here. I assure you you are most welcome."</p> + +<p>All this time he kept each lad covered with an ugly-looking automatic.</p> + +<p>As neither Frank nor Jack replied, Davis continued.</p> + +<p>"I would just like to add that if you desire to get ahead of me it will be +necessary to arise very early in the morning. What kind of a spy do you +think I am, anyway, not to know when I am being followed? I assure you, +gentlemen, you have misjudged me. I was not born yesterday."</p> + +<p>Still neither lad replied.</p> + +<p>"And now," Davis went on, "I must ask you to be so kind as to precede me +to the parlor, where I shall entertain you more comfortably."</p> + +<p>He emphasized this statement with a slight gesture with one of his +revolvers and there was naught for the lads to do but obey.</p> + +<p>Davis followed them closely, still covering them with his two revolvers. +In the parlor he motioned them to seats and took a chair across the room.</p> + +<p>"Now," he said, "I would be pleased to have you tell me how you escaped +from our enemies, the British."</p> + +<p>"Well, I can see no harm in enlightening you," said Jack. "I would have +supposed that, being so brilliant, you had guessed it by this time. We are +British officers and not German."</p> + +<p>"Would it surprise you," queried Davis, "if I should tell you I had +surmised as much? And our good friend, Commander Bernstorff"—and here +Davis laughed—"how is he?"</p> + +<p>"Well," replied Jack calmly. "And now I wonder if you would explain a few +things to me?"</p> + +<p>"You are at liberty to ask," smiled Davis.</p> + +<p>"Then, how did you get here—why did you venture here—and what of your +little private expedition?"</p> + +<p>"Those," said Davis, "are what I should call considerable questions. +However, I can see no harm in answering them, particularly as you will +never be able to repeat what you hear now. I came here in our submarine +the U-16, which, by the way, I have rechristened <i>The Vulture</i>—a suitable +name, don't you think?—and I came here because I had business here. Now, +as to your other question. Our little privateering expedition is +progressing famously. We have already sunk one British ship and secured a +quantity of booty, which may have something to do with my presence in +Ostend."</p> + +<p>"I see," said Jack.</p> + +<p>"And," continued Davis boastingly, "I came in right under the noses of the +Germans. My submarine lies in the harbor at this moment. I came ashore in +the guise of a German officer. I was not questioned, nor were you, I take +it?"</p> + +<p>His last words formed a question, and Frank answered.</p> + +<p>"No, we were not questioned," he said.</p> + +<p>"I thought not. Well, when I presently have finished my business—which, +by the way, has been increased since your arrival—I shall make my way +back to my vessel and put to sea again. I shall bother none of the Germans +nor any ships of war unless they bother me—my business is with ships of +commerce, where there is booty to be had—and when I have reaped enough I +shall go to America, where I shall live the life a gentleman should."</p> + +<p>"You'll make a fine gentleman," said Jack sarcastically.</p> + +<p>"You think so?" said Davis, apparently unruffled. "So do I. But time +presses. I am sorry I can entertain you no longer. You will please precede +me from this room and upstairs."</p> + +<p>He arose, and with one revolver, motioned the lads out the door. There was +nothing for it but to comply; for both lads realized that while they might +have jumped Davis, one of them probably would be shot down; nor was it for +his own sake that each hesitated.</p> + +<p>They preceded Davis up the stairs and into a large unfurnished room. As he +entered, Jack looked toward the window. It was heavily barred and the +walls of the room, he saw, were very thick. Once locked in that room, the +lad realized, there was little hope of escape.</p> + +<p>"Now," said Davis, "please cross the room and stand with your backs to me. +I shall leave you here to amuse yourselves. You will have lots of time, +for, I venture to say, the room will not be entered for months to +come—not until I return, which may not be for months. Then I shall give +myself the pleasure of calling on you. Now, good-bye. Turn and face the +wall, please."</p> + +<p>Jack realized that it was now or never and he took a sudden decision.</p> + +<p>"Face the wall, Frank," he commanded quietly. "It's no use."</p> + +<p>Frank obeyed.</p> + +<p>"You too, if you please," said Davis blandly, flourishing a revolver, +while at the same time he returned the other to his pocket.</p> + +<p>"Look here, Davis," said Jack quietly, "this thing has gone far enough. We +have been highly amused with your entertainment, but now it is time to +call a halt."</p> + +<p>Davis looked at him expectantly.</p> + +<p>"Well?" he queried.</p> + +<p>"Just this," said Jack calmly. "Unless you drop that revolver this minute, +I shall have to take it away from you."</p> + +<p>He gazed at Davis steadily.</p> + +<p>The latter's shifty eyes could not meet the steady gaze of the lad and he +looked away, but kept Jack covered with his revolver.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I guess not," he said.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes I shall," said Jack easily.</p> + +<p>"Come," said Davis, pulling himself together and raising his revolver so +it pointed between Jack's eyes. "Enough of this. Get back there now or I +shall fire."</p> + +<p>Instead, Jack took a step forward, still looking Davis squarely in the +eyes.</p> + +<p>"Put down that gun!" he commanded sharply.</p> + +<p>His tone startled Davis, and for a brief moment he allowed the weapon to +waver; and in that moment Jack leaped upon him.</p> + +<p>Taken off his guard, Davis nevertheless still had time to raise the +revolver and fire. Jack staggered back as he felt something like a red-hot +iron pierce his right arm; and the member dropped limply to his side.</p> + +<p>Again Davis fired, but Jack ducked even as he pulled the trigger and the +bullet passed over his head.</p> + +<p>There was a cry from behind him and Frank pitched forward to the floor. +The bullet had struck him a glancing blow on the side of the head.</p> + +<p>Jack's heart grew sick as he heard his chum's cry, for he realized in a +flash what had happened; but he did not turn his head to look. Instead, +stooping low, he leaped lightly forward and seized Davis' pistol arm even +as the man fired again. Jack jerked the arm upward at the moment the +weapon went off and the bullet passed him harmlessly. Then, with a +vigorous wrench, the lad twisted the revolver from Davis' hand and kicked +it to one side as it fell to the floor at his feet. Then he struck Davis +sharply across the face with his left hand, and as the man staggered back, +thrust his hand into the pocket where so recently Davis had placed his +second revolver.</p> + +<p>Davis grabbed at it but too late.</p> + +<p>Jack stepped back and, walking across the room, picked up the other +weapon. Then, opening the door, he tossed both weapons outside, closed the +door and faced Davis.</p> + +<p>"I've still got a couple of guns in my own pockets," he said quietly, "but +I'm going to thrash you within an inch of your life without use of a +weapon—and with a bad arm besides. I may shoot you later, I haven't +decided about that yet. It all depends upon how badly you have hurt my +friend here."</p> + +<p>He stepped forward and aimed a hard blow at Davis with his left fist. +Davis stepped aside and the blow missed. At the same time Davis swung hard +with right and left and the second blow caught Jack on the helpless right +arm. Jack winced but said nothing. He was deadly cool, and he advanced +upon Davis smiling.</p> + +<p>"Now," he said, "I'll give you an imitation of how I treat a dog like +you."</p> + +<p>He backed Davis into a corner of the room by a series of single-arm feints +and then struck out heavily. Davis put up both arms to block the blow but +it did him no good. His guard was swept away as though it had been a +feather and the heavy blow crashed through and caught him in the face.</p> + +<p>Davis staggered back with arms covering his face protectingly and again +Jack struck him heavily between the eyes. Davis fell to the floor in a +heap, where he lay whining. Jack stood over him angrily.</p> + +<p>"Get up!" he commanded quietly. "Get up and fight. I'm not through with +you yet."</p> + +<p>Davis grovelled upon the floor, seeking to clasp the lad's knees.</p> + +<p>"Get up!" commanded Jack again.</p> + +<p>Davis made no move to rise.</p> + +<p>Jack stretched out his uninjured arm and jerked the man rudely to his +feet.</p> + +<p>"Put up your hands and fight," he ordered. "Don't show yourself the dog +you are!"</p> + +<p>Davis did as Jack commanded and aimed a blow at the lad's head.</p> + +<p>Jack promptly knocked him down again.</p> + +<p>A second and a third time this was repeated; but after the last fall Davis +grovelled and moaned like a whipped child.</p> + +<p>Jack gazed down at him in disgust.</p> + +<p>"And I hadn't half begun," he said angrily. "However, I can't stand here +and knock down a man who will make no attempt to defend himself. I am +through with you now. You can go."</p> + +<p>Slowly Davis raised himself to his feet and moved toward the door, looking +furtively about as he did so. As he reached the door, he sprang suddenly +outside with a loud cry. Jack sprang after him and seized his arm just in +time to deflect a bullet he would have fired from a revolver he picked up +without.</p> + +<p>"I thought so," said Jack grimly. "I thought that was about your size. I +had it all figured out, only when it came to a show down I couldn't do +what I had intended. I had intended to let you pick up your gun, and when +you tried to shoot me, to kill you. But I can't do it. Get out of here now +before I change my mind."</p> + +<p>Davis started to move along the hall, but at that moment there were heavy +footsteps upon the stairs and a moment later a figure in the full uniform +of a German battleship commander stood before them.</p> + +<p>"What's the meaning of this?" he demanded in a harsh voice.</p> + +<p>He glanced at the two quickly, and then realizing that he apparently was +talking to a German naval officer, and his subordinate, he addressed Jack.</p> + +<p>"You know his Imperial Majesty's orders in regard to fighting with +civilians?" he asked.</p> + +<p>Jack could do nothing but bow.</p> + +<p>"Then," said the commander, "I shall have to place you under arrest!"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV" />CHAPTER XXV.</h2> + +<h3>DOOMED TO DIE.</h3> + + +<p>It was a bitter disappointment to Jack, but he felt he could do nothing +but submit. True, he thought to himself, he could probably have attacked +the German commander, and perhaps have overcome him; but there was Frank +to be considered, and his own injured right arm. No, he felt he could do +nothing but submit.</p> + +<p>"Very well, sir," he answered the German, "but first you will please +permit me to see to my friend."</p> + +<p>He indicated Frank's prostrate form across the room. The German saw it +then for the first time and nodded assent.</p> + +<p>"Also," said Jack, "it would be well if you did not permit that man," +indicating Davis, "to escape. He is a traitor."</p> + +<p>"So?" exclaimed the officer.</p> + +<p>He drew his revolver and mounted guard over Davis.</p> + +<p>"There is really no use my guarding you," he said. "Half a dozen of my men +are below, so you could hardly escape."</p> + +<p>In the meantime Jack bent over Frank and raised his chum's head to his +knee. Then he arose, asked permission of the German to leave the room for +water. The permission was granted and Jack returned a moment later, his +cap filled with water.</p> + +<p>He sprinkled the water over Frank's face and soon perceived signs of +returning consciousness. Frank drew a deep breath and opened his eyes. +Then he pushed Jack aside and sat up.</p> + +<p>"What's happened?" he asked in a faint voice.</p> + +<p>In a few words Jack explained.</p> + +<p>"I remember now," said Frank. "Help me up."</p> + +<p>Jack did so and then for the first time Frank caught sight of the German +naval commander.</p> + +<p>"What's he doing here?" he asked of Jack.</p> + +<p>"Oh, he's just arrested us; that's all," said Jack.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said the German, "and I must ask you to accompany me now. You shall +come aboard my ship until this matter has been investigated thoroughly. +I'll take charge of you, rather than to turn you over to the military +authorities; for after all you are naval officers and I shall help you if +I can. Please precede me; and you too," this last to Davis in a gruffer +tone.</p> + +<p>All proceeded below, where eight or ten other men stood waiting. Then all +marched away.</p> + +<p>Reaching the water front all entered a small boat and were rowed toward a +submarine, perhaps a quarter of a mile away.</p> + +<p>As they passed, Jack noticed the U-6 a short distance away and made out +Lord Hastings' figure on the bridge. He raised an arm and waved it. He was +not sure that his signal had been seen, but he did not wish to draw +further attention to his commander.</p> + +<p>Aboard the submarine the German commander had them taken to his own cabin, +where he insisted upon his own surgeon dressing Frank's wound and having a +look at Jack's arm.</p> + +<p>The surgeon pronounced both injuries slight and prescribed rest. Several +times Frank caught the German commander looking at him curiously and it +worried him somewhat, for there was something familiar about the man, +though Frank could not seem to place him.</p> + +<p>"I'm just trying to think," said the German to Frank, "where I have seen +you before. I don't place your name."</p> + +<p>"I can't remember you, sir," replied Frank.</p> + +<p>Suddenly the German slapped his thigh. Frank's heart sank for some reason +he was unable to explain to himself.</p> + +<p>"I have it!" exclaimed the German. "You are the lad whom I captured from a +British submarine in the Kiel Canal not so long ago. I remember you well +now. You escaped. So you are a British spy, eh?"</p> + +<p>"I—I——" began Frank.</p> + +<p>The German raised a hand.</p> + +<p>"It will do you no good to deny it," he said quietly. "I cannot be +mistaken. Besides, I can plainly see now that you are no German; and this +supposed-to-be German officer with you is also British. I can see it now. +So is the other prisoner, though I cannot see what you should have been +fighting about."</p> + +<p>Neither Frank nor Jack replied. Each realized that there was no use in +entering a denial.</p> + +<p>"I'll take my oath I'm sorry for this," said the German. "Of course, you +know there is but one thing I can do?"</p> + +<p>Frank nodded understandingly.</p> + +<p>"You were found within our lines in German uniforms," said the commander. +"Therefore you are spies and must be treated as such. I myself shall call +a court martial within the hour. You must be shot. The other man will be +tried separately, but I have no doubt he will suffer the same fate. +Orderly!"</p> + +<p>A second officer entered the room.</p> + +<p>"Have these prisoners closely guarded and bring them here an hour from +now," he ordered. "Then summon the commanders of the other vessels in the +harbor. They shall sit on a court martial here. Hurry."</p> + +<p>Jack and Frank were led from the cabin and locked in another compartment +at the far end of the ship where they sat in silence until they were +conducted to the commander's cabin.</p> + +<p>And as they gazed about the cabin the eyes of both opened wide in +surprise, though they made no sound.</p> + +<p>For there, sitting with five other German officers about the table, was +none other than Lord Hastings, still wearing his German uniform. He was +sitting on the trial board.</p> + +<p>The German commander who had captured them presided.</p> + +<p>"Bring in the other prisoner," he commanded.</p> + +<p>A moment later Davis was led in. The lads saw a surprised expression flash +over Lord Hastings' face as his eyes rested on Davis; but he sat still.</p> + +<p>Then, suddenly appearing to take a close look at Frank and Jack for the +first time, he jumped to his feet and approached them. After a careful +scrutiny, he uttered a loud exclamation and turned to the other officers.</p> + +<p>"Sirs," he said quietly, "you have indeed made an important capture. These +men, although apparently young, are two of the most trusted of British +spies. I know them, for I have come in close contact with them," and he +glared at them angrily. "So, we have you at last, eh?" addressing the +boys, who shrank back in well-feigned alarm.</p> + +<p>As for Davis, he said nothing. He had been doing a lot of thinking and had +come to the conclusion that it was better to postpone his fate by being +rescued with Frank and Jack, if possible; for he had a pretty shrewd idea +that Lord Hastings was there for some such purpose.</p> + +<p>"So," continued Lord Hastings, eyeing the two lads angrily. "I have you, +eh. I would like to put a hole through each of you myself." He half drew a +revolver.</p> + +<p>The German commander interfered.</p> + +<p>"None of that, if you please, sir," he commanded sharply. "They shall have +trial; and if they are convicted, as I have no doubt they will be, I shall +bestow upon you the doubtful honor of performing the execution."</p> + +<p>"And I shall be pleased indeed, sir," replied Lord Hastings with a leer.</p> + +<p>The German commander turned from him in disgust.</p> + +<p>"It is such men as you, who are a disgrace to the navy," he said quietly.</p> + +<p>"Sir!" exclaimed Lord Hastings, facing the German in apparent wrath, +though nothing could have pleased him better—things were working out much +better than he had dared hope.</p> + +<p>"Tut! Tut!" exclaimed the German commander. "I have no time to quarrel +with you now. But when the war is over, it will give me much pleasure to +put an end to one of your ilk."</p> + +<p>"I shall remember that!" exclaimed Lord Hastings. "You shall answer to me, +sir."</p> + +<p>"When the war is over, I shall be very much at your service," was the +quiet rejoinder. "But now to business. Prisoners, you may all stand up +together. Your name?" he demanded of Jack.</p> + +<p>"Templeton, sir," replied the lad quietly.</p> + +<p>"And yours, sir?" demanded the German of Frank.</p> + +<p>"Chadwick, sir."</p> + +<p>The German turned to Davis.</p> + +<p>"Davis, sir," replied the man before the German could propound the +question.</p> + +<p>"Have any of you prisoners anything to say in extenuation of your +actions?"</p> + +<p>There was no reply.</p> + +<p>"No reason why the death sentence should not be passed upon you?" +continued the German.</p> + +<p>Still there was no reply.</p> + +<p>The German commander then explained what he knew of the three and called +for a vote.</p> + +<p>"Commander Derndorff?"</p> + +<p>"Death!" was the response.</p> + +<p>"Commander Hellwig?"</p> + +<p>"Death!"</p> + +<p>"Commander Berne?"</p> + +<p>"Death!"</p> + +<p>"Commander Blough?"</p> + +<p>"Death!"</p> + +<p>"Commander Bernstorff?"</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings' response was louder than the rest and he smiled evilly as +he cried:</p> + +<p>"Death!"</p> + +<p>The German commander who had captured the lads made a grimace but said +nothing.</p> + +<p>He paused a moment and then declared quietly:</p> + +<p>"My verdict also is death!"</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings, apparently, could restrain his impatience no longer.</p> + +<p>"Good! Good!" he cried.</p> + +<p>"The sentence of this court martial," continued the German commander +unheeding Lord Hastings, "is that the prisoners all be shot at sunrise +tomorrow. Commander Bernstorff, since you are so eager to perform the +disagreeable duty, you may command the execution; and that your men may +think the less of you, as president of this court martial, I order you to +choose the firing squad from among your own crew."</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings beamed on him.</p> + +<p>"It shall be done with pleasure," he declared eagerly.</p> + +<p>"And," continued the president of the court martial, "you shall take the +prisoners aboard your own vessel and you shall be held responsible for +them. I could almost hope they would escape, so that you should suffer," +he added to himself.</p> + +<p>"Good, sir. Good!" cried Lord Hastings. "I shall remove them at once, +sir."</p> + +<p>"One thing more," said the commander sharply. "They must not be +ill-treated. Understand?"</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings' face fell in well-feigned disappointment. He appeared to +draw himself together, saluted and said with an apparent effort.</p> + +<p>"You shall be obeyed, sir."</p> + +<p>"Take them away, then."</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings ordered the three marched to the side of the vessel, where +they stepped aboard the little boat. Then they were rowed rapidly toward +the U-6.</p> + +<p>As they neared the submarine, where they knew lay safety, the spirits of +the lads soared once more, in spite of their wounds. Frank expressed +Jack's sentiments as well as his own when he leaned close to Lord Hastings +and muttered:</p> + +<p>"Close shave, sir!"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI" />CHAPTER XXVI.</h2> + +<h3>MORE TROUBLE.</h3> + + +<p>"You can believe me or not, but it feels pretty good to be back here."</p> + +<p>The speaker was Frank as he stood upon the bridge of the U-6.</p> + +<p>"It does, indeed," returned Jack, who stood by his side. "To tell the +truth, I was afraid we would never get away. I thought we were goners, +sure. And see who we have with us, our old friend Davis."</p> + +<p>For Davis at that moment came aboard from the small boat beside the +submarine. He grinned at the two boys feebly.</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm glad to be back along with you," he said.</p> + +<p>"I don't imagine you'll be glad to be back very long," said Jack dryly. +"It seems to me you might as well have stayed where you were. The result +probably will be the same. Only this time you'll have to face a British +court martial and they'll probably hang you."</p> + +<p>"While there's life there's hope," Davis spoke sententiously. "Which is +the reason I didn't say anything over there."</p> + +<p>He waved his hand in the general direction of the German submarine they +had so recently left.</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm much obliged, I'm sure," said Frank. "If you had spoken when +you recognized Lord Hastings, it would have been all off with all of us. +However, I'm afraid I shall be unable to speak a word in your behalf."</p> + +<p>Davis shrugged his shoulders and turned away as Lord Hastings approached.</p> + +<p>"Below with you all, quick!" exclaimed the latter. "Don't you realize you +are prisoners? What do you suppose some of these German officers would +say if they saw you making so free of this vessel, eh? They'd probably +come over to see what is wrong. Get below!"</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings spoke gruffly, for he had risked much to assure their safety +and he did not wish his plans to go for naught. Frank, Jack and Davis +obeyed without a word.</p> + +<p>"Now," said Lord Hastings when all were safely below, "we'll have to get +away from here."</p> + +<p>"There should be no trouble about that," said Frank. "All we have to do is +submerge and move off."</p> + +<p>"And I suppose these other fellows will remain idle and watch us go," +exclaimed Lord Hastings sarcastically. "Don't you believe it. We are +likely to have trouble. They'll probably have a shot or two at us and +we'll be fortunate if one doesn't strike home. Besides which, if we do get +down safely, they'll probably chase us."</p> + +<p>"Well, they can't find us under the water," Frank stated.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps not," agreed Lord Hastings, "but we'll have to come up some time +and when we do they are likely to be waiting for us. However, there is no +use hesitating now. Every minute makes our situation more precarious. You +may submerge to five fathoms, Mr. Templeton."</p> + +<p>Quickly Jack gave the command. Immediately the bridge wound into the +little conning tower, which at once closed, and the submarine began to +sink gradually.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings glued an eye to the periscope and watched developments +above.</p> + +<p>"Just as I feared," he exclaimed. "They have seen through our ruse. There +is excitement aboard all the enemy. Twenty knots, Mr. Templeton, and shape +your course due north."</p> + +<p>The little craft leaped ahead as Jack gave the command; and at the same +moment a torpedo, fired by the nearest enemy craft, flashed through the +water where the U-6 had been a moment before. It was a narrow escape.</p> + +<p>A second torpedo flashed above the submarine just as it finally +disappeared beneath the water; and a third did likewise.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings drew a breath of relief as he moved from the periscope—he +could see no longer, the water having passed over the "eye" of the +submarine.</p> + +<p>"We're safe enough for the time being, at any rate," he declared. "Keep to +your course, Mr. Templeton, until I give the command to alter it."</p> + +<p>Jack saluted.</p> + +<p>"Very well, sir," he said.</p> + +<p>"And now," said Lord Hastings, gazing about, "the question remains as to +what is to be done with Davis. Where is he?"</p> + +<p>Frank looked about hurriedly.</p> + +<p>"He was here a moment ago, sir," he replied. "He was right behind me."</p> + +<p>"Well, he's not here now," said Lord Hastings. "There is no doubt about +that. However, he can't have gone very far. We'll have a look for him."</p> + +<p>Frank followed his commander aft.</p> + +<p>They peered into every compartment in that end of the vessel. They +searched the engine room and all other sections; but there was no sign of +Davis; Lord Hastings scratched his chin in perplexity.</p> + +<p>"Now what do you think of that?" he said slowly. "But he was on this +vessel and he can't have got off. Therefore he must be here."</p> + +<p>"There is one place we haven't looked, sir," said Frank.</p> + +<p>"Where?" demanded Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"Your cabin, sir."</p> + +<p>"He would hardly have sought refuge there," said Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"There is no telling, sir," replied Frank. "We may as well have a look."</p> + +<p>"Yes, we may as well have a look," repeated Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>He led the way forward again and pulled up before the door of his cabin, +which was closed.</p> + +<p>"Now I could have sworn I left this door open," said Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>He laid a hand on the knob and turned it; but the door would not open.</p> + +<p>"Hm-m-m," muttered Lord Hastings. "Somebody is in there all right. Guess +it must be our friend Davis." He raised his voice and called: "Davis."</p> + +<p>There was no reply and Lord Hastings repeated his call. Still there was no +response.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings was beginning to grow angry.</p> + +<p>"Davis!" he called a third time, and when there was no answer, he shouted: +"You come out of there this minute or it will be the worse for you. There +is no use pretending you do not hear me. Come out!"</p> + +<p>This time Lord Hastings drew an answer.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir, but I shall remain where I am," came back in Davis' +voice. "It's very comfortable in here."</p> + +<p>"By Jove! He's a pretty cool customer," muttered Lord Hastings to Frank.</p> + +<p>"Yes, he's cool enough," responded the lad, "and cold-blooded, too. Shall +we force the door, sir?"</p> + +<p>"I don't like to do that," replied Lord Hastings, "but I am afraid it will +be necessary. I want to get that fellow tied up safely." He raised his +voice again. "Davis," he said, "if you don't open that door immediately, +I'll break it down."</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't try it," was Davis' response. "I have appropriated a pair of +your revolvers here and I'll have a shot at the first head that I see."</p> + +<p>This reply threw Lord Hastings into some consternation. He turned to +Frank.</p> + +<p>"There is no use any one getting hurt on the fellow's account," he said. +"He's safe enough in there. Guess we may as well leave him."</p> + +<p>"We'll have to get him some time, sir," said Frank. "We might as well do +it now and have it over with. Two of us should land him without any +trouble."</p> + +<p>"You mean one and a half," replied Lord Hastings, smiling. "Don't forget +you are hardly whole with that wound on your head."</p> + +<p>"I think I can prove a little better than a half, anyhow," Frank smiled +back. "Shall we break the door in, sir?"</p> + +<p>"I have a better plan than that," replied Lord Hastings. "I'll blow the +lock off. Stand back out of range of fire from the door. Davis is likely +to shoot through it."</p> + +<p>Frank did as commanded, and drawing his revolver, Lord Hastings placed the +muzzle against the lock.</p> + +<p>There was a flash, a loud report and Lord Hastings leaped quickly +backward. And it was well that he did so; for a second later there came a +second report and a bullet sped through the thin door and imbedded itself +in the wall beyond.</p> + +<p>Standing well to one side, Lord Hastings thrust out a foot and kicked the +door open.</p> + +<p>"Better come out, Davis," he said quietly.</p> + +<p>"No, thanks," was the reply. "I'll get the first man who shows his head in +the doorway."</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings considered this point carefully. Then he said to Frank:</p> + +<p>"Well, we've got the door open, but I don't see that we are any better +off. We can't go after him. Now what, eh?"</p> + +<p>An idea struck Frank.</p> + +<p>"You stand guard until I come back, sir," he said, and made his way aft.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings stood his ground.</p> + +<p>Frank was back in a moment and again took his stand on the opposite side +of the door from Lord Hastings. He held something in his hand, and a long +snake-like object seemed to wiggle along behind him.</p> + +<p>"What have you there?" demanded Lord Hastings in some surprise.</p> + +<p>"Hose, sir," replied Frank calmly.</p> + +<p>"And what are you going to do with it?"</p> + +<p>"Rout Davis out, sir."</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings chuckled.</p> + +<p>"I am afraid you won't have much success," he replied. "It's a poor +Englishman who can't stand a little cold water."</p> + +<p>"Maybe he won't like hot water, though, sir," replied Frank.</p> + +<p>Again Lord Hastings looked surprised.</p> + +<p>"Oho," he said at length. "Now I see what you are about. Going to scald +him a little, eh?"</p> + +<p>"That's the idea, sir. I have the engineer's word that this hose will +throw a pretty strong stream. Once it hits Davis he'll be glad to come +out."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Lord Hastings. "Turn it on."</p> + +<p>Still standing out of the line of fire, Frank, taking the hose well back +from the nozzle, thrust it through the door and turned it on.</p> + +<p>A thin vapor rose and the hose grew hot to Frank's touch.</p> + +<p>"Pretty hot," said Lord Hastings. "Now if you can just locate him with it, +you——"</p> + +<p>A cry of pain interrupted him and there was the sound of hurried footsteps +within.</p> + +<p>"Got him," cried Frank gleefully.</p> + +<p>He stepped into the open doorway, and as he did so, Davis raised a +revolver and his finger tightened on the trigger. But even as he would +have fired, Frank turned the scalding water on him. With a howl of pain he +dropped the revolver.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII" />CHAPTER XXVII.</h2> + +<h3>THE PIRATES REAPPEAR.</h3> + + +<p>"You got him, Frank!" cried Lord Hastings excitedly, hopping up and down +like a boy. "Keep it on him!"</p> + +<p>"You bet I've got him," Frank shouted back. "Slip inside, sir, and get him +from behind when I turn the water off."</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings did as Frank suggested, and keeping to one side of the +stream of hot water, entered the room and drew his revolver.</p> + +<p>"All right," he called. "Turn it off. I've got him covered."</p> + +<p>Frank shut off the hose and also sprang into the room.</p> + +<p>But there was no need for force. Davis had had all the fight taken out of +him, for the time being, at least. He lay upon the floor and was writhing +about apparently in great pain and moaning feebly. It was plain that the +hot water had done its work well.</p> + +<p>"I give up," he muttered as Lord Hastings and Frank approached him.</p> + +<p>The two leaned down and picked the man up. Lord Hastings looked him over +carefully.</p> + +<p>"Why, you're not hurt," he said contemptuously. He turned to Frank. "That +water can't have been very hot," he said.</p> + +<p>"Just hot enough, I should say," the lad returned. "I didn't want it too +hot, sir. It would have spoiled his looks, and I want him looking fit when +he faces a court martial."</p> + +<p>"Very thoughtful of you," said Lord Hastings dryly. "I don't believe he is +hurt a bit. But I guess we had better tie him up before he does any more +mischief."</p> + +<p>"Right you are, sir," replied Jack. "Got any rope?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; you'll find a good strong piece in the drawer of my desk there. Get +it."</p> + +<p>Frank opened the drawer and produced a long, strong rope; and as he would +have turned to Lord Hastings he was startled by a sudden commotion, +followed by the sound of a fall.</p> + +<p>Davis had sprung suddenly to his feet, upsetting Lord Hastings as he did +so, and dashed out the door. Frank, dashing forward to intercept him, +collided with Lord Hastings, who arose at that moment, and the latter went +to the floor again, with Frank on top of him.</p> + +<p>By the time they had untangled themselves Davis had disappeared aft.</p> + +<p>"After him!" shouted Frank, and dashed down the passage. Lord Hastings +followed closely.</p> + +<p>Davis made straight for the engine room, why, he could not have told. The +man was greatly excited and hardly knew what he was doing. As he crossed +the threshold, he collided with Simpson, the engineer, and both rolled to +the floor.</p> + +<p>"I say! What's the matter here?" demanded Simpson angrily. "What are you +jumping on me for?"</p> + +<p>"I didn't mean to do it," replied Davis, sitting up; and then getting to +his feet.</p> + +<p>"And what are you doing in here, anyhow?" demanded the engineer. "No one +is allowed in this room."</p> + +<p>"I didn't know where I was going," responded Davis.</p> + +<p>He leaped suddenly forward, and seizing a heavy iron poker, brought it +down heavily on Simpson's head. The man crumpled up on the floor. Quickly +Davis whirled about and locked the door, even as Lord Hastings and Jack +threw their weight against it. Then Davis laughed aloud.</p> + +<p>"Stand back there!" he cried. "Stand back, or I'll smash this machinery so +none of us will ever reach the surface."</p> + +<p>Frank was for smashing in the door regardless of this threat, but Lord +Hastings seized his arm.</p> + +<p>"Hold on!" he exclaimed. "The man is crazy enough to do it. We shall have +to seek some other method of overcoming him."</p> + +<p>"And how are we to get him, unless we go after him, I'd like to know?" the +lad demanded angrily.</p> + +<p>"There must be some way," was the reply. "We'll wait."</p> + +<p>He took Frank by the arm and led him away.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings immediately made his way to Jack's side.</p> + +<p>"Shape your course east now, Mr. Templeton," he instructed, "and give the +command to rise to the surface."</p> + +<p>Jack asked no questions and did as instructed.</p> + +<p>"We'll have to take a chance on being clear of the enemy when we go up," +Lord Hastings explained. "But we've got to get Davis out of that engine +room the first thing we do."</p> + +<p>"And how do you figure to do that, sir?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>"By giving him a clear path to the bridge," replied Lord Hastings. "I have +no doubt that when he finds we are upon the surface he will leave his +retreat and go on deck; then, if there is land in sight, he probably will +leap overboard and swim for it."</p> + +<p>"But you will not permit him to get away, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Not if I can help it. However, I would rather have him escape than let +him send us to the bottom; and I have no doubt he will reason along that +line. Now, when we reach the surface, we will go to my cabin and remain +there until we hear him pass my door."</p> + +<p>A few moments later the U-6 emerged from the depths and the three +immediately went to Lord Hastings' cabin and closed the door behind them. +Lord Hastings gave an exclamation of dismay as he gazed about.</p> + +<p>"You certainly did a good job with that hose," he said to Frank. "There is +not a nook nor cranny of this cabin you didn't touch. Look at it, it won't +dry out in a month."</p> + +<p>"Hardly that long, sir," said Jack with a grin. "But tell me what all this +is about, anyhow."</p> + +<p>Frank explained. Then all grew silent, awaiting the sound of footsteps +that they felt sure would herald Davis' flight. And a few moments later +they came, creeping along silently.</p> + +<p>Frank took a step forward, but Lord Hastings stayed him with a gesture.</p> + +<p>"Let him alone," he commanded. "We don't want him to find another hole. We +have had trouble enough with him."</p> + +<p>A few moments later footsteps sounded on deck.</p> + +<p>"Well, he's up there," said Frank. "Now what?"</p> + +<p>"Guess we can go up after him now," replied Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>He led the way.</p> + +<p>"Careful, sir, when you go up," warned Jack. "He's likely to be waiting +for one of us to show a head."</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings paid no heed to this command, but sprang quickly up. He +gazed around rapidly. There was not another soul on deck.</p> + +<p>"Come on," he cried to Frank and Jack.</p> + +<p>The latter also sprang up and looked about.</p> + +<p>"Where is he, sir?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>"Gone," replied Lord Hastings. "Must have jumped overboard."</p> + +<p>He swept the sea with his eyes, as did the others.</p> + +<p>"What's that over there, sir?" asked Jack suddenly.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings and Frank gazed in the direction indicated. There a little +object could be seen in the water. It had the appearance of a small stick +and beside it there appeared a black piece of cloth whipping in the +breeze.</p> + +<p>"Looks like the periscope of a submarine," commented Frank.</p> + +<p>"And it is," declared Lord Hastings. "Below quick!"</p> + +<p>Jack sprang down the companionway, closely followed by Frank and Lord +Hastings. The conning tower closed behind them.</p> + +<p>"Submerge to the tip of the periscope," ordered Lord Hastings, and put his +eye to the instrument as Jack repeated the command.</p> + +<p>At that moment the other craft bobbed to the surface and Lord Hastings +made out that the black cloth that fluttered in the breeze was nothing +more nor less than a black flag.</p> + +<p>"Pirates!" he muttered. "What! at this age of the world?" and then a +sudden thought flashed through his mind.</p> + +<p>"I'll wager a farm it's Davis' own crew," he muttered.</p> + +<p>"What's that, sir?" asked Jack, who had caught his commander's last words.</p> + +<p>"Nothing much; only that Davis has found his own gang," replied Lord +Hastings quietly. "Here, have a look."</p> + +<p>He stepped aside and Jack took his place at the periscope. The lad uttered +an exclamation of surprise.</p> + +<p>"By Jove! he has, sir," he ejaculated. "I can see him swimming toward the +submarine; and there is a man on the bridge waiting for him. Can't we +launch a torpedo at her, sir?"</p> + +<p>"I guess we can," replied Lord Hastings. "What do you make the range?"</p> + +<p>"Hundred yards, sir," replied Jack. "Number three torpedo, sir!"</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings touched a button and the signal board glowed. But even as +Jack would have given the command to fire, a new object suddenly rose to +the surface of the water and he stayed his hand.</p> + +<p>It was a third submarine, and Jack, instead of giving the command to +fire, for which the men were eagerly waiting, cried:</p> + +<p>"Another submarine, sir! Looks like a German. She's moving toward the +pirate, sir!"</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings stepped to the periscope, pushing Jack firmly aside.</p> + +<p>"We'll move off and let them fight it out," he said. "Full speed ahead, +Mr. Templeton!"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII" />CHAPTER XXVIII.</h2> + +<h3>THE BATTLE AND THE ATTACK ON THE U-6.</h3> + + +<p>Another few hundred yards from the two other submarines, Lord Hastings +ordered the U-6 brought to a stop.</p> + +<p>"We'll stop here a bit and watch the battle," he said.</p> + +<p>The U-6 rose to the surface and the three officers ascended to the bridge. +The pirate craft, <i>The Vulture</i>, was still upon the surface and they were +able to see that Davis at that moment had climbed over the side. Together +with the man who was already on the bridge he hurried below.</p> + +<p>"Now they will submerge," said Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>He was right, for a moment later <i>The Vulture</i> began to sink lower in the +water. At this moment the German craft fired her first torpedo. It struck +a hundred yards to the right of <i>The Vulture</i>.</p> + +<p>"Poor shooting," declared Jack.</p> + +<p>The others nodded.</p> + +<p>"She'll do better next time," said Frank.</p> + +<p>The lad proved a good prophet for the second torpedo skimmed over the +water missing <i>The Vulture</i> by inches. At the same time <i>The Vulture</i> +launched a torpedo and the three aboard the U-6 gasped as it seemed that +the missile would surely strike home.</p> + +<p>But the German submersible swerved just a trifle and the torpedo missed by +a narrow margin. At the same moment the German submarine began to +submerge. She escaped the fire of the pirate until her periscope also was +all that was visible.</p> + +<p>Then the pirate rose; a moment later the German craft came from below and +both vessels launched torpedoes simultaneously.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings uttered an exclamation of astonishment.</p> + +<p>"Of all the remarkable things I ever saw!" he ejaculated.</p> + +<p>Frank and Jack were equally astonished; and the reason was this: both +torpedoes had gone true and the periscope of each vessel fell away.</p> + +<p>"There'll be no more diving," said Lord Hastings quietly.</p> + +<p>Now the fighting submarines, both upon the surface, launched torpedo after +torpedo at each other. A shot from the pirate struck her adversary a +glancing blow on the bow and the head of the little craft ducked a +trifle. But she bobbed up serenely again a moment later and returned the +fire.</p> + +<p>This time her aim had been true and the torpedo grazed the top of the +conning tower. <i>The Vulture</i> also ducked, but came up again.</p> + +<p>"It all depends upon who gets in the first square shot," said Lord +Hastings, and at that moment the square shot struck.</p> + +<p><i>The Vulture</i>, swerving suddenly, barely escaped a torpedo from her foe, +while the pirate's next torpedo struck the enemy squarely upon the bridge. +There was an explosion and the German craft seemed to leap from the water. +A moment later she came down in pieces, blown to atoms.</p> + +<p>"It's all over," said Lord Hastings quietly. "Now it is time for us to put +an end to that troublesome craft."</p> + +<p>He led the way below and gave the order to submerge.</p> + +<p>But it appeared that Davis, instead of fleeing as Lord Hastings and the +two lads had expected him to do, had determined to square accounts with +his British enemies. <i>The Vulture</i> headed toward the U-6.</p> + +<p>Before Lord Hastings could give the command to launch the first torpedo, a +missile from the enemy carried away the periscope of the U-6.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings gave an exclamation of dismay.</p> + +<p>"We'll have to fight it out on the surface," he said quietly.</p> + +<p>Now the U-6 launched her first torpedo and missed. A missile from <i>The +Vulture</i> struck close to port. Again the U-6 missed and swerved just in +time to escape another torpedo from the enemy.</p> + +<p>Then suddenly Lord Hastings gave the command to submerge.</p> + +<p>The command was obeyed quickly and he explained to the lads.</p> + +<p>"We'll try and run closer to him while we're below. They'll be expecting +us to go the other way, and if we are not seen the moment we come up we'll +take them at a disadvantage. Of course, it's a long chance, but we must do +something."</p> + +<p>Ten minutes later he gave the order to rise again. There was no response. +Again Lord Hastings gave the signal and still the U-6 failed to rise.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter?" demanded Lord Hastings quickly.</p> + +<p>"Something wrong with the tanks, sir," replied Jack hurrying up at that +moment. "I've just had Simpson out and he says he can fix the damage +without going to the surface."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Lord Hastings. "Then we shall remain stationary until +Simpson reports O.K."</p> + +<p>Fifteen minutes later Simpson completed his work and again Lord Hastings +gave the signal to rise. Slowly the U-6 moved upward.</p> + +<p>Suddenly there was a shock that threw all on board to the deck, and the +U-6 staggered. For a moment her upward progress was stayed, but for a +moment only; then she continued upward and suddenly flashed upon the +surface.</p> + +<p>Quickly Lord Hastings jumped to his feet, and unmindful of any danger he +might encounter, dashed to the bridge. Jack and Frank followed close upon +his heels. And there a peculiar sight met their gaze.</p> + +<p>To leeward, not half a dozen rods away, lay <i>The Vulture</i> almost upon her +side. Half a dozen men were floating in the water and one still clung to +the tilting vessel.</p> + +<p>Frank uttered an exclamation of astonishment.</p> + +<p>"So that's what was wrong," he ejaculated. "We came up directly beneath +her, sir."</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings nodded.</p> + +<p>"And it seems to me we did a pretty good job," he declared. "Now——"</p> + +<p>The appearance of one of the crew on deck cut short his sentence. The man +approached and saluted.</p> + +<p>"Well, sir?" questioned Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"Boat leaking, sir," was the reply. "Two feet of water in the hold now, +sir. We can't stop it. We shall have to take to the boats, sir."</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings looked at the man in dismay for the space of several +moments. Then he said quietly:</p> + +<p>"All right, Jackson. Get out the boats and order the men on deck."</p> + +<p>Again the man took the time to salute and then disappeared below. A few +moments later the full crew of the U-6 appeared on deck and the boats were +quickly gotten out.</p> + +<p>"Rifles and revolvers for each man," ordered Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>The men already had armed themselves; so Lord Hastings gave the word to +take to the boats. This was done, and pulling away from the rapidly +settling submarine, all turned their eyes again to <i>The Vulture</i>.</p> + +<p>To their surprise <i>The Vulture</i> was not settling as fast as was the U-6 +and several figures could still be seen struggling about on board.</p> + +<p>"They are launching the boats, sir," said Frank.</p> + +<p>"So they are," replied Lord Hastings. "And they are arming themselves. I +guess we shall have to fight this thing out yet. How's your arm, Jack?" he +called to the lad, who was in another boat.</p> + +<p>"Feels pretty good, sir," was the reply. "Why?"</p> + +<p>"And your head, Frank?" demanded Lord Hastings, paying no heed to Jack's +question.</p> + +<p>"First rate, sir, doesn't hurt a bit."</p> + +<p>"All right. Rifles ready, men. We'll swoop down on those fellows before +they are prepared to hold us off."</p> + +<p>But already they had delayed too long to surround the pirates without a +fight. <i>The Vulture's</i> boats were afloat now and were manned by the crew; +and from the distance the British could see they were all armed.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings gave his commands quickly.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Templeton, make a short detour to the right," he commanded. "Take +them from the flank." He motioned to Edwards, who was steering the boat +next to his own. Edwards approached. "Climb in there and take command, +Frank," said Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>Frank did so quickly.</p> + +<p>"Now make a detour to the left," Lord Hastings commanded. "I'll try and +hold them off here until you reach a proper position. Then we can bear +down on them from all sides."</p> + +<p>The first shot of the battle came from the pirates and was fired by Davis +himself. A man in the bow of Lord Hastings' boat muttered an imprecation +and wrung his hand. The bullet had struck his left little finger and +carried the tip of it away.</p> + +<p>"Hurt much, Price?" asked Lord Hastings.</p> + +<p>"Not much, sir," was the quiet response. "May interfere with my shooting a +little though, sir."</p> + +<p>"Fire when ready," Lord Hastings commanded his men.</p> + +<p>He threw his rifle to his shoulder and it cracked viciously. A man in the +foremost pirate boat threw up his arms, sprang to his feet and pitched +into the sea head first.</p> + +<p>"One less," Lord Hastings muttered to himself.</p> + +<p>In the meantime, while Lord Hastings engaged the enemy, Frank and Jack +were nearing their respective positions. Jack came into action first, +sweeping down upon the enemy from the right.</p> + +<p>The forces were about evenly divided, three boats to a side, but it +appeared that in men the pirates slightly outnumbered the British.</p> + +<p>A man dropped in Jack's boat now, fatally wounded. The others did not even +pause, but returned the fire steadily. Another man in Jack's boat dropped +his rifle and fell back gasping. A pirate bullet found two victims in +Frank's boat and Lord Hastings now suffered the loss of another.</p> + +<p>But the enemy was paying for these victims. In the center pirate boat +three men were no longer able to handle a rifle, while in the craft to the +right two had been wounded. The boat to the left also had suffered.</p> + +<p>And all this time the boats had been nearing each other and the crack of +the rifles mingled with the hoarse shouting of the German sailors. The +British, for the most part, fought coolly and silently, only the groans of +the wounded breaking the stillness from their part of the water.</p> + +<p>Frank, now that the boats were close enough together not to call for +instructions to his men, left them to do their own fighting and opened +with his revolver.</p> + +<p>Now Frank was a crack shot, as he had proved on more than one occasion, +and this time his aim was deadly. He found himself opposite the boat in +which Davis stood erect and he picked off the men about the British +traitor with ease.</p> + +<p>At last there remained but Davis. Frank trained his weapon on him +carefully, but at the moment he would have pulled the trigger a bullet +struck one of the British sailors in Frank's boat a mortal wound. The man +jumped and fell sidewise. The boat tipped over and Frank was flung into +the water.</p> + +<p>Frank's mouth was open as he went under, and when he came up gasping there +was no boat near him. Ahead he could see Davis still standing erect. The +latter discovered the lad at the same time, levelled his revolver, took +careful aim, and pulled the trigger.</p> + +<p>But there was no report. The chamber of the weapon was empty.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX" />CHAPTER XXIX.</h2> + +<h3>THE END OF A TRAITOR.</h3> + + +<p>Frank smiled grimly to himself as he floated in the water.</p> + +<p>"No more bullets, eh?" he muttered.</p> + +<p>He struck out vigorously, but instead of making for the nearest British +boat, he swam directly toward the craft in which Davis remained standing.</p> + +<p>"I'll get you this time, Mr. Davis," the lad muttered through his teeth.</p> + +<p>Davis saw him coming and something must have told him that this time the +lad would overcome him. He stooped over and picked up a second revolver. +This, too, he levelled directly at the lad and pulled the trigger. But +this weapon also was empty.</p> + +<p>Now fear suddenly took possession of Davis. He dropped to the thwart, +seized a pair of oars and began to row.</p> + +<p>But he had delayed too long; for at that moment Frank's left hand grasped +the gunwale. Quickly Davis raised himself in the boat, and, brandishing an +oar aloft, brought it down in an effort to crush the lad's head. Frank saw +the blow coming and dived just in time. Davis again sat down and began to +row.</p> + +<p>A minute later Frank came up by the side of the boat and seized it in both +hands. In vain Davis tried to steady the craft. Frank's effort was too +powerful to resist and the little craft capsized, hurling Davis into the +water.</p> + +<p>Frank, treading water—now that he had his enemy on even terms—smiled as +he waited for the traitor to come up; but what was his surprise when he +felt himself suddenly seized by the legs and drawn beneath the surface. So +sudden and unexpected was this movement that the lad did not have time to +catch a breath before his head went under.</p> + +<p>He kicked out desperately with his left foot and felt it strike something +soft; and at that moment the hold upon his legs relaxed. The lad rose +rapidly to the surface, where he inhaled great draughts of fresh air. Then +he swam away a few strokes and waited for Davis to rise, for he knew he +could not remain under water much longer.</p> + +<p>A head bobbed up close to him, and, swimming quickly forward, Frank struck +out heavily with his left fist. The fist came in contact with a face and +Frank grinned as he realized that the blow had gone home. Again he waited +for Davis to come to the surface.</p> + +<p>The latter did so a moment later, but succeeded in dodging the heavy blow +that the lad aimed at him. He disappeared again almost immediately and a +second time the lad felt himself seized in a tight embrace which drew him +under.</p> + +<p>Immediately he felt the hold upon his legs relax and a hand seized him by +the throat.</p> + +<p>This time Frank had taken a breath before being pulled under, for the lad +was not to be caught napping twice in the same way, and he felt that he +could remain beneath the water as long as his opponent.</p> + +<p>But the grasp on his throat was strangling him and the lad realized that +desperate measures were necessary to free himself.</p> + +<p>He swung his right arm low in the water, at the same moment seizing the +hand that grasped his throat with his left. His right hand found its mark +and at the same moment the lad gave a quick jerk with his left hand. The +grip upon his throat weakened, and, as Frank struck a second time, was +released altogether.</p> + +<p>Almost immediately, however, a pair of arms closed about his legs again, +holding him tight and carrying him down. With his two hands Frank felt +about him blindly, and at last encountered a head. He reached farther down +and then gripped Davis by the throat with both hands and pressed them +together.</p> + +<p>Davis was threshing about in the water in an effort to release this +desperate clutch without altogether loosening his hold upon the lad. +Frank's lungs seemed about to burst now and he struggled desperately to +push Davis away from him, at the same time maintaining his grip. Things +grew blacker than ever beneath the dark water; and then, suddenly, the lad +lost consciousness.</p> + +<p>When Frank opened his eyes again he found himself in a small boat, with +nothing in sight but blue water and the sun beating down upon him, +shielded slightly from his face by what he took to to be a coat. The lad +rubbed his eyes and attempted to sit up; then fell back with a faint moan.</p> + +<p>This sound brought a second figure to his side and Frank felt a hand upon +his head as a well-known voice said:</p> + +<p>"How do you feel, old man?"</p> + +<p>Frank recognized the voice instantly. The speaker was Jack. Things came +back to Frank immediately and with an effort he sat up.</p> + +<p>"How did I get here?" he demanded. "The last I seem to remember is tipping +Davis out of a boat. Then what happened?"</p> + +<p>"Then you don't remember a struggle beneath the water?" asked Jack.</p> + +<p>Frank racked his brain and a moment later it came back to him.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I do," he replied. "I remember he seized me by the legs and I went +under. Then I grabbed him by the neck and tried to push him away, but he +clung and clung—and clung—and clung—and that's all I can remember."</p> + +<p>"And no wonder," declared Jack. "You were under water for five minutes +before I could get to you. I got you as you were going down for the last +time. I didn't arrive a minute too soon."</p> + +<p>"And where are we now?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>"In one of the small boats, making for shore."</p> + +<p>"What shore?"</p> + +<p>"Any shore. Belgium, most likely. But a storm Is brewing and——"</p> + +<p>A sudden shout interrupted him.</p> + +<p>"Vessel approaching off the port bow, sir!" came the cry.</p> + +<p>Jack stood up hurriedly and looked across the sea. Sure enough, just +appearing over the horizon, a faint speck had become visible. Jack waved +his hand to Lord Hastings, who was in a second boat not far behind.</p> + +<p>"Safe now, I guess, sir," he called.</p> + +<p>"Unless it happens to be a German," returned his commander.</p> + +<p>"Hardly, in this part of the sea," declared Jack.</p> + +<p>The heads of the small boats were turned and they made directly for the +approaching vessel, which loomed larger and larger in the distance.</p> + +<p>Jack returned to Frank's side.</p> + +<p>"Ship, eh?" asked Frank feebly.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Jack.</p> + +<p>"British?"</p> + +<p>"Haven't been able to make her out yet. Probably is, though. I hope so, +for I want to get you to bed where you can be looked after."</p> + +<p>"Don't mind me. Say, how many men did we lose?"</p> + +<p>"Ten," said Jack slowly.</p> + +<p>"Ten," repeated Frank. "It was a costly battle, wasn't it? But what has +happened to——"</p> + +<p>"Don't you think you had better not talk any more now?" said Jack, raising +a silencing hand. "You're pretty weak. Don't exert yourself."</p> + +<p>"But wasn't that Lord Hastings' voice I heard just now?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, it was."</p> + +<p>"By George! I'm glad he came through safely," declared Frank feebly.</p> + +<p>"All right. You try and go to sleep now."</p> + +<p>Frank opened his lips to protest, but he was too weary to do so. Several +times a question struggled to his lips, but the effort to speak was too +great and directly he fell asleep.</p> + +<p>It was almost an hour later that the vessel, which those in the little +boats some time before had made out to be a British merchantman, sighted +them. Immediately small boats were lowered over the side and made toward +the shipwrecked sailors.</p> + +<p>The latter were quickly transferred to the merchantman's boats and were +rowed back toward the steamship. There the wounded were lifted gently +over the side and sent immediately to the sick bay, where their wounds +were dressed.</p> + +<p>The captain of the vessel led Lord Hastings and Jack to his cabin, where +he insisted upon an account of their adventures. He was greatly interested +and commended Jack highly when Lord Hastings had concluded his recital.</p> + +<p>"I must also congratulate your second officer when he has recovered," he +said.</p> + +<p>"But tell me, captain," said Lord Hastings. "Where are you bound?"</p> + +<p>"London," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"So? But you were headed in the other direction."</p> + +<p>"So I was; but that was merely to avoid the German submarines. I am +doubling back now, having changed my course no sooner than I picked you +up."</p> + +<p>"That is indeed fortunate for us," declared Lord Hastings. "We shall all +be glad to get back to London."</p> + +<p>"And you shall be there shortly, unless we are unfortunate enough to +encounter one of these under-sea murderers," replied the captain.</p> + +<p>Lord Hastings and Jack now excused themselves and the latter immediately +made his way to the sick bay, where he asked permission to see his chum. +This was readily granted.</p> + +<p>Frank had not awakened while being transferred from the small boat to the +steamship, and again he was filled with curiosity. Jack explained the +transfer, and then asked:</p> + +<p>"How do you feel now, old man?"</p> + +<p>"Better," returned Frank briefly; "and by the way, how's that injured arm +of yours?"</p> + +<p>"First rate," laughed Jack. "To tell the truth I had almost forgotten I +had it, although in the battle it did interfere with my shooting +somewhat—and you know I'm not the best shot in the world, anyhow."</p> + +<p>"Say," said Frank, "I've got something on my mind that I want to ask you +and I can't think what it is."</p> + +<p>"Don't worry about it now, old man," said Jack. "Get a little more rest +and then it will come to you."</p> + +<p>Frank chafed as he struggled with his thoughts.</p> + +<p>"No use," he said. "I can't think of it."</p> + +<p>"Well, you go to sleep," said Jack. "I'll come back after a while."</p> + +<p>He turned and moved toward the door; and as he would have passed out, +Frank hailed him.</p> + +<p>"Hold on there!" he called. "I've got it."</p> + +<p>"Got what?" demanded Jack.</p> + +<p>"The question I want to ask you."</p> + +<p>"Well, let's have it."</p> + +<p>"What happened to Davis?"</p> + +<p>"Dead," said Jack quietly. "You proved the better man."</p> + +<p>He turned and left the room while Frank lay still, thinking.</p> + +<p>And so we shall leave them for a brief time. Their further adventures will +be found in a succeeding volume, entitled:</p> + +<p>"THE BOY ALLIES IN THE BALTIC; or, Through the Ice to Aid the Czar."</p> + +<p> </p> +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 14711 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/14711-h/images/1-tb.jpg b/14711-h/images/1-tb.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..78e56c8 --- /dev/null +++ b/14711-h/images/1-tb.jpg diff --git a/14711-h/images/1.jpg b/14711-h/images/1.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..b0a5728 --- /dev/null +++ b/14711-h/images/1.jpg |
