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diff --git a/old/14711-h.zip b/old/14711-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..bf58a9b --- /dev/null +++ b/old/14711-h.zip diff --git a/old/14711-h/14711-h.htm b/old/14711-h/14711-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..05eee0a --- /dev/null +++ b/old/14711-h/14711-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,9259 @@ +<!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=ISO-8859-1" /> +<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> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Boy Allies Under the Sea, by Robert L. +Drake</h1> +<pre> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: The Boy Allies Under the Sea</p> +<p>Author: Robert L. Drake</p> +<p>Release Date: January 17, 2005 [eBook #14711]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY ALLIES UNDER THE SEA***</p> +<p> </p> +<h3>E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Emmy,<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team</h3> +<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> +<hr class="full" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY ALLIES UNDER THE SEA***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 14711-h.txt or 14711-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/4/7/1/14711">https://www.gutenberg.org/1/4/7/1/14711</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: The Boy Allies Under the Sea + +Author: Robert L. Drake + +Release Date: January 17, 2005 [eBook #14711] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY ALLIES UNDER THE SEA*** + + +E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Emmy, and the Project Gutenberg +Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + + +THE BOY ALLIES UNDER THE SEA + +Or, The Vanishing Submarines + +by + +ENSIGN ROBERT L. DRAKE + +Author of _The Boy Allies in the Baltic_, _The Boy Allies on the North +Sea Patrol_, _The Boy Allies Under Two Flags_, _The Boy Allies with the +Flying Squadron_, _The Boy Allies with the Terror of the Seas_ + +A.L. Burt Company New York + +1916 + + + + + + + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +A MYSTERY. + + +"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." + +"How long?" echoed Jack Templeton. "Surely you know that England is +already conducting a vigorous campaign against them." + +"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." + +"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." + +"Where have they gone?" asked Frank, with some surprise. + +"I don't know. Nobody knows--unless, perhaps, a few high government +officials. They have just naturally disappeared--vanished." + +"How do you know all this?" + +"I happened to hear Lord Hastings discussing it with Mr. Churchill while +you were out the other day." + +"But, of course, Mr. Churchill knows what has happened to the +submarines." + +"Of course; but he's not telling everything he knows." + +"But doesn't Lord Hastings know?" + +"I suppose so; but he is keeping his information to himself." + +"Well, I didn't know any of them had disappeared." + +"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." + +"I hope his hope comes true," said Frank with a smile. + +"And I; but I would like to know something more of the mystery of these +vanishing submarines." + +Both lads were to learn something more, even sooner than they could +possibly have hoped. + +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. + +"Well, boys?" he said. + +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. + +"Well, boys?" he repeated. + +"Well, sir," said Frank, "we were just discussing the mystery of the +vanishing submarines." + +Lord Hastings gazed at the lad in surprise. + +"Vanishing submarines!" he repeated. "And tell me, how did you know +there were such things as vanishing submarines?" + +"Why, Jack told me, sir," replied Frank. + +"And how did you know it?" demanded Lord Hastings of Jack. + +"I heard you and Mr. Churchill discussing it, sir," replied Jack. + +Lord Hastings drew a long breath, evidently of relief. + +"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." + +"Then it is true?" asked Frank. + +"Oh, it's true enough," replied Lord Hastings. "Perhaps a hundred of +them have disappeared." + +"And where are they, sir?" asked Frank. "At the bottom?" + +"That," said Lord Hastings with a slow smile, "is the mystery the German +government would like to solve." + +"But surely you know, sir." + +"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." + +"I didn't mean to listen, sir," interrupted Jack. + +"Oh, I know that," replied Lord Hastings. "But now take my advice, and +keep what you know locked close within you." + +"We shall, sir," replied both lads. + +"Good! Now I have a piece of news for you." + +The two lads stepped forward eagerly. + +"Are we to go on active service again, sir?" asked Frank anxiously. + +"It's about time we did," mumbled Jack, half to himself. + +Lord Hastings smiled as he saw the eager looks upon the faces of both. + +"Well, we have a little work cut out for us," he replied quietly. + +"Hooray!" cried Frank. + +A pleased expression fluttered across Jack's face, but he gave voice to +no exclamation; he was never as effusive as his chum. + +"I'm glad you're pleased," returned Lord Hastings. "Yes, we shall see +active service, at once." + +"When do we start, sir?" asked Frank, his face shining. + +"In the morning." + +Frank's face fell. + +"I was in hopes it was to-night," he replied. + +"Scouting, submarine or what?" demanded Jack. + +"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." + +"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." + +Lord Hastings eyed him somewhat coldly. + +"Perhaps," he said, and, turning on his heel, left the room. + +"You shouldn't have said that, Frank," declared Jack, when they were +left alone. "You remember what he said about the walls having ears." + +"I know it," said Frank, with sincere regret. "It just slipped out." + +"If you'll take my advice, you'll see that it doesn't slip out again," +advised Jack. + +"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." + +"All right," said Jack. + +They picked up their caps and made their way from the house. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +And then fate took a hand in shaping his career. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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 _Emden_, "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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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 _Lusitania_, in +which more than a thousand men, women and children had been drowned. + +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." + +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. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +ON ACTIVE SERVICE AGAIN. + + +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. + +"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." + +Frank was delighted. + +"That's better than hanging around here all day, waiting for night to +come," he said. "What do you say, Jack?" + +"Anything to humor you," replied the latter with a smile. + +"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." + +"We'll hang on to it, never fear," replied Frank. "Come on, Jack." + +"Wait a minute," ordered Lord Hastings. "You'll need this written order +to get the boat." + +"I'd forgotten, sir," said Frank. + +Lord Hastings scribbled rapidly on a piece of paper, which he passed to +Jack. + +"This will fix you up," he said. "Now remember, 10 o'clock sharp." + +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. + +"Guess none of the enemy will ever get in here," declared Frank, after a +careful survey of the river. + +"Guess not," replied Jack. "Look at the boats. You wouldn't think we +were at war." + +"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." + +"Mines," replied Jack briefly. + +"True," said Frank, "but you will remember we took a pretty long jaunt +up the Dardanelles, and passed through the Kiel canal." + +"And when you stop to think of it, we're pretty lucky to be here right +now," returned Jack dryly. + +"Well, so we are, if that's the way you look at it. However, I wouldn't +mind having another such chance." + +"You'll probably get it." + +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. + +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. + +Frank uttered an exclamation of astonishment. + +"See that?" he demanded. + +"Yes. What could it have been?" + +"You've got me, but it's heading toward the open sea. Great Scott! Maybe +it's an enemy." + +"An enemy?" + +"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." + +"Think we had better follow and have a look?" asked Jack. + +"Believe it would be a good idea. Let's go." + +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. + +"Like looking for a needle in a haystack," Jack called to Frank. + +"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." + +"Does seem that way," agreed Jack. + +"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." + +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. + +"We'll bump into something at this rate," he said; "and that would +settle the whole business. We must be cautious." + +"Cautious!" repeated Frank. "We won't find that German being cautious." + +"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." + +Frank considered this point a moment. + +"Guess you're right," he said at last. + +"Swish!" went something at this moment, and, turning quickly, Frank saw +a dark shape speeding away up the river. + +"Hey! There went one the other way," he cried to Jack. + +"That so?" replied Jack anxiously. "There is something up here, and I'm +going to find out what it is." + +He slowed down even more, and, striking a match, lighted the +searchlight, which, until this moment, he had not deemed advisable. + +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. + +"Guns, Frank!" said Jack quietly. "They are coming at us." + +"Leave it to me," replied Frank. "You run the boat. I'll do the rest." + +"Don't shoot unless you have to," warned Jack. + +Frank made no reply. + +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. + +"What do you want here?" + +The query was in English. Jack answered the hail. + +"What are you doing here yourself?" he demanded. "We are British +officers. I command you to surrender." + +"More likely German officers," was the response. "Heave to now. I'm +coming aboard you." + +"If you do you'll get a warm welcome," replied Jack. + +He stopped the boat and drew his own revolvers. + +"Stand back!" he cried, as the other boat came closer. + +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. + +"They wear British uniforms," said one in a low voice. + +"That's no sign they are English," said another. + +"Tell 'em to give the countersign," said a third. + +Another hail came from the boat. + +"Pass the countersign," it said. + +"I don't know any countersign," replied Jack, and would have said more, +had not a voice from the other boat interrupted him. + +"I thought not; hands up now or you are dead men. Quick!" + +Jack made his decision in a moment. Much as he would have liked to fight +it out, he determined upon a wiser course. + +"Hands up, Frank," he said quietly. "They've got the drop on us." + +He raised his hands in the air. + +Not so Frank. + +"They won't get me without a fight," declared the lad angrily, and, +raising his voice, he cried: + +"Come and get me, if you want me." + +At the same moment he raised his revolver and fired. + +"Here," cried Jack angrily, "don't be a fool. Give me that gun." + +He seized Frank's wrist and wrenched the revolver from his grasp. + +The latter turned on his chum angrily. + +"What do you mean by that?" he demanded. "Have you turned coward, that +you surrender to a couple of Germans without a fight?" + +"I haven't turned crazy," replied Jack quietly. "They are too many for +us; that's all." + +The other boat came alongside now and an officer stepped aboard the +boys' craft. + +"Your weapons," he said in perfect English. + +"Then please step aboard my boat. You shall be taken to Gravesend at +once." + +"Gravesend!" echoed Jack. "You couldn't take us to a better place. But +if you are German, why should you take us there?" + +"German," repeated the man. "You know we are English. You are the German +spies." + +"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." + +"Frank!" cried Jack in warning, but it was too late. + +"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?" + +"But I tell you----" began Jack. + +"Silence," thundered the officer. "You have betrayed yourselves, and +that is enough. I give you my word you shall be shot in the morning." + +"Oh, I guess not," replied Frank with a laugh. "I guess Lord Hastings +will be able to get us out of this mess." + +"Lord Hastings?" + +"Why, yes, we happen to serve under him; that's all." + +"Tell it to the marines," replied the man with sarcasm. "I am not asking +you to admit anything, for I know enough now." + +"Oh, all right," said Frank. + +"Climb into my boat," ordered their captor. + +The lads complied. + +"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?" + +"We'll pull it along all right," replied their captor. "Now the best +thing you fellows can do is to keep quiet." + +The lads obeyed this gruff command, for they had nothing particular to +talk about. + +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. + +"Where to now?" asked Frank. + +"Where I tell you," was the reply. + +Jack was struck by a sudden thought. + +"Will you tell me what time it is, sir?" he asked the leader of the +party which surrounded them. + +"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." + +"By George!" exclaimed Jack. "And we were to meet Lord Hastings at the +Lion Inn at 10 o'clock." + +"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." + +"You mean you are taking us there?" asked Jack. + +"Exactly." + +"That's what I call luck," broke in Frank. "We'll be all right in a few +moments now, Jack." + +"You'll be all right till in the morning, I can guarantee that," growled +their captor. + +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. + +"Well, I see you are on time----" the latter began, and then broke off +as he saw the armed men behind them. + +"Yes, sir, we are on time," replied Frank with a smile, "and we have +brought company to see you, sir!" + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +A LESSON. + + +Lord Hastings was on his feet by this time and advanced toward the two +lads and their captors. + +"What's the meaning of this?" he demanded of the man who appeared to be +the leader. + +"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." + +"Do you know who they are?" asked Lord Hastings, smiling a bit to +himself. + +"No, sir; but I would take them for a couple of German spies, sir." + +"H-m-m," muttered Lord Hastings. He stroked his chin a moment and then +asked: "And what do you intend to do with them?" + +"Turn them over to Colonel Masterson, sir, who will return about +midnight. He is stopping here, sir." + +Lord Hastings seemed to consider the matter a few moments, and then, +with a gesture, he turned on his heel, remarking: + +"Well, I can't see that it is any of my business." + +"Very good, sir," said the boys' captor. + +Frank and Jack had remained quiet up to this time, but now the former +took a step after his commander, exclaiming: + +"Aren't you going to get us out of this, sir? You can explain that we +have done no wrong." + +Lord Hastings turned toward him. + +"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." + +"But, sir----" began Jack. + +Now the officer interrupted. + +"You know them?" he asked of Lord Hastings. + +"I thought I did," was the reply. "It would seem that I have been +mistaken." + +"I should say it does," said the officer. "Certainly they were making +their way down the river for no good purpose." + +"I am afraid I must agree with you. However, I shall not interfere. You +may do as you think best with them." + +"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. + +Frank hung back. + +"Prod him up a bit there, men," instructed the officer. + +A second man advanced and pushed his revolver against Frank's ribs. + +"Move along," he commanded gruffly. + +"Now look here----" began the lad, but Jack interrupted him. + +"Come, Frank, don't be a fool," he said. + +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. + +"Now," said Frank, turning to his friend, "what is the meaning of all +this?" + +"You know just as much about it as I do," was the reply. + +"But a word from Lord Hastings would have settled all this." + +"But he didn't give it, did he?" + +"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." + +"Say! you heard what Lord Hastings said about 'selling out.' Do you +think he believes us guilty of such a thing?" + +"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?" + +"Yes, but----" + +"'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." + +"By George! I don't believe that," exclaimed Frank. + +"It doesn't seem possible; but still you can't tell." + +"But what are we going to do?" + +"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." + +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. + +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. + +"Down stairs," he said briefly, motioning them to march down ahead of +him. + +The lads obeyed this order. + +There was no one in the room below; and the lads sat down before the +fireplace to await whatever might transpire. + +"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." + +He wheeled about quickly and disappeared through the door and the lads +heard him lock it after him. + +"Well, why are we allowed to sit here in solitary glory?" asked Frank. + +"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." + +And he was right, although the first corner could not possibly have been +in his mind, nor the nature of his coming. + +Jack's attention was attracted toward the window by a slight squeaky +sound. The lad glanced toward it, but no second sound followed +immediately. + +"Sounded like some one at the window," he said to Frank. + +"I didn't hear anything," said the latter. + +A moment later the noise came again. Jack sat up straight in his chair. + +"Hear that?" he asked. + +Frank nodded affirmatively. + +"Some one there, all right," he agreed. + +He made as though to rise, but Jack stayed him. + +"Wait and see what happens," he said softly. + +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. + +Before either could speak, the newcomer laid a finger to his lips in a +sign for silence and came toward them. + +"Quick!" he whispered, when he was close to them. "Tell me what you have +learned. This may be your only chance!" + +Frank and Jack stepped back in astonishment. + +"Tell you what?" demanded the latter. + +"What you have learned," repeated the man. "About the vanishing +submarines. What has happened to them?" + +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. + +"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?" + +Jack's quick mind took in the situation on the instant. + +"But you are no German," he protested. + +"No, I'm English. Name of Davis. But I am in the game for what it's +worth, the same as you are." + +"I see," said Frank. "And you have been sent after our information?" + +"Yes; and I shall have to hurry. We may be interrupted at any moment." + +"We haven't had time to jot down anything," said Jack, "but we'll tell +you what we have learned." + +He whispered for some moments and Davis nodded understandingly. At last +the boy ceased his whispering. + +"And that's all you know?" asked Davis. + +"Absolutely all," replied Jack, and added to himself, "and a whole lot +more than I know, for that matter." + +"Then," said Davis, "you believe that if we can get to the mouth of the +Thames we can learn the whole secret?" + +"That is my opinion," said Jack. + +"Good; then I'll pass the word along. Good-bye." + +Davis moved toward the window and a moment later disappeared on the +outside. + +"Now," said Frank to Jack, "just what did you tell that fellow? I +couldn't hear all that whispering." + +"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." + +"And did you give him some kind of a hint as to the nature of the +mystery?" + +Jack smiled. + +"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." + +"And he believed it?" + +"He seemed to. But that was the best I could do on short notice and +knowing no more than I do of the matter." + +"Well, it wasn't so bad," grinned Frank. + +"I flatter myself that it could have been worse," returned Jack +modestly. + +They fell into a long silence, which was suddenly broken by Frank, who +exclaimed anxiously: + +"Say! Do you suppose that could have been a trap?" + +"Trap?" repeated Jack. "What do you mean?" + +"I mean, do you think Lord Hastings or some of the other British +officers sent that man here simply to get evidence against us?" + +"By Jove!" exclaimed Jack. "I never thought of that. Whew! Maybe I have +gotten us into worse trouble than ever." + +"If it was a trap, I guess you have," returned Frank glumly. "Yes, it +was a good job you did, I don't think." + +"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." + +"Unless they believe we smelled a mouse and acted accordingly," returned +Frank. + +"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." + +He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes; and in the meantime +Frank continued to turn events over in his mind. + +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. + +"So these are the German spies, eh?" said Colonel Masterson. + +"That's not true," declared Frank hotly. "We are no more spies than you +are." + +"So?" said the colonel insinuatingly. "Then how does it happen you hold +such friendly conversation with another man who is under suspicion?" + +Frank's heart sank. So it had been a trap, after all. + +"I can explain that, sir," said the boy, turning to Lord Hastings. + +"I have no doubt of that," was the reply. "The question is, can you +explain it satisfactorily?" + +"Yes, sir, we can," interrupted Jack. + +Here Colonel Masterson took a hand again. He spoke to Lord Hastings. + +"What shall we do with them?" he asked. + +"That, colonel, is for you to decide," was Lord Hastings' reply. + +"Do you think it necessary to call a court martial?" continued the +colonel. + +"In view of the evidence we have, I should say not," returned Lord +Hastings. + +"And still," said Colonel Masterson, half to himself, "it seems to me +that every man should be given a chance." + +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. + +"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." + +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. + +"Surely," he said, "you didn't think I doubted you." + +The lads were too stunned to say a word. + +"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." + +"But Davis, sir?" exclaimed Frank. + +"As long as you were here, apparently prisoners," was the reply, "I +simply used you to advantage. Davis is a German spy." + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +STRANGE WARFARE. + + +It was the following night. + +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. + +"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." + +"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?" + +"Don't know," responded Jack. "But I don't feel very comfortable. This +is too fast for me." + +"Particularly when you can't see where you are going," Frank agreed. + +Both became silent and peered into the intense darkness ahead. + +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. + +"Here," said their commander, "take this searchlight and flash it ahead. +See if you can pick up anything." + +He passed a small but powerful searchlight to Jack, who again moved to +the bow. + +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. + +"Nothing ahead, sir," he reported to Lord Hastings. + +"Guess we had better remain about here, anyhow," muttered Lord Hastings, +half to himself. + +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. + +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. + +Lord Hastings himself had examined both guns carefully and announced +that they were in first-class condition. + +"All ready for use," he had said. + +And now, although neither lad knew it, the time was fast approaching +when they were to be greatly needed. + +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. + +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. + +"To the forward gun, Mr. Templeton," ordered Lord Hastings, thus, for +the first time on this mission, falling into old aboard-ship terms. + +Jack sprang forward. + +"Man the gun astern." + +Frank obeyed this command with alacrity. + +Then the two lads awaited developments. + +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. + +"Twenty-five knots," came Lord Hastings' command, and the little craft +seemed to leap ahead. + +The light ahead drew closer. + +"Train your gun on her, Mr. Templeton," ordered Lord Hastings, "and if I +give the command, fire to sink her." + +This command was needless, for Jack had already gauged the range and +trained the gun. Nevertheless he replied: + +"Yes, sir." + +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. + +But now, as the pursuers crept even closer, there came a sudden startled +exclamation from ahead; and at the same moment the light disappeared. + +"Fire!" cried Lord Hastings. + +"Boom!" + +Jack had fired the gun. + +There was another startled exclamation from ahead. + +"Did you hit her?" asked Lord Hastings. + +"Think so, sir," replied Jack. "Don't see how I could have missed at +that distance." + +"We'll cruise about a bit and see," said Lord Hastings. + +He gave the command and the motorboat slowed down. + +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. + +"They've either gone away or to the bottom, sir," said Frank. + +"And I guess it's away," said Lord Hastings. "Jack must have missed." + +"Don't see how I could, sir," declared the lad. + +"Better let me try with a revolver next time," put in Frank. "I know I +could have landed one of them." + +"Well, they have gone. But we'll get them if we have to follow them for +a month." + +"Who, sir?" asked Frank, who could restrain his curiosity no longer. + +"Why, your fellow conspirators, Davis and Baron Blosberg." + +"Baron who?" asked Frank. + +"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." + +"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." + +"He's just a bit worse, if that is possible," declared Lord Hastings. + +"Then we shall have to get him," declared Frank. + +"Right," agreed Jack. "A man like that is too dangerous to be running +around loose." + +"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." + +And Lord Hastings was right. + +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. + +"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." + +A slight fog rose over the water. Lord Hastings gave an exclamation of +impatience. + +"Even the elements conspire against us," he said aggrievedly. + +"It's not much of a fog, sir," said Jack. "It may lift at any minute." + +But it didn't lift, and at noon was as dense as before. + +But the very fact of the fog finally brought the pursuers upon their +quarry. + +A small boat appeared suddenly perhaps a hundred yards ahead, barely +visible in the gloom. + +"Looks like them, sir," declared Jack. + +"What makes you think so?" demanded Lord Hastings, at the same time +throwing over the wheel. + +"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----" + +"Hunch." Frank supplied the word. + +"That's it," agreed Jack. "A hunch, sir." + +"We'll see," said Lord Hastings grimly. + +At this moment the occupants of the craft ahead realized that they were +pursued. The boat bounded ahead with a sudden burst of speed. + +"It must be they," declared Lord Hastings. "If they were not here for +some ulterior purpose they wouldn't run." + +He signalled full speed ahead and the motorboat sprang forward. + +"Shall I have a shot at them?" shouted Jack. + +"Not yet," replied Lord Hastings. "It may not be the boat we are after." + +The race continued. + +Suddenly the foremost boat swerved sharply to the left, then dashed +straight ahead again. + +"They are heading for the shore, sir!" shouted Jack. + +The pursuing boat also swerved sharply, one side dipping to the water's +edge and all but throwing Jack overboard. + +"So they are," replied Lord Hastings, "Gun ready, Mr. Templeton?" + +"All ready, sir." + +"Good. Try and do better this time. Fire!" + +"Boom!" went the little gun, and all strained eagerly forward to watch +the result of the shot. + +A volume of water shot up a few yards behind the pursued. + +"Missed again," said Frank sorrowfully. + +"Again," commanded Lord Hastings. "Fire!" + +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. + +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. + +But in the meantime the pursuers were gaining. A bullet from ahead +whistled over Frank's head. + +The lad grew angry and drew his own revolver. Taking careful aim, he +fired. So far as he could see there was no result. + +"Where's that infallible aim of yours?" demanded Jack. + +Frank made no reply but fired again. This time his effort was rewarded. + +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. + +"Shall we pick him up, sir?" asked Frank. + +Lord Hastings shook his head. + +"We have more serious business in hand," he replied. "He will have to +take his chances." + +Still the pursuers gained; but it became apparent now that they could +not hope to overtake their quarry before he reached shore. + +"Ready to take a shot as they jump out of the boat," was Lord Hastings' +command. + +All drew their revolvers and stood ready. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +"After them!" cried Jack. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +THE END OF BLOSBERG. + + +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. + +All had drawn their revolvers and a weapon swung in the right hand of +each as he sped over the ground. + +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. + +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. + +"Wait for us," panted Lord Hastings, but Frank paid no heed and +continued to lengthen the distance between himself and his friends. + +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. + +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. + +"Stop 'em!" he shouted. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +Jack would have stopped, but Frank shouted: + +"After them! Never mind me." + +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. + +"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." + +Quickly he staunched the flow of blood and then darted after Jack and +Lord Hastings, who at that moment were disappearing around another +corner. + +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. + +"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." + +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. + +"A little sprint here, I guess," Frank muttered to himself, and suited +the action to the word. + +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. + +There was no one in sight. + +"Now what in the name of all that's wonderful can have happened to +them?" he asked himself. + +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. + +"Guess they must have gone up there," the lad muttered. + +He moved up the steps just as Lord Hastings and Jack hove in sight +around the corner. They pulled up at Frank's side. + +"Where did they go?" demanded Lord Hastings. + +"I don't know," replied Frank, "unless they went in this house." + +"We'll have a look," said Lord Hastings briefly, and mounted the steps. + +Frank and Jack followed him. + +Lord Hastings turned the knob and the door opened easily. + +"Look out, sir," warned Frank. "They're liable to take a shot at you +from some place." + +Lord Hastings did not reply, but issued orders rapidly. + +"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." + +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. + +"They must be in here, then," declared Lord Hastings. + +He examined his revolver carefully and then, holding it ready for +instant use, entered the front room. There was no one there. + +In vain Lord Hastings explored all the downstairs rooms. There was no +one to be found. He came again into the hall. + +"Must be upstairs," he said to Jack as he passed him. + +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. + +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: + +"Frank! Jack! Upstairs!" + +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. + +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. + +At the same moment Blosberg fired and Lord Hastings felt a stinging +sensation in his left shoulder. + +He staggered back. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +He dashed after Blosberg. + +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. + +"He's up on the roof," cried Jack. "Come on." + +Without taking thought of what danger might be in store for him above, +he mounted the ladder rapidly. + +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. + +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. + +Now Lord Hastings' head appeared and drew back suddenly as Blosberg took +a quick shot at him. + +"All right, sir, come on!" called Jack. "I'll get him if he tries to pot +you again." + +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. + +Frank and Lord Hastings now had taken their places with Jack behind the +chimney. + +"Well, we can't fool around here all day," said Jack. "We'll circle +about and one of us can get him." + +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. + +"Hold on," came Blosberg's voice at this moment. "I surrender." + +The three friends breathed easier. + +"Drop your gun and come out--and have your hands in the air," ordered +Jack, still holding his revolver ready. + +A moment later Blosberg appeared, unarmed. + +Jack lowered his own weapon, and as he did so Blosberg, with a sudden +cry, dashed forward and leaped off the roof into space. + +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. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +WITH THE MOTORBOAT FLEET. + + +Frank and Lord Hastings also came quickly forward and peered over the +edge of the roof. + +Jack wiped beads of perspiration from his face; then turned and lifted +his hat. + +"That," he said quietly, "took nerve; for he must have known he would be +killed." + +"But he preferred it to falling into the hands of an enemy," said Frank. +"He was a brave man." + +"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." + +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. + +"Well," he said, "we may as well go now." + +"How about your wound, sir?" asked Jack. "I saw blood on your coat a +moment ago." + +"True; I had forgotten," replied Lord Hastings. + +He stripped off his coat and Jack examined the wound. + +"Just a scratch," he said cheerfully. "I'll fix it up in a jiffy, sir." + +He did a neat job and Lord Hastings again donned his coat and turned to +go. + +"Wait a minute, sir; you are forgetting something," exclaimed Frank. + +"What's that?" asked Lord Hastings in surprise. + +"Davis, sir." + +"By Jove! I had forgotten all about that scoundrel," said Lord Hastings. + +He led the way to the room where he had so recently placed Davis hors de +combat, but there was no Davis there. + +Lord Hastings was greatly crestfallen. + +"I should not have forgotten him," he said. "He may work more mischief +around here." + +"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." + +"Well, that's probably true," admitted Lord Hastings. + +"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?" + +"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." + +"To tell the truth, I don't believe he recognized us," said Jack. "We +were too far away for that." + +"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." + +"Well, I hope we shall have the pleasure of introducing ourselves to him +more fully at some future date," said Jack. + +"And I have a hunch that we shall," declared Frank. + +"There is nothing more to be done here," said Lord Hastings at this +juncture. "We'll get back to our boat." + +Accordingly they took their leave of the house, and half an hour later +were again moving down the waters of the Thames. + +"Where to now, sir?" asked Frank. + +Lord Hastings smiled slightly. + +"Can't wait until you find out, eh?" he replied. "Well, I'll tell you. +We are about to do a little submarine chasing." + +"Submarine chasing?" exclaimed both lads. + +"Exactly." + +"Good!" ejaculated Frank. "And where is our vessel, sir?" + +"If you will look about a little you will see it," replied Lord +Hastings. + +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. + +"I don't see anything that looks like it, sir," declared the boy. + +"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." + +"What, sir?" exclaimed Frank. "Sitting in it now? You mean we are going +submarine chasing in this motorboat?" + +"Exactly," replied Lord Hastings. + +"But, sir----" began Jack. + +"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." + +"Fleet? Fleet of what?" asked Jack, with some sarcasm. "Fleet of +motorboats, perhaps?" + +"Precisely," said Lord Hastings with a smile, and added: "You don't seem +to think much of the idea." + +"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?" + +"That's what I would like to know," agreed Frank. + +"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?" + +"Yes, sir," replied both lads. + +"Very well. The solution of this mystery is, primarily, motorboats." + +"What do you mean, sir?" exclaimed Jack. + +"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." + +"But I can't see where they would do any good," said Jack. + +"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." + +"By Jove, sir! the way you explain it I can see the advantages," said +Jack eagerly. + +"And so can I," agreed Frank. + +Lord Hastings smiled. + +"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." + +As the motorboat continued down the Thames, each occupant remained busy +with his thoughts. It was Frank who broke the silence. + +"What has happened to the torpedoboat destroyers, sir?" he asked. "I +understood they were the real submarine foe, with their heavy nets." + +"They are still in use," replied Lord Hastings. "You know how they work +their nets, I suppose?" + +"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." + +"Yes, but what I want to know," said Jack, "is why she doesn't fire a +torpedo through the net and sink the torpedoboat?" + +"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." + +"The good old D-16," said Jack. "How I wish we had her again, sir." + +"And I," agreed Lord Hastings. "And yet she came near being the death of +all of us." + +"So she did," said Frank, "but at the same time I wouldn't mind being +aboard another such craft." + +"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." + +"You don't mean it, sir!" exclaimed Frank happily. + +"If he didn't mean it he wouldn't say so," Jack reproved his chum. + +"Oh, I know that," replied Frank. "But it seems too good to be true." + +"But just where are we bound now, sir?" asked Jack. + +"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 _Lusitania_, most of the work has been +done there; and apparently the German government is still bent upon the +destruction of big passenger ships, neutral or not." + +"Well, the sooner we can get busy the better it will suit me," declared +Frank. + +"I agree with you there," said Jack. + +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 _The Hawk_. + +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. + +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. + +The two lads looked about curiously. The bay was black with the little +craft. + +"Great Scott! There are more than two hundred here, if you ask me," +declared Frank. + +"Looks that way to me, too," agreed Jack. + +They mentioned the matter to Lord Hastings. + +"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." + +"You mean distributed up and down the coast?" asked Frank. + +"Exactly." + +"And when are we going to get busy, sir?" asked Jack. + +Again Lord Hastings smiled. + +"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." + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +AN ENEMY. + + +_The Hawk_ 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. + +_The Hawk_, 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. + +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. + +And the two heavy guns--one forward, the other aft--were ready for +action. + +The men stood at their posts--had stood there now for two hours--ever +since _The Hawk_ had crept silently from the friendly shelter of Bantry +Bay. The crew had been ordered to silence and the crew of _The Hawk_, +commanded by Lord Hastings, obeyed orders. + +So far _The Hawk_ 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. + +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. + +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, +_The Hawk_ had held steadily to her course. + +Now and then the commander of _The Hawk_, 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. + +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. + +"Did any of you hear anything?" he asked in a low voice. + +No one had. + +"Strange," muttered Lord Hastings; "I could have sworn I heard something +moving through the water." + +He gave the command to go ahead again; but less than five moments later +once more brought _The Hawk_ to a pause. + +"I am sure I heard something," he said to Frank, who stood near him. + +"I thought I did myself, that time," replied the lad. "Sounded like a +boat, and not a great distance away." + +"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." + +"Shall we flash our light about?" asked Frank. + +"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." + +Again the silence of death hung over _The Hawk_. + +Then, suddenly, Jack, aft, gave a subdued exclamation. + +Lord Hastings hurried to his side. + +"What is it?" he demanded. + +"Small craft of some kind bearing down on us, sir," he replied quickly. +"She'll bump us!" + +Lord Hastings took in the situation at a glance. Less than 150 yards +away a small object was coming toward _The Hawk_. + +Lord Hastings gave a quick command. + +"Full speed ahead!" he cried, and in response to this command, _The +Hawk_ leaped forward. + +Lord Hastings hurled a second quick command to the man at the wheel, and +_The Hawk_ came about in a broad circle; and at the same instant a +blinding glare flashed into the faces of all aboard. + +A searchlight from the other craft had been turned upon them, lighting +_The Hawk_ up like day, while all those aboard could see was the +blinding glare, the other boat being shielded by this light. + +A shot rang out over the water--the sound of a heavy gun. + +Lord Hastings took prompt action, in spite of the fact he could not make +out the enemy. + +"Turn the searchlight on him!" he shouted. + +A second shot rang out and Frank heard the whistle of a heavy missile +overhead. + +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. + +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 _The +Hawk_. + +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. + +"Good!" shouted Lord Hastings. "And just in time, I should say. The next +shot would have hit us." + +"Yes, sir," said Frank quietly. "He's blinded us, sir, but we have done +the same for him. Now what, sir?" + +"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." + +"I'll keep it on him, sir," replied the lad. + +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. + +Several times the enemy fired, but without result. + +"Well, we've got to do something," declared Lord Hastings. "Can any of +you suggest anything?" + +"I believe I have a plan, sir," declared Frank. + +"Let's have it quick," said Lord Hastings. + +"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." + +"That's not a half bad idea," declared Lord Hastings. "It shall be done. +Over with you, lads." + +Quickly Frank and Jack got a little boat over the side, procured a rifle +apiece, and rowed away. + +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 +_The Hawk_ playing upon the eyes of the foe. So, though they rowed +rapidly, they knew they were safe enough. + +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. + +"By Jove! It's another motorboat," Frank whispered. + +Jack nodded his head in the darkness, but did not reply. + +Less than a hundred feet from the enemy, Frank made out several forms +forward. + +"This is close enough," he whispered to Jack. + +Jack shipped his oars and picked up his rifle. Frank did likewise. + +"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." + +"All right," said Jack. "Give the word when you're ready." + +"Ready! Aim! Fire!" said Frank quietly. + +Two sharp cracks broke the stillness of the night, followed almost +instantly by two more. + +When the lads lowered their rifles and gazed toward the foe, there was +not a man in sight. + +"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 +_The Hawk_." + +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. + +"Row back!" shouted Frank, and seized his oar. + +Jack followed suit. Quickly the little boat was brought about and headed +back in the general direction of _The Hawk_. + +And the enemy's boat was now lighted up by the glare of _The Hawk_ +alone. + +Suddenly the flashlight of the enemy fell squarely upon the two boys. + +"We're gone now, unless Lord Hastings sinks them first," said Frank +quietly. + +"Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!" + +Bullets began to spatter around the two lads. One grazed Frank's ear. + +"Guess we had better go overboard," he said, "They'll----" + +"Boom!" + +The voice of a single big gun spoke once. + +"_The Hawk!_" cried Frank. + +"Boom!" + +The voice came again. + +And then the boys were left again in darkness as the enemy sought out +_The Hawk_ with his searchlight. + +"Boom!" + +It was the third word of the forward gun of _The Hawk_. + +Cries of terror and confusion came from the direction of the foe, +followed by hoarse German cries of command. + +"Bully for Lord Hastings!" exclaimed Jack. "He has scored a hit." + +"Hurrah!" cried Frank, and raised his voice in a series of cheers. + +The big gun aboard _The Hawk_ did not speak again, and following _The +Hawk's_ searchlight with their eyes, the two lads saw a mass of wreckage +floating a short distance away. + +"That," said Frank quietly, "is the end of her." + +"Right you are," agreed Jack. "Now we'll go back to _The Hawk_." + +Both lads bent to their oars with a will. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +FRANK IN TROUBLE. + + +Now perfectly happy, the two boys rowed back to _The Hawk_ 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. + +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. + +"A pretty good job you made of it," he declared. + +"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." + +"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 _The Hawk_, it was a moment or so before I could make +out the enemy. The light had all but blinded me." + +"There is no harm done, anyhow," Jack put in. "The enemy is at the +bottom of the sea and we are safe again." + +"Then we may as well continue a bit," declared Lord Hastings. He turned +to give an order, when Frank interrupted him. + +"Are you sure we are safe, sir?" he questioned. + +"What do you mean?" demanded his commander. + +"Why, I was just wondering if by any chance there might be more of the +enemy in these waters?" + +"To tell the truth, I hadn't thought of that," replied Lord Hastings. + +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. + +"We won't be spotted so easily now," he remarked. + +"Unless we have been spotted already," said Jack dryly. + +And Jack proved to be a better prophet than he really meant to be. + +At a signal from Lord Hastings, _The Hawk_ now moved slowly forward +again. + +"Can you tell us just where we are bound, sir?" asked Jack. + +"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----" + +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. + +For the interruption which had come so suddenly was the voice of a big +gun. + +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. + +And then, before Lord Hastings could flash the searchlight across the +water, had such been his intention, a blinding glare lighted up _The +Hawk_. The enemy had been too quick for those aboard. + +Now another shot rang out and the boys heard a terrible whistling +overhead. + +"Pretty close," said Jack quietly. "They are liable to get us next +time." + +An idea suddenly struck Frank, and he dashed aft. There he picked up his +rifle and hurried forward again. + +"Hold her steady a minute, sir," he called to Lord Hastings. + +And the latter, realizing that the lad had some plan, did as requested +without asking a question. + +Quickly Frank raised his rifle to his shoulder, and pausing just long +enough to take careful aim, fired. + +Frank's keen mind had detected the one hope of salvation for those +aboard _The Hawk_. 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 _The Hawk_ could +escape, for minus the light, which was its eye, the foe could not hope +to detect them. + +As Frank's finger pressed the trigger he knew that he had not missed; +and at the same moment he cried to Lord Hastings: + +"Hard-a-port!" + +Again _The Hawk_ 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 _The Hawk_ had been a moment before. + +But with the sound of the shot, the glare of the enemy's searchlight +vanished. Frank's aim had been true. + +"I shot her eye out, sir," he cried to Lord Hastings. + +"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." + +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. + +"She's running, sir!" exclaimed Frank, who stood forward, still holding +his rifle. "Shall I give her a shot?" + +"If you like," replied Lord Hastings. "It can do no harm. In the +meantime we'll have after her." + +He gave the signal, "Full speed ahead," and _The Hawk_ leaped forward. + +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 +_The Hawk's_ searchlight, threw up its arms and pitched into the sea. + +And now suddenly misfortune befell _The Hawk_. The enemy had stolen an +idea from Frank, and one of the men aboard, taking aim at the powerful +searchlight of _The Hawk_, fired. His aim was as true as had been +Frank's; and the ray of light disappeared from the surface of the water. +_The Hawk_ also was blind now. + +Lord Hastings gave an exclamation of dismay. + +"Pretty tough," he muttered. + +"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." + +"True," replied his commander; "but it's too late now. We'll keep after +her. Maybe we can pick her up in the darkness." + +"Not much chance," muttered Frank to himself. + +But again fortune was to smile on them, although it came near being +misfortune. + +An hour later, _The Hawk_ having been slowed to a bare five knots, Frank +thought he caught the sound of another moving object. He called Lord +Hastings' attention, and _The Hawk's_ engine was shut off. Again came +the sound, as of a choked automobile engine. + +"She's off there, and pretty close," whispered Lord Hastings, with a +gesture to port. + +"Shall we try a shot in the darkness, sir?" asked Frank. + +"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." + +"If you please, sir, I have a plan," said Jack. + +"Let's have it," said Lord Hastings briefly. + +"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." + +"That's not a half bad idea," decided Lord Hastings after a moment's +reflection. "You shall each have a man. Here, Edwards! Williams!" + +The two men came forward quickly. + +"Williams, you lower a boat and go with Mr. Templeton. Edwards, you +accompany Mr. Chadwick. Get your rifles first, men." + +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. + +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. + +"We should be beyond her now," declared Frank, after some further +rowing. "We'll double back a bit." + +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. + +"Cease rowing!" Frank commanded, laying down his own oars. + +Edwards did likewise. + +"Get your rifle ready," Frank instructed. + +Edwards obeyed. + +"Now," said Frank, "the first man you see show himself aboard that +craft, pick him off. I'll wait for the second one." + +"Very well, sir," replied Edwards quietly. + +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. + +And he had not long to wait. + +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. + +"A very indiscreet sort of a gentleman," remarked Edwards. "Here goes, +sir." + +He pressed the trigger. + +A howl of pain rewarded this effort and Edwards smiled grimly to +himself. + +"Got him," he said cheerfully. + +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. + +"Two," said Frank quietly. + +"Right, sir!" replied Edwards. "All ready for another, sir." + +"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." + +"Wouldn't want to leave them out all together, would we, sir," grinned +Edwards. + +"I should say not," replied Frank. + +"No, sir; they wouldn't like that." + +They waited patiently, but ten minutes passed and no other form appeared +aboard the enemy. + +"Guess Jack is playing a waiting game on the other side," muttered +Frank. "Now, I wonder----" + +There came an abrupt interruption to his thoughts. + +"Throw up your hands!" came a sharp voice from behind, a trifle to the +right. "Surrender or you are dead men!" + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +JACK TO THE RESCUE. + + +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. + +"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." + +"They have, sir," agreed Edwards. + +His rifle also fell to the bottom of the boat with a clatter and his +hands went in the air. + +"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." + +The latter obeyed and soon the two boats scraped. + +"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." + +Frank realized there was no hope for it, so he obeyed without a word. +Edwards followed suit. + +"Take your places forward there," commanded their captor. + +The prisoners obeyed. + +"Very good. Now, Fritz, row to the boat." + +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. + +"Quick, now!" he commanded. + +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. + +"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!" + +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. + +Now their two captors came quickly over the side and the first turned +upon Frank. + +"Who were you shouting to?" he demanded. + +"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. + +"And what's he doing out there?" + +"The same thing we were doing when you found us. Trying to get you +fellows." + +"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." + +"Then that's the way you spotted us, eh?" said Frank. "I didn't think +you could have got off without my seeing you." + +The man made no reply to this, but turned quickly to the other. + +"We'll have to get away from here at once, Fritz. Take the wheel." + +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. + +"I wouldn't if I were you," he said quietly. + +Frank stepped back. + +"Oh, all right," he said. + +The little motorboat began to move. + +The captor raised his voice. + +"Hans! Franz!" he called. + +There was no answer and after a moment he repeated his calls. + +"If you were calling your men, I fear you are wasting time," said Frank +quietly. + +"What?" exclaimed his captor. + +"Exactly," replied Frank. "It was necessary for us to shoot them before +you were fortunate enough to find us." + +"I see," replied the boy's captor slowly. "Well, I shall have more to +say to you about that later." + +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. + +Frank saw them in the same instant. + +"Jack!" he cried. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +Frank fell to the deck without a groan and lay still. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +"Fritz!" called the German, as he and Jack struggled about the deck. "A +hand, quick!" + +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. + +The blow missed. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +The man staggered back and crumpled up in a heap. + +"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. + +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. + +Jack, caught unprepared, went stumbling forward. The helmsman stepped +aside and struck heavily at the lad as he reeled past. + +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. + +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. + +But Jack did not fall. Staggering forward, his hand caught the rail of +the boat, where he stood a moment, recovering himself. + +The German advanced with a smile on his face. Jack turned to meet him. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +LOST--THE STORM. + + +Jack now surveyed the field of action with some satisfaction. + +"Well, I managed to lay 'em all out at last," he told himself. "Now to +see how Frank and the others are." + +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. + +"How do you feel, old man?" asked Jack gently. + +"I don't feel so much," was Frank's reply. "Say, that fellow must have +given me a pretty good crack." + +"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?" + +"I guess so. Lend a hand, will you?" + +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. + +Jack passed his hand over Edwards' face and the man stirred feebly. + +"Water, Frank," said Jack. + +Frank hurried forward again and returned in a moment with water. This +Jack sprinkled over Edwards' face. Five minutes later Edwards sat up. + +"What's the matter?" he asked. + +Jack explained. + +"I remember now, sir," said Edwards, trying to smile. "And did you lick +'em?" + +"I did," said Jack. + +"And Williams, sir? How is he? I saw him go down just before I went +under." + +"We'll see," replied Jack briefly. + +He led the way to where Williams still lay prone, Frank and Edwards +following. + +Jack bent over the man, then placed a hand over his heart. Then he got +slowly to his feet. + +"Is he----," began Edwards. + +"Dead," replied Jack quietly. + +For a moment there was silence; then Edwards spoke brokenly. + +"The best shipmate a man ever had, sir." + +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. + +"War is war, sir," he said quietly. + +He moved aft. + +"Well," said Frank, "I guess we may as well be getting back to _The +Hawk_. Lord Hastings will be worried." + +"Right," said Jack. "You take the wheel. I'll try and coax the engine +along." + +They took their respective places. + +"Which way, Jack?" called Frank. + +"By Jove! You know as much about it as I do," was the reply. "I don't +know where we are." + +"Must be off to the left," declared Frank. "We'll steer that way, +anyhow." + +"All right," said Jack. + +The engine began to sputter and directly the motorboat moved. + +"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 _The +Hawk_." + +"We'll go slowly, at all events," said Jack. + +For half an hour the little craft forged slowly ahead, all three aboard +keeping a sharp lookout for _The Hawk_. + +Suddenly a breeze sprang up. It blew lightly at first and then with more +and more violence. + +"Looks like Lord Hastings' gale was about to materialize," shouted Jack. + +"Guess this is it all right," replied Frank. + +Edwards now came aft and took his stand by Frank. + +"Want me to take the wheel, sir?" he asked. + +"Guess I can handle it all right," replied Frank. + +"Very well, sir, only I thought you would rather be forward with Mr. +Templeton." + +There was an odd note in his voice and Frank glanced at him inquiringly. + +"What made you think that?" he asked sharply. + +"Only," replied Edwards, "only because this is liable to settle things +for all of us." + +"You mean the storm?" asked Frank. + +"Yes, sir." + +"You think it will be severe?" + +"Very severe, sir. I have sailed the seas longer than you have, sir, and +I recognize the signs." + +"And you don't think this craft can weather the storm?" + +"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." + +"It is as much as we have had many times before," replied Frank. + +"Very well, then," to Edwards, "you may take the wheel. Your advice is +to run before it?" + +"Yes, sir, at full speed." + +"Your advice shall be taken. We'll keep the engine going and the +steering is up to you." + +"Very good, sir." + +Edwards took the wheel and Frank made his way forward. + +"Hello," said Jack. "Thought you were going to do the steering." + +"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." + +"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." + +"That's what Edwards said." + +"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." + +And the gale did hold off. + +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. + +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. + +"No wonder people get seasick," Frank muttered to himself. + +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. + +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. + +"Br-r-r," he said. "Right now it would feel awfully nice to be ashore. I +wonder what of Lord Hastings and _The Hawk_?" + +At the same moment, Lord Hastings was wondering what of them. + +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. + +"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." + +"You are right," declared Jack. "We are liable to be swamped at any +moment." + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +"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." + +Another gigantic wave swooped down and he gave his attention to keeping +the boat's head right. + +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. + +Frank and Jack clasped hands. + +"Safe once more," said the latter quietly. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +"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." + +"Here," said Jack, "you come forward with me and rest awhile. You're +about done up." + +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. + +"Well, what now?" asked the latter. "Where are we going to find Lord +Hastings?" + +"I imagine the best thing for us," said Jack, "is to return to Bantry +Bay. If _The Hawk_ weathered the storm, Lord Hastings will put in +sometime to-day." + +"I suppose that is best," agreed Frank. "Let's be on the move." + +The head of the motorboat was brought about, and gaining his bearings +from a compass in the cabin, Jack shaped his course. + +"A four or five hour run," he said to Frank, in giving him the proper +directions. + +He glanced at his watch. "Six o'clock. Well, we shall be there before +noon, anyhow." + +He returned to his place at the engine and the motorboat headed toward +the British coast. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +ON THE HUNT. + + +"Isn't that _The Hawk_?" + +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. + +Frank peered ahead. + +"I should say it was built along the same lines as _The Hawk_," he +replied, "but what's the matter with her?" + +Something was wrong, as both boys could see. The craft ahead, whether +_The Hawk_ or not they could not yet distinguish, was plainly in +distress. She wallowed in the sea, apparently without a hand to guide +her. + +"Something wrong aboard, sure," declared Frank. "Little more speed, +Jack." + +Jack sprang back to his engine and soon the motorboat was dashing +through the water at full speed. + +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. + +"_The Hawk_!" he cried. + +It was _The Hawk_ and she was plainly in distress. As the boys drew +nearer, they were unable to make out a sign of life aboard. + +"Maybe they have all been washed overboard," Frank called to Jack. + +Jack made no reply. He had begun to fear so himself. + +Suddenly he uttered a loud cry. + +"I can see some one aboard," he cried. "He's stretched out on the deck. +Looks like he might be dead." + +"Who is it?" Frank shouted back. + +"I can't make out yet." + +He peered forward eagerly and anxiously; and five minutes later he cried +out again: + +"It's Smith." + +Smith was another of the crew. + +"Can you see Lord Hastings?" shouted Frank. + +"No." + +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. + +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 _The Hawk_. + +Quickly they glanced about. There was Smith and no one else in sight. +Frank stooped over him. + +"He's breathing," he said. + +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. + +Jack, in the meantime, had gone into the little cabin and a startled cry +now came to Frank's ears. + +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. + +"Is he dead?" he asked in a hoarse whisper. + +"I don't know," said Jack slowly. "He doesn't seem to be breathing." + +Frank knelt down and placed a hand over Lord Hastings' heart. + +"Yes, he is," he cried excitedly. "His heart is beating. Water, quick!" + +Jack dashed away in response to this command and was back in a moment +with his cap filled with water. + +This he poured over his commander, while Frank bathed his head; and soon +these efforts were rewarded. + +Lord Hastings stirred, breathed a long sigh and moaned. Five minutes +later he opened his eyes and tried to sit up. + +"Lie still, sir," commanded Frank. + +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. + +Again Frank was alarmed. He bent over his commander and placed a hand +over his heart. Then he arose with an exclamation of satisfaction. + +"He's sleeping," he said. "Let's get to shore as soon as possible." + +Jack hurried away. First he returned to the other craft and assisted +Edwards aboard _The Hawk_. Then he went to the engine, Frank took the +wheel and they headed for Bantry Bay at full speed. + +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. + +"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." + +"He'll get it," declared Jack, "if I have to sit on him for that length +of time." + +"And if I have to help you hold him down," Frank agreed. + +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. + +"Seven days in bed," he declared. "Not a second less; and two more days +before you can move about much." + +"Yes, but look here, Doc," said Lord Hastings. "I've work to do. I've +got to get back into harness." + +"And two weeks exactly before you can get back in harness," declared the +man of medicine. + +From this ultimatum he would not swerve. + +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. + +"Might just as well get well, first, sir," declared Jack. + +Lord Hastings glared at him. + +"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." + +"You may be right, sir," agreed Frank. "But you are older than I am, +sir, and should have more patience and fortitude." + +Lord Hastings was forced to smile at this rejoinder. + +"You see, sir," said Frank, "I can remember some of the things you have +said to me." + +"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." + +"That's right, sir," declared Jack. "If you didn't, there would be no +living with Frank." + +"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." + +"Well, that's different," said Jack. "I----" + +"Well, let's talk about something cheerful," said Lord Hastings. +"Germans or anything like that." + +And so the conversation was changed. + +When the two weeks had come to an end Lord Hastings proceeded to get +back in harness immediately. + +"I've been here long enough," he told the boys. "Back to _The Hawk_ +again now." + +And back to _The Hawk_ they went that day. + +Aboard _The Hawk_ 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. + +"Good news," he said, as he came aboard. + +"What, sir?" asked Frank. + +"Action to-night, sir?" demanded Jack. + +"Better than that--for you boys," replied Lord Hastings. "Action, and at +once." + +"Where?" asked Frank. + +"Around the same neighborhood we were in before." + +"Good," declared Jack. + +"And more important prey, this time," continued Lord Hastings. + +"Submarines?" asked Jack. + +"Well, that's what we expect," replied Lord Hastings. "We hope to be +fortunate enough to find one or two." + +"When do we start, sir?" demanded Frank. + +"As soon as the _Glasgow_ comes along." + +"The _Glasgow_, sir? You mean the steamship _Glasgow_?" + +"Exactly. It appears that passengers have been warned not to take +passage on the _Glasgow_. A warning has been circulated through the +newspapers, the same as was done before the _Lusitania_ sailed and was +sunk. This naturally leads to the belief that the Germans are planning +to torpedo the _Glasgow_. We are to be on hand to see that this does not +happen." + +"I see, sir," replied Frank. "Is it just _The Hawk_, sir?" + +"Well, no," replied Lord Hastings. "_The Hawk_ and nine other +motorboats." + +"A regular fleet," remarked Jack. "I suppose the idea is for us to trail +in behind the _Glasgow_?" + +"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 _Lusitania_ +caused in neutral countries, it is hardly to be expected the _Glasgow_ +will be torpedoed without warning." + +"But just how do we get at the enemy, sir?" demanded Frank. + +"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." + +"I see," said Frank. "Of course if the submarine could submerge in a +moment, it wouldn't be possible." + +"Exactly," agreed Lord Hastings. + +He led the way to the rail. + +"See," he said, waving a hand in the direction of the others of the +motorboat fleet, "they are all getting ready for action." + +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." + +The next hour was spent in minute inspection of every part of the little +craft and then Lord Hastings pronounced himself satisfied. + +Hardly was the work completed, when Frank perceived a dark smudge upon +the distant horizon. + +"Vessel of some kind, sir," he reported to Lord Hastings. + +Lord Hastings gazed long and earnestly; and directly the shape of a +large ship loomed up. + +"The _Glasgow_," he said quietly. "All ready, boys. Time to get busy." + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +THE FIRST VICTIM. + + +As the steamship _Glasgow_ 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 _Glasgow_ steamed +toward them. When the big steamship had steamed past, the ten little +boats fell into line behind her, moving swiftly forward, two abreast. + +Apparently the commander of the _Glasgow_, 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 _Glasgow_ and from the +motorboat _Lion_, which carried Lieutenant Commander Thompson, in charge +of the mosquito fleet, betokened a greeting. + +The _Glasgow_ 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. + +The two foremost motorboats were _The Hawk_ and the _Lion_, commanded by +Lieutenant Commander Thompson and Lord Hastings. The others followed +close behind. + +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: + +"And about where do you expect to pick up the enemy, sir?" he asked. + +"Hardly more than twenty miles out--certainly not more than two hours," +was the reply. + +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 _Glasgow_ when +she accosted her. This would shield the motorboats from sight. + +The _Glasgow_ 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. + +Below, aboard the _Glasgow_, the passengers were at dinner. They were +laughing and joking among themselves. + +Aboard the motorboats all was peacefully quiet. The men not on duty were +idling about and talking. + +Suddenly Edwards, who stood forward on _The Hawk_, caught the peculiar +fluttering of the signal flags aboard the _Glasgow_. + +"_Glasgow_ signalling, sir," he reported to Lord Hastings. + +Lord Hastings quickly drew the attention of Commander Thompson to the +_Glasgow's_ signals, at the same time deciphering them for Frank and +Jack. + +The first signal read: + +"Small vessel dead ahead." + +Commander Thompson flashed back his response: + +"Submarine?" + +"Can't make out yet," was the answer. + +There was some further wig-wagging; and then the need for this means of +communication suddenly ceased. + +There came a sharp blast from the _Glasgow's_ 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 _Glasgow_ and _The Hawk_. + +"The enemy!" exclaimed Lord Hastings. + +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. + +Then, even as Lord Hastings received from the _Lion_ the command to +advance, he read the last signal of the _Glasgow_. + +"Submarine has halted us," it read. "Dead ahead." + +The motorboat fleet came to life upon the instant. Again it divided into +two parts, one passing on each side of the _Glasgow_, and darted forward +toward the enemy. + +Aboard each the forward guns were manned, the gunners ready to fire at +the word. + +On the _Glasgow_ 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. + +Then the passengers turned their attention to the fleet that was now +passing around the big liner to the attack. + +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, _The Hawk_ unloosened her forward gun. + +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. + +Motioning the other three men on deck before him, he sprang toward the +little conning tower, bent on flight. + +At this juncture the _Lion_ came within range and her forward gun spoke +loudly. The shell kicked up the water a few yards from the submarine. + +"Hoorah!" came the British cry. + +"A little soon to cheer," muttered Frank to himself, as he stepped +forward to take his second shot at the submarine. + +"Boom!" + +The gun spoke sharply. + +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. + +Frank's one well-directed shot had ended the battle. + +Then a mighty cheer went up from the men of the mosquito fleet, in which +the passengers aboard the _Glasgow_ joined with a will. + +Jack sprang forward and gave his chum a resounding slap on the back. + +"That's what I call shooting," he declared fervently. + +"Good work, Frank," said Lord Hastings quietly, stepping forward. "An +excellent shot." + +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. + +From aboard the _Lion_, Commander Thompson signalled his compliments to +The _Hawk_. + +"And now I suppose we will go back again," said Frank to Lord Hastings. + +"Well, no," was the reply. "The _Glasgow_ 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." + +"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." + +"But the others would have surely done for him," said Lord Hastings. "He +probably figured he could submerge before we could hit him." + +"He guessed wrong that time," declared Frank. + +"Rather," agreed Jack with a smile. "There is no use talking, Frank, you +are some boy when it comes to shooting." + +All that afternoon the motorboat flotilla trailed the _Glasgow_; but +until nightfall no other German submarine had appeared. An hour after +nightfall, Commander Thompson gave the command to put about and return. + +Slowly the little craft came about and started back toward Bantry Bay. +Behind them now, the _Glasgow_, safe at last, steamed rapidly away, +bound for the distant port of New York, and "home," said Frank to Jack. + +"Do you wish you were on her," asked his chum curiously. + +"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." + +_The Hawk_, last in line, made her way back slowly. + +An hour after the lights of the _Glasgow_ 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. + +"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." + +He issued a command, and the speed of _The Hawk_ increased. But still, +after an hour, they had failed to come up with the others. + +"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." + +Accordingly _The Hawk_ continued at rather slow speed. + +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. + +The latter acted quickly. + +"Extinguish all lights quickly," he called sharply. + +The order was obeyed, and at a second command, _The Hawk_ was slowed +down so that she was barely moving. + +"What's the matter, sir?" exclaimed Jack, in great surprise. + +"Matter is that there is a submarine dead ahead of us," was his +commander's reply. + +"You mean that dark object there?" + +"Yes." + +"And are we going to sink her, sir?" asked Jack. + +"We'll have a try at it," was the reply. "In this darkness we can go +very close without fear of being seen, _The Hawk_ is so small." + +Fifty yards from the submarine, which lay quietly in the water, _The +Hawk_ came to a stop and the forward gun was made ready for action. + +"Funny there isn't some one on deck," muttered Frank. + +"By Jove! So it is," declared Lord Hastings. "Must be something wrong. I +wonder what?" + +"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." + +"I believe Frank is right," agreed Jack. "It probably comes to the +surface here every night, awaiting their return." + +"In that event the chances are that most every one aboard is asleep," +remarked Lord Hastings. + +He gave the command for _The Hawk_ to proceed. + +"What are you going to do, sir?" asked Frank. + +"See if we can't capture her," replied Lord Hastings quietly. + +Frank gave a low whistle. It was a plan after his own heart, but he was +keenly sensitive to the danger that it involved. + +"Very well, sir," he said quietly. + +"This," declared Jack, manifesting a show of enthusiasm, "is where we +have a little fun." + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +A DESPERATE VENTURE. + + +There was not a sound aboard the submarine as _The Hawk_ 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. + +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. + +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. + +At the extreme afterpart of the vessel he paused before a door on the +port side. From within came the sound of voices. + +Lord Hastings laid a hand on the knob and surveyed those behind him. + +"All ready?" he asked. + +"Ready, sir," replied Jack quietly. + +With a sudden movement Lord Hastings jerked open the door and stepped +quickly within. + +"Hands up!" he called sharply. + +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. + +"Hands up!" commanded Lord Hastings again. + +Instead of obeying this command, one man produced a revolver, shouting: + +"There is only one! Shoot him!" + +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. + +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. + +The revolvers of both lads spoke simultaneously and both Germans dropped +to the floor. + +Jack sprang back to the door. + +"Stand guard there, men!" he cried. "There may be more of them." + +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. + +"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. + +"Search the vessel," he commanded. "There are probably others aboard." + +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. + +"Looks like those were the only ones aboard," remarked Jack. + +"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." + +"Well, I can't guess the answer," said Jack. "But certainly there is no +other German here." + +They returned and reported to Lord Hastings. + +"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." + +"If you please, sir," said Jack. "I believe I can suggest a better plan +than that." + +"And that is----" prompted Lord Hastings. + +"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." + +Lord Hastings looked at the lad in amusement for some moments before he +replied: + +"By Jove! You and Frank here do turn up some of the most remarkable +ideas I have ever heard!" + +"Then you don't think much of the plan, sir?" + +"I think so much of it," replied Lord Hastings, "that I shall act upon +it at once." + +Now it was Frank's turn to show his enthusiasm. + +"Hoorah!" he cried. + +"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." + +"I'll restrain it, sir," declared Frank, subdued. + +"Good! See that you do," returned Lord Hastings. "Some of these days +that enthusiasm of yours will get us all into trouble." + +"And what shall we do with these men, sir?" asked Jack, indicating the +fallen Germans. + +"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." + +"And shall we take their uniforms, sir?" + +"Yes. It may spare some explaining." + +And thus it was arranged. + +Two hours later, following a thorough exploration of the submarine, Lord +Hastings announced that he could navigate it without trouble. + +"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." + +Jack smiled. + +"I guess it can be done, sir," he replied. + +The dead Germans had been buried by this time and the three British +officers had donned their uniforms, which, fortunately, were not bad +fits. + +"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." + +"You don't necessarily have to be in love with them," responded Jack. + +"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." + +"Yes; there is no use lingering here," replied Lord Hastings. "Are the +men at their posts?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Good! Then you may give the signal to submerge, Mr. Templeton." + +"I can give it all right," grinned Jack. "But I don't see what good it +will do unless I obey myself." + +"True," laughed Lord Hastings. "I had forgotten about the tanks. We +shall have to take turns looking after them also." + +"I'll attend to them this time," said Jack, and took himself off. + +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. + +"Just where are we bound, sir?" asked Frank. + +"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." + +"And what are we to do when we get there?" + +"Events will have to shape themselves," declared Lord Hastings. "It is +impossible to foretell anything." + +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. + +And so the submarine continued on its course beneath the sea for the +rest of the night, running slowly. + +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. + +In the distance he made out a coast line, which, according to his +calculations, should be the coast of Belgium. + +"We should not be more than an hour's run from Ostend," he told the +lads. "We'll continue on the surface." + +The submarine was brought clear of the water and continued on her way. + +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. + +"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." + +It was true. The submarines were approaching each other rapidly. + +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. + +"Who are you?" + +"U-16," answered Lord Hastings, who had gone through the former +commander's papers carefully, "Bernstorff, commanding." + +"Bernstorff," came the surprised response. "Where is Captain +Tarlenhein?" + +"If you will come aboard, I will explain," shouted Lord Hastings. + +"Very well." + +A few moments later a small boat left the side of the other vessel and +came toward the U-16. + +"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." + +The boys nodded their understanding of this order. + +"We'll be as mum as a couple of oysters, sir," declared Frank. + +"I wouldn't know what to say, anyhow," agreed Jack. + +"Sh-h-h," whispered Lord Hastings. "Here he comes." + +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. + +Jack and Frank followed their commander closely. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +WITH THE ENEMY. + + +"I am Captain Bernstorff," said Lord Hastings quietly, "and you?" + +"Lieutenant Commander Von Rosten, sir," replied the other, who could not +have been more than twenty-five years of age. + +"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." + +He beckoned to Frank and Jack to approach. + +"Lieutenant Papen," he said, introducing Jack; "and Lieutenant Bohring," +indicating Frank. + +The three acknowledged the introductions and then Lord Hastings +continued: + +"I suppose you are wondering how I come to be in command of the U-16?" + +"I am, sir," was the reply. + +"And also," continued Lord Hastings with a smile, "you are no doubt +wondering just who I am anyway?" + +"I must confess to that, too," answered the young German. + +"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?" + +The German nodded. + +"The secret service," he said quietly. + +Lord Hastings gave him a glance of approval and the young man flushed. + +"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." + +The young German bowed again. + +"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." + +"Fate!" exclaimed Von Rosten. + +"It is only too true," muttered Lord Hastings sorrowfully. "But he died +as a loyal servant of the Emperor. I shall explain." + +"If you will," said the young German. + +"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. + +"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. + +"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." + +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. + +"And who was this agent?" he demanded. + +"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. + +"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." + +Lord Hastings paused. + +"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." + +"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." + +"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." + +"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." + +The young German bowed, and Lord Hastings, Frank, and Jack went below. + +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. + +Before returning on deck Lord Hastings also issued a few sharp commands +to Jack and Frank. + +"Just keep your nerve and everything will turn out all right," he said. + +"But Davis," exclaimed Frank. "He is likely to betray us." + +"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." + +"I see," replied Frank. "I wouldn't have thought of that, sir." + +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. + +Ten minutes later they were all seated in Captain Von Rosten's own +cabin. The German summoned his first officer. + +"Have the prisoner brought here," he commanded. + +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. + +"I see you recognize us," he said sharply. + +"Well, I guess I do," returned Davis. "You are----" + +"Never mind who we are," interrupted Lord Hastings. "Enough for you to +know that you almost spoiled everything." + +"What's that?" demanded Davis. "I almost spoiled everything? Me?" + +"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?" + +"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." + +"Fortunately for the rest of you," commented Lord Hastings dryly. +"Otherwise none of you would be here now." + +Davis was apparently convinced. + +"And did you have success?" he asked. "Have you solved the mystery of +the----" + +"Vanishing submarines?" interrupted Lord Hastings. "Yes. We have solved +it." + +Von Rosten sprang to his feet. + +"Is it true?" he exclaimed eagerly. "The mystery has been solved?" + +"It has," replied Lord Hastings quietly. + +"And you can suggest means for overcoming it?" + +"I can," replied Lord Hastings, and added: "At the proper time and +place." + +Von Rosten sat down and indicated Davis. + +"Then you can vouch for this man?" he asked. + +"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." + +"Very well, sir," returned Von Rosten. "Then I shall turn him over to +you." + +"If you would be so kind," said Lord Hastings. + +The German again summoned his first officer. + +"Take the irons off this man," he commanded. + +The first officer motioned for Davis to follow him. + +"Return when you have been released," ordered Lord Hastings. + +"Very well," said Davis. + +He left the cabin. + +"Now," said Lord Hastings to Von Rosten, "I would be glad if you could +do a further favor for me?" + +"Consider it granted if it is within my power," said the young German. + +"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." + +The German hesitated, but only for a moment. + +"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?" + +"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." + +"As you please," replied the German. + +A third time he summoned his first officer. + +"Pick twelve men of the crew and have them ready to go aboard the U-16 +with Captain Bernstorff here," he commanded. + +The officer saluted and withdrew. + +"Now, is there anything further I can do for you?" asked Von Rosten. + +"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." + +The young German bowed. + +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. + +"And now," said Lord Hastings, "having dispensed with the formalities, +it is time to get busy." + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +PLOTTING. + + +"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." + +"What for, sir?" asked Frank. + +"Oh, just to look about a little," was the reply. "We may be able to +pick up a little useful information." + +"And why didn't you tell Von Rosten you were bound there, sir?" Jack +wanted to know. + +"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." + +"Well, sir," remarked Frank, "that was quite a little story you +concocted for his benefit." + +"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." + +"It was pretty good for a quick one," Jack admitted. "But, what are we +going to do with Davis, sir?" + +"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." + +The lads nodded. + +"Now," said Lord Hastings, "we may as well put about and run for +Ostend." + +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. + +"There is no use talking," said the latter. "It seems rather peculiar to +be sailing under the German flag." + +"And that's no joke," Jack agreed. "I hope we will not have to do it +long." + +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. + +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. + +"Who are you?" came the challenge in the darkness. + +"U-16, Captain Tarlenhein," Lord Hastings shouted back. + +"Good," was the reply. "We wondered what had happened to you. Everything +all right?" + +"All right." + +"Ready to join us in another desperate mission?" + +"Yes. Ready any time." + +"Good. Remain where you are. We start within the hour. Your instructions +will be sent to you." + +Lord Hastings signified that he understood and the light on the other +vessel was flashed off, leaving the U-16 in darkness again. + +"Now what do you suppose is up, sir?" asked Frank eagerly. + +"You have just as much idea as I have," declared Lord Hastings. +"However, we shall probably know in good time." + +And he was right. + +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. + +"Captain Tarlenhein?" he inquired. + +Lord Hastings kept his face half turned in the darkness. + +"Yes," he replied in a husky voice. + +The officer drew a paper from his pocket and passed it to Lord Hastings. + +"From Admiral Seibert, sir." + +He brought his heels together, gave a quick salute, turned on his heel, +and went back over the side. + +Lord Hastings immediately hastened to his cabin and as hastily summoned +Jack and Frank. + +"Well," he said quietly, "here are our orders," and he laid the paper on +the table. "Sit down." + +The lads did so, and Lord Hastings, seating himself, picked up the +document, broke the seal, and read aloud: + + "Captain Tarlenhein, + + "Commanding H.I.S. U-16: + + "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. + + (Signed) "SEIBERT." + +"I should say that is plain enough," said Lord Hastings, looking up. + +"Rather, sir," agreed Frank. "All we have to do is to be at a certain +spot at a certain time." + +"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." + +"And shall we be there, sir?" asked Frank. + +"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." + +"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." + +"Very well," replied Lord Hastings. "You may give the word to proceed at +eighteen knots, Mr. Templeton." + +Jack gave the order, and the U-16 moved off in the night. + +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. + +"I say," said Jack to Davis, who was sitting there in a comfortable +chair, "you'll have to come out of here, you know." + +"Will I?" said Davis. "What for?" + +"Chiefly because we say so," replied Frank angrily. "This is our cabin." + +"Yours?" repeated Davis, a rising inflection in his voice. "And who gave +it to you, if you please?" + +"We selected it," replied Frank, growing angrier at Davis' words. + +"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." + +"Not much you don't," declared Frank. "Either you'll skip out of here +right now, or I shall have to throw you out." + +"I don't believe you will do a whole lot of throwing," smiled Davis. +"Anyhow, I'll take a chance by staying." + +He settled himself more comfortably in his chair and picked up a book. + +Frank's eyes flashed angrily, but Jack laid a soothing hand on his +friend's shoulder. + +"Let him alone," he commanded. + +"What for?" demanded Frank. "Think I am going to let a man like him run +me out of my own quarters? Not much." + +"But we can seek other quarters," said Jack, who was always peaceable +until aroused. "What's the use of getting in trouble?" + +"It won't be much trouble," said Frank. "I'll just throw him out." + +Jack smiled. + +"He might fool you," he said quietly. "To me, he looks as though he +would be hard for you to handle." + +"I suppose you think you could do it all right?" said Frank. + +"Well, I suppose I could if I started out to," declared Jack. "But I +don't intend to make a fool of myself." + +This answer only served to enrage Frank the more and he advanced upon +Davis threateningly. + +"Are you going to get out of here?" he demanded angrily. + +Davis looked at him lazily. + +"Well, no," he said at last; "I'm not." + +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. + +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. + +There Frank gave Davis a last vigorous shove and he went spinning down +the little hallway. + +"There," said Frank, "perhaps that will teach you to stay where you +belong." + +He stepped back in the cabin, closed and locked the door. Then he turned +to Jack. + +"He's gone," he said quietly. + +"I see he has," replied Jack, smiling. "Now, let's get to bed." + +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. + +"Hey! Let me in there," he demanded. + +"You're out; stay out!" said Frank. + +"You come out here and I'll punch your face," said Davis. + +"Oh, I guess not," replied Frank, feeling quite well pleased with +himself. + +"You little Dutchman!" exclaimed Davis. + +"Go hunt a hole and go to bed," said Frank. + +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." + +"Oh, you will, will you? Well, come out here and I'll show you." + +"Some other time," said Frank cheerfully. + +"Right now I am going to turn in. Pleasant dreams to you, Mr. Davis." + +Davis was very angry now. Outside the door he stamped his feet one after +the other and rattled the knob vigorously. + +"Let me in there, or I'll break this door down," he said fiercely. + +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: + +"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!" + +And Davis subsided. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +AN ENEMY SUNK. + + +"Steamship off the port bow, sir!" + +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. + +"Britisher," he said finally. "Guess we had better submerge." + +"Why, sir?" demanded Frank. "Surely we have nothing to fear from one of +our own vessels." + +"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." + +"That's so, sir. I had forgotten just who we are supposed to be." + +"We'll go below," said Lord Hastings. + +He moved toward the conning tower, but even as he would have descended +below, Frank gave a sudden cry. + +"Submarine approaching the steamer, sir." + +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. + +"By Jove!" he exclaimed. "They're going to sink her!" + +Jack came on deck just in time to hear his commander's last words, and +he took in the situation at a glance. + +"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." + +"You forget," said Lord Hastings dryly, "that for the moment we are one +of our friend, the enemy." + +"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." + +"And be discovered ourselves?" remarked Lord Hastings. "Remember, we are +playing for bigger game than a single German submarine." + +"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?" + +"Your reasoning is all right," replied his commander, "but another +submarine is likely to appear at just the wrong moment, and then what?" + +"But surely, sir, you do not intend to remain here and let all the +people aboard the liner drown?" + +"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." + +"But they may not, sir." + +"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." + +With this the lads were forced to be satisfied. + +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. + +"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." + +Instantly all became confusion aboard the steamship. Men, women and +children ran shrieking up and down the deck; seeking a place of safety. + +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. + +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. + +A second small boat, launched in haste, met the same fate, as did a +third. + +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: + +"Hurry now! Five minutes more!" + +Lord Hastings took his decision instantly. + +"Below," he said quietly as he led the way. Frank and Jack followed. + +"Submerge, Mr. Templeton," came Lord Hastings' sharp command. + +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: + +"Hold her there!" + +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. + +"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." + +"No one shall pass me, sir," was Jack's quiet response. + +"Good. Signal No. 2 torpedo." + +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. + +The electric signal board aboard the submarine now flashed red: + +"No. 2 torpedo!" + +The man on duty there, who chanced to be a German, stood tense and +expectant. + +"How does she go above, sir?" asked Jack. + +"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." + +"Does he seem to be ready to fire, sir?" + +"He seems to be holding off and I hope he does. However, I'm ready, and +we'll beat him to it." + +"I----" began Jack, and whirled about suddenly. He had caught the sound +of footsteps behind him. + +The lad looked into the face of Davis. + +"Stand back there!" he commanded sharply. + +"Why? What's the matter? What's going on?" demanded the latter. + +"None of your business," replied Jack. "Back now, quick!" + +"Look here----" began Davis. + +"You heard me," said Jack slowly and very quietly. "Now obey and be +quick about it." + +"By whose command?" inquired Davis with a leer. + +"By mine," returned Jack, restraining his temper with difficulty. + +"I don't recognize your authority," declared Davis, and took another +step forward. + +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. + +"Then perhaps you will recognize mine," he said. "Stand back, sir!" + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +"What's the meaning of this?" demanded the latter. + +Davis face turned dark with rage. + +"I'll show you," he cried, and struck a vicious blow at the lad. + +But Frank had been prepared for some such move and stepped back quickly. + +Davis missed. + +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. + +"That's enough," he said sharply. "One step forward and I'll shoot, so +surely as my name is Frank Chadwick." + +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: + +"I'll get you for this yet. Remember that." + +Frank did not take the trouble to reply, but instead approached Jack and +Lord Hastings. + +"How are things, sir?" he asked. + +"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." + +"Perhaps he will, sir," said Jack hopefully. + +"I trust so. It will be better for all concerned. Everything ready, +Frank?" + +"All ready, sir. You're sure No. 2 torpedo has the range?" + +"Perfectly. It will reach the enemy's bridge at its present angle." + +"Could I have a look, sir?" asked Frank. + +For a brief moment Lord Hastings hesitated, then stepped aside and +motioned Frank to his place at the periscope. + +"Give the command to fire if anything happens," instructed Lord +Hastings. + +Frank nodded, and placed his hand on the signal button, at the same time +peering into the periscope. + +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. + +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. + +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: + +"Fire!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +AN ARGUMENT SETTLED--TEMPORARILY. + + +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. + +Then the German sailor who had launched the torpedo cried out: + +"Did we hit her, sir?" + +Lord Hastings took his eye from the periscope long enough to answer: +"Squarely on the bridge, my man." + +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. + +"There goes one of your vessels," he said happily. + +"Where many of yours will go before long," returned Edwards, turning +away to hide a grin. + +"Then we hit her, sir?" questioned Frank eagerly. + +"We did," returned Lord Hastings. + +"Shall we go to the surface again?" Jack asked. + +"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." + +"And the people aboard the liner, sir?" asked Frank. + +"Will have to shift for themselves," was the reply. "However, they are +in no danger now." + +"Very well, sir." + +"You may submerge to ten fathoms, Mr. Templeton," said Lord Hastings. + +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. + +"Where now, sir?" asked Jack. + +"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." + +"And where we'll set a neat little trap for the enemy, sir," said Frank +eagerly. + +"We'll try," returned Lord Hastings grimly. + +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. + +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. + +"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?" + +"I'll show you," replied Davis. + +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. + +Frank's blood boiled. + +"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." + +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. + +There was a resounding smack as Frank struck Davis lightly across the +face with his open palm. + +"You big coward," he said, "to taunt a prisoner. I'll teach you a little +lesson. Take off your coat." + +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. + +"You'll wish you had kept out of my path," he sneered. + +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. + +Now Jack stepped forward, and, speaking in German, said: + +"Men, as long as these fellows have got to fight, it may as well be done +right, eh?" + +There was a general murmur of approval from the crew. + +"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. + +"Yes," replied Davis sullenly. + +"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." + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +"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." + +"All ready," said Jack, watch in hand. "G----" + +At this moment there was an interruption from the doorway. + +"What's the meaning of this?" demanded a stern voice. + +All turned quickly. Lord Hastings stood in the doorway. + +"I say, what's the meaning of this?" he demanded. + +"Just a little personal affair, sir," replied Frank, stepping forward. +"Davis here and I are going to settle a difference." + +"Hm-m-m," muttered Lord Hastings, sizing the two up critically. "And you +think you can thrash him, eh?" + +"I think so, sir." + +"Well, I don't," was the reply. "I have a notion to forbid it." + +"Don't, sir," pleaded Frank. "It will have to come some time, and the +sooner the better." + +Lord Hastings was plainly undecided. But at last he threw open his arms +in a gesture of permission. + +"Go ahead, then," he said. "I'll stay and see fair play." + +Watch in hand, Jack raised an arm. He was silent a moment. Then, + +"Go!" he said, "and remember, fight fair!" + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +Davis, it could be plainly seen, was furiously angry; but he held +himself in check, apparently realizing that victory depended upon +coolness and caution. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +"He can box," he muttered, "but I doubt if he can keep his head." + +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. + +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. + +Frank dropped to the floor and lay still. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +MISTAKEN FOR AN ENEMY. + + +Davis had won--fairly and cleanly--there was no doubt about that. + +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. + +"Water," he said to Jack. + +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. + +"What's the matter?" he asked. "What's happened?" + +"Matter is," returned Jack quietly, "that you have just been convinced +that you are not such a terrible fighter as you have been thinking." + +"You mean he licked me?" demanded Frank, suddenly realizing just what +had happened. + +"He did," returned Jack dryly; "and he did a pretty good job of it." + +"But I tell you I had him," cried Frank. "One more blow and--and----" + +"The one more blow didn't land," replied his chum. + +"But I tried----" + +"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." + +"He couldn't do it again," said Frank feebly. + +"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." + +Frank pulled himself to his feet, and, leaning on Jack, walked from the +room. + +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. + +"Perhaps you fellows will pay a little more attention to me when I say +something after this," he muttered. + +Jack whirled on him sharply. + +"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." + +"So?" sneered Davis, feeling not a little proud of himself. "You are at +liberty to try at any time. Right now, eh?" + +He made as if to discard his coat. Flushed with victory, he manifested +no doubt that he could handle Jack as well as Frank. + +In spite of himself, Jack was forced to smile. + +"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." + +"Threats, eh?" + +"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." + +He helped Frank from the room without another word. Lord Hastings, about +to leave the room, stopped for a word with Davis. + +"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." + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +"Then you are with me?" asked Davis at length. + +The men nodded. + +"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." + +"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?" + +"Why, indeed?" echoed another. + +"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." + +"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." + +"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." + +"We don't want too many," protested the third. "The fewer of us, the +fewer to share in the spoils." + +"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." + +"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." + +"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." + +"Which is my plan exactly," declared Davis. "Yes, we must have a crew. +Hans, do you think you could approach these prisoners?" + +"Leave that to me, sir," replied Hans with an evil wink. "I think I can +convince them, sir." + +"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." + +"Very well, sir." + +"All right then," said Davis. "You fellows clear out now. I want to get +a little sleep." + +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. + +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. + +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." + +"One of us had better go along, sir," declared Frank. + +Lord Hastings considered this a minute. + +"I don't know but you are right," he finally said. "Frank shall go. Jack +will take command in my absence." + +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." + +"I'll watch him," said Jack quietly. + +"Very well. Frank and I shall leave at once." + +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. + +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. + +"Seems to me there is a terrible lack of vigilance hereabouts," declared +Frank. + +"It does look that way," Lord Hastings admitted. "However----" + +There came a sudden interruption--the sound of a shot, and a bullet +whistled overhead. + +"Not such a terrible lack of vigilance, either," remarked Lord Hastings. +"I wonder where that shot came from?" + +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. + +"We surrender!" called Lord Hastings, fearing to take a chance that the +next shot would miss. + +The motorboat came toward them quickly. + +"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. + +"Friends," was the reply. + +The British officer peered at them sharply, then noticed their German +uniforms. + +"Friends, eh," he said; "in those uniforms. Not likely. Climb into my +boat." + +Lord Hastings and Frank obeyed without a word, and at a command from the +British officer the motorboat put about and headed shoreward. + +"Where are you taking us?" asked Lord Hastings quietly. + +"None of your business," was the sharp response. + +"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." + +"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." + +"Most likely," repeated Lord Hastings. "And how long before we may +expect to see the admiral?" + +"About half an hour." + +"Good!" And Lord Hastings whispered to Frank: "Plenty of time. +Fortunately I am well acquainted with Admiral Fischer." + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + +THE TRAP IS SET. + + +"Hastings!" + +The exclamation was wrung from the lips of the astonished Admiral +Fischer, in command of the naval forces operating about Dover. + +"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." + +The admiral advanced and wrung Lord Hastings' hand. + +"And why this German uniform?" he asked. "And who is this young man with +you?" + +"I'll answer the last question first," smiled Lord Hastings, "by +presenting to your excellency, my second officer, Mr. Frank Chadwick." + +Admiral Fischer acknowledged the introduction. + +"Now for the answer to my other question," he said. + +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: + +"And you mean to tell me the Germans have the temerity to attempt a raid +in the very mouth of the Thames?" + +Lord Hastings nodded. + +"They certainly have," he said quietly, and he produced the order he had +received from the German admiral. + +Admiral Fischer scanned it closely. + +"It's authentic enough," he said finally, "I know his signature well. +And this raid is to take place at midnight, eh?" + +"Well, no. We are to gather at midnight. How long it will take to reach +the mouth of the Thames you can figure yourself." + +"I can," declared the admiral. "And I can also figure that if these +submarines dare enter the Thames they will never get out." + +"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." + +"So it is," returned the admiral. "Have you a plan?" + +"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." + +"And then?" + +"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." + +"But I should think the Germans are too wary to be caught in a trap like +that." + +"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." + +"And why?" demanded the admiral. + +"Chiefly," smiled Lord Hastings, "because I don't want to go to the +bottom." + +"Oh, I see! You mean to lead the German advance." + +"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." + +"But perhaps it will be impossible for you to lead the way." + +"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." + +"Plenty," was the reply. "I'll begin now." + +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. + +"All ready," he said quietly. + +"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." + +"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?" + +"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." + +The admiral shrugged his shoulders. + +"I know you too well to insist," he said. "So be it. But one thing; +remember that you must be in the first submarine." + +"I'll be there," said Lord Hastings. + +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. + +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. + +"Think you can find her, sir?" asked Frank. + +"No trouble at all," was the reply. + +And there was no trouble. + +By eleven o'clock they were safely back aboard and Jack received them +anxiously. + +"What luck, sir?" he asked. + +"Excellent," replied Lord Hastings. "How did everything go in my +absence?" + +"All quiet, sir." + +"No trouble with Davis?" + +"No, sir. I haven't even seen him." + +"Very well. Now you may give the order to submerge and we'll make for +the rendezvous." + +Jack obeyed. + +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. + +Slowly the U-16 arose from the deep, and immediately she rested upon the +surface, Jack and Frank followed Lord Hastings to the bridge. + +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. + +"Seven besides ourselves," he muttered to himself. + +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. + +"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." + +"But mines?" protested a voice. + +"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." + +"Here, sir," Lord Hastings spoke up before the other commanders had a +chance. + +The others also volunteered, but Admiral Schuler awarded the honor to +the U-16. + +"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." + +A subdued cheer ran across the water in the darkness. + +"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." + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +"Well," said Lord Hastings to Frank and Jack, who stood beside him on +the bridge, "here goes. May good fortune attend us." + +He gave Jack the command: + +"Full speed ahead!" + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + +THE TRAP IS SPRUNG. + + +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. + +"Admiral Fischer's orders have been followed out, sir," said Jack in a +low voice. + +Lord Hastings nodded but made no reply. + +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. + +In case of danger Lord Hastings had been instructed to give immediate +warning, that the vessels behind might have time to dive. + +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. + +"The motorboats," replied the latter quietly. "Things are working out +just right." + +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. + +"When we get by, they'll close in," said Lord Hastings. + +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. + +A single big gun boomed in the darkness and a shell screamed over the +U-16 toward the German submarines beyond. + +"The fool!" exclaimed Lord Hastings angrily. "Why could he not wait? +There is no reason for concealment longer." + +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. + +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. + +But the others rushed on. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +Jack descended. + +"All right, men," he said, "you may turn in, if you wish. There'll be no +fighting to-night." + +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: + +"We haven't come upon the enemy yet, and will not to-day." + +He returned to the bridge. + +"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." + +The lads nodded. + +Half an hour later Jack was left aboard the U-16, while Lord Hastings +and Frank were being rowed ashore. + +Below, although Jack did not know it, trouble was brewing. Davis and his +three fellow-conspirators were plotting again. + +"And what did this man Edwards say?" demanded Davis of one of the +Germans. + +"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." + +"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." + +The conversation continued for some moments, and then Davis said: + +"Say, one of you fellows, tell Edwards I want to see him now." + +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. + +"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." + +"Then," said Edwards, "if you will wait here until I return I will get +my other men." + +"It would be better that way," agreed Davis. "There will be seven of us +and that should be enough. Hurry." + +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. + +Edwards explained the situation in a few brief words and Jack was +dumbfounded. + +"And you say Davis is preparing to spring this coup to-night?" exclaimed +Jack. + +"Right now, sir," returned Edwards quietly. "That's why I brought +O'Brien and McDonald here. We are all armed, sir." + +"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." + +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. + +"No one here," he ejaculated. + +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. + +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. + +"Then you men are with me?" asked Davis, his face flushed with pleasure. + +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. + +"Quick men! Back to the bridge!" the lad exclaimed. + +He dashed forward, but he was not quick enough. + +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. + +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. + +The sailor McDonald flung wide his arms and toppled to the floor. + +"Back, sir!" cried Edwards. "They are too many for us." + +The three retreated along the passageway until they reached the ladder +leading to the bridge. + +"You first, sir!" said Edwards, at the same time firing down the +passage. + +Jack hung back. + +"After you," he replied. + +"Don't be a fool now," said Edwards. "Hurry, while I hold them off." + +Again he fired at the crowd of German faces down the passage, as did +O'Brien. + +Jack hesitated no longer and climbed the ladder rapidly. + +"You next, O'Brien," said Edwards. + +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. + +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. + +"No time to waste, sir," said the sailor. "Over the side with you, +quick!" + +Jack flung himself into the river as Davis showed his face on deck. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + +AT SEA AGAIN. + + +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. + +He came up a moment later beside Jack, who was treading water while he +awaited him. + +"Which way, sir?" asked Edwards. "You know where we are. I don't." + +"This," said Jack, "is the Thames. We'll have no trouble making shore. +Follow me." + +Edwards did so and a few moments later both stood dripping on land. + +"Now where to, sir?" asked Edwards. + +"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." + +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. + +"Is Lord Hastings here?" demanded Jack. + +"He is closeted with the general," was the reply. + +"Well," said Jack, "you tell him his first officer is here and wants to +see him immediately." + +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. + +"What's wrong?" he demanded. + +"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." + +"And O'Brien and McDonald?" inquired Lord Hastings. + +"Dead!" + +"How about Davis and the others? Weren't you able to account for any of +them?" + +"A few, sir," returned Jack briefly, "but Davis----" + +"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." + +"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." + +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." + +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. + +But there was no submarine to be found. It had disappeared. + +Lord Hastings uttered an exclamation of chagrin. + +"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." + +"I'm sorry, sir," returned Edwards. + +"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." + +"And what do you intend to do, sir?" asked Jack. + +"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." + +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. + +"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." + +Jack gave the order and the vessel moved down the river. + +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. + +"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." + +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. + +The following afternoon, having traveled far toward the east, they were +to have an adventure. + +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. + +"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." + +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. + +"Must be German," said Jack. "Call Lord Hastings." + +Frank did so and soon the commander of the U-6 appeared on deck. + +Lord Hastings wasted no time in fixing the identity of the approaching +vessels. + +"Germans," he said briefly. + +"Yes; but where are they going?" Jack wanted to know. + +"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?" + +"No, I haven't," said Jack. "But I don't figure they would have the +temerity to try another." + +"They seem to have temerity enough to try anything," declared Frank. +"However, I guess it's up to us to stop this raid." + +"Right you are, Frank," said Lord Hastings quietly. "It's up to us." + +"And how do you figure we are going to get all four of them?" demanded +Jack. + +"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." + +"And shall we remain on the surface, sir?" asked Jack. + +"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." + +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. + +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. + +"We're safe enough," declared Jack. "They take us for one of +themselves." + +"Much to their sorrow," said Frank. + +"All ready below?" demanded Lord Hastings. + +"All ready, sir," replied Jack. + +"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." + +The lads obeyed Lord Hastings' command and took their positions. + +"Ready with No. 1 torpedo," came Lord Hastings' command from above. + +"Ready, sir," returned Jack, after a quick scrutiny. + +"Ready with No. 3 torpedo," shouted Lord Hastings. + +"Ready, sir," said Jack, and then exclaimed in an aside to Frank: + +"By Jove! He's going to try and get two of them at once." + +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. + +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. + +"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." + +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. + +"Attention!" came the command now, displayed in letters of fire. + +Then a brief lapse of time, in which all was silence below. + +Then another signal showed red on the board. + +"No. 1 torpedo! Fire!" + +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. + +A moment later a second command flashed on the board. + +"No. 3 torpedo! Fire!" + +Once more the click and then nothing but silence. A moment later Lord +Hastings hurried below. + +"Submerge!" he ordered. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + +TOWARD OSTEND AGAIN. + + +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. + +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. + +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. + +"Pretty close," the lad muttered aloud. + +"What was pretty close?" demanded Frank, who had not heard the sound of +the shot. "Didn't we hit either one of them?" + +"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." + +"Shape your course due east, Mr. Templeton," commanded Lord Hastings at +this juncture. "We'll have a try at another of them." + +Jack gave the command. + +"Twenty knots!" ordered Lord Hastings. + +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. + +"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!" + +Again all was expectancy aboard the submarine as all eagerly awaited the +next command. It was not long coming. + +"Attention!" the signal board read. + +And a moment later came the next command: + +"Fire!" + +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. + +"Pierced her magazine!" said Lord Hastings quietly. + +He stepped aside that Jack might have a look above. + +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. + +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. + +"Submerge!" cried Jack. + +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. + +The men picked themselves up quickly and all stood silent for a moment. + +"Test the pumps quick!" was Lord Hastings' first command after he had +regained his feet. + +"No damage there, sir," came the cheering news a moment later. + +"Signal the engine room! Something may have given way," ordered Lord +Hastings. + +This was done, but the engineer reported no damage. + +Frank and Jack both breathed easier, as did Lord Hastings. + +"A pretty narrow squeak," remarked Lord Hastings calmly. + +"Rather, sir," agreed Jack dryly. "And now shall we go after the other +one, sir?" + +"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." + +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. + +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. + +"Poor fellows," said Lord Hastings compassionately. + +"Why didn't the other ship stop and pick them up?" demanded Jack. + +"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." + +"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." + +"And now where to, sir?" asked Frank. + +Lord Hastings looked at him amusedly. + +"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." + +"Good, sir!" said Jack. "We did very well on our last trip. Perhaps we +shall be fortunate enough to learn something this time." + +"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." + +"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." + +He gave the command to go forward and the U-6 moved swiftly ahead. + +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. + +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. + +"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. + +Jack smiled. + +"You ought to know there are no German battleships here," he said. + +"But----" began Frank. + +"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." + +"I see," replied Frank. "I hadn't thought of that." + +"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?" + +"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." + +"Unless from Davis and his crew, sir," suggested Frank. + +"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." + +"And I have a faint hope that they may seek to devour us before long," +said Frank with a smile. + +"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." + +"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." + +"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." + +"And then not find them," Jack added. + +"Well, if we do come up with them, I'd like to lay my hands on Davis," +declared Frank. + +Jack smiled. + +"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." + +"Think so, do you," said Frank, a little sulkily. "He was just lucky, +that's all." + +"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." + +"You don't seem to have much confidence in yourself," remarked Frank +sarcastically. + +"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." + +"Well, you won't. He's my meat next time," declared Frank. + +"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." + +"And if he comes to me," grinned Frank, "I'll put in a few blows for +you, seeing that you are so obliging." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. + +AN UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER. + + +"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." + +"I speak to go with you, sir," exclaimed Frank. + +"So do I, sir," said Jack. + +"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." + +He drew three toothpicks from his pocket, and putting them behind his +back, broke one. Then he held them out to Frank. + +"Pick one," he said. + +Frank did so, and glanced at it eagerly. It had not been broken. + +"I go," he declared. + +"It's between us now," said Lord Hastings to Jack. "Pick one, Jack." + +He held up the remaining two toothpicks Jack gazed at them earnestly. + +"I'll take this one," the lad said at length, and picked the one on the +right. + +"You win," said Lord Hastings quietly. "I'm the fellow that must remain +behind." + +Jack was equally as pleased as Frank, but he did not manifest the same +enthusiasm. + +"And what is it you expect us to learn, sir?" asked Jack. "I'm sure I +haven't any idea." + +"Nor I, sir," declared Frank. + +Lord Hastings smiled. + +"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." + +The lads nodded. + +"Will it be best for us to row ashore ourselves, sir?" asked Frank. "Or +shall we have one of the men take us?" + +"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." + +"Come on, Jack; let's be moving," said Frank impatiently. "There is no +use staying here all day. Hurry up." + +"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." + +Nevertheless the lads wasted no further time in talk and five minutes +later the two were rowing shoreward in a little boat. + +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. + +"These German uniforms seem to be pretty good things," Frank remarked in +a low voice. "Guess they carry the entree any place in the town." + +"We'll see," returned Jack briefly. + +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. + +"Pretty likely looking town, this," declared Jack, as his gaze roved +about. + +"Yes," Frank agreed, "but you can still see the marks of the German +shells that struck during the siege." + +They looked around with interest--though not so curiously as to attract +attention--and continued along the street. + +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. + +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. + +Frank glanced at his watch. + +"Five minutes to four," he said. "Time to be moving back." + +Jack nodded. + +"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." + +"You've been with me right along," replied Frank. "You know as much as I +do." + +They retraced their steps toward the water front. + +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. + +"There is something familiar about that fellow," Jack declared. "I've +seen him some place before." + +"And so have I," agreed Frank. "And I have a feeling that it was not +under very favorable circumstances." + +Each lad racked his brain for a brief moment; then Jack said: + +"Well, I guess it doesn't make any difference. Let's go." + +He turned about and took a step forward. Frank was about to do the same, +when a sudden thought flashed into his head. + +"Wait a minute," he called. "I think I've got him." + +"Who?" demanded Jack. + +"Davis!" said Frank quietly. I'll bet a pretty red apple that man is +Davis." + +"By Jove!" said Jack. "I wonder--now what would he be doing here?" + +"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." + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +There they halted as of one mind while Frank peeped around the corner, +remarking: + +"Don't want him to trick us. I don't think he knew he was being +followed, but you never can tell." + +The lads stood there for perhaps ten minutes; then Jack reached a +decision. + +"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." + +"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'?" + +"We'll have to get in some way," returned Jack, "or else admit that we +are wrong." + +"I won't admit I'm wrong," declared Frank grimly. "I feel positive the +man is Davis." + +"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." + +They retraced their steps slowly, and passing the house where the man +had entered, took careful note of it. + +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. + +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." + +Frank signified that he understood, and passing the house, did as Jack +had instructed, the latter mounting the steps quietly and swiftly. + +The lad laid a hand on the knob and turned it. Then he pushed on the +door, but it held fast. + +"Locked," he said, plainly disappointed. + +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. + +"No means of getting in here," Jack told himself. + +He descended the steps and joined Frank in the alleyway. + +"Well?" Frank greeted him. + +Jack shook his head. + +"Can't get in that way," he said. + +"Well," said Frank, "I have been doing a little exploring while you were +up there and I have found a way." + +"How?" asked Jack, a little surprised. + +For answer, Frank motioned to a little aperture in the side of the +house, close to the ground. + +"Window into the basement," he explained. "It's open." + +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. + +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. + +Frank followed and Jack closed the door. It was perfectly dark. + +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: + +"Hands up!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV. + +ANOTHER UNPLEASANT SURPRISE. + + +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. + +Now Davis grinned at them. + +"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." + +All this time he kept each lad covered with an ugly-looking automatic. + +As neither Frank nor Jack replied, Davis continued. + +"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." + +Still neither lad replied. + +"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." + +He emphasized this statement with a slight gesture with one of his +revolvers and there was naught for the lads to do but obey. + +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. + +"Now," he said, "I would be pleased to have you tell me how you escaped +from our enemies, the British." + +"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." + +"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?" + +"Well," replied Jack calmly. "And now I wonder if you would explain a +few things to me?" + +"You are at liberty to ask," smiled Davis. + +"Then, how did you get here--why did you venture here--and what of your +little private expedition?" + +"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 _The Vulture_--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." + +"I see," said Jack. + +"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?" + +His last words formed a question, and Frank answered. + +"No, we were not questioned," he said. + +"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." + +"You'll make a fine gentleman," said Jack sarcastically. + +"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." + +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. + +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. + +"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." + +Jack realized that it was now or never and he took a sudden decision. + +"Face the wall, Frank," he commanded quietly. "It's no use." + +Frank obeyed. + +"You too, if you please," said Davis blandly, flourishing a revolver, +while at the same time he returned the other to his pocket. + +"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." + +Davis looked at him expectantly. + +"Well?" he queried. + +"Just this," said Jack calmly. "Unless you drop that revolver this +minute, I shall have to take it away from you." + +He gazed at Davis steadily. + +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. + +"Oh, I guess not," he said. + +"Oh, yes I shall," said Jack easily. + +"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." + +Instead, Jack took a step forward, still looking Davis squarely in the +eyes. + +"Put down that gun!" he commanded sharply. + +His tone startled Davis, and for a brief moment he allowed the weapon to +waver; and in that moment Jack leaped upon him. + +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. + +Again Davis fired, but Jack ducked even as he pulled the trigger and the +bullet passed over his head. + +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. + +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. + +Davis grabbed at it but too late. + +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. + +"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." + +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. + +"Now," he said, "I'll give you an imitation of how I treat a dog like +you." + +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. + +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. + +"Get up!" he commanded quietly. "Get up and fight. I'm not through with +you yet." + +Davis grovelled upon the floor, seeking to clasp the lad's knees. + +"Get up!" commanded Jack again. + +Davis made no move to rise. + +Jack stretched out his uninjured arm and jerked the man rudely to his +feet. + +"Put up your hands and fight," he ordered. "Don't show yourself the dog +you are!" + +Davis did as Jack commanded and aimed a blow at the lad's head. + +Jack promptly knocked him down again. + +A second and a third time this was repeated; but after the last fall +Davis grovelled and moaned like a whipped child. + +Jack gazed down at him in disgust. + +"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." + +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. + +"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." + +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. + +"What's the meaning of this?" he demanded in a harsh voice. + +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. + +"You know his Imperial Majesty's orders in regard to fighting with +civilians?" he asked. + +Jack could do nothing but bow. + +"Then," said the commander, "I shall have to place you under arrest!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. + +DOOMED TO DIE. + + +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. + +"Very well, sir," he answered the German, "but first you will please +permit me to see to my friend." + +He indicated Frank's prostrate form across the room. The German saw it +then for the first time and nodded assent. + +"Also," said Jack, "it would be well if you did not permit that man," +indicating Davis, "to escape. He is a traitor." + +"So?" exclaimed the officer. + +He drew his revolver and mounted guard over Davis. + +"There is really no use my guarding you," he said. "Half a dozen of my +men are below, so you could hardly escape." + +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. + +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. + +"What's happened?" he asked in a faint voice. + +In a few words Jack explained. + +"I remember now," said Frank. "Help me up." + +Jack did so and then for the first time Frank caught sight of the German +naval commander. + +"What's he doing here?" he asked of Jack. + +"Oh, he's just arrested us; that's all," said Jack. + +"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. + +All proceeded below, where eight or ten other men stood waiting. Then +all marched away. + +Reaching the water front all entered a small boat and were rowed toward +a submarine, perhaps a quarter of a mile away. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +"I'm just trying to think," said the German to Frank, "where I have seen +you before. I don't place your name." + +"I can't remember you, sir," replied Frank. + +Suddenly the German slapped his thigh. Frank's heart sank for some +reason he was unable to explain to himself. + +"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?" + +"I--I----" began Frank. + +The German raised a hand. + +"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." + +Neither Frank nor Jack replied. Each realized that there was no use in +entering a denial. + +"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?" + +Frank nodded understandingly. + +"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!" + +A second officer entered the room. + +"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." + +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. + +And as they gazed about the cabin the eyes of both opened wide in +surprise, though they made no sound. + +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. + +The German commander who had captured them presided. + +"Bring in the other prisoner," he commanded. + +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. + +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. + +"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. + +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. + +"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. + +The German commander interfered. + +"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." + +"And I shall be pleased indeed, sir," replied Lord Hastings with a leer. + +The German commander turned from him in disgust. + +"It is such men as you, who are a disgrace to the navy," he said +quietly. + +"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. + +"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." + +"I shall remember that!" exclaimed Lord Hastings. "You shall answer to +me, sir." + +"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. + +"Templeton, sir," replied the lad quietly. + +"And yours, sir?" demanded the German of Frank. + +"Chadwick, sir." + +The German turned to Davis. + +"Davis, sir," replied the man before the German could propound the +question. + +"Have any of you prisoners anything to say in extenuation of your +actions?" + +There was no reply. + +"No reason why the death sentence should not be passed upon you?" +continued the German. + +Still there was no reply. + +The German commander then explained what he knew of the three and called +for a vote. + +"Commander Derndorff?" + +"Death!" was the response. + +"Commander Hellwig?" + +"Death!" + +"Commander Berne?" + +"Death!" + +"Commander Blough?" + +"Death!" + +"Commander Bernstorff?" + +Lord Hastings' response was louder than the rest and he smiled evilly as +he cried: + +"Death!" + +The German commander who had captured the lads made a grimace but said +nothing. + +He paused a moment and then declared quietly: + +"My verdict also is death!" + +Lord Hastings, apparently, could restrain his impatience no longer. + +"Good! Good!" he cried. + +"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." + +Lord Hastings beamed on him. + +"It shall be done with pleasure," he declared eagerly. + +"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. + +"Good, sir. Good!" cried Lord Hastings. "I shall remove them at once, +sir." + +"One thing more," said the commander sharply. "They must not be +ill-treated. Understand?" + +Lord Hastings' face fell in well-feigned disappointment. He appeared to +draw himself together, saluted and said with an apparent effort. + +"You shall be obeyed, sir." + +"Take them away, then." + +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. + +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: + +"Close shave, sir!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI. + +MORE TROUBLE. + + +"You can believe me or not, but it feels pretty good to be back here." + +The speaker was Frank as he stood upon the bridge of the U-6. + +"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." + +For Davis at that moment came aboard from the small boat beside the +submarine. He grinned at the two boys feebly. + +"Well, I'm glad to be back along with you," he said. + +"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." + +"While there's life there's hope," Davis spoke sententiously. "Which is +the reason I didn't say anything over there." + +He waved his hand in the general direction of the German submarine they +had so recently left. + +"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." + +Davis shrugged his shoulders and turned away as Lord Hastings +approached. + +"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!" + +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. + +"Now," said Lord Hastings when all were safely below, "we'll have to get +away from here." + +"There should be no trouble about that," said Frank. "All we have to do +is submerge and move off." + +"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." + +"Well, they can't find us under the water," Frank stated. + +"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." + +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. + +Lord Hastings glued an eye to the periscope and watched developments +above. + +"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." + +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. + +A second torpedo flashed above the submarine just as it finally +disappeared beneath the water; and a third did likewise. + +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. + +"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." + +Jack saluted. + +"Very well, sir," he said. + +"And now," said Lord Hastings, gazing about, "the question remains as to +what is to be done with Davis. Where is he?" + +Frank looked about hurriedly. + +"He was here a moment ago, sir," he replied. "He was right behind me." + +"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." + +Frank followed his commander aft. + +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. + +"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." + +"There is one place we haven't looked, sir," said Frank. + +"Where?" demanded Lord Hastings. + +"Your cabin, sir." + +"He would hardly have sought refuge there," said Lord Hastings. + +"There is no telling, sir," replied Frank. "We may as well have a look." + +"Yes, we may as well have a look," repeated Lord Hastings. + +He led the way forward again and pulled up before the door of his cabin, +which was closed. + +"Now I could have sworn I left this door open," said Lord Hastings. + +He laid a hand on the knob and turned it; but the door would not open. + +"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." + +There was no reply and Lord Hastings repeated his call. Still there was +no response. + +Lord Hastings was beginning to grow angry. + +"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!" + +This time Lord Hastings drew an answer. + +"Thank you, sir, but I shall remain where I am," came back in Davis' +voice. "It's very comfortable in here." + +"By Jove! He's a pretty cool customer," muttered Lord Hastings to Frank. + +"Yes, he's cool enough," responded the lad, "and cold-blooded, too. +Shall we force the door, sir?" + +"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." + +"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." + +This reply threw Lord Hastings into some consternation. He turned to +Frank. + +"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." + +"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." + +"You mean one and a half," replied Lord Hastings, smiling. "Don't forget +you are hardly whole with that wound on your head." + +"I think I can prove a little better than a half, anyhow," Frank smiled +back. "Shall we break the door in, sir?" + +"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." + +Frank did as commanded, and drawing his revolver, Lord Hastings placed +the muzzle against the lock. + +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. + +Standing well to one side, Lord Hastings thrust out a foot and kicked +the door open. + +"Better come out, Davis," he said quietly. + +"No, thanks," was the reply. "I'll get the first man who shows his head +in the doorway." + +Lord Hastings considered this point carefully. Then he said to Frank: + +"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?" + +An idea struck Frank. + +"You stand guard until I come back, sir," he said, and made his way aft. + +Lord Hastings stood his ground. + +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. + +"What have you there?" demanded Lord Hastings in some surprise. + +"Hose, sir," replied Frank calmly. + +"And what are you going to do with it?" + +"Rout Davis out, sir." + +Lord Hastings chuckled. + +"I am afraid you won't have much success," he replied. "It's a poor +Englishman who can't stand a little cold water." + +"Maybe he won't like hot water, though, sir," replied Frank. + +Again Lord Hastings looked surprised. + +"Oho," he said at length. "Now I see what you are about. Going to scald +him a little, eh?" + +"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." + +"All right," said Lord Hastings. "Turn it on." + +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. + +A thin vapor rose and the hose grew hot to Frank's touch. + +"Pretty hot," said Lord Hastings. "Now if you can just locate him with +it, you----" + +A cry of pain interrupted him and there was the sound of hurried +footsteps within. + +"Got him," cried Frank gleefully. + +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. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII. + +THE PIRATES REAPPEAR. + + +"You got him, Frank!" cried Lord Hastings excitedly, hopping up and down +like a boy. "Keep it on him!" + +"You bet I've got him," Frank shouted back. "Slip inside, sir, and get +him from behind when I turn the water off." + +Lord Hastings did as Frank suggested, and keeping to one side of the +stream of hot water, entered the room and drew his revolver. + +"All right," he called. "Turn it off. I've got him covered." + +Frank shut off the hose and also sprang into the room. + +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. + +"I give up," he muttered as Lord Hastings and Frank approached him. + +The two leaned down and picked the man up. Lord Hastings looked him over +carefully. + +"Why, you're not hurt," he said contemptuously. He turned to Frank. +"That water can't have been very hot," he said. + +"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." + +"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." + +"Right you are, sir," replied Jack. "Got any rope?" + +"Yes; you'll find a good strong piece in the drawer of my desk there. +Get it." + +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. + +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. + +By the time they had untangled themselves Davis had disappeared aft. + +"After him!" shouted Frank, and dashed down the passage. Lord Hastings +followed closely. + +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. + +"I say! What's the matter here?" demanded Simpson angrily. "What are you +jumping on me for?" + +"I didn't mean to do it," replied Davis, sitting up; and then getting to +his feet. + +"And what are you doing in here, anyhow?" demanded the engineer. "No one +is allowed in this room." + +"I didn't know where I was going," responded Davis. + +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. + +"Stand back there!" he cried. "Stand back, or I'll smash this machinery +so none of us will ever reach the surface." + +Frank was for smashing in the door regardless of this threat, but Lord +Hastings seized his arm. + +"Hold on!" he exclaimed. "The man is crazy enough to do it. We shall +have to seek some other method of overcoming him." + +"And how are we to get him, unless we go after him, I'd like to know?" +the lad demanded angrily. + +"There must be some way," was the reply. "We'll wait." + +He took Frank by the arm and led him away. + +Lord Hastings immediately made his way to Jack's side. + +"Shape your course east now, Mr. Templeton," he instructed, "and give +the command to rise to the surface." + +Jack asked no questions and did as instructed. + +"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." + +"And how do you figure to do that, sir?" asked Frank. + +"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." + +"But you will not permit him to get away, sir?" + +"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." + +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. + +"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." + +"Hardly that long, sir," said Jack with a grin. "But tell me what all +this is about, anyhow." + +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. + +Frank took a step forward, but Lord Hastings stayed him with a gesture. + +"Let him alone," he commanded. "We don't want him to find another hole. +We have had trouble enough with him." + +A few moments later footsteps sounded on deck. + +"Well, he's up there," said Frank. "Now what?" + +"Guess we can go up after him now," replied Lord Hastings. + +He led the way. + +"Careful, sir, when you go up," warned Jack. "He's likely to be waiting +for one of us to show a head." + +Lord Hastings paid no heed to this command, but sprang quickly up. He +gazed around rapidly. There was not another soul on deck. + +"Come on," he cried to Frank and Jack. + +The latter also sprang up and looked about. + +"Where is he, sir?" asked Frank. + +"Gone," replied Lord Hastings. "Must have jumped overboard." + +He swept the sea with his eyes, as did the others. + +"What's that over there, sir?" asked Jack suddenly. + +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. + +"Looks like the periscope of a submarine," commented Frank. + +"And it is," declared Lord Hastings. "Below quick!" + +Jack sprang down the companionway, closely followed by Frank and Lord +Hastings. The conning tower closed behind them. + +"Submerge to the tip of the periscope," ordered Lord Hastings, and put +his eye to the instrument as Jack repeated the command. + +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. + +"Pirates!" he muttered. "What! at this age of the world?" and then a +sudden thought flashed through his mind. + +"I'll wager a farm it's Davis' own crew," he muttered. + +"What's that, sir?" asked Jack, who had caught his commander's last +words. + +"Nothing much; only that Davis has found his own gang," replied Lord +Hastings quietly. "Here, have a look." + +He stepped aside and Jack took his place at the periscope. The lad +uttered an exclamation of surprise. + +"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?" + +"I guess we can," replied Lord Hastings. "What do you make the range?" + +"Hundred yards, sir," replied Jack. "Number three torpedo, sir!" + +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. + +It was a third submarine, and Jack, instead of giving the command to +fire, for which the men were eagerly waiting, cried: + +"Another submarine, sir! Looks like a German. She's moving toward the +pirate, sir!" + +Lord Hastings stepped to the periscope, pushing Jack firmly aside. + +"We'll move off and let them fight it out," he said. "Full speed ahead, +Mr. Templeton!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII. + +THE BATTLE AND THE ATTACK ON THE U-6. + + +Another few hundred yards from the two other submarines, Lord Hastings +ordered the U-6 brought to a stop. + +"We'll stop here a bit and watch the battle," he said. + +The U-6 rose to the surface and the three officers ascended to the +bridge. The pirate craft, _The Vulture_, 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. + +"Now they will submerge," said Lord Hastings. + +He was right, for a moment later _The Vulture_ 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 _The Vulture_. + +"Poor shooting," declared Jack. + +The others nodded. + +"She'll do better next time," said Frank. + +The lad proved a good prophet for the second torpedo skimmed over the +water missing _The Vulture_ by inches. At the same time _The Vulture_ +launched a torpedo and the three aboard the U-6 gasped as it seemed that +the missile would surely strike home. + +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. + +Then the pirate rose; a moment later the German craft came from below +and both vessels launched torpedoes simultaneously. + +Lord Hastings uttered an exclamation of astonishment. + +"Of all the remarkable things I ever saw!" he ejaculated. + +Frank and Jack were equally astonished; and the reason was this: both +torpedoes had gone true and the periscope of each vessel fell away. + +"There'll be no more diving," said Lord Hastings quietly. + +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. + +This time her aim had been true and the torpedo grazed the top of the +conning tower. _The Vulture_ also ducked, but came up again. + +"It all depends upon who gets in the first square shot," said Lord +Hastings, and at that moment the square shot struck. + +_The Vulture_, 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. + +"It's all over," said Lord Hastings quietly. "Now it is time for us to +put an end to that troublesome craft." + +He led the way below and gave the order to submerge. + +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. _The Vulture_ headed toward the U-6. + +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. + +Lord Hastings gave an exclamation of dismay. + +"We'll have to fight it out on the surface," he said quietly. + +Now the U-6 launched her first torpedo and missed. A missile from _The +Vulture_ struck close to port. Again the U-6 missed and swerved just in +time to escape another torpedo from the enemy. + +Then suddenly Lord Hastings gave the command to submerge. + +The command was obeyed quickly and he explained to the lads. + +"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." + +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. + +"What's the matter?" demanded Lord Hastings quickly. + +"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." + +"All right," said Lord Hastings. "Then we shall remain stationary until +Simpson reports O.K." + +Fifteen minutes later Simpson completed his work and again Lord Hastings +gave the signal to rise. Slowly the U-6 moved upward. + +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. + +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. + +To leeward, not half a dozen rods away, lay _The Vulture_ almost upon +her side. Half a dozen men were floating in the water and one still +clung to the tilting vessel. + +Frank uttered an exclamation of astonishment. + +"So that's what was wrong," he ejaculated. "We came up directly beneath +her, sir." + +Lord Hastings nodded. + +"And it seems to me we did a pretty good job," he declared. "Now----" + +The appearance of one of the crew on deck cut short his sentence. The +man approached and saluted. + +"Well, sir?" questioned Lord Hastings. + +"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." + +Lord Hastings looked at the man in dismay for the space of several +moments. Then he said quietly: + +"All right, Jackson. Get out the boats and order the men on deck." + +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. + +"Rifles and revolvers for each man," ordered Lord Hastings. + +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 _The Vulture_. + +To their surprise _The Vulture_ was not settling as fast as was the U-6 +and several figures could still be seen struggling about on board. + +"They are launching the boats, sir," said Frank. + +"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. + +"Feels pretty good, sir," was the reply. "Why?" + +"And your head, Frank?" demanded Lord Hastings, paying no heed to Jack's +question. + +"First rate, sir, doesn't hurt a bit." + +"All right. Rifles ready, men. We'll swoop down on those fellows before +they are prepared to hold us off." + +But already they had delayed too long to surround the pirates without a +fight. _The Vulture's_ boats were afloat now and were manned by the +crew; and from the distance the British could see they were all armed. + +Lord Hastings gave his commands quickly. + +"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. + +Frank did so quickly. + +"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." + +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. + +"Hurt much, Price?" asked Lord Hastings. + +"Not much, sir," was the quiet response. "May interfere with my shooting +a little though, sir." + +"Fire when ready," Lord Hastings commanded his men. + +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. + +"One less," Lord Hastings muttered to himself. + +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. + +The forces were about evenly divided, three boats to a side, but it +appeared that in men the pirates slightly outnumbered the British. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +But there was no report. The chamber of the weapon was empty. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX. + +THE END OF A TRAITOR. + + +Frank smiled grimly to himself as he floated in the water. + +"No more bullets, eh?" he muttered. + +He struck out vigorously, but instead of making for the nearest British +boat, he swam directly toward the craft in which Davis remained +standing. + +"I'll get you this time, Mr. Davis," the lad muttered through his teeth. + +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. + +Now fear suddenly took possession of Davis. He dropped to the thwart, +seized a pair of oars and began to row. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +Immediately he felt the hold upon his legs relax and a hand seized him +by the throat. + +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. + +But the grasp on his throat was strangling him and the lad realized that +desperate measures were necessary to free himself. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +This sound brought a second figure to his side and Frank felt a hand +upon his head as a well-known voice said: + +"How do you feel, old man?" + +Frank recognized the voice instantly. The speaker was Jack. Things came +back to Frank immediately and with an effort he sat up. + +"How did I get here?" he demanded. "The last I seem to remember is +tipping Davis out of a boat. Then what happened?" + +"Then you don't remember a struggle beneath the water?" asked Jack. + +Frank racked his brain and a moment later it came back to him. + +"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." + +"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." + +"And where are we now?" asked Frank. + +"In one of the small boats, making for shore." + +"What shore?" + +"Any shore. Belgium, most likely. But a storm Is brewing and----" + +A sudden shout interrupted him. + +"Vessel approaching off the port bow, sir!" came the cry. + +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. + +"Safe now, I guess, sir," he called. + +"Unless it happens to be a German," returned his commander. + +"Hardly, in this part of the sea," declared Jack. + +The heads of the small boats were turned and they made directly for the +approaching vessel, which loomed larger and larger in the distance. + +Jack returned to Frank's side. + +"Ship, eh?" asked Frank feebly. + +"Yes," replied Jack. + +"British?" + +"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." + +"Don't mind me. Say, how many men did we lose?" + +"Ten," said Jack slowly. + +"Ten," repeated Frank. "It was a costly battle, wasn't it? But what has +happened to----" + +"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." + +"But wasn't that Lord Hastings' voice I heard just now?" + +"Yes, it was." + +"By George! I'm glad he came through safely," declared Frank feebly. + +"All right. You try and go to sleep now." + +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. + +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. + +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. + +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. + +"I must also congratulate your second officer when he has recovered," he +said. + +"But tell me, captain," said Lord Hastings. "Where are you bound?" + +"London," was the reply. + +"So? But you were headed in the other direction." + +"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." + +"That is indeed fortunate for us," declared Lord Hastings. "We shall all +be glad to get back to London." + +"And you shall be there shortly, unless we are unfortunate enough to +encounter one of these under-sea murderers," replied the captain. + +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. + +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: + +"How do you feel now, old man?" + +"Better," returned Frank briefly; "and by the way, how's that injured +arm of yours?" + +"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." + +"Say," said Frank, "I've got something on my mind that I want to ask you +and I can't think what it is." + +"Don't worry about it now, old man," said Jack. "Get a little more rest +and then it will come to you." + +Frank chafed as he struggled with his thoughts. + +"No use," he said. "I can't think of it." + +"Well, you go to sleep," said Jack. "I'll come back after a while." + +He turned and moved toward the door; and as he would have passed out, +Frank hailed him. + +"Hold on there!" he called. "I've got it." + +"Got what?" demanded Jack. + +"The question I want to ask you." + +"Well, let's have it." + +"What happened to Davis?" + +"Dead," said Jack quietly. "You proved the better man." + +He turned and left the room while Frank lay still, thinking. + +And so we shall leave them for a brief time. Their further adventures +will be found in a succeeding volume, entitled: + +"THE BOY ALLIES IN THE BALTIC; or, Through the Ice to Aid the Czar." + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY ALLIES UNDER THE SEA*** + + +******* This file should be named 14711.txt or 14711.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/4/7/1/14711 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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