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Diffstat (limited to '23036-h')
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diff --git a/23036-h/23036-h.htm b/23036-h/23036-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..53ed4ee --- /dev/null +++ b/23036-h/23036-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,9848 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Dave Darrin After The Mine Layers, by H. Irving Hancock. + </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 {text-align: center; width: 50%;} + html>body hr {margin-right: 25%; margin-left: 25%; width: 50%;} + hr.full {width: 100%;} + html>body hr.full {margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 0%; width: 100%;} + hr.short {text-align: center; width: 20%;} + html>body hr.short {margin-right: 40%; margin-left: 40%; width: 20%;} + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 60%;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + /* kludge to get around brain dead IE not understanding CSS */ + div.centered {text-align: center;} + div.centered table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;} + img {border: none;} + .ctr {text-align: center;} + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + 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; margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%;} + .boxtext {margin-left: 4%; margin-right: 4%;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .right {text-align: right;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + ins.err {border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: thin; text-decoration: none;} + .tnote {border: dashed 1px; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's Dave Darrin After The Mine Layers, by H. Irving Hancock + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Dave Darrin After The Mine Layers + +Author: H. Irving Hancock + +Release Date: October 14, 2007 [EBook #23036] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DAVE DARRIN AFTER THE MINE LAYERS *** + + + + +Produced by Suzanne Lybarger, Brian Janes and the booksmiths +at http://www.eBookForge.net + + + + + + +</pre> + +<p class="figcenter"><a href="./images/cover.jpg"><img src="./images/cover_th.jpg" alt="Cover" title="Cover" /></a></p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i"></a>[<a href="./images/i.png">i</a>]</span></p> + +<h1>Dave Darrin<br /> +After The Mine Layers</h1> +<h5>OR</h5> +<h2>Hitting the Enemy a Hard<br /> +Naval Blow</h2> +<p> </p> +<h5>By</h5> + +<h2>H. IRVING HANCOCK</h2> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h4>Author of "Dave Darrin at Vera Cruz," "Dave Darrin on<br /> +Mediterranean Service," "Dave Darrin's South American<br /> +Cruise," "Dave Darrin on the Asiatic<br /> +Station," "Dave Darrin and the<br /> +German Submarines,"<br /> +etc., etc.</h4> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h3>Illustrated</h3> + +<h3>P H I L A D E L P H I A<br /> +HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY</h3> +<hr /> +<p> </p> +<p class="figcenter"><a href="./images/front.jpg"><img src="./images/front_th.jpg" alt=""Unbolt the door!"" title=""Unbolt the door!"" /></a></p> +<p class="figcenter">"Unbolt the door!"    <i>Frontispiece</i></p> +<p> </p> +<hr /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii"></a>[<a href="./images/ii.png">ii</a>]</span></p> + +<h3><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1919, by<br /> +Howard E. Altemus</span></h3> +<hr class="full" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5"></a>[<a href="./images/5.png">5</a>]</span></p> + +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + +<div class='centered'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Table of Contents"> + +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">Chapter I</a>—Weighing Anchor for the Great Cruise</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'>     </td><td align='left'>Dan is a business man. Sea orders in a jiffy. Anchors +a-weigh. The mine-sweepers at work. In the torpedo's +path. The Hun that slipped away. An indignant +neutral skipper. "You vill do vat ve you tell—yes!"</td><td align='left'> </td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">Chapter II</a>—"The Accursed Power of Gold!"</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_30">30</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'>     </td><td align='left'>Dave dares Fate. A new "boss." Secret of the after-hold. +Dave is disgusted. "Vat? Can't proof it you?" +Sweeping for more evidence. The prize crew. The +vanishing periscope.</td><td align='left'> </td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">Chapter III</a>—A Fight of the Good Old Kind</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_41">41</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'>     </td><td align='left'>A fair hit. Distant firing. A real sea fight. The +"Grigsby" turns tail. "Circle!" At deadly close +quarters. Dan Dalzell scores. A stern chase. With +the wounded.</td><td align='left'> </td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">Chapter IV</a>—What a Floating Mine Did</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_55">55</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'>     </td><td align='left'>The liner in trouble. The flash of a mine. True to his +trust. Seaman Streeter is busy. A deaf jacky. Not +present or accounted for. Rescue work. Dan protests. +Dave sets the pace. Out for sterner work.</td><td align='left'> </td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">Chapter V</a>—Eyes That Looked Down from the Air</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_63">63</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'>     </td><td align='left'>Why the flash was seen. The "blimp" sighted. A +question out of the air. New help. The sea hornet.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6"></a>[<a href="./images/6.png">6</a>]</span> +A narrow squeak. "Laid an egg in your path." Blimp +and limp. Seaman Hedgeby enjoys himself. "British +hot air," and Dave gets a pal's share indeed. The story +of a capture. In deadly peril.</td><td align='left'> </td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">Chapter VI</a>—In the Teeth of the Channel Gale</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_78">78</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'>     </td><td align='left'>Dave turns real helper. "I thought we were goners!" +Making the grapple again. The day's work of a mine-sweeper. +In a boiling sea. Life lines up. "Commanding +officer overboard!"</td><td align='left'> </td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">Chapter VII</a>—In the Hour of Despair</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_84">84</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'>     </td><td align='left'>The vanishing destroyer. Hope, then despair. The +meeting of searchlights. Fighting pluck. The rope +from somewhere. Looped! "Ugh!" The big sleep. +The "Rigsdak." A cowboy Dane.</td><td align='left'> </td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">Chapter VIII</a>—Dave Meets the Fate of the Sea</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_95">95</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'>     </td><td align='left'>From the pages of the Arabian Nights. Mr. and Mrs. +Launce. The shattering jar. To the boats! No enemy +in sight. The gray tower. The hail and a bad time of +it. Dave stands revealed. A German prisoner at last!</td><td align='left'> </td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">Chapter IX</a>—Threats to a Prisoner</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_103">103</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'>     </td><td align='left'>What the Danes "got." The chorus of terror. The +ober-lieutenant talks. The inquisition. Talk of courtesy. +Dave turns stiff. "Where have I heard that +name before?" "Things will go badly with you when +you arrive in Germany!"</td><td align='left'> </td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">Chapter X</a>—Like the French and English</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_109">109</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'>     </td><td align='left'>Captain Kennor is polite. A look-in at the periscope. +"Yankee meat." Dave is tricky. Shots and a threatened +ramming. "You idiot!" Dave plays for his own +finish.</td><td align='left'> </td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7"></a>[<a href="./images/7.png">7</a>]</span><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">Chapter XI</a>—A Victim of Courtesy</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_115">115</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'>     </td><td align='left'>What of the woman? Mrs. Launce speaks for herself. +The game of cross-bluff. An invitation bluntly refused. +The turn of the prisoners. On the surface. "You are +eager for death." The mystery of the Launces. "You +are the Countess of Denby!" "Save your denials for +use before a German court." Dave invited on deck. +"You are a good boaster." Something to interest him.</td><td align='left'> </td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">Chapter XII</a>—German Brutality at Its Worst</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_126">126</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'>     </td><td align='left'>Radio direct to Germany. Could any woman love this +fellow? Dave expresses thanks to the enemy. "My +card." The same as confession. "A pleasant evening +for four!" The wild brutes of the sea.</td><td align='left'> </td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">Chapter XIII</a>—Facing the Planned Death</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_135">135</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'>     </td><td align='left'>The dropping platform. Adrift! Captain Kennor, sea +scout. A splendid inspiration. A bully for safety. +The tantalizing craft. A glow-worm of the waves. +And then—! Like a dream. A bad report.</td><td align='left'> </td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">Chapter XIV</a>—Dave Pledges His Word for Results</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_146">146</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'>     </td><td align='left'>Just hospital. A treat for Dave's eyes. Days of bliss. +"You little patriot!" Back to duty. "The Germans +are beating us." The council of war. Dave's campaign +map. Planning the Big Hunt. Something new—results.</td><td align='left'> </td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">Chapter XV</a>—Darrin Suspects the German Plan</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_155">155</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'>     </td><td align='left'>Sweeping as a fine art. Nosing out the unseen. The +"Grigsby" nearly blown out of the water. A wild +Yankee cheer. Touching off a nest of "sea eggs." The +job of the divers. The double find. Guessing the mine-layers' +trick. The "Reed" starts something.</td><td align='left'> </td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8"></a>[<a href="./images/8.png">8</a>]</span><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">Chapter XVI</a>—Hitting Close to the Salt Trail</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_164">164</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'>     </td><td align='left'>The non-fighting Huns. A tame capture. Not so +tame! What the search showed. "Spot the stupid +ones." Questioning Herr Dull-wit. The trap that +worked. German bad language.</td><td align='left'> </td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">Chapter XVII</a>—Trying Out the Big, New Plan</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_173">173</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'>     </td><td align='left'>The admiral approves. Off for the real thing. Stirring +up a tidal wave. Knowing how to get the thrills out +of life. Trying to run up the score. The traveller in +the haze. A ship of mystery and shots.</td><td align='left'> </td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">Chapter XVIII</a>—Striking a Real Surprise</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_183">183</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'>     </td><td align='left'>"Leave the steamship to me." The shot across the +bow. A shooting game for two. "You're dealing +with the United States Navy!" Darrin proves himself. +Irons for three. The summons that worked. A +tough lot to handle. Juno of the Cabin. A deadly +one, too.</td><td align='left'> </td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">Chapter XIX</a>—The Good Work Goes on</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_192">192</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'>     </td><td align='left'>Dave takes a chance. So does Juno. The all-right +cargo. Who can the woman be? Dalzell has a fine +report. Story of the sub-hold. Mother and daughter +no longer mysteries. "The best in a six-month!"</td><td align='left'> </td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">Chapter XX</a>—Darrin Turns the Tables</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_204">204</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'>     </td><td align='left'>Weather the ship master dreads. "Look at that!" +Getting the drop on Fritz. Old acquaintances. Dave +is angry. The German whine. Not man enough to +play the game. "Why do you hate us Germans +so?" Ever at Fate's orders.</td><td align='left'> </td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">Chapter XXI</a>—On a Mission of Great Trust</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_215">215</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'>     </td><td align='left'>The sport of kings. "Don't shoot!" begs Danny Grin. +The dull wait and the sharp dash. Out to meet the +hospital ship. "One of the passengers is Mrs. Darrin." +"A special interest."</td><td align='left'> </td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9"></a>[<a href="./images/9.png">9</a>]</span><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">Chapter XXII</a>—The Red Cross Tragedy</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_222">222</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'>     </td><td align='left'>The Navy and family matters. Under treble lookout. +Sighted. Big pay for a periscope. A wail of anguish. +The race of rescue. S. O. S. The sight of Belle. +Crowded decks. Two compartments smashed in. +<ins class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: original reads ''">"</ins>No use, sir."</td><td align='left'> </td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">Chapter XXIII</a>—A Noble Fight without Weapons</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_230">230</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left'>     </td><td align='left'>Marine patchwork. Not enough rescue to go around. +"Those Red Cross women ought to be saved." But +they decline. Dave approves. An answer to S. O. S. +The fight to survive. The nurses admit defeat. The +lurking peril.</td><td align='left'> </td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">Chapter XXIV</a>—Conclusion</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_244">244</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class="smcap"><a href="#HENRY_ALTEMUS_COMPANYS">Henry Altemus Company's Best and Least Expensive Books for Boys and Girls</a></span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_253">253</a></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10"></a>[<a href="./images/10.png">10</a>]</span></p> +<p> </p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11"></a>[<a href="./images/11.png">11</a>]</span></p> +<hr class="full" /> +<h1>DAVE DARRIN</h1> + +<h1>AFTER THE MINE LAYERS</h1> +<p> </p> + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I</h2> + +<h4>WEIGHING ANCHOR FOR THE GREAT CRUISE</h4> + + +<p>"<span class="smcap">It</span> sounds like the greatest cruise ever!" declared +Danny Grin, enthusiastically, as he +rose and began to pace the narrow limits of +the chart-room of the destroyer commanded by +his chum, Lieutenant-Commander Dave Darrin.</p> + +<p>"It is undoubtedly the most dangerous work +we've ever undertaken," Darrin observed +thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"All the better!" answered Dan lightly.</p> + +<p>"In our drive against the submarines off the +Irish coast," Dave continued, "we met perils +enough to satisfy the average salt water man. +But this——"</p> + +<p>"Is going to prove the very essence and joy +of real fighting work at sea!" Dan interposed.</p> + +<p>"Oh, you old fire-eater!" laughed Darrin.</p> + +<p>"Not a bit of a fire-eater," declared Dalzell with +dignity. "I'm a business man, Davy. Our business, +just now, is to win the war by killing Germans, +and I've embarked upon that career with +all the enthusiasm that goes with it. That's all."</p> + +<p>"And quite enough," Darrin added, soberly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12"></a>[<a href="./images/12.png">12</a>]</span> +"I agree with you that it's our business to kill +Germans, yet I could wish that the Germans +themselves were in better business, for then we +wouldn't have to do any killing."</p> + +<p>"You talk almost like a pacifist," snorted Dan +Dalzell.</p> + +<p>"After this war has been won by our side, but +not before, I hope to find it possible to be a +pacifist for at least a few years," smiled Darrin, +rising from his seat at the chart table.</p> + +<p>Dan stood looking out through the starboard +porthole. His glance roved over other craft of +war tugging at their anchors in the goodly harbor +of a port on the coast of England. As the destroyer +swung lazily at her moorings the little +port town came into view. On all sides were +signs of war. Forts upreared their grim walls. +Earthen redoubts screened guns that alert artillerymen +could bring into play at a moment's notice. +Overhead, dirigibles floated and airplanes +buzzed dinfully to and fro.</p> + +<p>Readers of the preceding volume in this series +know how Dave Darrin came to be ordered to +the command of the brand-new, big and up-to-the-minute +destroyer, "Asa Grigsby," while Dan +Dalzell, reaching the grade of lieutenant-commander, +had been ordered to the command of the +twin destroyer, "Joseph Reed."</p> + +<p>At the door there sounded a knock so insistent<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13"></a>[<a href="./images/13.png">13</a>]</span> +that Darrin knew instantly that it was a summons. +Springing from his chair, reaching for his +uniform cap and setting it squarely on his head, +he drew the curtains aside.</p> + +<p>"Special signal for the 'Grigsby,' sir, from the +flagship," reported an orderly.</p> + +<p>Returning the young seaman's salute, Dave, +with Dalzell close at his heels, darted up the +steps to the bridge.</p> + +<p>"Signal 'Ready to receive,'" was Darrin's command +to his signalman, who stood waiting, signal +flags in hand.</p> + +<p>Rapidly the two flags moved, then paused. +Dave's eyes, like Dan's, were turned toward the +United States battleship that had lately acted as +flagship for the destroyers and other small +Yankee craft assembled in this port.</p> + +<p>Brief indeed were the motions of the signalman +on the bridge of the battleship, but the signal, +translated, read:</p> + +<p>"Proceed to sea in an hour, under instructions +already received by you. Am proceeding to new +station. Report to British admiral, this port, +hereafter. No additions to these orders."</p> + +<p>Instantly Darrin ordered the signal wigwagged +back:</p> + +<p>"Understood."</p> + +<p>Immediately following this the flagship signalled +the "Reed," Dan's ship, giving the same<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14"></a>[<a href="./images/14.png">14</a>]</span> +order, which Dan's executive officer, from the +bridge of the other destroyer, acknowledged.</p> + +<p>"Now, Darry, if you'll have your man signal +for my gig," Dan urged, in a low voice, "I'll return +to my ship. You and I are to cruise in company, +as far as it may be done, and you are ranking +officer. I am to part company from you only +on your order."</p> + +<p>"That is the admiral's order," Darrin acquiesced.</p> + +<p>"Good-bye, old chap!" said Dan, with more +than his wonted fervor, gripping his brother officer's +hand. "And may we have the best of luck!"</p> + +<p>"The best of a 'business' kind," smiled Dave.</p> + +<p>"That's it!" laughed Dan, as he started down +the steps. "I'm hoping for 'big business' this +time!"</p> + +<p>Dalzell had used the word "gig" in a figurative +sense. It was a power launch that put smartly +away from the "Reed" and was speedily alongside. +Dan waved his hand to his chum, who was +leaning over the bridge rail.</p> + +<p>Dave did not return to the chart-room. He +received the report of his chief engineer at the +bridge telephone, then gazed musingly out over +the crowded waters of the port. It was a busy +scene, bristling with war activities.</p> + +<p>Having compared his watch with the clock on +the bridge, Dave glanced frequently at that time-<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15"></a>[<a href="./images/15.png">15</a>]</span>keeper. +Five minutes before the hour was up he +gave a quiet order to the watch officer, who telephoned +to the engine-room and then issued brisk +deck orders. At this time Lieutenant Fernald, +executive officer, joined the group on the bridge, +as did also the navigation officer.</p> + +<p>Promptly to the minute the "Grigsby," anchor +up, turned and steamed slowly out of the harbor. +As she passed, none of the other craft made +signals. As though unnoticed Dave's ship +slipped out of port, the "Reed" following.</p> + +<p>Then out upon the Channel the two destroyers +moved, into the lane now followed by all craft +that sailed between England and the continent.</p> + +<p>"All clear hereabouts," signalled the master of +a small mine-sweeping craft, meaning that the +destroyers, while in that immediate vicinity, +might feel secure against the hidden mines with +which the enemy were wont to strew these waters.</p> + +<p>"A few miles from here," Dave murmured to +Fernald, "we shall have to look after our own security. +It is going to be lively work."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir?" Fernald inquired, with a rising inflection, +for he did not know the purpose of this +cruise.</p> + +<p>Turning to make sure that the signalman could +not overhear, Darrin went on, in a lower voice:</p> + +<p>"Our orders take us out to wage war against +the German mine-layers!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16"></a>[<a href="./images/16.png">16</a>]</span> +"A great work, sir!" replied the executive officer +with enthusiasm. "There is sure to be plenty +of sport. Then the enemy mine-layers have been +working more industriously of late?"</p> + +<p>"The waters to the north are more thickly +strewn with mines than at any time previously," +Dave continued. "Six British mine-sweeping +craft have been sent north to do all they can to +remove those hidden perils from the paths of +transports and freighters. Our first mission is to +protect the mine-sweepers as far as possible, but +we are also to keep a sharp lookout for German +submarines; and especially submarines of the +mine-laying kind."</p> + +<p>"I understand, sir," Fernald nodded. The tone +of enthusiasm had faded from his voice. Now he +displayed only the grave interest of the professional +sea-fighter.</p> + +<p>"All officers and men will have to work twice +as hard as usual," Darrin went on. "There will +be some chance to sleep, but no other leisure. +Meals will be taken in the least possible time. +Our entire crew must be at all times ready for +instant response to the call to quarters."</p> + +<p>"That will not be hard in such times, sir," +answered Fernald. "All officers and men laid in +a good supply of sleep while in port. A few +added waking hours in each day won't hurt any +of us."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17"></a>[<a href="./images/17.png">17</a>]</span> +"Direct all officers to see that they and their +men are fully awake and alert at all times when +they are on duty," continued Dave. "Otherwise, +we are not likely to make port again. Dalzell and +I have been intrusted with keeping down the +mine-laying peril as close to zero as possible."</p> + +<p>"Very good, sir," replied Lieutenant Fernald. +That capable executive officer had nothing more +to say at present, for his quick mind was already +devising methods for keeping the crew unusually +alert.</p> + +<p>An hour and a half after sailing night had settled +down. The English shore was but a vague, +distant line. A short, choppy sea was running. +In the sky was a new moon that would set early.</p> + +<p>The watch had changed, but Dave and his executive +officer remained on the bridge. Down in +the wardroom such officers as were off duty were +stowing away food in record time.</p> + +<p>Half a mile off to the west steamed the "Reed." +Suddenly the lookouts on both craft reported a +vessel ahead. Orders quietly given sent the men +to gun stations. All eyes were turned on the +approaching craft. Then her identification signal +shone forth in the night. The stranger was a +British scout cruiser racing back to port from +some errand.</p> + +<p>In almost the same instant Dave and Dan +displayed recognition signals, yet the two Yankee<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18"></a>[<a href="./images/18.png">18</a>]</span> +craft closely watched the stranger until she +moved between them, when she was fully recognized +as one of John Bull's friendly sea-racers.</p> + +<p>"Any enemy signs?" Dave signalled.</p> + +<p>"No," came the answer.</p> + +<p>Soon the British scout cruiser had passed on +into the night and vanished, but the Yankee +lookouts kept vigil even more zealously than +before.</p> + +<p>Half an hour later an English patrol boat, after +exchange of signals, passed near by on Dave's port +side. Twenty minutes after that two British +mine-sweepers were found at work combing the +seas with their wire sweepers. If those wires +should touch a hidden mine it would be quickly +known to the seamen who operated the mine-detecting +device, and the mine would be hauled +up and taken aboard the mine-sweeping craft, +provided it did not explode in the meantime.</p> + +<p>As these two mine-sweepers were under Darrin's +command, at need, he steamed near one of the +pair, and, ordering a navy launch over the side, +went to visit one of the Britons.</p> + +<p>"There's not very much in the way of catches +to-night, sir," reported the commander of the +sweeper, a ruddy-faced, square-shouldered young +Englishman in his twenties, who had been watch +officer on a steamship at the outbreak of the war. +"Sometimes the fishing is much better."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19"></a>[<a href="./images/19.png">19</a>]</span> +"This is the area in which we have been ordered +to make a strict search," Dave observed.</p> + +<p>"I know, sir. But, according to my experience, +we may search for hours and find nothing at all, +and then, of a sudden, run into a mine field and +take up a score of the pests."</p> + +<p>"What is your present course?"</p> + +<p>The commander of the mine-sweeper named it, +adding the distance he had been ordered to go.</p> + +<p>"And the other sweeper sticks near by you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. In that way there's a much better +chance of one of us striking a regular mine field. +Then again, sir, if one of us gets into trouble, as +sometimes happens, the other craft can stand by +promptly."</p> + +<p>"What is the most common trouble?"</p> + +<p>"First," explained the Englishman, "being torpedoed +by a submarine; second, touching off a +mine by bad handling; third, being sunk by some +raiding German destroyer."</p> + +<p>"Then you often hit mines?"</p> + +<p>"Since the war began, sir," replied the young +Englishman, "we've lost—" He named the +number of mine-sweepers that had disappeared +without leaving a trace, and the number that were +definitely known to have been torpedoed or to +have hit floating mines.</p> + +<p>"As you see, sir," the Englishman went on, +"it's no simple thing that we have to do. I lay<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20"></a>[<a href="./images/20.png">20</a>]</span> +it to sheer luck that I've escaped so long, but my +turn may come at any moment. I've lost a number +of friends in this same branch of the service, +sir."</p> + +<p>"Then you would call mine-sweeping the most +dangerous kind of naval service performed to-day?" +Dave suggested.</p> + +<p>"I don't know that I'd say that, sir, but it's +dangerous enough."</p> + +<p>Many more pointers did Darrin pick up from +this young officer of long experience in mine-hunting.</p> + +<p>"I'm going farther north," said Dave. "If you +run into anything and need help, send up rocket +signals and we'll steam back to you at top +speed."</p> + +<p>Before ten o'clock that night Darrin had encountered +and spoken with or signalled to the +commanders of not less than a dozen mine-sweeping +craft. What struck Dave as the most +prominent feature of these small, unpretentious +craft was the slow, systematic way in which they +performed their duty.</p> + +<p>"It's a wonderful work," Dave explained to +Fernald. "If it were not for these dingy, stub-nosed +little craft, and the fine spirit of their crews, +hundreds of steamships would probably be blown +up in these waters in a month. The Hun sneaks +through these waters, laying mines, mostly from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21"></a>[<a href="./images/21.png">21</a>]</span> +submarines built for the purpose, and these +patient mine-sweeper commanders go along after +them, removing most of the mines from the paths +of navigation.<ins class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: added missing quotation mark">"</ins></p> + +<p>Having cruised as far north as his instructions +directed him to do, Darrin ordered the "Grigsby" +and the "Reed" to turn about and nose their way +back under bare headway.</p> + +<p>Every mine-sweeper carried a radio outfit for +sending messages. Each craft was also supplied +with the mast-head "blinkers" for flashing night +signals. When the craft signalled to, however, +was near enough, colored lights operated from the +deck were used instead, that the messages might +not be sent far enough into the night to be picked +up by skulking enemy craft.</p> + +<p>"It looks like a night of tame sport, sir," said +Fernald, just before he went below for a nap.</p> + +<p>"It has been quiet so far," Darrin agreed. "But +the most striking thing in naval service is that +whatever starts comes without warning. We +might have a whole week as quiet as to-night +has been, and then run into twenty-four hours +of work that would give both of us gray hair."</p> + +<p>An hour after Fernald went below Dave had a +steamer chair brought to the bridge, also a rug. +The chair was placed where a canvas wind-shield +would protect the sitter from the keen edge of +the wind.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22"></a>[<a href="./images/22.png">22</a>]</span> +"I'm going to doze right here, Mr. Ormsby," +Dave explained to the ensign who was on bridge +watch. "I'm to be called the instant anything +turns up."</p> + +<p>Accustomed to such sleeps Darrin had barely +closed his eyes when he was off in the Land o' +Nod. Some time afterwards the sharp orders of +Ensign Andrews, new officer of the bridge watch, +caused Darrin to open his eyes, cast aside the rug +and spring to his feet all in the same instant.</p> + +<p>"Torpedo coming on our starboard bow, sir," +reported Mr. Andrews, turning and finding his +chief at his post.</p> + +<p>At that instant the "Grigsby" gave a sharp +turn to port and sprang ahead under quickened +speed.</p> + +<p>Bump! Swift as the discovery had been made, +quickly as the saving orders had been given, the +oncoming torpedo bumped the hull of the "Grigsby" +with a crash audible to those within a hundred +feet of the point of impact. But it did not +strike full on, the contact being only glancing, like +that of a boat going alongside a landing stage. +The watchers from the bridge saw the torpedo's +wake as the deflected projectile continued on its +harmless way.</p> + +<p>"We couldn't have had a much narrower +squeak than that!" Dave ejaculated. "Andrews, +I congratulate you."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23"></a>[<a href="./images/23.png">23</a>]</span> +"I'm naturally interested in saving the ship, +sir, and my own skin as well," replied Ensign +Andrews with a grin.</p> + +<p>Dave, not having taken his eyes from the faint +streak on the water, called for highest speed and +a complete turn. Then, ordering the rays of the +searchlight to play over the water, Darrin sent +the "Grigsby" racing, bow-on, toward the spot +from which he judged the torpedo to have been +launched. In the meantime Dalzell's "Reed" +had turned her prow in the same general direction, +steaming slowly after the "Grigsby."</p> + +<p>"The Hun can't be located," Dave confessed, +a few minutes later. "That chap is like most of +the other Hun submarine commanders. He'll +launch a torpedo by stealth, but as soon as he +knows the destroyer is after him he hunts depth +and runs away."</p> + +<p>Dave's next order was to send a wireless message, +warning all mine-sweepers and other craft +that an enemy submarine had been discovered in +that location.</p> + +<p>Though no word had been passed for Lieutenant +Fernald, that executive officer, awakened by +the bump and the abrupt change in the destroyer's +course, hurried to the bridge.</p> + +<p>"Did you get a good rest, Fernald?" Dave +queried, half an hour later.</p> + +<p>"Fine, sir."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24"></a>[<a href="./images/24.png">24</a>]</span> +"Then I am going to the chart-room to rest +for a while. I got chilled dozing in that chair. +Set the bell going in the chart-room if I'm +wanted."</p> + +<p>Then Dave slept on, without call, for a few +hours, well knowing that Lieutenant Fernald +could well fill his place. The first signs of dawn +awakened Darrin. He sprang up, reaching for the +bridge telephone.</p> + +<p>"All secure, sir," reported Fernald, from the +bridge.</p> + +<p>Dave therefore delayed long enough to make +his toilet—a none too frequent luxury aboard a +destroyer in the danger zone. Then, fully refreshed +and ruddy, Darrin drew on his tunic and +over that his sheepskin coat. Placing his uniform +cap on his head he stepped out on deck before +the sun had begun to rise up above the sea.</p> + +<p>In the distance, in three different directions, as +many British mine-sweepers could be seen patiently +combing the seas for mines.</p> + +<p>"What number recovered?" Dave signalled.</p> + +<p>"Three," replied one craft. "Five," said another. +"One," came from the third sweeper.</p> + +<p>"Nine in all," Dave remarked to Fernald. +"We're in a mine field, then. We shall need to be +vigilant."</p> + +<p>The sun soon rose, strong and brilliant, only to +pass behind a bank of clouds and leave the air<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25"></a>[<a href="./images/25.png">25</a>]</span> +damp and chilly. An hour later a fog settled +over the English Channel, soon becoming so dense +that one could not see beyond about three hundred +yards.</p> + +<p>Dave went below to a hurried breakfast. Returning, +he sent Lieutenant Fernald to his meal +and rest.</p> + +<p>"I'll remain on the bridge all day, unless this +fog lifts," Darrin decided. He increased the number +of lookouts and ordered slow speed, so that +the long, narrow destroyer, capable of racing rapidly +over the waves, now merely crept along.</p> + +<p>When the watch was changed Dave barely returned +the salutes of the departing and oncoming +watch officers, for his whole attention was centered +on the sea. Half an hour after that he +started slightly, then stared hard.</p> + +<p>Off the starboard bow he thought he made out +something moving as slowly as the "Grigsby" +herself was proceeding.</p> + +<p>"Pick that up, Mr. Ormsby, and see if it's +anything more than a dream," ordered Dave, +pointing.</p> + +<p>Instantly the course of the destroyer was +changed several points to starboard and speed increased +a trifle.</p> + +<p>Through the haze there soon developed the outlines +of a steam craft, set low in the water, and of +not more than two thousand tons. She was not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26"></a>[<a href="./images/26.png">26</a>]</span> +a handsome craft, but, on the contrary, appeared +ghostlike as she stood only half-revealed through +the fog.</p> + +<p>Undoubtedly the stranger had a lookout up +forward, but no sign of one could be made out as +the "Grigsby" gained on her.</p> + +<p>Her markings indicated that she belonged to +one of the neutral countries to the northward. +The wet flag that she flew drooped so tightly +around the staff that nothing could be learned +from that bit of bunting.</p> + +<p>"One of the neutral traders," remarked Ensign +Ormsby.</p> + +<p>"She must give an account of herself," Dave +answered. "Whatever she is, or carries, she +doesn't look like a craft to be entrusted with a +valuable cargo."</p> + +<p>As the "Grigsby" ranged up alongside, an officer +stepped out from the stranger's wheelhouse +and came to the rail.</p> + +<p>"What craft is that?" Dave demanded.</p> + +<p>The skipper, if such he was, replied in broken +English, naming a neutral country, and adding +that the vessel was the "Olga," bound for an +English port with a cargo of wood pulp.</p> + +<p>"I knew she couldn't carry a costly cargo," +Dave muttered, then commanded, through a +megaphone:</p> + +<p>"Lie to and stand by to be inspected."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27"></a>[<a href="./images/27.png">27</a>]</span> +"Vat?" demanded the foreign skipper, in evident +amazement.</p> + +<p>Dave repeated the order.</p> + +<p>"But ve all right are," insisted the skipper, "vot +I told you iss our cargo."</p> + +<p>"Lie to, just the same," Dave commanded. +"We'll be aboard at once."</p> + +<p>That made the skipper angry, but he dared not +resist. The muzzles of two of the "Grigsby's" +three-inch guns were pointed straight at him +now, so the clumsy craft stopped and lay tossing +on the choppy sea.</p> + +<p>Ensign Burton and a boarding crew were told +off for one of the power launches. At the last +instant Dave decided to go with the party and +took his place in the launch. He was first aboard +the stranger when the launch had been made fast +alongside.</p> + +<p>It was now a younger officer who met him at +the rail.</p> + +<p>"Where is your skipper?" Darrin demanded.</p> + +<p>"He me has given der papers to you show," replied +the younger officer. "Come mit me to der +cabin, please."</p> + +<p>"I must see this craft's master, and at once," +Darrin insisted.</p> + +<p>"He here cannot be at dis minute," replied +the foreign mate. "To de cabin mit me come, +please."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28"></a>[<a href="./images/28.png">28</a>]</span> +"Your cargo is wood pulp, you say?" Dave continued.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Where is it?"</p> + +<p>"In our hold, already, sir," answered the mate.</p> + +<p>"Throw off that hatch," Dave directed, pointing. +"I am going to inspect your cargo."</p> + +<p>The hatch was promptly uncovered. Leaving +Burton and his men on deck, Dave descended +into the hold by a ladder, followed by the mate +and two of the "Olga's" seamen. A brief inspection +proved that the hold was well filled with a +cargo of wood pulp.</p> + +<p>"Now, you vill go to de after hold, please?" +asked the mate, as Darrin climbed up to the +deck.</p> + +<p>"Yes," Dave nodded, and went aft, followed by +four of his men, while Burton and the others remained +forward. Here in the after hold the same +kind of cargo was found. The "Olga" looked like +a straight enough craft, but there was something +in the manner of the mate that made Darrin +suspicious.</p> + +<p>Calling two of his seamen below Dave produced +a tape measure.</p> + +<p>"Get the distance from the hatchway to the +after end of this hold," he directed.</p> + +<p>Then, wheeling, he noted that the mate's face +had turned to a greenish color.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29"></a>[<a href="./images/29.png">29</a>]</span> +"What ails you, man?" Darrin demanded, +eyeing the fellow sharply.</p> + +<p>"N-n-nutten, sir," stammered the mate.</p> + +<p>One of the seamen reported the measurement +he had taken.</p> + +<p>"Now, go on deck and measure aft from the +hatchway," Dave commanded.</p> + +<p>The instant that Darrin was left alone with +the mate a pair of muscular arms encircled the +throat of the young American naval commander +from behind. In the same instant the mate sprang +at him. The two assailants, taking him so by +surprise, overcame Darrin with comparative ease. +In the same moment they backed him through a +small doorway opening into the hold forward.</p> + +<p>Down on his back Dave Darrin was thrown, the +skipper sitting on his chest, while the mate +swiftly drew the door to and securely bolted it. +In this stuffy apartment, lighted only by two +swinging lanterns, Darrin realized that he must +fight promptly if he expected to escape.</p> + +<p>A steel tube was pressed against one of Dave's +temples, while a hoarse, low voice proclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Say a vord, and you die shall!"</p> + +<p>It was the skipper who was holding a revolver +to Darrin's head, and the returning mate bent +over with an iron hatch bar in his right hand.</p> + +<p>"You do vill vat we tell you—yes!" insisted +the skipper, his breath coming fast.</p> + +<hr class="full" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30"></a>[<a href="./images/30.png">30</a>]</span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II</h2> + +<h4>"THE ACCURSED POWER OF GOLD!"</h4> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Dave</span> made no struggle.</p> + +<p>"You're a pair of fools!" he declared, +somewhat hoarsely, for the effects of the +severe choking were still present.</p> + +<p>"Fools, maybe," assented the skipper of the +"Olga." "But if ve must trouble have den you +die shall."</p> + +<p>"What do you want me to do?" Darrin demanded.</p> + +<p>"You send your men to your ship back," declared +the big fellow. "Den your ship it must +out of sight go yet. Ve shall sail back vonce. +If your ship, or any udder ship to stop us try, den +you die shall already—on deck, in sight your +friends of."</p> + +<p>"You big chump!" uttered Darrin.</p> + +<p>"Vy you call me dot?"</p> + +<p>"Because, no matter what you do or don't do +to me, you are going to be taken and punished. +Do you think my ship would sail without me?"</p> + +<p>"Maybe, sooner dan see you killed vonce," +glowered the skipper of the "Olga."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31"></a>[<a href="./images/31.png">31</a>]</span> +"You idiot, my subordinates, their suspicions +aroused, are bound to take this craft, no matter +what happens to me. They must do their duty +without consideration for my safety."</p> + +<p>"So?" uttered the skipper, looking at Dave +dully.</p> + +<p>"So!" Darrin assured him.</p> + +<p>"But den you die must vonce."</p> + +<p>"Go ahead and kill me," Darrin dared him.</p> + +<p>"But if you vill to reason yet listen—"</p> + +<p>"You're wasting time and breath," Darrin +assured him, coolly.</p> + +<p>Just then something happened. Darrin, using +a trick that he had learned on the wrestling mat +and had since perfected, threw both his arms +around the left arm of the "Olga's" skipper. Clasping +his hands and pressing his arms against the +skipper's left arm, Dave gave a great heave and +rolled to his own left. The trick depended upon +speed.</p> + +<p>The skipper crashed over on his head. The +revolver was discharged in the overturn, but the +bullet went wild.</p> + +<p>In the twinkling of an eye Dave had grabbed +the weapon, and leaped to his feet just in time to +dodge the hatch bar that the mate tried to smash +down on his head.</p> + +<p>"Back, unless you want yours right now!" Darrin +challenged. Swiftly he changed the revolver<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32"></a>[<a href="./images/32.png">32</a>]</span> +into his left hand as he still covered the pair. +Then he reached for his own automatic, throwing +off the safety device.</p> + +<p>"Now, you, Mr. Mate, slip around and unbolt +the door, throwing it open," Dave ordered. "Any +sign of a trick will end your life on the spot!"</p> + +<p>Seemingly cowed, the mate obeyed.</p> + +<p>"Open the door—throw it wide open," Dave +commanded.</p> + +<p>The door was thrust ajar just as the two seamen +with the tape reached the bottom of the ladder +coming from the deck. These two seamen +stared in astonishment at the stuffy apartment off +the after hold.</p> + +<p>"Men, take charge of these two rascals!" Darrin +commanded, briskly. "Step lively, both of +you!"—this last to skipper and mate, who +obeyed as though dazed.</p> + +<p>"Pass them up on deck as prisoners," ordered +Darrin, and this was done, the two seamen drawing +their revolvers and standing by the "Olga's" +discomfited officers.</p> + +<p>"Now, for your report," Darrin went on. One +of the sailors reported the deck-length from hatchway +to stern-post.</p> + +<p>"A difference of twenty-one feet," smiled Dave, +darkly, pointing aft in the hold. "You see, men, +there are a good many feet of length to be accounted +for, which means that there is another<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33"></a>[<a href="./images/33.png">33</a>]</span> +compartment aft of this hold. <ins class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: deleted superfluous quotation mark">You</ins>," turning +to one of the sailors, "go forward and request Ensign +Burton, with my compliments, to take +charge of this steamer. He will round up the +crew and place them under guard. Then the +ensign will leave a petty officer in charge of deck +and prisoners and report to me here."</p> + +<p>Within a very short time Mr. Burton had so +reported. Dave, in the meantime, having worked +his way over the cargo, had found a cleverly concealed +door at the after end of the hold.</p> + +<p>"There should be a key to this door, sir," said +Ensign Burton, "but if there is a key-hole we are +unable to find it. If this really be a door it must +be operated by a hidden spring."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps an axe will work as well as either key +or spring," Darrin suggested. "Pass the word for +one."</p> + +<p>The axe was brought by a heavily built seaman, +who prepared to swing it against the door +panelling.</p> + +<p>"Break away the boards as gently as possible," +continued Dave. "There may be an explosive +device on the other side of the panelling. For +that reason I'll stand by you, to take equal risk."</p> + +<p>"If there is any risk, I'd rather you wouldn't +take it, sir," urged the sailor.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, but I'll stand by. Swing the axe," +ordered Dave.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34"></a>[<a href="./images/34.png">34</a>]</span> +A few blows knocked in the panelling, revealing, +beyond, a room of considerable size. Into +this stepped the two officers, followed by the seamen +with them. Unlike any part of the ship they +had previously seen, this place was lighted by +electricity. Burton found the switch, and turning +it on, let in a flood of light.</p> + +<p>"Sir, did you ever!" gasped the ensign.</p> + +<p>The purpose of this room was all too plain. It +was fitted with compressors, leading to a tube +that left the ship under water. A small but powerful +crane was in place over a closed hatchway. +The latter, when opened, was found to lead down +into a second hold, also electrically lighted. The +two officers explored this second hold.</p> + +<p>"Mines were kept here," Dave nodded, "and +were hoisted above as needed. They were +dropped astern by means of a compressed air +apparatus which, when the mine tube was open, +kept the sea from entering. This ugly looking +little steamer, outwardly a wood pulp carrier, is +really a very capable mine-layer. She has been +busy, too, on this cruise to England, but had +sown all her mines before we overhauled her."</p> + +<p>"It's plain enough, sir," agreed Ensign Burton.</p> + +<p>"Confound this rascally skipper!" blazed Darrin, +wrathfully. "While naval craft have been +searching everywhere for submarine mine-layers, +this skipper has been sailing openly on the seas<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35"></a>[<a href="./images/35.png">35</a>]</span> +and sowing mines right under the eyes of our +allies! The accursed power of gold! This skipper, +his mate and crew have been selling their +very souls to the Hun for a bit of his miserable +money!"</p> + +<p>"They won't do it again, sir!" uttered Burton, +grimly.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Burton, you will remain aboard as prize +officer, and take the 'Olga' into the nearest British +port and turn her over to the British Admiralty +authorities. On receiving competent orders +you will rejoin."</p> + +<p>"Very good, sir."</p> + +<p>"And now we'll hurry above and try to get +hold of this ship's papers before any rascal has a +chance to destroy them."</p> + +<p>Boatswain's Mate Runkle had kept the officers +and crew of the "Olga" under such close guard +that they were unable to get at their papers, +which were quickly found by Darrin in the cabin +to which he had first been invited on boarding +the "Olga."</p> + +<p>Out on deck, herded forward, were master and +mate, seamen, engineers and stokers, a motley-looking +outfit of twenty-one men all told.</p> + +<p>"Bring that fellow here," Dave directed, +coming on deck after having examined the ship's +papers and then turning them over to Ensign +Burton.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36"></a>[<a href="./images/36.png">36</a>]</span> +The master, purple-faced and ugly-looking, his +eyes cast down, was brought before Darrin.</p> + +<p>"Well, sir," announced Dave Darrin, eyeing the +man grimly, "we have seen the cargo you have +on board, and we have been able to judge the +character of the cargo that you have dropped +overboard."</p> + +<p>The skipper started, but did not make any +reply in words.</p> + +<p>"How could you ever bring yourself to commit +such villainy?" Darrin demanded, sternly. "You +are not a German?"</p> + +<p>"No," assented the other, shifting his weight +from his right foot to his left.</p> + +<p>"You are a subject of a neutral country."</p> + +<p>"Dot is true," admitted the skipper.</p> + +<p>"And yet, for hire, you and your men have been +engaged in sowing mines, and have taken pay +from Germany for your crimes."</p> + +<p>"Mines? No! Ve do it not any. Ve never +any had," declared the skipper.</p> + +<p>"Tell that to an Admiralty court-martial," +Darrin retorted. "You will have difficulty in +clearing yourself. Fellow, you will find that +you and your men will be charged with piracy, +for you have been sowing death and destruction +in the seas. Indeed, there can be no estimating +how many ships you have already helped send to +the bottom, no guessing how many lives your in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37"></a>[<a href="./images/37.png">37</a>]</span>famous +work has cost. And you a neutral! +Piracy!"</p> + +<p>Skipper, mate and chief engineer turned pale +at this significant speech. The rest of the crew +looked on in stolid wonder, for they understood +no word of English.</p> + +<p>"Vat? You proof it can't!" quivered the +skipper.</p> + +<p>"Wait!"</p> + +<p>Dave gave Ensign Burton an order in an undertone. +The ensign hurried to the bridge and +almost immediately from the "Olga's" whistle a +series of sharp blasts struck out on the air.</p> + +<p>From the distance came an answering whistle. +The "Olga's" whistle sounded again, and continued +at minute intervals, until the outlines of +another craft came up out of the mist and proved +to be one of the mine-sweepers.</p> + +<p>Dave had already reasoned out the probable +course of the neutral country's freighter in the +last hour before he had overhauled it. As the +mine-sweeper slowly came abreast, Darrin, a megaphone +at his lips, shouted an order for the +course to be taken by his small helper, and added:</p> + +<p>"Sweep thoroughly, and try to find some mines +near by."</p> + +<p>"Aye, aye, sir."</p> + +<p>Within fifteen minutes a distant whistle came +up from the fog.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38"></a>[<a href="./images/38.png">38</a>]</span> +"They've picked up one mine," Darrin announced.</p> + +<p>Ten minutes later the sweeper's signal whistle +was repeated.</p> + +<p>"Two mines," he added, and the "Olga's" skipper +shivered slightly.</p> + +<p>Twenty minutes later came a whistle that was +barely heard.</p> + +<p>"Three mines," clicked Dave, and ordered the +recall sounded, to be by direction signals at minute +intervals.</p> + +<p>"You make dot noise too much den have us all +torpedoed yet," protested the "Olga's" skipper.</p> + +<p>"If that happens, we have a rescue craft near +at hand," retorted Darrin, meaning the "Grigsby," +though the destroyer was now hidden by the fog. +"That was more than you knew when you planted +mines to destroy vessels on the high seas."</p> + +<p>"I did noddings do," growled the skipper.</p> + +<p>In time the mine-sweeper came up into view, +again reporting that she had picked up three +mines by sweeping broadly over the course that +the "Olga" was believed to have taken. Then a +junior officer from the sweeper came aboard with +the measurements of the captured mines. These +dimensions were quickly found to correspond +with those of the planting device installed in the +secret compartment of the "Olga."</p> + +<p>"Which proves, or doesn't prove, that the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39"></a>[<a href="./images/39.png">39</a>]</span> +'Olga' sowed the mines," Dave declared. "That +remains for the court-martial to decide. But the +three mines just swept up will be interesting evidence +for the court to consider."</p> + +<p>Learning that the commander of the mine-sweeper +would be glad to furnish some members +for a prize crew, and to convoy the prize into +port, Dave decided to leave Ensign Burton aboard +with only three men from the "Grigsby," filling +out the prize crew with English sailors. This +was accordingly done. Dave's own ship was then +signalled and located by whistle, and the launch +started on its return.</p> + +<p>"Keep that captured crew under strict guard. +Don't give them any chance to recapture their +vessel!" was Dave's last warning to Ensign +Burton.</p> + +<p>The "Olga" quickly faded away in the fog +and then the "Grigsby" was picked up and +boarded.</p> + +<p>"Great work, sir, I'd call it!" declared Lieutenant +Fernald, when he heard the details of what +had taken place.</p> + +<p>"The scoundrel, to sail as a neutral, and do +such dirty work for the Huns for mere pay!" +uttered Dave, indignantly. "Fernald, do you +know that there were moments when I had to restrain +myself to keep from kicking that scoundrel +about his own deck?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40"></a>[<a href="./images/40.png">40</a>]</span> +"I can understand the temptation," nodded +the executive officer.</p> + +<p>"On second thought, though," Darrin continued, +"the skipper is certainly being much worse +punished by the suspense of mind in which his +present plight places him. He knows that, if +convicted, the finding of the court will be 'piracy,' +and he knows the punishment for that +crime."</p> + +<p>"It used to be hanging," nodded Fernald. "It +seems almost a pity that this war has introduced +the swifter and more merciful punishment of +death by shooting."</p> + +<p>"And as he looks around at his crew he knows +that they must face the same fate with him, and +he knows, too, that they know that he has brought +the penalty upon them."</p> + +<p>"But is it possible that the crew were ignorant, +or most of them ignorant, of what he was +doing in addition to really carrying wood pulp +cargoes?" asked Fernald.</p> + +<p>"That will be another question for the court-martial +to decide," Darrin answered. "It doesn't +seem possible that any member of the crew could +really be in ignorance of the mine-laying work."</p> + +<p>A long blast from either the invisible "Olga" +or the equally invisible mine-sweeper now announced +that the prize was proceeding on her +way. The "Grigsby" did not answer, for on a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41"></a>[<a href="./images/41.png">41</a>]</span> +sea infested by hidden enemies it was not wise +to use too many whistle signals.</p> + +<p>The "Grigsby" now returned to her course and +former speed, and again started on her way. +Barely ten minutes had passed when from a +bow lookout came the sharp hail:</p> + +<p>"'Ware submarine, dead ahead, sir!"</p> + +<p>Sharp eyes, indeed, that had made out the +presence of the enemy craft by sighting the slender, +almost pencil-like periscope that projected +some few feet above the water.</p> + +<p>At the instant it was discovered the periscope +sank down below the surface.</p> + + + +<hr class="full" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III</h2> + +<h4>A FIGHT OF THE GOOD OLD KIND</h4> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Full</span> speed ahead! Then ahead she leaped. +Ere the destroyer had gained full momentum +her bow struck something under the +water. Men were thrown from their feet by +force of the shock, and the destroyer lurched +heavily.</p> + +<p>"Hope we haven't torn our bottom out," muttered +Darrin as he joined the bow lookouts.</p> + +<p>On the water appeared a patch of oil which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42"></a>[<a href="./images/42.png">42</a>]</span> +rapidly broadened. A wooden stool and other +floating objects were visible.</p> + +<p>"That looks like a fair score," declared the +young lieutenant-commander, at which the on-looking +seamen grinned broadly.</p> + +<p>Over the spot the destroyer again steamed, +but nothing passing under her keel was noticed. +The sea was clear before her.</p> + +<p>It was hours later when Darrin received, in a +special code of the British Admiralty, word that +the "Olga" and her convoy had reached port, +and the "Olga's" officers and crew had been +turned over to the Admiralty officials.</p> + +<p>In the meantime Dan Dalzell and the "Reed," +as learned by occasional wireless messages, had +been separated at no time by more than two +miles, though neither craft was visible from the +other.</p> + +<p>Towards the end of the afternoon the fog began +to lift. By nightfall it had disappeared. The +stars came out and the crescent moon hung near +the western horizon. Both destroyers had again +turned north, the two craft having drawn in +within half a mile of each other.</p> + +<p>Dave, after a two-hour nap, went to the bridge +at about two bells—nine o'clock. He had been +there some ten minutes, chatting with Ensign +Ormsby in low tones, when of a sudden he broke +off, listening intently.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43"></a>[<a href="./images/43.png">43</a>]</span> +"Sounds like distant firing, sir, two points off +the port bow," hailed one of the bow lookouts.</p> + +<p>In a silence, broken only by the wash of the +waters and the jar of the engines, distant rumbling +sounds were again heard.</p> + +<p>"That's gun-fire," Dave declared. "Mr. Ormsby, +have the signals shown so that word may be +conveyed to the 'Reed' to keep with us at full +speed."</p> + +<p>In another moment both destroyers dashed forward +with a great roaring of machinery and +dense clouds of smoke trailing behind from the +four stacks of each.</p> + +<p>When some miles had been covered, with the +gun-fire sounding with much greater distinctness, +Darrin felt that he could judge the distance properly. +Turning on a screened light he consulted +the chart.</p> + +<p>"It's just about there," Darrin declared, placing +his finger on a spot on the map. "Ormsby, I believe +that enemy craft are bombarding the little +fishing village of Helston. It's an unfortified, +small port."</p> + +<p>"That's the kind the Huns would prefer," returned +the ensign, with a savage smile.</p> + +<p>"Ask the chief engineer if a bit more speed is +obtainable; then sound the bell in Mr. Fernald's +cabin."</p> + +<p>A knot an hour more was soon forced from the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44"></a>[<a href="./images/44.png">44</a>]</span> +"Grigsby's" engines, though at that racing gait +it would have been difficult for an amateur observer +to have detected the fact that speed had been +gained. The "Reed," too, leaped forward.</p> + +<p>Minute after minute of breathless racing followed. +Presently the flashes of guns could be +made out ahead against the darkness of the night. +Helston showed no lights, but the sound of bursting +shells located the fishing village to those on +the bridges of the approaching destroyers.</p> + +<p>"The hounds!" blazed Dave, indignantly. "Up +to their old and favorite game of killing defenseless +people!"</p> + +<p>Long ago the crew had been called to quarters. +Everything was in readiness to attack the enemy.</p> + +<p>"Three of them, and all destroyers, judging by +the size of the flash of their guns," Darrin judged.</p> + +<p>Throughout the war it has been a favorite +trick of the enemy, when the opportunity offered, +to send these swift craft out on night attacks. No +other craft on the seas, except Entente destroyers, +are capable of pursuing and overtaking German +destroyers when they flee.</p> + +<p>"Open fire when we do," was the signal flashed +to the "Reed."</p> + +<p>"We're ready," came back the instant answer.</p> + +<p>Two minutes later one of Darrin's forward guns +flashed out into the night. From the "Reed" +there came a similar flash.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45"></a>[<a href="./images/45.png">45</a>]</span> +"Let 'em have it, fast and hard!" ordered Dave.</p> + +<p>As the two destroyers sprang forward, firing at +full capacity, the three German craft turned and +steamed toward them.</p> + +<p>"They outnumber us, and think we'll turn +tail!" exulted Dave. "They may sink us, but if +we do go down at least we'll try to carry our own +weight in enemy ships down with us!"</p> + +<p>Though he did not make an unnecessary movement, +all of Darrin's calm had vanished. He +watched every one of the "Grigsby's" shots, his +eyes flashing, breath indrawn. When he saw a +hit his glance was snapping. Many of the shells, +however, splashed in the water only, for now the +five engaged craft were circling about each other +in a life-and-death struggle.</p> + +<p>As they circled and zigzagged the German craft +did not offer a very certain mark. Darrin and +Dalzell were maneuvering in similar fashion.</p> + +<p>"If we lose, we lose gamely," thought Fernald +under his breath. "Was there ever a better or +braver commander than Darry? He will ask no +odds, but is ever willing to give them!"</p> + +<p>"Ah!" The exclamation, half sigh, broke from +Dave's lips as he saw the burst of flame and smoke +as a shell landed on the superstructure of the leading +German destroyer.</p> + +<p>Then another shell from the "Grigsby" struck +the same enemy's mast, smashing the crow's-nest<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46"></a>[<a href="./images/46.png">46</a>]</span> +and hurling German seamen, dead or crippled, +into the sea.</p> + +<p>Three enemy shells landed on the "Grigsby," +causing no serious damage. But the fourth hit +dismounted one of Darrin's forward guns, killing +three men and wounding five. Hardly an instant +later another German shell landed on the bridge, +reducing some of the metal work to a mass of +twisted junk and ripping out part of the deck.</p> + +<p>Shell fragments and flying splinters flew on all +sides, yet out of this hurricane of destruction +emerged Darrin, Fernald and the watch officer, +all uninjured.</p> + +<p>An instant later Darrin shouted his orders in +Fernald's ear, then gained the deck below in a +series of leaps.</p> + +<p>With one of her forward guns dismounted, +the "Grigsby" was to that extent out of business. +Preferring not to trust to his torpedo tubes, +at this juncture Darrin raced aft, just as the destroyer +began to execute a swift turn.</p> + +<p>And now Dave's craft turned tail and ran for it, +the young commander directing personally the +service of the after guns as the foremost German +destroyer gave chase.</p> + +<p>Two more hits were scored by the enemy, with +the result that two more of Dave's hardy young +seamen were killed and four wounded. Matters +were beginning to look decidedly serious.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47"></a>[<a href="./images/47.png">47</a>]</span> +As for Dan Dalzell, when he saw the "Grigsby" +turn tail and flee, his heart gave a great bound.</p> + +<p>"Good old Darry didn't do that unless he had +to," Dan told himself. "I must cover his retreat +somehow."</p> + +<p>So, his guns barking, and men standing by at +the torpedo tubes, Dalzell darted straight for the +second of the German destroyers.</p> + +<p>Fortunately there was plenty of sea-room, for +Dave Darrin was not in reality running away. +He was still alert to win the fight, but he wanted +to win with the smallest possible loss among his +own men.</p> + +<p>The Hun craft pursuing him was the slowest of +the three enemies. This Dave had already guessed. +He allowed the other craft to gain for half a mile, +then suddenly shot ahead. By this time several +hits had been scored by both combatants, and +the third enemy destroyer was maneuvering for a +position from which she could render herself +effective to send Darrin and his men to the +bottom.</p> + +<p>Just when it happened Lieutenant Fernald +hardly knew, but once more Darrin stood on +the bridge at his side.</p> + +<p>"Circle!" Dave shouted. "The shortest circle +we can make, so as not to show our broadside +longer than we must."</p> + +<p>Running under full speed, and with a helm<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48"></a>[<a href="./images/48.png">48</a>]</span> +that she minded, the "Grigsby" swung around. +So unlooked for was this maneuver that the pursuing +Hun craft did not succeed in making a direct +hit on the Yankee ship during the turn.</p> + +<p>And then, just as the turn brought him where +he wished to be, and at deadly close quarters, +Darrin gave his next order.</p> + +<p>Forward leaped the American destroyer. Too +late the astonished German commander saw the +purpose of the maneuver.</p> + +<p>With knife-like prow the "Grigsby" crashed +into the German vessel, the blow striking just +forward of amidships.</p> + +<p>As the butcher's cleaver passes through the +bone, so did the bow of the Yankee destroyer go +through the Hun.</p> + +<p>Yet in the moment of impact Darrin rang the +bridge signal to the engine-room for full speed +astern. Nor was this command executed an +instant too soon. Just in the nick of time Dave's +gallant little ship drew back out of the fearful +hole that she had torn in the enemy.</p> + +<p>Aboard the Hun craft the yells of dying men +rose on the air, for the enemy destroyer had been +all but cut in two.</p> + +<p>Listing before an irresistible inrush of water, +the German destroyer almost turned turtle, then +sank quickly beneath the waves.</p> + +<p>To the northward a muffled roar sounded, fol<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49"></a>[<a href="./images/49.png">49</a>]</span>lowed +instantly by another. Dalzell had let go +with both forward torpedo tubes, and both had +scored. The second stricken enemy ship began +to fill and sink slowly.</p> + +<p>"Shall we stop to pick up men?" called Fernald.</p> + +<p>"Too bad, but we cannot linger while one of +the enemy craft still floats," Darrin replied, +calmly. "Our first business is to sink enemy ships. +We cannot be humane just yet. Give full chase, +Mr. Fernald!"</p> + +<p>The German survivor had already turned tail, +for these Yankee fighters were altogether too +swift in their style of combat. Dalzell, whose +craft was nearer the fugitive, was now first in +pursuit.</p> + +<p>To avoid firing over his chum's craft Darrin +steered obliquely to starboard, then joined in +the chase, firing frequently with his remaining +forward three-inch gun.</p> + +<p>As to speed it proved a losing race. The +German craft that had survived proved to be a +shade more speedy than either the "Grigsby" or +the "Reed," so the two craft in chase endeavored +to make up for the difference with active fire.</p> + +<p>Some direct hits were made. In a little more +than half an hour, however, the Hun destroyer +was out of range of the Yankee guns.</p> + +<p>"We'll drive her back to her base port, anyway," +Darrin signalled Dalzell.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50"></a>[<a href="./images/50.png">50</a>]</span> +So two narrow ribbons of searchlight glow +played over the sea, keeping the enemy in sight +as long as possible.</p> + +<p>Presently the German's hull vanished below +the horizon; then the lower parts of her masts and +stacks went out of sight. Still the two Yankee +destroyers hung on, in a race that they knew they +could not win.</p> + +<p>Only when Darrin's knowledge of these waters +told him that the fleeing destroyer was safe did +he signal the "Reed" to "abandon chase."</p> + +<p>Reluctantly Dan Dalzell's little ship swung +around, heading to keep the "Grigsby" company +on the new course.</p> + +<p>"Tackled superior numbers, and sank two out +of three," Dave commented, calmly. "Not what +one would call a poor evening's work, gentlemen."</p> + +<p>"It was splendidly done, sir," glowed Lieutenant +Fernald.</p> + +<p>"We won't take too much credit to ourselves," +Dave proposed. "Let us give some of the credit +to luck."</p> + +<p>"Not with you in command, sir," protested the +executive officer.</p> + +<p>"But we did have a lot of luck," Dave insisted.</p> + +<p>"The luck that you planned and schemed for, +with your mind working like lightning," Fernald +retorted.</p> + +<p>He was too much of a man to try to flatter his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51"></a>[<a href="./images/51.png">51</a>]</span> +chief. Fernald spoke from the depths of complete +conviction. He had known Dave Darrin's reputation +at sea even before he had come to serve +under this swift-thinking young officer.</p> + +<p>Dave's first care, now, was to inspect the dismounted +gun. Only a few moments did he need +to convince himself that the piece was a wreck +that could never be put in use again.</p> + +<p>He then descended to the sick bay, where the +surgeon and four baymen were giving tender attention +to the wounded men.</p> + +<p>"It was a good fight, men," Dave said, as he +passed through the bay.</p> + +<p>"Then I'm not kicking at what I found," cried +one young sailor lad, cheerily.</p> + +<p>"Nor I," added another. "It was worth something, +sir, to take part in a fight like that. Ouch! +O-o-o-h!"</p> + +<p>Dave paused to bend over the sufferer, resting +a hand on his nearer shoulder.</p> + +<p>"I beg pardon, sir," said the lad. "I didn't +mean to make such a fuss. You'll think me a +regular baby, sir."</p> + +<p>"No one is to be blamed for yelling, with a pair +of shell fragment wounds like yours," broke in +the surgeon, bending over and examining. "My +boy, you have regular man's-size wounds."</p> + +<p>"Not going to croak me, are you, sir?" asked +the young sailor, looking up into Medico's eyes.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52"></a>[<a href="./images/52.png">52</a>]</span> +"Oh, no; not this trip, my lad."</p> + +<p>"Then I don't care," returned the young seaman. +"Wouldn't care much, anyway, but there's +a mother at home who would! Ouch! There I +go again. My mother'd be ashamed of me."</p> + +<p>"No, she wouldn't," smiled the surgeon. "Look +here, what I took out of that hole in your leg."</p> + +<p>He held up a jagged fragment of shell. It was +somewhat oval-shaped, about an inch and a half +in length and half as wide.</p> + +<p>"It hurt you more when I took that out than +it would to pull a dozen of your teeth at once. +Let's look at this other hole, the one on the other +thigh. That's going to be a tougher job. I'll give +you a few whiffs of chloroform, so you won't notice +anything."</p> + +<p>"Do I have to have the chloroform, sir?" demanded +the sailor lad, who was not more than +eighteen.</p> + +<p>"You don't have to, Bassett, but it will be for +your comfort," replied Medico.</p> + +<p>"Then don't ask me to smell the stuff, sir. When +this war is over I want to look back and think +of myself as a fighting man—not as a chap who +had to be gassed every time the sawbones looked +at him. Beg your pardon, sir."</p> + +<p>But Medico merely smiled at being called sawbones.</p> + +<p>"Chloroform or not, just as you like, lad," the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53"></a>[<a href="./images/53.png">53</a>]</span> +surgeon went on. "Either way, you can always +look back with satisfaction on your record as a +fighting man, for your grit is all of the right +kind."</p> + +<p>"Much obliged to you, sir, for saying that," replied +the young sailor. "Ouch! Wait, please, sir. +Let me get a grip on the cot frame with both +hands. Now, I'm all ready, sir."</p> + +<p>"Same old breed of Yankee sailor as always," +Darrin smiled down into the lad's face while the +surgeon began the painful work of extracting +another shell fragment. This one being more +deeply imbedded, the surgeon was obliged to +make a selection of scalpel and tissue scissors and +do some nerve-racking cutting. But the seaman, +his hands tightly gripped on the edges of the +operating table, which he had termed a cot, did +not once cry out, though ice-cold sweat beaded his +forehead under Darrin's warm hand.</p> + +<p>Then a bayman washed down the enameled +surface of the table, rinsing the blood away, and +another attendant skilfully dressed and bandaged +the second wound as he had done the first. Two +baymen brought a stretcher and the lad was taken +to a bunk. Here he was given a drink that, after +five minutes, caused him to doze and dream fitfully +of the battle through which he had lately +passed.</p> + +<p>By this time nearly all of the wounded had re<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54"></a>[<a href="./images/54.png">54</a>]</span>ceived +first attention. Dave Darrin, followed by +a junior officer, went forward to another, still +smaller room, where he gazed down with heaving +breast at the forms of the seamen who had given +up their lives under the Stars and Stripes in the +gallant work of that night.</p> + +<p>Over the face of each dead man lay a cloth. +Each cloth was removed in turn by a sailor as +Darrin passed along.</p> + +<p>"A good fighting man and a great romp on +shore," said Dave, looking down at the face of +one man. "One of the best fellows we ever had +on any ship I've ever served on," he said, glancing +at another face. "A new lad," he said, of a third, +"but he joined on so recently that I know only +that he was a brave young American!" And +so on.</p> + +<p>It was just as the sailor was laying the cloth +back over the features of the last one in the row +that a seaman sprang into the room precipitately.</p> + +<p>"Beg pardon, sir," he called excitedly, "but +telephone message, with compliments of executive +officer, and commanding officer's presence is +desired on the bridge—instantly!"</p> + +<p>That surely meant business!</p> + +<hr class="full" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55"></a>[<a href="./images/55.png">55</a>]</span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV</h2> + +<h4>WHAT A FLOATING MINE DID</h4> + + +<p><span class="smcap">As</span> Dave reached the deck he caught a fleeting +glimpse of a big steamship ahead, which +was revealed in the glare of the destroyer's +searchlight.</p> + +<p>But he did not stop to linger there. Up to the +damaged bridge he ran as fast as he could go.</p> + +<p>Evidently putting on her best effort at speed +the steamship was moving forward fast in a zig-zagging +course.</p> + +<p>"She was working her radio and blowing her +whistle, all in the same moment, sir," Lieutenant +Fernald explained. "She must have seen a torpedo +that passed by her. There must be a submarine +somewhere, but we haven't picked up a +sign of it as yet."</p> + +<p>The ship was nearly two miles away. Having +seen the destroyer's searchlight the big craft's +whistle was again blowing.</p> + +<p>"Her master hardly expects to get away from +the submarine," Dave observed, and instantly +turned his night glass on the dark waters to try +to pick up some sign of the Hun pirate craft that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56"></a>[<a href="./images/56.png">56</a>]</span> +was causing all this excitement aboard a respectable +neutral liner.</p> + +<p>"She's a Dutch craft," Dave commented. +"Head in, Mr. Fernald, as that will give us a better +chance to try to find out on which side of her +the pest is operating. Ask her which side."</p> + +<p>Promptly the signal flashed out from the +blinkers of the "Grigsby." Plainly the excited +skipper of the liner hadn't thought of offering +that important bit of information.</p> + +<p>"Starboard side, probably eight hundred yards +away," came back the Dutchman's blinker response.</p> + +<p>Dave accordingly ordered the "Grigsby" laid +over to starboard and raced on to place the Yankee +ship between the pirate and the intended +victim.</p> + +<p>Hardly had the course been altered, however, +in the roughening sea, when a dull lurid flash +some twelve or fifteen feet high was seen just under +the liner's starboard bow. A cloud of smoke +rose, the lower half of which was promptly +washed out by a rising wave.</p> + +<p>"That was a mine, no torpedo!" cried Dave, +his eyes snapping. "Full speed ahead, Mr. Fernald, +and prepare to clear away our launches. +That ship cannot float long!"</p> + +<p>Through the night glass it could be seen that +throngs of passengers were rushing about the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57"></a>[<a href="./images/57.png">57</a>]</span> +deck of the Dutch vessel. Ship's officers were +trying to quell the panic that was quite natural, +for the mine, if it were such a thing, had torn a +huge hole in the bow, and the liner was settling +by the head.</p> + +<p>Up raced the "Grigsby," the "Reed" arriving +less than a minute afterward. Both destroyers +had manned their launches, and these were now +lowered and cleared away.</p> + +<p>Even though the passengers appeared to have +lost their heads, the Dutch skipper proved true +to his trust. He was lowering his own boats and +rafts as rapidly as he could, and making swift +work of getting human beings away from the +stricken ship.</p> + +<p>Fully two-score passengers of either sex +jumped. Striking the water they bobbed up +again, for they had not neglected their life-belts.</p> + +<p>In the hurry one lifeboat was overturned just +before it reached the water. The "Grigsby's" +leading launch raced to the spot. Half a dozen +jackies promptly dove over into the icy water to +give a hand to passengers too frightened to realize +the importance of getting quickly away from +the sinking liner.</p> + +<p>"No more men go overboard," sternly ordered +Ensign Andrews, as he saw more of his men +moving to the side of the launch. "Stand by to +haul the rescued aboard!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58"></a>[<a href="./images/58.png">58</a>]</span> +All care was needed, for the liner was a big one, +and doomed soon to take her final plunge. The +suction effect on small boats would be tremendous, +if they were caught too close to the scene of +the foundering.</p> + +<p>Lines were cast to jackies who were towing +frightened passengers. Rescue moved along +swiftly, the launches from both destroyers backing +slowly away from the settling craft.</p> + +<p>"Here y'are, lady!" coaxed one seaman from +the first launch, catching a line at twenty feet +and placing it in the hands of a frightened woman +whose teeth chattered and who was nearly dead +from the cold that the icy water sent through to +the marrow of her bones. "Think y' can hold +on, lady? If y' can, I can go back and help some +one else."</p> + +<p>The woman, though she spoke no English, +guessed the meaning of the question, and shrieked +with terror.</p> + +<p>"Oh, all right, ma'am," the sailor went on, in +a tone of good-humored resignation. "I'll make +sure of you, and hope that some one else won't +drown."</p> + +<p>With one arm around her, the other hand holding +tight to the rope the jacky allowed himself to +be hauled in alongside the launch.</p> + +<p>"Take this lady in, quick!" ordered Jacky. +"She's about all in with the cold."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59"></a>[<a href="./images/59.png">59</a>]</span> +"Better come on board, too, Streeter," advised +a petty officer on the launch.</p> + +<p>"Too much to be done," replied Seaman +Streeter, shoving off and starting to swim back.</p> + +<p>"Your teeth are chattering now," called the +petty officer, but Seaman Streeter, with lusty +strokes, was heading for a hatless, white-haired +old man whom he made out, under the searchlight +glare, a hundred yards away. This man, too +chilled to swim for himself, though buoyed up by +a belt, Streeter brought in.</p> + +<p>"Come on board, Streeter," insisted the same +petty officer.</p> + +<p>But surely that jacky was deaf, for he turned +and once more struck out. By the time that the +liner had been down four minutes, and the last +visible and living person in the water had been +rescued, Seaman Streeter had brought in six men +and women, five of whom would surely have died +of the cold had he not gone to their aid. And he +had turned to swim back after a possible seventh.</p> + +<p>Nearly six hundred passengers and members +of the sunken liner's crew had been saved. Of +these the greatest sufferers were taken aboard the +"Grigsby" and the "Reed" and the remainder +were left in the boats, which were towed astern.</p> + +<p>Dave decided that the rescued ones should be +landed at an English port twenty-two miles away. +This port had rail communication and prompt,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60"></a>[<a href="./images/60.png">60</a>]</span> +effective care could be given to these hundreds of +people.</p> + +<p>As soon as the start had been made for port, +roll-call was held of those who had put off in the +launches. Seaman Streeter was not present, nor +even accounted for. Promptly Darrin ordered +the course changed and the two destroyers went +back, making careful search under the searchlights +of the surface of the sea near the scene of +the foundering. No trace of the missing seaman +was found.</p> + +<p>Seaman Streeter did not die in battle. He +perished in the gentler but no less useful field +of saving human life! An orphaned sister in +Iowa, his only living near relative, gazes to-day +at the appreciative letter she has received from +the Navy Department at Washington. Then +she turns to a longer and more glowing letter written +by the, to her, strange hand of David Darrin, +Lieutenant-Commander, United States Navy.</p> + +<p>In less than two hours the destroyers, with +their respective strings of towed boats, arrived +at the British port and the work of transferring +the rescued to shore began. Dan's dead and +wounded were also sent ashore.</p> + +<p>It was afterward reported that nine human +beings were unaccounted for. Four more died in +the boats on the way to land.</p> + +<p>While the transfers to shore were being made<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61"></a>[<a href="./images/61.png">61</a>]</span> +Dan Dalzell came aboard the "Grigsby" to greet +his chum. They chatted while the damaged +bridge was being repaired.</p> + +<p>"Danny-boy," Dave remarked seriously, "that +exploding mine showed us clearly what is expected +of us. It is our task to see that all these +near-by waters are cleared of such dangerous +objects."</p> + +<p>"Surely we cannot get every mine that the +Huns plant," objected Dalzell.</p> + +<p>"We must get as many of them as we can. I +know that all the British mine-sweepers are constantly +on the job, but if necessary we must have +more mine-sweepers. We must keep the paths +of navigation better cleared than proved to be +the case to-night."</p> + +<p>"Oh, say!" expostulated Dalzell, his eyes wide +open, "we simply cannot, even with twice as +many mine-sweepers, find every blooming mine +that the Huns choose to sow in the Channel and +North Sea."</p> + +<p>"To find and take up every mine should be our +standard," Dave insisted, "and we must live as +close to that standard as we possibly can."</p> + +<p>"Then we did wrong to go after the destroyers +this night?" Dan demanded, curtly.</p> + +<p>"Of course not, for that bombardment of that +defenseless little town, carried on longer, might +have cost as many lives as are likely to be lost in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62"></a>[<a href="./images/62.png">62</a>]</span> +the case of a steamship hitting a floating mine."</p> + +<p>"We can't do everything at the same time," +Dan contended.</p> + +<p>"Then we must strive to do ninety-nine per +cent. of everything," Darrin urged, his jaws set. +"Danny-boy, I feel as badly as you do when a +single innocent life is lost in the area that we are +held responsible for."</p> + +<p>"How soon do you put for sea?" Dalzell asked.</p> + +<p>"As soon as our boats return and are hoisted +on board."</p> + +<p>Darrin was as good as his word. Twenty-one +minutes later, while dawn was still invisible, the +two Yankee destroyers turned seaward again. +There was more work, and sterner, for them to +do, and it lurked just beyond!</p> + +<hr class="full" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63"></a>[<a href="./images/63.png">63</a>]</span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V</h2> + +<h4>EYES THAT LOOKED DOWN FROM THE AIR</h4> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Dawn</span> found the two destroyers cruising +slowly northward, a little more than a +mile apart.</p> + +<p>Within sight of the bridges of the two craft +were eight small, snub-nosed mine-sweepers. +Frequently changing their course, these little +craft were doing their utmost to pick up any mine +that may have been planted just far enough under +water to be struck below the water line by passing +vessels.</p> + +<p>"I suppose we're of the few who have ever seen +the flash of an exploding floating mine," Dave +remarked to Lieutenant Fernald. "The sea was +so rough and choppy, last night, that the mine, at +the instant of impact, happened to be in the +trough of the sea and partly above water."</p> + +<p>"Yes," nodded Fernald. "Had the waves been +longer, the mine would have sunk to its usual +depth. Had it not cost lives and a good ship, it +would have been a sight worth seeing. As it was, +since the lives and the ship had to be lost, I am +glad that I was there to see it."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64"></a>[<a href="./images/64.png">64</a>]</span> +It was broad daylight now. Red streaks off in +the east indicated that the sun would soon appear. +But from the southwest something of at +least equal interest appeared in the sky.</p> + +<p>At the lookout's call Fernald turned to study +the object in the sky through his glass.</p> + +<p>"It's an airship, a dirigible," announced the executive +officer.</p> + +<p>"If an English dirigible, then it's all right," +Dave nodded. "But, if it happens to be a German +Zeppelin returning from a raid over England, +then it will become our solemn duty to get the +anti-aircraft gun in position and pray for a chance +to take a fair shot."</p> + +<p>"It's a craft of the smaller English dirigible +pattern," Fernald announced, still studying the +distant speck in the sky, which, of course, looked +much larger in the field of his glass. "Yes, it's +an unmistakable 'blimp'."</p> + +<p>This latter is the slang name given to the +British dirigibles.</p> + +<p>"Better have the air-craft gun men at their station," +advised Dave, and this was done.</p> + +<p>Ten minutes later, however, the "blimp" was +so close at hand that there could be no mistaking +its identity. It belonged, beyond a question, to +one of the squadrons of the Royal Naval Air +Service.</p> + +<p>"Radio message from the 'blimp,' sir," called a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65"></a>[<a href="./images/65.png">65</a>]</span> +messenger, darting from the doorway of the wireless +room. "Do you wish a written copy, sir?"</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Fernald glanced at Dave, who shook +his head.</p> + +<p>"Let's have the message orally," Fernald called +down to the deck.</p> + +<p>"'Blimp' wants to know, sir, if these two craft +are the 'Grigsby' and 'Reed.'"</p> + +<p>"Tell the operator to admit the fact," Fernald +ordered.</p> + +<p>"Officer in charge of the 'blimp,' sir, says that +he was to report and help you yesterday, but +that the weather was too foggy."</p> + +<p>"Tell the operator to send back: 'Good morning. +Glad to have you with us. Signature, Darrin,'" +Dave directed.</p> + +<p>The seamen and petty officer at the anti-aircraft +gun left their station. Straight onward came the +"blimp," dropping much lower just as it passed +over. From the car beneath the big gas-bag several +men leaned over to wave friendly hands, a +greeting that was instantly responded to by +Dave's and Dan's jackies, for the dirigible, after +sailing over the "Grigsby," turned and floated +over the "Reed."</p> + +<p>"Message from the 'blimp,' sir," again iterated +the messenger on the deck. "Message says: +'We're to keep near you and try to spot submarines +for you.'"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66"></a>[<a href="./images/66.png">66</a>]</span> +"More power to your vision," was the message +sent back by Dave.</p> + +<p>"You're working northward, toward the +shoals?" asked "Blimp."</p> + +<p>"Yes," Darrin acknowledged.</p> + +<p>"That's a likely place to find one or two of the +Hun pirates resting," "Blimp" continued.</p> + +<p>"Always a good hunting ground," Dave assented, +in a radio message.</p> + +<p>This took place while the dirigible was flying +back and forth, ahead and astern, between the +destroyers and to either side of their course.</p> + +<p>"It's a fine thing to be able to move at aircraft +speed," said Lieutenant Fernald, rather enviously. +"If we could only make such speed, sir!"</p> + +<p>"If we could build ships that would steam sixty +to a hundred miles an hour, then the enemy could +build them also," Dave returned. "There would +be little, if any, net gain for us. But if we could +find the secret of doubling the speed of aircraft, +and keep said secret from the boches, that would +be an achievement that would soon end the war."</p> + +<p>For ten miles the sweepers proceeded, with a +total "catch" of only three mines, which must +have been left-overs from other cruises. By +this time the little fleet was approaching the nearest +of the shoals, some three miles from shore.</p> + +<p>"Blimp" was now well ahead, presently signalling +back.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67"></a>[<a href="./images/67.png">67</a>]</span> +"Found a sea-hornet for you, resting in the +mud."</p> + +<p>"Good enough! We'll draw his sting," the +"Grigsby's" radio reply promised.</p> + +<p>Darrin caused a signal to be made to two of +the mine-sweepers to come in close to him. The +"Reed" still continued on her way further out.</p> + +<p>Aircraft are of the greatest help in discovering +submerged submarines. Depending on the +altitude at which they fly, air observers are able +to see, in reasonably smooth water, submarines +that are moving at from eighty to a hundred feet +beneath the surface. A submarine that is "resting" +with her nose in the mud close to shore has +more to fear from aircraft than from all other +possible foes.</p> + +<p>The aircraft men, though they can drop bombs +upon such lurking craft, cannot do so with anything +like the accuracy that is possible to the +crews of vessels on the surface. Hence when aircraft +and destroyers hunt together it is almost +always left to the surface craft to give the "grace +blow" to the resting submarine, as also to a submarine +in motion beneath the waves.</p> + +<p>As the "blimp" moved over the shoal in question +a smoke bomb left the car and hovered almost +motionless in the air, though briefly. This indicated +that the submarine lay on the bottom directly +underneath the smoke bomb.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68"></a>[<a href="./images/68.png">68</a>]</span> +"And the commander of that Hun craft knows +that we are approaching," Darrin commented, as +the "Grigsby" raced roaringly forward. "He can +hear the noise of our propellers. If his engines +are ready, he'll likely back off into deeper water."</p> + +<p>Thrice more the "blimp" passed over the submarine +that was invisible to surface eyes, and each +time let loose a smoke bomb.</p> + +<p>"Now, you're directly in line," came the radio +message from above. "Move dead ahead. Will +tell you when you are passing over. We'll signal +the word 'drop'."</p> + +<p>The meaning of "drop" would be clear enough. +It would mean that the "Grigsby" was instantly +to release, over the stern, a depth bomb.</p> + +<p>As the "Grigsby" neared the spot speed was +considerably reduced. Overhead hovered the +"blimp," ready for instant signalling of one word. +The command had already been passed to the +men stationed by the depth bomb to let go as +soon as the messenger gave the word from the +operator.</p> + +<p>As Darrin glanced upward he saw the "blimp" +nearly overhead.</p> + +<p>Suddenly the messenger's startled voice roared +out the message passed by the radio operator:</p> + +<p>"<i>Full speed astern!</i>"</p> + +<p>In the same instant Lieutenant Fernald repeated +the order over the engine-room telegraph.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69"></a>[<a href="./images/69.png">69</a>]</span> +There was a jolting jar as the "Grigsby" shivered, +then glided back in her own wake.</p> + +<p>"Jove! That was a narrow squeak!" came +down from the sky. "That hornet laid an egg in +your path. It came within an ace of bumping +your keel."</p> + +<p>"Never did speed pay a prompter profit, then," +uttered Darrin, his cheeks paling slightly.</p> + +<p>For the Englishman's laconic message meant +that the submarine had just proved herself to be +of the mine-laying variety. Further, the Hun +craft, hearing the destroyer's propellers almost +overhead, had judged the moment at which to let +loose a mine, which, rising to its proper level +under water, would have struck the hull of the +advancing destroyer.</p> + +<p>Had that happened, the career of the "Grigsby" +would have been over, and several officers' +and seamen's names would have been added to +the war's list of dead.</p> + +<p>"Going to try again, sir?" asked Lieutenant +Fernald, quietly, as Dave himself changed the +full-speed-astern order.</p> + +<p>"It's out of our line, I guess," Darrin confessed, +with a smile. "Signal yonder mine-sweeper to +close in on the job."</p> + +<p>As a result of the message, and aided by the +"blimp" overhead, the snub-nosed mine-sweeper +steamed into position. First, her wire sweeper<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70"></a>[<a href="./images/70.png">70</a>]</span> +picked up the mine that had been sprung for the +"Grigsby's" undoing, and backed away.</p> + +<p>Then, under Dave's further order, after the +mine had been hoisted on board, the snub-nosed +craft moved in with a different type of sweeper. +To different wires of this implement were attached +small but powerful contact bombs. +Jauntily the snub-nosed craft moved over the +lurking place of the submarine, and passed on +ahead.</p> + +<p>From the depths came muffled sounds, followed +by a big and growing spread of oil on the water.</p> + +<p>"Enemy done for!" signalled the "blimp."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir. We know it," the "Grigsby" +wirelessed back.</p> + +<p>The mine-sweeper, having passed on ahead, now +circled back, her crew grinning at sight of the +mass of floating oil.</p> + +<p>The contact bombs dangling from the sweep +wires had struck against the submarine's hull and +exploded, letting in the water at several points. +The Hun seamen were even now drowning, caught +without a show for their lives, just as they had +probably sent many souls to graves in the ocean.</p> + +<p>For some minutes more the dirigible moved +back and forth through the air, her observers +watching for the presence of hidden enemy craft. +Then, without warning, came the message:</p> + +<p>"Sorry, but engine trouble threatens and will<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71"></a>[<a href="./images/71.png">71</a>]</span> +compel our return to land, and to our base if +possible."</p> + +<p>"The best of luck to you," Dave ordered wirelessed +back to these British comrades. "We'll +stand by until we're as close to shore as we can +go."</p> + +<p>For he knew that, near shore, the shoals became +dangerous shallows at this point on the +coast.</p> + +<p>Away limped the "blimp," the "Grigsby" following, +and standing ready to do rescue work +should the dirigible need assistance.</p> + +<p>But the "blimp" not only made her way over +to shore, but vanished slowly in the distance.</p> + +<p>All of the mine-sweepers that had come up +were ordered by signal to continue sweeping over +the shoals.</p> + +<p>"I want to see more of this work personally," +Dave told his executive officer, who was now to +be left in command. "Clear away one of the +power launches. I'll take Mr. Ormsby with me."</p> + +<p>So Dave was taken over to one of the mine-sweeping, +snub-nosed craft that had formerly +been a steam trawler on the Dogger Banks. The +commanding officer, Hartley, proved most glad +to welcome them.</p> + +<p>"We'll make you as comfortable as we can," +promised Hartley.</p> + +<p>"Now, please don't do anything of the sort,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72"></a>[<a href="./images/72.png">72</a>]</span> +Darry protested. "Let us be mere spectators, or +pupils, and have no fuss made over us. Instruct +your men, if you'll be good enough, to omit +salutes and to chat with us, if they have a chance, +like comrades or pals. We want to see your real +working ways, not a demonstration."</p> + +<p>"All right, then," sighed Mr. Hartley, and +passed the orders.</p> + +<p>"When do you men sleep?" Dave inquired of a +sailor who paused to light a pipe as he stood well +up in the bow.</p> + +<p>"When the blooming ship is hin dry-dock, sir," +answered the British tar.</p> + +<p>"Don't you have regular watches?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"How long are the watches?"</p> + +<p>"Usually twenty-four hours in each day, sir."</p> + +<p>Darry laughed, for he knew no living man could +stand working twenty-four hours a day for any +length of time.</p> + +<p>"You were a trawler before you came into this +branch of the service?" Ormsby asked.</p> + +<p>"No, sir. Hi was a chimney sweep; that's wot +made me good for this bally old business, sir."</p> + +<p>"You like this work?" Ormsby next asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, hit's the next best thing to being +killed, sir," was the solemn response.</p> + +<p>"Have you seen any mine-sweepers destroyed +while at work?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73"></a>[<a href="./images/73.png">73</a>]</span> +Instantly the sailor dropped his bantering tone, +his face becoming solemn in his expression.</p> + +<p>"You may well say that, sir," he answered. +"More mine-sweepers are lost than any other kind +of naval craft."</p> + +<p>"Why is that?"</p> + +<p>"Principally, sir, because we 'ave only a +trawler's speed, and everything else that floats, +including the National Debt, can overtake us."</p> + +<p>"Is there any scarcity of men for this sort of +work?" Ormsby queried.</p> + +<p>"No, sir, it's the 'eight hof a British sailorman's +ambition, sir, to die early and be buried, sir, in +water a mile deep. We fairly long for hit, sir."</p> + +<p>"Hedgeby!" came, indignantly, from Mr. Hartley, +who had approached unnoticed. "What do +you mean by chaffing these American officers so +outrageously."</p> + +<p>"Must 'ave mistook my horders, sir," returned +Hedgeby, saluting his commander. "Some blooming +bloke told as 'ow these gentlemen wanted to +be treated like pals."</p> + +<p>"The fault is mine, I guess," admitted Mr. +Hartley, turning to Darrin and Ormsby. "These +men are always chaffing each other, and they +thought you wanted some of the same thing."</p> + +<p>"We don't object," Dave smiled. "If hot air +is the motive power that drives these men, then +we want to sample it."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74"></a>[<a href="./images/74.png">74</a>]</span> +Hedgeby regarded this last speaker with a puzzled +expression.</p> + +<p>"If you're talking about fuel, sir," he went on, +as Mr. Hartley moved away, "Hi'll say that 'ot +air engines wouldn't be no good wotever on these +'ere craft. Gasoline is what we use, mostly, for +our engines, sir, though some of the biggest use +petroleum."</p> + +<p>"Hot air is furnished by the men themselves," +Dave explained. "It's a favorite fuel at sea."</p> + +<p>"Maybe, sir, maybe," admitted Hedgeby, +slowly, looking as solemn as an owl. "Of course +you know, sir, wot's used on the Yankee boats, +anyway, sir, and if your Admiralty recommends +'ot air then no doubt hit's because you Yankees +know 'ow to use it better than other fuel."</p> + +<p>"And the joke of it is," muttered Ormsby, as +Hedgeby sprang to obey an order, "one can't tell +whether a chap like that is laughing at us, or +trying to sympathize with our ignorance."</p> + +<p>Dave laughed, then soon forgot the chaffing, +for he was greatly interested in what he saw of +the work that was being carried on. Certainly, +for such a comparatively slow craft, a large area +of sea surface could be covered in a forenoon.</p> + +<p>Presently Hedgeby came back to them, and +Ormsby tried once more to extract some real information.</p> + +<p>"With the amount of speed you can command,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75"></a>[<a href="./images/75.png">75</a>]</span> +he resumed, "what does a craft like this do, +Hedgeby, if a German destroyer comes racing +along after you?"</p> + +<p>"We just shut off speed, sir, and the blooming +destroyer goes by so fast that nine times hout of +ten she doesn't see us at all."</p> + +<p>"But if the destroyer sees you and stops to engage, +what then?"</p> + +<p>Once more the quizzical expression faded from +the British sailorman's eyes. He stepped back, +resting one hand on a light gun mounted on a +swivel pedestal.</p> + +<p>"We do hour best with this piece, sir."</p> + +<p>"An unequal combat, Hedgeby!"</p> + +<p>"You may well say it, sir, but hat least we come +hout of the fracas as well as does the submarine +that our sweep locates on the bottom."</p> + +<p>"Have you known of any case in which a mine-sweeper +had any show at all against a German +destroyer?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; this very craft was the boat, sir. The +destroyer 'eld 'er fire and come hup close, sir, to +'ave fun teasing us. Only one shot we fired, sir, +from our after gun, at the houtset, sir, but that +one shot carried away the destroyer's rudder just +below the water line. It was hall a piece of luck, +sir."</p> + +<p>"And then?" pressed Ormsby, for at last Hedgeby +seemed to be imparting real information.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76"></a>[<a href="./images/76.png">76</a>]</span> +"Well, of course, sir, the 'Uns started hin at +once to rig a jury rudder with timbers and canvas."</p> + +<p>"Yes?"</p> + +<p>"Naturally, sir, we didn't give 'em any time or +chance we could 'elp, sir. We sailed round and +round 'er, taking position so that we could play +both guns on 'er at the same time. She couldn't +steer, sir, to back 'er aim, that 'ere 'Un, so we +banged away at 'er stacks and her water line +until she was worse than 'elpless."</p> + +<p>"Did you sink her?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir. She was captured."</p> + +<p>"By whom?"</p> + +<p>"By two of 'is majesty's destroyers, sir, that +came up. And maybe you think Hi'm joking, sir, +w'en Hi tell you that the destroyers were credited +with the capture because they made the 'Un +strike 'is colors and take a prize crew."</p> + +<p>Subsequently Dave and Ormsby learned from +Mr. Hartley that this account was a true one.</p> + +<p>"But we got a bit of credit in the public press," +Hartley added, modestly.</p> + +<p>Right after that it was reported that one of +the wire sweeps had located a bomb. Instantly +several men were rushed to aid in landing the +prize. Dave and Ormsby hurried to join the +group and watch a mine being taken aboard.</p> + +<p>On account of its weight the deadly thing was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77"></a>[<a href="./images/77.png">77</a>]</span> +handled by tackle. Carefully the men proceeded +to hoist the mine aboard.</p> + +<p>"You'll note the little horns standing out from +the top of the mine," explained Mr. Hartley, +pointing to the circular mine. "These horns are +usually called studs. Hit one of these studs even +a light blow with a tack hammer, gentlemen, and +the mine would explode. A mine like this is +more deadly than the biggest shell carried by a +super-dreadnaught. Let this mine explode, for +instance, under our hull forward, and it would +tear us to pieces in a way that would leave us +afloat for hardly sixty seconds. Moreover, it +would kill any man standing at or near the rail +over the point of contact."</p> + +<p>He had no more than finished speaking, while +the mine was being hoisted aboard, than a terrified +gasp escaped the workers.</p> + +<p>For the mine slipped from its tackle, and +slipped back toward the water, striking the side +hull in its downward course!</p> + +<p>Dave Darrin did not move. He knew there +would not be time to escape!</p> + +<hr class="full" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78"></a>[<a href="./images/78.png">78</a>]</span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI</h2> + +<h4>IN THE TEETH OF THE CHANNEL GALE</h4> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Splash!</span></p> + +<p>The mine sank below the surface.</p> + +<p>A quick turn by the helmsman at the +wheel, and the course changed violently on the +instant.</p> + +<p>"No stud struck or scraped the side as the mine +went down!" exclaimed Mr. Hartley, in a voice +as cool as though he were discussing the weather. +"That was what saved us."</p> + +<p>"That, and the presence of mind displayed by +your man at the wheel," Dave calmly supplemented. +"That quick turn of the wheel saved +your hull under the water line from striking +against the infernal thing."</p> + +<p>"I thought we were goners!" exclaimed +Ormsby.</p> + +<p>"So did I," Dave nodded, "until I saw the thing +sink and then realized how prompt the helmsman +had been to act without orders."</p> + +<p>"The helmsman's act was almost routine," +Hartley continued. "On a craft like this every +man instinctively knows what should be done in +any moment of escapable peril."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79"></a>[<a href="./images/79.png">79</a>]</span> +Dave now withdrew the elbow which, up to +now, he had leaned against the rail. He knew +that he had been within a hair's breadth of instant +death, but there was nothing in his bearing +to betray the fact.</p> + +<p>Hartley quickly gave the order to put about.</p> + +<p>"Another try for that slippery customer, eh?" +queried Ormsby.</p> + +<p>"I'd feel like a murderer, if I knowingly left +that thing in the sea, to destroy some fine craft," +declared Mr. Hartley, gravely. "Once we've located +a mine we never leave it. We'll make the +'catch' again, but we'll inspect our tackle before +we try to take it aboard. I think you gentlemen +had better step back well out of the way."</p> + +<p>"Of course we will, sir, if we are really in the +way," Darrin smiled.</p> + +<p>"You're not in our way," Hartley promptly +denied. "But you will hardly care, should the +tackle still be defective, to be loitering at the +point of danger."</p> + +<p>"I want to see you repair the tackle," Dave +replied. "Then I want to see you make the +grapple again and bring the mine safely on +board."</p> + +<p>"All right, gentlemen, if you love danger well +enough to take the risk twice when you're only +spectators," Hartley answered, with a shrug of his +shoulders.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80"></a>[<a href="./images/80.png">80</a>]</span> +Again the mine was caught, grappled, and this +time successfully hoisted on board.</p> + +<p>All of this Darrin and his junior officer noted +carefully, even giving a hand at the work.</p> + +<p>Through the day at least one of the mine-sweepers +continued over this line of shoal, trying +constantly with the sweeps. Farther out to sea +Dalzell and the "Reed" accompanied others +of the craft. By nightfall it was reported that +more than sixty mines had been picked up.</p> + +<p>"The mine-layers must be actively at work in +these waters," said Dave. "Undoubtedly they +plant the mines at night, then toward daylight +move in toward the shoal and hide there during +the day. We'll try that shoal again after daylight +to-morrow morning—weather permitting."</p> + +<p>This last Darrin said because there were now +lurking indications of a coming storm. Dave returned +to his own craft in time.</p> + +<p>By nine o'clock that night, or an hour after the +new watch had gone on, the wind was howling +through the rigging in a way that made conversation +difficult on the bridge.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Fernald, at the rate the weather is thickening +I shall be on the bridge all night. I shall +be glad, therefore, if after your last rounds of +the ship, and after you have turned in your report, +you will seek your berth and get all the +sleep you can until you're called."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81"></a>[<a href="./images/81.png">81</a>]</span> +"Very good, sir," agreed the executive officer.</p> + +<p>He would have liked to stand watch in Darrin's +place, but he knew that, with a gale coming, +Darrin would not consent.</p> + +<p>By this time the destroyer was rolling at such +an angle that the order was passed for the life-lines. +Soon after that a second order was issued +that all men on outside duty must don life-belts. +Even up on the bridge, with an abundance of +hand-holds, Dave and Ensign Andrews wore the +belts.</p> + +<p>With a nearly head wind from the northeast +the "Grigsby" labored in the running seas, spray +dashing over the bridge and against the rubber +coats and sou'westers of the two officers. Below, +on the deck, the water was sometimes several +inches deep, gorging the scuppers in its flow overboard. +Officers and men alike wore rubber boots.</p> + +<p>"All secure, sir," reported Lieutenant Fernald, +returning after his last rounds. "A nasty time +you'll have of it, sir, to-night."</p> + +<p>"Like some other times that I've known since +I took to the sea," Dave shouted back through +the gale.</p> + +<p>Wild, indeed, was the night, yet the stars remained +visible. The wind had increased still +more by eight bells (midnight), when the watch +again changed.</p> + +<p>"Is the weather bad enough for you to have to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82"></a>[<a href="./images/82.png">82</a>]</span> +remain here, sir?" asked Ensign Ormsby, respectfully.</p> + +<p>"Yes," Darrin nodded. "I am charged with the +safety of this craft."</p> + +<p>Having gone the limit of her northerly patrol, +the "Grigsby" had now headed about, dipping and +lunging ahead of the wind and rolling as though +the narrow craft would like nothing better than +to turn turtle.</p> + +<p>Owing to the fact that neither craft carried +lights in these dangerous waters Dalzell had +pulled far off. At this moment Danny Grin and +the "Reed" were four miles nearer the mainland +of Europe than the "Grigsby" was.</p> + +<p>After an especially heady plunge, followed by +some wild rolling from side to side, Dave shouted +in his watch officer's ear:</p> + +<p>"Ormsby, I'm going to make the round of the +deck, to make sure that the life lines are all up +and secure."</p> + +<p>The ensign nodded. He would have preferred +to go himself, but his place as watch officer was +on the bridge.</p> + +<p>As Dave went down the steps from the bridge +a seaman on watch sprang to seize his arm and +steady him.</p> + +<p>"I've my sea-legs on," Darrin smiled at the +sailor.</p> + +<p>Then, holding the brim of his sou'-wester down<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83"></a>[<a href="./images/83.png">83</a>]</span> +before his face, the other hand on a life-line, Darrin +cautiously made his way aft. The lines along +the starboard side were secure.</p> + +<p>At the stern stood two men, gripping the sturdy +lines with both hands. Here the decks were +flooded with seas coming over constantly.</p> + +<p>Dave stood with the men for a few minutes, observing +the combers that rolled against the stern, +the tops breaking over the side.</p> + +<p>"I'll have the stern watch changed every hour," +he shouted at the seamen above the gale. "It's +too wet to stand a full trick here. Remember, on +coming off, or just before going on, to go to the +galley and get your coffee."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir," replied one of the men, touching +the brim of his headgear.</p> + +<p>Dave released the sternmost life-line to take a +quick, oblique step toward the port lines. At +that very instant a huge comber climbed aboard +over the stern, the great bulk of water lifting +Dave as though he were but a chip.</p> + +<p>As he struggled for his footing he had a brief +glimpse of one of the sailors battling toward him. +Then a continuation of the wave carried him +obliquely forward, lifting him clear of the port +rail at the quarter and driving him over into +the sea.</p> + +<p>Instantly a hoarse yell rose and was repeated: +"Commanding officer overboard astern, sir!"</p> + +<hr class="full" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84"></a>[<a href="./images/84.png">84</a>]</span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII</h2> + +<h4>IN THE HOUR OF DESPAIR</h4> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Dave</span> did not hear the wild, hoarse alarm. +A mass of water pounded in his ears. He +felt himself going down as though headed +for the bottom of the sea.</p> + +<p>During what seemed an interminable interval +Darrin kept his mouth tightly shut. He did not +struggle to rise to the surface, for he knew that +as soon as the driving force of the water over him +had expended itself his belt would carry him up +to air.</p> + +<p>And so it did. As Darrin shook the spray from +his eyes he made out the "Grigsby" only as a dark +mass far ahead. Then a wave blotted her out. +When next he looked he saw nothing. The third +time he made out a still more indistinct mass, +which, he judged, was turning to come back and +look for him.</p> + +<p>"Steady, boy!" he urged himself. "The outfit +aboard that craft will make every possible +effort to find me. Ah, I knew it!"</p> + +<p>For now the ray of the searchlight streamed +out, trying to pierce the murkiness of the night.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85"></a>[<a href="./images/85.jpg">85</a>]</span></p> +<p class="figcenter"><a href="./images/85.jpg"><img src="./images/85_th.jpg" alt=""Commanding officer overboard!"" title=""Commanding officer overboard!"" /></a></p> +<p class="figcenter">"Commanding officer overboard!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86"></a>[<a href="./images/86.png">86</a>]</span> +By the shifting of the ray, too, he saw that the +"Grigsby" was putting about.</p> + +<p>"They'll pick me up soon with that light," he +told himself.</p> + +<p>He did not permit himself to reflect that, if +the startled officers and men on the destroyer located +him it would be by the sheerest good luck. +A human head rolling among waves on a black +night is a difficult object to pick up with the +searchlight.</p> + +<p>Dave now struck out enough to keep his +face turned toward the light. He did not attempt +to swim toward the destroyer. That long, narrow +craft circled about, bringing a second searchlight +to bear.</p> + +<p>Then Dave saw the blinkers at the foremast +head gleam out dully. He even read the signal:</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant Commander Darrin overboard. +Not yet located."</p> + +<p>"That's for Dalzell's benefit," Dave told himself. +"Poor old Danny-boy will be wild, and will +come steaming over here at full speed. But—confound +it! The 'Grigsby' is circling farther +south. Evidently Fernald thinks he came back +too far on his wake."</p> + +<p>Farther and farther south went the destroyer, +still sweeping the sea with her two searchlights.</p> + +<p>Then Dave beheld, after minutes, another +searchlight beam crossing the others, and knew<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87"></a>[<a href="./images/87.png">87</a>]</span> +that Dan Dalzell, aboard the "Reed," was making +anxious quest for his floating chum.</p> + +<p>Both craft, after the "Reed" had once come +within a quarter of a mile, began operating further +away. There was nothing on the black, +roaring waters by which to locate the spot where +the "Grigsby" had been when her commander +was hurled overboard.</p> + +<p>Twenty minutes passed after the "Reed" had +come up. There was more talking with the +blinkers between the two craft. The destroyers +moved in ever widening, and then contracting, +circles, but not once did either come near enough +to pick up a glimpse of that one face that held +occasionally above the rolling waves.</p> + +<p>After an hour of searching there was a sorrowful +conference between the officers directing the +signals on the two destroyers. They decided that +every possible effort had been made, and that +Lieutenant Commander Darrin was surely lost.</p> + +<p>Indeed, at about that time Dave, though he +was too far away and dashed with too much spray +to read the signals, had about given up hope.</p> + +<p>Chilled to the bone by the icy waters, he had +at first striven to keep himself warm by such +exercise as he could apply. But now he was +weakening.</p> + +<p>Had it not been for the unusual vigor of his constitution +he would have been dead by this time.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88"></a>[<a href="./images/88.png">88</a>]</span> +It was now only a question of a little more time +when he must freeze to death.</p> + +<p>"All right, Davy-boy," he reflected, almost +drowsily. "While you were alive you managed +to do a few things! But poor Belle! I hope +this isn't going to upset her too much!"</p> + +<p>Even the thought of his loved young wife did +not stir him much, which showed, indeed, that +Darrin was near the end of his vital resources +and that he must soon give up his struggle.</p> + +<p>After a while the instinct of desperation seized +him. With a last summoning of his strength he +began fighting for his life.</p> + +<p>"I won't freeze!" he cried, between grinding +teeth. "I can keep moving a good while yet. I +won't allow myself to die here. That would be +no better than suicide!"</p> + +<p>For a few minutes more he continued to use +arms and feet in a determined effort to warm his +blood against the numbing cold.</p> + +<p>"Ha, here comes one of the destroyers, right +now," Dave laughed, hysterically, as a form +loomed up in the night and came toward him.</p> + +<p>Indeed, that dark mass, which presently resolved +itself into the hull of a steamship battling +with the gale, seemed bent on running him down.</p> + +<p>Nearer and nearer it came. Dave tried to +shout, but found his voice too weak to be heard +above the roar of wind and wave. Though he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89"></a>[<a href="./images/89.png">89</a>]</span> +fought desperately to get out of the course of the +oncoming hull, the rolling waters washed him +back.</p> + +<p>His efforts, however, had availed him somewhat, +for, though he was so close that he could +almost touch the hull as the bow passed him, +Darrin felt that he could avoid being run down by +the ship.</p> + +<p>He tried to shout again, but only hoarse noises +came from his throat. Then something splashed +close to him as it struck the water. A wave +washed Darrin against a rope. With all the +force left in his hands he twined his fingers +around the strands.</p> + +<p>Then, though Dave did not see it, a face peered +over the rail above. There came a tug at the +rope, but Dave would not let go. He found himself +being dragged slowly along with the hull of +this craft that was battling a head wind.</p> + +<p>When the man above found that he could not +haul up the rope he peered down at the water, +then set up a yell in some strange jargon.</p> + +<p>An instant later a second face appeared behind +the first. The bright gleam of a pocket flash-lamp +cut the blackness to the water. There was +a second exclamation, quickly followed by a command.</p> + +<p>A third man joined the other two at the rail. +Dave blinked upward at the pocket flash-lamp.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90"></a>[<a href="./images/90.png">90</a>]</span> +He saw something descending, heard a faint whish +above the noise of the gale, and felt a noose drop +down over his head and shoulders.</p> + +<p>Just how he did it Darrin cannot remember, +even now, but he managed to slip that noose first +under one arm pit, then the other, all the time +keeping a desperate hold of the trailing rope.</p> + +<p>A pull from above, then a dull throb of hope +sent the blood through Darrin's frame as he felt +the noose gather tightly under his arms. Slowly, +his body bumping against the rolling hull, he felt +himself moving upward.</p> + +<p>Ready hands seized and hauled him in over the +rail. At that instant Dave's senses forsook him. +He collapsed on the deck, a limp, huddled, +drenched human form.</p> + +<p>Nor could he judge how much later it was +when he opened his eyes again. But cold? Not +a bit of it! He felt as though he were in a furnace +room. Stripped, he lay in a berth, two stalwart +sailors rubbing him under the direction of a third +person, while a fourth was slowly forcing a hot +drink down his throat. It was a strangling cough, +on account of some of the fluid entering his wind-pipe, +that had brought him back to consciousness.</p> + +<p>Opening his eyes, Dave lay quietly, enjoying +the warmth after his bitter experience. He noticed +that the sailors who were rubbing him were +dripping with perspiration. Indeed, they had a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91"></a>[<a href="./images/91.png">91</a>]</span> +right to drip, for the steam in this little cabin had +been turned on through two separate services.</p> + +<p>Dave tried to speak, but all he could say was:</p> + +<p>"Ugh!"</p> + +<p>"Good! You don't feel chilled, now?" questioned +the man who held the hot drink to his lips.</p> + +<p>"Gracious, no!" Darrin whispered, hoarsely. +"I'm roasting."</p> + +<p>The man spoke to the sailors, who stopped their +rubbing and spread a few thicknesses of blanket +over him.</p> + +<p>Dave's next realization was that this unknown +craft did not roll so heavily as might be expected. +He reasoned that the ship must be a freighter of +broad beam.</p> + +<p>Languor was stealing over him as the questioner +asked:</p> + +<p>"How do you feel?"</p> + +<p>"Like having a big sleep," Dave whispered +drowsily. His eyes closed and he dozed even before +he could think to wonder if his brother officers +on the "Grigsby" and "Reed" knew that he +was all right.</p> + +<p>Putting down the cup of hot drink, the man +who had done the talking dismissed the three +others, seated himself on the edge of the berth +and placed a finger on one of Dave's unresisting +wrists.</p> + +<p>The same man was there, seated on a locker<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92"></a>[<a href="./images/92.png">92</a>]</span> +and smoking a pipe, when Dave Darrin again +opened his eyes.</p> + +<p>This time Dave sat up rather nimbly, then +turned, supporting his head on one hand.</p> + +<p>"Hullo, there!" Dave hailed, cheerily.</p> + +<p>"Getting your strength back, aren't you?" +queried the stranger.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir! But tell me. Is this the same night +I was picked up and introduced on board, so to +speak?"</p> + +<p>"The same night."</p> + +<p>"About how many hours ago?"</p> + +<p>"Five, I guess."</p> + +<p>"Then it must be near daylight."</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Any American destroyers sighted hereabouts, +do you know?"</p> + +<p>"Not at last accounts. We have been keeping +a lookout, too, for your uniform proclaimed you +to be a Yankee naval officer."</p> + +<p>"What ship is this?"</p> + +<p>"The 'Rigsdak.'"</p> + +<p>"Norwegian?" Dave inquired.</p> + +<p>"Danish freighter, homebound from Hartlepool."</p> + +<p>"And you're the ship's doctor?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. Unless we meet one of your own country's +ships you'll be ashore in Denmark before +noon today. But the sea is so rough that I do not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93"></a>[<a href="./images/93.png">93</a>]</span> +believe we could transfer you, even if we met one +of your own craft."</p> + +<p>"Denmark isn't such a bad country," Dave +laughed, pleasantly. "I've been there. And +you're mighty quick people. It didn't take you +long to rope and haul me on board."</p> + +<p>"Because our second officer had a man in his +watch who used to be a cowboy in your country, +and he can handle a lariat well. Travelling +through these dangerous waters we always carry +a line forward with a noose at one end. You're +the third man we've roped out of the water in +six months."</p> + +<p>"But what was that first line that was thrown +overboard—I mean the one I grabbed and held +on to?"</p> + +<p>"There was a bucket at the end of that rope," +the ship's surgeon informed Dave. "The deck-hose +is out of order, and a sailor threw the bucket +over to haul up water with which to wash down +the passageway."</p> + +<p>"I'm thankful he made the cast just at that +instant," Dave murmured.</p> + +<p>"Providence must have directed the cast," replied +the doctor. "And it wasn't your time to +die."</p> + +<p>"I've no right to die, if I can possibly prevent +it!" Dave rejoined warmly. "I'm only a small-fry +officer, to be sure, but even at that I'm needed,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94"></a>[<a href="./images/94.png">94</a>]</span> +like every other trained American officer, until +Germany has been taught the great lesson of law +and morality."</p> + +<p>"Amen to that!" agreed the doctor, fervently.</p> + +<p>"You're not pro-German, then, like so many of +your countrymen?" Dave asked, with a smile.</p> + +<p>"There are few of us who are pro-German in +Denmark," replied the ship's surgeon. "Though, +until your Entente allies can protect us against +powerful Germany's wrath it is not prudent for +us to be too outspoken in favor of England, +France and America."</p> + +<p>"From your accent you've been in our country?" +Dave hinted.</p> + +<p>"I took my degree in an American medical +school, but I am a Dane. And now, sir, your +name?"</p> + +<p>"David Darrin, lieutenant-commander, United +States Navy."</p> + +<p>"And I am Dr. Valpak. And now, Mr. Darrin, +I advise that you rest your mind, eat what I am +going to order sent here, and then take another +nap."</p> + +<p>Dave gladly ate of the sea biscuit and soup that +were brought to him, after which Dr. Valpak felt +his pulse, administered a drink of something with +an unfamiliar taste, then uttered the professional +command:</p> + +<p>"Sleep!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95"></a>[<a href="./images/95.png">95</a>]</span> +Dr. Valpak closed the door from outside. Dave +closed his eyes, and enjoyed the luxury of another +nap.</p> + + + +<hr class="full" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII</h2> + +<h4>DAVE MEETS THE FATE OF THE SEA</h4> + + +<p><span class="smcap">It</span> was almost nine o'clock in the morning when +Darrin awoke. He at once realized how refreshed +he was. His had been a close call, +but fortunate accident and his own strong body +had pulled him through.</p> + +<p>There on the floor were his rubber boots, on +the locker his underclothing, while on knobs +against the cabin wall hung the garments that +comprised his uniform.</p> + +<p>Rising, Dave was delighted to find himself +still strong. Without ado he drew off and tossed +across the berth the coarse nightgown that some +one had put on him. Then he began to dress.</p> + +<p>Everything was dry—indeed, laundered. +These new Danes of the sea knew how to be hospitable. +So Darrin dressed, and, when he rang +for hot water, a steward appeared with the ship's +barber, who aided in Darrin's toilet. Before this +had been finished Dr. Valpak thrust his head in to +inquire:</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96"></a>[<a href="./images/96.png">96</a>]</span> +"Do I intrude?"</p> + +<p>"Only as a personage from the pages of 'Arabian +Nights,' Doctor," Darrin laughed. "Come in."</p> + +<p>Not only did the doctor come in, but soon, also, +a waiter, who set up a small table made fast to the +wall, and on it spread such a breakfast as made +Dave's heart rejoice.</p> + +<p>Wind and sea had abated much. The broad +"Rigsdak" now rode the water with comparatively +little roll. Dave sat down to enjoy his +breakfast, and Dr. Valpak soon withdrew.</p> + +<p>Just after the finish of the meal the surgeon +returned, bringing with him this time the ship's +master, one Kennor, who spoke with a strong +accent. Dave expressed his thanks for the fine +care that had been given him.</p> + +<p>"And you muss der mate meet," declared Captain +Kennor, beaming. "He it vass who show +der light in your face, und den der noose was over +you drop."</p> + +<p>So presently Dave followed these new friends to +the deck, where he was introduced to the mate. +He also, through Dr. Valpak, thanked the sailor +who had cast the bucket-line overboard. The +seaman who had dropped the noose around him +spoke English fluently. Dave shook hands with +both sailors. He then followed Captain Kennor +and the mate to the bridge.</p> + +<p>"You carry only freight?" Dave asked.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97"></a>[<a href="./images/97.png">97</a>]</span> +"Somedimes passengers," replied Captain Kennor. +"Two we have dis time. An English lawyer +und hiss young vife."</p> + +<p>The pair just mentioned were seen walking on +the spar deck forward. The man was well past +middle age, of fine, rather sharp features and with +thick gray hair. The woman did not appear to +be above the age of twenty-five.</p> + +<p>Captain Kennor escorted Dave down and introduced +him to Mr. and Mrs. Caleb Launce.</p> + +<p>"One doesn't often hear a story like that of +your rescue," said Mr. Launce.</p> + +<p>"It would have killed you, had you been an +ordinary man," shivered Mrs. Launce.</p> + +<p>"Thank you for the inference," Darrin laughed.</p> + +<p>"But I have met several of your American +naval officers," Mrs. Launce continued. "You +are splendidly big, enduring men."</p> + +<p>"Again I must thank you."</p> + +<p>"A man accustomed to indoor life could not +have lived half as long as you did before you were +picked up," added the lawyer.</p> + +<p>"Do you feel your full strength yet?" asked his +wife.</p> + +<p>"Not—quite, I'll admit," Dave answered.</p> + +<p>"Then it will be well if you find a seat, inside, +too, I should think," continued the Englishwoman. +"Shall we all go inside? The air is +cold out here."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98"></a>[<a href="./images/98.png">98</a>]</span> +Truth to tell, though he was not by any means +in a fainting condition, Dave Darrin did feel that +a seat inside, where it was warm, would be much +to his liking.</p> + +<p>So Captain Kennor led them to a small dining +cabin, where the white cloths had been removed +from the tables and homely red ones substituted.</p> + +<p>"Dr. Valpak told me you expected to make +port by noon," said Dave.</p> + +<p>"Dot vass der hope, but last night's vinds held +us back more dan ve knew," replied Captain +Kennor. "Id vill be two dis afternoon before ve +make—"</p> + +<p>He was interrupted by a shattering jar that +made the ship stagger. It was accompanied by +a crashing explosion.</p> + +<p>Uttering a cry of fright Mrs. Launce sprang to +her feet.</p> + +<p>"Can that be—" she began.</p> + +<p>"Yes, madam, a torpedo," Dave replied, rising +more slowly. "It was evidently a hard hit, but +this twenty-eight-hundred-ton ship should remain +afloat at least half an hour, unless another +torpedo be launched. There is plenty of time. +Will you permit me?"</p> + +<p>There were life-belts at hand. Dave quickly +and deftly fastened Mrs. Launce's life-belt about +her, then performed a similar office for her husband. +This done he went to his recent cabin,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99"></a>[<a href="./images/99.png">99</a>]</span> +where he donned his own belt and stepped out +on the deck, joining his fellow passengers.</p> + +<p>Struck on the port side, just forward of her +boilers, the "Rigsdak" was already listing considerably +to that side.</p> + +<p>"The captain and the first officer are below," +hailed Dr. Valpak. "They will examine the ship's +injuries and decide. It may not be necessary to +abandon ship."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Launce turned to Darrin, who had just +turned back from the port rail. She looked at +him so imperatively that he nodded and replied:</p> + +<p>"We shall have to take to the boats. This ship +is not going to float. Her pumps will not save +her, for the hole in the side is beyond temporary +repairs."</p> + +<p>Within two or three minutes Captain Kennor +and his mate appeared, confirming Dave's verdict.</p> + +<p>Darrin had already looked out over the sea, +but he had been unable to make out any sign of +the presence of a submarine.</p> + +<p>"Could it have been a mine?" demanded Mr. +Launce.</p> + +<p>"No, sir," Dave answered, promptly. "Had +we struck a mine the explosion would have been +much more violent."</p> + +<p>"Then a torpedo provides sufficient experience +of this sort of thing," cried Mrs. Launce, making +a face.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100"></a>[<a href="./images/100.png">100</a>]</span> +"Der passengers vill my boat go in!" called +Captain Kennor. "Dere vill time be."</p> + +<p>Again Mrs. Launce glanced inquiringly at Darrin, +who nodded his confirmation.</p> + +<p>Three boats were cleared away, carrying most +of the crew and all the officers except the master. +The boats were safely launched, and fortunately +the sea was not too rough for them.</p> + +<p>Then Captain Kennor appeared, carrying a +bag and his navigating instruments.</p> + +<p>"Are your ship's papers and instruments intended +for the Germans, sir?" Dave inquired, +significantly.</p> + +<p>"No; you be right," admitted Captain Kennor, +opening his eyes wide, after a brief moment's +thought.</p> + +<p>Going to the rail he tossed bag and instruments +over into the sea.</p> + +<p>Then the last boat was lowered, the seamen +who remained behind jumping as soon as their +work was completed, and being picked up from +the water.</p> + +<p>"Ve shall but a few hours of rowing haff," declared +Captain Kennor. "It vill not so hard be +upon uss."</p> + +<p>Dave was thinking of another prospect, but +did not voice his thought. The men in the captain's +boat gave way at the oars, Kennor steering. +The other boats had already pulled well clear of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101"></a>[<a href="./images/101.png">101</a>]</span> +the coming foundering, and now the captain's +boat followed. The "Rigsdak" was likely to remain +afloat for some minutes yet.</p> + +<p>"I thought so," muttered Darrin, pointing to +where a gray conning tower was emerging from +the sea.</p> + +<p>Captain Kennor gave an order in his native +tongue, and the men in his boat ceased rowing.</p> + +<p>"Dey vill uss hail, so ve need not be too far +avay," he explained to his passengers.</p> + +<p>After the conning tower the gray back of the +sea pest rose into view. The manhole of the +tower was opened and an officer appeared, followed +to the deck by a few seamen, two of whom +stationed themselves by a gun that popped up +into view.</p> + +<p>"Come alongside!" shouted the officer, in +English, through a megaphone.</p> + +<p>Again Captain Kennor's oarsmen gave way, +their skipper heading for the submarine.</p> + +<p>"That will do. Cease rowing," commanded the +German officer. "What ship is that yonder?"</p> + +<p>"Der Danish freighter, 'Rigsdak,'" replied +Captain Kennor.</p> + +<p>"And its master?"</p> + +<p>"Dat iss me."</p> + +<p>"Come aboard."</p> + +<p>At the order Dave, who had quietly loosened +his belt and holster containing his automatic re<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102"></a>[<a href="./images/102.png">102</a>]</span>volver, +quickly dropped them overboard on the +side farthest from the German craft.</p> + +<p>There was sufficient sea running to make the +task of getting close alongside a difficult one. +A German sailor reached out to catch Kennor's +arm and aid him aboard the submarine.</p> + +<p>"And your instruments and papers," ordered +the German officer, sharply.</p> + +<p>"I did not dem with me bring," replied Kennor.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps that will be so much the worse for +you," was the scowling reply. "We want the +papers, and we have need, especially, of ship's +instruments."</p> + +<p>The German eyed Dave Darrin curiously. The +American officer's uniform was concealed under +his sou'-wester, rubber coat and boots, but after +a moment's inspection, the German said curtly:</p> + +<p>"You, too, will come aboard."</p> + +<p>As refusal would have been absurd under the +circumstances Darrin promptly obeyed. Instantly +the German officer snatched a fold of +Darrin's rubber coat, pulling it aside and thus +revealing a glimpse of the uniform beneath.</p> + +<p>"Take off that rubber coat!" the Hun ordered, +brusquely.</p> + +<p>Flushing slightly, Dave obeyed, his uniform +now being fully revealed.</p> + +<p>"Ha!" snarled the Hun. "I suspected something +of the sort. <ins class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: deleted superfluous quotation mark">You</ins> two will go down through<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103"></a>[<a href="./images/103.png">103</a>]</span> +the manhole. And this man and woman are +passengers? They will come aboard."</p> + +<p>Captain Kennor led the way below, Mr. and +Mrs. Launce following. Dave, as he reached the +manhole, turned to see the "Rigsdak" vanish beneath +the waters.</p> + +<p>Then Dave Darrin stepped inside the conning +tower and began to descend the ladder—a German +prisoner at last!</p> + + + +<hr class="full" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX</h2> + +<h4>THREATS TO A PRISONER</h4> + + +<p><span class="smcap">As</span> for the seamen in the boat, the officer, +after a scowling stare in their direction, ordered +them also on board, where he had +them lined up forward.</p> + +<p>"Take off those life-belts," he ordered, still in +English, and a seaman who understood interpreted +to his fellow-Danes.</p> + +<p>Off came the life-belts, which were dropped to +the deck. German sailors then kicked them all +overboard.</p> + +<p>Now the submarine began to move slowly. +A shot was fired from the forward gun into the +lifeboat, wrecking and sinking her. This done,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104"></a>[<a href="./images/104.png">104</a>]</span> +the German seamen followed their officer in +through the manhole, which was closed.</p> + +<p>For at least two miles the submarine moved +along on the surface, then, slowly, began to submerge. +One of the Danish sailors on deck set up +a howl of fright when he found his shoes six +inches under water. The cry was taken up by +the other sailors with him.</p> + +<p>The water rose to their knees—higher. The +conning tower settled down into the sea, and the +wretched sailors of the captain's boat were left +floundering in the water, without life-belts or +anything buoyant to keep them afloat.</p> + +<p>The last vestige of the submarine vanished, +leaving more than a dozen despairing men to +flounder and to die, for the "Rigsdak's" other +boats were now too far distant to see what had +happened.</p> + +<p>Going below, Dave and his friends from the +"Rigsdak" were conducted into a tiny wardroom +behind the mess table at which sat a frowning, +leering German ober-lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"A ship's master who did not like us well +enough to bring his papers and his instruments," +barked this commanding officer of the sea-hornet. +"An Englishman and his young wife, eh? But we +have here—?"</p> + +<p>"An American naval officer," replied the +younger German officer.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105"></a>[<a href="./images/105.png">105</a>]</span> +For some reason the ober-lieutenant's manner +changed. He looked Dave over curiously, but +without the same ferocity.</p> + +<p>"Be good enough to be seated," he said, with a +wave of the hand toward a chair. "Let these +swine stand!"</p> + +<p>But Dave chose to remain on his feet. Again +the ober-lieutenant turned to him, though with +comparative courtesy.</p> + +<p>"I offered you a seat, sir. I trust you will avail +yourself of the invitation."</p> + +<p>"I cannot seat myself, sir," Darrin answered, +stiffly, "while a lady is forced to stand."</p> + +<p>"Then the woman will have a seat too," replied +the ober-lieutenant, with a contemptuous glance +in Mrs. Launce's direction. But that young +Englishwoman met his look of contempt with a +glance that beat the German at his own game, +and remained on her feet.</p> + +<p>"Oh, very well," said the German commander, +carelessly. "Now, I will enter in my log the name +and other particulars concerning the master of +the 'Rigsdak.'"</p> + +<p>Captain Kennor accordingly supplied the particulars, +which were written down.</p> + +<p>"The English cattle next!" ordered the ober-lieutenant, +gruffly.</p> + +<p>Mr. Launce therefore stated the names, ages +and residence of himself and wife.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106"></a>[<a href="./images/106.png">106</a>]</span> +"Your reason for travelling?" rasped the German +commander, looking up from his record.</p> + +<p>"Health," replied the Englishman, stiffly.</p> + +<p>"Whose?"—sneeringly.</p> + +<p>"Mine."</p> + +<p>"You do not look ill."</p> + +<p>"That cannot be helped," replied Mr. Launce, +as stiffly as ever.</p> + +<p>"You must have passports, since you are travelling," +suggested the ober-lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Yes; we have," admitted Mr. Launce.</p> + +<p>"Turn them over to me."</p> + +<p>Receiving the documents in question, the German +commander looked them over carefully. +Without comment, he handed them to a younger +officer, who left the room with them, but soon returned.</p> + +<p>"Take these people away," ordered the ober-lieutenant. +"And see that you obey all orders +without question," he added, to Kennor and the +English couple.</p> + +<p>When they had been left alone the ober-lieutenant +rose to his feet, holding out his hand to +Darrin though a bit stiffly.</p> + +<p>"We are brothers in arms, it seems, though just +now we are enemies," said the German.</p> + +<p>"We are enemies, yes," Dave admitted, ignoring +the outstretched hand. At this the German +flushed, allowing his proffered hand to fall.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107"></a>[<a href="./images/107.png">107</a>]</span> +"You shall have all permissible courtesy while +you are my prisoner, and I trust you will show the +same," said the ober-lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"I bespeak no courtesy, sir," Dave replied +coolly, though without direct affront. "I quite +understand that I am a prisoner of war, and, as +I cannot help the fact, I will not resent it. You +are going to confine me, I take it?"</p> + +<p>"No," said the ober-lieutenant, again seating +himself and picking up his pen. "You will be +given quarters, and allowed some freedom as +long as you do not forfeit it. You may even eat +at table with us."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Darrin, bowing stiffly.</p> + +<p>"I have not yet entered your name. Be good +enough to supply me with it."</p> + +<p>"David Darrin."</p> + +<p>"Rank?"</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant commander."</p> + +<p>"Yankee Navy?"</p> + +<p>"United States Navy, sir."</p> + +<p>"Present detail?"</p> + +<p>"Commanding officer of a torpedo boat destroyer."</p> + +<p>"Her name?" demanded the ober-lieutenant, +writing.</p> + +<p>"I decline to state."</p> + +<p>"Name of the destroyer?" insisted the German.</p> + +<p>"You heard my answer to that," Darrin re<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108"></a>[<a href="./images/108.png">108</a>]</span>turned, +his lips tightening. "I refuse to reveal +the name of the destroyer."</p> + +<p>"Her present station?"</p> + +<p>"I decline to answer."</p> + +<p>"Your reason for being away from your craft +and being aboard the 'Rigsdak'?" queried the +German, glancing up.</p> + +<p>"I was washed overboard in a gale, and rescued +by the crew of the 'Rigsdak'," Dave answered, +truthfully, without going into details.</p> + +<p>"Were you washed overboard from the craft of +which you are commanding officer?" pressed the +German.</p> + +<p>"Again I must decline to answer."</p> + +<p>"Oh, very good," said the ober-lieutenant, carelessly. +"I shall find that out presently."</p> + +<p>Then, as he scanned the information he had +written down, the German asked:</p> + +<p>"Darrin? Darrin? Where have I heard that +name before?"</p> + +<p>Picking up another book from the table, the +ober-lieutenant turned rapidly through some indexed +pages. Suddenly a gleam came into his +eyes.</p> + +<p>"Ah, here I have it. Darrin, David. Responsible +for the capture and recognition of Ober-Lieutenant +von Bechtold. Witness against von +Bechtold, who was executed in England as a +spy. Ha! So you are the Darrin, eh?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109"></a>[<a href="./images/109.png">109</a>]</span> +"I may be," half-assented Dave, feeling the +other's burning gaze.</p> + +<p>"Then I am glad to have you here, Lieutenant-Commander +Darrin!" cried the German officer, +"but I am afraid things will go badly indeed with +you when you arrive in Germany!"</p> + + + +<hr class="full" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X</h2> + +<h4>LIKE THE FRENCH AND ENGLISH</h4> + + +<p>"<span class="smcap">Indeed?</span>" asked Dave, raising his eyebrows +slightly.</p> + +<p>"You cannot expect that the people of the +Fatherland will feel any great kindness toward +you," pursued the ober-lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Why should they dislike me?"</p> + +<p>"Because you brought about the death of von +Bechtold, and he was an officer most valuable to +our government."</p> + +<p>"If you caught an American spy in Germany +would you arrest him?"</p> + +<p>"Assuredly," admitted the German officer.</p> + +<p>"And do your best to prove your charge against +him and have him executed."</p> + +<p>"Again, assuredly."</p> + +<p>"That was what I did, in the case of von +Bechtold."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110"></a>[<a href="./images/110.png">110</a>]</span> +"Bah, you are like the French and English!" +snapped the ober-lieutenant. "You can never +get it through your heads that a German is more +important than one of your kinds of people."</p> + +<p>"No," Dave agreed, "I am afraid that we cannot +appreciate that fact, or even admit it to be a +fact."</p> + +<p>"And now, before you leave me," broke in the +German officer, quickly, "tell me the name of your +destroyer and the station on which you last +served."</p> + +<p>Dave smiled, but did not answer in words. +The ober-lieutenant regarded him frowningly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, very good," said the German, at last. +"There are those in Germany who know how and +possess the means to make you talk. Your record +shall be completed there. And now—!"</p> + +<p>Going to the wardroom door the ober-lieutenant +called:</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant von Schellen!"</p> + +<p>The same younger officer came to the door.</p> + +<p>"Be good enough to show Lieutenant Commander +Darrin to his quarters and extend to him +any courtesies that you properly may. It is not +fitting that a man of his rank should have to receive +orders from a seaman."</p> + +<p>"This way," directed von Schellen, briefly. He +led the way down the narrow passage to a curtained +doorway.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111"></a>[<a href="./images/111.png">111</a>]</span> +"In here you will find your home until we +reach Germany," said von Schellen. "If you wish +exercise you may leave your sleeping cabin and +walk back and forth in this passage-way. If the +ober-lieutenant should decide to be gracious +enough to invite you to the wardroom, then you +will also have the freedom of that room—at +meal hours only. You will not go to any other +part of this craft."</p> + +<p>With a curt nod the young lieutenant left +Dave. Perhaps von Schellen had done his best +to be courteous.</p> + +<p>Pulling back the curtain Dave looked in. It +was a stuffy little place, just long enough to hold +two berths, one above the other, against the +outer shell of the submarine. In the upper berth +Captain Kennor lay at full length, a hand over +his eyes.</p> + +<p>"We are cabin-mates, then?" Dave asked, +gently.</p> + +<p>"Yes, so I been told," the Dane answered +gloomily.</p> + +<p>"And you in the upper berth? Why did you +not take the lower one? It is more comfortable."</p> + +<p>"I vould no so presume!" protested the Dane. +"Not wid a man of your rank."</p> + +<p>"I haven't rank enough in our naval service to +feel conceited about it," Darry smiled, "and you +are considerably older than I. Any difference<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112"></a>[<a href="./images/112.png">112</a>]</span> +there may be in comfort is your due. Will you +kindly exchange?"</p> + +<p>Not without some difficulty did Dave succeed +in inducing Captain Kennor to change to the +lower, broader berth of the two. Dave, after removing +his boots and some of his clothing, +climbed to the upper berth, spreading a blanket +over himself and lying down, for he felt that rest +was absolutely needed.</p> + +<p>At the noon-meal hour the ober-lieutenant +sent an orderly to invite Darrin to the table, +though the same invitation was not to be extended +to Captain Kennor, who would be expected +to eat with the German petty officers. +But, as Dave and Captain Kennor were asleep +at the time, the orderly departed without waking +them.</p> + +<p>It was past the middle of the afternoon when +Dave Darrin at last awoke sufficiently to decide +upon rising. Getting to the floor, and noting +that Captain Kennor was still asleep, Dave +dressed almost by stealth.</p> + +<p>While he was still so engaged there came a +slight knock at the door. A German petty officer +looked in.</p> + +<p>"The ober-lieutenant sends his compliments," +announced the fellow, in English. "He will be +pleased to have you join him. I will lead the +way."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113"></a>[<a href="./images/113.png">113</a>]</span> +Dave followed, down the passage and out into +the main cabin. There, at a table under the conning +tower, sat the ober-lieutenant and the same +younger officer.</p> + +<p>"We will raise the periscope and show you +what we are about to do," said the ober-lieutenant, +with a half-malicious smile.</p> + +<p>Von Schellen, his hand on the wheel of the +periscope mechanism, awaited a nod from his +chief. Receiving it, the younger officer turned the +wheel, sending the periscope up a foot above +water.</p> + +<p>On the white surface of the shaded table beneath +Dave saw the image of a vessel.</p> + +<p>"The fellow yonder has not yet sighted us," +said the ober-lieutenant, grimly. "We are about +to send him a torpedo. Yonder craft is to be our +game—Yankee steel and Yankee meat!"</p> + +<p>As for Dave, as he stared in horror at the image +on the table he recognized in the ship mirrored +there Dan Dalzell's own command, the "Reed."</p> + +<p>Forcing himself to speak calmly, and to act a +part Dave begged:</p> + +<p>"One moment longer, please! Let me see +whether I can recognize the doomed craft."</p> + +<p>"Doomed, indeed," chuckled the ober-lieutenant. +"We are in position and I am about to +fire. Be ready to drop the 'scope, von Schellen!"</p> + +<p>But Dave Darrin, knocking von Schellen's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114"></a>[<a href="./images/114.png">114</a>]</span> +hand away, seized the lever, forcing the periscope +to rise to its full height above the conning tower. +Nor did he stop there. With the mightiest twist +and wrench of which he was capable he jammed +the lever so that it could not be promptly operated +to lower the periscope.</p> + +<p>"Stop!" thundered von Schellen, leaping to his +feet, his face purple with rage.</p> + +<p>"I've stopped," assented Darry, smilingly, as he +stepped back.</p> + +<p>"Do you realize what you have +done, scoundrelly Yankee?" hissed the ober-lieutenant, +also rising and drawing his revolver.</p> + +<p>"Of course I do," Dave smilingly assented.</p> + +<p>"You have jammed the periscope. But at least +we can dive when we need, for—there!"</p> + +<p>With deft manipulation of a small device the +German commander added:</p> + +<p>"I have closed the valves of the 'scope, which +will now admit no water if we dive. You did not +succeed, Herr Darrin. But you will draw upon +us the Yankee fire if yonder commander is now +able to sight our scope."</p> + +<p>As if to verify the statement a muffled sound +came to them through the water. Glancing down +swiftly at the table von Schellen saw that reflected +which caused him to exclaim:</p> + +<p>"The Yankee destroyer has opened upon us +with her forward port gun. And there goes the +starboard gun!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115"></a>[<a href="./images/115.png">115</a>]</span> +Von Schellen, at a nod from his chief, signalled +the orders for diving. The ober-lieutenant saw +the "Reed," as pictured on the white table, come +steaming toward the submarine at full speed.</p> + +<p>"You idiot!" raged the German commander. +"Your treachery has betrayed us, and now the +Yankee will do his best to sink us and drown all +on board here."</p> + +<p>"That's what I'm praying right now he'll do!" +cried Dave Darrin, his face radiant with the glory +of the thought.</p> + + + +<hr class="full" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI</h2> + +<h4>A VICTIM OF COURTESY</h4> + + +<p>"<span class="smcap">And</span> what about the woman we have on +board?" demanded the ober-lieutenant, +hurriedly. "Would you destroy her, +too—cause her, if you could, to die the death of +drowning helplessly?"</p> + +<p>"I—I had forgotten her," Dave confessed.</p> + +<p>But from the passageway came a prompt response.</p> + +<p>"Never mind me," called Mrs. Launce. "I +have heard, and I, also, pray to see this pirate +craft destroyed before it can accomplish any more<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116"></a>[<a href="./images/116.png">116</a>]</span> +wickedness and destruction. My own death does +not matter!"</p> + +<p>"Silence, woman!" cried the ober-lieutenant, +glaring at Mrs. Launce.</p> + +<p>"Mrs. Launce has spoken, and has no more to +say," broke in the unruffled voice of Caleb +Launce.</p> + +<p>"Is that the way you address women when they +are helpless?" Dave demanded, tauntingly.</p> + +<p>"When they take part in conversations without +being asked," the German answered, curtly.</p> + +<p>"I have heard it was a way with the naval men +of your country," Dave drove back, tauntingly.</p> + +<p>Von Schellen reported:</p> + +<p>"We are now sixty feet below the surface, and +headed west by southwest. Any further orders?"</p> + +<p>"None," replied the commander. "Keep to the +course until I direct it to be changed."</p> + +<p>With a stiff salute von Schellen turned and +vanished.</p> + +<p>"Your Yankee friend shall not catch us this +time," jeered the ober-lieutenant. "Listen! Can +you hear his propellers? We are going directly +away from him."</p> + +<p>"He will catch you, in the end," Darrin retorted, +"or some other comrade will. I know how +many of your craft our Navy has put out of commission, +and I know how many our Allies have +destroyed."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117"></a>[<a href="./images/117.png">117</a>]</span> +"But you do not know how many submarines +we have left, nor how fast we are building them," +mocked the German commander.</p> + +<p>"Do not be too sure of that," Dave retorted. +"It may be that our information is more exact +than you suspect."</p> + +<p>"Have you anything definite to say on that +subject?" demanded the ober-lieutenant, regarding +his prisoner attentively.</p> + +<p>"Naturally not."</p> + +<p>"Then, as I shall be busy, will you be good +enough to return to the bounds set for you?"</p> + +<p>Dave bowed, turned and re-entered the passage-way. +The German naval officer's manner +toward him had not been insulting. There was +an evident effort to treat Darrin with the outward +show of respect that should be accorded to a +prisoner of his rank. Yet Dave knew that his +enemy hated him.</p> + +<p>Mr. and Mrs. Launce were in the passage-way, +and Captain Kennor could be heard stirring in +his cabin.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Darrin, we are now at good depth under +water?" inquired Mr. Launce.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; I believe so. We are not to be caught +and destroyed just yet."</p> + +<p>"That I am sorry to hear," replied the lawyer, +gravely.</p> + +<p>"And, I, too, am sorry," spoke up Mrs. Launce.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118"></a>[<a href="./images/118.png">118</a>]</span> +"Life has been sweet to me, but I would much +rather be dead than a captive in Germany. I +condole with you, Mr. Darrin, that it was not +possible for you to bring about the destruction +of this wretched craft."</p> + +<p>"It will, before long, go the way of the other +German submarines," Dave assured her, hoping +that there were enemy eavesdroppers who would +overhear and understand.</p> + +<p>At best exercise in this narrow short passage +was a farce, though it was often more agreeable +to be out here than sitting in the cramped space +of one of the tiny sleeping cabins. The four +prisoners rested, or moved listlessly about, until +the evening meal was ready. Then Captain Kennor +was summoned to eat with the petty officers, +while Dave and his English companions received +word to join the craft's officers in the tiny wardroom.</p> + +<p>Mr. Launce glanced at Dave with a questioning +look.</p> + +<p>"Really, Mr. Darrin, I would as soon starve as +eat with those German officer fellows, and my +wife feels as I do about it."</p> + +<p>"And my idea is the same," Dave answered.</p> + +<p>So Mr. Launce turned to the German mess +servant, delivering in German a message to the +effect that the three prisoners did not care to join +the officers at mess.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119"></a>[<a href="./images/119.png">119</a>]</span> +Thereupon von Schellen came out.</p> + +<p>"What is the matter?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"We don't care to eat with you, sir," Mr. +Launce replied, bluntly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, very well," replied the junior officer, carelessly. +"You three, then, may eat at second table +after we are pleased to be through."</p> + +<p>Clicking his heels and wheeling, the junior +officer went back to the wardroom. The three +prisoners waited more than an hour before the +same mess attendant came and beckoned them +to enter.</p> + +<p>They were alone, now, save for the presence of +the ober-lieutenant, who was seated at one end +of the table writing. He did not look up as they +entered and seated themselves.</p> + +<p>The meal set out was a coarse one, in quality +of food, but there was plenty of it. The three +prisoners ate slowly, almost in silence, nor did +they address their host.</p> + +<p>Before the meal was over the German commander +left the room without word or sign to his +guests.</p> + +<p>"Why, the boat has stopped!" exclaimed Mrs. +Launce, in a low voice, some three minutes later. +"Are we resting on the bottom?"</p> + +<p>"I think I shall soon be able to answer you," +Darrin replied.</p> + +<p>Soon machinery began to rumble.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120"></a>[<a href="./images/120.png">120</a>]</span> +"We are on the surface," said Dave, laying +down knife and fork. "We are recharging batteries."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Launce leaned forward to whisper:</p> + +<p>"Then surely there is some chance that one of +our own craft will hear the racket. We may be +fired upon and sunk, do you not think?"</p> + +<p>"You are eager for death?" Dave asked, studying +her face.</p> + +<p>"Yes. I prefer death to being taken to Germany."</p> + +<p>"And I, too," Dave nodded.</p> + +<p>"Have they anything against you there?" Mrs. +Launce whispered, after glancing about her.</p> + +<p>"Only, I believe, that I brought about the capture +and execution of one of their most valuable +spies."</p> + +<p>"That would be enough," whispered Mr. +Launce. "For that the Germans would not +openly try and execute you, but they will find +other ways to bring about your death."</p> + +<p>Instantly it occurred to Darrin that, evidently, +some one in official Germany knew of something +to bring against Mrs. Launce, for her question +to Darrin had indicated as much.</p> + +<p>As they sat there at the table the young American +officer noted that the submarine rolled hardly +at all. It was plain that the recent gale had +subsided, for the slight rocking of the boat indi<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121"></a>[<a href="./images/121.png">121</a>]</span>cated +only a gentle swell on the surface of the sea.</p> + +<p>In the doorway appeared Lieutenant von +Schellen. In his right hand, steadied by his left, +was what looked like an album. Glancing up +from a page the junior officer remarked, with +quick speech and decided emphasis:</p> + +<p>"You are the Countess of Denby."</p> + +<p>By a great effort the Englishwoman turned +slowly, glancing at the German.</p> + +<p>"Ah!" she exclaimed. "You have another +woman prisoner? You are bringing her here. I +am sorry that she is in your hands."</p> + +<p>"<i>You</i> are the Countess of Denby!" von Schellen +charged again, once more levelling his accusing +finger at her. "And you, sir," shifting the +direction of his finger to point at the supposed +Mr. Launce, "are the Earl of Denby!"</p> + +<p>"I have risen in the world since I went to sea!" +jested the Englishman.</p> + +<p>"We know who you are, now," von Schellen +continued, with brutal bluntness, "and we know +as much more about you as we need. We know +of the Admiralty office that you visited, and we +know the information that you two were expected +to gather along the Kiel Canal when you should +have entered Germany! Oh, you will soon understand +that we have most excellent information +from England! You journeyed to Denmark +on a poor old tramp steamer, under assumed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122"></a>[<a href="./images/122.png">122</a>]</span> +names and with fraudulent passports furnished +by your government. From Denmark you were +to work your way to Holland, and thence into +Germany, which country you would enter with +still other passports furnished you in Holland. +We know all about the noble pair of Denby! Of +course you will deny this, but save your denials +for use before a German court!"</p> + +<p>Having said which von Schellen turned and +left them. The Englishman and woman gave +each other a swift, horrified glance, then lowered +their eyes. As they looked up again Dave sent +them a swift glance of sympathy, but there was +a look of defiant pride on the Englishwoman's +face.</p> + +<p>The same thought was in the minds of all three. +Von Schellen or some other German had been +eavesdropping near enough to hear the whispered +conversation that had taken place.</p> + +<p>That was a fair ruse for use in war-time. Darrin, +as he looked at the English pair, felt sure +that they really were the Earl and Countess of +Denby.</p> + +<p>From the cabin under the conning tower came +a chorus of hoarse laughter. The Englishwoman's +swift look said plainly:</p> + +<p>"They are laughing over the discovery that +they have made."</p> + +<p>After that, gloom fell upon the trio. Darrin<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123"></a>[<a href="./images/123.png">123</a>]</span> +had never heard, before, of the Earl of Denby. +Later he learned that the Earl had led a recluse's +life among books until the war began. About +that time he had married a young noblewoman, +and the pair had gone promptly into effective +war work, though not in ways that caused their +portraits to be published in the illustrated +weeklies.</p> + +<p>Von Schellen re-appeared five minutes later, +casting first a look of triumph at the English +couple, next turning to Dave.</p> + +<p>"The American officer may take the air briefly +on deck if he so desires," said the German. "It is +by gracious permission of the commanding +officer."</p> + +<p>Darrin's first impulse was to decline, unless his +companions were included. He changed his mind, +however, for he had an intense desire to find out, +if possible, in what waters the craft now was. So +he rose, bowing to his table companions, and +followed von Schellen to the conning tower ladder. +Here he passed Herr Ober-Lieutenant and +bowed stiffly.</p> + +<p>"I am trusting you on deck," said the latter, +with a frown. "It is a courtesy. Do not abuse +it by any untoward conduct."</p> + +<p>Then Dave followed his conductor up into the +tower, von Schellen all the while keeping sharp +lookout to see that Darrin did not attempt to do<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124"></a>[<a href="./images/124.png">124</a>]</span> +any damage to the levers on the indicator board.</p> + +<p>Von Schellen, preceding him to the deck, +turned to say, as Darrin reached the platform:</p> + +<p>"Observe. Your desperate trick did not harm +us for long. You will note that the periscope is +again lowered. In fact, a new one has been put +in its place. We have tested the new periscope +and its bearings, and have found that they work +perfectly. Your treachery, with which you repaid +the commanding officer's courtesy, did not +avail you much."</p> + +<p>Darrin did not reply. Instead, he turned to +survey the night on all sides. Overhead were +heavy clouds, obscuring the light of the moon, +which, in its present phase, would have furnished +considerable light over the waters. There was a +fine mist in the air, but the sixth sense of the +sailor warned Dave not to expect rain tonight.</p> + +<p>Despite the cloudiness, however, one could see +for a considerable distance over the slightly rolling +sea. There was no other craft in sight.</p> + +<p>"You do not see much hope," mocked von +Schellen. "We have chosen a quiet part of the +sea, as you will notice."</p> + +<p>"You usually try to do that, don't you?" Dave +asked, in a tone of ordinary curiosity.</p> + +<p>"You must know," laughed the junior officer. +"You have spent months pursuing our submarines."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125"></a>[<a href="./images/125.png">125</a>]</span> +"And have had some success in catching them," +Dave answered.</p> + +<p>Von Schellen's laugh was bitter as he rejoined:</p> + +<p>"Ah! You are a good boaster! But do not +go too far, Herr Darrin! Do not make me wish +to strike you!"</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't care how soon you struck me," +Darrin smiled, "provided I could be assured of a +fair field and no favor in defending myself. But +I think we are going too far in our talk, are we +not, when one considers the consideration that a +captor must show to a prisoner of war. As a +gentleman you cannot strike me; nor, as a gentleman, +can I seek to provoke you to do so. The +situation is one calling for tact, Herr Lieutenant."</p> + +<p>"And I cannot forget that you are taking occasion +to remind me of the fact," retorted von Schellen, +a dark look coming into his face.</p> + +<p>"Then may I, as the prisoner of war, ask that +the subject be changed?" Dave Darrin suggested.</p> + +<p>"By all means," von Schellen returned, quickly, +though he was able to perceive that the American +had again succeeded in putting him in the +wrong.</p> + +<p>Just a moment later a petty officer appeared +on deck. Taking two or three steps toward the +junior officer he halted, saluted, and then remained +standing at attention, as though waiting.</p> + +<p>Von Schellen stepped over to the man, and a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126"></a>[<a href="./images/126.png">126</a>]</span> +conversation followed in low tones, but did not +last long.</p> + +<p>"If you care to remain on deck and watch," +said the junior lieutenant, "you will see something +that may interest you."</p> + + + +<hr class="full" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII</h2> + +<h4>GERMAN BRUTALITY AT ITS WORST</h4> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Just</span> behind the conning tower a jointed steel +mast was raised and stepped by three seamen +who came at the petty officer's order.</p> + +<p>Farther astern a narrow, ledge-like trapdoor +of steel was raised, and from this was taken and +stepped another steel jointed mast. The seamen +now worked quickly in rigging aerial wires in +place. In a very short time the work was completed, +and the petty officer saluted von Schellen.</p> + +<p>"You cannot fail to understand what we are +doing," hinted the young German officer.</p> + +<p>"You are about to send or receive radio messages, +I take it," Dave replied.</p> + +<p>"You have been told, of course, that we always +report our whereabouts after dark?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, it is common knowledge with the Allies," +Dave admitted. "And also that you receive in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127"></a>[<a href="./images/127.png">127</a>]</span>structions +from the home offices of your Admiralty."</p> + +<p>There was a crackling sound on the aerials, followed +by others, some short, some long.</p> + +<p>"A wonderful invention, is it not?" asked von +Schellen, with satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and first developed outside of Germany," +Dave bantered, good-humoredly.</p> + +<p>"True enough, but we have known how to take +the radio and adapt it to all our needs," retorted +von Schellen.</p> + +<p>"Your operator is now reporting your whereabouts, +of course."</p> + +<p>"That would seem likely, wouldn't it?" the +other demanded.</p> + +<p>"And then you will receive information."</p> + +<p>"Yes; and sometimes we have even messages +for our men from their homes," laughed von +Schellen. "More! I have even had tender messages +from my sweetheart! And have answered +them in kind!"</p> + +<p>For a moment Dave stared in astonishment. +He knew von Schellen for a truly heartless brute. +The idea that any woman could love this fellow +came almost as a shock. And that Schellen could +have any tender feelings! Wonders would never +cease.</p> + +<p>"Of what are you thinking, if I may ask?" the +German went on.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128"></a>[<a href="./images/128.png">128</a>]</span> +"After information coming to you," Darrin +hinted, "it almost goes without saying that you +receive your orders."</p> + +<p>"Surely we receive them," nodded the German, +"if we happen to need any. But in our line +of professional work, after we have received information +we do not often need orders. We know +how to use our information."</p> + +<p>"Of course," Dave went on, "any other radio +operator who is within hearing distance can pick +up your messages, so you do not send them in +open German but use a code, or rather, a series of +codes."</p> + +<p>"If your radio men have ever picked up any of +our messages," retorted the young German, "you +must know that you were not able to decipher +their meaning."</p> + +<p>"We could not always decipher them," Darrin +admitted.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean by that?"</p> + +<p>"Why, it is possible, of course, that sometimes +we and our Allies have some keys to the German +use of code messages."</p> + +<p>"You assert that?" questioned von Schellen, +rather eagerly.</p> + +<p>"No, and I do not deny it, either," Dave smiled.</p> + +<p>"You are interesting, but discreet," complained +the German, banteringly.</p> + +<p>"And I may say as much of you," Dave con<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129"></a>[<a href="./images/129.png">129</a>]</span>tinued. +"Naturally, you know some things that +you would not tell me, and I know a few things +that I would not dream of telling you."</p> + +<p>"And, instead, you hint at things that are not +so, and perhaps I do about the same thing," returned +von Schellen.</p> + +<p>After that silence fell for some minutes. Dave +walked back and forth, the junior officer watching +him keenly.</p> + +<p>Overhead the crackling at the aerials continued, +with occasional intervals of silence when +the operator below was busy receiving messages.</p> + +<p>Again a petty officer approached von Schellen, +saluting and reporting in an undertone.</p> + +<p>"It is time for you to go below," announced +von Schellen, turning to Dave.</p> + +<p>"I appreciate very much this opportunity to +take the fresh air," Dave said, politely, as he +turned toward the conning tower.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I guess you're welcome," said the lieutenant, +shortly, and with a meaning smile, "though +sometimes there is such a thing as too much +outdoor life."</p> + +<p>To Darrin's mild astonishment, as he stepped +below, a folding table had been set up, and around +this were seated the ober-lieutenant and two other +officers, one of them an engineer. Von Schellen, +at a nod from his chief, made the fourth at the +table.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130"></a>[<a href="./images/130.png">130</a>]</span> +Into this cabin were brought the English couple +and the Danish master. Several sailors stood +about. The occasion began to take on a formal +look, which was heightened when the ober-lieutenant +laid on the table a small sheaf of papers.</p> + +<p>"First of all, you, Herr Darrin," began the ober-lieutenant. +"There can be no doubt that you are +Darrin?"</p> + +<p>Dave thrust a hand in under his sheepskin, +bringing to light a card-case. From it he withdrew +a pasteboard which he laid on the table.</p> + +<p>"That is my card," he said.</p> + +<p>The ober-lieutenant studied it deliberately, then +passed it to another officer as he continued:</p> + +<p>"And you do not deny that it was you who captured +Ober-Lieutenant von Bechtold of the Imperial +German Navy. You were the principal +witness against him when he was tried in Britain +for being a spy?"</p> + +<p>"I do not deny it, sir."</p> + +<p>"That is all. You may step back."</p> + +<p>As Darrin drew back he could not escape the +feeling that two of the seamen near him regarded +him as being their especial prisoner.</p> + +<p>"And now, the Earl and Countess of Denby," +called the ober-lieutenant.</p> + +<p>The English couple remained as motionless and +appeared as unconcerned as though they had not +heard.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131"></a>[<a href="./images/131.png">131</a>]</span> +"You two, I mean," insisted the ober-lieutenant, +turning to them.</p> + +<p>"Oh," said the man, and stepped forward, his +wife following him.</p> + +<p>The ober-lieutenant eyed the pair impressively +before he asked them:</p> + +<p>"You do not deny that you are the Earl and +Countess of Denby?"</p> + +<p>"No," replied the man.</p> + +<p>"Ah! Then you admit it?"</p> + +<p>"No," he said, promptly.</p> + +<p>"But either you must be, or you cannot be, the +noble couple whom I have named. Which is it?"</p> + +<p>"That is for you to determine," replied the man.</p> + +<p>"But what do you say yourselves?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing."</p> + +<p>"But you must answer my question!" the commanding +officer insisted angrily.</p> + +<p>"You fatigue me," declared the man.</p> + +<p>"You have not answered my question, and +won't?"</p> + +<p>"We have nothing to say."</p> + +<p>Frowning, the ober-lieutenant whispered to a +petty officer, who had placed on the table the same +album that von Schellen had brought to the wardroom +door. The commanding officer opened the +album, pointing to two photographs that adorned +a page.</p> + +<p>"These are your photographs, are they not?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132"></a>[<a href="./images/132.png">132</a>]</span> +he demanded, glancing up at the pair. But no +reply came from them.</p> + +<p>"At least," said the ober-lieutenant, stiffly, "you +have been given abundant opportunity to deny, +and have declined to do so. Our imperial government +has had sufficient information that you +two have recently entered the British secret service. +It is even known to the imperial government +that you two recently undertook to penetrate +into Germany, under even another assumed +name than Launce, and that you planned to spy +upon what was to be learned along the Kiel Canal. +You even had some of your arrangements made +for performing that seemingly very difficult piece +of spy work. You have been charged, and you +refuse to deny. It is the same as a confession +on your parts. The Earl and Countess of Denby +will stand aside."</p> + +<p>Two sailors, at a sign from the ober-lieutenant, +drew the English pair back.</p> + +<p>"Martin Kennor, once master of the Danish +freight steamer 'Rigsdak!'" called the commander.</p> + +<p>Promptly the Danish skipper stood forward.</p> + +<p>"There can be no doubt at all that you answer +the description just given?" demanded the ober-lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"None vatever," agreed Kennor.</p> + +<p>"The only fault to be found with you," con<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133"></a>[<a href="./images/133.png">133</a>]</span>tinued +the ober-lieutenant, "is that you had the +misfortune to be found in such company, and that +later on your tongue might prove too long and +ready. That is all!"</p> + +<p>Von Schellen, again on his feet, signalled to +some of the seamen, then said:</p> + +<p>"The prisoners will follow me."</p> + +<p>To the amazement of all he led the way to the +conning tower. After him the sailors herded the +four prisoners of war. They ascended the ladder, +the Englishwoman being the last of the four. Her +husband and Captain Kennor assisted her as she +stepped through the manhole to the deck outside.</p> + +<p>"But this is unkind," she declared, with a shiver. +"My husband and I have not our outer wraps, and +the night is chilly."</p> + +<p>"I will mention the matter," replied von +Schellen, stiffly.</p> + +<p>The wireless masts and aerials had disappeared. +As the four passengers stood on the deck and wondered, +the seamen entered the submarine through +the manhole in the wake of von Schellen. When +the last of them had gone into the conning tower +the junior lieutenant re-appeared at the manhole +to call:</p> + +<p>"A pleasant evening for four!"</p> + +<p>Then the manhole cover was closed and there +came to those on deck a muffled sound connected +with fastening it on the inside.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134"></a>[<a href="./images/134.png">134</a>]</span> +"What does this new insolence mean?" cried the +Englishwoman.</p> + +<p>"If you do not guess, you must soon know," replied +her husband, throwing an arm about her. +It was then that Mrs. Launce understood. She +turned pale, but did not cry out.</p> + +<p>Perhaps a full minute passed before the submarine +began to move forward. Dave Darrin, +familiar with the sounds from below, knew that +the rumble of machinery coming to his ears was +caused, not by the engines used in surface running, +but by the electric motors employed when running +under water.</p> + +<p>"The brutes are going to drown us, as they did +the hapless sailors they took from our boat!" +gasped the Englishwoman.</p> + +<p>"Yes, my dear," replied her husband, "and you +have said that you would prefer drowning to being +a prisoner in Germany."</p> + +<p>"I still say it," she answered quietly.</p> + +<p>"We are to have our wish," said her husband.</p> + +<p>Dave Darrin remained immobile; Captain Kennor +shrugged his shoulders without speaking.</p> + +<p>The prow of the craft dipped into the water, +which soon came creeping up around their ankles. +The forward deck was now out of sight, the water +in which they stood rising toward their knees.</p> + +<hr class="full" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135"></a>[<a href="./images/135.png">135</a>]</span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII</h2> + +<h4>FACING THE PLANNED DEATH</h4> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Turning</span> to Darrin the Englishman held +out his hand.</p> + +<p>"Good-bye" he said, simply. "You have +been a good comrade. I trust you have not been +disappointed in us, either."</p> + +<p>"Let's not say good-bye yet," urged Dave cheerfully. +"Surely we are not going to give up and +drown, merely because a lot of German rascals so +will it."</p> + +<p>"But we cannot last long in the water," protested +the Englishman, mildly.</p> + +<p>"At least, sir," Dave suggested, "we shall not +die until we have to. You swim?"</p> + +<p>"Once I did."</p> + +<p>"Then you can swim now. The sea is nearly +smooth. Let us try to keep together. And you, +Captain Kennor? You swim?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Good. We'll keep together as long as we can."</p> + +<p>At this moment the Englishwoman, the shortest +of the quartette, gave a little cry as she found her +footing giving way beneath her.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136"></a>[<a href="./images/136.png">136</a>]</span> +"All together!" cried Darrin, with a cheeriness +he did not feel, as he gripped the woman's left +arm.</p> + +<p>Another drop of the deck sent them all adrift. +The Englishman supported his wife on her right. +Captain Kennor, nearly silent, but undaunted, +swam slightly behind the others that he might +offer aid wherever needed.</p> + +<p>Strangely enough, though the swimmers spoke +to each other occasionally, none now referred to +the dastardly conduct of the enemy in setting +them thus adrift to drown.</p> + +<p>"You are cold, my dear, I know," said the +Englishman to his wife. "Are you suffering otherwise?"</p> + +<p>"No; but though I would not willingly drown +myself, I shall not be sorry when we give up and +go down."</p> + +<p>"Had I felt that way the last time I found myself +in the water," spoke up Dave, "I would not +be here now."</p> + +<p>"You had on a life belt. Now none of us has," +answered the Englishwoman, her teeth chattering. +"We cannot last long."</p> + +<p>"After my last experience, madam," Dave assured +her, "I shall never dare say that as long as +life lasts."</p> + +<p>"Why not face facts calmly?" she asked. +"Probably I shall last a quarter of an hour before<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137"></a>[<a href="./images/137.png">137</a>]</span> +I die of cold. I may survive for twenty minutes +or a little longer. You are strong, and may keep +up for an hour or more. What can possibly come +to our aid in that short time?"</p> + +<p>"Who can say?" was Dave's counter-question.</p> + +<p>For some time, they swam in silence. They did +not attempt to make progress. Motion enough to +keep afloat was all that was called for.</p> + +<p>All at once Dave wondered whether his eyes +were playing him tricks, or whether he really saw +the top of a conning tower approaching him. It +was not likely that the enemy would remain +about, and come back to see how it fared with the +victims of their cruelty.</p> + +<p>Then the something in the water took on another +vague shape. Darrin shook his head in an +effort to get the water out of his eyes. He peered +again. The shape, whatever it was, and if it really +existed, was beginning to get on his nerves. It +seemed to come nearer.</p> + +<p>"Captain Kennor!" called Darrin, sharply.</p> + +<p>"Aye!" responded the Dane.</p> + +<p>"Are you still swimming strongly?"</p> + +<p>"Aye!"</p> + +<p>"Then will you swim ahead and see what it is +that my eyes show me on the water?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, aye!"</p> + +<p>With lusty strokes the Dane swam around him, +and then ahead.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138"></a>[<a href="./images/138.png">138</a>]</span> +"A little more to the left!" called Dave.</p> + +<p>Then Captain Kennor believed that he saw it, +too, and headed straight for the object. Getting +nearer he sent back a real cheer.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" Darrin called.</p> + +<p>"A spar!"</p> + +<p>"Any size?"</p> + +<p>"Large enough us to hold all up! Swim dis vay! +Alone, can I hardly push it to you."</p> + +<p>Neither Dave nor the Englishman needed +urging. They swam, still bearing the woman between +them. The sight of the Dane ahead of them +holding to the spar with one arm, and holding up +the other hand, heartened them wonderfully.</p> + +<p>Soon all three had gained the spar, and Captain +Kennor, drawing a cord from his pocket, soon succeeded +in lashing the Englishwoman so securely +to the spar that she could not slip away and perish.</p> + +<p>"Now, you will remember what I said about not +giving up," Dave reminded his companions.</p> + +<p>"Why, yes, I am buoyed up, and perhaps you +men can manage to hold on, also," admitted the +woman. "Yet we must freeze to death."</p> + +<p>"We will still dare to hope," Darrin replied, +calmly.</p> + +<p>"You are a splendid inspiration, Mr. Darrin!" +declared the Englishman, heartily. "I wish I +could believe that you are a true prophet, as well."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139"></a>[<a href="./images/139.png">139</a>]</span> +"Oh, well," spoke Dave, with a lightness that +was deceptive, "I've really been in several worse +scrapes than the present one."</p> + +<p>But to himself he added:</p> + +<p>"May I be forgiven for uttering what seems to +me to be a possibly helpful lie!"</p> + +<p>Though they were now safely afloat for some +time to come, their situation rapidly became +worse, owing to the increasing cold. Especially +was this noticeable in the case of the Englishwoman.</p> + +<p>From time to time her eyes closed. When +spoken to she had to exert considerable effort to +shake off her languor before she could reply. She +became still more drowsy; evidently she was on +the verge of freezing to death. From speaking +kindly her husband dropped into sharp tones for +the sole purpose of keeping her awake. Presently +he was forced to resort to light blows in order to +bully her into wakefulness. Once she fell soundly +asleep she would not again awake.</p> + +<p>As for Captain Kennor, he held on almost +dumbly. He seldom spoke, his eyes mournfully +regarding the woman whose battle for life was +slowly being lost.</p> + +<p>"This is awful!" cried the Englishman, hoarsely, +after another effort to rouse his wife from slumber.</p> + +<p>"For all of us," Darrin admitted, "though there +is still hope."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140"></a>[<a href="./images/140.png">140</a>]</span> +"Where?" inquired Captain Kennor.</p> + +<p>"I do not know," Dave confessed. "Yes, I do, +too, though! Look yonder! No, in that direction!"</p> + +<p>At first the others could not make it out. Captain +Kennor was the first to see what Dave had +found. It was only a low, dark cloud on the +horizon, and it looked as though smaller clouds +detached themselves and sailed away on the low-hanging +sky.</p> + +<p>"I see it, too!" cried the Englishman, at last. +"But what is it?"</p> + +<p>"A ship," Dave answered. "To be more exact, +it looks like a destroyer, and it looks too as though +it might pass within a quarter of a mile of us."</p> + +<p>"Look, my dear—look!" the Englishman +urged his wife, shaking her in his eagerness to +have her realize the thread of hope that dangled +before their eyes. "A ship coming! We are to be +saved."</p> + +<p>Her eyes opened at last; the woman struggled +bravely to show interest in the sight that half-cheered +the others, but she could not. She was +too far gone, and her eyes closed again.</p> + +<p>"Keep your wife awake, sir, if you have to begin +to pull her hair from her head!!" It was a +command. "See how near that craft is getting. +Jove, sir! I believe it is one of our own Yankee +ships!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141"></a>[<a href="./images/141.png">141</a>]</span> +"But they will not come close enough to see us," +objected Captain Kennor, with the practiced eyes +of the veteran seaman. "They are not using their +searchlight, and we have no way of signalling to +them."</p> + +<p>Without speaking Darrin tried a desperate hope. +In one of his hands something gleamed out into +the night.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" demanded the Dane. "Himmel! +Der flashlight! Vere or ven did you by dat +come?"</p> + +<p>"I found it in the locker of our sleeping cabin, +and hid it in my clothes," Dave answered, as he +again tested the light. "I did not want to speak +of it unless there should come some hope to us. +This light was evidently left by some German who +had used that cabin. It's waterproof, too. When +I found it I had a hope that it might come in +handy before I got through with this adventure. +And now!"</p> + +<p>Waiting only a minute or two longer, Dave, +clinging to the spar with one arm, held the other +hand as high aloft as he could.</p> + +<p>"Help!" he signalled by flashes in the Morse +code. "Help!"</p> + +<p>"It is such a tiny glow, to carry so far!" sighed +the Englishman.</p> + +<p>"Maybe id vill seen be," said Captain Kennor.</p> + +<p>Dave continued to signal until, to his great joy,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142"></a>[<a href="./images/142.png">142</a>]</span> +there came an answering signal from a blinker +light which asked:</p> + +<p>"Who are you?"</p> + +<p>"Four castaways, clinging to a spar. Help before +we freeze!" Dave flashed back, desperately.</p> + +<p>"If only the commander of that boat does not +suspect us of being a German submarine springing +a trap!" cried the Englishwoman.</p> + +<p>A searchlight flashed up, then its broad beam +stretched across the waters as the operator tried +to pick up the floating ones.</p> + +<p>Dave threw the flash into a continuous light +while the searchlight beam continued groping. +Then, in a blessed instant, the beam struck almost +blindingly across the spar and the four human +beings held up by it.</p> + +<p>"Now, they've spotted us," Dave cried, exultingly. +"They won't run away and leave us without +a look-in."</p> + +<p>Holding the spar with the searchlight beam, the +destroyer changed its course, bearing down rapidly +upon them. Then it stopped and a motor +launch was lowered from davits.</p> + +<p>With a burst of speed the launch came alongside +the spar. Busy hands were outstretched. +The Englishwoman was the first to be taken +aboard, after a few quick slashes had freed her +from the binding cord.</p> + +<p>"Why, here's Lieutenant Commander Darrin!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143"></a>[<a href="./images/143.jpg">143</a>]</span></p> +<p class="figcenter"><a href="./images/143.jpg"><img src="./images/143_th.jpg" alt=""Help!"" title=""Help!"" /></a></p> +<p class="figcenter">"Help!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144"></a>[<a href="./images/144.png">144</a>]</span> +exclaimed a voice. Dave, almost too weak to +speak, was hustled into the boat, then the other +two men were taken over.</p> + +<p>Blankets were wrapped about the rescued ones, +and the launch dashed back to her ship.</p> + +<p>"A woman, Lieutenant Commander Darrin +and two other men!" the officer in charge of the +launch hailed the destroyer.</p> + +<p>"Darrin!" cried a voice. There was even greater +bustle at the top of the gangway that had been +lowered as the launch ran alongside. As swiftly +as possible the four rescued ones were rushed up +the side.</p> + +<p>"Old Darry himself, eh?" cried a joyous voice, +as Danny Grin hurried up. "Has the woman any +relative in the party?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; her husband," Dave answered weakly, +then collapsed.</p> + +<p>"Take the woman and her husband to my +quarters," Dalzell directed. "Have a cot put in +and lashed for the husband, and put the woman in +the berth. Mr. Darrin and the other man will go +to the sick bay."</p> + +<p>Willing hands bore the rescued ones as ordered. +Dan himself followed Dave's bearers down to the +sick bay and there supervised the treatment given +Dave and Captain Kennor, while the medical +officer went to Dan's quarters, the best on the +craft.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145"></a>[<a href="./images/145.png">145</a>]</span> +The Englishman was soon more comfortable. +His wife, however, required serious attention. +Dalzell shook his head over Dave, who appeared +all in and not able to talk.</p> + +<p>"Was he in the water longer than the rest of +you?" asked Dalzell, as soon as Captain Kennor +was able to talk.</p> + +<p>"No; but he vas der water in vonce before," +was the reply. "Der second time he could stand +not so well."</p> + +<p>That gave Dan the clue. As soon as the medical +officer could be spared from the care of the +Englishwoman for a few moments he was ordered +to the sick bay.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Darrin may pull through, but I won't +guarantee anything," said the surgeon, after an +examination. "The chances are all against him. +I am afraid the woman is going to die also."</p> + +<hr class="full" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146"></a>[<a href="./images/146.png">146</a>]</span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV</h2> + +<h4>DAVE PLEDGES HIS WORD FOR RESULTS</h4> + + +<p><span class="smcap">That</span> double report helped Dan Dalzell to +make up his mind.</p> + +<p>"Run straight for port," he ordered the +executive officer, naming the nearest British haven +that offered rail connection.</p> + +<p>In an hour and a half the destroyer had dropped +anchor at the port.</p> + +<p>More medical aid was brought aboard, including +a trained nurse for the Englishwoman.</p> + +<p>A few hours after daylight the woman had recovered +sufficiently to warrant her removal to a +hospital on shore. No strong hopes were yet entertained +of keeping her alive for more than a day +or two. Her husband had stood the watery ordeal +much better.</p> + +<p>Captain Kennor, who, with Dave, was taken to +the hospital later in the day, had nearly recovered +by the day following.</p> + +<p>But for Dave Darrin there followed black +hours. According to the doctors a severe case of +pneumonia was about the best that could be predicted +for him.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147"></a>[<a href="./images/147.png">147</a>]</span> +On the day after he was taken ashore Darrin +opened his eyes with a light of recognition in +them. At the foot of the cot, in a chair, sat a +stalwart, youthful figure. Dan Dalzell, whose +orders took him to sea again that night, was waiting +to the last for better news.</p> + +<p>"Dan," Dave called, softly, and Dalzell was instantly +bending over him.</p> + +<p>"David, little giant, did you know that the +'Reed' had the good luck to pick you up?" asked +Dan, eagerly.</p> + +<p>"I had a notion of it, but I was too dazed to +know really," Darrin answered.</p> + +<p>"I've been here about all the time ever since," +Dan went on. "I wanted to know the news of +you as soon as it could be had. But you're going +to be all right, now."</p> + +<p>"Of course I am," agreed Dave, feebly.</p> + +<p>Unseen by the man on the hospital cot, Dan +signalled with one hand. Down the ward came a +doctor, followed by a young woman wearing the +blue cape ulster of the Red Cross. There was a +quick, glad cry; soft lips touched Dave's face.</p> + +<p>"Belle!" gasped Dave, delightedly.</p> + +<p>"I'm going to be allowed to sit by you quite a +bit, dear, if you don't try to talk to me," replied +the steady voice of Belle Darrin. Summoned by +cable sent by Dan, Belle had journeyed swiftly +from France.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148"></a>[<a href="./images/148.png">148</a>]</span> +"And now I'm off and back to my ship, Belle," +said Dan. "But I know you'll find a way to get a +radio message through to me when Dave is improved +enough to warrant it. Good-bye, Darry, +old chap!"</p> + +<p>And Dan was off, not because he didn't want to +stay, but because he knew his chum would want +to see the most of Belle. As for that young woman, +who held none too positive hopes of Darrin's +recovery after what the doctors had told her, she +forced herself to be calm and smiling and sat close +by, her hand on Dave's forehead when he dropped +off into a feverish, troubled sleep.</p> + +<p>The next day Belle chatted with her husband a +little, in a cool, steady voice. Two days after that +Dave was actually permitted to sit up.</p> + +<p>On the sixth day after he had been taken to +the hospital Dave was mending so rapidly that +Belle, who was obliged to leave that afternoon for +her Red Cross post in France, felt wholly easy +in mind as to his condition.</p> + +<p>"It was a lucky chain of events, my two swims +in the channel," Darrin told her before they +parted.</p> + +<p>"Lucky, when the experience nearly cost you +your life?" exclaimed Belle.</p> + +<p>"It gave you an excuse for coming to me, and +gave me the time and leisure to be with you."</p> + +<p>"Dave Darrin, you don't mean any such thing!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149"></a>[<a href="./images/149.png">149</a>]</span> +You are needed aboard your ship, and I am needed +for my work in France, and nothing can be called +really good luck that takes either of us away from +his post of duty in war-time."</p> + +<p>"You little patriot!" Dave laughed, jestingly.</p> + +<p>"You believe it just as much as I do," Belle +maintained stoutly. "I'm glad to have been here +with you, dear, but I shall be glad to find myself +back at my post. And you know you are glad +that you will return to your ship tomorrow."</p> + +<p>"If she comes in," Darrin amended.</p> + +<p>"Dave, aren't you nearly wild to get back to +duty?" she persisted.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I am, for as you say, dear, we are all +needed at the posts assigned to us. There is another +reason why I must get back. The work +that has been cut out for us is not proceeding as +it should. We have made some good 'catches' in +the way of mines, yet the fact is that mines are +being planted much faster than we have been +taking them up. I must get back to duty and see +if I can find out what is wrong."</p> + +<p>Buttoning his overcoat tightly Dave Darrin +walked with Belle to the railway station. The +train left so soon after their arrival that there +were not many moments left the young couple +for leave-taking. After the train had started Dave +watched it out of sight. There had been something +uncomfortable in his throat, but as he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150"></a>[<a href="./images/150.png">150</a>]</span> +turned away the lump vanished and his jaws set +squarely.</p> + +<p>"Now, my work is cut out for me," he told himself. +"I can do only one man's part in this war, +but I must do that to the limit and try to make +the world a safe place of residence for that little +woman and all others like her!"</p> + +<p>No sooner was the "Grigsby" in port, the next +forenoon, than Lieutenant Fernald came ashore +and straight to the hospital.</p> + +<p>"Going on board today, sir?" was Fernald's +greeting.</p> + +<p>"You couldn't keep me ashore any longer," +Darrin declared.</p> + +<p>"Good enough!" said the executive officer, +heartily. "We need you, sir! We've been doing +our best, but the enemy has been gaining on us. +Last night two ships struck mines and went down +before rescue could reach them. The Germans +are beating us at this mine game, and something +must be done, which, of course, sir, is another way +of saying that a way must be found to do the +right and necessary thing."</p> + +<p>"I've been thinking that over for twenty-four +hours," Darrin went on. "As soon as we are +aboard I want to talk the whole situation over +with you. Will Dalzell be in today?"</p> + +<p>"In about an hour, sir, I think. He needs fuel +and some food supplies."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151"></a>[<a href="./images/151.png">151</a>]</span> +"Then we'll hold a council of war in the chart-room," +Dave decided, as he buttoned up his coat. +"I'm ready, Fernald."</p> + +<p>Dave had already thanked the hospital authorities, +and taken leave of them, so the two young +naval officers passed outside, made their way down +to the water front, and soon thereafter stepped +aboard the "Grigsby," reporting their arrival on +board to the watch officer. Dave also saw that the +forward gun damaged in the fight with the German +destroyers had been replaced by a new one. +From the gangway they went direct to the chart-room.</p> + +<p>"I'll hear the reports on the work now, Fernald," +Dave announced.</p> + +<p>Two of the papers that came under Dave's +hand especially interested him. One was a detailed +list of the ships that had struck mines +during the last week in the waters in which he +and Dalzell had been operating. The other document +contained a report on the discovery and +sinking of one fighting submarine and one submarine +mine-layer.</p> + +<p>From these reports Dave turned to the charts +of the local waters. When Fernald came back +with Dan Dalzell, Dave was still poring over the +charts.</p> + +<p>"From the rapid way in which German mines +are being planted in these waters," Dave told his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152"></a>[<a href="./images/152.png">152</a>]</span> +brother officers, "I am satisfied that the enemy +submarines do not usually go all the way back to +the base port. I believe that the mine-layers are +often met by other craft that supply them with +mines, and that the submarine mine-layers return +quickly to the job of planting mines. Now, the +sea area in which the mines are planted leads me +to feel certain that the mine-layers rest frequently +on these three shoals."</p> + +<p>Dave pointed on the chart to the shoals in +question.</p> + +<p>"How many mine-sweeping craft have we now +under our orders?" he inquired.</p> + +<p>"Nine," said Dan, promptly.</p> + +<p>"How many of them can we spare from mine-sweeping?"</p> + +<p>"None," Dalzell replied, positively.</p> + +<p>"Either we must spare some, or we must have +some sweeper craft added to our fleet," Dave went +on. "There are three of these shoals, and hereafter +I want two mine-sweepers to spend their +time dragging their wires over each shoal. That +will take six craft, and these will not have time +to do any sweeping in the open sea. We cannot +clean up the mines themselves with three craft, +can we?"</p> + +<p>"Plainly not," Dan agreed, "since, with all nine, +we have not been able to find and take up all the +mines we should have located."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153"></a>[<a href="./images/153.png">153</a>]</span> +"Then we shall have to have more craft," Dave +nodded. "Yet if we cannot have more craft assigned +to this work, we must go ahead with what +we have and do more work. But I believe that the +hunt over the shoals should be kept up day and +night, without rest, for I am satisfied that the +enemy mine-layers rest on these shoals more frequently +than we have supposed."</p> + +<p>After some further conversation Dave had his +launch cleared away and went over to a British +battleship for a conference with the British +admiral in command in those waters. The best +the admiral could do was to supply him with +three of the hundred-and-ten-foot patrol boats. +These, however, were provided with sweepers and +possessed good speed.</p> + +<p>"I hope you're right, Mr. Darrin," said the admiral, +at the close of the interview. "To be frank +with you, your predecessor in the work of cleaning +up enemy mines in this area was a British naval +officer, considerably older than yourself. He is a +very capable man in many ways, but we felt that +he had been so long on coast work that he was +growing much too stale. So, when I decided to +transfer him to other duties I thought of trying +one of your American officers, a young man, full +of spirit, and fresh for this work. So I asked your +admiral for some one, and he sent Dalzell and +yourself."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154"></a>[<a href="./images/154.png">154</a>]</span> +"So far," said Dave, "I have not done any better +than my English predecessor, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Frankly you have not, yet we must remember +to deduct your very necessary week in hospital. +However, you have done some other excellent +things. The capture of the mine-laying neutral, +the 'Olga,' for instance, was a splendid bit of work. +The fight that you and Mr. Dalzell had with +the three enemy destroyers was a fine job. But +the mines in these waters continue to be as much +of a menace as before."</p> + +<p>"They won't be, by this time next week, sir. I +promise that," said Dave, rising. "How soon can +the commanders of the three patrol boats report +to me?"</p> + +<p>"At once. All three are here in the harbor, and, +I am told, they are ready to put to sea."</p> + +<p>"Then, sir, I propose, within a week, to hand +you a wholly satisfactory report," Darrin went on. +"I had to put in some time on the ground, and it +was necessary to study a new problem. Then came +a series of adventures that took me out of the +work for a while. But now, sir, I hope to show +you something new—results!"</p> + +<hr class="full" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155"></a>[<a href="./images/155.png">155</a>]</span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV</h2> + +<h4>DARRIN SUSPECTS THE GERMAN PLAN</h4> + + +<p><span class="smcap">The</span> three shoals selected by Darrin extended +over a length of about thirty miles along the +coast. It was the center one of these shoals +on which he had had <ins class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'prevous'">previous</ins> experience.</p> + +<p>Further, it was arranged that Dalzell should, in +general, cruise along the lower fifteen miles of this +stretch, while the "Grigsby" should cover the +upper half. From time to time the two destroyers +would meet.</p> + +<p>After sending three mine-sweepers and the three +patrol boats to the shoals, two craft to each shoal, +Darrin saw to it that the other six were assigned +to duty in the deeper waters off shore.</p> + +<p>Then, with a hearty signal to the "Reed," the +"Grigsby" started northward. She steamed by +the southernmost shoal, and was passing the +second when Darrin was called to the bridge by +Ensign Ormsby.</p> + +<p>"That patrol boat in there signals that she has +made a find, sir, so I have changed the course and +am heading in."</p> + +<p>Dave's eyes gleamed as he made out the next +signal from the patrol, which was:</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156"></a>[<a href="./images/156.png">156</a>]</span> +"Soundings show her to be a big craft. Shall +we rig the small bombs on the sweep wires?"</p> + +<p>"Wait until we arrive," was the answering signal +from the "Grigsby."</p> + +<p>In a few minutes the destroyer was within hailing +distance of the patrol boat, which was lying +to in the neighborhood of the find.</p> + +<p>"The enemy submarine appears to be at least +275 feet long, sir," reported the patrol boat commander.</p> + +<p>"Then a depth bomb should do the business +better," Dave shouted back through the megaphone. +"Sail over the craft with your sweep, and +I'll follow. Signal when you judge us to be +squarely over her."</p> + +<p>Under bare headway the "Grigsby" fell in behind +the now slow-moving patrol boat. Almost +at once the wire sweeps discovered the hull of the +hiding monster.</p> + +<p>Ahead steamed the patrol boat, the destroyer +following. Aft two men stood by the depth bomb +apparatus. Down came the white flag of the +British signalman on the smaller craft.</p> + +<p>Dave's hand rested on the telegraph lever to the +engine-room. He signalled for full speed ahead, +then at the proper moment he shouted:</p> + +<p>"Let her go!"</p> + +<p>An instant later the bomb splashed into the +water.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157"></a>[<a href="./images/157.png">157</a>]</span> +Immediately following the splash there came a +sullen, rending roar under water. A great column +of water leaped up from the sea, a heavy volume +of it landing on the after deck of the destroyer, all +but washing overboard one of the lookouts. The +pressure of water fairly lifted the stern of the +"Grigsby" until her bow dipped far in.</p> + +<p>Ensign Ormsby was thrown flat, almost rolling +from the bridge. Dave, fortunately, had taken a +grip that saved him from falling.</p> + +<p>It seemed as though the destroyer herself had +been blown up, but she quickly settled and scooted +ahead at a furious rate.</p> + +<p>"Half speed ahead," Darrin signalled, as soon as +he could let go his grip, and the "Grigsby" slowed +down. At the same time she swung around.</p> + +<p>Even at that distance the huge spread of oil +on the surface could be seen. A wild Yankee +cheer rose, which was promptly echoed by the +British tars of the patrol boat.</p> + +<p>"No depth bomb ever made that upheaval," +Dave gasped, as soon as he could speak, and Mr. +Ormsby, much shaken, had picked himself up. +"The bombs are ugly affairs, but that felt like the +explosion of about ten of them."</p> + +<p>"Did you notice, sir, that the explosion lasted +more than twice as long as we've ever known one +to last before?" the watch officer asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158"></a>[<a href="./images/158.png">158</a>]</span> +"Then what happened, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Either our explosion touched off a torpedo, +which does not seem likely, or else—"</p> + +<p>For an instant what he was about to say +sounded so absurd that Darrin hesitated.</p> + +<p>"Well, sir—?" queried Ormsby.</p> + +<p>"Or else that was a mine-layer, with a full cargo +of mines aboard, all ready for business, and—But +you'll think I've gone daffy."</p> + +<p>"No, I won't, sir; not after the way this ship +rose out of the water," the watch officer declared. +"You mean, sir, that our bomb went off right over +that craft's cargo of mines, and that the shock +must have set off the mines."</p> + +<p>"That's certainly the way it looks to me," Darrin +nodded.</p> + +<p>"I believe it, sir."</p> + +<p>Just a few moments later the patrol boat came +within hail. Through his megaphone Darrin +stated what he believed had taken place.</p> + +<p>"It's the only thing to account, sir, for such a +tremendous explosion," replied the commander of +the patrol. "I've been on hand to see a lot of +depth bombs go off, and I never saw an upheaval +like the one you produced, sir."</p> + +<p>"Have soundings taken, Mr. Ormsby," Darrin +directed. The depth of the water was quickly reported. +Dave glanced at the sky.</p> + +<p>"The light will be strong enough for another<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159"></a>[<a href="./images/159.png">159</a>]</span> +hour," he decided. "Have our two divers prepare +to go down at once."</p> + +<p>A launch, cleared away with the divers on +board, was anchored in the middle of the oil spot. +Two divers went over the side. Presently they +signalled for extra cables. When these were let +down they attached pieces of metal and gave the +signal to haul away.</p> + +<p>By the time that the hour was up Darrin had +abundant evidence to prove that he had destroyed +a mine-layer, and that his bomb had blown up +several mines stored on the craft. This evidence +took the form of fragments of mines.</p> + +<p>"Some of these pieces must even have been +driven up against our hull," Darrin declared. "It +is a wonder that we were not sunk."</p> + +<p>"The counter pressure of the water would lessen +the force of these fragments, especially after they +had been blown out through the shell of the submarine," +Lieutenant Fernald argued. "But I +agree with you, sir, that it's a wonder the +'Grigsby' suffered nothing worse than a shaking."</p> + +<p>Other evidence, too, the divers sent up. The +destroyed craft had surely been a mine-laying submarine. +The divers measured the length of the +wrecked hull, finding it to be close to three hundred +feet. They reported, too, that scores of German +dead lay in the wreckage.</p> + +<p>For hours nothing more happened. Just before<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160"></a>[<a href="./images/160.png">160</a>]</span> +ten o'clock that night the mine-sweeper's blinkers +signalled a call to the "Grigsby," then about four +miles distant.</p> + +<p>"They've found something," Darrin chuckled, +when he reached the bridge on a call from Lieutenant +Fernald.</p> + +<p>As the "Grigsby" was heading in toward the +shoal, and had some minutes still to go, Darrin +asked:</p> + +<p>"Mr. Fernald, you had a second and even more +thorough inspection of the hull made, as I directed?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; and found the hull so secure that I did +not wake you to tell you, sir. There has been no +strain of the plates sufficient to start any of them."</p> + +<p>"I'm thankful to hear that," Darrin acknowledged. +"Even with the big, elastic cushion of +water between us and that awful explosion, it +seems almost incredible that we did not wreck ourselves +as well as the enemy."</p> + +<p>"You've found another submarine?" Dave +shouted through the megaphone, as he rang for +slow speed and ran parallel with the waiting snub-nosed +craft.</p> + +<p>"We've found two somethings, sir," came back +the reply. "They lie about four hundred feet apart +and heading in the same direction. I can find +them again, sir, but I didn't go back over them +for fear they'd take the alarm and run for it."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161"></a>[<a href="./images/161.png">161</a>]</span> +"Perhaps they have," Darrin suggested.</p> + +<p>"I've dropped small buoys, sir, and can lead you +over them."</p> + +<p>"Then do so, and travel at full speed. Be prepared +to get out of our way if we come fast after +dropping."</p> + +<p>Even the two cool-headed sailors who stood by +the depth bomb apparatus stiffened themselves as +they found the "Grigsby" following in the wake of +the mine-sweeper. The after lookouts lashed +themselves fast against injury by any such surprise +as that of the afternoon.</p> + +<p>As the signal flashed from the mine-sweeper +ahead Dave passed the order for the bomb instantly +after ordering full speed.</p> + +<p>There was an explosion, but an ordinary one, +such as this crew of the destroyer was accustomed +to.</p> + +<p>At full speed, too, Dave tried for the second +hidden enemy boat. There was barely time to +have the second bomb in place when signal and +order came.</p> + +<p>Another terrific explosion, like that of the afternoon! +It seemed as though the waters must +divide! Yet the "Grigsby," moving fast all the +time, felt the shock severely, but not like the one +of the afternoon.</p> + +<p>About the destroyer came, playing her searchlight +on the waters. The tell-tale oil patches were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162"></a>[<a href="./images/162.png">162</a>]</span> +there, showing only too plainly that two submarine +craft had been destroyed.</p> + +<p>"Apparently one craft carried no mines, while +the other was loaded with them," said Dave to +his executive officer. "Fernald, I think I'm beginning +to get an idea of the way the enemy are +working their mine-laying game. If I'm right we'll +make a record along this patch of shoals while the +hunting lasts."</p> + +<p>Patiently Fernald listened and waited, but did +not speak. He hoped to hear what his chief's idea +was, but it was not the executive officer's place to +ask for it.</p> + +<p>"I may even be able to figure out when the best +time would be for hunting these lazy rascals resting +on the bottom," Darrin continued.</p> + +<p>Mr. Fernald began to show signs of a more +active curiosity.</p> + +<p>"But I won't say much about it," Darrin +smiled, "until I've more data to work on and have +proved some part of my theory."</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Fernald looked so much like a man +who wished to speak that Dave laughed.</p> + +<p>"Out with it, Fernald," he urged good-humoredly. +"You've an idea, too. You may tell +me if you wish."</p> + +<p>"Why, sir," replied the executive officer, "I've +about concluded that the enemy mine-laying submarines +do not go back to base port for more<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163"></a>[<a href="./images/163.png">163</a>]</span> +mines. They have some method for delivering +them near here, and thus the mine-layers are able +to keep more steadily at work."</p> + +<p>"That fits in excellently with my idea," Darrin +nodded.</p> + +<p>"And that would account for the great numbers +of mines that the enemy is able to lay hereabouts, +and yet not have many of the craft caught by us," +Lieutenant Fernald continued.</p> + +<p>"Exactly," Dave agreed. "Moreover, the mine-layers +take on their new supplies at night, and do +their resting here at night, and get away from +these shoals just before daylight."</p> + +<p>"Of course," Fernald agreed. "If they rested +here much in the daytime the aircraft would discover +and destroy them."</p> + +<p>"We'll both keep at work on our ideas, Fernald," +Dave proposed. "Besides, we can take time to +find facts to support our theories. Then we can +get together and start in the biggest smashing of +mine-laying craft on record."</p> + +<p>Both paused in their talk to listen to the sudden +boom of guns. Judged by the sound and the wind, +the firing was some six miles away.</p> + +<p>"Lookout there!" Darrin sang out. "Do you +see anything?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," came the reply from aloft. "It must +be the 'Reed,' sir. She must have gotten into +something stiff, for she's moving shoreward at slow<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164"></a>[<a href="./images/164.png">164</a>]</span> +speed and firing as fast as she can serve her guns. +She's firing in shoreward, sir."</p> + + + +<hr class="full" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI</h2> + +<h4>HITTING CLOSE TO THE SALT TRAIL</h4> + + +<p>"<span class="smcap">Give</span> us a rocket signal if you need help," +Dave signalled the attendant mine-sweeper.</p> + +<p>Then to the officer of the watch:</p> + +<p>"Give us full speed, and we'll run down to see if +the 'Reed' has work enough for two of our kind."</p> + +<p>A little further south he signalled same orders +to the patrol boat that he had given to the mine-sweeper.</p> + +<p>Then the "Grigsby" rushed onward as if she +scented something of which she did not wish her +crew to be deprived.</p> + +<p>As soon as Darrin discovered that Dalzell was +using his searchlight he ordered the "Grigsby's" +also to be used. Over the waters the bar of light +swept until it picked up a sight that made the +officers on the bridge gasp for sheer astonishment.</p> + +<p>Two submarines, some five hundred yards apart, +lay on the surface of the sea.</p> + +<p>Strangest part of all, neither craft was serving<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165"></a>[<a href="./images/165.png">165</a>]</span> +its guns. Why they neither fought nor dived puzzled +the "Grigsby's" officers until the "Reed's" +guns ceased firing and her blinkers signalled to +Dave:</p> + +<p>"Don't fire on them unless I do. They're helpless."</p> + +<p>The "Reed," first to approach the submarines, +steamed in between them. Then as the "Grigsby" +raced up, she received this message from Dalzell:</p> + +<p>"Wish you would take charge of the nearer submarine. +I'll handle the other."</p> + +<p>On both enemy craft, as seen under the searchlight, +the German crews had come out on deck. +It was clear that they wished to surrender without +further loss of life.</p> + +<p>So Dave ordered a launch cleared away, with a +prize crew armed to the teeth, Ensign Andrews in +command.</p> + +<p>"You men get as far forward as possible," +Andrews shouted to the huddled enemy. "Be +careful not to have any weapons about you. We'll +accept you as prisoners of war, but any attempt at +treachery will be sternly punished!"</p> + +<p>As he spoke the ensign rested one hand on the +barrel of a machine gun in the launch's bow. Instantly +the Germans began to move forward, only +their four officers remaining near the conning +tower.</p> + +<p>"Stand by to catch a line and make fast," called<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166"></a>[<a href="./images/166.png">166</a>]</span> +the ensign, as the launch, under headway, lay in +close.</p> + +<p>Though they plainly understood, not one of the +German officers made a move to catch a rope. Instead, +one of them called to the huddled seamen, +two of whom came back to take the line.</p> + +<p>Making fast, Andrews stepped aboard, followed +by some of his armed crew.</p> + +<p>"You are the only officers of this craft?" Andrews +demanded.</p> + +<p>"Yes," sullenly replied the ober-lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Be good enough to hold up your hands while +we search you."</p> + +<p>Though their eyes flashed their rage, the German +officers raised their hands while a petty officer +"frisked" them one after the other.</p> + +<p>"None of them armed, sir," was the report.</p> + +<p>"Then into the launch with them. Next, order +the seamen and engine-tenders aft and search +them. The launch will carry about twenty prisoners +on the first trip."</p> + +<p>Soon the score of prisoners had been delivered +aboard the "Grigsby." A second lot was sent +over, after which Andrews decided that he could +take charge of the remainder on their own craft. +He now had force enough with him to keep this +unarmed remainder in subjection.</p> + +<p>Heading an armed party the ensign went below +in the submarine to make an inspection. He had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167"></a>[<a href="./images/167.png">167</a>]</span> +already noted a shell-hole through the hull which +had made it impossible for this submarine to dive +without drowning the crew. But he found other +matters to interest him. This was a mine-layer +craft, and at the present moment she had more +than twenty mines on board.</p> + +<p>One of Dalzell's junior officers, searching the +other submarine, found her to be a mine-layer, +too, but with only two mines on board. This +second craft, also, had been pierced through the +hull in such fashion that there had been no chance +for her to escape by submerging.</p> + +<p>On each craft forward a crane had been set up, +and still stood. Dan Dalzell's report, when made, +shed a good deal of light on German methods.</p> + +<p>The "Reed" had been barely drifting when two +submarines had come up within two miles of the +destroyer. It was the noise of erecting the cranes +that had warned Dalzell's watch officer of their +presence there on the dark sea.</p> + +<p>Suddenly, through night glasses, Dan, who had +been called to the bridge, discovered what was taking +place. On the quiet waters of this night the +two craft had managed to get near enough to each +other to attempt to transfer mines from one to the +other.</p> + +<p>Then it was that the "Reed" had opened fire +with her guns, had turned on her searchlight and +had rushed in.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168"></a>[<a href="./images/168.png">168</a>]</span> +As soon as the German commanders found their +boats punctured into helplessness they had signalled +their surrender.</p> + +<p>"But I was glad indeed when I saw you bearing +down on us," Dan announced, when he visited +his chum a little later. "The enemy had surrendered, +but I know enough of German treachery +to realize that they might let me drive in close and +then try to torpedo me. I needn't have worried, +but of course I could not afford to take chances."</p> + +<p>Sending for Boatswain's Mate Runkle, Dave inquired:</p> + +<p>"Do you speak German?"</p> + +<p>"I know about six words, sir; not as many as +eight."</p> + +<p>"Then you are the man for the job, Runkle. +Go down among the prisoners that have been sent +on board, the seamen, I mean, not the officers. Act +as though you were there on duty, but not very +busy. Use your six words of German and make +English do for the rest. The German sailors won't +understand you, unless some of them speak English. +That will be all the better, for as soon as you +discover that some of the men don't know what +you are saying you will be able to judge which of +those who speak no English are the most stupid, +or the most likely to talk and tell us the truth. +Spot three or four of these stupid ones, and then +bring one of them here to the chart-room."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169"></a>[<a href="./images/169.png">169</a>]</span> +"Now, what on earth does the 'Old Man' want?" +wondered Runkle, as he started away on this +errand. "But never mind. Even if I can't guess +what he wants it's a cinch that he knows. The +stupidest one, eh? I wonder why any Fritz +wouldn't do, then!"</p> + +<p>Runkle found his man within five minutes, detached +him from the other prisoners, and led him +to the chart-room. Darrin tried his own German +on the fellow, asking:</p> + +<p>"Your craft had just arrived from the base +port?"</p> + +<p>The man stared, then slowly nodded.</p> + +<p>"How many mines did you have on board when +you left the base port?"</p> + +<p>"Thirty, I heard."</p> + +<p>"You planted some on the way?"</p> + +<p>"A few, so I heard."</p> + +<p>"Most of the mines you were to deliver here +tonight?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"How many trips a week has your craft been +making between here and the base port?"</p> + +<p>"Usually about four."</p> + +<p>"Did you always deliver, here, to the same mine-layer?"</p> + +<p>"No; that was as it happened. Sometimes to +one boat, sometimes to another."</p> + +<p>"How many mines could your craft carry?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170"></a>[<a href="./images/170.png">170</a>]</span> +"Thirty."</p> + +<p>As this agreed with the information supplied by +Ensign Andrews, Dave believed that the seaman +was telling the truth.</p> + +<p>"Did your craft always come to these same +waters to deliver mines to mine-layers?"</p> + +<p>"Always, since I have been aboard, to some one +of the shoals in this stretch of them," replied the +sailor.</p> + +<p>"Do you know how many mine-layers wait over +here on the English side to have mines delivered +to them?"</p> + +<p>"No, but they are not so many."</p> + +<p>"A few, supplied four times a week, can plant +a lot of mines," quizzed Darrin.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes."</p> + +<p>"And the craft you were aboard was one of the +smaller ones that brought cargoes of mines. Your +people have some that carry much larger numbers +of mines?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and the larger boats that bring mines over +to the real mine-layers travel faster under water +than our boat did."</p> + +<p>"So that these larger boats can make at least +five round trips a week?" Dave asked.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes."</p> + +<p>"You have not told me the name of your base +port," Darrin went on.</p> + +<p>"And I don't intend to," retorted the seaman.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171"></a>[<a href="./images/171.png">171</a>]</span> +"You are asking me too many questions. I should +not have said as much as I did, and I shall not +answer any more questions."</p> + +<p>"You do not need to," Dave assured him. "I +already know the answers to a lot of questions +that I might have asked you. But you look like +a reasonable fellow, and also like a fellow fond of +some of the good things of life. Had I found you +more ready to talk I might have arranged for you +to have a pleasanter time in the English prison +than your mates will have."</p> + +<p>"A pleasanter time until the hangman called +for us?" demanded the German, a cunning look +coming into his eyes.</p> + +<p>"The hangman?" Darrin repeated.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes! I know! We all know. The English +hang the crews of German submarines. Our officers +have told us all about it. You are wrong, too, +to hang us, for it is the knowledge that the English +will hang us that makes us fight more desperately +when we are attacked."</p> + +<p>"But the English will not hang you. You and +your mates will be treated as prisoners of war," +Darrin assured him. "You will be well fed. You +will have some amusements. When spring comes +you will have gardens to work in and the flowers +or vegetables that you raise will belong to you. +It is a stupid lie to tell you that the English hang +you all. You will soon be on shore, and in an<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172"></a>[<a href="./images/172.png">172</a>]</span> +English prison camp, and then you will know that +you have been lied to. You will enjoy finding +yourself on shore, for you were not often allowed +to go ashore when you got back from these trips to +take on your next mine cargo at—"</p> + +<p>It was a simple trap, but as Darrin paused, the +seaman replied:</p> + +<p>"No, we were not often allowed ashore in ——," naming +the port.</p> + +<p>The port that the seaman mentioned was the +one Darrin had been trying to get him to name. +The German had unwittingly allowed himself to +name the base port from which the mines were +shipped. As soon as the German realized his +blunder he used some bad language.</p> + +<p>"That is all," said Dave Darrin. "You may +go back to your mates, and by daylight you will +know that an English military prison is not at all +a bad place."</p> + +<hr class="full" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173"></a>[<a href="./images/173.png">173</a>]</span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII</h2> + +<h4>TRYING OUT THE BIG, NEW PLAN</h4> + + +<p>"<span class="smcap">You</span> see," Dave nodded to his brother officers, +"the theory we had worked out about +the method of supplying mines to the submarine +layers was the right one. I think that we +shall be able to show some results to the admiral."</p> + +<p>Dan was then instructed to remain to keep +watch over the shoals, while the "Grigsby" soon +afterwards started for port, escorting the two +prizes.</p> + +<p>Before daylight the captured under-sea boats +were duly turned over to the British authorities. +Darrin then sought the admiral, and, despite the +lateness of the hour, he was soon admitted.</p> + +<p>"What do you need for your enterprise?" inquired +the admiral after listening attentively to +the plan Dave had unfolded to him.</p> + +<p>"Nothing but a dirigible, commanded by the +right man," Dave explained.</p> + +<p>"That ought not to be difficult," declared the +British officer. "You shall have what you want. +Now, suppose we go over the chart, to make sure +that I understand just what you propose to do."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174"></a>[<a href="./images/174.png">174</a>]</span> +On the map Darrin traced the course that he +felt sure the German underseas craft pursued +when bringing cargoes of mines to the other submarines +that were laying mines in British waters.</p> + +<p>"That would be the natural course for such +craft to take," agreed Admiral Wheatleigh. "I +trust that you are right in your surmises. If you +are, we should have some excellent results within +the next few days."</p> + +<p>"I shall know, sir, within forty-eight hours, and +I think it likely that the enemy will also hear +something about it within the next few days. At +least, sir, the German admiralty should be able to +guess."</p> + +<p>Dave took his leave, hastening back to the +"Grigsby," which, an hour later, weighed anchor +and stood out to sea. By that time Dave was +sound asleep, for he had been through a great deal +and was sorely in need of rest before he reached +the scene of his intended activities.</p> + +<p>Some hours later he was called, and was soon +on the bridge.</p> + +<p>"You are at the point at which you wished to be +called," said Fernald when Dave reached the +bridge.</p> + +<p>"And you will do well to seek your own rest +now, Mr. Fernald," Darrin answered. "You can +be called, if needed."</p> + +<p>Half an hour later Darrin made out, in the sky<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175"></a>[<a href="./images/175.png">175</a>]</span> +astern, a tiny speck that rapidly came closer, and +proved to be the dirigible sent at his request.</p> + +<p>As the dirigible came nearer signals were rapidly +exchanged. The course for the aircraft was made +plain. As for the "Grigsby," her speed was slowed +down to mere headway and she loafed over the +waters.</p> + +<p>Two hours passed during which the "blimp" +aloft sailed rapidly to and fro in the sky, zig-zagging +over the course in a way that covered +several square miles in an hour.</p> + +<p>"She's found something, sir!" cried Ensign +Andrews.</p> + +<p>"She has sighted a craft, bound over the course +we had suspected," said Darrin, as signals broke +out rapidly from the car under the big gas bag. +"We'll let the submarine get by us before we start +in chase."</p> + +<p>Another half hour passed, for, though the dirigible +moved swiftly, the underseas craft she was +watching was moving only at submerged speed.</p> + +<p>Then the chase led on past the "Grigsby." Purposely +Darrin allowed it to go by him by about a +mile ere he joined in the pursuit. Starting at half +speed ahead he soon changed it to full speed.</p> + +<p>And now the dirigible had slowed down, until +she was travelling, as her signals stated, at just +the speed of the submerged craft directly under +her.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176"></a>[<a href="./images/176.png">176</a>]</span> +"We'll go in by the stern and try to make a +quick job of it," Darrin proposed, as he gave Andrews +final instructions, and turned to see that +the signalman with his flag stood well aft on the +superstructure.</p> + +<p>As the destroyer raced in almost under the dirigible +Darrin raised his right hand. The signalman +with the flag did the same.</p> + +<p>Just as the "Grigsby's" bridge passed in under +the tail of the aircraft Dave Darrin read the signal +for which he had waited. The airmen were telling +him that the bridge of his craft was almost over +the bow of the hidden enemy beneath.</p> + +<p>Down came Dave's raised hand. Seeing it fall, +the signalman let his flag drop.</p> + +<p>In that same instant the depth bomb was released +for its course over the "Grigsby's" stern.</p> + +<p>Almost in the same second there sounded a terrific +if muffled report under the surface. The +water rose in three distinct columns, lifting the +stern of the "Grigsby" and almost burying her bow +under.</p> + +<p>It was as though a great geyser and an earthquake +had met. Columns like waterspouts hurled +themselves across and over the reeling destroyer. +Even when the "Grigsby's" nose came out and up +once more the destroyer rocked in the near tidal +wave that the swift series of explosions had produced.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177"></a>[<a href="./images/177.png">177</a>]</span> +"Pardon me, sir," begged Ensign Andrews, when +he had regained control of himself. "I feel constrained +to remark, sir, that you appear to know +how to get all the thrills out of life."</p> + +<p>"We must have landed right over a mine cargo +once more," Dave answered smiling. "There were +several explosions, but they came nearly together. +One of these days we'll start something like that +that will send us up half a mile into the air. But +it's great sport, Andrews, especially when you +pause to think what it all means."</p> + +<p>"Great sport for us, but too sudden for the +Huns," rejoined the watch officer. "They cannot +have had the satisfaction, even, of realizing that +anything had hit them."</p> + +<p>Satisfied that there would be no more underseas +explosions, Darrin gave the order to come about.</p> + +<p>That the underseas craft had been struck was +indicated clearly enough by the patches of oil on +the water. The force of the explosion told the +Yankee tars that the craft must have been blown +into bits.</p> + +<p>"Best thing I ever saw done!" signalled the +British officer in command of the "blimp."</p> + +<p>"Find us another, and we'll try to show you +something just as good," Darrin caused to be signalled +back.</p> + +<p>Fernald, who had been called, having reported, +was sent with the chief engineer to make a hull<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178"></a>[<a href="./images/178.png">178</a>]</span> +inspection below decks. Though some of the hull +plates had been dented inward enough to attract +attention, no leak could be found. The "Grigsby" +was as seaworthy as ever, though after that rocking +shock this seemed a marvel.</p> + +<p>Off in the distance the "blimp" soon became a +mere speck to the watchful eyes of those on the +destroyer.</p> + +<p>Dave directed that the aircraft be followed at +cruising speed so long as she remained in sight. +When the dirigible was at last lost to view the +destroyer lay to, her lookouts using their glasses.</p> + +<p>"Think the aircraft is coming back, sir," reported +a lookout from the military mast.</p> + +<p>From where he stood on the bridge Darrin could +make out nothing for several minutes, though in +the interval the lookout aloft reported that he +could make out the "blimp" with surety, and that +she appeared to be flying a signal, though he could +not see what it was.</p> + +<p>Then from the bridge the "blimp" became visible. +A little later, too, the flag signal could be +seen and read.</p> + +<p>"Following another submarine," was what the +signal said.</p> + +<p>Going to starboard of the course Darrin advanced +at ordinary speed to meet the "blimp," +which, as in the former case, was flying just barely +astern of the hidden monster, so that the forward<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179"></a>[<a href="./images/179.png">179</a>]</span> +British airman lookout could discern the shape of +the craft that was being pursued.</p> + +<p>Dave waited until the dirigible had passed. He +then gave the order, "Full speed ahead," and came +about behind the "blimp."</p> + +<p>Leaping forward the "Grigsby" gave chase, the +"blimp" at the same time moving up directly over +the intended prey.</p> + +<p>At the drop of the flag above, Darrin let go his +right hand, the signalman transmitted the order, +and the bomb rolled overboard.</p> + +<p>As Dave's hand fell the watch officer advanced +the lever of the engine-room telegraph. An extra +jump was put into the speed.</p> + +<p>Again a column of water rose astern, but this +time there was only the normal explosion of the +depth bomb.</p> + +<p>"Good hit," said the dirigible, by radio, and the +message was called up to the bridge. "Saw her +stagger. She's done for."</p> + +<p>The "blimp" veered off once more, going back +over her late course. As the "Grigsby" went about +Darrin made out the tell-tale spread of oil on the +waves.</p> + +<p>"This is the real form of hunting," he exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"Too bad, sir, that none of us thought of it before," +remarked Ensign Andrews.</p> + +<p>"We had to wait and learn," Dave explained. +"That's the way that all progress in this war has<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180"></a>[<a href="./images/180.png">180</a>]</span> +been registered. We are fighting an ingenious +enemy. Destroying the submarine mine-carriers, +as we are doing today, won't end the planting of +German mines. As soon as the enemy finds out +how we are checkmating him he'll invent another +scheme, which we'll have to discover before we can +beat it."</p> + +<p>Half an hour later the British aircraft located +a third submarine.</p> + +<p>"A big one, too," she signalled. "Following the +same course."</p> + +<p>"Mr. 'Blimp' might try a bomb himself," suggested +Ensign Andrews. "I believe he carries a +few."</p> + +<p>"Not as powerful ones as we carry," Darrin answered. +"Besides, he has to be at a greater altitude, +when hunting submarines, than it's handy +to drop a bomb from. There is too much margin +of chance that the enemy craft will graze by when +the bomb is dropped from the air. In our case, +if we drop when directly over the Hun, there can +hardly be a miss, and it's the dirigible's business +to tell us when we are directly over the enemy."</p> + +<p>In the meantime, on board the destroyer, all +was made ready, and Dave followed the same +tactics as before. This time, too, there was a +normal explosion, though a solid hit was made and +the submarine destroyed. Apart from the +"blimp's" report there could be no doubt as to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181"></a>[<a href="./images/181.png">181</a>]</span> +destruction. The spread of oil on the surface of +the sea told the story.</p> + +<p>"If you and we hurry, we may bag another before +dark," Dave sent by wireless, as the aircraft +started back again.</p> + +<p>"We'll do our best, believe us!" came back the +word.</p> + +<p>In the late afternoon a slight haze came up, +which gradually deepened.</p> + +<p>Darrin followed for a few miles, keeping the +"blimp" in sight. She was some six miles away +when a radio message came from her in code in +these words:</p> + +<p>"Can you see steamship about four knots north-west +of us?"</p> + +<p>Dave challenged the lookout on the military +<ins class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'mask'">mast</ins>, but that seaman reported the weather a bit +too thick to enable him to make out the steamship. +Darrin accordingly wirelessed back this information.</p> + +<p>"Looks like a tramp steamer," came the next +message, "but she acted suspiciously when she +sighted us. Her skipper appears perturbed, which +he would hardly be if his business is honest. +Weather is thickening so we may lose him in the +haze. Better close in."</p> + +<p>"Will do so," Dave replied.</p> + +<p>Then followed explicit directions as to the +course the destroyer must follow.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182"></a>[<a href="./images/182.png">182</a>]</span> +The next code message from the airship was:</p> + +<p>"Skipper of steamship so bothered that he appears +to be rigging anti-aircraft gun. Am about +to signal him to stop for search."</p> + +<p>Despite the haze over the sea the "blimp's" +movements could still be made out from the deck +of the destroyer. Mast lookouts and those on +bridge and deck followed the "blimp's" movements +with keen interest.</p> + +<p>"He maneuvers as if he were closing in on the +steamship," declared Ensign Andrews.</p> + +<p>"If the steamer's skipper uses anti-aircraft guns +the dirigible's commander will be justified in dropping +bombs," Dave returned. "It's a stupid piece +of business for any lightly armed steamer to attempt +to resist a 'blimp.' But of course the +steamer's skipper does not know that there is a +warship so close."</p> + +<p>"The rascal's firing on us," reported the "blimp."</p> + +<p>"If you'll keep back we'll close in and talk to +the stranger," Darrin suggested, by wireless.</p> + +<p>"We're hit," almost instantly came the report +from the airship.</p> + +<p>"Badly?" Dave asked by radio.</p> + +<p>"Investigating. Report soon."</p> + +<p>"That ship must be up to something extremely +desperate to dare to fire on a British 'blimp'!" +exclaimed Dave Darrin. "But we're getting close, +and soon ought to know what we have to tackle!"</p> + +<hr class="full" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183"></a>[<a href="./images/183.png">183</a>]</span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> + +<h4>STRIKING A REAL SURPRISE</h4> + + +<p>"<span class="smcap">Are</span> we heading straight course?" was +Dave's next question through the air.</p> + +<p>"You're going straight," came the cheering +information.</p> + +<p>"Found out your hurt?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; gas-bag intact, and we've withdrawn out +of easy range. One motor damaged more than we +can repair in air. Can limp home, however."</p> + +<p>"Leave the steamship to me," Darrin wirelessed +back.</p> + +<p>Inside of another minute and a half, Darrin +made out the mast-tops of the stranger sticking +up from the fringe of haze as the cloudy, reddish +curtain shifted.</p> + +<p>If Dave had sighted his intended prey, so had +the stranger caught sight of the destroyer. The +steamship cut a wide circle and turned tail.</p> + +<p>"He's going at nineteen knots, we judge," came +the radio report from the "blimp."</p> + +<p>"That won't do him any good!" was the laconic +answer that Darrin returned, this time in plain +English instead of code.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184"></a>[<a href="./images/184.png">184</a>]</span> +The lower masts, the stack and then the hull +of the stranger became visible as Darrin gained on +him.</p> + +<p>Bang! A shell struck the water ahead of the +stranger, the war-ship's world-wide signal to halt.</p> + +<p>Instead, the stranger appeared to be trying to +crowd on more speed.</p> + +<p>"Give him one in the stern-post," Darrin ordered.</p> + +<p>The shell fell just a few feet short. The third +one landed on the after-part of the stranger's deck-house.</p> + +<p>And now there went fluttering up the top of +the destroyer's mast the international code signal:</p> + +<p>"Stop or we'll sink you!"</p> + +<p>It took another shell, this one crashing through +the stern of the stranger, to convince her skipper +that the destroyer was in deadly earnest.</p> + +<p>By this time the "Grigsby" was a bare half-mile +away, and going fast.</p> + +<p>"We're bringing to bear on you to blow you out +of the water," Darrin signalled this time. "Will +you stop?"</p> + +<p>If he had made any plan to die fighting the +fleeing skipper must have lost his nerve at that +point, for he suddenly swung his bow around, reduced +speed and moved ahead at mere steerage-way.</p> + +<p>"Call Ensign Peters to clear away a launch with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185"></a>[<a href="./images/185.png">185</a>]</span> +an armed crew," Darrin directed. "I will accompany +him, for I must see what reason that +craft had for firing on a British dirigible."</p> + +<p>On either bow of the strange steamship was +painted the national flag of the same neutral nation +to which the "Olga" had appeared to belong. +She flew no bunting.</p> + +<p>"Stand by to receive boarding party," a signalman +on the "Grigsby's" bridge wigwagged as the +launch started toward the water.</p> + +<p>The two craft lay now not more than five hundred +yards apart. Across the water sped the fast +power launch and came up alongside of the unknown +steamship, which displayed no name.</p> + +<p>Not a human being was now visible on her deck. +An undersized watch officer had appeared on the +bridge, but he now vanished.</p> + +<p>"Who commands that destroyer?" demanded a +voice in English, though it had the broken accent +of a German-born speaker.</p> + +<p>"I do," Darrin replied.</p> + +<p>"Then stay where you are, for you're covered!" +ordered the same voice in a frenzied tone. "We're +not going to have you aboard. Signal the destroyer +to make off at top speed and we'll leave you when +she is out of sight. Refuse, and we kill you at +once. Refuse, and you lose your life."</p> + +<p>"Lower your gangway, and stop your nonsense," +Dave ordered, angrily. "You're dealing with the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186"></a>[<a href="./images/186.png">186</a>]</span> +United States Navy, and your orders cannot control +our conduct."</p> + +<p>"Then you are a dead man, at once!" declared +the voice of the unseen speaker.</p> + +<p>Unnoticed by others, Darrin had given a hand +signal to a petty officer in the bow of the launch.</p> + +<p>"If you do not lower your side gangway at once, +we shall find our own means for boarding," Dave +shouted, wrathfully. "Instantly, sir!"</p> + +<p>Thereupon half a dozen heads appeared over a +bulwark above. As many rifle muzzles were thrust +over the edge of the bulwark and a prompt fire +began.</p> + +<p>Disdaining to draw his automatic Darrin stood +up in the launch, the center of such a hail of +bullets that his continued existence seemed incredible. +Above the reports of the rifles could be +heard the voice of Ensign Peters as he directed the +swinging around of the launch.</p> + +<p>R-r-r-r-rip! The launch's machine gun came +swiftly into play. Bullets rattled against the iron +sides of the ship.</p> + +<p>Four of the six seamen on her deck were seen to +fall back; the remaining two fled as fast as they +could go.</p> + +<p>Then the muzzle of the machine gun was swung, +and a hundred little missiles were driven through +the wheel-house.</p> + +<p>At an unspoken signal the launch moved in un<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187"></a>[<a href="./images/187.png">187</a>]</span>til +a sailor in the bow could hurl upward an iron +grappling hook. At the first cast it caught on at +the top of the rail, while the machine gunners +trained their weapon to "get" any one who endeavored +to cast off the grapple.</p> + +<p>"Up with you!" shouted Darrin. One after another +half a dozen sailors raced up the rope, swinging +over to the deck.</p> + +<p>Dave followed next, then more seamen. All +were armed and ready for instant work of the +sternest kind.</p> + +<p>Two sailors lay dead, rifles beside them. Pools +of blood showed that at least two more wounded +men had been there, but had fled. No one else +belonging to the ship was in sight on deck.</p> + +<p>"Boatswain's mate, take the bridge," ordered +Dave, as more men came up on board. "Put two +men in the wheel-house. Take command of the +deck with such men as I do not take with me."</p> + +<p>Calling half a dozen seamen, and ordering them +to draw their automatic revolvers, Darrin proceeded +to the chart-room. He tried the door, but +found it locked.</p> + +<p>"Break it down," he ordered, and in a jiffy the +thing had been done. But the chart-room proved +to be empty.</p> + +<p>Further aft Darrin went along the deck-house. +The cabins of the captain and two mates were +found to be empty.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188"></a>[<a href="./images/188.png">188</a>]</span> +"We'll soon know where the crew have gone to," +he remarked.</p> + +<p>In the dining-room were found three men in +dingy blue uniforms, who appeared to be ship's +officers. The oldest, who scowled hardest at the +same time, Dave took to be the skipper.</p> + +<p>"You command this ship?" Darrin inquired.</p> + +<p>"If you say so," replied the man addressed.</p> + +<p>"You must, for you are the fellow who ordered +me to send my ship away," Darrin smiled grimly. +"Are you a German?"</p> + +<p>"None of your business. Why have you killed +two of our crew and hurt others?"</p> + +<p>"Drop that nonsense," Darrin retorted, sternly. +"You know why we fired on you. And your men +slightly wounded two of mine."</p> + +<p>"We had a right to," scowled the other.</p> + +<p>"You'll know better, by the time you've reached +a British prison," Dave rejoined. "Men, place +these three fellows under arrest. Search them."</p> + +<p>Only the man who appeared to be the craft's +master resisted being searched. He swung at one +of the sailors, but Darrin jumped in, knocking him +down and holding him to the floor.</p> + +<p>"Put irons on this scoundrel," he ordered, +sharply, a command so quickly obeyed that almost +instantly the defiant one found himself manacled. +Then Dave yanked the fellow to his feet.</p> + +<p>"You are a bully," growled the prisoner.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189"></a>[<a href="./images/189.png">189</a>]</span> +"I am," mocked Dave, "when I have fellows of +your stripe to handle. Men, you'd better iron +that pair, too. They belong to the same outfit."</p> + +<p>None of the three proved to have any arms on +his person.</p> + +<p>"Now, where are the members of your crew?" +Dave demanded of the manacled skipper.</p> + +<p>"Find them!" came the surly retort.</p> + +<p>"In what business is this ship engaged?"</p> + +<p>"Find out!"</p> + +<p>"Bring these prisoners out on deck," Darrin +commanded. Then, as the order was obeyed, +Darrin made his way to the bridge.</p> + +<p>"Boatswain's mate, pipe all hands on deck," he +directed.</p> + +<p>Shrilly the whistle sounded at the lips of the +petty officer. But no men came to answer.</p> + +<p>"We'll try other tactics, then," Darrin smiled.</p> + +<p>Stepping to the wheel-house door he pulled it +open. Inside was evidence of the havoc that the +machine gun fire had worked there. Everything +had been riddled, including the helmsman, who +lay dead on the floor.</p> + +<p>At this moment, however, Dave had no time to +do more than glance at the dead man. Reaching +for the whistle he blew a long blast, and caused +the fire bell to be rung, the signal to stand by to +abandon ship.</p> + +<p>That brought seamen and stokers trooping to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190"></a>[<a href="./images/190.png">190</a>]</span> +the deck, until more than thirty had so appeared.</p> + +<p>"Does any man among you understand +English?" Darrin called down as he leaned over +the rail in front of the wheel-house.</p> + +<p>"I do," came from one of the crew.</p> + +<p>"Then inform your mates that this craft has +been seized as lawful prize of the United States +Navy. Where is your boatswain?"</p> + +<p>"That's me," said the same speaker, gruffly.</p> + +<p>"Very good. Deliver my message to the crew. +Then make sure that all hands are on deck. If +you deceive me you will be held sternly to account +for trickery."</p> + +<p>"All here," reported the boatswain, after a +quick count, "except the cook and his helpers."</p> + +<p>"Send for them, and tell them to report here at +once."</p> + +<p>When the ship's force had been summoned, save +for the two sailors known to be dead on the starboard +side of the ship, Darrin continued:</p> + +<p>"There were some wounded men."</p> + +<p>"Two," said the boatswain.</p> + +<p>"Where are they?"</p> + +<p>"Below. One is badly hurt. The other is binding +his wounds."</p> + +<p>Dave had by this time walked down on to the +deck. There was a forecastle large enough to hold +the crew, and he ordered all of the men into it, +except the boatswain, whom he sent with three of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191"></a>[<a href="./images/191.png">191</a>]</span> +his own men to find the wounded. These latter +two were brought to the captain's cabin. The +two dead seamen, after Darrin had gained their +names from the boatswain, were picked up and +thrown overboard into the sea. The boatswain +was then sent to join the prisoners.</p> + +<p>"Four of you men come with me, and we'll +search the rest of the cabin part of the ship," +Darrin directed.</p> + +<p>Off the dining room were four doors that Dave +believed opened into sleeping cabins. The first +door that Darrin tried proved to be locked. One +of his men carried a sledge-hammer that had been +found in the wheel-house.</p> + +<p>"Batter down the door!" Dave ordered.</p> + +<p>Ere this order could be carried out the door flew +open. A tall young woman, barely more than +twenty years of age, stood in the doorway, her +head thrown back, cheeks flushed, her look proud +and disdainful. In her right hand she held a revolver.</p> + +<p>"Go away from here!" she ordered. "Else I +shall kill you!"</p> + +<hr class="full" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192"></a>[<a href="./images/192.png">192</a>]</span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX</h2> + +<h4>THE GOOD WORK GOES ON</h4> + + +<p>"<span class="smcap">You</span> will have to lower that pistol, young +lady," warned Dave, calmly, as he walked +toward her. The sailors had drawn back +to either side of the doorway, but the young +woman stood where she could aim at anyone in +the American party.</p> + +<p>The seaman nearest the revolver glanced +quickly at Darrin, as if to inquire whether he +should make an attempt to seize her pistol wrist +and wrench the weapon away.</p> + +<p>But Dave ignored the man's glance as he +stepped up, eyeing the young woman coolly.</p> + +<p>"Lower the pistol," he warned, again. "If you +tried to use it, it would tell against you hard, before +an English court, and these are wartimes, you +know."</p> + +<p>He was now within two feet of the weapon, +which was pointed at his head.</p> + +<p>"I shall kill you if you try to come near me," +the young woman insisted desperately.</p> + +<p>But Dave took another step. She pulled the +trigger. There was a bright flash, a loud report.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193"></a>[<a href="./images/193.jpg">193</a>]</span></p> +<p class="figcenter"><a href="./images/193.jpg"><img src="./images/193_th.jpg" alt=""Lower that pistol!"" title=""Lower that pistol!"" /></a></p> +<p class="figcenter">"Lower that pistol!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194"></a>[<a href="./images/194.png">194</a>]</span> +Dave, however, had been watching that trigger +finger. As he saw it stiffen he dropped suddenly +almost to his knees, the bullet passing over his +head and embedding itself in woodwork across the +cabin.</p> + +<p>Darrin sprang up unharmed. His cap had +caught a powder burn; that was all. He gripped +the woman's wrist in a hand of steel. With his +other hand he coolly took the pistol away from +her, then dropped her wrist.</p> + +<p>Bursting into a fit of hysterical weeping the +woman drew back, endeavoring to close the cabin +door. But Darrin's foot across the sill defeated +her purpose.</p> + +<p>"You are a brute!" she panted, frantically trying +to close the door.</p> + +<p>"At least," he assured her, "I have saved you +from a crime that would have cost you your own +life. Look out, please, for I am going to throw +your door wide open."</p> + +<p>"You—you coward!" she panted, and struggled +to close the door.</p> + +<p>"Stand back! I am sorry to have to use force, +but you compel it."</p> + +<p>As she refused to give ground Darrin gave the +door a push that forced her back, crowding her +against a berth. Then he stepped into the little +cabin.</p> + +<p>In a lower berth lay a middle-aged woman<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195"></a>[<a href="./images/195.png">195</a>]</span> +whose piercing black eyes snapped as she surveyed +the young naval officer.</p> + +<p>"You are a wretch, to intrude here!" cried the +older woman.</p> + +<p>"One must often do disagreeable things in the +line of war duty," Darrin answered, gravely. "For +one thing, I must place you both in arrest. Then +I shall be obliged to have your cabin searched."</p> + +<p>"Oh, if I but had a weapon!" cried the older +woman.</p> + +<p>"If you had, and were quick enough," Dave assured +her, "you might succeed in killing me, but +that would not affect our duty here, for there are +other officers at hand. Madam, I perceive that you +are fully dressed, so I must ask you to rise and +leave this cabin, for a few minutes, at least."</p> + +<p>"I shall not do it," she snapped.</p> + +<p>"Then you will oblige me to call my men in, +and they will remove you, using no unnecessary +violence, you may be sure, yet employing force +just the same."</p> + +<p>"You coward!"</p> + +<p>The younger woman, too, started in to berate +him, but Dave remained calm.</p> + +<p>"Will you, at least, not leave the room until I +have risen?" demanded the older woman.</p> + +<p>Darrin, who had a notion that the women +wanted to conceal or destroy something, nodded +his assent, but signed to two of the seamen to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196"></a>[<a href="./images/196.png">196</a>]</span> +enter. Under his instructions they took the door +off its hinges, carried it outside and laid it on the +floor of the dining cabin.</p> + +<p>"Now, ladies," Dave called, as he stepped outside, +"you will be good enough to come out at +once."</p> + +<p>"We will come at our good convenience!" +snapped the older woman.</p> + +<p>"Wrong again. As I am discharging my duty +here, you will necessarily come out at once. I +shall not be patient if my instructions are defied."</p> + +<p>Plainly furious that the door could not be closed, +the younger woman assisted the older one to rise +from the berth. Then, both expressing their resentment +in their glances, the two women came +out of the cabin.</p> + +<p>"Mother and daughter," guessed Dave.</p> + +<p>"Where will you have us sit, Brute?" demanded +the younger woman.</p> + +<p>"Take any seat in this dining cabin that you +please," he replied. "You must sit together, and +one of my men will stand before you."</p> + +<p>Seats having been taken by the women, Darrin, +calling one of the sailors to him, entered the little +cabin. The only baggage there, beyond a hand +satchel, appeared to be a locked steamer trunk +under the lower berth.</p> + +<p>"Take that outside," Dave directed. "It need +not be investigated until we reach port."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197"></a>[<a href="./images/197.png">197</a>]</span> +Two dressing sacks and a few toilet articles were +all the personal belongings that could be found +there, though Darrin did not stop until he and +the seaman had inspected pillows, mattresses and +all other places that might have concealed papers +or other little belongings.</p> + +<p>Coming outside after some minutes Darrin +asked:</p> + +<p>"Ladies, do you wish to remain in the dining +room, or will you go back to your sleeping cabin?"</p> + +<p>"We will remain here for the present," replied +the older woman. "If we wish to return to our +own cabin later on we will do so."</p> + +<p>"Wrong again," Dave informed her. "You +must remain in one place. There can be no roaming +about. This seaman who is your guard will +see that you remain where you are for the present. +I cannot permit you to leave this part of the +dining room. Ladies, I regret being obliged to be +so disagreeable, but I beg to assure you that your +rights will be respected, and that you shall come +to no harm if you obey instructions."</p> + +<p>Then he looked into the other three cabins, but +found them empty. With that Darrin left the +dining room, after detailing another seaman to +remain on duty there with the guard over the two +women.</p> + +<p>Darrin's next care was to inspect the holds. +Here he found a cargo that appeared to consist<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198"></a>[<a href="./images/198.png">198</a>]</span> +of hundreds of cases of dried fish. At random he +selected one of the cases, had it carried to the +deck, and ordered that it be opened. Its contents +proved to be dried fish.</p> + +<p>"There is something worse than that on board, +or the skipper would not have acted so much like +a lunatic," Dave told himself.</p> + +<p>Next inspecting the engine room and stoke hole +he found these departments in order, though the +fires under the boilers would soon need attention.</p> + +<p>Going above, Dave called the stokers and engineers +out from among the prisoners, told them +that he intended to send them to their posts, and +asked them if they would pledge themselves to +obey all orders and bridge signals, and not attempt +any treachery.</p> + +<p>This promise was quickly given.</p> + +<p>"I hope you will all keep your word," Dave +added, firmly, "for, if any of you attempts treachery, +he will be shot down where he stands. I +shall post guards."</p> + +<p>He posted two of his men in the engine-room, +and four in the stoke-hole.</p> + +<p>"Be vigilant, and don't stand any nonsense," +he ordered.</p> + +<p>Returning to deck he gave his final orders to +Ensign Peters, who had come on board and relieved +the boatswain's mate.</p> + +<p>"We are going to take this ship through to our<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199"></a>[<a href="./images/199.png">199</a>]</span> +base port," he informed the ensign. "You will +command, and will use the petty officers as you +need them. I shall require but three of the launch +crew to take me back to the 'Grigsby.' You have +sufficient force here, Mr. Peters, but we shall stand +by and so be ready to give any assistance you may +need. Keep yourself informed as to the comfort +and conduct of the women prisoners in the dining +cabin, and do not permit them to be annoyed by +your men. They must have no chance, though, +to destroy or conceal any papers they may have on +their persons."</p> + +<p>With that Darrin went over the side. The +launch took him back to his own craft.</p> + +<p>Overhead the "blimp" moved slowly about. +While her commander was sure he could reach +England safely he preferred to remain in company +that could rescue his crew and himself if it +became necessary.</p> + +<p>"Who can the women be?" Lieutenant Fernald +wondered, when he had heard Dave's account of +the visit to the steamship.</p> + +<p>"I don't know. But their conduct, like the +skipper's, is the main cause of their predicament. +Had they behaved naturally I would have guessed +them to be passengers from a neutral port to +England. All I can say is that, though they +speak English well, I am sure that they are not +Englishwomen."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200"></a>[<a href="./images/200.png">200</a>]</span> +"The younger woman is a beauty, you say?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and her mother, if the older woman be +such, is not at all unprepossessing."</p> + +<p>The two ships and their aerial companion were +now headed toward Darrin's base port, traveling +at a good rate of speed.</p> + +<p>It was well along in the evening when they +passed the "Reed." In code Dalzell exultantly reported +that an unusually large number of mines +had been swept and removed from the water, and +that two submarines had been located on the +middle shoal and destroyed.</p> + +<p>"Good work!" Dave wirelessed back.</p> + +<p>Late that night, the "blimp" still leading the +way, the destroyer and her prize entered the base +port.</p> + +<p>As soon as they had come to anchor Darrin communicated +with the British flag-ship. Officials +promptly went aboard the steamer to attend to +the removal to a prison on shore of the officers and +crew of the steamship, and of the women passengers +as well.</p> + +<p>Immediately after that the ship was subjected +to a systematic search by seamen and longshoremen +acting under the direction of British naval +officers.</p> + +<p>A name-plate, ready to fit to the front of the +wheel-house, was found. The craft proved to be +the "Louisa," well known in a certain British port<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201"></a>[<a href="./images/201.png">201</a>]</span> +at which she had been accustomed to call with +cargoes of dried fish. The fish now on board was +taken off rapidly into lighters. And then it was +that, in a sub-hold under the cargo deck, a more +significant cargo was found.</p> + +<p>From that sub-hold were removed nearly six +hundred floating mines of the commonest German +pattern. All had been packed with extreme care, +and all were ready for transferring to German +submarine mine-layers at sea.</p> + +<p>It was after two in the morning when Captain +Allaire, an officer of the British military intelligence +department, came on board the "Grigsby," +requesting that her commander be called. Dave +received Captain Allaire in the chart-room. +Allaire had come to seek information as to the +speech and conduct of the two women at the time +of their arrest.</p> + +<p>Dave answered these questions carefully, then +added:</p> + +<p>"I shall be glad, indeed, if I brought in women +prisoners of real importance along with the other +prisoners."</p> + +<p>"There are very few pairs whom we would +rather have in our prisons," answered Captain +Allaire. "The older woman is the notorious +Sophia Weiner; the younger is her daughter, Anna +Weiner. They use various other names, though. +Every intelligence and secret service officer in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202"></a>[<a href="./images/202.png">202</a>]</span> +Great Britain knows of their exploits, and is ever +on the lookout for them."</p> + +<p>"Then I am astonished that they should have +embarked on a steamship bound for England," +Dave returned. "They must have faced certain +arrest on landing."</p> + +<p>"I don't believe they intended coming to +England," Allaire answered. "Probably they +were on their way to Spain. It may have been +that no German submarine was leaving for the +Spanish coast just at the time, and it was imperative +that they reach Spain early. So, I take it, +they journeyed to the neutral country and embarked +on the 'Louisa,' knowing that the skipper +could transfer them to a submarine bound for +Spain. We are amazed at this fellow, Hadkor, +skipper of the 'Louisa.' We had believed him to +be all right, and he had ready access to our ports +with his cargoes. But his ship has been found to +be fitted with all facilities for transferring mines +at sea, and also with an anti-aircraft gun and a +stock of rifles and ammunition. The work must +have been excellently paid for by the Germans, +for the crew were assuredly in the secret, and +ready even to fight, and they surely had to be +paid for their risks."</p> + +<p>"Then it was a very important catch that the +'blimp' ran us into."</p> + +<p>"One of the best in a six-month," replied Cap<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203"></a>[<a href="./images/203.png">203</a>]</span>tain +Allaire. "And yet that skipper fellow and his +crew must be lunatics, for their conduct lays them +liable to being hanged as pirates."</p> + +<p>When the "Grigsby" put out to sea before daylight +Dave Darrin lay asleep. He slept extremely +well, too, in the consciousness of a day's duties +well done.</p> + +<hr class="full" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204"></a>[<a href="./images/204.png">204</a>]</span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX</h2> + +<h4>DARRIN TURNS THE TABLES</h4> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Both</span> commanding officers were asleep when +the "Grigsby" and the "Reed" passed each +other that morning, the "Grigsby" proceeding +on to her station.</p> + +<p>Dave would have gone back on the same water +route he had hunted over the day before, but the +dirigible, which had reached England safely, had +not yet been put in shape for further service, and +there was at present no other dirigible that could +be spared for his service.</p> + +<p>Therefore it was a matter of back to the shoals +for temporary duty, yet of a kind that was very +important.</p> + +<p>At ten o'clock he was called, as that was the +hour he had named for relieving Lieutenant Fernald.</p> + +<p>The executive officer had come into the chart-room +to call him, and remained while Darrin performed +his hasty toilet.</p> + +<p>"What's the weather?" Darrin asked.</p> + +<p>"Misty, sir," replied the executive officer. +"There's a fine drizzle, mixed with some fog. For<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205"></a>[<a href="./images/205.png">205</a>]</span> +the last half hour it has been impossible to see +more than six hundred yards. That is why we are +running at half speed. We're close to the middle +shoal and I was afraid we'd run down one of our +own mine-sweepers."</p> + +<p>"The kind of weather every ship's master +dreads," Dave remarked.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, and the weather bites you through to +the marrow. The temperature isn't very low, but +I think you'll find yourself more comfortable if +you dress warmly. I found it so cold as to be +necessary to wear the sheepskin under my heaviest +rain-coat."</p> + +<p>In finishing his dressing Darrin bore this suggestion +in mind. In a few minutes he stepped out +on deck. The weather proved to be as unpleasant +as Fernald had asserted, and Dave was glad that +he was warmly clad, for the wind, though not +strong, was piercing.</p> + +<p>"Sighted any mine-sweeper on the shoal?" Dave +asked of Ensign Ormsby, the watch officer, as soon +as he reached the deck.</p> + +<p>"Only on the first shoal, which is in the 'Reed's' +station, sir," Mr. Ormsby replied. "Those belonging +to our station must be farther north. And +we've sighted none out in deeper water. We +couldn't in this thick weather, anyway."</p> + +<p>"The view is so limited that this doesn't look +like a promising day for us," Dave mused aloud, as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206"></a>[<a href="./images/206.png">206</a>]</span> +he gazed around at as much of the water as he +could see.</p> + +<p>"It really doesn't, sir."</p> + +<p>"Better reduce to one-quarter speed. The less +speed the less chance there will be of the enemy +hearing us."</p> + +<p>Accordingly the "Grigsby" rolled along slowly, +the splash and ripple of the water along her sides +being a soothing accompaniment.</p> + +<p>For an hour they proceeded thus, without sighting +a ship. They had passed the middle shoal, +and were somewhat north of it when the two +officers on the bridge observed that the sun was +struggling feebly through the clouds and mist. A +minute later, as if by magic, it burst out brightly, +and the mist began to fade away.</p> + +<p>"By Jove, sir, look at that!" almost whispered +Ensign Ormsby.</p> + +<p>Some seven hundred yards away from them, +motionless on the water, her deck fully exposed, +lay a submarine.</p> + +<p>Neither deck gun was above decks. At least a +dozen of the crew stood near the conning tower, +and, of all things in the world, fishing.</p> + +<p>"Quick work, there!" Dave called through the +bridge telephone to the gunners forward. "Let +number one gun send a shell over the craft. Don't +hit her at the first shot. We'll capture that fellow, +if possible!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207"></a>[<a href="./images/207.png">207</a>]</span> +So quickly did the shot come that it was the +first intimation the German seamen had of enemy +presence.</p> + +<p>From aloft the signal broke out:</p> + +<p>"Don't try to fire a shot, or to turn, or we'll +sink you!"</p> + +<p>An officer's head popped up through the manhole +of the conning tower, then almost as quickly +was withdrawn.</p> + +<p>As the "Grigsby," obeying her engines, leaped +forward, the men behind both forward guns stood +ready to fire at the word.</p> + +<p>For the submarine crew to bring either gun into +place would be the signal for the destroyer to open +fire at a range constantly decreasing. Nor could +the enemy craft employ her torpedo tubes without +turning, which would have been instant signal for +Darrin to order his gunners to fire on the submarine.</p> + +<p>Through the manhole of the enemy craft +leaped a signalman, flags in hand. Using the international +code he wigwagged rapidly this message:</p> + +<p>"We will make a grace of necessity and surrender."</p> + +<p>"That doesn't necessarily mean that they do +surrender," Dave 'phoned to the officer in charge +of the forward gun division. "If the enemy makes +a move to bring a gun into view, or to swing so<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208"></a>[<a href="./images/208.png">208</a>]</span> +that a torpedo tube could be used, fire without +order and fire to sink!"</p> + +<p>The German commander evidently understood +that this would be the course of the Yankees, for +as the "Grigsby" bore down upon the submarine +not a threatening move was visible.</p> + +<p>Instead, the Hun crew, unarmed so far as the +watchers on the destroyer could see, emerged from +the conning tower and moved well up forward.</p> + +<p>"Prepare to lower two boats," Dave called, and +added instructions for a large crew for each +launch. As the "Grigsby" came about and lay to, +the launches were lowered. In the bow of each +small craft was mounted a machine gun ready for +instant action. The double prize crew was permitted +to board the submarine without sign of +opposition. At the command, German seamen +began to file past two petty officers, submitting to +search for hidden weapons, then passing on into +the launches alongside.</p> + +<p>Last of all four officers came through the manhole, +preparatory to enduring the same search. +When all the prisoners had been taken aboard, the +launches started back to the "Grigsby."</p> + +<p>Dave Darrin caught sight of the officers, as the +launches approached the destroyer, and felt like +rubbing his eyes.</p> + +<p>"The ober-lieutenant and von Schelling!" he +exclaimed with a start. "They haven't recog<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209"></a>[<a href="./images/209.png">209</a>]</span>nized +me yet. When they do that ober-lieutenant +is going to wish that he had voted for going to +the bottom of the sea!"</p> + +<p>Not, indeed, until the officers came up over the +side of the "Grigsby," and found Dave Darrin +waiting on the deck, did the quartette of officers +discover who their captor was.</p> + +<p>"<i>You?</i>" gasped the ober-lieutenant! "Impossible!"</p> + +<p>"Yes; you didn't expect to see me again, did +you?"</p> + +<p>"I—I—I thought you were——"</p> + +<p>The German checked himself.</p> + +<p>"You thought you had sent me to the bottom +of the sea," Dave went on. "It wasn't your fault +that you didn't, but you missed your guess."</p> + +<p>Dave then gave the order for housing the prisoners +below.</p> + +<p>"Are you sending the officers to the same place +of detention that you are sending my men?" demanded +the ober-lieutenant, a spark of assertiveness +in his manner.</p> + +<p>"Unfortunately, I am obliged to do so," Dave +answered. "I am aware that German officers consider +themselves to be of a brand of clay much +superior to that used in making their men."</p> + +<p>"But we officers are gentlemen!" retorted the +ober-lieutenant, drawing himself up stiffly.</p> + +<p>"It's a point that might be argued," returned<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210"></a>[<a href="./images/210.png">210</a>]</span> +Darrin, lightly. "Yet there is no other course, for +we have no detention space apart from the main +one on board, so it is the only place that we can +use for confining German officers—and gentlemen."</p> + +<p>"May I request the privilege of a few words +with you before you send me below?" requested +the ober-lieutenant, unbending a trifle.</p> + +<p>"Certainly," Dave assured him, and the guard +that was marshaling the prisoners below permitted +the recent German commander to step out +of the line.</p> + +<p>"I will see you in my chart-room," said Dave. +Lieutenant Fernald, who had been standing by, +caught Dave's signal and entered with his chief.</p> + +<p>Once inside Ober-Lieutenant Dreiner turned +and gazed at Fernald.</p> + +<p>"I had expected a private interview, Herr Darrin," +he said, rather stiffly.</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant Fernald is my executive officer, and +nothing goes <ins class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'on on'">on</ins> board with which he is not +familiar," Darrin replied. "Have a seat, Herr +Ober-Lieutenant."</p> + +<p>"And must I speak before—before your subordinate?" +asked the German, as he dropped into +the chair that had been indicated.</p> + +<p>"If you speak at all," Darrin answered.</p> + +<p>"But will Herr Fernald keep inviolate what I +have to say?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211"></a>[<a href="./images/211.png">211</a>]</span> +"In that," Darrin promised, "he will be governed +by circumstances."</p> + +<p>Dreiner hesitated for a few seconds before he +began:</p> + +<p>"I—I—er—I have to refer to an incident +that followed our last words together on a former +occasion."</p> + +<p>"You mean, of course, the time, when you assembled +on the deck of your craft four prisoners, +of whom I was one, then closed your manhole and +submerged, leaving us floundering in the water, +and, as you expected, to die by drowning?"</p> + +<p>"I have not admitted that any such thing took +place," Herr Dreiner cried, hastily, with a side +glance at Lieutenant Fernald.</p> + +<p>"It will make no difference, Herr Dreiner, +whether you admit or deny that inhuman attempt +to murder four helpless prisoners," Dave rejoined. +"It so happened that all four of us kept alive until +rescued, and we are all four ready, at any time, to +appear against you. So there is no use in evasion."</p> + +<p>"Then you intend to bring the charge against +me?" asked Dreiner, in a voice husky with either +emotion or dread.</p> + +<p>"I can make neither promises nor threats as to +that," Darrin countered.</p> + +<p>"The stern British military courts would sentence +me to death on that charge."</p> + +<p>"Probably," Dave agreed.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212"></a>[<a href="./images/212.png">212</a>]</span> +"And I have a very particular reason for wanting +to live," Dreiner went on.</p> + +<p>"Yes?"</p> + +<p>"I have eight young children at home, and their +sole dependence is on what I earn," the German +continued. "I do not mind dying, for myself, but +in that event what will become of my poor little +children?"</p> + +<p>"You Germans fill me with disgust!" Dave +Darrin exclaimed, rising, as though to terminate +the interview. "It seems to be a rule with you +fellows, when you find yourselves facing death, to +whine about the children you must leave behind to +starve. Before you set out to murder me in an +especially brutal manner, did you take the trouble +to ask me whether <i>I</i> had any children who would +starve? Did you ask Mr. and Mrs. Launce +whether they had children that were not provided +for? And what about that honest old sea-dog, +Captain Kennor? Did you pause to inquire +whether he was leaving hungry children behind? +For that matter, have any of you wild beasts on +German submarines ever worried yourselves about +the families you orphaned by your inhuman +crimes at sea? Even in the case of the 'Lusitania,' +did <i>that</i> submarine commander ask himself, or +any one else, what would happen to the women +and children who were pitched into the sea? You +are wild to murder innocent, harmless people be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213"></a>[<a href="./images/213.png">213</a>]</span>longing +to an enemy nation, yet when you yourselves +are brought face to face with death you +are all alike. You whine! You beg! Dreiner, +you are not man enough to play the game! Your +appeal in the name of your eight children, who, +for that matter, may not even exist, falls on deaf +ears when you address me. I hope that you will +be summoned before a British court and that you +may be sentenced to pay the full penalty for your +crimes!"</p> + +<p>Dreiner's face went ashen-gray as he staggered +to his feet. Probably he really was concerned for +the fate of his children, but his was not the sort +of record that invited pity.</p> + +<p>"I will not detain you here," Dave finished +coldly. "If I did, I might be tempted to abuse a +prisoner, and that is something no American fighting +man can really do. Orderly!"</p> + +<p>As the orderly stepped in, saluting, Dreiner +tried a last appeal:</p> + +<p>"Why do you hate us Germans so?" he whined. +"I know that you do not hate me especially, but +that you hate all of our race!"</p> + +<p>"Why do we hate you?" Darrin echoed. "The +reason is that, from all we hear, fellows like yourself +appear to be fair samples of the German +officer, on land and afloat. If that does not answer +your question fully, I can think of other +reasons to give you. I would rather not, for it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214"></a>[<a href="./images/214.png">214</a>]</span> +brings me perilously close to the offense of abusing +a prisoner, and that I do not wish to do. Orderly, +call two men and instruct them to take Ober-Lieutenant +Dreiner below to join the other prisoners."</p> + +<p>As the German stepped past the Yankee commander +he glared into Dave's face, hissing:</p> + +<p>"To-day it is your chance to humiliate and condemn +a German. It may not be long ere your +turn comes, and a German officer tells you what +your end is to be!"</p> + +<p>"I am ever at Fate's orders," Darrin answered, +with a bow.</p> + +<hr class="full" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215"></a>[<a href="./images/215.png">215</a>]</span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI</h2> + +<h4>ON A MISSION OF GREAT TRUST</h4> + + +<p><span class="smcap">When</span> the "Grigsby," in broad daylight, +steamed into the base port with a captured +submarine and her crew, and a +German commanding officer who was liable for a +dastardly crime at sea, there was great rejoicing +both on the other naval vessels and on shore.</p> + +<p>If the German prisoners expected a stormy reception +when they were landed and placed under +a guard of soldiers, they were disappointed, for +nothing of the sort awaited them.</p> + +<p>The British populace, though it turned out to +see the captives marched through the streets, +proved to be too good sportsmen to make a violent +demonstration against their now helpless enemies.</p> + +<p>Darrin had no sooner turned over the prize and +made his report to the British admiral than he was +ready for sea once more.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Darrin," said the admiral, heartily, "when +you went out the other day you promised to show +me results. I take this opportunity to assure +you that you have. You yourself have made +some notable captures, and have destroyed some<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216"></a>[<a href="./images/216.png">216</a>]</span> +enemies whom you could not capture. Mr. Dalzell's +record has also been a splendid one. The +plan by which you are catching mine-layers on +or near the shoals before they start out on new +mine-laying work is one that has enabled our +mine-sweeping craft to accomplish more than they +have hitherto been able to do. The record of +mines discovered and swept out of the paths of +navigation is a fine one, but you have done even +better work in blocking the enemy so thoroughly +in their operation of laying the mines in the first +instance. Your successes are assuming extremely +notable proportions. To-morrow the dirigible +will be ready to start out again to aid in finding +mine-cargo-carrying submarines bound for these +waters."</p> + +<p>"Sir," Dave replied, "I greatly appreciate your +words of praise, and I can speak in the same vein +for Mr. Dalzell. Now, as he has had no share in +destroying the submarines that bring over cargoes +of mines I intend to detail him for that work +to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"That fits in with my plans," nodded the admiral. +"If you will put to sea and find the 'Reed,' +and then return to this port, dropping anchor, but +keeping up steam, I shall have for you, to-night +or to-morrow, a special task of the greatest importance."</p> + +<p>"Very good, sir. Is that all for the present?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217"></a>[<a href="./images/217.png">217</a>]</span> +"Yes. Your further instructions will be given +to you when the time comes."</p> + +<p>"Very good, sir. Thank you."</p> + +<p>Saluting, Darrin left the flagship, returning at +once to the "Grigsby," which soon put to sea. +The weather being now comparatively clear, Darrin +raced away at nearly full speed. Not long +afterward he overhauled and boarded the "Reed," +informing Dalzell of his chance to go on the hunt +for the submarine mine-carrying craft on the +morrow.</p> + +<p>"I had been wondering if I was to have a little +share in that sport of kings," said Dan, with one +of his grins.</p> + +<p>"You prevaricator!" Darrin uttered, sternly. +"When did I ever hog all of the best sport and +leave you the rind?"</p> + +<p>"Kamerad! Don't shoot!" begged Dan, with +another grin.</p> + +<p>"Kamerad" (comrade) is the word the German +soldiers employ when offering to surrender to Allied +troops. But "Kamerad" does not always +mean as much as it conveys, for instances have +been numerous when Germans have pretended so +to surrender, then have whipped out hitherto hidden +weapons and slain their captors.</p> + +<p>Returning to port before dark, Darrin put in +that night in catching up with his sleep. He +slumbered almost without stirring, for it had been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218"></a>[<a href="./images/218.png">218</a>]</span> +long since he had enjoyed more than a part of his +needed rest at sea.</p> + +<p>Officers and men, too, made the most of their +opportunity to sleep that night. Only one officer +at a time kept deck watch, and only one engineer +officer down below. The "Grigsby" was ready to +put to sea almost on an instant's notice from the +flagship, but no word came.</p> + +<p>Fully refreshed, and in the best of condition, +Dave Darrin enjoyed a famously good breakfast +the next morning, as did every officer and man +on the destroyer. Still the orders for special duty +had not arrived, and Dave was beginning to chafe +under the delay.</p> + +<p>"If it were the first of April I might suspect the +bluff old admiral were playing a joke on us," Dave +confided to Lieutenant Fernald. "I might think +this was his way of affording us all a chance to get +even with our rest. I am wondering much what +the special duty is to be."</p> + +<p>"You will know, sir, in the same breath that +you are ordered away to that duty," smiled the +executive officer.</p> + +<p>"Yes, this is war-time and advance information +is very rare," Darrin admitted.</p> + +<p>It was, in fact, nearly eleven o'clock when a +man of the deck watch reported that a boat had +put off from the flagship and was apparently +heading for the "Grigsby."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219"></a>[<a href="./images/219.png">219</a>]</span> +"I'll go out to receive the visitor," said Fernald, +rising and leaving the chart-room.</p> + +<p>The boat was, indeed, heading for the destroyer. +It soon came alongside, bringing a staff officer +from the admiral. Lieutenant Fernald received +the visitor, conducted him to the chart-room, presented +the officer caller to Dave, then discreetly +withdrew.</p> + +<p>"The admiral's compliments, Mr. Darrin. He +spoke to you yesterday of special duty of a most +important nature. I have the honor to bear his +final instructions."</p> + +<p>"Then you are doubly welcome," smiled Dave, +"for we have been chafing a bit, fearing that the +admiral's plans might have been changed."</p> + +<p>"There has been considerable activity on the +part of German submarines in these waters of +late," continued the British naval staff officer. +"As a rule the Huns keep out of the channel, but +they have been so active lately that we fear for +the safety of the hospital ship 'Gloucester,' which +is bringing home about two thousand wounded +men. It was the admiral's plan to have you leave +port, under full speed, an hour before the sailing +time of the 'Gloucester' from France."</p> + +<p>"Is there still time for us to get that hour's +start?" asked Darrin, rising.</p> + +<p>"Unfortunately, the orders were misunderstood, +Mr. Darrin. The 'Gloucester' actually sailed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220"></a>[<a href="./images/220.png">220</a>]</span> +about an hour ago. You will find her exact course +written on this paper, and you are directed by +the admiral to reach her with all speed and convoy +her——"</p> + +<p>"One moment, please!"</p> + +<p>Darrin broke off the conversation long enough +to telephone the executive officer, instructing him +to transmit the needful orders to the engineer +officer on duty, and to pipe all hands on deck.</p> + +<p>"I am listening, sir," Darrin resumed, wheeling +about.</p> + +<p>"Outside you will find two of our fastest mine-sweepers," +continued the staff officer. "They are +to follow you as closely as possible, and, on nearing +the 'Gloucester,' they are to turn and sweep +the course ahead of the hospital ship, while you +are to be extremely alert for submarines."</p> + +<p>"I understand, sir," Darrin nodded. "Are there +any further orders?"</p> + +<p>"No, Mr. Darrin. Whatever else comes up must +be left to your own discretion to handle. The +admiral bade me state that he has the fullest +confidence in your proven ability to handle circumstances +as they arise."</p> + +<p>"My thanks to the admiral for his good opinion, +and to yourself for informing me of it," smiled +Dave, still on his feet and moving slowly toward +the door.</p> + +<p>"I—er—have some further information, Mr.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221"></a>[<a href="./images/221.png">221</a>]</span> +Darrin, that will prove of considerable interest to +you," resumed the naval staff officer, also moving +toward the door.</p> + +<p>"Yes?"</p> + +<p>"It possesses a personal interest for you. There +are, of course, nurses on board, and other Red +Cross workers. One of them is Mrs. Darrin."</p> + +<p>Dave's quick smile of happiness was reflected +in the staff officer's ruddy face.</p> + +<p>"So, you see, Mr. Darrin, you have more than a +professional interest in meeting the hospital ship +and bringing her through safely, for in doing so +you will also be guarding your wife. It is rather +an unusual stimulus to duty, isn't it?"</p> + +<hr class="full" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222"></a>[<a href="./images/222.png">222</a>]</span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII</h2> + +<h4>THE RED CROSS TRAGEDY</h4> + + +<p>"<span class="smcap">No</span>, sir!" said Dave, promptly. "I love my +wife, and it will not surprise you to hear +me say it, but in the discharge of my +duty Mrs. Darrin has exactly the same status as a +stranger. I shall be glad, for my own sake, to +bring through in safety any ship on which she +sails, but I shall be just as glad to be able to insure +the safety of any wounded Tommy Atkins on +the 'Gloucester' who is longing for a sight of his +loved ones at home."</p> + +<p>"By Jove, that's a bully attitude, and I know +you mean it!" cried the staff officer, holding out +his hand. "I must not delay you. Good-bye, +Darrin, and the best of good luck to you!"</p> + +<p>A moment later the British officer was over the +side and being borne back to the flagship, while +quick orders rang out on the "Grigsby." In as +short a time as the thing could be done the anchor +was stowed, and the destroyer was on her way out +of port at half speed.</p> + +<p>Just beyond the harbor Darrin gave the order +for full speed ahead. From the bridge, three<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223"></a>[<a href="./images/223.png">223</a>]</span> +miles farther out on the course, he made out the +two mine-sweepers.</p> + +<p>"All starts well," commented Dave to Lieutenant +Fernald. "May all end as well! By the way, +Mrs. Darrin is said to be on board the 'Gloucester'."</p> + +<p>"Congratulations," said Fernald, heartily. "And +you may look, sir, for every officer and man +aboard this craft to redouble his efforts to make +the day's task a complete success."</p> + +<p>"I don't want it for that reason, although I +expect from all on board the fullest efficiency. +Fernald, I'm not running an American naval +vessel primarily for the safety of my family."</p> + +<p>For this trip the lookouts were trebled. They +stood at every point of vantage from which anything +on the sea might be sighted.</p> + +<p>Mile after mile the "Grigsby" logged, plunging +and dipping in the sea, her decks running water +and spray dashing continuously over the bridge. +It was wet work, and over all was the roaring +racket of the ship's powerful machinery. To Darrin +it was music; the dash and the sense of responsibility +thrilled him.</p> + +<p>At last came the anxiously awaited hail from +the lookout aloft:</p> + +<p>"Topmasts of a ship almost dead ahead, sir."</p> + +<p>"Keep her constantly in sight, and as soon as +you can make out the hull report whether she dis<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224"></a>[<a href="./images/224.png">224</a>]</span>plays +the hospital Red Cross," the watch officer +called back.</p> + +<p>"Aye, aye, sir."</p> + +<p>To those on the bridge the mastheads were +soon visible. After that came the lookout's hail:</p> + +<p>"She's a hospital ship, sir. I can make out the +Red Cross plainly through the glass."</p> + +<p>"It must be the 'Gloucester,' then," remarked +Lieutenant Fernald.</p> + +<p>"Pass the word that the first man really to +sight a periscope or a conning tower shall have a +fortnight's shore leave extra," Dave ordered.</p> + +<p>He smiled as he heard the scattering cheer that +greeted that announcement.</p> + +<p>"The real way to the sailorman's heart lies +through extra shore leave," he told Fernald.</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't mind winning that prize myself," +muttered the executive officer. "That is, if I were +sure that I could honestly accept the leave without +prejudice to duty."</p> + +<p>"Find the periscope, then," smiled Darrin. "I +am sure I can win the promised reward, even for +the executive officer."</p> + +<p>Not long afterward they were in plain sight of +the "Gloucester." On she came, the smoke pouring +from her pair of funnels. A fast craft, the +hospital ship was making about her best time in +her hurry to get safely across with her precious +human cargo.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225"></a>[<a href="./images/225.png">225</a>]</span> +Then the "Grigsby" swung far out to port, cut +a part of a circle, and came back on the hospital +ship's port bow, darting ahead again, cutting +across the hospital ship's bow far ahead and to +port, then turning and crossing once more.</p> + +<p>After the two craft had proceeded some distance +farther the two mine-sweepers were sighted +well ahead. These craft would soon turn and +sweep the waters for mines ahead of the hospital +ship.</p> + +<p>Not mere fancy capers was the "Grigsby" cutting. +As she crossed the "Gloucester's" bows time +and again her lookouts were able to keep sharp +watch to port and starboard of the ship that bore +a human cargo of pain and suffering. It was the +only way for a solitary destroyer to keep effective +watch on both sides of the ship she was convoying.</p> + +<p>Twice Dave used his glass to glance along the +nearer rail of the steamship in search of Belle +Darrin. He did not find her thus, and did not +try again, for he must not fail in his unceasing +watch for the ship's safety.</p> + +<p>The mine-sweepers signalled their message of +greeting, then turned and swung into place. From +this point the "Gloucester" and her escort slowed +down speed to accommodate that of the smaller +craft.</p> + +<p>The vessel wearing the emblem of the Red<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226"></a>[<a href="./images/226.png">226</a>]</span> +Cross had not yet reached the spot at which the +sweepers had turned.</p> + +<p>Over the sea came a sullen, significant roar. +The "Gloucester" shivered from stem to stern. A +wail of anguish went up in concert from the soldiers +on board the hospital ship who were worst +wounded.</p> + +<p>It had come so suddenly that, for an instant, +Dave Darrin was dazed.</p> + +<p>"That wasn't a torpedo!" he cried, hoarsely, a +second or two later.</p> + +<p>"She hit a mine, sir," reported Lieutenant Fernald. +"It wasn't the fault of the sweepers, either, +for they hadn't time to get that far. But it's +awful—awful! There'll be hundreds of the poor +fellows drowned!"</p> + +<p>Dave quickly recovered his presence of mind. +As the "Gloucester" shut off speed Darrin turned +and dashed at full speed to the aid of the stricken +craft.</p> + +<p>Even as the race of rescue began Darrin sent +to the radio operator this message to send broadcast +through the air:</p> + +<p>"S. O. S.! Hospital ship 'Gloucester' has +struck mine and must founder soon. Rush at best +speed to give aid. S. O. S.!"</p> + +<p>In the message Darrin included also the exact +position of the stricken vessel.</p> + +<p>Two launches were swung outward on the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227"></a>[<a href="./images/227.png">227</a>]</span> +davits. Darrin sprang down to the deck to personally +select the men to man the launches. Into +the launches were thrown several rolls of heavy +canvas and rolls of cordage, as well as such tools +as might be needed.</p> + +<p>By the time that the "Grigsby" had shut off +speed and lain to, the decks of the "Gloucester" +were observed to be crowded with people.</p> + +<p>The two launches, with Dave Darrin in one of +them, shoved off and were quickly alongside the +hospital ship. Two ship's ladders were let down +over the side. Up these went the two boarding +parties as rapidly as they could move. Lines came +swirling down, and canvas rolls and other supplies +were hoisted to the deck. This work was all +quickly done.</p> + +<p>Not a second must be lost. Dave ordered Ensign +Peters and several men forward to the bow +of the hospital ship. With the remainder, Dave, +carrying a roll of canvas over one shoulder, and +all hands carrying some burden, started to go +below.</p> + +<p>With a group of Red Cross nurses who stood +silently and calmly by the patients who were +being borne to the deck, Darrin was sure that he +caught sight of Belle.</p> + +<p>But he did not look a second time. There was +too much to be done now when seconds were +precious. Nor did Belle look up from the work<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228"></a>[<a href="./images/228.png">228</a>]</span> +that she was doing among the wounded on +stretchers.</p> + +<p>A member of the crew led the American party +below. Here Dave found two mates and a score +of sailors already at work. They were trying to +accomplish the very thing Darrin had come prepared +to do—to rig canvas over the hole in the +hull to shut out as much of the water as was +possible.</p> + +<p>If this could be accomplished, and if the +"Gloucester's" pumps could drive out most of +the water that got in past the canvas patch, then +it might be possible for the hospital ship to keep +afloat until other rescue craft could reach the +scene.</p> + +<p>"We'll take your orders, sir," spoke up one of +the mates, saluting, as Dave and his party reached +a forward hold where, despite the flimsy canvas +patch already rigged, the water was almost waist-deep.</p> + +<p>"We'll work together," returned Dave, briefly. +"It may turn out that the ship can be kept afloat +for an hour or two."</p> + +<p>"The bulkheads were shut, sir," the mate explained, +hurriedly, "but fragments of the mine +entered this first water-tight compartment, and +also the second. You'd better go down into the +second compartment, too, sir."</p> + +<p>Darrin hurried up to the deck, followed by the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229"></a>[<a href="./images/229.png">229</a>]</span> +mates and their men. The hole in the first compartment +extended some six inches below water +line and some two feet above. It was a long, +jagged hole. Trying to descend into the second +compartment with the chief mate, Darrin found +that the hole here extended at least a foot below +water line.</p> + +<p>"It's going to be no use, sir," said the mate, +sorrowfully. "I don't believe the ship can be kept +afloat more than ten minutes before she goes +down by the head. These are our two biggest +compartments."</p> + +<hr class="full" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230"></a>[<a href="./images/230.png">230</a>]</span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII</h2> + +<h4>A NOBLE FIGHT WITHOUT WEAPONS</h4> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Nor</span> was the mate's warning a panicky one. +There seemed not one chance in a hundred +of closing the gaps sufficiently to keep the +hospital ship afloat long enough to save many of +its wounded passengers.</p> + +<p>Dave had made his plans while coming alongside. +By this time the repair material he had +brought along lay on the deck. He called his own +men to help him, and the chief officer sent two +score more of British seamen to his aid.</p> + +<p>The engine-room fires being as yet untouched +by water, the pumps were working with tremendous +force.</p> + +<p>"Unroll that canvas, there. Run it out lively," +Darrin ordered.</p> + +<p>In a twinkling the first patch was ready. Dave +himself helped with weighting what was intended +for the lower edge of the patch, and with reeving +in ropes at the sides and top.</p> + +<p>"Over with it!"</p> + +<p>Lowered down into place, the patch was fitted +to the hole. It still had to be made fast.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231"></a>[<a href="./images/231.png">231</a>]</span> +Both port and starboard gangways had been +lowered, and launches from the destroyer were +alongside, receiving badly wounded men who had +been taken over the side on stretchers. The +"Grigsby's" cutters were also alongside, picking +up such of the wounded men as could jump in +life belts. The "Gloucester's" own boats swung +out after being loaded. The mine-sweepers had +come up and had lowered their boats and sent +them to the rescue. Several hundred men and +women were reasonably sure of being saved, but +unless Darrin succeeded in what he was undertaking, +from twelve to fifteen hundred other human +beings were surely doomed.</p> + +<p>Badly as boats were needed, Dave had to commandeer +two of the smallest. Himself going in +one of these, he superintended the making fast of +the canvas patches below from the water. Seamen +over the hull's side in slings, acting under +the second mate, did valiant service at the same +time.</p> + +<p>With a single outside canvas patch over the +forward hole, Darrin moved back to the second +breach. Here, too, a patch was quickly put in +place.</p> + +<p>By this time the "Grigsby" and the mine-sweepers +had received nearly as many rescued +passengers as they could hold. The small boats +were returning for more.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232"></a>[<a href="./images/232.png">232</a>]</span> +Up to Dave rushed Captain Senby of the +"Gloucester."</p> + +<p>"Captain," he called, addressing Dave Darrin +by that courtesy title, "these Red Cross women +ought to be saved while there's time, but they +refuse to go over the side until their patients are +safe."</p> + +<p>"Did you expect they would desert their patients?" +Darrin asked quietly, his gaze still on the +work that he was directing.</p> + +<p>"But, Captain, we must save the women folks, +anyway! Won't you use your persuasion to help +me?"</p> + +<p>"No," came Dave's quick response. "These +women are asserting their right to prove the stuff +that is in them. In this war, in their own fields, +the women fight as bravely as the men."</p> + +<p>"In a time like this the women ought to be +saved!" the British master insisted.</p> + +<p>"Not at the expense of their best sense of duty," +Darrin answered.</p> + +<p>For an instant Senby regarded the young naval +officer with amazement before he blurted:</p> + +<p>"Captain, I don't believe you have any women +folks of your own!"</p> + +<p>"My wife is one of the Red Cross women on +board," Darrin answered, quietly. Then, raising +his voice, he added:</p> + +<p>"That patch is ready! Over with it!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233"></a>[<a href="./images/233.png">233</a>]</span> +Thus was the second patch fitted over the forward +hole, and men were busy completing another +for the second hole.</p> + +<p>And now with the small boats filled, Darrin +anxiously surveyed the sea. No ships were yet +in sight.</p> + +<p>"Get more patches ready!" he shouted.</p> + +<p>He then descended to the first compartment, +stepping down into the water to take its depth. +He judged it to be of about the same depth as +before.</p> + +<p>Four patches were over each hole by the time +that the first trail of smoke was observed far down +on the horizon. A steamship was coming to their +aid, but would it arrive in time?</p> + +<p>Another inspection showed that the pumps +had made a slight gain on the water. It was going +out of the compartments faster than it could get +in past the canvas. But Dave knew that ship +pumps, working to furious capacity, were likely +to give out at any moment.</p> + +<p>He stationed a seaman with lead and line on +the stairs leading down to each compartment, +with instructions to take frequent soundings and +to report sharply to the deck.</p> + +<p>The "Gloucester's" rafts, too, were now overboard. +On these huddled those of the wounded +or convalescing soldiers who were better able to +take care of themselves.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234"></a>[<a href="./images/234.png">234</a>]</span> +But not a single Red Cross woman had yet gone +over the side. Much as some of the wounded +might need attendance on the rescue craft or in +the small boats, those left helpless behind needed +the women of mercy still more!</p> + +<p>A slow gain was still being made on the water +in the two compartments. If the pumps held +out, and if the patches did not give way, there +might yet be a fair chance to save life. But Dave +knew the dangers that confronted all hands left +behind, even when he could make out the hull of +the oncoming steamship, and saw that she was +moving at fullest speed.</p> + +<p>"We should win out, don't you think?" demanded +Captain Senby, anxiously. "I've never +lost a ship."</p> + +<p>"At least we stand a fair chance to win out," +Dave answered, frankly. "Any one of three or +four things might happen to us yet and send us +to the bottom."</p> + +<p>Darrin spent most of his time inspecting the +canvas patches. Between times he anxiously +watched the relief ship. He could see, by glass, +when she was four miles away, that her davits +were swung out and her boat-crews in place.</p> + +<p>"All depends on how we hold together for the +next half or three-quarters of an hour," he told +Captain Senby.</p> + +<p>There were still some two hundred patients<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235"></a>[<a href="./images/235.png">235</a>]</span> +who would have to be moved on stretchers. +These were brought to the upper deck until the +stretchers all but blocked passage.</p> + +<p>What a cheer went up from those at the rail +as the steamship, an Italian craft, lay to and began +to lower her boats! The small boats from +the hospital ship, the "Grigsby" and the mine-sweepers +had already gone forward to meet her. +As fast as they could move in to either side gangway +these boats discharged their temporary +passengers, then quickly returned to the "Gloucester."</p> + +<p>For an hour all the small boats plied back and +forth, the rescuers using all their nerve and muscle +power in their efforts at speed.</p> + +<p>Shivering, for he was drenched up to the waist, +Dave stood by, receiving the reports of the +leadsmen in the two compartments. The best +work of the canvas patches had been done. They +were slowly yielding to the fearful pressure of the +water without and it was impossible to rig additional, +fresh patches over them. The water was +rising, inch by inch, in both compartments.</p> + +<p>"How long do you think we can keep afloat?" +asked Captain Senby, miserably.</p> + +<p>"Your judgment will be as good as mine, sir," +Dave answered. "It is impossible to name the +number of moments we can hope to keep above +water, but we both know it cannot be for long."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236"></a>[<a href="./images/236.png">236</a>]</span> +At last the decks were cleared of litters. There +were no more to be brought out. The last boats +had taken away many besides the stretcher +patients.</p> + +<p>"Give us ten minutes more," said Darrin, as he +watched the boats discharging at the Italian +steamer, and returning, "and we shall all be safe."</p> + +<p>"They will be the longest, most anxious ten +minutes that I ever lived!" sighed Captain Senby.</p> + +<p>"Man, you're white and you look ill," Dave +cried. "Buck up! You've done splendidly, and +the discipline on board has been perfect. You +have nothing with which to reproach yourself."</p> + +<p>"Do you really think so?<ins class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: original reads '''">"</ins> Senby asked, with a +wan smile. "I thank you, but it seems to me I +should have done better."</p> + +<p>"You could do better than you're doing now, +for you've lost your nerve," Darrin warned him, +in a low voice. "Yet while you needed your nerve +you kept it."</p> + +<p>"You won't mind saying that in your report, +will you?" asked the master, eagerly. "I'd hate +to have my family hear anything that would make +them feel I had broken down."</p> + +<p>"The discipline on this ship shows what you +have done," Dave rejoined. "You're suffering, +now, on account of the people who may be lost, +and you're thinking of the Red Cross women who +are stubborn enough to do their duty like men.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237"></a>[<a href="./images/237.png">237</a>]</span> +But you've trained your crew well, you have the +respect of your officers and men, and you've given +all help possible in the shortest amount of time. +A ship's master can be judged, instantly, by the +discipline that prevails on his craft. Your family +will hear nothing about your conduct that won't +please 'em."</p> + +<p>At this the British master "bucked up" wonderfully, +but he still watched the Red Cross women +with wistful eyes.</p> + +<p>"Here are the first boats coming back to take the +last of us off," Darrin said encouragingly. "Now, +clear all hands off lively."</p> + +<p>"The women first?" almost pleaded Captain +Senby.</p> + +<p>"Of course!" Dave nodded. "They've done their +full duty, and done it splendidly. Now, insist."</p> + +<p>Galvanized into action by these cheering words, +Captain Senby cleared his throat, then roared in +a fog-horn voice:</p> + +<p>"All hands stand by to abandon ship! Be +lively, please, ladies. No man stir over the side +until the last woman has gone over!"</p> + +<p>Some of the Red Cross women smilingly obeyed +the order; others hung back.</p> + +<p>"There are still some wounded men on board," +pleaded one of them. "Let the last wounded man +go over the side, then we'll go."</p> + +<p>"I'll kill any man on this deck who tries to go<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238"></a>[<a href="./images/238.png">238</a>]</span> +over until the last woman is taken care of!" +shouted Senby, drawing a revolver.</p> + +<p>Some of the nurses still demurred, but the master +was obdurate.</p> + +<p>"Ladies," he called out, "this craft can't keep +afloat much longer. Those of you who hang back +keep the men from their last chance to get away. +I tell you, and I mean it, that no man stirs over +the side until the last woman is on her way to a +boat. Don't hold us all back, ladies!"</p> + +<p>That swept aside the last reluctance of the +nurses. They trooped forward, to one side gangway +or the other, and were quickly on their way +into the waiting boats.</p> + +<p>One of them, however, drew back, then smiled +and crossed the deck.</p> + +<p>"I shall remain with you, Dave," announced a +clear, firm voice, and Dave turned to find Belle's +steady hand resting on his arm.</p> + +<p>"Are you going over the side, madam?" inquired +Captain Senby, pleadingly.</p> + +<p>"You must make an exception in my case, sir," +Belle Darrin answered smilingly. "I can hardly +be expected to leave my husband at a time like +this."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" gasped the Briton, understandingly. +"Madam, you make me anxious, but your devotion +makes me proud of your sex!"</p> + +<p>"Men, now!" shouted the Briton when he saw<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239"></a>[<a href="./images/239.png">239</a>]</span> +the last skirt flutter at the top of a companionway.</p> + +<p>"Now, you'll go over the side, sir, won't you?" +asked the master, anxiously, as two orderly files +of men stepped to the sides.</p> + +<p>"As the two commanders here," Dave answered, +easily, "I believe that tradition requires +you and me to go over last of all, Captain Senby."</p> + +<p>"But your wife, sir——"</p> + +<p>"Is an American, Captain, who has taken the +oath of service to her country's flag just as you +and I have done."</p> + +<p>"But, madam, you——" began the Briton, +turning to Belle.</p> + +<p>"My husband has spoken, sir," smiled Belle. +"Surely, Captain Senby, you do not believe in +mutiny."</p> + +<p>The soldier patients who had remained behind +when the nurses went over the side were all men +who could walk without assistance. These were +now going over, too. While this was going on +the chief mate and the boatswain had mustered +the last of the crew and the roll had been called. +All were on hand who were not in the small boats.</p> + +<p>After the soldiers and the hospital men had +gone down into boats, and other small craft had +moved in to replace them, the crew went over, +the chief mate being the last to go except the +trio who stood in the middle of the upper deck.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240"></a>[<a href="./images/240.png">240</a>]</span> +"There's a boat left with room for all of you!" +the mate called, lifting his hat.</p> + +<p>With a last swift look around at the ship he had +loved, the Briton almost reluctantly followed the +Darrins. His legs trembled under him a bit as he +descended the steps of the side companionway, +but it was from neither exhaustion nor fear.</p> + +<p>Last of all the Briton took his seat in the row-boat. +He tried to clear his throat and give the +order, but could not speak.</p> + +<p>"Shove off!" called Dave to the boat-tenders, +as he faced the men sitting with their oars out. +"Give way! One, two, one two!"</p> + +<p>The boat belonged to one of the mine-sweepers. +With true British precision and rhythm the men +pulled away. Darrin ceased counting and turned +to his smiling wife.</p> + +<p>"Not such a bad time, was it?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"As it turned out, no. But I was afraid, Dave. +Had a few hundred of the brave fellows been +drowned, the horror would not have left me as +long as I lived."</p> + +<p>"Then you must steel your nerves a bit, Belle, +dear. War, at the least, is a grewsome thing, but +this war contains more horrors than any other +war of which man has knowledge. The vast numbers +engaged make it certain that the losses will +be heavy, and heavier, until the struggle is over. +If you work up near the front, within range of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241"></a>[<a href="./images/241.png">241</a>]</span> +the big guns, you will necessarily have to become +accustomed to seeing the visible evidence of huge +losses daily."</p> + +<p>"I shall grow to it," Belle Darrin declared, confidently.</p> + +<p>And now Captain Senby was speaking to him.</p> + +<p>"It's a great load off my mind, Captain Darrin. +I was the merchant marine master of the +'Gloucester,' but she was taken and refitted so +quickly that we were sent to sea without change +of status. On our return from this voyage the +mates and I had orders to take examination for +commissions in the naval reserves. Then we +were to continue aboard the 'Gloucester.' But +she will be at the bottom in an hour and my +chances of making the naval reserves will go +down with her."</p> + +<p>"I don't see why," Dave returned, heartily. +"You and your mates are no less capable than +you were."</p> + +<p>Then, in an undertone that reached only Senby's +ear, Darrin added:</p> + +<p>"Man, you've been a bit unstrung, but you've +gotten away without the loss of a life. Bring your +nerve back from this moment! Don't let it spoil +your life or your career. Pull yourself together +and smile. Smile! Don't let any one see that +you've a single doubt of yourself! Smile, and go +up for your examination to-morrow. All that ails<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242"></a>[<a href="./images/242.png">242</a>]</span> +you is that you worry for the safety of others—a +most commendable fault in a skipper!"</p> + +<p>From that instant Captain Senby gave at least +a very good imitation of a man who was modestly +satisfied with his achievement, though he +realized that he owed most of the success of the +last two hours to Lieutenant Commander Dave +Darrin, U. S. N.</p> + +<p>Arriving at the Italian vessel, Darrin transferred +Belle and himself to a launch from the +"Grigsby" and promptly rejoined his craft.</p> + +<p>Taking Belle to his own seldom-occupied +quarters on the destroyer, Dave left her there, +and then went to the bridge and signalled his +orders to the mine-sweepers and to the Italian +steamship.</p> + +<p>The mine-sweepers were ordered to move in +advance of the rescue vessel to sweep any hidden +mine from her path.</p> + +<p>"And you, Mr. Fernald, will cross the course +continually ahead of the steamship and keep the +most vigilant guard against submarine attack!"</p> + +<p>Dave next went to the chart-room, his teeth +chattering from his soaked, chilled condition.</p> + +<p>Here he stripped and gave himself as vigorous +a rub-down as he could administer, after which +he attired himself in dry clothing throughout and +sent orders to the mess kitchen for a pot of hot +coffee.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243"></a>[<a href="./images/243.png">243</a>]</span> +Over this warmer Dave lingered long enough to +gulp down three cups of the steaming beverage.</p> + +<p>Then pulling on a dry sheepskin coat and turning +up the fur collar against the wintry blast, he +went to the bridge.</p> + +<p>"All's secure, and no sign of trouble so far, sir," +reported Lieutenant Fernald.</p> + +<p>Yet, unknown to any on the destroyer, the +"Grigsby," driving ahead obliquely from port to +starboard well ahead of the steamship, was heading +straight toward a mine that lurked beneath +the surface of the water.</p> + +<hr class="full" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244"></a>[<a href="./images/244.png">244</a>]</span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV</h2> + +<h4>CONCLUSION</h4> + + +<p>"<span class="smcap">Shall</span> I order the helm to starboard, sir?" +asked Ensign Ormsby. "We're due to sail +too close to that mine-sweeper."</p> + +<p>Though the two craft were separated by several +hundreds of yards, Darrin's quick, trained +eye took in the fact that the mine-sweeper, by +the time the "Grigsby" crossed her course, would +be a safe distance ahead.</p> + +<p>"No," he decided; "keep to the course and she'll +clear us."</p> + +<p>Ensign Ormsby nodded and remained silent. +Neither could know of the hidden mine that lay +in her path.</p> + +<p>Yet less than half a minute later a signalman +raced to the stern of the mine sweeper, wigwagging +frantically this message:</p> + +<p>"Hard a-starboard! We have just picked up a +mine!"</p> + +<p>The little craft had slowed down; she was maneuvering +around that mine to get hold and land +it on her deck.</p> + +<p>Ormsby read the signal with his chief. Not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245"></a>[<a href="./images/245.png">245</a>]</span> +even waiting, now, for Darrin's word, the watch +officer changed the course.</p> + +<p>Right in the course that they had been going +the mine-sweeper now blocked the way. Had her +sweep been thirty feet either side she would have +gone on past and the destroyer would have struck +the mine.</p> + +<p>As the "Grigsby" went astern and to starboard +of the little craft, then turned and darted port-wise +across her bows on a new oblique, officers and +men on the destroyer saw the British crew hoisting +from the water the mine that would have destroyed +one of the latest prides of Uncle Sam's +big war fleet.</p> + +<p>It was all over, so far as that mine was concerned, +and for a moment or two Darrin found +himself shaking from a chill that had not been +caused by his recent soaking.</p> + +<p>The thought of other probable dangers ahead +caused him to steel himself once more. To his +subordinate officers he presented the confident, +smiling face to which they were accustomed.</p> + +<p>Several craft of the British Navy and two +other American war vessels had received his S. O. +S. radio message and had started on their way. +But all would have been too late, for some ten +minutes after the rescuing fleet started for England +the "Gloucester" had lowered her nose under +the water. Soon after there was a violent explo<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246"></a>[<a href="./images/246.png">246</a>]</span>sion +as the sea water reached glowing furnace +fires and the boilers, and the hospital ship went +down, another victim of inhumane warfare that +respects not even the rights of the wounded and +sick.</p> + +<p>Dave Darrin did not leave the bridge until he +had seen his little fleet enter the base port.</p> + +<p>Then, pausing for only a word with Belle, he +ordered a launch lowered and went direct to the +British admiral, reporting his work for the afternoon +in greater detail, for he had already sent in +the main facts in a radio code message.</p> + +<p>"You have done magnificently, Mr. Darrin," +exclaimed the admiral. "It was a wonderful performance +to keep the 'Gloucester' afloat under +such conditions until every human being on board +had been transferred to safety."</p> + +<p>"That was made possible largely by the nature +of the holes in the ship's hull, sir. I cannot say +positively, but from my examination of the holes +I believe that the mine that the 'Gloucester' +struck was not moored as securely to her anchoring +device as is usually the case. It was not the +bow of the hospital ship, but the side of her hull +forward that struck the mine. Two fragments or +two groups of fragments of the exploding mine +struck the hull, but from my hurried inspection +it is my belief that the mine, not being securely +moored, was brushed somewhat aside by the im<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247"></a>[<a href="./images/247.png">247</a>]</span>pact, +and therefore the injury was not as great as +it would have been had the anchoring device held +the mine more firmly in place. So the ship was +not as badly hurt as one would have expected her +to be. That much for the mine, sir. Then I had +the gallant, splendid help of Captain Senby and +his mates and crew. I shall mention their performance +in my written report."</p> + +<p>"Better put it in early, then," advised the +admiral, "for Senby and his mates go up for examination +day after tomorrow. I can forward to +the board an extract from your report."</p> + +<p>"They are to be examined just the same, sir, +though the 'Gloucester' is no more?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes; England has a few more ships left," +smiled the admiral, "and we cannot get along +with a reduced number of hospital craft."</p> + +<p>So, though Dave Darrin, on his return, escorted +Belle to the chart-room and chatted with her a +few moments, and even allowed her to remain +while he worked, he sent for a yeoman and to +him dictated an official report of the disaster, +parts of which document did not fail to do justice +to Captain Senby and his mates.</p> + +<p>"Type that for two copies to be transmitted, +and one to be filed here, as early as you can, and +bring to me for signature," Dave directed. "I +wish to go ashore after signing and sending off the +reports."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248"></a>[<a href="./images/248.png">248</a>]</span> +For, at their parting, Admiral Wheatleigh had +said:</p> + +<p>"Darrin, you and your officers and men have +been overworked for some time. You have done +splendidly, but now you all need a short rest or +your nerves will snap. You will therefore remain +in port a few days, and I would recommend you +to be liberal in the matter of shore leave."</p> + +<p>Even before the typed reports had come in +Lieutenant Fernald reported with a written list +of the names of officers and men whom he recommended +for shore leave beginning that evening.</p> + +<p>As a matter of form Darrin glanced down +through the list, then signed it.</p> + +<p>"The last four men on the list report that they +would like shore leave, but are out of funds, sir," +hesitated Lieutenant Fernald.</p> + +<p>Drawing his purse, Dave extracted four five-dollar +bills.</p> + +<p>"Lend this to them until pay-day," he directed, +thrusting the money into the executive officer's +hand. "They are dependable men, and will come +to no harm. Up to eleven o'clock I shall be found +at the Blank Hotel if wanted. At eleven I shall +leave to come aboard, so you may send in a launch +for me, Mr. Fernald."</p> + +<p>As soon as he had received and signed the typed +report in duplicate, and had taken steps to forward +them, Darrin and Belle went ashore.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249"></a>[<a href="./images/249.png">249</a>]</span> +At ten o'clock that evening Dan Dalzell joined +them.</p> + +<p>"How was the hunting, Danny Grin?" Dave inquired, +jovially.</p> + +<p>"May I speak of such awful subjects before +Mrs. Darrin?" Dan asked.</p> + +<p>"I am sure you may, and do not delay gratifying +my curiosity," Belle put in.</p> + +<p>"Well, then," murmured Dalzell, delightedly, +"all I can say is that the hunting proved wonderfully +good. With the indispensable aid of the +dirigible I located four submarines headed for +this coast, and sank them all. I believe that each +of the submarines was carrying a cargo of mines +to enemy submarine mine-layers off this coast. +Do you call that a day of good sport?"</p> + +<p>"For every one but the Germans," Dave +nodded, beamingly.</p> + +<p>But Dan glanced at Belle to see how she took +such joyous comments on the sudden deaths of +enemies.</p> + +<p>"I could feel sorry for the people of some nations, +if we were at war with them," Belle Darrin +stated, calmly. "But when I hear of the deaths +of German submarine officers and sailors I feel a +sense of relief at the thought that more of the +loathsome beasts have been removed from a +decent world."</p> + +<p>Dan, too, and the other officers and the crew of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250"></a>[<a href="./images/250.png">250</a>]</span> +the "Reed" were granted several days in port. In +fact, there was no need of their services in the +same line for some time to come, for a temporary +but effective stop had been put to German mine-laying +in the North Sea and the Channel.</p> + +<p>The masters, mates and crews of the "Olga" +and the "Louisa" were tried and sentenced to +death, and later were executed. Ober-Lieutenant +Dreiner, for his cowardly attempt to murder Dave +and his three new friends, was also sentenced to +death.</p> + +<p>Before his leave in port was ended Dave and +Belle met "Mr. and Mrs. Launce" and learned +that they were really the Earl and Countess of +Denby. After her awful experience in the water +the countess's health remained impaired for +months, so the noble couple gave up the idea of +spy work and turned their energies toward Red +Cross work in France and Italy.</p> + +<p>Sophia Weiner and her daughter were convicted +of espionage in that they had sailed for England +with false passports. They are now confined in +some prison in England, and will remain there +for some years after the war closes.</p> + +<p>Captain Kennor reached home safely, where he +learned that the other boats from the "Rigsdak" +had reached a friendly shore. It was some months +before the Danish master went to sea again.</p> + +<p>The British admiral's report, sent through<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251"></a>[<a href="./images/251.png">251</a>]</span> +channels to the Vice Admiral of the American +destroyer fleet, and by him referred to the Secretary +of the Navy, was of such character that Dave +and Dan received the highest praise direct from +Washington by cable, and afterwards by letter.</p> + +<p>They had done their work in the finest American +naval style, and had made a ten-strike against +the German mine-layers.</p> + +<p>But they took their honors easily, and had need +to, for there was still greater work ahead of them +after Belle had used up her few days' leave and +had sailed back to France.</p> + + +<h4>THE END</h4> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252"></a>[<a href="./images/252.png">252</a>]</span></p> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253"></a>[<a href="./images/253.png">253</a>]</span></p> +<h1><a name="HENRY_ALTEMUS_COMPANYS" id="HENRY_ALTEMUS_COMPANYS"></a>HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY'S</h1> + +<h2>Best and Least Expensive +Books for Boys and Girls</h2> + +<div class="bbox"> +<div class="boxtext"> +<p> </p> + +<h2>The Motor Boat Club Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + +<p>The keynote of these books is manliness. The stories are +wonderfully entertaining, and they are at the same time sound +and wholesome. No boy will willingly lay down an unfinished +book in this series.</p> + +<ol><li>THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB OF THE KENNEBEC; Or, The Secret of Smugglers' Island.</li> +<li>THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AT NANTUCKET; Or, The Mystery of the Dunstan Heir.</li> +<li>THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB OFF LONG ISLAND; Or, A Daring Marine Game at Racing Speed.</li> +<li>THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AND THE WIRELESS; Or, The Dot, Dash and Dare Cruise.</li> +<li>THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB IN FLORIDA; Or, Laying the Ghost of Alligator Swamp.</li> +<li>THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AT THE GOLDEN GATE; Or, A Thrilling Capture in the Great Fog.</li> +<li>THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB ON THE GREAT LAKES; Or, The Flying Dutchman of the Big Fresh Water.</li> +</ol> + +<p class="center">Cloth, Illustrated          Price, per Volume, 75c.</p> + +<p class="center">Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p class="center"><b>Henry Altemus Company<br /> +1326-1336 Vine Street Philadelphia</b></p> +</div></div> +<p> </p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254"></a>[<a href="./images/254.png">254</a>]</span></p> +<p> </p> +<div class="bbox"> +<div class="boxtext"> +<p> </p> + +<h2>Battleship Boys Series</h2> + +<h3>By FRANK GEE PATCHIN</h3> + +<p>These stories throb with the life of young Americans on today's +huge drab Dreadnaughts.</p> + +<ol><li>THE BATTLESHIP BOYS AT SEA; Or, Two Apprentices in Uncle Sam's Navy.</li> +<li>THE BATTLESHIP BOYS' FIRST STEP UPWARD; Or, Winning Their Grades as Petty Officers.</li> +<li>THE BATTLESHIP BOYS IN FOREIGN SERVICE; Or, Earning New Ratings in European Seas.</li> +<li>THE BATTLESHIP BOYS IN THE TROPICS; Or, Upholding the American Flag in a Honduras Revolution.</li> +<li>THE BATTLESHIP BOYS IN THE WARDROOM; Or, Winning their Commissions as Line Officers.</li> +<li>THE BATTLESHIP BOYS WITH THE ADRIATIC CHASERS; Or, Blocking the Path of the Undersea Raiders.</li> +<li>THE BATTLESHIP BOYS' SKY PATROL; Or, Fighting the Hun from above the Clouds.</li></ol> + +<p class="right">Price, 75c. each</p> + +<hr /> + +<h2>The Range and Grange Hustlers</h2> + +<h3>By FRANK GEE PATCHIN</h3> + +<p>Have you any idea of the excitements, the glories of life on +great ranches in the West? Any bright boy will "devour" the +books of this series, once he has made a start with the first +volume.</p> + +<ol><li>THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS ON THE RANCH; Or, The Boy Shepherds of the Great Divide.</li> +<li>THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS' GREATEST ROUND-UP; Or, Pitting Their Wits Against a Packers' Combine.</li> +<li>THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS ON THE PLAINS; Or, Following the Steam Plows Across the Prairie.</li> +<li>THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS AT CHICAGO; Or, The Conspiracy of the Wheat Pit.</li> +</ol> + +<hr /> +<p class="center">Cloth, Illustrated          Price, per Volume, 75c.</p> + +</div></div> +<p> </p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255"></a>[<a href="./images/255.png">255</a>]</span></p> +<p> </p> +<div class="bbox"> +<div class="boxtext"> +<p> </p> +<h2>Submarine Boys Series</h2> + +<h3>By VICTOR G. DURHAM</h3> +<ol><li>THE SUBMARINE BOYS ON DUTY; Or, Life on a Diving Torpedo Boat.</li> +<li>THE SUBMARINE BOYS' TRIAL TRIP; Or, "Making Good" as Young Experts.</li> +<li>THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE MIDDIES; Or, The Prize Detail at Annapolis.</li> +<li>THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE SPIES; Or, Dodging the Sharks of the Deep.</li> +<li>THE SUBMARINE BOYS' LIGHTNING CRUISE; Or, The Young Kings of the Deep.</li> +<li>THE SUBMARINE BOYS FOR THE FLAG; Or, Deeding Their Lives to Uncle Sam.</li> +<li>THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE SMUGGLERS; Or, Breaking Up the New Jersey Customs Frauds.</li> +</ol> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<h2>The Square Dollar Boys Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + +<ol><li>THE SQUARE DOLLAR BOYS WAKE UP; Or, Fighting the Trolley Franchise Steal.</li> +<li>THE SQUARE DOLLAR BOYS SMASH THE RING; Or, In the Lists Against the Crooked Land Deal.</li> +</ol> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<h2>The College Girls Series</h2> + +<h3>By JESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER, A.M.</h3> + +<ol><li>GRACE HARLOWE'S FIRST YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE.</li> +<li>GRACE HARLOWE'S SECOND YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE.</li> +<li>GRACE HARLOWE'S THIRD YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE.</li> +<li>GRACE HARLOWE'S FOURTH YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE.</li> +<li>GRACE HARLOWE'S RETURN TO OVERTON CAMPUS.</li> +<li>GRACE HARLOWE'S PROBLEM.</li> +<li>GRACE HARLOWE'S GOLDEN SUMMER.</li></ol> + +<hr /> + +<p><b>    All these books are bound in Cloth and will be sent postpaid +on receipt of only 75 cents each.</b></p> +</div></div> +<p> </p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256"></a>[<a href="./images/256.png">256</a>]</span></p> +<p> </p> +<div class="bbox"> +<div class="boxtext"> +<p> </p> +<h2>Pony Rider Boys Series</h2> + +<h3>By FRANK GEE PATCHIN</h3> + +<p>These tales may be aptly described the best books for boys and girls.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>1 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE ROCKIES; Or, The Secret of the +Lost Claim.—2 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN TEXAS; Or, The +Veiled Riddle of the Plains.—3 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN +MONTANA; Or, The Mystery of the Old Custer Trail.—4 THE +PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE OZARKS; Or, The Secret of Ruby +Mountain.—5 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE ALKALI; Or, +Finding a Key to the Desert Maze.—6 THE PONY RIDER BOYS +IN NEW MEXICO; Or, The End of the Silver Trail.—7 THE PONY +RIDER BOYS IN THE GRAND CANYON; Or, The Mystery of +Bright Angel Gulch.</p></div> + +<p class="center">Cloth, Illustrated          Price, per Volume, 75c.</p> + + +<hr /> + +<h2>The Boys of Steel Series</h2> + +<h3>By JAMES R. MEARS</h3> + + +<p>Each book presents vivid picture of this great industry. Each story +is full of adventure and fascination.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>1 THE IRON BOYS IN THE MINES; Or, Starting at the Bottom of +the Shaft—2 THE IRON BOYS AS FOREMEN; Or, Heading the +Diamond Drill Shift.—3 THE IRON BOYS ON THE ORE BOATS; +Or, Roughing It on the Great Lakes.—4 THE IRON BOYS IN THE +STEEL MILLS; Or, Beginning Anew in the Cinder Pits.</p></div> + +<p class="center">Cloth, Illustrated          Price, per Volume, 75c.</p> + + +<hr /> + +<h2>The Madge Morton Books</h2> + +<h3>By AMY D. V. CHALMERS</h3> + +<ol><li>MADGE MORTON—CAPTAIN OF THE MERRY MAID.</li> +<li>MADGE MORTON'S SECRET.</li> +<li>MADGE MORTON'S TRUST.</li> +<li>MADGE MORTON'S VICTORY.</li></ol> + +<p class="center">Cloth, Illustrated          Price, per Volume, 75c.</p> + +</div></div> +<p> </p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257"></a>[<a href="./images/257.png">257</a>]</span></p> +<p> </p> +<div class="bbox"> +<div class="boxtext"> +<p> </p> +<h2>West Point Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + +<p>The principal characters in these narratives are manly, young +Americans whose doings will inspire all boy readers.</p> + +<ol><li>DICK PRESCOTT'S FIRST YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Two Chums in the Cadet Gray.</li> +<li>DICK PRESCOTT'S SECOND YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Finding the Glory of the Soldier's Life.</li> +<li>DICK PRESCOTT'S THIRD YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Standing Firm for Flag and Honor.</li> +<li>DICK PRESCOTT'S FOURTH YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Ready to Drop the Gray for Shoulder Straps.</li> +</ol> + +<p class="center">Cloth, Illustrated          Price, per Volume, 75c.</p> + + +<hr /> + +<h2>Annapolis Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + +<p>The Spirit of the new Navy is delightfully and truthfully depicted +in these volumes.</p> + +<ol><li>DAVE DARRIN'S FIRST YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Two Plebe Midshipmen at the U. S. Naval Academy.</li> +<li>DAVE DARRIN'S SECOND YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Two Midshipmen as Naval Academy "Youngsters."</li> +<li>DAVE DARRIN'S THIRD YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Leaders of the Second Class Midshipmen.</li> +<li>DAVE DARRIN'S FOURTH YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Headed for Graduation and the Big Cruise.</li> +</ol> + +<p class="center">Cloth, Illustrated          Price, per Volume, 75c.</p> + + +<hr /> + +<h2>The Young Engineers Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + + +<p>The heroes of these stories are known to readers of the High +School Boys Series. In this new series Tom Reade and Harry +Hazelton prove worthy of all the traditions of Dick & Co.</p> + +<ol><li>THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN COLORADO; Or, At Railroad Building in Earnest.</li> +<li>THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN ARIZONA; Or, Laying Tracks on the "Man-Killer" Quicksand.</li> +<li>THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN NEVADA; Or, Seeking Fortune on the Turn of a Pick.</li> +<li>THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN MEXICO; Or, Fighting the Mine Swindlers.</li> +</ol> + +<p class="center">Cloth, Illustrated          Price, per Volume, 75c.</p> + +</div></div> +<p> </p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258"></a>[<a href="./images/258.png">258</a>]</span></p> +<p> </p> +<div class="bbox"> +<div class="boxtext"> +<p> </p> +<h2>Boys of the Army Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + + +<p>These books breathe the life and spirit of the United States +Army of to-day, and the life, just as it is, is described by a master +pen.</p> + +<ol><li>UNCLE SAM'S BOYS IN THE RANKS; Or, Two Recruits in the United States Army.</li> +<li>UNCLE SAM'S BOYS ON FIELD DUTY; Or, Winning Corporal's Chevrons.</li> +<li>UNCLE SAM'S BOYS AS SERGEANTS; Or, Handling Their First Real Commands.</li> +<li>UNCLE SAM'S BOYS IN THE PHILIPPINES; Or, Following the Flag Against the Moros.</li> +<li>UNCLE SAM'S BOYS AS LIEUTENANTS; Or, Serving Old Glory as Line Officers.</li> +<li>UNCLE SAM'S BOYS WITH PERSHING; Or, Dick Prescott at Grips with the Boche.</li> +<li>UNCLE SAM'S BOYS SMASH THE GERMANS; Or, Winding Up the Great War.</li> +</ol> + +<hr /> + +<h2>Dave Darrin Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + +<ol><li>DAVE DARRIN AT VERA CRUZ; Or, Fighting With the U. S. Navy in Mexico.</li> +<li>DAVE DARRIN ON MEDITERRANEAN SERVICE.</li> +<li>DAVE DARRIN'S SOUTH AMERICAN CRUISE.</li> +<li>DAVE DARRIN ON THE ASIATIC STATION.</li> +<li>DAVE DARRIN AND THE GERMAN SUBMARINES.</li> +<li>DAVE DARRIN AFTER THE MINE LAYERS; Or, Hitting the Enemy a Hard Naval Blow.</li> +</ol> + +<hr /> + +<h2>The Meadow-Brook Girls Series</h2> + +<h3>By JANET ALDRIDGE</h3> + +<ol><li>THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS UNDER CANVAS.</li> +<li>THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS ACROSS COUNTRY.</li> +<li>THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS AFLOAT.</li> +<li>THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS IN THE HILLS.</li> +<li>THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS BY THE SEA.</li> +<li>THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS ON THE TENNIS COURTS.</li> +</ol> + +<hr /> + +<p><b>    All these books are bound in Cloth and will be sent postpaid +on receipt of only 75 cents each.</b></p> +</div></div> +<p> </p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259"></a>[<a href="./images/259.png">259</a>]</span></p> +<p> </p> +<div class="bbox"> +<div class="boxtext"> +<p> </p> +<h2>High School Boys Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + +<p>In this series of bright, crisp books a new note has been struck.</p> + +<p>Boys of every age under sixty will be interested in these fascinating +volumes.</p> + +<ol><li>THE HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMEN; Or, Dick & Co.'s First Year Pranks and Sports.</li> +<li>THE HIGH SCHOOL PITCHER; Or, Dick & Co. on the Gridley Diamond.</li> +<li>THE HIGH SCHOOL LEFT END; Or, Dick & Co. Grilling on the Football Gridiron.</li> +<li>THE HIGH SCHOOL CAPTAIN OF THE TEAM; Or, Dick & Co. Leading the Athletic Vanguard.</li> +</ol> + +<p class="center">Cloth, Illustrated          Price, per Volume, 75c.</p> + + +<hr /> + +<h2>Grammar School Boys Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + +<p>This series of stories, based on the actual doings of grammar +school boys, comes near to the heart of the average American boy.</p> + +<ol><li>THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS OF GRIDLEY; Or, Dick & Co. Start Things Moving.</li> +<li>THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS SNOWBOUND; Or, Dick & Co. at Winter Sports.</li> +<li>THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS IN THE WOODS; Or, Dick & Co. Trail Fun and Knowledge.</li> +<li>THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS IN SUMMER ATHLETICS; Or, Dick & Co. Make Their Fame Secure.</li> +</ol> + +<p class="center">Cloth, Illustrated          Price, per Volume, 75c.</p> + + +<hr /> + +<h2>High School Boys' Vacation Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + +<p>"Give us more Dick Prescott books!"</p> + +<p>This has been the burden of the cry from young readers of the +country over. Almost numberless letters have been received by the +publishers, making this eager demand; for Dick Prescott, Dave Darrin, +Tom Reade, and the other members of Dick & Co. are the most +popular high school boys in the land. Boys will alternately thrill +and chuckle when reading these splendid narratives.</p> + +<ol><li>THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' CANOE CLUB; Or, Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant.</li> +<li>THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS IN SUMMER CAMP; Or, The Dick Prescott Six Training for the Gridley Eleven.</li> +<li>THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' FISHING TRIP; Or, Dick & Co. in the Wilderness.</li> +<li>THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' TRAINING HIKE; Or, Dick & Co. Making Themselves "Hard as Nails."</li> +</ol> + +<p class="center">Cloth, Illustrated          Price, per Volume, 75c.</p> + +</div></div> +<p> </p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260"></a>[<a href="./images/260.png">260</a>]</span></p> +<p> </p> +<div class="bbox"> +<div class="boxtext"> +<p> </p> +<h2>The Circus Boys Series</h2> + +<h3>By EDGAR B. P. DARLINGTON</h3> + +<p>Mr. Darlington's books breathe forth every phase of an intensely +interesting and exciting life.</p> + +<ol><li>THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE FLYING RINGS; Or, Making the Start in the Sawdust Life.</li> +<li>THE CIRCUS BOYS ACROSS THE CONTINENT; Or, Winning New Laurels on the Tanbark.</li> +<li>THE CIRCUS BOYS IN DIXIE LAND; Or, Winning the Plaudits of the Sunny South.</li> +<li>THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE MISSISSIPPI; Or, Afloat with the Big Show on the Big River.</li> +</ol> + +<p class="center">Cloth, Illustrated          Price, per Volume, 75c.</p> + + +<hr /> + +<h2>The High School Girls Series</h2> + +<h3>By JESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER, A.M.</h3> + +<p>These breezy stories of the American High School Girl take the +reader fairly by storm.</p> + +<ol><li>GRACE HARLOWE'S PLEBE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Merry Doings of the Oakdale Freshman Girls.</li> +<li>GRACE HARLOWE'S SOPHOMORE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Record of the Girl Chums in Work and Athletics.</li> +<li>GRACE HARLOWE'S JUNIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, Fast Friends in the Sororities.</li> +<li>GRACE HARLOWE'S SENIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Parting of the Ways.</li> +</ol> + +<p class="center">Cloth, Illustrated          Price, per Volume, 75c.</p> + + +<hr /> + +<h2>The Automobile Girls Series</h2> + +<h3>By LAURA DENT CRANE</h3> + +<p>No girl's library—no family book-case can be considered at all +complete unless it contains these sparkling twentieth-century books.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>1 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT NEWPORT; Or, Watching the Summer +Parade.—2 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS IN THE BERKSHIRES; +Or, The Ghost of Lost Man's Trail.—3 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS +ALONG THE HUDSON; Or, Fighting Fire in Sleepy Hollow.—4 +THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT CHICAGO; Or, Winning Out +Against Heavy Odds.—5 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT PALM +BEACH; Or, Proving Their Mettle Under Southern Skies.—6 THE +AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT WASHINGTON; Or, Checkmating the +Plots of Foreign Spies.</p></div> + +<p class="center">Cloth, Illustrated          Price, per Volume, 75c.</p> + +</div></div> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> + +<div class='tnote'><h3>Transcriber's Notes</h3> +<p>Corrections which have been made are indicated by dotted lines under +the corrected text. +Scroll the mouse over the word and the original text will <ins class="err" +title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'apprear'">appear</ins>.</p> +</div> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Dave Darrin After The Mine Layers, by +H. 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