The Boy AlliesWith the Victorious Fleets

ORThe Fall of the German Navy

By ENSIGN ROBERT L. DRAKE

AUTHOR OF

"The Boy Allies With the Navy Series"

[Illustration: A. L. BURT COMPANY NEW YORK]

The Boy Allies

(Registered in the United States Patent Office)

With the Navy Series

 * * * * *

By Ensign ROBERT L. DRAKE

 * * * * *

 The Boy Allies on the North Sea Patrol or, Striking the First Blow at the German Fleet

 The Boy Allies Under Two Flags or, Sweeping the Enemy from the Sea. 

 The Boy Allies with the Flying Squadron or, The Naval Raiders of the Great War. 

 The Boy Allies with the Terror of the Seas or, The Last Shot of the Submarine D-16. 

 The Boy Allies in the Baltic or, Through Fields of Ice to Aid the Czar. 

 The Boy Allies at Jutland or, The Greatest Naval Battle in History. 

 The Boys Allies Under the Sea or, The Vanishing Submarine. 

 The Boy Allies with Uncle Sam's Cruisers or, Convoying the American Army Across the Atlantic. 

 The Boy Allies with the Submarine D-32 or, The Fall of the Russian Empire. 

 The Boy Allies with the Victorious Fleet or, The Fall of the German Navy. 

Copyright, 1919

By A. L. BURT COMPANY

 * * * * *

THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE VICTORIOUS FLEET

CHAPTER I

ABOARD U. S. S. PLYMOUTH

"Sail at 4 a. M. , " said Captain Jack Templeton of the U. S. S. Plymouth, laying down the long manila envelope marked "Secret. " "Acknowledge bysignal, " he directed the ship's messenger, and then looked inquiringlyabout the wardroom table. 

"Aye, aye, sir, " said the first officer, Lieutenant Frank Chadwick. 

"Ready at four, sir, " said the engineer officer, Thomas; and left hisdinner for a short trip to the engine room to push some belated repairs. 

"Send a patrol ashore to round up the liberty party, " continued CaptainTempleton, this time addressing the junior watch officer. "Tell them tobe aboard at midnight instead of eight in the morning. "

"Aye, aye, sir, " said the junior watch officer, and departed in haste. 

There was none of the bustle and confusion aboard the U. S. S. Plymouth, atthat moment lying idle in a British port, that the landsman would commonlyassociate with sailing orders to a great destroyer. Blowers began to humin the fire rooms. The torpedo gunner's mates slipped detonators in thewarheads and looked to the rack load of depth charges. The steward made alast trip across to the depot ship. Otherwise, things ran on very much asbefore. 

At midnight the junior watch officer called the captain, who had turned inseveral hours earlier, and reported:

"Liberty party all on board, sir. "

Then he turned in for a few hours' rest himself. 

The junior watch was astir again at three o'clock. He routed out a sleepycrew to hoist boats and secure for sea. Seven bells struck on thePlymouth. 

Captain Templeton appeared on the bridge. Lieutenant Chadwick was at hisside, as were Lieutenants Shinnick and Craib, second and third officersrespectively. Captain Templeton gave a command. The cable was slipped fromthe mooring buoy. Ports were darkened and the Plymouth slipped out. A bitinside the protection of the submarine nets, but just outside thechannel, she lay to, breasting the flood tide. There she lay for almost anhour. 

"Coffee for the men, " said Captain Templeton. 

The morning coffee was served on deck in the darkness. 

Lights appeared in the distance, and presently another destroyer joinedthe Plymouth. Running lights of two more appeared as the clock struck 4a. M. 

Captain Templeton signalled the engine room for two-thirds speed ahead. Running lights were blanketed on the four destroyers, and the ships fellinto column. 

Lieutenant Chadwick felt a drop on his face. He held out a hand. 

"Rain, " he said briefly. 

Jack--Captain Templeton--nodded. 

"So much the better, Frank, " he replied. 

The four destroyers cleared the channel light and spread out like a faninto line formation. 

"Full speed ahead!" came Jack's next command. 

The Plymouth leaped ahead, as did her sister ships on either side. 

"We're off, " said Frank. 

Away they sped in the darkness, a division of four Yankee destroyers, tearing through the Irish sea on a rainy morning; Frank knew there werefour ships in line, but all he could see was his guide, a black smudge inthe darkness, a few ship lengths away on his port bow. Directly she wasblotted from sight by a rain squall. 

"Running lights!" shouted Frank. 

The lights flashed. Frank kept an eye forward. Directly he got a returnflash from the ship ahead, and then picked up her shape again. 

Morning dawned and still the fleet sped on. Toward noon the weathercleared. Officer and men kept their watches by regular turn during theday. At sundown the four destroyers slowed down and circled around in aslow column. The eyes of every officer watched the clock. They werewatching for something. Directly it came--a line of other ships, transports filled with wounded soldiers returning to America. These mustbe safely convoyed to a certain point beyond the submarine zone by thePlymouth and her sister ships. 

On came the transports camouflaged like zebras. The Plymouth and the otherdestroyers fell into line on either side of the transports. 

"Full speed ahead, " was Captain Templeton's signal to the engine room. 

"Take a look below, Frank, " said Jack to his first officer. 

"Aye, aye, sir. "

Frank descended a manhole in the deck. He closed the cover and secured itbehind him. At the foot of the ladder was a locked door. As it opened, came a pressure on Frank's ear drums like the air-lock of a caisson. Frank threaded his way amid pumps and feed water heaters and descendedstill further to the furnace level. 

Twenty-five knots--twenty-eight land miles an hour--was the speed of thePlymouth at that moment. It was good going. 

Below, instead of dust, heat, the clatter of shovels, grimy, sweatingfireman, such as the thought of the furnace room of a ship of war calls tothe mind of the landsman, a watertender stood calmly watching the glow ofoil jets feeding the furnace fire. Now and then he cast an eye to thegauge glasses. The vibration of the hull and the hum of the blower werethe only sounds below. 

For the motive power of the Plymouth was not furnished by coal. Rather, itwas oil--crude petroleum--that drove the vessel along. And though oil hasits advantage over coal, it has its disadvantages as well. It was Frank'sfirst experience aboard an oil-burner, and he had not become used to ityet. He smelled oil in the smoke from the funnels, he breathed it from theoil range in the galley. His clothes gathered it from stanchions andrails. 

The water tanks were flavored with the seepage from neighboringcompartments. Frank drank petroleum in the water and tasted it in thesoup. The butter, he thought, tasted like some queer vaseline. But Frankknew that eventually he would get used to it. 

"How's she heading?" Frank asked of the chief engineer. 

"All right, sir, " was the reply. "Everything perfectly trim. I can getmore speed if necessary. "

Frank smiled. 

"Let's hope it won't be necessary, chief, " he replied. 

He inspected the room closely for some moments, then returned to thebridge and reported to Captain Templeton. 

The sea was rough, but nevertheless the speed of the flotilla was notslackened. It was the desire of Captain Petlow, in charge of the destroyerfleet, to convoy the transports beyond the danger point at the earliestpossible moment. 

The Plymouth lurched up on top of a crest, then dived head-first into thetrough. On the bridge the heave and pitch of the vessel was feltsubconsciously, but the eyes and minds of the officers were busied withother things. At every touch of the helm the vessel vibrated heavily. 

Eight bells struck. 

"Twelve o'clock, " said Frank. "Time to eat. "

The bridge was turned over to the second officer, and Frank and Jack wentbelow. 

"Eat is right, Frank, " said Jack as they sat down. "We can't dine in thisweather. "

It was true. The rolling boards, well enough for easy weather, proved amockery in a sea like the one that raged now. Butter balls, meat andvegetables shot from plates and went sailing about. It was necessary todrink soup from teacups and such solid foods as Jack and Frank put intotheir stomachs was only what they succeeded in grabbing as they leapedabout on the table. 

The two returned on deck. 

The day passed quietly. No submarines were sighted, and at last theflotilla reached the point where the destroyers were to leave the homewardbound transports to pursue their voyage alone. The transports soon grewindistinguishable, almost, in the semi-darkness. The senior naval officeraboard the Plymouth hoisted signal flags. 

"Bon Voyage, " they read. 

Through a glass Jack read the reply. 

"Thank you for your good work. Best of luck. "

From the S. N. O. (senior naval officer) came another message. Frank pickedit up. 

"Set course 188 degrees. Keep lookout for inbound transports to beconvoyed. Ten ships. "

Again the destroyer swung into line. It was almost seven o'clock--afterdark--when the lookout aboard the Plymouth reported:

"Smoke ahead!"

Instantly all was activity aboard the destroyers. Directly, through hisglass, Jack sighted nine rusty, English tramp steamers, of perhaps eightthousand tons, and a big liner auxiliary flying the Royal Navy ensign. 

Under the protection of the destroyers, the ships made for an Englishport. The night passed quietly. With the coming of morning, the flotillawas divided. The Plymouth stood by to protect the big liner, while theother three destroyers and the tramp steamers moved away toward the east. 

"This destroyer game is no better than driving a taxi, " Frank protested toJack on the bridge that afternoon. You never see anything. I'd like to getashore for a change. I've steamed sixty thousand miles since last May andwhat have I seen? Three ports, besides six days' leave in London. "

"You had plenty of time ashore before that, " replied Jack. 

"Maybe I did. But I'd like to have some more. Besides, this isn't veryexciting business. "

Night fell again, and still nothing had happened to break the quietmonotony of the trip. Lights of trawlers flashed up ahead. Interest on thebridge picked up. 

"Object off the port bow, " called the lookout. 

"Looks like a periscope, " reported the quartermaster. 

Frank snapped his binoculars on a bobbing black spar. 

"Buoy and fishnet, " he decided after a quick scrutiny. 

Frank kept the late watch that night. At 4 a. M. He turned in. At five heclimbed hastily from his bunk at the jingle of general alarm, and reachedthe bridge on the run in time to see the exchange of recognition signalswith a British man-o'-war, which vessel had run into a submarine while thelatter was on the surface in a fog. The warship had just rammed theU-boat. 

"Can we help you?" Frank called across the water. 

"Thanks. Drop a few depth charges, " was the reply. 

This was done, but nothing came of it Frank returned to his bunk. 

"Pretty slow life, this, if you ask me, " he told himself. 

He went back to sleep. 

CHAPTER II

THE BOY CAPTAIN AND HIS LIEUTENANT

The U. S. S. Plymouth was Jack Templeton's first command. He had beenelevated to the rank of captain only a few weeks before. Naturally he wasnot a little proud of his vessel. When Jack was given his ship, it wasonly natural, too, that Frank Chadwick, who had been his associate andchum through all the days of the great war, should become Jack's firstofficer. 

In spite of the fact that Jack's rating as captain was in the Britishnavy, he was at this moment in command of an American vessel. This cameabout through a queer combination of circumstances. 

The American commander of the Plymouth had been taken suddenly ill. Atalmost the same time the Plymouth had been ordered to proceed from Doverto Liverpool to join other American vessels. Almost on the eve ofdeparture, the first officer also was taken ill. It was to him the commandnaturally would have fallen in the captain's absence. The second officerwas on leave of absence. Thus, without a skipper, the Plymouth could nothave sailed. 

Jack and Frank had recently returned with a British convoy from America. They were in Dover at the time. From his sick bed in a hospital, thecaptain of the Plymouth had appealed to the British naval authorities. Inspite of the fact that he was in no condition to leave when he receivedhis orders, he did not wish to deny his crew the privilege of seeingactive service, which the call to Liverpool, he knew, meant. 

The captain's appeal had been turned over to Lord Hastings, now connectedprominently with the British admiralty. Lord Hastings, in the early daysof the war, had been the commander under whom Jack and Frank had served. In fact, the lads were visiting the temporary quarters of Lord Hastings inDover when the appeal was received from the commander of the Plymouth. 

"How would you like to tackle this job, Jack?" Lord Hastings asked. 

"I'd like it, " the lad replied, "if you think I can do it, sir. "

"Of course you can do it, " was Lord Hastings' prompt reply. "I haven'tsailed with you almost four years for nothing. "

"You mean, sir, " replied Jack with a smile, "that I haven't sailed withyou that long for nothing. "

"That's more like it, Jack, " put in Frank laughingly. "I've learned a fewthings from Lord Hastings myself. "

"It is hardly probable, " continued Lord Hastings, "that your promotion hasbeen unearned, Jack. No, I believe you can fill the bill. "

"In that case, I shall be glad to take command of the Plymouthtemporarily, sir. "

"And how about me?" Frank wanted to know. "Where do I come in, sir?"

"Why, " said Lord Hastings, "I have no doubt it can be arranged so you cango along as first officer. I understand the first officer of the Plymouthis also under the weather. "

"But isn't all this a bit irregular, sir?" Jack asked. 

"Very much so, " was Lord Hastings' reply. "At the same time, manyprecedents are being broken every day, and I can see no reason why twoBritish officers cannot lend their services to an ally if they are askedto do so. "

"It is a little different with me, sir, " said Frank. I'm an American. "

"All the same, " said Lord Hastings, "you're a British naval officer, nomatter what your nativity. "

"That's true, too, sir, " Frank agreed. "I haven't thought of it in justthat way. "

"Well, " said Lord Hastings, "I shall report then that Captain Templetonand First Lieutenant Chadwick will go aboard the Plymouth this evening. "

"Very well, sir, " said Jack. 

This is the reason then that Jack and Frank found themselves aboard anAmerican destroyer in the Irish sea. 

Frank Chadwick, as we have seen, was an American. He had been in Italywith his father when the great war began. He had been shanghaied in Naplessoon after Germany's declaration of war on France. When he came to hissenses he found that his captors were a band of mutinous sailors. Aboardthe vessel he found a second prisoner, who turned out to be a member ofthe British secret service. 

Frank met Jack Templeton, a British youth, aboard the schooner. Jack cameaboard in a peculiar way. 

The schooner, in control of the mutineers, had put into a north Africanport for provisions. Now it chanced that the store where the mutineerssought to buy provisions was conducted by Jack. The lad was absent whenthe supplies were purchased and returned a few moments later to find thatthe mutineers had departed without making payment. 

Jack's anger bubbled over. He put off for the schooner in a small boat. Aboard, the chief of the mutineers refused the demand for payment. A fightensued. Jack, facing heavy odds, sought refuge in the hold of the vessel, where he was made a prisoner. 

During the night Jack was able to force his way from the hold into thecabin where Frank and the British secret service agent were held captives. He released them, and joining forces, the three were able to overcome themutineers and make themselves masters of the ship. 

Now Jack Templeton was an experienced seaman and knew more than therudiments of navigation. Under his direction the schooner returned to thelittle African port that he called home. There the three erstwhileprisoners left the ship to the mutineers. 

Later, through the good offices of the British secret service, Frank andJack made the acquaintance of Lord Hastings, also in the diplomaticservice. They were able to render some service to the latter and lateraccompanied him to his home in London. There, at their request, LordHastings, who in the meantime had been given command of a ship of war, hadthem attached to his ship with the rank of midshipmen. 

Both Jack and Frank had risen swiftly in the British service. They hadseen active service in all quarters of the globe and had fought under manyflags. 

Under Lord Hastings' command they had been with the British fleet in theNorth Sea when it struck the first decisive blow against the Germans justoff Helgoland. Later they were found under the Tricolor of France and withthe Italians in the Adriatic. With the British fleet again when it salliedforth to clear the seven seas of enemy vessels, they had traversed theAtlantic, the Pacific and the Indian oceans. It had been their fortune, too, to see considerable land fighting. They had been with theAnglo-Japanese forces in the east and had conducted raiding parties insome of the German colonial possessions. 

Several times they had successfully run the blockade in the Kiel canal, passing through the narrow straits in submarines just out of reach of thefoe. In Russia, they had, early in the war, lent invaluable assistance tothe Czar; and more lately, they had been in the eastern monarchy when CzarNicholas had been forced to renounce his throne. 

Once since the war began they had been to America. This was shortly afterthe United States entered the war. They were ordered to the North Atlanticin order to help the American authorities snare a German commerce raiderwhich, in some unaccountable manner, had run the British blockade in theNorth sea, and was wreaking havoc with allied shipping. Later they went toNew York, and then returned to Europe with a combined British-Americanconvoy for the first expeditionary force to cross the seas. 

In temperament and disposition Jack and Frank were as unlike as one couldconceive. Jack, big for his age, broad-shouldered and strong, was alwayscool and collected. Frank, on the other hand, was of a more fiery nature, easily angered and often rash and reckless. Jack's steadying influence hadoften kept the two out of trouble, or brought them through safely whenthey were in difficulties. 

Both lads spoke French and German fluently and each had a smattering ofItalian. Also, as the result of several trips to Russia, they had a fewwords of the Russian tongue at their command. 

In physical strength, Jack excelled Frank by far, although the latter wasby no means a weakling. On the other hand again, Frank was a crack shotwith either rifle or revolver; in fact, he was such an excellent marksmanas to cause his chum no little degree of envy. Then, too, both lads wereproficient in the art of self defense and both had learned to hold theirown with the sword. 

Up to the time this story opens the combined allied fleets had succeededin keeping the Germans bottled up in the strong fortress of Helgoland. True, the enemy several times had sallied forth in few numbers, apparentlyseeking to run the blockade in an effort to prey upon allied merchantships. But every time they had offered battle they had received the worstof it. They had been staggered with a terrible defeat at Jutland almost ayear before this story opens, and since that time had not ventured forth. 

But even now, in the security of their hiding places, the Germans weremeditating a bold stroke. Submarines were being coaled and victualed inpreparation for a dash across the Atlantic. Already, one enemysubmarine--a merchantman--had passed the allied ships blocking the Englishchannel and had crossed to America and returned. Some months later, aU-Boat of the war type had followed suit. A cordon of ally ships had beenthrown around American ports to snare this venturesome submarine on itsreturn, but it had eluded them and returned safely to its home port. 

But soon--very soon, indeed--German undersea craft were to strike a moresevere blow at allied shipping, carrying, for the moment, the war in allits horrors to the very door of America. While the United States wasarming and equipping its millions to send across the sea to destroy thekaiser and German militarism, these enemy undersea craft were crossing theAtlantic determined to reap a rich harvest upon American, allied andneutral shipping off the American coast. 

And the blow was to be delivered without warning--almost. 

When the U. S. S. Plymouth, under Jack's command, returned to Liverpool, thecaptain of the vessel, having somewhat recovered, came aboard and relievedJack of command. 

"I'm obliged for your services, Captain, " he said, "but I'll take chargeof the old scow again myself, with your leave. "

Jack and Frank went ashore, where, at their hotel, they received a brieftelegram from Lord Hastings. It read as follows:

 "Return to Dover at once. Important. "

"Now I wonder what is up, " said Frank after reading the message. 

"The simplest way to find out, " replied Jack, "is to go and see. "

CHAPTER III

OFF FOR AMERICA

"Then everything went first rate your first trip, Captain?" questionedLord Hastings. 

"First rate, sir, " Jack replied. 

The lads were back in Dover where, the first thing after their arrival, they sought an audience with their former commander. 

"Yes, sir, " Frank agreed, "Jack makes an A-1 captain. "

"I'm glad to hear it, " was Lord Hastings' comment. "I've other work inhand and I wouldn't want to trust it to a man who is nervous under fire. "

"But we were not under fire this time, sir, " said Jack. 

"You mustn't always take me literally, Jack, " smiled Lord Hastings. "Itwas your first venture in your present rank and you acquitted yourselfcreditably. That is what I meant. "

"And what is the other venture, sir?" Frank asked eagerly. 

"There you go again, Frank, " said Lord Hastings. "How many times have Itold you that you must restrain your impatience. "

Frank was abashed. 

"Your warnings don't seem to do much good, I'll admit, sir. Nevertheless, I'll try to do better. "

"See that you do, " returned Lord Hastings gravely. "Nothing was evergained by too great impatience. Remember that. "

"I'll try, sir. "

"Very well. Then I shall acquaint you with the nature of the work inhand. "

The boys listened intently to Lord Hastings' next words. 

"As you know, " His Lordship began, "the seas have virtually been clearedof all enemy ships. All German merchant vessels have been captured orsunk. What few raiders that preyed on our commerce for a time have beenput out of business. "

"Yes, sir, " said Jack. "Our merchant vessels no longer have anything tofear from the foe. "

"They shouldn't, that's true enough, " replied Lord Hastings. 

"You mean they have, sir?" asked Jack, incredulously. 

Lord Hastings nodded. 

"I do, " he admitted gravely. "Particularly shipping on the other side ofthe Atlantic. "

"America, sir?"

"Exactly. "

"But surely, " Frank put in, "surely our blockade is tight enough toprevent the enemy from breaking through. "

"We have not yet found means, " replied Lord Hastings, "of effectuallyblockading the submarine. "

"Oh, I see, " said Frank. "You mean that the Germans plan to open asubmarine campaign upon allied shipping in American waters. "

"Such is my information, " declared Lord Hastings. 

"And, " said Jack, "you wish us to cross the Atlantic and take a hand inthe game of taming the U-Boats, sir. "

"Such is my idea, " Lord Hastings admitted. "Let me explain. My informationis not authentic, but nevertheless, knowing the Germans as I do, I amtempted to credit it. "

"Then why not warn the United States, sir?" asked Frank. "There are enoughAmerican ships of war off the coast to deal effectually with all thesubmarines the Germans can get across. "

"So I would, " was Lord Hastings' reply, "but for the fact that someofficials of the admiralty are opposed to it. "

"Opposed?" exclaimed Jack. "And why, sir?"

"Because they labor under the delusion that such a warning would throw thepeople of the United States into a panic and would prevent the sending ofadditional troops to France. "

"What a fool idea! By George!" exclaimed Frank, "what do they think theAmerican people are made of?"

"You'll have to ask them, " was Lord Hastings' answer to this question. "For my own part, I feel that it is hardly fair to keep this informationfrom the American authorities. "

"I should say it isn't fair, " declared Frank. 

"I agree with you, " said Jack. "But just where do Frank and I come in, sir?"

"I'll make that plain to you very quickly, " replied Lord Hastings. 

He drew a paper from his pocket and passed it to Jack. 

"Here, " he said, "is your commission as captain of H. M. S. Brigadier. " Hepassed a second paper to Frank. "This, " he continued, "is your commissionas first officer of the same vessel. Now, through channels known only tomyself, I have induced the admiralty to send you to America with certainpapers for Secretary Daniels of the navy department. At the same time, Ihave other personal papers which I shall have you deliver to the secretaryof the navy for me. These will acquaint him with the facts I have justlaid before you. "

"I see, sir, " said Jack. "But, if you will pardon my asking, what willhappen to you sir should it be found out you have acted contrary to thewishes of the admiralty majority?"

Lord Hastings shrugged his shoulders disdainfully. 

"What's the difference?" he wanted to know. "Our allies must be warned. "

"I agree with you, sir, " declared Jack. 

"And I, sir, " said Frank. 

"It is possible, " said Lord Hastings, "that should I take the matter upwith the King or with the war ministry I might get action; but that wouldtake time, and I want this message delivered at the earliest possiblemoment. Should I entrust it to the cables, under the circumstances, thereis nothing certain of its arrival. "

"I see, sir, " said Jack. "Then you may be sure that I shall deliver themessage personally to Secretary Daniels. "

"It is well, " said Lord Hastings. "I knew I could depend upon you boys. "

"Always, sir, " replied Jack simply. 

"Then be off with you, " said Lord Hastings, rising. "You can go aboardyour ship to-night. Here is the message I wish delivered to the Americansecretary of the navy, " and he passed a second paper to Jack. "Theadmiralty message you are to take will probably reach you some time in themorning, together with your sailing orders. "

Lord Hastings extended his hand. 

"Good-bye and good luck, " he said. 

Jack and Frank shook hands with him and took their departure. 

"I'll be glad to get back to America if only for a short time, " saidFrank, as they walked toward the water front. 

"I won't mind another look at the United States myself, " Jack declared. "It looks like a pretty good country to me, from what I saw of it lasttrip. Almost as good as England, I guess. "

"Almost?" repeated Frank. "Say, let me tell you something. The UnitedStates is the greatest country under the sun and don't you forget it. YouJohnny Bulls seem to think that England is the only spot on the map. "

"Well, " returned Jack with a smile, "it strikes me that you boastconsiderably about your own land. "

Frank's face reddened a trifle. 

"Maybe I do, " he admitted, "but it's worth it. "

"So is England, " said Jack quietly. 

"By George! So it is, Jack, " said Frank. "Maybe it is a fact that I talktoo much sometimes. "

"No 'maybes' about it, " declared Jack. "It's just a plain fact. "

"Look here, " said Frank, somewhat nettled, "you may be my boss aboardship, but right now, with no witnesses present to hear what I say, I'llsay what I like. "

"Come, come, now, " said Jack with a smile, "don't get all out of humorjust because I joke you a little bit. "

Frank grinned. 

"Well, then don't always thinks I'm angry just because I make a hotreply, " he said. 

Jack let it go at that. 

"Well, here we are at the water front, " he said a few moments later, "andif I'm not mistaken that's the Brigadier about a hundred yards off shorethere. "

"That's the Brigadier, all right, " said Frank, "I can see her nameforward even at this distance. By George! but the camouflage artists havecertainly done a good job on her. "

"So they have, " Jack agreed. "But we may as well go aboard. "

They commandeered a small boat and rowed rapidly to the Brigadier. Jackswung himself up on deck and Frank climbed up behind him. 

A young lieutenant greeted Jack respectfully after a quick glance at thelatter's bars. 

"What can I do for you, sir?" he asked. 

"You may go below and tell the engineer to get steam up immediately, "replied Jack. "We may not sail before morning, but I may desire to leavebefore. "

"Very well, sir, " replied the young officer, "but may I ask who you are, sir?"

"Certainly, " replied Jack, "I'm the commander of this ship, CaptainTempleton. This is Mr. Chadwick, my first officer. What is your name, sir?"

"Hetherton, sir, second officer of the Brigadier. "

"Very good, Lieutenant. You shall stay on here as second officer untilfurther notice. Now below with you. "

Lieutenant Hetherton disappeared. 

"I guess he won't ask many more questions, " said Frank grimly. 

"Perhaps not, " said Jack. "Now, Mr. Chadwick, will you be so kind as totake the deck while I go to my cabin. "

Frank seemed about to remark upon Jack's sudden change in manner. Then hethought better of it and walked off, grumbling to himself. 

"Wonder what he's in such an all-fired rush about? He's not wasting anytime, that's sure. "

He took the deck. Ten minutes later Lieutenant Hetherton reported to him, saluting at the same time. 

"Engineer says he'll have steam up in two hours, sir. "

"Very well, " replied Frank, returning the salute. "Will you kindly takethe deck, Lieutenant Hetherton? I'm going below. "

Lieutenant Hetherton took the deck, and thus relieved, Frank went belowand sought out Jack's cabin. 

"Now, " he said, "I'll find out what all this rush is about. "

Without the formality of a knock, he went in. 

CHAPTER IV

THE START

Inside Jack's cabin, Frank found his commander and chum engaged inconversation with the engineer officer, who had sought his new commanderimmediately after giving instructions below. He saluted Frank as the ladentered. 

"My first officer, Lieutenant Chadwick, Mr. Winslow, " Jack introducedthem. "I am sure you will get along together. "

"So am I, sir, " agreed the engineer. "And when shall we be moving, sir?"

"I can't say, exactly, " replied Jack. "Probably not before morning, but Iwish to be ready to leave on a moment's notice. "

"Very well, sir, " said the engineer, "As I said before, I'll have steam upin two hours. "

"Do so, sir. "

The engineer saluted and left Jack's cabin. 

Jack turned to Frank. 

"Now, " he said, "what are you doing here? I thought I left you to take thedeck?"

"I turned the deck over to Hetherton, " replied Frank with a grin. "Iwanted to find out what all this rush is about?"

"Don't you know it's bad form to ask questions of your commander?" Jacksaid severely. 

"Maybe it is, " Frank agreed, "but I just wanted to find out. "

"Well, I wouldn't do it in front of any of the other officers or the men, "said Jack. "It's bad for the ship's discipline. However, I'll tell you, Ijust wanted to have things ready, that's all. Come, we'll go on deck. "

They ascended to the bridge. Jack addressed Lieutenant Hetherton. 

"Pipe all hands on deck for inspection, Lieutenant, " he ordered. 

Lieutenant Hetherton passed the word. A moment later men came tumbling upthe companion way and fell into line aft. Jack and Frank walked forward tolook them over. Jack addressed a few words to the men. 

"I've just taken over command of the Brigadier, " he said. "To-morrowmorning, or sooner, we shall sail, our destination temporarily to be knownonly to myself. I believe that I may safely promise you some action beforemany days have passed. "

A hearty British cheer swept the ship. 

"Hurrah!" cried the men. 

A few moments later Jack dismissed them. Then the officers returned to thebridge, where Jack told off the watches. 

"Now, " he said, "I'll have to look over the ship. "

Frank accompanied him on his tour of inspection. They found everythingabsolutely clean and ship-shape. The muzzles of the big guns were shiningbrightly beneath their coat of polish. After the inspection, Jack andFrank went below for a look at the ship's papers. 

The Brigadier was a small destroyer, not more than 200 feet long. It had acomplement of 250 men, officers and crew; carried two batteries of 9-inchguns in turrets forward and aft and was equipped with three 2-inch torpedotubes. It was not one of the latest of British destroyers, but still itwas modern in many respects. 

"A good ship, " said Jack, after a careful examination of the papers. "Asto speed, we should get twenty-three knots on a pinch. Her fightingequipment is excellent, everything is spick and span, and I was impressedwith the officers and crew. Yes, she is a good ship. "

"And you're the boss of the whole ranch, Jack, " said Frank. "Think of it. Less than four years ago you knew nothing at all of naval tactics, and nowyou're in command of a British destroyer. By George! I wouldn't mindhaving your job myself. "

Jack smiled. 

"Never mind, " he said. "You'll get yours some day. I've just been morefortunate, that's all. Besides, I knew something of navigation before youdid, and while you have mastered it now, I had a long start. "

"That's true enough, " Frank admitted, "but at the same time you areconsiderably more fit for the job than I am. Another thing. I don't knowthat I would trade my berth here for a command of a ship. "

Jack looked his surprise. 

"Why?" he asked. 

"Because it would separate us, " was Frank's reply. "We've been togethernow since the war began, almost. I hope that we may see it throughtogether. "

"Here, too, " declared the commander of the Brigadier, "but at the sametime you should not let a matter of friendship stand between you and whatmay be your big opportunity. "

"Oh, I'd probably take the job if it were offered me, " said Frank. "I'mjust hoping the offer will not be made; that's all. "

The lads conversed for some moments longer. Then Frank looked at hiswatch. 

"My watch, " he said quietly. "I'll be going on deck. "

"Right, " said Jack. "Call me if anything happens. "

"Yes, sir, " said Frank, saluting his commander gravely. 

Jack grinned. 

"By Jove! It seems funny to have you talk like that to me, " he said. "Atthe same time I suppose it must be done for the sake of discipline. However, it is not necessary in private. "

"Nevertheless, " said Frank, "I had better stick to it or I'm liable toforget in public some time. "

"Well, maybe you're right, " said Jack. 

Frank turned on his heel and went on deck, where he relieved LieutenantHetherton, who had been on watch. 

"Nothing to report, sir, " said Lieutenant Hetherton, saluting. 

"Very well, sir, " was Frank's reply, as he, too, saluted. 

It was after midnight, and Frank's watch was nearing its end when thelookout on the port side called:

"Boat off the port bow, sir. "

Frank advanced to the rail. A moment later there was a hail from thewater. 

"What ship is that?'

"His Majesty's Ship Brigadier, " Frank called back. 

"I'm coming aboard you, " said the voice from the darkness. "Lower aladder. "

Frank gave the necessary command. A few moments later a man attired in theuniform of a British captain came over the side. He approached Frank, whowas barely visible in the darkness. 

"Captain Templeton?" he asked. 

"No, sir. I'm Lieutenant Chadwick. A moment, sir, and I'll call thecaptain. "

"If you please, " said the visitor. 

Frank passed the word for the quartermaster, who arrived within a fewmoments. 

"Call Captain Templeton, " Frank directed. 

Jack arrived on deck a few moments later and exchanged greetings with hisvisitor. The latter produced a packet of papers. 

"From the admiralty, " he said. "You will know what to do with them. "

Jack took the papers and stowed them in his pocket. 

"Yes, sir, " he said. 

"That is all, then, " said the visitor. "I shall be going. "

He stepped to the side of the vessel and disappeared. 

"This means, " said Jack, after the other had gone, "that we can sail anytime now. "

"Then why not at once?" asked Frank. 

"You anticipated me, " replied Jack. "Will you kindly pipe all hands ondeck, Mr. Chadwick?"

Frank passed the word. 

Sleepy men came tumbling from their bunks below. All became bustle andhurry aboard the Brigadier. Jack himself took the bridge. Frank stoodbeside him. Other officers took their places. 

"Man the guns!" came Jack's order. 

It was the lad's intention to overlook nothing that would protect the shipshould it encounter an enemy submarine en route, and, as the lad knew, itwas just as possible they would encounter one in the English Channel aselsewhere. 

For, despite all precautions taken by British naval authorities, enemysubmarines more than once had crept through the channel, once penetratingDover harbor itself, where they had wreaked considerable damage beforebeing driven away by British destroyers and submarine chasers. 

A few moments later Jack signaled the engine room. 

"Half speed ahead. "

Slowly the Brigadier slipped from her anchorage and moved through thestill waters of the harbor. Directly she pushed her nose into the channel, then headed east. 

"Full speed ahead!" Jack signaled the engine room. 

The Brigadier leaped forward. 

"Better turn in, Jack, " said Frank. "It's Thompson's watch. "

"No, I'll stick until we reach the Atlantic, " returned Jack. 

"Then I'll stick along, " said Frank. 

This they did. 

It was hours later when the Brigadier ran clear of the channel andbreasted the heavy swell of the Atlantic. Jack spoke to Thompson, thethird officer. 

"I'm going to turn in, " he said. "If anything happens, call me at once. "

"Very well, sir, " was the third officer's reply. 

He saluted briefly. Jack and Frank went below. 

"Come in a moment before you turn in, if you wish, " Jack said to Frank. 

"May as well, " replied the latter. "I don't feel like turning in for anhour yet. "

"Well, you can't keep me out of bed that long, " declared Jack. "I've gotto be stirring before you go on watch again. But I thought we might talk afew moments. "

Nevertheless, it was an hour later that Frank went to his own cabin. Heturned in at once and was soon fast asleep. 

On the other hand, sleep did not come to Jack so soon. For an hour or morehe lay in his bunk, reviewing the events of the past and hisresponsibilities of the present. 

"It's a big job I have now, " he told himself. "I hope I can carry itthrough successfully. "

But he didn't have the slightest doubt that he could. Jack's one bestcharacteristic was absolute confidence in himself. 

CHAPTER V

A RESCUE

H. M. S. Brigadier was steaming steadily along at a speed of twenty knots. Jack himself held the bridge. Frank and Lieutenant Hetherton, who stoodnearby, were discussing the sinking several days before of a large alliedtransport by a German submarine in the Irish sea. 

"She was sunk without warning, the same as usual, " said Hetherton. 

"The Germans never give warning any more, " replied Frank, "Of course, thereason is obvious enough. To give warning it would be necessary for thesubmarine to come to the surface, in which case the merchant ship might beable to place a shell aboard the U-Boat before she could submerge again. So to take time to give warning would be a disadvantage to the submarine. "

"At the same time, " said Hetherton, "it's an act of barbarism to sink abig ship without giving passengers and crew a word of warning. "

"Oh, I'm not defending the German system, " declared Frank. "I am justgiving you what I believe is the German viewpoint. "

"Nevertheless, " said Hetherton, "it's about time such activities werestopped. "

"It certainly is. But it seems that the U-Boats are growing bolder eachday. "

"It wouldn't surprise me, " declared Lieutenant Hetherton, "to hear almostany day that U-Boats had crossed the Atlantic to prey on shipping inAmerican waters. "

Frank looked at the second officer sharply. He was sure that Jack had notdivulged the real reason for their present voyage, and he had said nothingabout the matter himself. 

"Just a chance remark, I guess, " Frank told himself. Aloud he said: "Ihardly think it will come to that. "

"I hope not, " replied Hetherton, "but you never can tell, you know. "

"That's true enough, too, " Frank agreed, "but at the same--"

He broke off suddenly as he caught the sharp hail of the forward lookout. 

"Ship in distress off the port bow, sir, " came the cry. 

Jack was at once called to the deck. 

Instantly Frank and Lieutenant Hetherton sprang to Jack's side. At almostthe same moment the radio operator emerged from below on the run. 

"Message, sir, " he exclaimed, and thrust a piece of paper in Jack's hand. Jack read it quickly. It ran like this:

"Merchant steamer Hazelton, eight thousand tons, New York to Liverpoolwith munitions and supplies, torpedoed by submarine. Sinking. Help. "

"Did you get her position?" demanded Jack of the wireless operator. 

"No, sir. The wireless failed before he could give it. "

"Don't you think it may be the vessel ahead, sir?" asked LieutenantHetherton. 

"Can't tell, " was Jack's reply. "It may be, in which case there areprobably more submarines about. Clear ship for action, Mr. Chadwick. "

No sooner said than done. 

Frank and others of the ship's officers darted hither and yon, making surethat everything was in readiness. At the guns, the gunners grinnedcheerfully. Frank approached the battery in the forward turret. 

"All right?" he asked. 

"O. K. , sir, " replied the officer in command of the gun crew. "Show us asubmarine, that's all we ask. "

"There are probably a dozen or so about here some place, " returned Frank. "Keep your eyes peeled and don't wait an order to fire if you see anythingthat looks like one. "

"Right, sir. "

The officer turned to his men with a sharp command. 

Frank continued his inspection of the ship as the Brigadier dashed towardthe vessel in distress, probably ten miles ahead. 

Every man aboard the Brigadier was on the alert as the destroyer plowedswiftly through the water. It was possible, of course, that the submarineshad made off after attacking the vessel, but there was always thepossibility that some were still lurking in the neighborhood. 

"Can't be too careful, " Jack told himself. 

Fifteen minutes later, the lookout was able to make out more clearly theship ahead of them. 

"Steamer Hazelton, " he called to the quartermaster, who reported to Jack. 

"Same vessel that sent the wireless, Frank, " was Jack's comment. "We willhave to look sharp. It's more than an even bet that some of those underseasharks are watching for a ship to come to the rescue so they can have ashot at her also. "

"We're ready for 'em, " said Frank significantly. 

"All right, " said Jack. "In the meantime we'll stand by the Hazelton andsee if we can lend a hand. "

As the Brigadier drew closer those on deck could see signs of confusionaboard the Hazelton. Then there arose a large cloud of smoke that for amoment hid the Hazelton from view. This was followed by a loud explosion. 

When the smoke cleared away, the water nearby was filled with strugglingfigures. 

"Lower the boats, " shouted Jack. 

Instantly men sprang to obey the command, while others of the British tarsstill stood quietly behind their guns, their eyes scanning the sea. 

Aboard the Hazelton, the crew, or what remained of the crew, wereattempting to lower lifeboats. Directly one was lowered safely, and loadedto the guards with human freight. A second and a third were loweredsafely, and put off toward the Brigadier. 

In the meantime, lifeboats from the destroyer had darted in among thestruggling figures and willing hands were lifting the victims to safety. Then these, in turn, started back to the destroyer. 

"I guess they're all off, " said Frank to Jack. 

"I hope so, " was Jack's reply. "If I am not mistaken, there are womenamong the survivors. "

"By George! I thought I saw some myself, " was Frank's answer. 

Suddenly there was a crash as the forward turret guns aboard the Brigadierburst into action. Looking ahead, Jack gave a startled cry, and no wonder. 

For, from beneath the water, appeared a periscope and then the long lowoutline of a German submarine came into view. 

Again the Brigadier's guns crashed, but the shells did not strike home. 

Before the destroyer could fire again, a gun appeared as if by magic onthe submarine's deck, and a hail of bullets was poured into the first ofthe nearby lifeboats. At the same time the U-Boat launched a torpedo atthe Brigadier. 

Jack gave a cry of horror at the predicament of those in the small boats. But he did not lose his head, and at the same time maneuvered his ship outof the path of the torpedo. 

Came a hail from the lookout aft. 

"Submarine off the stern, sir!"

At the same moment the battery in the Brigadier's turret aft burst intoaction. 

"Forward with you, Mr. Chadwick, " cried Jack, "and see if you can't getbetter results there. The men seem to have lost their nerve. "

Frank sprang forward. Jack's words were true. It appeared that the crew inthe forward turret were so anxious to sink the first submarine that theyhad not taken time to find the range. 

"Cease firing!" shouted Frank as he sprang into the turret. 

The order was obeyed, but there came a grumble from the men at what theydeemed such a strange command under the circumstances. 

"I thought you fellows were gunners, " said Frank angrily. "Smith, get therange. "

Smith did so, and announced it a moment later. 

"Now, " said Frank, "get your aim, men. "

No longer was there confusion in the forward turret. The guns were trainedcarefully. 

"Ready, " cried Frank. "Fire!"

"Crash!"

A moment and there was a loud cheer from the crew. The German submarineseemed to leap high from the water, and then fell back in a dozen pieces. 

Frank wasted no further time on the first submarine. Leaving the forwardturret, he dashed aft to where other guns were firing on the secondsubmarine. Meantime Jack, perfectly cool on the bridge, had maneuvered hisvessel out of the way of several torpedoes from the second U-Boat. But, as he very well knew, this combat must be brought to a quick end or oneof the torpedoes was likely to find its mark. 

From the deck of the second submarine, a hail of fire from a machine gunwas still being poured into the helpless lifeboats. What execution hadbeen done Jack had no means of telling at the moment, but he knew theremust have been some casualties. 

"The brutes!" he muttered. 

The duel between the submarine and the destroyer still raged. It appearedthat the commander of the submarine was a capable officer, for he hadsucceeded in keeping his vessel from being struck by a shell from theBrigadier. 

In the aft turret of the Brigadier the British tars were sweating andmuttering imprecations at their inability to put a shell aboard the enemy. 

"Here, " said Frank, "let me get at that gun. "

The crew stepped aside and the lad sighted the weapon himself. Then hefired. 

Again a cheer arose aboard the Brigadier. Frank's shot had beensuccessful. The shell struck the submersible squarely amidships, andcarried away the periscope. 

"Fire!" cried Frank, and the other guns broke into action. 

Again there was a wild cheer. 

The submarine began to settle a few moments later. Men emerged from belowand sprang into the sea. 

"Lower a boat!" cried Jack. "I want a few of those fellows. "

A boat was lowered instantly and strong hands pulled it toward the Germansfloundering in the water. 

By this time the lifeboats that had escaped the German fire came alongsidethe Brigadier and the occupants climbed aboard the destroyer. These werequickly fitted out with dry clothing. It developed that there had beenthree women passengers aboard the Hazelton and all of these had beensaved. A dozen members of the crew, however, had been killed by the enemyin the lifeboats. 

Jack assigned quarters to the victims as quickly as he was able, and thencalling his officers about him, awaited the return of the boat which hadgone after the Germans who had leaped into the sea. 

"If the act I have just seen is a sample of the German heart, " Jack said, "I never want another German within sight of me so long as I live. "

CHAPTER VI

CHANGED ORDERS

As the Germans came aboard--ten of them--they were herded before Jack. They stood there sullenly, their eyes on the deck. One of them wore aheavily braided and imposing uniform. Jack addressed him. 

"You are the commander of that submarine?" he questioned. 

"I was, " answered the German. 

"You were, what?" asked Jack sharply. 

"I was the commander. "

"You don't seem to catch my meaning, " said Jack, taking a step forward. "When you speak to me say 'sir. '"

"Then you shall say 'sir' to me, " said the German. 

"Oh, no I won't, " Jack declared. "I never say sir to a murderer. "

The German's eyes lighted angrily. 

"It would be well to be more careful of your words, " he said. 

"Nevertheless, " said Jack, "I repeat them. You, are a murderer, and assuch should be hanged at once. I'm not sure it is in my province to stringyou up, but I'm strongly tempted to do so and take the consequences. "

"But I guess you won't, " sneered the German. 

"Then don't try me too far, " said Jack quietly. "To my mind, men like youand your cowardly followers should be put out of the way the same as a maddog; and certainly there is no law against killing a dog. "

"I warn you, " said the German, taking a step nearer the lad, "to be morechoice in your words. "

"Silence!" Jack thundered, "and don't you dare step toward me unless Itell you to do so. " He turned to Frank. "Take those men below and put themin irons, " he ordered. 

Frank stepped forward to obey, and again the German commander protested. 

"You can't do that, " he said. "My men are prisoners of war and as such areentitled to all the usual courtesies. "

"They are, eh?" asked Jack. "Then I'll modify that order a bit, temporarily, Mr. Chadwick, will you kindly bring irons for this man here, "and he indicated the German officer. "I want his men and all ourpassengers to see how he looks in shackles, which he should have been madeto wear long ago. "

Frank hurried away. The German commander, after taking one step back atJack's words, stepped quickly forward again. His hand went to his side andhe produced a long knife. Then he sprang. 

Jack smiled slightly, stepped quickly to one side and with his left handcaught the German's knife arm. He twisted sharply, and the knife droppedto the deck. 

Jack released his hold and the German staggered back. Deliberately Jackcuffed the man across the face with his right hand, then with his left. Twice more he did this, following the German as he retreated across thedeck. 

"Let that teach you, " he said, "that attempting to stab a British navalofficer is very bad business. But here comes something that will teachyou more, " and he pointed to Frank, who reappeared at that moment followedby two sailors bearing heavy chains. "These irons, " Jack continued, "willshow you just what is in store for you when you are landed in England. Hold out your hands. "

The German did so. Quickly handcuffs were snapped on. 

"Shackle his legs, " said Jack. 

The sailors needed no urging. Quickly the German's legs were shackled withthe heavy iron. Jack took a couple of steps back and surveyed hisprisoner. 

"If you had been dressed up in those several years ago, " he said, "I've nodoubt lots of innocent women and children now at the bottom of the seawould be alive still. "

The German commander scowled, but he said nothing. 

"Now, Frank, " said Jack, "you will take the other prisoners below and putthem in irons. I guess our friend here will no longer object. "

The German sailors were led below, where they were soon safely chained andFrank returned to the bridge. 

"Kindly pass the word for all the passengers and the crew to come on deck, Mr. Hetherton, " ordered Jack. 

The second officer obeyed and soon the deck was crowded. The Germancommander became the center of an angry group. 

"I've just called you all here, " said Jack, "that you may cast your eyesupon one of the kaiser's paid murderers. It is men like this who have madean outcast of Germany. Not satisfied with killing in battle, they fire onhelpless lifeboats, sending women and children as well as unarmednoncombatants to the bottom of the sea. In fact, it is men like this, or aman like this, who so recently took a heavy toll in lives from the crew ofthe Hazelton, after the vessel had been put out of commission. "

There was an angry murmur among the crowd on deck. 

"Hang him, " said a voice. 

The German officer's face turned a chalky white. 

"I'd be pleased to do so, " said Jack, "were it not for the fact that Imust retain him as a prisoner of war and turn him over to the properauthorities. However, it wouldn't surprise me a bit if he were tried formurder and hanged, and I'm not sure that even such a fate isn't too goodfor him. "

"Hang him!" came a voice from the crowd again. 

"No, " said Jack quietly, "it can't be done. Take him away. "

These last words were addressed to Lieutenant Hetherton, who steppedforward and took the German commander by the arm. 

"Come on, " he said somewhat roughly. 

The German commander was led below, where he was made secure. 

The passengers and crew rescued from the Hazelton dispersed and Jack helda consultation with his officers. 

"If we were not so far from land, " he said, "I would land those we haverescued. As it stands, I am under rush orders, so I am afraid I shall haveto take them to America. "

"That cannot be helped, sir, " said Lieutenant Hetherton. "I am sure theywill understand that, sir. "

"I think so, too, " agreed Frank. 

"At all events, " said Jack, "there seems nothing else to do under thecircumstances. Ring for full speed ahead, Mr. Chadwick. "

Frank did so. 

At that moment the radio operator again emerged from below and hurried toJack. 

"Admiralty orders, sir, " he said, passing a slip of paper to the commanderof the Brigadier. 

Jack read the paper quickly, then turned to Frank with a sharp command. 

"Slow to half speed, " he said. "Then come about and head for Dover. "

Frank asked no questions. He knew that Jack would explain the reason forthe change soon enough. Besides, the matter was none of his business. Hegave the necessary orders. Jack turned to the second officer. 

"Will you take the bridge, Mr. Hetherton? Mr. Chadwick, please come to mycabin. "

The lads went below together. 

"Now, " said Frank, after he had taken a seat, "what's it all about?"

"Well, " was Jack's reply, "the admiralty wants the Brigadier back inDover. That's all I know about it. I'm instructed to report to LordHastings immediately on my return. "

"No other explanation?"

"No. "

"Funny, " commented Frank. "Must be something up, though. "

"So it would seem. However, I guess we'll learn soon enough. Hope they arenot going to deprive me of my command. "

"No fear, I guess, " declared Frank. 

The return trip was made in record time and without incident. Jack saw thevictims of the Hazelton landed safely and then, turning the ship over toLieutenant Hetherton, went ashore with Frank to report to Lord Hastings. 

The latter greeted them with a wry smile. 

"It seems that my warning to America is not to be delivered after all, " hesaid. 

"And why, sir?" asked Jack. "Are you not still convinced that the warningis necessary?"

"I am, " declared Lord Hastings, "but, as I told you, I was sending thewarning without knowledge of the Admiralty. Naturally, then, when it wasannounced that the Brigadier was to be recalled to take part in otheroperations, I could not announce that you carried secret dispatches fromme. "

"I see, " said Jack. "And what is the nature of the other operation?"

"It is a desperate undertaking, " said Lord Hastings slowly, "and one that, at first, I was tempted to advise against. And still, if successful itwill do much toward insuring an allied victory. "

"Since when have you become so cautious, sir?" asked Frank with a smile. 

"It's not a matter of caution, Frank, " replied Lord Hastings. "It's simplya matter of prudence. In a word, the Admiralty is determined to block theharbors of Ostend and Zeebrugge. "

Frank was on his feet and clapping his hands. 

"Fine!" he exclaimed. "I don't see why it hasn't been done sooner. Iremember what Hobson did to the Spanish fleet at Santiago in theSpanish-American war. "

"It's an exploit of the same nature, " Lord Hastings admitted, "though itwill be attended with even greater danger. If successful, as I say, itwill do inestimable good. The admiralty has been training specially forthis move for months, but the matter has now come to a head. "

"And how does it happen that we shall be fortunate enough to lend a hand?"asked Jack. 

"My fault, I suppose, " returned Lord Hastings. "Admiral Keyes, the dayafter your departure, was bemoaning the fact that one ship had been takenaway from him at the last moment. I said that if Captain Templeton and theBrigadier were here, you could easily replace the other vessel. Theadmiral was of the opinion that you had not had the necessary training. Isaid you didn't need it. Apparently he was convinced, for the next I heardyou had been recalled to Dover. Thus, through talking too much, I balkedmy own plans. "

"Perhaps, " said Frank, "it won't be too late for the other when theharbors of Ostend and Zeebrugge have been sealed. "

"But perhaps you won't come back, " said Lord Hastings. 

"Oh, we'll be back, never fear, " grinned Jack. "But what are we to donow?"

"You will report to Admiral Keyes aboard the Warwick at once. If youreturn safely, report to me. Good-bye and good luck. "

The lads shook hands with Lord Hastings and left him. 

"Here, " said Frank, "is what I call a piece of luck. "

CHAPTER VII

A BIT OF EXPLANATION

It is probable that the sealing of the harbors of Ostend and Zeebrugge, two of the most important German submarine bases, was one of the greatestfeats of the whole European war. The attempt was extremely hazardous andcould never have been successful except for the gallantry and heroism ofthe British crews. 

Not the least of the bravest among them were Jack and Frank and the otherofficers and crew of the destroyer Brigadier. It is true that theoperation has been planned primarily with the idea of having the destroyerDaffodil in line, but it was the withdrawal of this vessel that permittedJack and Frank to have a hand in the operation. 

In order that all parts of the naval service might share in theexpedition, representative bodies of men had been drawn from the GrandFleet, the three home depots, the Royal marine artillery and lightinfantry. The ships and torpedo craft were furnished by the Dover patrol, which was reinforced by vessels from the Harwich force and the French andAmerican navies. The Royal Australian navy and the admiralty experimentalstation at Stratford and Dover were also represented. 

A force thus composed and armed, obviously needed collective training andspecial preparation to adapt both the men and their weapons to theirpurpose. With these objects, the blocking ships and the storming forceswere assembled toward the end of February, and from the fourth of April onin the West Swim Anchorage--where training especially adapted to the planof operation was given--and the organization of the expedition was carriedon. 

The material as it was prepared was used to make the training practicaland was itself tested thereby. Moreover, valuable practice was afforded byendeavors to carry out the project on two previous occasions, on which theconditions of wind and weather compelled its postponement, and much waslearned from these temporary failures. 

The Hindustan, at first at Chatham and later at the Swim, was the parentship and training depot. After the second attempt, when it became apparentthat there would be a long delay, the Dominion joined the Hindustan andthe pressure upon the available accommodation was relieved by the transferof about 350 seamen and marines to her. 

Two special craft, Liverpool ferry steamers, Iris and Gloucester, wereselected after a long search by Captain Herbert Grant. They were selectedbecause of their shallow draft, with a view in the first place to theirpushing the Vindictive, which was to bear the brunt of the work, alongsideZeebrugge Mole; to the possibility, should the Vindictive be sunk, oftheir bringing away all her crew and the landing parties; and to theirability to maneuver in shallow water or clear of mine fields or torpedoes. The blocking ships and the Vindictive were especially prepared for theirwork long before the start. 

Vice-Admiral Sir Roger Keyes devoted personal attention and time toworking out the plan of operations and the preparation of the personneland material. Rear Admiral Cecil F. Dampier, second in command of theDover flotilla, and Commodore Algernon Boyle, chief of staff, gaveconsiderable assistance. 

When, as vice-admiral of the Dover patrol, Admiral Keyes first began toprepare for the operation, it became apparent that without an effectivesystem of smoke screening such an attack could hardly hope to succeed. Thesystem of making smoke previously employed in the Dover patrol wasunsuitable for a night operation, as this production generated a fierceflame, and no other means of making an effective smoke screen wasavailable. Nevertheless Wing Commander Brock, at last devised the way. 

The commander-in-chief of the Grand Fleet, Admiral Beatty, sent to AdmiralKeyes a picked body of officers and men. Support also was received fromthe neighboring commands at Portsmouth and the Nore, the adjutant general, Royal Marines, and the depot at Chatham. The rear-admiral commanding theHarwich force sent a flotilla leader and six destroyers, besidesprotecting the northern flank of the area in which operations were to beconducted. 

To afford protection at a certain point in the route and to maintain theaids to navigation during the approach and retirement of the expedition, aforce consisting of the flotilla leaders Scott and the destroyersUlleswater, Teazer and Stork, and the light cruiser Attentive, flying thepennant of Commodore Boyle, was organized. This force, as it developed, was instrumental in patroling and directing the movements of detachedcraft in both directions, and relieved Admiral Keyes of all anxiety onthat score. 

At the moment of departing the forces were disposed as follows:

In the Swim--For the attack on the Zeebrugge Mole: Vindictive, Iris, Gloucester. To block the Bruges canal: Thetis, Interprid and Iphigenia. Toblock the entrance to Ostend: Sirius and Brilliant. 

At Dover--Warwick, flagship of Vice-Admiral Keyes; Phoebe, North Star, Brigadier, Trident, Mansfield, Whirlwind, Myngs, Velox, Morris, Moorsom, Melpomene, Tempest and Tetrarch. 

To damage Zeebrugge--Submarines C-1 and C-3. 

A special picket boat to rescue crews of C-1 and C-3. 

Minesweeper Lingfield to take off surplus steaming parties of blockships, which had 100 miles to steam. 

Eighteen coastal motorboats. 

Thirty-three motor launches. 

To bombard vicinity of Zeebrugge--Monitors Erebus and Terror. 

To attend monitors--Termagant, Truculent, and Manly. 

Outer patrol off Zeebrugge--Attentive, Scot, Ulleswater, Teazer and Stork. 

At Dunkirk--Monitors for bombarding Ostend: Marshal Soult, Lord Clive, Prince Eugene, General Sraufurd, M-24 and M-26. 

For operating off Ostend--Swift, Faulknor, Matchless, Mastiff and Afridi. 

The British destroyers Mentor, Lightfoot, Zubian and French torpedo boatsLestin, Capitaine Mehl, Francis Garnier, Roux and Boucier to accompany themonitors. 

There were in addition to these, three American destroyers--the Taylor, the Alert and the Cyprus. 

Eighteen British motor launches for smoke screening duty inshore andrescue work, and six for attending big monitors. 

Four French motor launches attending M-24 and M-26 and five coastal motorboats. 

Navigational aids having been established on the routes, the forces fromthe Swim and Dover were directed to join Admiral Keyes off the GoodwinSands and to proceed in company to a rendezvous, and thereafter asrequisite to their respective stations. 

Those from Dunkirk were given their orders by the commodore. 

An operation time table was issued to govern the movements of all theforces. Wireless signals were prohibited, visual signals of every sortwere reduced to a minimum and maneuvering prearranged as far as foresightcould provide. 

With few and slight delays the program for the passage was carried out aslaid down, the special aids to navigation being found of great assistance. 

The Harwich force, under Rear-Admiral Tyrwhitt, was posted to cover theoperations and prevent interference from the north. 

Jack and Frank, having reported to Admiral Keyes upon leaving LordHastings, had received necessary instructions as to their part in theraid. They had passed the word to the other officers of the Brigadier, whoin turn had informed members of the crew what was about to happen. 

There was wild cheering among the British tars on the Brigadier when theylearned they were to have a hand in one of the greatest and most dangerousenterprises attempted in the whole war. Needless to say, Jack and Frankalso were immensely pleased. 

"Tell you what, Jack, " said Frank, after they had returned aboard theBrigadier, "it seems to me as though your work had come to the ears of theAdmiralty with a vengeance. "

"Oh, I guess that isn't it, " Jack laughed. "They just happened to needanother ship and picked on me. That's all. "

"Perhaps, " Frank admitted. "But just the same it seems that we are alwaysin the midst of things. I wouldn't call it all luck, if I were you. "

"Well, it's not good judgment, that much is certain, " said Jack. "For goodjudgment would tell me to keep in a safe place as long as possible. "

"If you want to know what I think about it, " said Frank, "this raid isgoing to be one of the greatest blows struck at the enemy. "

"It certainly will do the enemy a lot of harm if it's successful, " Jackconfessed. 

"It'll be successful all right. I can feel that. "

"A hunch, eh?" laughed Jack. 

"Call it what you like. Nevertheless, I am absolutely certain AdmiralKeyes will not fail. And what are the Germans going to do for submarinebases if Ostend and Zeebrugge are bottled up?"

"Maybe we'll catch most of them in there, " said Jack hopefully. 

"They won't be able to get out again if we do, " declared Frank. 

"Right, " Jack agreed, "and the ones that are outside won't be able to getback in again. "

"So you see, " Frank continued, "we have them coming and going, as we sayin America. "

"I see, " said Jack. 

"And what time are we to start?" asked Frank. "You must remember you werein private conference with Admiral Keyes. You're a captain now, and thebig fellows talk to you. I'm still only a lieutenant. "

"The passage will most likely be made by daylight, " said Jack. "That hasbeen decided in order that we may do our work there under the cover ofdarkness so far as possible. Of course, this may be changed, but that'sthe way the plan lies now. "

"Strikes me we are taking a pretty big force along, from what you say. "

"Necessary, I guess, " said Jack. "It seems that the admiral has overlookednothing that will go toward making the attack a success. "

"Well, we can't start any too soon to suit me, " declared Frank. "When doyou expect to get orders to move?"

"I'm not certain, but I wouldn't be surprised to receive them early in themorning. "

As it developed Jack was a good prophet. 

Bright and early next morning, a small boat approached the Brigadier. Afew moments later an officer came aboard and presented Jack with adocument. Then he departed. 

Jack read the paper, then leaped to the bridge. 

"To your post, Mr. Chadwick, " he called to Frank, who had been standingnear by. "Pipe all men to quarters and signal for half speed ahead. "

The passage was about to begin. 

CHAPTER VIII

THE ATTACK BEGINS

The main force was divided into three columns. The center column was ledby the Vindictive, with the Brigadier second and the Iris in tow, followedby the five blocking ships and the paddle mine-sweeper Lingfield, escorting five motor launches for taking off the surplus steaming partiesof the blocking ships. The starboard column was led by the Warwick, flyingthe flag of Admiral Keyes, followed by the Phoebe and North Star, whichthree ships were to cover the Vindictive from torpedo attack while thestorming operations were in progress. 

The submarines were towed by the Trident and Mansfield. The Tempestescorted the two Ostend block ships. 

The port column was led by the Whirlwind, followed by Myngs and Moorsom, which ships were to patrol to the northward of Zeebrugge; and theTetrarch, also to escort the Ostend block ships. Every craft was towingone or more coastal motor boats, and between the columns were motorlaunches. 

The greater part of the passage, as Jack had explained, had to be carriedout in broad daylight, with the consequent likelihood of discovery byenemy aircraft or submarines. This risk was largely countered by theescort of all the scouting escort under Admiral Keyes' command. 

On arrival at a certain position, it being then apparent that theconditions were favorable and that there was every prospect of carryingthrough the enterprise on schedule, a short prearranged wireless signalwas made to the detached forces that the program would be adhered to. 

On arrival at a position a mile and a half short of where CommodoreBoyle's force was stationed, the whole force stopped for fifteen minutesto enable the surplus steaming parties of the block ships to bedisembarked and the coastal motor boats slipped. These and the motorlaunches then proceeded in execution of previous orders. On resuming thecourse, the Warwick and Whirlwind, followed by the destroyers, drew aheadon either bow to clear the passage of enemy outpost vessels. 

When the Vindictive arrived at a position where it was necessary to alterher course for the Mole, the Warwick, Phoebe and North Star swung tostarboard and cruised in the vicinity of the Mole until after the finalwithdrawal of all the attacking forces. During the movement and throughthe subsequent operations, the Warwick was maneuvered to place smokescreens wherever they seemed to be most required, and when the windshifted from northeast to southwest, her services in this respect wereparticularly valuable. 

The monitors Erebus and Terror, with the destroyers Termagant, Truculentand Manly, were stationed at a position suitable for the long rangebombardment of Zeebrugge in co-operation with the attack. 

Similarly, the monitors Marshal Soult, General Sraufurd, Prince Eugene andLord Clive, and the small monitors M-21, M-24 and M-26 were stationed insuitable positions to bombard specified batteries. These craft wereattended by the British destroyers Mentor, Lightfoot and Zubian, and theFrench Capitaine Mehl, Francis Garnier, Roux and Bouclier. The bombardmentthat ensued was undoubtedly useful in keeping down the fire of the shorebatteries. 

The attack on the Mole was primarily intended to distract the enemy'sattention from the ships engaged in blocking the Bruges canal. Itsimmediate objectives were, first, the capture of the four 1-inch batteriesat the sea end of the Mole, which were a serious menace to the passage ofthe block ships, and, second, the doing of as much damage to the materialon the Mole as time would permit, for it was not the intention of AdmiralKeyes to remain on the Mole after the primary object of the expeditionhad been accomplished. 

The attack was to consist of two parts: The landing of storming anddemolition parties and the destruction of the iron viaduct between theshore and the stone Mole. 

The units detailed for the attack were:

H. M. S. Vindictive, Captain Alfred F. B. Carpenter; the Brigadier, CaptainJack Templeton; special steamers Iris, Commander Valentine Gibbs;Gloucester, Lieutenant H. G. Campbell, the latter detailed to push theVindictive alongside the Mole and keep her there as long as might benecessary. 

Submarines C-3 and C-1, commanded by Lieutenants Richard Sanford andAubrey Newbold, respectively, attended by picket boat under LieutenantCommander Francis H. Sanford. 

Besides these, a flotilla of twenty-four motor launches and eight coastalmotorboats were told off for rescue work and to make smoke screens or laysmoke floats, and nine more coastal motorboats to attack the Mole andenemy vessels inside it. 

At 11. 40 p. M. On April 22, 1918, the coastal motorboats detailed to laythe first smoke screen ran in to very close range and proceeded to laysmoke floats and by other methods make the necessary "fog. " These craftimmediately were under fire, and only their small size and great speedsaved them from destruction. 

At this moment the Blankenberghe light buoy was abeam of the Vindictiveand the enemy had presumably seen or heard the approaching forces. Starshells lighted the heavens. But still no enemy patrol craft were sighted. At this time the wind had been from the northeast, and therefore favorableto the success of the smoke screens. It now died away and began to blowfrom a southerly direction. 

Many of the smoke floats laid just off the Mole extension were sunk by thefire of the enemy, which now began to grow in volume. This, in conjunctionwith the wind, lessened the effectiveness of the smoke screen. 

At 11. 56 the Vindictive, the Brigadier close behind, having just passedthrough a smoke screen, sighted the Mole in the semi-darkness about threehundred yards off on the port bow. Speed was increased to full and thecourse of both vessels altered so that, allowing for cross tide, theVindictive would make good a closing course of forty-five degrees to theMole. The Vindictive purposely withheld her fire to avoid beingdiscovered, but almost at the moment of her emerging from the smoke theenemy opened fire. 

So promptly, under the orders of the commander, was this replied to by theport 6-inch battery, the upper deck pompoms and the gun in the foretopthat the firing on both sides appeared to be almost simultaneous. 

The Brigadier, under Jack's command, opened fire at almost the samemoment. Heavy shells flew screaming into the enemy lines. Germanprojectiles began to kick up the water close to the Vindictive and theBrigadier. But in the first few volleys, none of the enemy shells foundtheir marks. Jack was conning the ship from the port forward, theflame-thrower hut. Frank, with directions as to handling of the shipshould Jack be disabled, was in the conning tower, from which theBrigadier was being steered. 

At one minute after midnight on April 23, the program time for attackbeing midnight, the Vindictive was put alongside the Mole and thestarboard anchor was let go. 

At this time the noise of cannonading was terrific. During the previousfew minutes, the ship had been hit by a large number of shells, which hadresulted in heavy casualties. 

As there was some doubt as to the starboard anchor having gone clear, theport anchor was dropped close to the foot of the Mole and the cablebowsed-to, with less than a shackle out. A three-knot tide was runningpast the Mole, and the scene alongside, created by the slight swell, caused the ship to roll. There was an interval of three or four minutesbefore the Brigadier or the Gloucester could arrive and commence to pushthe Vindictive bodily alongside. 

During the interval the Vindictive could not be got close enough for thespecial Mole anchors to hook and it was a very trying period. Many of thebrows had been broken by shell fire and the heavy roll had broken theforemost Mole anchor as it was being placed. The two foremost brows, however, reached the wall and enabled storming parties, led byLieutenant-Commander Bryan F. Adams, to land and run out alongside them, closely followed by the Royal marines. 

It was at this juncture that a slight change was made in the originalprogram. It developed, as the first storming party moved out, thatCommander Adams' men were not in sufficient strength for the work ahead. Captain Carpenter of the Vindictive called for support from the Brigadier. Jack acted promptly. 

"Lieutenant Chadwick!" he called. 

Frank stepped forward and saluted. 

"You will take one hundred men and join the storming party, " said Jack. 

At this moment the Brigadier was rubbing close to the Vindictive. This wasfortunate at the moment, for there was then no other means by which aparty from the Brigadier could reach the Mole. 

Hurriedly Frank gathered the men, and then leaped from his own vessel tothe deck of the Vindictive. A moment later they joined Commander Adams andhis party. 

Owing to the rolling of the ship, a most disconcerting motion wasimparted to the brows, the outer ends of which were "sawing" considerablyon the Mole parapet. Officers and men were equipped with Lewis guns, bombs, ammunition, etc. , and were under heavy machine-gun fire at closerange; add to this a drop of thirty feet between the ship and the Mole, and some idea of the conditions which had to be faced may be realized. 

Yet the storming of the Mole was carried out without the slightest delayand without any apparent consideration of self preservation. Some of thefirst men on the Mole dropped in their tracks under the German fire, butthe others pushed on, with the object of hauling one of the large Moleanchors across the parapet. 

The Brigadier arrived alongside the Mole three minutes after Frank and hismen had leaped to the deck of the other ship, followed by the little Iris. Both suffered less in their approach, the Vindictive occupying all theenemy's attention. The Gloucester also came up now to push the Vindictivebodily on to the Mole to enable her to be secured, after doing which theGloucester landed her parties over that ship. Her men disembarked from herbows on to the Vindictive, as it was found essential to continue to pushthe Vindictive on to the Mole throughout the entire action. 

This duty was magnificently carried out. Without the assistance of theGloucester very few of the storming parties from the Vindictive couldhave landed, or could have re-embarked. 

The landing from the Iris was made under even more trying circumstances. She rolled heavily in the sea, which rendered the use of the scalingladders very difficult. But at this time, according to calculations, enough men had been landed to complete the work. 

The fighting on the Mole became hand-to-hand. 

CHAPTER IX

THE BATTLE CONTINUES

A shell suddenly exploded among the Vindictive's foremost 7. 5-inchhowitzer's marine crew. Many were killed or wounded. A naval crew from a6-inch gun took their places and were almost annihilated. 

At this time the Vindictive was being hit every few seconds, chiefly inthe upper works, from which the splinters caused many casualties. It wasdifficult for the British to locate the guns which were doing the mostdamage, but Jack, from the Brigadier, with men posted in the fortop of thevessel, kept up a continuous fire with pompoms and Lewis machine-guns, changing rapidly from one target to another in an attempt to destroy theguns that were raking the Vindictive fore and aft. 

Two heavy shells struck the foretop of the Brigadier almostsimultaneously. Half a dozen men were killed. A score of others werewounded. 

To return for a moment to Frank and his men. 

The attack on the Mole had been designed to be carried out by a stormingforce to prepare the way for, and afterward to cover and protect, theoperations of a second force, which was to carry out the actual work ofdestruction. The storming force, which had embarked in the Vindictive, wasnow reinforced by a hundred British tars from the Brigadier, headed byFrank, and additional sailors from the Iris and Gloucester. 

For the first time it was now ascertained that the Vindictive, inanchoring off the Mole, had over-run her station and was berthed some fourhundred yards farther to the westward than had been intended. 

It had been realized beforehand that the Vindictive might not exactlyreach the exact position mapped out, but the fact that the landing wascarried out in an unexpected place, combined with the heavy losses alreadysustained by the vessel, seriously disorganized the attacking force. Theintention had been to land the storming parties right on top of the 41-inch guns in position on the seaward end of the Mole, the silencing ofwhich was of the first importance, as they menaced the approach of theblock ships. 

The leading block ship had been timed to pass the lighthouse twenty-fiveminutes after the Vindictive came alongside. This period of time provedinsufficient to organize and carry through an attack against the enemy onthe seaward end of the Mole, the enemy, it developed, being able to bringheavy machine-gun fire to bear on the attacking forces. As a result theblock ships, when they approached, came under an unexpected fire from thelight guns on the Mole extension, though the 4. 1-inch batteries on theMole had remained silent. 

Commander Adams, followed by Frank and his men, were the first to land. Atthat moment no enemy was seen on the Mole. They found themselves on apathway on the Mole parapet about eight feet wide, with a wall four feethigh on the seaward side, and an iron railing on the Mole side. From thispathway, there was a drop of fifteen feet on the Mole proper. 

Followed by his men and Frank and the latter's command, Commander Adamswent alongside the parapet to the left, where he found a lookout stationor control, with a range finder behind and above it. 

"Blow it up!" he shouted to Frank, who was close to him at that moment. 

Frank gave a command to one of his men. A moment later there was anexplosion and the station disappeared as though by magic. 

Near the lookout station aft iron ladder led down to the Mole and three ofFrank's men descended it. Frank went with them. Below they encounteredhalf a dozen of the enemy. 

It was no time to hesitate and Frank knew it. 

"Bombs, men, " he said simply. 

Three hands drew back, then were brought forward. Three hand grenadesdropped among the foes. There were three short blasts, and when the smokecleared away, there were no Germans to be seen at that point. Then Frankand his men rejoined the others. 

The situation now was that Commander Adams, Frank, their few men and a fewLewis guns, were beyond the lookout station protected from machine-gunfire from the direction of the Mole head, but exposed to fire from theirown destroyers, alongside the Mole. 

Commander Adams called Frank to him. 

"We're in a ticklish position here, lieutenant, " he said. "We're in dangerof being shot down by our own guns. At the same time, if we move frombehind this station, we are not in sufficient strength to drive the enemyaway. "

"Why not risk our own, fire, sir, " said Frank, "and ask forreinforcements. "

"That's a request that will have to be made in person, " said CommanderAdams, "and it will be rather risky. "

"I'll be glad to try it sir, " said Frank. 

Commander Adams shrugged. 

"It'd about as broad as it is long, " he said. "If you're shot on the way Iguess it will be no worse than dying here. Go ahead, if you wish. "

Now to gain the needed reinforcements, Frank knew that it would benecessary to return to the side of the Vindictive. To reach that vessel itwould be necessary to pass through places exposed to enemy machine-gunfire. However, at the moment, the German guns covering those particularspots were silent, so Frank decided to take the risk. 

He set out at a run. At first his appearance was apparently unnoticed, butsoon a rain of bullets poured after him. Two or three times the lad threwhimself to the ground just in time. He was on his feet again a momentlater, however, and at last reached his destination safely. 

As the lad reached the side of the Vindictive he saw a second stormingparty coming over the side, equipped with Lewis machine-guns and riflesand hand bombs. Frank approached the commander of the party, Lieutenant-Commander Hastings, and outlined the plight of those he hadleft behind. 

"Come with us, " said Commander Hastings, "we'll soon clear those fellowsout back there. "

Machine-guns were wheeled into position and the British raked the Germanline wherever heads appeared. In this method they relieved thehard-pressed party under Commander Adams. 

The first objective of the storming party ashore was a fortified zonesituated about a hundred and fifty yards from the seaward end of the Moleproper. Its capture was of the first importance, as an enemy holding itcould bring a heavy fire to bear on the parties still to land from theVindictive. 

Commander Adams ordered an advance. 

Frank was placed in command of the left wing of the little army, CommanderHastings of the right wing. Commander Adams led the center himself. TheBritish spread out. 

"Charge!" cried Commander Adams. 

"Charge!" repeated Frank and Commander Hastings a moment later. 

The British seamen went forward on the double, bayonets fixed. 

From out of their fortified positions the Germans sprang forth to meetthem, machine-guns from behind covering their advance. At the same momentFrank ordered his own machine-guns wheeled into position, and swept theadvancing enemy with a hail of bullets. 

But neither side paid much attention to this rain of lead, and directlythe fighting became too close for either side to utilize its machine-guns. Steel clashed on steel. Revolvers in the hands of the officers cracked. Men fell to the right and to the left. 

For a moment it appeared that the attacking force must be hurled back bythe very weight of the numbers against them. But they rallied after onebrief moment in which it seemed that they must yield, and hurledthemselves forward again. This time there was no stopping them. 

Directly the thin German line wavered. Then it broke, and the enemy dashedfor the protection of their fortified position at top speed. But theBritish sailors kept close on their heels, and they reached the covetedspot at almost the same time. There the fighting was resumed, but after ashort resistance the enemy again retreated, leaving the position in thehands of the British. 

Immediately Commander Adams ordered the machine-guns which had beenabandoned by the foe in his flight turned on them and the Germans weremowed down in great numbers. 

Having gained his objective, Commander Adams ordered his men to proceeddown the Mole and hold a position there so as to cover the operations ofthe party of destruction, which was now hard at work. To expel theseBritish, German troops were now advancing from the landward end of theMole. 

The destruction of the viaduct by the submarine C-3 had been designed toaid the efforts of the landing party by preventing reinforcements reachingthe Mole from the shore. Owing to the Vindictive coming alongside tolandward of this zone, Commander Adams' men were now faced with a doubleduty of preventing an enemy attack from the shore and of themselvesattacking a second fortified zone ahead of them. The casualties alreadysustained were so great that the Iris could not remain alongside theVindictive to land her company of Royal Marines. This left insufficientmen in the early stages of the landing to carry out both operations. 

The situation was a difficult one, for to attack the fortified zone firstmight enable the enemy to advance up the Mole and seize positions abreastof the Vindictive, with the most serious consequences to the whole landingforce, whereas, by not attacking the fortified positions, the guns at theMole head could not be prevented from firing at the block ships. 

Therefore, Commander Adams instructed Frank to secure the landward side, at the same time instructing Commander Hastings to attack the fortifiedzone. Commander Adams knew that he was taking a long chance by thusdividing his forces, but in no other manner, it seemed to him, could thesuccess of the expedition be assured. 

Frank led his men forward promptly. Apparently the Germans had notrealized the full strength of the British attack on the Mole, for noeffort had been made to get reinforcements to the men there from shore. Consequently, Frank's work was not so hard as that set for CommanderHastings. 

The few Germans who were guarding the landward side of the Mole fired onevolley at Frank's party, then turned and took to their heels. 

"By George! Pretty soft!" said Frank. 

He led his men to the positions recently vacated by the enemy, and thensat down to await further instructions from Commander Adams. 

Commander Hastings, on the other hand, had hard work in taking thefortified positions from the foe. Nevertheless he succeeded, due to theheroic efforts of his men. Commander Adams surveyed the field carefully. 

"Well, " he told himself, "I guess we've done the best we can. We'll stickhere till we get the signal to withdraw. "

CHAPTER X

THE RAID SUCCESSFUL

The platoon which was commanded by Commander Adams was officiallydesignated as No. 1; that commanded by Frank as No. 2 and that commandedby Commander Hastings as No. 3. 

Units were now landing rapidly and No. 7 platoon succeeded in placingheavy scaling ladders in positions, and then formed up to support Nos. 9and 10 platoons. Numbers 11 and 12 platoons were dispatched along theparapet, and reached the lookout station, where they were checked. Commander Adams and his men, who had again united with the partiescommanded by Frank and Commander Hastings, were some forty to fifty yardsahead of them, and both parties could make no headway along the exposedparapet. Meanwhile No. 5 platoon, which had been recalled from itsadvanced position, with Nos. 7 and 8 platoons were forming up on the Molefor an assault on the fortified zone and the 4. 1-inch battery at the Molehead. This attack was launched, but before it could be developed thegeneral recall was sounded. 

There was a cheer from the men. They knew by the sounding of the recall atthis moment meant that the expedition had been a success. Otherwise thefighting on the Mole would have continued. 

The units fell back in good order, taking their wounded with them. Thepassing of the men from the Mole on to the parapet by means of the scalingladders was rendered hazardous by the enemy opening fire at that portionof the Mole. Several ladders were destroyed. 

The men were sent across in small batches from the comparative shelterafforded by long distance fire from the battleships. Such rushes were madeas far as possible in the intervals between the bursts of German fire. 

The landing parties re-embarked in the manner which they had left theirships--climbing to the deck of the Vindictive and then proceeding to theirdeck of the Vindictive and then proceeding to their various ships by smallboats. 

This undertaking was hazardous, too, for enemy shells were falling allabout. Nevertheless, the most of the men reached their ship in safety, andfrom the flagship came the signal to retreat. 

Upon returning to the Brigadier, Frank surveyed his own men. There hadbeen few casualties among them. Less than a dozen men had been killed andleft behind. Of wounded Frank counted fifteen. Immediately he ascended tothe bridge to report to Jack. 

Jack greeted his chum with a smile. Although the Brigadier had been in themidst of the battle, and many German shells had found their marks aboardher, Jack was as cool and unruffled as before the battle started. 

"What luck, Frank?" he asked. 

"Good, " Frank replied. "We held the Mole until ordered back. And you?"

"The best of luck. I've stuck tight to the Vindictive through the heat ofthe battle, and I believe our guns have done some damage. "

"And the block ships?" asked Frank. 

"They have been sunk at the mouths of both harbors, I am informed. Theraid has been a complete success. "

At that moment came the recall signal from the flagship. 

"See, " said Jack, "there's proof of it. If we had not been successful, therecall would not have been sounded yet. There is still plenty of time ifwe needed it, and our damage has not been great enough to leave the jobunfinished. "

Jack was right. The harbors of Ostend and Zeebrugge had been effectuallysealed. No longer would enemy U-Boats make nightly raids into the NorthSea, only to scurry back to their bases when it grew light. As a submarinebase, Zeebrugge was extinct. So, for that matter, was Ostend. 

That the success of the British expedition had been a severe blow to theGermans goes without saying. No other single feat since the beginning ofthe war had done so much to dishearten them; and there is little doubtthat the sealing of their submarine bases did much toward hastening theend of the war. 

British losses in the raid had been severe. The Vindictive, which had ledthe attack, had literally been shot to pieces and it was a miracle how sheremained afloat. The Brigadier, also, had suffered severely, but hercondition was not so bad that a few months in drydock would not besufficient to make her whole again. 

A dozen or more of the little motorboats and coastal patrol vessels hadbeen sunk, and the loss of life had been heavy. Several others of thedestroyers had been badly damaged, but there was not one of the largervessels sunk or crippled so badly that she could not return to her homeport. 

It still lacked an hour of daylight when the allied fleet drew off, itswork accomplished; and behind in the ports now sealed, the anger of theGermans flared forth anew. 

The damaged British ships were immediately put into drydock in Britishports, and Jack and Frank at once returned to Dover to report to LordHastings. The latter greeted the lads with outstretched hands. 

"It was a gallant exploit, " he exclaimed, "and I am sure both you boys hadimportant roles to play. "

"I guess we did, sir, " Frank admitted. "At the same time, I'm glad to besafely back here again. "

"I suppose, sir, " said Jack, "now that the enemy submarines caught outsideare without bases, there is little fear of their attempting thetrans-Atlantic trip?"

"On the contrary, " said Lord Hastings, "they are more likely than ever todo so. "

"But they must have a base, sir, " protested Frank. 

"Not necessarily, " smiled Lord Hastings. 

"Then how will they replenish their supplies of food and fuel?"

"Well, " said Lord Hastings, "if they can snare a victim every three orfour days it should be enough. From a merchant ship they can get all thefood and fuel they need before sinking her. "

"That's so, by George!" Frank exclaimed. 

"It stands to reason, " said Lord Hastings, "that those submarines whichwere not bottled up in the harbors have been warned not to return. Now, it wouldn't surprise me a bit if they headed directly for America. "

Jack grew thoughtful. 

"It's too bad, " he said at last, "that the Brigadier was so crippled thatwe cannot resume our interrupted voyage. "

Lord Hastings smiled. 

"I understand she is in pretty bad shape, " he said. "So you don't thinkyou can go now, eh?"

"I'm afraid not, sir. A fellow can't cross the ocean except in a ship. "

"True enough. But why are you in Dover now?"

"Why, sir?" Jack exclaimed. "Because we were instructed to report to you. "

"Exactly, " said Lord Hastings; "and in your pocket, I presume, you havethe same packet of papers the admiralty wishes turned over to SecretaryDaniels of the American navy department?"

Jack clapped a hand to his coat pocket. 

"By George! I had forgotten all about them, " he said. 

"So I imagined. But it is my guess that the navy department still wishesthose papers delivered. "

"You're right, sir. Here, I'll turn them over to you, sir. "

Lord Hastings waved the packet away. 

"Keep them, " he said quietly. 

"But--" Jack began. 

"Great Scott, " Frank put in at this juncture, "you must be getting denserevery day, Jack. "

Jack wheeled on his chum. 

"What do you mean?" he asked. 

"Why, can't you see that you are still expected to deliver the papers?"

Jack sank suddenly into a chair. 

"Now why didn't I think of that?" he muttered. 

"And I suppose, sir, " said Frank to Lord Hastings, "that another ship isto be put at Jack's disposal?"

Lord Hastings nodded. 

"Exactly, " he replied. 

Jack was on his feet again immediately. 

"What ship, sir?" he asked eagerly. 

"The Essex, a sister ship of the Brigadier. "

"By George! That's fine, isn't it?" exclaimed Jack. 

"And do I go along, sir?" Frank wanted to know. 

Again Lord Hastings nodded. 

"You do, " he replied, "together with the officers and crew of theBrigadier who survived the recent engagement. Your compliment will befilled from other vessels damaged in the raid. "

"And where is the Essex now, sir?" asked Jack. 

"Here, " replied Lord Hastings, "in Dover. You are to go aboard thisevening. "

"I can't get there too quickly to suit me, " declared Jack. 

"Same here, " Frank agreed. 

"Now, remember, " enjoined Lord Hastings, "that I still am desirous of yourdelivering to Secretary Daniels the document I gave you. "

"Is the Admiralty still unconvinced of the likelihood of submarinesreaching American waters, sir?" asked Frank. 

"It is, but you know my opinion has not changed. "

"I begin to agree with you, sir, " said Jack. "At first I'll admit I wasskeptical, but the way you explain the matter it sounds reasonable. "

"Well, " said Frank, "I hope we get there in time to spoil their plans. "

"Amen to that, my boy, " said Lord Hastings. "But, I'll detain you nolonger. You both probably are anxious to get a look at your new vessel. "

"But we have no sailing orders, sir, " said Jack. 

"You will have before morning, " was Lord Hastings reply. "I don't like tohurry you off, but the truth is I'm busy and will have to get down towork. "

"Sorry we have detained you so long, " said Jack. "Goodbye, sir. "

They shook hands all around, and the lads wended their way to the harbor, where they soon were put on board their new ship. 

"And now, " said Frank, "while we had a good time and all that, I hopethis voyage won't be interrupted. "

"My sentiments exactly, " Jack agreed. "I want to have another look atAmerica. "

CHAPTER XI

THE WARNING GIVEN

"Land Ho!"

The cry came from the forward lookout, posted aloft. 

Jack clapped his binoculars to his eyes and gazed earnestly ahead. 

"Where do you make our position, sir?" asked Lieutenant Hetherton. 

"Off the Virginia Capes, " was Jack's reply. "We should pick up Fort Monroebefore noon. "

Jack was a good prophet. It still lacked half an hour of midday when theoutlines of the historic fortress at Old Point became distinguishable inthe distance. 

The Essex slipped quietly through the smooth waters of Hampton Roads anddropped anchor some distance off shore. At Jack's command the launch wasmade ready, and leaving Lieutenant Hetherton in command, Jack motionedFrank to follow him into the launch. 

A moment later they were gliding shoreward through the water. 

"We'll have to pay our respects to the commandant, " said Jack. "It wouldbe a breach of etiquette if we didn't. Also, I want to ascertain the bestplace to anchor for the next week or so. "

"Surely you're not figuring on staying here, " protested Frank. 

"Not at all, but you know these papers I have been entrusted with must bedelivered, and I can't deliver them here. I'll have to go to Washington. "

"Right, " Frank agreed. "I had forgotten. And are you going to take mealong?"

Jack smiled. 

"Well, I might, if you are real good, " he said. 

"I'll be good, " Frank promised. 

"Hello, " said Jack at this point, "if I'm not mistaken, here comes a guardof honor to escort us to the commandant. "

Toward the point where the launch now moved, half a dozen Americanofficers approached. They extended helping hands as Jack and Frankscrambled ashore. Jack addressed the senior officer, a major. 

"I am Captain Templeton of H. M. S. Essex, " he said. "Will you please escortme into the presence of the commandant?"

"With pleasure, sir, " replied the major. "Come with me. "

He led the way, Frank and the other American officers following. Jack wasreceived immediately by the commandant. Their conference was brief, andsoon Jack returned to the place where he had left Frank. 

"Well, what did he say?" demanded Frank, as they made their way backtoward the launch. 

"Said it would be well to continue to Newport News, " said Jack. "Dockingfacilities are better there right now. We can tie up alongside one of thepiers there, or anchor off shore, as we choose. Said he would send word ofour coming. "

"Good, " said Frank. "Then I suppose we shall continue without delay?"

"Yes. "

"But if memory serves, " said Frank, "Newport News is on the James River, and not Hampton Roads. "

"Correct, " replied Jack. 

"Well, I didn't know the river was navigable by a vessel of our draught. "

"It is, nevertheless, " replied Jack. 

They stepped into the launch, and were soon back aboard the Essex. Jackimmediately gave the necessary commands and the vessel moved forward. 

Two hours later the Essex anchored in the James River half a mile offshore. Frank took in the scene about him, and expressed his wonder. 

Shipping of all the allied and many of the neutral nations was to be seenon every hand. Almost over night, it seemed, Newport News had grown froma port of little importance to one of the greatest shipping centers in theUnited States. There, half a mile away, Frank saw one of the great Germanmerchantmen, which had been interned soon after the outbreak of the war, but which was later to be converted into a United States auxiliarycruiser. 

"Well, " said Jack, "there is no use delaying here. The commandant at thefort informed me that about the quickest way to get to Washington now isto take a boat up the Potomac. "

"And where do we get the boat?" asked Frank. 

"Norfolk. But what's the matter with you, Frank? Where's your geography?Seems to me that if I were born and lived most of my life in the UnitedStates I would know something about it. "

"I do know something about it, " declared Frank; "but how do you expect meto know all these details? This is the first time I've ever been inNewport News, and I've never been to Norfolk. How do we get there fromhere?"

"Either in the Essex's launch, or by ferry. "

"Which way do you choose?"

"Ferry, I guess. It will save trouble all around. "

"Any way suits me, " said Frank. 

"You talk like you were dead certain of going along, " remarked Jack with agrin. 

"Of course I do. I know you could not be hard-hearted enough to leave mebehind. "

"Nevertheless, " Jack declared, "I'm not sure I shouldn't leave you incommand here. "

"By George! That's no way to talk, " declared Frank. "Hetherton can stickon the job here. "

"Well, I guess it will be all right, " said Jack. "We may as well pack whatbelongings we shall need. We shouldn't be gone more than a day or two. "

"I hope so, and I feel sure we shall. There has been no sign yet of enemyactivities in this water. "

"And there won't be any sign in advance. When the Germans strike it willbe suddenly. "

The lads threw what belongings they believed they would need into theirhandbags and were rowed ashore. They proceeded at once to the pier of theChesapeake and Ohio ferry and soon were moving along toward Norfolk. 

It was a short ride to Norfolk. Arrived in the city an hour later, theyinquired the way to the offices of the Washington and Norfolk Steamboatcompany, where they were fortunate enough to be able to secure a stateroomthat night. 

It was still early, so the lads spent the afternoon looking about thecity, called by the natives the "New York of the South. " They went aboardthe steamer Northland at 5. 30 o'clock, and at 6 the boat left its pier. Jack and Frank remained on deck until after the Northland had put in atOld Point and taken on additional passengers. Then they went below todinner. 

"You know this isn't a bad boat, " Frank declared after a walk around, following their dinner. 

"Indeed it isn't, " Jack agreed. "It has all the comforts of home. It'srather small, but outside of that I can't see anything wrong with it. "

"I guess it's big enough for us to-night, " grinned Frank. 

There were a score or more of American army and navy officers aboard andwith some of these the lads struck up an acquaintance. In fact, sointerested were some of the Americans in the lads' experiences that theysat up late regaling their newly found friends with accounts of warfare inEuropean waters. 

Nevertheless, Jack and Frank were up early the following morning and had asubstantial breakfast before the boat docked at the foot of Seventh streetin the nation's capital. There they took a taxi and were driven to theRaleigh hotel. 

"Now, " said Jack, "the first thing to do is to get in touch with theBritish ambassador and have him arrange an audience with the secretary ofthe navy at the earliest possible moment. "

Jack got the embassy on the telephone, told who he was and announced thathe would be on hand to see the ambassador within the hour. Then the ladswere driven to the embassy. Here Jack presented his credentials andexpressed his desire to see the secretary of the navy at once. 

"You return to your hotel, " said the ambassador. "I'll arrange theaudience and call for you in my automobile. "

The lads followed these instructions. 

At 2 o'clock in the afternoon the ambassador called for them. They weredriven at once to the War and Navy department building on Pennsylvaniaavenue and were ushered almost immediately to the offices of SecretaryDaniels. After a wait of perhaps five minutes, Mr. Daniels' privatesecretary announced. 

"Mr. Daniels will see you now. "

The three passed into the secretary's private office, where the Britishambassador introduced the lads. Secretary Daniels expressed his pleasureat the meeting, then said:

"And now what can I do for you, gentlemen?"

For answer Jack passed over the papers entrusted him by the Admiralty. Secretary Daniels scanned them briefly. 

"These matters shall be attended to, gentlemen, " he said. "Now, is thereanything else?"

"There is, sir, " said Jack, "and a matter probably of much greaterimportance. "

He drew from his pocket the documents given him by Lord Hastings, andthese he also passed to Secretary Daniels. The latter read themcarefully, his face drawn into a scowl. 

"Hm-m-m, " he said at last. "Hm-m-m. "

He grew silent, apparently lost in thought. At last he spoke. 

"I have had some such fears myself, " he said at last, "but it seems theyare not shared by other officials of the department. I dislike to takematters altogether into my hands, and yet I suppose I can do it. First, however, I shall make an effort to convince my associates through thesedocuments. "

"I am instructed to say, sir, " said Jack, "that it would be well if yougave the matter prompt attention. "

"Oh, " said Secretary Daniels, "I anticipate no immediate trouble; andstill this is a matter that should not be overlooked. I thank you, gentlemen, for bringing the matter to my attention. "

He rose from his chair, signifying that the interview was ended. 

Jack and Frank left the Navy department, and the ambassador dropped themat their hotel. 

"I don't know what to think of the Secretary of the Navy, " said Jack whenthey were alone. "He didn't seem greatly interested. "

"He is the man, you know, " said Frank, "who wanted to change the technicalterms of port and starboard to right and left. "

"That's so, " said Jack, "but I'll venture to say he can rise to anemergency. "

"There is no doubt about that, " Frank agreed, and added quietly:"Americans always have. "

CHAPTER XII

THE U-BOATS APPEAR

Three weeks passed and Jack and Frank were still in Washington. Immediately after delivering his messages to Secretary Daniels, Jack gotin touch with the British Admiralty wireless and asked for instructions. When the reply came it was signed Lord Hastings and said merely:

"Stay where you are pending further orders. "

And after three weeks no word had come. 

Several times during the three weeks Jack and Frank, or one of the lads ata time, had returned to Newport News to look to the needs of the Essex, which still lay quietly in the James river. Steam was kept up in thedestroyer every moment of the day, and she was ready to put to sea on aninstant's notice. 

"Chances are when we need her it will be in a hurry, " said Jack. 

Therefore nothing was overlooked that would enable the destroyer to gointo action on a moment's notice. Provisions were added to the stores fromtime to time, and the crew were put through their drills daily. 

Meanwhile, from what Jack and Frank learned from the British ambassador, no steps had been taken to prepare for a possible German attack onshipping in American waters. True, the coast defenses had beenstrengthened, but that was merely a matter of routine for a country atwar. 

Off the coast, warships were on patrol. But there were comparatively fewof these, for the bulk of the American fleet had been sent abroad toreinforce the British grand fleet patroling the North Sea. 

Jack and Frank discussed these matters frequently. 

"It would be a great time for the Germans to strike, " said Jack oneevening, as the lads sat in their rooms at the hotel. "The American peopledon't seem to realize the possibilities of the submarine. "

"That's true, " said Frank, "but at the same time such an attack mightprove a boomerang to the Germans. "

"What do you mean?"

"Why, " said Frank, "you haven't forgotten, have you, that it took a numberof air raids on England to fully arouse the British people to the factthat the Germans must be licked?"

"That's true enough, " agreed Jack. "The Germans, of course, figured thatthey would frighten England and scare her out of the war. "

"Exactly, and the result was altogether different from what they hadanticipated. That's why I say submarine activities off the American coastwill prove a boomerang to the foe. "

"I see, " commented Jack. "You mean it would arouse the American people tothe necessity of prompt action. "

"Exactly. "

"Well, " said Jack, "it begins to look as though Lord Hastings were wrong. We've been here three weeks now and nothing has transpired to indicatethat the Germans are meditating a submarine raid in American waters. "

"You don't expect them to tip the Washington government off in advance, doyou?" asked Frank with a laugh. 

"Hardly; but it would seem that if such a campaign had been planned itwould have been started before this. "

"It wouldn't surprise me, " said Frank, "to get a flash any day that a shiphad been submarined off the American coast. "

Came a rap at the door. 

"Come in, " Frank called. 

A bell boy entered. He held a tray in his hand and on the tray was acablegram. 

"From Lord Hastings, I suppose, " said Frank, taking the message andpassing it to Jack. 

Jack broke the seal, spread out the paper. The message, in code, was this:

 "Authentic information flotilla submarines headed for America. Warn Navy Department at once. "

Jack sprang to the telephone and got the British embassy on the wire. 

"The ambassador, quick!" he said to the voice that answered his call. 

There was a short pause, and then Jack recognized the ambassador's voice. 

"I've just had a wireless from Lord Hastings relative to the matter whichwe discussed with Secretary Daniels several weeks ago, " he explained. "Canyou arrange another interview immediately?"

"I'll see, " said the ambassador and rang off. 

The telephone in the lads' room jangled sharply ten minutes later. Jacksprang to the wire. 

"Yes, " he said in response to a query. "Ten o'clock? You'll call for us?Very well. "

He replaced the receiver and turned to Frank. 

"We will see Secretary Daniels in his office at ten, " he said. He lookedat his watch. "Hurry and dress. It's after nine now. The ambassador shouldbe here in fifteen minutes. "

The lads jumped into their clothes, then went downstairs, where theyawaited the arrival of the ambassador. The latter arrived ten minutesbefore ten o'clock, and the three were driven to the War and Navybuilding. Secretary Daniels received them at once. 

"I understand that you come on a very important matter, " he said. "Pray, what is it, gentlemen?"

For answer Jack laid before the American naval secretary the decodedmessage from Lord Hastings. The secretary read it, then looked up. 

"Well?" he asked. 

"Why, sir, " said Jack, "Lord Hastings simply wishes you to take allprecautions to prevent sinking of vessels by submarines in Americanwaters. "

Secretary Daniels smiled. 

"I don't know what we can do that has not already been done, " he replied. "The off-coast waters are mined, and American warships are patroling theregular channels of navigation. "

"All that may be true, sir, " said Jack, "but these submarines are slipperycustomers, as I have reason to know. It would be well to take even furtherprecautions. "

"And what would you suggest?" asked Secretary Daniels. 

"Why, sir, " said Jack, "I'd suggest cancelling sailing orders of alltransports temporarily, at least until such time as I felt sure they couldgo in safety. Then I'd flash a warning broadcast to all vessels withinreach of the wireless to be on the lookout for enemy submarines. I'd rushevery available submarine chaser in the Atlantic ports beyond the minefields and I would order a destroyer as protection for every vessel knownto be inward bound. "

Secretary Daniels smiled. 

"You wouldn't overlook anything, would you, Captain?"

"I certainly would not, " said Jack firmly. 

"Very well, then, " said Secretary Daniels. "I'll set your mind at rest. Your suggestions shall be followed out. I'll give the necessary directionsthe first thing in the morning. "

"In the morning, sir?" repeated Jack. "The morning may be too late. "

"Oh, I guess not, " Secretary Daniels smiled. "It has been three weeks ormore since your first warning and nothing has happened. I guess we cansafely depend upon being let alone a few hours after the second warning. "

Jack was about to protest, thought better of it and said simply:

"Very well, sir. "

A moment later the lads took their departure with the ambassador. In theseclusion of the latter's automobile, Jack said:

"I can't see how the secretary dares let time slip by like that. "

"Never mind, " said the ambassador, "you'll find in a day or two thatSecretary Daniels knows what he's doing. Don't make any mistake about him. He's a capable man. "

"I have no doubt of that, sir, " replied Jack. "But if he had seen threeyears of war, as we have, he would never delay. Besides, he doesn't knowthese German submarines as well as I do. Neither do any of the Americans. "

"Oh, yes they do, " declared Frank. 

"They do, eh?" exclaimed Jack. "Well, I'd like to know the name of one ofthem. "

"His name, " said Frank, "is Lieutenant Chadwick, and I think he knows justabout as much about the U-Boats as you do; and he agrees with your ideasperfectly. "

Jack smiled. 

"That's right, " he said. "I had forgotten you were a native of this land. Well, here's hoping nothing happens before Secretary Daniels takes allnecessary precautions. "

The British ambassador left the lads at their hotel, and they returned atonce to their rooms, where for several hours they discussed the situation. 

"There is no use talking about it, " said Frank at last. "Let's go to bed. "

They undressed. 

Just before extinguishing the light, as was his custom, Frank raised thewindow. As he looked out he saw below a crowd of excited men and womenmoving about the street. 

"Hey, Jack!" he called. "Come here. "

Jack joined him at the window. 

"Now what's up, do you suppose?" asked Frank. 

"Too deep for me, " declared Jack, "but something surely. Let's go down andfind out. "

Hurriedly they slipped back into their clothes, and went down stairs. Theystepped out of the hotel and mingled with the people on the streets, quitea crowd for Washington at that hour of the night. 

The stream of people led toward Eleventh and Pennsylvania avenue, where alarger crowd was gathered in front of a bulletin board in the window of anewspaper office. 

"Big news of some kind, " said Jack as they hurried along. 

"And not good news, either, " Frank declared. "There'd be some cheering ifit were. "

"You're right, " said Jack. 

By main force they wormed their way through the crowd, until they wereclose enough to read the bulletin board. Then Jack uttered an exclamationof alarm. 

"I knew it!" he cried. 

For what he read was this:

"Navy Department announces sinking of two freight vessels off New Jerseycoast by German submarines. "

"I knew it!" Jack said again. 

CHAPTER XIII

THE SUBMARINES GROW BOLDER

The boys returned to their rooms. 

"Now what?" asked Frank. 

"I don't know, " was Jack's reply. "I hate to sit here quietly when thewhole American navy, or what part of it is still here, is in chase of theGermans, but what are we going to do about it?"

"Search me, " replied Frank. 

"Our instructions, " Jack continued, "are to stay here pending furtherorders. "

"Maybe we'll get them soon, " said Frank. 

"Yes; and maybe we won't. "

"Then we'll just have to sit tight. "

"That's what worries me. "

There was a knock at the door. 

"Come in, " Frank called. 

A bell boy entered with a second cablegram. 

Jack tore it open hastily. 

"Hurray!" he cried. 

"What's up?" demanded Frank. 

He arose and peered over his chum's shoulder. What he read was this:

"Offer your services and the services of the Essex to the U. S. NavyDepartment at once. "

"Fine!" cried Frank. "Let's get busy. "

It was the work of half an hour, however, to get Secretary Daniels on thetelephone. He had been aroused at the first news of the sinkings off thecoast and had been kept on the jump ever since. But he took time to talkto Jack. 

"I am authorized by the British Admiralty, sir, " said Jack over the'phone, "to offer the services of my ship to the American government. "

"Accepted with thanks, " snapped Secretary Daniels. "You will proceedimmediately to your vessel in Newport News, after which you will join theAmerican vessels on patrol duty off the coast of Virginia. I shall informAdmiral Sellings that you will report to him for instructions. "

Without awaiting a reply, Secretary Daniels hung up. 

"By George!" said Jack. "He's a man of action when he gets to moving. "

"What did he say?" demanded Frank. 

"Hurry and pack your things, " was Jack's reply. "I'll explain as we work. "

It was the work of only a few minutes for the lads to gather theirbelongings and dump them in their handbags. Then they hurried downstairs, where they paid their bill and learned that they could catch a train toRichmond within the hour. 

"Going after the submarines?" asked the night clerk. 

"Yes, " replied Jack shortly. 

"Good! I hope you get 'em. Here's your taxi. "

The lads jumped into the taxi and were driven to the station, where theycaught their train with time to spare. 

It lacked two hours of daylight when they arrived in Richmond. They took ataxi across town to the Chesapeake and Ohio station, where they caught atrain for Newport News an hour later. At eight o'clock they were inNewport News, and fifteen minutes later stepped aboard the Essex. 

"Glad to see you back, sir, " said Lieutenant Hetherton, who held the deck. "I suppose you've heard----"

"Pipe all hands to quarters, Mr. Hetherton, " Jack interrupted sharply, "and clear ship for action. We sail within the hour. "

Lieutenant Hetherton hurried away. 

"Frank, " said Jack, "go below and have a look at the engine room. Thenfind the quartermaster and see about provisions and fuel. "

Frank also hurried away. 

Sailing preparations aboard the Essex were made hurriedly and within lessthan an hour all was ready for departure. Meanwhile, crowds had collectedashore, upon learning that the Essex was about to set out in pursuit ofthe German undersea raiders. 

Loud cheers split the air. Men and women waved their handkerchiefs. From agroup of soldiers on the shore came expressions of good luck. In responseto Jack's request, a pilot had been hurried aboard and now took the wheel. 

"Half speed ahead, " Jack ordered. 

The water churned up ahead of the Essex, and she moved majestically towardthe center of the stream. 

Gradually the cheering died away in the distance, and the city of NewportNews was lost to sight. In Hampton Roads again, the pilot was dropped in asmall boat and rowed shoreward. 

Frank took his place behind the helmsman and Jack rang for full speedahead. At last the Essex was off in pursuit of the German submarines. 

Meanwhile, an account of the activity of the enemy off the coats is inorder. Besides the sinking of the first two freight vessels, which hadbeen reported to the Navy Department by survivors who had reached shore insmall boats, other vessels had been sent to the bottom. Most of these werefreighters or small trading ships, including two sailing vessels. Some hadbeen sunk off the New Jersey coast, others off the coasts of Delaware andVirginia. 

In some cases the vessels attacked had attempted to flee, but they werequickly overhauled by the submarines, which, besides firing torpedoes intotheir hulls, shelled them with rapid fire guns and later attacked thesmall boats in which the crews sought to make the shore. 

Casualties had been heavy aboard the ships sunk by the raiders. One or twoof the enemy submarines had been fired on by armed ships, but to no avail;and as a result of those efforts, the death lists aboard such vessels hadbeen increased, for the Germans, angered, had swept the survivors in smallboats with rapid fire guns. 

How many submarines were operating in American waters, the Navy departmentdid not know. From the fact that ships were attacked in at least threeplaces, within a short space of time, however, it was believed that therewere at least three or four of the raiders. 

From all ports along the coast, destroyers, submarine chasers, motor boatsarmed with single guns, had put to sea in an effort to run down theraiders. But off the New Jersey coast, almost in the midst of thesevessels, a sailing ship was sunk by a submarine. Before any of thepatroling vessels could reach the scene, however, the U-Boat had submergedand fled. 

Depth bombs were dropped by ships of war wherever it was thought asubmarine might be lurking beneath the water. But these efforts met withno success. Reports of sinkings in other parts of the water reached theNavy department. 

The first sinking was reported on May 10. In the week that followed, eighteen other vessels were sent to the bottom by German submarines offthe American coast. At the end of that time, however, the waters werebeing so well patrolled that it would have been suicide for a submarine tohave showed itself. 

Reports of sinkings ceased. But, from time to time, word was received thatsubmarines had been sighted farther south, first off the coast of theCarolinas and then off Florida. No attacks were made in these waters, however, and the next that was heard of the submarines they were off thecoast of South America. 

During the activities of the enemy raiders, one submarine was sunk, andone was captured, both through the efforts of Jack and the crew andofficers of the Essex. 

After leaving Hampton Roads, the Essex steamed out beyond the VirginiaCapes. Immediately Jack sought to get into communication with AdmiralSellings by wireless. And at last he raised the admiral's flagship, theDakota. 

"What do you want?" came the query from the Dakota, after Jack's flash hadbeen picked up. 

"British destroyer Essex, Captain Templeton, reporting to Admiral Sellingsfor orders at the request of Secretary Daniels, " was the message Jack sentback. 

"One moment, " was the reply. 

Jack waited in the radio room aboard the Essex. 

"Essex! Essex!" came the call five minutes later. 

"Answer, " Jack directed the operator. 

"Essex replying, " the operator flashed. 

"Admiral Sellings orders Essex to proceed north and stand out to sea toprotect inbound vessels. Understand one submarine sighted five miles outfive hours ago. Repeat. "

The operator repeated the message to show that he had caught in correctly. 

Jack went on deck and gave instructions necessary to putting the Essex outat sea. Then, "Full speed ahead!" he signalled. 

The British destroyer Essex stood out to sea magnificently. Aboard, hercrew stood to their posts, ready for action. Jack, surrounded by hisofficers, held the bridge. 

"We've got to keep a sharp eye out, " said Jack. 

"Right, " Frank agreed. "We're likely to come upon one of the enemy anymoment, and we can't afford to let him see us first. "

"Very true, sir, " Lieutenant Hetherton agreed. "Fortunately all ourlookouts have sharp eyes. I'll venture to say a submarine won't come tothe surface very close to us without being seen. "

"That's the way to talk, Mr. Hetherton, " said Jack. "It shows the properspirit. "

"And the men are imbued with the same spirit, " declared Frank, "and yetsee how cool they are. "

It was perfectly true. There was no confusion aboard the Essex in spite ofthe fact that each member of the crew knew he was bent on a dangerousmission. One shot from the submarine, they knew, if truly aimed and Jackwas unable to maneuver the vessel out of harm's way, would be the end. However, like all British tars, they had absolute confidence in theircommander; for, according to their line of reasoning, if he were not acapable officer and to be depended upon he would not be in command of theship. 

Suddenly the radio operator appeared on deck and hurried toward thebridge. Jack stepped forward to meet him. The lad took the message theoperator passed him and read:

 "S. O. S. Pursued by submarine eighteen miles off Cape May light. Am running south by west, but foe is gaining. Capt. Griswold, Ventura. "

"This, " said Jack quietly, "means that there is still another U-Boat to bereckoned with, but I had no idea they were operating so far out. We'llhave to get busy. "

Jack looked at his officers with a slight smile on his face, then ordered:"Shape your course due east, Frank. Full speed ahead. "

CHAPTER XIV

THE U-87

As the Essex sped forward the radio operator from time to time picked upother messages from the Ventura. 

"She's headed directly toward us, " Jack explained to Frank. "We shouldsight her within the hour. "

The Ventura was sighted in less, but under peculiar conditions. 

"Ship on the starboard bow, sir, " sang the lookout forward. 

A moment later the officers on the bridge sighted the vessel through theirglasses. 

"By George! She seems to be standing still, " said Frank. 

"So she does, " Lieutenant Hetherton agreed, "Wonder what's the matter?"

"We'll find out fast enough, " returned Jack quietly. 

"Take the bridge, Mr. Chadwick, " said Jack. "I'm going below to the radioroom. "

"See if you can raise the Ventura, " he instructed the radio operator, afew moments later. 

"Ventura! Ventura!" went the call through the air. 

There was no response. 

"Try it again, " said Jack. 

The operator obeyed. Still there was no reply from the Ventura. 

"Something wrong, " Jack muttered under his breath, "and still I saw nosign of a submarine. Try 'em again, Wilkins. "

Again the radio operator sent the call flashing through the air:

"Ventura! Ventura! Ventura!"

The instrument at Wilkins' side began to click. 

"Ventura replying, sir, " Wilkins reported. 

"I hear him, " said Jack briefly. "Let me get at that key, Wilkins. "

The operator sprang up and Jack took his place and strapped the receiverover his head. 

"What's the trouble, Ventura?" he clicked. 

"Held up by submarine, " was the reply. "U-Boat due east of us. You can'tsee her. We sighted you just after we were boarded. "

"Then how does it come you are at the key?" Jack clicked. 

"Broke away from captors on deck. They are pounding at the door now. "

"Have they sighted us?"

"They hadn't. There goes the door, Good-bye. "

The flashes from the Ventura ceased. Jack sprang up and turned thereceiver over to the operator. 

"Keep calling, " he said. "If you pick the Ventura up again, let me know. I'll send a man so you can report to me through him. "

Jack hurried on deck. 

In the distance the Ventura was plainly visible now. Jack changed thecourse of the ship slightly, and after the vessel had gone half a mile hemade out the form of a submarine lying close astern of the Ventura. 

"By George! They must see us, " he muttered. "If the lookout on the U-Boathasn't espied us, surely some of the Germans on the deck of the Venturamust have done so. Wonder why the submarine captain doesn't sink thesteamer and submerge. Surely he is not going to risk an encounter withme. "

Nevertheless, it seemed that such must be the submarine commander'sintention, for the submarine showed no sign of submerging as the Essexbore down on her. 

Through his binoculars Frank was now able to ascertain the fact that astruggle was in progress on the deck of the Ventura. A dozen or morefigures, closely interlocked, were scuffling to and fro across the bridge. Frank gave an exclamation. 

"I know what's wrong, " he ejaculated. 

"Well, what?" demanded Jack, turning to him. 

"Why, the crew, or some of the crew, has jumped the commander of thesubmarine and his escort. That's why the officer left on the U-Boatdoesn't dare sink the vessel. And the crew of the steamer is keeping theGerman and his friends so busy aboard that they haven't had a chance tojump overboard. "

"By George! I guess you're right, " declared Jack. "Now if they can holdthem fifteen minutes longer we'll get in the game ourselves. "

Again Jack altered the course of the Essex and approached the submarine atan angle from the Ventura. 

"Forward turret guns there!" he roared. 

It was the signal the men had been eagerly awaiting. Quickly the signal"ready" was flashed in the forward turret. The men were already at theirposts. 

"Range finders!" ordered Jack. 

"Aye, aye, sir, " came the reply of the officer in charge of this work, andhe calculated the range swiftly and passed the word to the captain of thegun crew in the forward turret. 

"Fire!"

A heavy shell flew screaming across the water. 

But the range had not been correct and the shell flew past the submarine. Again the range was calculated, taking into consideration the first error. Again the command to fire was given. 

This time the range had been gauged perfectly and the shell must have gonehome had it not been for one thing. 

A moment before the command to fire was given, a torpedo was launched bythe submarine. Jack saw the torpedo come dashing through the water, and hewas forced to order the helm over promptly to escape the deadly messenger. This maneuver was made at the precise moment that the Essex fired for thesecond time, and consequently the shell again went wide. 

Almost at the same instant Frank, who had kept his eyes glued to the deckof the Ventura where the struggle on the bridge had continued fiercely, uttered an exclamation of alarm. 

"They've broken away, " he cried. 

It was true, The submarine commander and his followers had succeeded ineluding the crew of the Ventura and dashed to the rail. There they poisedthemselves a brief moment, and then flung themselves headlong into thesea. Directly, dripping, they appeared on the deck of the submarine anddashed for the conning tower. 

"Quick!" roared Jack. "Forward turret guns again there!"

Once more the range was calculated and an explosion shook the Essex. Butas before the range had not been true. The shell barely skimmed the top ofthe U-Boat and went screaming half a mile past, where it struck the waterwith a hiss. 

Slowly the submarine began to submerge. 

"Again!" cried Jack. 

But the next shot had no better success. 

The submarine disappeared from sight. 

Jack stamped his foot. 

"What's the matter with those fellows forward?" he demanded. "Can't theyshoot? Didn't they ever see a gun before?"

There was no reply from the other officers and gradually Jack cooled down. 

"Pretty tough, " said Frank then. "We should have had that fellow. "

Jack nodded gloomily. 

"So we should, " he cried, "but we didn't get him. Well, better luck nexttime. All the same, I'm inclined to believe that Ensign Carruthers needs atalking to. He didn't take the time to calculate the range correctly. "

"I'll speak to him, " said Frank. 

"Do, " said Jack. "In the meantime we'll run close to the Ventura and I'llgo aboard for a word with her captain. "

The Ventura's wireless was working again now, and Jack himself took thekey. 

"Lay to, " he ordered. "I'm coming aboard you. "

"Very well, " was the reply. 

The two vessels drew close together. Jack had the destroyer's launchlowered, climbed in and crossed to the Ventura, where a ladder was loweredfor him. On deck he was greeted by a grizzled old sailor, who introducedhimself as Captain Griswold. 

"Come to my cabin, sir, " he said to Jack. "We can talk there without beinginterrupted. "

Jack followed the captain of the Ventura below, and took a seat the lattermotioned him to. The captain set out liquor and cigars, but Jack wavedthem away. 

"I neither smoke nor drink, thanks, " he said. 

Captain Griswold shrugged his shoulders and put a match to a cigar. 

"Well, what can I do for you, Captain?" he asked. 

"First, " said Jack, "did you get the number of the submarine?"

"I did. The U-87, Commander Frederich, the captain styled himself; and ifthere ever was a murderer unhung, he's the man. "

"Why?" asked Jack curiously. 

"Because he proposed setting my passengers and crew adrift in small boats, without water or provisions, before sinking my ship. And when I told himthat I had him figured correctly--that he intended to shell thelifeboats--the cold-blooded scoundrel admitted it! That's why we had thenerve to jump him on deck. I figured we might as well die on the Venturaas in the lifeboats--and we had a chance of taking him to Davy Jones'locker along with us. "

"I see, " said Jack. "Not a bad idea. "

"It was offered by the wireless operator, " continued Captain Griswold, "although he offered it unconsciously. "

"Explain, " Jack requested. 

"Well, Harrington thought he heard his instrument clicking. He figured itwas you, whom we had just sighted. He broke through the Germans on deckand dashed below. He locked himself in his room and began talking to you. Three of the enemy went after him and broke in the door, but I guess hehad told you enough by that time. "

"I'd like a word with this Harrington, " said Jack. "He is a brave man. Where is he?"

"Dead, " said Captain Griswold quietly. 

Jack jumped to his feet

"Dead?" he repeated. 

"Yes. After the Germans broke in the door, they overpowered him, tied himand then brought back on deck. Said the German commander: 'I'll show youhow we treat men who defy us. ' He stepped back several paces, drew hisrevolver and fired. Then three of the enemy threw the body into the sea. That's when we jumped them, for it was more than we could stand. "

"Then who answered the wireless when I called a moment ago?"

"I did. "

"I guess that is enough, Captain, " said Jack. He returned to the Essex. 

CHAPTER XV

JACK GIVES CHASE

"Any sight of the submarine, Frank?" asked Jack, when he stepped on deckagain. 

"None, " was the reply. "In accordance with instructions you gave beforeyou went overside we dropped depth bombs in the spot where the U-Boatdisappeared, but without result. "

"I guess he's gone, then, " said Jack. "But I'd like to get my hands onthat fellow, " and he related to Frank the manner in which the Germancommander had shot down the wireless operator aboard the Ventura. 

"By Jove! What a murderous scoundrel!" muttered Frank. 

Jack nodded. 

"No worse than the rest of them, I'll wager, " he said. "But, hello! TheVentura's moving again. "

As soon as Jack had left the deck of the steamer, Captain Griswold hadordered the engines started and prepared for a quick dash to shore. 

"There are likely to be more of those pesky submarines about here, " hemuttered, "and the sooner I reach port the better. "

Accordingly he ordered full speed ahead. 

"Do you know, " said Frank, "I've a hunch that the U-87 is not through withthe Ventura. You know how the German is. He doesn't like to admit he'sbeen licked, so I figure the submarine commander is likely to have goneahead and will be awaiting the approach of the Ventura. "

"Now by George! I wouldn't be a bit surprised, " Jack agreed. "Well, we'llbe ready for him. "

"What are you going to do, Jack?"

"I'll show you. Come. "

Jack dashed to the radio room, Frank at his heels. 

"Get the Ventura for me, " Jack instructed the operator. 

It was perhaps five minutes later that the Ventura answered the call. Jacktook the key. 

"Captain Griswold?" he asked. 

"Yes. Who are you?"

"Captain Templeton, destroyer Essex. "

"Well, what do you want this time?"

"Slow down. I'm coming aboard again. "

"What for?"

"I'll explain when I get there. "

"All right, but I'll tell you I don't like this business. "

The instrument became silent. 

"Now tell me what you're going to do, Jack, " said Frank, as he followedhis chum and commander on deck. 

"It's very simple, " said Jack. "As you have said, I believe that thesubmarine commander will intercept the Ventura again farther along towardthe shore. Now, I'm going to turn the Essex over to you temporarily andgo aboard the Ventura. You know the Germans as well as I do. This man willno more think of sinking the Ventura without doing a bit of bragging tothe captain, who fooled him once, than he will of flying. "

"That's true enough, " Frank admitted. 

"All right. Now I'll be aboard when he gets there. If he comes aboard, I'll grab him there. If he doesn't I'll jump to the deck of the submarineafter him and tumble him overboard. I'll trust to you to keep thesubmarine occupied and to get a boat to me. "

"It's a desperate venture, Jack, " Frank protested. 

"So it is, " was Jack's reply, "but I've a longing to capture this fellow. If we just sink the submarine, I can't do it of course. Another thing, itmay be that I am not doing just right in leaving my ship, but it will onlybe for a couple of hours and I know you can handle it as well as I can. "

"Oh, I won't sink her, " grinned Frank. "But why not let me be the one togo?"

"Because I'm not sure you can handle the German commander. "

"But you're sure you can, eh?"

"He'll have to be something new in the line of a German if I can't. "

"All right, " said Frank. "Have it your own way. You're boss here, youknow. "

Meantime the Essex and the Ventura had been drawing closer together. Directly a boat put off from the destroyer and ran alongside of thesteamer. Jack clambered over the side and the launch returned to thedestroyer. 

Captain Griswold was waiting for Jack. 

"Now what's up?" he wanted to know. 

"Come to your cabin and I'll explain, " said Jack. 

In the seclusion of the cabin he outlined the situation. When he hadconcluded a sketch of his plans, Captain Griswold demurred. 

"But I don't like to risk my passengers, " he said. 

"You won't be risking them any more with me aboard than you will withoutme, " Jack explained. "Besides, you will have the additional protection ofthe destroyer. In fact, it may be that the presence of the Essex willscare the submarine off, but I doubt it. The German commander, as all ofhis ilk, is angry at having been balked of his prey. He'll probably haveone more try, destroyer or no destroyer. "

"Well, " said Captain Griswold, "you're a British naval officer and shouldknow something, whether you do or not. But I'll tell you right now I hopethe submarine doesn't show up again. "

Nevertheless, Captain Griswold was doomed to disappointment, for the U-87did reappear. 

It was almost 6 o'clock in the evening when all on board were startled bya cry from the lookout. 

"Submarine on the port bow, sir. "

Instantly all became confusion on the big merchant ship. Passengers, ofwhom there were perhaps fifty, became greatly excited. Every man on boardstrapped on a life preserver, and waited for he knew not what. 

The fact that, directly astern, the Essex, British destroyer, was in plainsight and trailing them, did not allay their fears. Came a shot from a gunmounted forward on the submarine, a signal to heave to. 

"Obey it, " said Jack, to Captain Griswold, on the bridge. 

Captain Griswold ordered his engines stopped. 

"I'll keep out of sight for a moment, " said Jack. "The commander may comeon board. "

He stooped down in the shelter of the pilot house. 

The submarine drew close to the Ventura, and a voice hailed CaptainGriswold:

"Thought you'd get away did you, you Yankee pig. "

It was the voice of the German commander. 

"Oh, we may get away yet, " said Captain Griswold. 

"Don't depend on the destroyer this time, " shouted the commander of thesubmarine. "I see her approaching, but she won't be soon enough. I'll sinkyou and submerge before she can fire a shot. "

"Well, you big cut throat, " shouted Captain Griswold, losing his temper, "why don't you do it?"

"You dare to talk to a German officer like that?" thundered the submarinecommander. "You shall be sunk immediately. But first I wanted a word withyou. I just wanted to tell you what fate I hold in store for you. "

"It's my opinion, " said Captain Griswold, "that you're a big bluff, likeall the rest of your stripe. "

Meantime, realizing that the German commander did not intend to board theVentura a second time, Jack crept from the shelter of the pilot houseunobserved and stole across the deck until he was beside the rail justabove the U-Boat, whose sides almost scraped the Ventura, so close werethe two vessels together. 

Jack removed his coat and his cap, which he dropped on deck. Then he stoodup in full view of the German submarine commander. The latter gazed at himcarelessly, for without his cap and coat Jack showed no sign of being aBritish naval officer. 

Jack took in the scene about him with a careful eye. The German commanderstood close to the conning tower. There were perhaps half a dozen menbeside him, presumably his officers. The commander was directly below thespot where Jack stood. 

One of the Germans, Jack noticed, kept a close eye on the approachingEssex and from time to time spoke to the commander in a low tone. 

"Oh, these English can't shoot, " Jack heard the commander say at last. "However, I guess we have delayed long enough. Inside with you, gentlemen. "

Two of the Germans descended through the conning tower. This left four onthe deck of the submarine besides the commander. These, too, moved towardthe conning tower. 

"Guess it's time to get busy, " Jack muttered. 

With a single movement he leaped to the rail of the Ventura, and with asecond hurled himself to the deck of the submarine, landing in the midstof the startled Germans. 

At the same moment, Captain Griswold, on the Ventura, signalled his engineroom for full speed ahead in accordance with Jack's instructions. 

The reason for this was obvious. First, it would take the steamer out ofthe way of the torpedoes already trained on her, which would not belaunched without a command from one of the enemy officers, and, second, itwould draw the Ventura away so as to present the submarine as a cleartarget for the guns of the approaching Essex. 

Jack, on the deck of the submarine, recovered himself before the Germanofficers could get over their surprise. He sprang to his feet and wadedinto them, striking out right and left. 

Two men went staggering across the narrow deck and toppled into the sea. The others reached for their revolvers. Before they could fire, however, Jack sprang forward quickly and floored one of the enemy with a smashingblow. This left the commander and one other officer on deck. 

The commander fired at Jack, but in his haste the bullet went wild. Jackhurled himself forward, and the men gave ground. One, retreating, lost hisbalance and went staggering across the deck and fell overboard. 

Only the commander of the submarine now faced Jack, and he covered the ladwith a revolver. 

"Hands up!" he said. 

For answer Jack smiled slightly, and took a quick step forward. 

"Crack!" the German's revolver spoke sharply, and Jack felt a hot pain inhis left arm. But the German had no time to fire again, for Jack was uponhim, pinning his revolver arm to his side. 

"Now, " said the lad, "I've got you!"

The two wrestled across the deck. 

CHAPTER XVI

THE FIGHT ON THE U-87

In the meantime, members of the crew hearing the commotion on deck, rushedup to see what was going on. Seeing their commander struggling with anenemy, they hurried across the deck. 

Jack saw them coming out of the tail of his eye. It was not time tohesitate and the lad knew it. 

With his arms still wrapped about the German commander, Jack struggled tothe rail and leaped into the sea. Down and down he went, never for amoment relaxing his hold on the German. Then they came to the surface. 

With a sudden jerk the German freed himself and aimed a heavy blow atJack. This Jack dodged and sought to regain his hold on his foe. But theGerman wriggled away and struck out for the submarine. 

In the meantime, Captain Griswold of the Ventura had been watching thestruggle as his vessel sped away from the scene. There was a strange lightin his eyes and he muttered to himself. At last he muttered animprecation. 

"He's a brave boy, " he said. "I can't run away and leave him like that. "

He brought the head of the vessel around in spite of the protests of someof the passengers, and headed back for the submarine. 

"Man the forward gun there!" he cried. 

For the Ventura, like other allied ships plying in the seas in those days, carried small guns for defensive purposes. The gun crew sprang to obeythis order and the gun was trained on the submarine. 

"Fire!" shouted Captain Griswold. 

"Crash!"

The gun spoke and a geyser of water was kicked up just beyond thesubmarine. 

At this point the officer left in command of the submarine seemed torealize his own danger. He sprang to the conning tower, unmindful of thefact that his commander was struggling in the water. 

"Down, men!" he cried. 

But it appeared that the German sailors were made of sterner stuff thanwas the officer. They refused to go below until their commander had beenbrought safely aboard. In vain the officer pointed out their danger. 

Jack struck out after the German commander as the latter swam for thesubmarine. The lad was a powerful swimmer and he felt confident he couldovertake the man before help could reach him. 

The destroyer Essex had now drawn close. Frank had been afraid to order ashot at the submarine for fear the shell might hit Jack in the water. 

"Take the bridge, Mr. Hetherton!" he cried. "Lower a boat, men!"

The boat was lowered in a trice and Frank and a score of sailors sprangin. The launch darted toward Jack at full speed, Frank standing erect andwith the quartermaster at the rudder. 

They were close enough to see the struggle between Jack and the Germancommander in the water. Frank saw the man break loose from Jack and strikeout for the submarine. He saw Jack make after him, and he saw somethingmore. 

Half a dozen German sailors leaped into the water and made for Jack, whoapparently did not realize his own danger, so interested was he in thepursuit of the German commander. 

"Faster!" cried Frank, and drew his revolver. 

Now, for the first time, Jack realized his danger. But it was too late todraw back, and it is doubtful if he would have done so anyway. 

"I'm going to get that fellow, " he gritted between his teeth, referring tothe German commander. 

One of the German sailors struck at the lad with a knife. Jack caught theman's arm with his left hand and twisted sharply. There was a snap, andthe knife dropped into the water. The sailor uttered a cry of pain andturning, struck out for the submarine with his good arm. 

Two sailors now beset Jack on either side, and the German commander turnedto renew the struggle. 

"Kill him!" he cried angrily. 

One of the sailors raised himself high in the water, and a knife flashedabove him. 

"Crack!"

A revolver spoke sharply and the knife dropped from limp fingers. 

Frank, standing erect in the Essex's launch, had fired. Now, as has beensaid, Frank was a crack shot, and in spite of the pitching of the smallboat, his aim had been true. The bullet had struck the German sailor's armjust below the elbow, shattering the nerve. 

Perceiving the approach of reinforcements, at an order from theircommander, the Germans turned and swam rapidly toward the submarine. Thesailors reached the vessel and climbed aboard. Their commander didlikewise. 

Unmindful of the cries of his friends behind him, Jack also laid hold ofthe edge of the submarine and drew himself, dripping, aboard the vessel. Asailor near the conning tower raised his revolver in deliberate aim. 

"Crack! Crack!"

Two revolvers spoke almost as one, the first Frank's, the second that ofthe sailor who aimed at Jack. But Frank's bullet went home, thusdeflecting the aim of the man who covered Jack, and the German's bulletwent wild. 

The commander of the submarine, at this juncture, losing his temper atbeing pursued to the very door of safety, turned and sprang for Jack witha wild cry. He was a big and powerful man, and as he wrapped his armsabout Jack, the lad staggered back. 

But he recovered his balance in a moment and struck out with his rightfist. Struck in the stomach, the German grunted and stepped back. 

Now the remainder of the German crew came pouring on deck. At the sametime Frank's launch grated alongside and his men poured a volley of riflebullets into the enemy. The latter turned and scampered for safety belowdecks. 

Jack, still struggling with the German commander, paused and looked aroundlong enough to cry:

"After them, Frank! Don't let them shut you out. "

Frank understood and led his men toward the conning tower at a run. Mostof the enemy were already inside and descending, but Frank arrived in timeto prevent the closing of the conning tower, which would have permittedthe submarine to submerge, leaving the struggling figures in the water. With the conning tower open, it was, of course, impossible for the U-Boatto submerge, for she would have been flooded immediately. 

Frank's men made prisoners of the half a dozen Germans who had not time toget below, and then the lad ran over to help Jack. 

"Keep away, Frank, " said Jack. "I've got this fellow, and I hope hedoesn't give up too easily. We've heavy accounts to settle with him. "

The big German showed no symptoms of giving up. He lashed out with botharms and Jack was kept busy warding off the blows. But the Germancommander was a novice at this sort of fighting, while Jack, only a yearor so before, had won the heavyweight boxing championship of the Britishnavy. So there was no doubt in Frank's mind as to the outcome. He and hismen formed a circle around the struggling figures, at the same timeguarding the conning tower to prevent the enemy from closing it. 

"Shoot the first head you see down there, " Frank enjoined the men he lefton guard, and he knew they would be only too glad to obey this order. 

Jack, with a smile still on his face, permitted the German commander towaste his energy in ineffective blows. Then Jack stepped forward anddelivered a heavy blow to the man's mouth. The German staggered back. Jackdoubled him up with a left-handed punch to the pit of the stomach, thenstraightened him with a second hard right to the point of the chin. 

The German commander reeled backward. Jack followed up his advantage, andfor the space of a minute played a tattoo on the man's face with bothfists. Then he stepped back, and as the German came toward him, the ladmuttered:

"I guess this has gone far enough. Now for the finish. "

He started a blow almost from the deck, and putting his full force behindit, struck. 

"Crack!"

The blow could be heard even aboard the Ventura, which had approachedclose by this time. 

The German commander seemed to stagger back all of ten paces, the Britishsailors scurrying back to keep out of his way. Then the man fell, his headstriking the deck with a sickening thud. 

"There, " said Jack, "I guess that will settle you. Tie him up, men. "

A wild cheer had burst from the sailors as Jack delivered the finishingtouch. None of these men had ever seen Jack in action before, and it wasonly natural that they should be greatly impressed at this exhibition oftheir commander's prowess. 

"By glory! What a blow!" one of them exclaimed. "Did you see it, Tom?"

"Did I?" exclaimed the man addressed as Tom; "did I? I'll say I did, and Ithought I was pretty handy with my fists. But not against Captain Jack, not for me. "

As bidden by Jack, the sailors rolled the German commander over and boundhim. Then they carried him to the Essex's launch and threw him in, nonetoo gently, either, for there was no man there who had not a disgust forGermans, German tactics and everything German. 

"Now, " said Frank to Jack, "I guess we may as well stand clear and let theEssex pour a few shells into the vessel, eh?"

Jack shook his head. 

"No, " he said, "we shall take possession of the vessel. Call down belowand see if the Germans will surrender. "

Frank approached the conning tower and called down. 

"Hello!" he shouted. 

There was no response. 

"Hello below!" he shouted again in German. 

"What do you want?" came a sullen voice from below. 

"We're in possession of this vessel now, " said Frank. "Come up here andsurrender. "

"We'll stay where we are, " came the reply after a brief pause. 

"But you can't man, " exclaimed Frank. "Don't you know when you have beencaptured. "

"We'll stay here awhile, " said the spokesman of the sailors. 

"But you can't stay there forever, and you can't submerge, " said Frank. "Come up and surrender. "

To this the lad received no response. Frank reported to Jack. 

"So they won't surrender, eh?" said Jack. "Then we'll go down and getthem. "

"Rather risky, Jack, " Frank warned. 

"So it is, " Jack agreed. "So's the whole war. But wait. We'll see. "

CHAPTER XVII

CAPTURE OF THE SUBMARINE

Captain Griwsold aboard the Ventura had watched the struggle on thesubmarine with eager eyes. His fingers clenched and unclenched. 

"I'd like to get into that, " he muttered. "I guess I'm not too old. "

Abruptly he turned to the first officer. 

"Lower a boat, " he said. "I'm going aboard the submarine. "

The first officer protested. 

"But the passengers--" he began. 

"The passengers be hanged, " said the captain of the Ventura. "Besides, we're safer here under the nose of this destroyer than we would beprowling off by ourselves. "

The first officer protested no longer. A boat was lowered and CaptainGriswold and half a dozen sailors climbed in and put off for thesubmarine, where they arrived just in time to overhear Jack say that ifthe Germans in the submarine didn't surrender they would go after them. Captain Griswold laid a hand on Jack's shoulder. 

"You're some scrapper, youngster, " he said. 

Jack was thus made aware for the first time that the Ventura had notrushed for her home port. 

"I thought you'd gone, Captain, " he said. 

"I was on my way, " said the captain of the Ventura, "until I saw youfighting these murderers single-handed. I came back to see if I couldhelp. "

"Thanks, " Jack laughed, "but I guess there are enough of us to attend tothem without you, Captain. "

"I'm not sure about that, " declared Captain Griswold. "I just heard yousay you were going below after those fellows?"

"Well?" questioned Jack. 

"Pretty risky, " responded Captain Griswold, shaking his head. "How do youfigure to get 'em?"

"Rush 'em, " said Jack briefly. 

Again the captain of the Ventura shook his head doubtfully. 

"Too risky altogether, " he declared. "The first one of you that shows hishead down there will be potted, sure as fate. "

"But we've got to do it, Captain, " said Jack. "How else is it to be done?"

"Well, " said Captain Griswold, removing his cap and scratching his head, "I guess I can suggest a way. "

"I'm open to conviction, Captain, " said Jack. 

"Aboard my ship, " went on Captain Griswold, "I have a supply of a certainsort of gas which, if used properly, will do in minutes what it may takeyou hours to accomplish. "

"By George!" said Frank. "Kill 'em all at once, eh?"

"Well, no, it won't do that, " replied Captain Griswold, "but it'll put 'emto sleep long enough for you fellows to go down and tie 'em up. "

"Bring on the gas, Captain, " said Jack quietly. 

Captain Griswold hustled back to his boat with the agility of a smallschool boy. 

"Back to the ship, " he roared to the sailors who rowed him. 

He mounted the ladder swiftly and summoned his first officer. 

"Helgoson, " he said, "those Britishers have gone and almost captured thatsubmarine. It's up to us to help 'em complete the job. "

"How, sir?" asked the first officer. 

"Do you know where that gas tank is below?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Fetch it here. It's small enough so you can carry it. Also get the hoseand the pump. "

"Yes, sir. "

The first officer hurried away. He was back in a few moments with thenecessary articles, which Captain Griswold took charge of himself. 

"Helgoson, " said Captain Griswold, "if you were a younger man I wouldinvite you to take a hand in this party yourself. As it is, you'll have tostick behind with the passengers. "

"But I'm younger than you by almost twenty years, sir, " protested thefirst officer. 

"Oh, no you're not, " laughed the commander of the Ventura, "you just thinkyou are. I've grown twenty years younger this day. "

He summoned a pair of sailors, whom he loaded down with the gas, hose andpump with instructions to place them carefully in the small boat. 

"And now for the submarine, " he confided to his first officer. 

On deck, half a dozen passengers approached the captain with inquiries asto what was going on. 

"Why, " he said with a grin, "we're just going to capture a submarine, that's all. Stick close to the side of the ship and you'll see how it'sdone. A lesson like this may come in handy some day. "

The passengers protested. 

"But the danger--" one began. 

"Danger be hanged, " said the captain. "There is no danger. While there wasdanger we were scuttling for the safety of land and now we come back whenit's all over. You should all be glad of this opportunity to render yourcountry a service. What sort of citizens are you, anyhow?"

Without further words he climbed down to the launch and was hustled backto the submarine, where Jack and the others were awaiting him eagerly. 

"Well, " said Captain Griswold, motioning to the articles that the sailorslaid on the deck, "here's the stuff. Get busy. "

"How do you work it, Captain?" asked Jack. 

"Don't you know?" demanded Captain Griswold. "Well, I'll tell you what. You just put me in command here for fifteen minutes and I'll do the jobfor you. "

"All right, sir, " said Jack. "Your commands shall be obeyed. "

Captain Griswold turned to the nearest sailor. 

"Take that hose and attach it to the nozzle on the tank, " he directed. The sailor did so. 

"Now the pump, " said the captain, "you will find a place for it on theother side of the tank. "

This was adjusted to the captain's satisfaction. 

"Now, " said the captain, "all you have to do is to stick this nozzle downthe conning tower, turn it so as to give the gas full play and pump. Ofcourse the gas would carry without the pump, but you save time this way. "

"One moment, Captain, " said Jack. "How about ourselves? Won't the gasaffect us as well as the Germans?"

Captain Griswold clapped a hand to his side. 

"Now what do you think of that?" he demanded. "I must be getting oldbefore my time. Here, Lands, " he called one of his own men, whoapproached. "Go and tell Helgoson I want two dozen of those gas masks inthe store room; and hustle. "

The sailor hurried away. He was back within fifteen minutes, and CaptainGriswold distributed the gas masks. Then he took the nozzle of the hose, poked it down the conning tower and looked around. 

"Everybody ready?" he asked. 

Jack also glanced around. Every man on the deck of the submarine wore agas mask. 

"All right, sir, " said Jack. 

"Then you turn that screw there when I give the word. All right? Thenshoot!"

There was a hissing sound as Jack turned on the gas. 

For perhaps ten minutes Captain Griswold moved the hose to and fro. Thenhe pulled it forth and motioned Jack to turn the screw again. This the laddid. Captain Griswold then motioned the others to follow him, and led theway below. 

At the foot of the conning tower they stumbled across several figures, overcome by the fumes. These were quickly bound and passed up on deck tothe men who remained behind. 

The search of the submarine took perhaps half an hour. Every nook andcranny was explored. The gas had done its work well. Apparently it hadpoured in so rapidly that the crew had had no time to open the portholes, for they were all closed. Captain Griswold opened them now. 

Then he led the way on deck, and closing the conning tower, removed hisgas mask. The others followed his example. 

"Simple, wasn't it?" said the captain of the Ventura to Jack, grinninglike a boy. "Lucky I happened to come back. "

"It is indeed, " said Jack. "But won't this gas affect us, Captain?"

"Not out here, " was the reply. "It's not strong enough. You can barelysmell it now. Now what are you going to do with the submarine?"

Jack considered a moment. 

"I'll tell you Captain, " he said, "it strikes me that this submarine isreally the prize of the Ventura. At all events, I cannot be bothered withit, for there is still patrol work to do in these waters. Can't you towher into port?"

"Can't I?" shouted Captain Griswold. "You bet I can. You give the word andI'll tie her on behind right now. "

"All right, Captain, " said Jack. "She's yours. "

Captain Griswold almost danced a jig there on the deck of the Germansubmarine. 

"Won't New York sit up and take notice when old Captain Griswold comesinto port towing a submarine?" he chortled. "Well, I guess. Here, Lands, go back to the ship and throw me a line. Then come back and help make itfast. "

This was accomplished with astonishing rapidity and amid the cheering ofthe crew and passengers of the Ventura and the wild hurrahs of the Britishtars of the Essex. 

"Well, she's all fixed, " said Captain Griswold, "and to tell you the truthI'm rather sorry. Of course I'm old and all that, but just the same I'dlike to go with you fellows. "

"You're doing your share, Captain, " said Jack seriously. "All of us can'tdo the fighting, you know. But there's work just as important, and you aredoing your part. But we must be moving now. We've wasted time enough. "

"So we have, " declared Captain Griswold. "Shall you leave us here, sir?"

"No, " said Jack, "we'll follow and see you safely in harbor. "

"Very well. Then I shall return to the Ventura. "

"And I to the Essex, Captain. Good-bye and good luck to you. "

Captain Griswold shook hands heartily with Jack, and then insisted onshaking hands as well with Frank, and every officer and member of theBritish crew aboard the submarine. Then he put off for his ship. 

Jack and the others returned to the Essex. When the lad reached thebridge, the Ventura was already moving, the submarine trailing behind. 

"A fine man, Captain Griswold, " said Frank. 

"Right, " Jack agreed. "And the U-87 is his so far as I'm concerned. Hemight hang it on his parlor wall for a souvenir. "

"Or wear it as a watch charm, " added Frank with a grin. 

CHAPTER XVIII

ASHORE

For two days the Essex had been cruising up and down the coast on patrolduty, looking for submarines. Several times the destroyer had beenordered farther out to sea to form an escort for an incoming steamer, butafter her encounter with the U-87 she had sighted no more of the enemy. 

Following the report of two vessels sunk off the coast on May 10, the dayon which the presence of German raiders off the coast was first reported, the number of sinkings increased the following day, and the next. Afterthat they fell off, however, and upon the fifth day only one ship--a smallschooner--was sent to the bottom off the coast of Delaware. 

The prisoners taken from the U-87 were stowed safely away below-decks onthe Essex, after which Jack got in touch with Admiral Sellings, on theDakota, by wireless. He reported the capture of the submarine and the factthat it was being towed into port by the Ventura. Admiral Sellings orderedJack to continue his patrol of the coast until further notice. 

Nevertheless, the Essex escorted the Ventura almost to port, beforeputting about and resuming her patrol duty. 

All the remainder of that day and the two days that followed Jack kept hisship moving up and down the coast, but he caught no sight of an enemyvessel, nor were any of the sinkings reported in that time close enough tobe considered within his territory. 

On the fourth day came a message from Admiral Sellings. 

"German submarine reported twenty miles north of Cape Charles, " read themessage. "Investigate. "

Jack acknowledged receipt of the order and addressed Frank, who stoodbeside him on the bridge. 

"Something definite to act on at last, " he said, and read the admiral'smessage aloud, adding: "Shape your course accordingly, Mr. Chadwick. "

Frank gave the necessary directions. The big ship came about and headedsouth again. 

It was well along in the afternoon when the Essex reached the approximatepoint designated by Admiral Sellings. Jack ran the destroyer as closein-shore as he dared, and for several hours cruised about in theneighborhood. But he saw nothing to indicate the presence of a submarine. 

"If there's a U-Boat here, it's keeping pretty well under cover, " saidFrank. 

"So it is, " replied Jack. "I don't know where the admiral got hisinformation, but I've got my doubts of its authenticity. "

Frank's eyes were caught at that moment by the sight of a small row boatputting off from the shore. He watched it idly for a moment, and thennoted that it was headed directly for the Essex. 

"Hello, " he said, "here comes some one to visit us. "

Directly the little boat scraped alongside the now stationary destroyerand the figure in the boat indicated that he wanted to come aboard. 

"Don't know what he wants, " muttered Jack, "but it'll be just as well tohave him up and find out. "

A few moments later the occupant stood before Jack and his officers on thebridge. 

"My name, " he said, "is Charles Cutlip, and I live back there. " He waved ahand shoreward. "I suppose you are hunting for submarines, Captain?"

Jack nodded. 

"That's what we're here for, " he affirmed. 

"I thought so, " said young Cutlip--he was a little more than a boy. "Well, Captain, maybe I can help you. "

Jack gave an exclamation of astonishment. 

"What do you mean?" he asked. 

"I don't know exactly, " replied the boy. "Yesterday afternoon, while I wasin the house alone, three strange men appeared at the door. They wore thecostume of an ordinary seafaring man, but when they asked me for food theyhad a strange manner of speech. They weren't Americans, I'm sure of that. "

"And you think they were from a submarine, eh?" asked Jack. 

"I'm sure of it, Captain. There were no other ships near, and they couldnot have come overland, for it is a long ways to the nearest village andthey had neither horses nor automobile. "

"And what did you say to them?" asked Frank. 

"I gave them what food there was in the house, but they said it wasn'tenough. About this time my father came in unexpectedly. The strangers drewrevolvers and covered him. They told him they would be back to-night andthat they required him to have a certain amount of food on hand. Theythreatened to kill him if he gave the alarm--and they threatened to killme too. "

"By George!" exclaimed Frank. "It looks as though we had come to the rightspot, Jack. "

"It certainly does, " agreed Jack. "Now tell us the rest of your tale, son. "

"That's about all, " said the boy. "They devoured what food I gave them andthen disappeared. "

"And your father sent you for help, I suppose, " added Frank. 

"No, " said the boy. "I came of my own accord. My father is badlyfrightened. He has gone to find the food for the strangers. I slipped awayand ran toward the sea. Then I saw your ship, sir, and I hurried to tellyou. "

"You have done well, " said Jack, laying a hand on the lad's shoulder. "Andnow you will be willing to help us further, will you not?"

"Of course I shall, sir. "

"Very good. Now you look around the ship to your heart's content, while Ihold a conference with my officers. "

"Very well, sir. "

The boy walked away. Jack held a consultation with his officers on thebridge. 

"If the boy is telling the truth, " he said, "and I have no doubt of it, weare in luck. It may be that we can capture this German crew ashore andthen take possession of the submarine. "

"But, sir, " protested Lieutenant Hetherton, "if the submarine were to cometo the surface now and catch sight of the Essex it would never come backagain. "

"I had thought of that, " replied Jack, "and I have a plan that will offsetit. You see that projecting reef there?" and Jack pointed to the north. The others signified that they did. "Well, " Jack continued, "back of thatis as cosy a little harbor as you would care to see. I noticed it as wecame by. We'll take the Essex there, and she will be hidden well enough. "

"Unless the submarine should chance to come to the surface there, " wasFrank's objection. 

"We'll have to leave something to chance, " declared Jack. 

"In which event your plan is as good as any I can conceive, " said Frank. "But after we get the Essex there, then what?"

"Why, " said Jack, "I'll take a party of half a hundred men or so andsurround the house of this Cutlip boy. When the Germans arrive we'll nab'em. After that we can find the submarine. "

"Hasn't it struck you, sir, " Frank asked of Jack, "that maybe the men whoaccosted this boy and his father were merely bluffing? That they may notreturn to-night?"

"It has, " Jack replied, "but at the same time there is a chance that theywill. Therefore, in lieu of any other clue as to the whereabouts of thesubmarine, I deem it well to act on what information, we have. "

"It won't hurt anything, that's sure, sir, " was Lieutenant Hetherton'scomment. 

In this the other officers agreed. 

"Very well then, " said Jack. "It shall be as I suggested. Mr. Chadwick, will you shape your course for the point I have mentioned. "

"But the boy, sir?" said Frank. "Shall we not put him over the sidefirst?"

"No; we'll take him with us, " Jack decided. 

As the destroyer began to forge ahead, the Cutlip boy grew alarmed andhurried to Jack's side. 

"You are not taking me away, are you, sir?" he asked fearfully. 

"No, " replied Jack, and outlined the situation as fully as he deemed wise. 

Young Cutlip was plainly eager to help in the capture of the Germansubmarine crew. 

"And you feel sure they will come back to-night?" Jack questioned. 

"Yes, sir. They must be very hungry. If you could have seen those threemen devour what little food I gave them! They seemed to be half starved. "

"Strange, too, " Jack muttered, "considering the number of ships they havesunk in these waters recently. They should have replenished their stores. "

"It may be that this was one of the less fortunate submarines, " saidFrank. "The sinkings may have been done by other U-Boats. "

"That's true, too, " said Jack. "I hadn't thought of that. I guess thatmust be the answer. "

Less than an hour later, the Essex passed behind the shelter of the reefJack had mentioned. There Jack ordered her stopped, and anchor dropped. 

"We should be out of sight here, " he said, "unless, as you suggested, Frank, the enemy should come to the surface at this point. And we'll haveto trust to luck that they don't. "

"And now what, sir?" asked Frank. 

"I'll let you select a hundred men of the crew for shore duty, " said Jack. 

This task did not take long, and Frank had picked and armed his men withinhalf an hour. 

"Now, " said Jack, "I'm going to put you in command of the party, Frank. Lieutenant Hetherton shall go along as your immediate subordinate. Twoofficers are enough. The rest of us will wait here. But if you have notreturned soon after daylight, we'll start a search for you. "

"I can see no reason why we should be longer, " said Frank. "We'll do thebest we can. "

"Then I would suggest that you go ashore at once, " said Jack. "You mustreach the Cutlip home while it is yet daylight in order to lay yourplans. "

"Right, sir, " said Frank, saluting. "We shall go ashore at once. "

They put off over the side in small boats and rowed toward the shore, where they landed less than an hour after the Essex dropped anchor. Jackwaved a hand to his chum from the bridge. 

"Good luck!" he called. 

Frank waved back at him, then addressed his men. 

"By fours! Forward march!" he commanded. 

The party, with young Cutlip in their midst, moved inland. 

CHAPTER XIX

IN THE NIGHT

It was not a long march to the Cutlip home, and the Essex party reachedthere some time before nightfall. Young Cutlip now whispered a word ofcaution to Frank. 

"My father will not like this, " he said. "He is naturally a cautious man. If he thinks I have given the alarm--am responsible for your beinghere--it will go hard with me. "

"Then he must not know it, " said Frank decidedly. "Do you think he will behome now?"

"Yes, sir; most likely. "

Frank considered. 

"Then I'll call a halt here, " he said. "You can return home and we willcome later. In that way he will not know that you gave the alarm. But bythe way, when he sees us is he not likely to try and warn the enemy?"

"He might, sir. He is terribly afraid of submarines and men who controlthem. He appears to think they are something supernatural. He believes thecrews of the submarines can whip anyone, sir. That is why he is likely totarry and give an alarm. "

"In that case, " said Frank, "we'll have to tie him up until the game isover. "

"He's my father, sir, and I don't want you to hurt him, " said youngCutlip, "but that would be the best way, sir. "

"Very well, " said Frank. "You run ahead, now; we'll wait here for anhour. "

He called a halt. Young Cutlip ran on ahead. Frank explained the reasonfor the halt to Lieutenant Hetherton, who agreed that the lad had actedwisely. 

"No use getting the boy in trouble if we can help, it, sir, " he said. 

An hour later Frank ordered the march resumed. Young Cutlip had givennecessary directions and the party from the Essex reached the Cutlip homewithout trouble. As they drew near, a man came to the door of the littlecabin that nestled in among a group of trees. Beside him, Frank made outthe figure of the boy who had given notice of the visit of some of thesubmarine crew. 

Frank motioned his men to halt some distance away, called LieutenantHetherton to follow him, and approached the cabin. 

"How do you do, sir?" he asked civilly of the big man in the doorway. 

"What do you want here?" was the growling response. 

"We're from a British destroyer out there, " said Frank, waving a hand inthe general direction of the Atlantic, "and we are hunting for submarinesthat have sunk a dozen or more ships off the coast. "

"You don't expect to find them here on land, do you?" demanded Cutlip. 

"Not exactly, " said Frank. "But I have reason to believe that the crew ofone of the vessels has come ashore. Have you seen anything of them, sir?"

"I have not, " replied Cutlip firmly. 

"No one resembling a German, even?" persisted Frank. 

"No. "

"You are quite sure?"

"Quite sure. "

"Think again, my man, " said Frank. 

"Look here, " said Cutlip, "do you mean to insinuate that I'm lying?"

"I don't insinuate anything. I know you are lying. Hold up there!"

For Cutlip had taken a threatening step forward. 

"A party of three German sailors from a submarine nearby were seen to comethis way, " Frank went on. "You must have seen them. Now, if you are nottrying to shield them, tell me where they are. "

"I don't know. I haven't seen them. "

"Call a couple of men, Lieutenant, " said Frank to Hetherton. 

Hetherton raised a hand, and two sailors came forward. 

"Once more, " said Frank to Cutlip, "will you tell me what you know ofthose men?"

"I tell you I don't know anything, " answered Cutlip doggedly. 

"Tie him up, men, " said Frank briefly. 

The sailors sprang forward and laid rough hands on Cutlip. The latterprotested vigorously with his mouth, but he offered only feebleresistance. 

"Now, " said Frank to Hetherton, "we can't leave him around here for if theGermans saw him they might take alarm. We'll have to have him sent back tothe ship. I guess those two men are big enough to get him there. "

"Plenty big enough, sir, " said one of them with a grin. 

"Good. Take him back, then, and come back when you have turned him overto Captain Templeton. Tell the captain to hold him until we return. "

The man touched his cap. 

"Aye, aye, sir, " he said. Then to Cutlip in a rough voice: "March, now. "

The three disappeared, Cutlip grumbling to himself and the sailorsgrinning. 

Frank turned to young Cutlip, who had watched these proceedings with somedisfavor. 

"Now, my boy, " he said, "we can get ready for business. "

"They won't hurt him, will they?" asked the boy, pointing after hisfather. 

"They will not, " said Frank. "Only keep him safe until the trouble isover. "

"All right. Then, I'll help you the best I can, sir. "

"That's the way to talk, my boy. Now let me look around a bit. "

Lieutenant Hetherton and young Cutlip accompanied Frank on his tour ofinspection. The lad found that the cabin was cuddled securely in aminiature forest, or rather at one end of it. On both sides and in therear were a profusion of dense trees. Only the approach from the front wasin the clear. 

"It's all right, " Frank said. I'll throw my men around the house fromthree sides, and when the Germans have gone in we can surround itcompletely. If they come after dark, there is little doubt they willapproach from the front. "

"And what shall I do, sir?" asked young Cutlip. 

Frank turned the matter over in his mind. 

"I am afraid I shall have to ask you to play rather a dangerous part, " hesaid at last. "You must be inside to receive them. If there were no onethere they might take alarm and run. Now, we'll go inside and see if yourfather has complied with the enemy's demand. "

The three entered the cabin. Inside, Frank made out several big sacksscattered about the floor. "Potatoes, " he said, and looked further. Therehe also found an extraordinary amount of salt meats and a bountiful supplyof vegetables. 

"Looks like your good father had been very busy, " he said to young Cutlipwith a smile. "That's what the Germans will have the whole world doing forthem if we don't lick 'em. "

"You're right there, sir, " agreed Lieutenant Hetherton. 

"Well, " said Frank, "we'll leave these things as they are. It will helpdivert suspicion from young Cutlip here when the Germans find his fatheris not on hand. But I guess there is nothing more we can do now. Come, we'll go outside. "

Frank now saw to the disposition of his men. These, as he had decided, hestationed on three sides of the cabin. He himself took command of the menon the left, Lieutenant Hetherton commanding the right wing and a sailornamed Hennessy the left. A short time later the sailors who had conductedCutlip the elder to the Essex returned and took their places. 

"Did he go along peaceably?" asked Frank of one of the newcomers. 

"Well, he kicked once or twice, " replied the man, "but he went along allthe same, sir. "

Frank grinned. 

"Just so long as you got him there, " he said. 

"Oh, he's there, all right, " grinned the sailor, "but when I left he wasthreatening to have the whole American navy down on us and hoping thatthese German submarines shoot us to little pieces. "

"I think we'll do most of the shooting, if there is any to be done, " saidFrank dryly. 

There was silence in the ranks after this, for it was now growing dark andit was possible that the Germans might appear at any moment. Every manstrained his eyes as he peered through the trees. 

Inside the cabin a faint light glowed. Young Cutlip was in there, playinga braver part than could his father, doing his best for his country asenemies threatened her existence. Frank smiled to himself. 

"A nervy kid, " he muttered; "yet, I wish I didn't have to use him. I shalltake especial care that no harm comes to him. "

He grew silent. 

In the distance came the sound of tramping feet--many of them. Graduallythey drew nearer and directly Frank could hear voices. Heavy, gutturalvoices they were and the tongue they spoke was German. 

Up to that moment Frank had not been at all sure in his own mind that theGermans would return to the cabin, as they had told the Cutlips. Nevertheless, here they were, and the lad's heart leaped high. 

"They must be pretty close to starvation to take such chances, " the ladmuttered to himself. "Wonder why they don't try a raid on one of thenearby towns? Guess they don't want to stir up any more trouble thanpossible, though. Well, we'll get 'em. "

Frank peered from his hiding place. The Germans were in sight now, andapproaching the house four abreast. 

"Four, eight, twelve, sixteen, twenty-four, " Frank counted. 

"That's not so many. We can grab them easy enough. "

But a moment later additional footsteps were heard. Again Frank countedmoving figures to himself. 

"Twenty more, " he muttered. "Where on earth did they all come from? ByGeorge! They certainly are taking a long chance marching around like this. Well, the more we can get the better. "

At the door of the cabin the Germans halted. Three of their number steppedforward and went inside. This was not at all in line with Frank's plans, and he realized now that the situation of young Cutlip, inside, wasdangerous in the extreme. Something must be done to protect him. 

As the Germans went inside the house, the others, meanwhile, standingguard, Frank gave the signal agreed upon, a soft whistle, like the call ofa bird of the night. The British began to move from their hiding placesand to draw closer to the Germans, standing there in the open. 

"Well, " Frank muttered to himself at last, "I guess the sooner we get busythe better. "

He sprang to his feet and leaped forward. 

CHAPTER XX

THE BATTLE

Meanwhile, inside the cabin young Cutlip was facing the Germans coolyenough. He rose to his feet as the door opened and the first German stuckhis head inside. The latter surveyed the interior rapidly, and seeing asingle figure there, advanced quickly, gun in hand. 

"Oho! It's the boy, " he said in clumsy English. "And where is yourfather?"

"I don't know, " answered the boy. "He went away. "

"But did he get the food?"

Cutlip motioned to the sacks of provisions on the floor. 

"Good!" said the German, rubbing his hands. 

He returned his revolver to his belt and motioned his two companions toenter. They closed the door behind them. 

"You have told no one of our presence here?" asked the first German, as hestooped over to examine the sacks. 

"No. "

"How about your father?"

"He has told no one, either. "

"It is well. For if you had, we would kill you now. "

Young Cutlip said nothing, but he knew by the hard look in the man's eyesthat he told the truth. In spite of the fact that the boy knew he was ingrave peril, he was perfectly cool. 

He sat down again as the Germans passed from sack to sack, examining thecontents. At last the first man stood up and faced the boy. 

"Your father, by chance, didn't say anything about pay for this food, didhe?" he asked. 

"No, " returned Cutlip. 

The German grinned. 

"Guess he knew it wouldn't do much good, " he said. "Well, men, let's rollthis stuff outside. "

Again the men bent over the sacks. 

At that moment there came a shot from without, followed by a volley. Onthe instant young Cutlip leaped to his feet, rushed to the door, threw itopen and dashed outside. 

There he was right in the midst of the Germans. But the latter were toobusy and too surprised to pay any attention to him at that moment. Theyhad wheeled at the first volley from the woods, and had turned their ownweapons against the trees on three sides of the cabin. 

Two or three of their number had gone down at the first fire, and theywere almost demoralized, so sudden and unexpected was the attack. Consequently, young Cutlip had time almost to get clear of the enemy. Infact, by quick dodging, he did get beyond them. 

Out the door now rushed the three Germans in the cabin, apparently incommand of the men without. One issued harsh orders, and the Germansdropped to the ground, thus making much smaller targets. 

Frank, as he sprang forward from among the trees, saw young Cutlip throwopen the door and dash out. Frank ran toward him despite the fact that hewas charging the enemy almost single-handed. But he knew that the boy wasin danger through no fault of the lad's own, and that he must beprotected. 

"Here, Cutlip!" he called. 

The boy ran toward him. 

Frank, a revolver in each hand, stopped and awaited the lad's approach. 

Two Germans raised their rifles to shoot Cutlip down. Frank's eye caughtthe glint of the steel in the darkness. His revolvers spoke sharply twice, and Cutlip came on unharmed. 

A bullet sang past Frank's right ear, another grazed his left. Morebullets began to sing by him. Cutlip stumbled forward, and sheathing onerevolver, Frank caught him by the hand. 

"Run!" he cried. 

Cutlip needed no further urging. Together he and Frank sped for theshelter of the woods, which they reached safely and threw themselves onthe ground as a rain of bullets passed overhead. 

"Close shave, son, " said Frank. 

Young Cutlip was trembling, but he was not afraid. 

"Give me a gun, " he cried. "I can pick off a few of 'em. "

But Frank shook his head. 

"You've done your part, " he said. "Now you get away from here until weclean these fellows up. "

Frank circled among the trees until he came into the midst of his own menagain. These were still peppering away at the enemy from among the treesand the Germans, lying on the ground, were returning the fire. 

"We're wasting too much time here, " Frank told himself. 

He looked across to where Lieutenant Hetherton and his men were alsoblazing away at the foe. 

"Forward men!" cried Frank suddenly. "Charge!"

The British tars under Frank's command went forward with a wild yell. Seeing their companions dashing across the open, the forces commanded byLieutenant Hetherton and the sailor Hennessy also broke from the trees andcharged. 

The Germans poured several sharp volleys into the attackers, then threwdown their arms. 

"Kamerad! Kamerad!" came the cry. 

"Cease firing!" Frank shouted. 

Silence reigned after the noise of the battle. 

"Take charge of those men, Mr. Hetherton, " said Frank quietly, "but becareful how you approach. I don't trust 'em. I'll keep 'em covered. "

Lieutenant Hetherton ordered his men to make prisoners of the Germans. 

There came a sudden interruption. 

The three Germans who had been in the cabin, as though by a prearrangedplan, suddenly dashed back into the little building and flung to the doorbefore they could be stopped. 

"Never mind, " said Frank, "remove the others, Mr. Hetherton. We'll attendto the men inside later. "

From the window of the cabin there came a sharp crack. A bullet zipped byFrank's ear, but the lad did not flinch. He moved his position and saw theGerman prisoners marched to the rear. 

"Now, " he said, "we'll have to get those fellows inside. First, however, we'll give them a chance. "

He raised his voice in a shout. 

"What do you want?" came the response from the cabin. 

"You are outnumbered ten to one, " said Frank. "Come out and surrender. Wedon't want to kill you. "

"Come and take us, " was the sneering response. 

"Don't be fools, " called Frank. "We're sure to get you. "

"Well, I'll get you first, " came a sharp cry. 

Frank stepped back and none too quickly, for a bullet passed through thespace where his head had been a moment before. 

"If you must have it, all right, " the lad muttered. He turned to his men. "I want ten volunteers to go with me, " he said quietly. 

Every man stepped forward. 

Frank smiled. 

"Sorry I can't use you all, men, " he said. "But ten will be enough. Gregory, step forward. "

A sailor a short distance away did so. 

"Now, Gregory, " said Frank, "you pick nine more men and bring them here. "

This was the work of only a moment, and the men surrounded Frank. For amoment the lad surveyed the cabin. They were now out of the line of firefrom the window on that side and consequently safe. It would be possible, Frank knew, to tire the Germans out, but he had no mind for such slowmethods. He addressed his men. 

"Two of you, " he said, "break in the door with your rifle butts. We'llcover you from either side. "

Two men stepped forward and the others stationed themselves on either sideof the stout door. Frank called to Lieutenant Hetherton. 

"Guard all the windows, " he shouted. "Don't let them get away. "

The door began to tremble under the blows of the two sailors. Directlythere was a crash as it fell inward. 

Now, although this had been no part of Frank's plans, the minute the doorcrashed in, the two sailors reversed their rifles and sprang over thethreshold. 

"Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!"

The rifles of the three Germans within and the two British sailors spokealmost as one. One of the tars crumpled up in the doorway, while one ofthe Germans also threw up his hands and slid to the floor. 

With wild shouts of anger, the other sailors surged forward and pouredthrough the door in spite of German bullets, which now flew so fast thataccurate aim was impossible. 

Frank dashed forward with the others. Down went the second German, leavingbut one alive. Frank found himself face to face with the latter. 

"Stand back, men, " he called. 

The sailors obeyed. 

In one hand the German gripped a revolver, but Frank held this arm withhis left hand and straightened it high above the German's head. Thus theGerman was unable to bring his revolver to bear on the lad. 

Nevertheless, his left arm was still free, and he struck Frank a heavyblow in the stomach with his fist. The pain was severe and Frank loosenedhis hold on the man's revolver arm. With a cry of triumph, the Germandeliberately lowered his revolver. 

Frank, having dropped one of his revolvers, was in a bad way. True, asecond was in his belt, but it did not appear that he had time to draw andfire before the German's finger pressed the trigger. 

But now came an action on the lad's part that proved his right to becalled an expert with the revolver--an action that often had bewilderedJack and aroused his envy. 

So quickly that the eye could not follow the movement, Frank dropped hishand to his belt, whipped out his revolver, and without taking aim, fired. 

A fraction of a second later there was a second report, as the German, with Frank's bullet already in his shoulder, pressed the trigger, almostinvoluntarily. But ere he fired, Frank had dropped to the floor and thebullet passed harmlessly overhead. 

Frank rose quietly. 

"Bind him men, " he said simply. "He's not badly hurt. He'll probably liveto face the gallows. Where is young Cutlip? Has anyone seen the boy?"

"Here he is, sir, " answered the boy himself, and came forward. "And willyou release my father now, sir?"

"As soon as we return to the ship, " replied Frank. "Come, men. "

CHAPTER XXI

THE END OF THE SUBMARINE

Frank now took account of his casualties. Five men had been killed andtwenty more or less seriously wounded. As many more nursed slightinjuries. 

The enemy's casualties, proportionately, had been more severe. Half of theoriginal number were stretched on the ground. Hardly a man of the othersbut had been wounded. 

Frank had his dead made ready for transportation back to the Essex, andlitters were improvised for the wounded who were unable to walk. Thegrounded Germans also were carried--that is, those of them who were soseverely hurt they could not walk. Those who could walk were surrounded bythe British and marched on ahead. 

The return trip was made without incident. The wounded were hurried aboardthe ship where their injuries could be attended to. The unwoundedprisoners were promptly locked up below with the other captives. ThenFrank and Jack, accompanied by young Cutlip, went to Jack's cabin. Thethird officer held the bridge. 

Frank gave an account of the events of the night as briefly as possible. When he had concluded, Cutlip again asked:

"Will you release my father now, sir?"

"Certainly, " said Jack. "You have borne yourself right bravely, and wehave much to thank you for, as has your country. It is too bad that yourfather is not of a different stripe. "

The boy's face flushed. 

"He's a good father in many ways, sir, " he said, "but he seems to bescared to death of the Germans, especially of their submarine boats. "

"We'll have him up here before we let him go, " said Jack. "Mr. Hetherton, pass the word to have; Cutlip brought to my cabin. "

Lieutenant Hetherton left the cabin. He returned a few moments lateraccompanied by two sailors, who walked on either side of the older Cutlip. The man was still bound. 

"Remove his bonds, " Jack instructed. 

Cutlip's hands were released, and he rubbed them together as he eyed thegroup in the cabin. His eyes rested on his son. 

"So!" he exclaimed, "I had an idea you were at the bottom of this. "

"But, father--" began the boy. 

"I'll attend to you later, " said the father, "not that I'll have need to, probably, for the Germans will attend to both of us. What ails you, anyhow? Don't you know that the Germans eventually will be masters of theworld? If we stand in with them, it may help. "

"The Germans will never be masters of the world, " said Jack. "You arelaboring under a delusion, Cutlip. Your son is a brave boy. Not only didhe warn us of the presence of a German submarine off the coast, but herendered such other assistance that the entire crew has been either killedor captured. "

Cutlip showed his surprise. 

"You can't mean it!" he exclaimed. "Why, how could you overcome them. Theyare supermen. Ever since the war started I have been reading about them. They are wonderful fighters--marvelous. "

"Your trouble, Cutlip, " said Frank, "is that you have read too much aboutthem. I know that the country has been flooded with German propaganda, butI'd no idea it had affected anyone like that. "

"But--" Cutlip began. 

Jack silenced him with a gesture. 

"You'll have to change all your ideas now, Cutlip, " he said. "You see thatthe German is not a superman. We have beaten them. Besides, your countryis at war with Germany. Only a traitor, or a coward, would refuse to helphis country. "

Cutlip seemed a bit startled. 

"I guess that's true, " he said at last. "Yes, I guess you're right. "

"You and your son had better remain aboard until morning, " Jack continued. "We'll put you both ashore then. "

"Jack, " said Frank at this point, "don't you think we should make aneffort to destroy the submarine before we go?"

"By George! We certainly should, " declared Jack. "That had slipped my mindfor the moment. We'll have one of the captured officers up and see if hewill reveal its hiding place. "

One of the Germans--a petty officer--entered the cabin a moment later inresponse to Jack's summons. Jack explained briefly what he wanted. 

"Tell you? Of course I won't tell you, " said the young officer. "Whyshould I? Do you think I am a traitor to my country, or a coward?"

Jack shrugged. 

"I was just offering the opportunity, " he said. 

The officer was removed and one of the men brought in. Jack quizzed himwith no better results. One after another the unwounded men werequestioned, but none would reveal the location of the submarine. 

"Looks like we would have to find it ourselves, " said Jack at length. "There is no use questioning any of the others. They won't tell. "

Assistance came from an unexpected source. 

"Maybe I can help out a bit, " said the elder Cutlip quietly. 

Jack, Frank and Lieutenant Hetherton looked at him in surprise. 

"You mean that you know and will tell?" asked Frank. 

"I do. You have made my duty plain to me. No longer am I afraid of theGermans. "

"How do you come to know this hiding place?" asked Jack. 

"I discovered it to-day by accident. I was standing some distance back onshore when I saw the vessel lying on the water. "

"How far from here?"

"Just the other side of the reef. "

Jack whistled. 

"By Jove! We came awfully close, " he said. 

"You did indeed, " said Cutlip. "But for the reef you must have beendiscovered. Fortunately, it is very high. "

"I suppose the U-Boat is on the surface at this moment, " Frankinterjected. 

"Most likely, " Hetherton agreed. "A small crew has probably been left onboard, and they more than likely are awaiting the return of theircomrades. "

"Strange they didn't hear the firing, " said Frank. 

"Not at all, " said Jack. "I heard none of it here. "

"The wind was blowing the wrong way, " Hetherton explained. 

"That must be the answer, " Frank admitted. "Well, Jack, what do you say?Shall we make an effort to get the boat to-night?" Jack hesitated. 

"We may as well, " he said at last. "Of course it will have to be takenfrom the land, for we can't work the destroyer around the reef in thedarkness. Even if we got around safely, we should be discovered. "

"Right, " said Frank. "Then let's be moving. I take it, however, we willneed boats to reach the submarine. "

"Our prisoners probably have left all the boats we need, " Jack returned. 

"That's so, " said Frank. "Funny I didn't think of that. Will you be ourguide, Cutlip?"

"Glad to be, " was the reply. "I want to redeem myself in some way. "

"Let's be moving, then, " said Frank, starting for the door. 

"Hold on, " said Jack "We've got to take a force with us, you know. Mr. Hetherton, I'm going to leave you in command of the ship this time. Ishall command the shore party. "

Lieutenant Hetherton's face fell, but all he said was:

"Very well, sir. "

"In the meantime, " said Jack, "pick fifty men and set them ashore. We'llbe there directly. "

Lieutenant Hetherton saluted and left the cabin. 

Half an hour later Jack led his men around the reef. There, a scanthundred yards from shore, lay the submarine. The little party movedsilently to the edge of the water, and as silently embarked in the half adozen small boats they found there. 

"Push off!" Jack commanded in a whisper. 

Now young Cutlip had been left behind, but the father had elected to gowith the men in the boats. So earnest was his plea that Jack did not havethe heart to refuse him. 

A dim light showed on the bow of the submarine as the little flotillaapproached; and then so suddenly that the night appeared to be lighted upby magic, a flare of white made the boats approaching the submarine asplain as day. 

The submarine's searchlight had been turned on them. 

"Down men, " cried Jack. 

The men, or those of them who were not needed at the oars, dropped to thebottom of the boats. But the distance was so close that those on boardwere able to make out the fact that the boats approaching were not filledwith their own men. 

"Americans!" was the cry that carried across the water. "Man the forwardgun there!"

"Fire, men!" cried Jack in a loud voice. "Sweep the deck with your rifles. Don't let 'em bring that gun to bear. "

There was a crash of rifles as Jack's command was obeyed. Nevertheless theGermans succeeded in training their rapid-firer, and it crashed out amoment later. A veritable hail of bullets flew over Jack's men. 

At a quick command from the lads, the boats drew farther apart, thusmaking the task of the enemy more difficult. Then they closed in on thesubmarine from both sides. 

Harsh German cries and imprecations were wafted to the ears of the Britishas the boats drew closer. 

"Submerge!" shouted a voice. 

"Quick, or we shall be too late, " Jack roared. 

The men at the oars exerted themselves to further efforts. Then Jackcaught another cry from the submarine. 

"We can't submerge. The tanks are still broken. "

"Good!" said Jack to himself. "Now I see what the trouble is. Faster, " hecried to his men. 

"Quick, " came a voice from the submarine, "we cannot let the ship fallinto the hands of the accursed Yankees. The fuse, man. "

Jack understood this well enough. He raised his voice in a shout:

"Cease rowing!"

Frank's voice repeated the command and the little flotilla advanced nomore. 

"Put about and make for shore, " shouted Jack. "Quick. "

The order was obeyed without question, and it was well that it was. Hardlyhad the boats reached the shore when there was a terrific explosion, andthe water kicked up an angry geyser. 

"And that, " said Jack calmly, "is the end of the submarine. They've blownher up--and themselves with her!"

CHAPTER XXII

WASHINGTON AGAIN

Early the following morning the Essex slipped from her little harbor andput to sea. Cutlip and his son, who had been put ashore shortly before thedeparture, stood at the edge of the water and waved farewell. Followingthe father's conversion, he and his son seemed to be closer than before, and they went away happily together. 

Jack descended to the radio room. 

"Get the Dakota for me, " he instructed the operator. 

"Dakota! Dakota!" flashed the wireless. 

Ten minutes later the answer came. 

"Destroyer Essex, " flashed the operator again, following Jack's direction. "Submarine reported to me yesterday destroyed. Crew either killed orcaptured. "

"Fine work, Templeton, " was the reply flashed back a few moments later. 

"I'm awaiting instructions, " Jack flashed. 

"Proceed to Newport News, " came the answer, "and report in person toSecretary of the Navy. "

"O. K. " flashed the operator. 

Jack went to the bridge, where Frank was on watch. 

"Well, old fellow, " said Jack, "I guess our present cruise is ended. "

"How's that?" asked Frank. 

"We're ordered back to Newport News, and I must report to SecretaryDaniels. "

"And after that, England again, I suppose?"

"I suppose so. "

"Too bad, " said Frank, "I would like to have had time to go to New Yorkand Boston to see my father. He could have met me at either place. "

"You'll see him when the war's over, I guess, " said Jack, "and to my mindthat will be before long now. "

"Think so?" asked Frank. "Why?"

"Well, take for example the submarine raid off the American coast. Itlooks to me like the dying gasp of a conquered foe. They must be nearingthe end of their rope to tackle such a problem. "

"And still they have had some success, " said Frank. 

"True. But not much after all. What is the total tonnage destroyed incomparison with the tonnage still sailing the seas unharmed?"

"There's something in that, " Frank agreed. "But I can't say that I'm ofyour opinion. "

"Personally, " declared Jack, "I believe that the war will be over beforeChristmas. "

"I hope so. But I can't be as optimistic as you are. "

The run to Newport News was made without incident and the Essex droppedanchor close to the spot where she had been stationed before. 

She was greeted with wild cheers, for news of her success had preceded herto the little Virginia city. Jack and his officers and men were hailedwith acclaim when they went ashore. 

"Want to go to Washington with me, Frank?" asked Jack. 

"That's a foolish question, " was Frank's reply. "Of course I want to go. "

"All right. Then we'll catch the ten o'clock train this morning. That willput us in the capital some time before five. "

"Suits me, " declared Frank. 

This program was carried out. Arrived again in the capital of the nation, the lads went straight to the Raleigh hotel, where they got in touch withthe British ambassador. 

"I've been hearing good reports about you, Captain, " said the ambassador'svoice over the telephone. 

"We were a bit lucky, sir, that is all, " replied Jack deprecatingly. 

"Nevertheless, " said the ambassador, "Secretary Daniels wishes to thankyou in person, as does the President. I shall call for you within thehour. "

"Very well, sir. "

Jack hung up the 'phone. 

The ambassador was as good as his word. He arrived less than an hour laterand the lads accompanied him to the Navy Department, where they wereushered into the presence of the Secretary of the Navy at once. 

Secretary Daniels shook hands with both of the lads. 

"You deserve the thanks of the whole nation for your gallant work, " hesaid. "I am instructed to take you to the President. "

Jack and Frank flushed with pleasure, but there was nothing either couldsay. From the Navy Department, the lads were escorted to the White Houseimmediately across the street, where President Wilson was found in hisoffice. The President was reached with little ceremony, and SecretaryDaniels himself made the introduction. 

"So, " said the President, "these are the young officers who commanded theBritish destroyer Essex, which accounted for two of the enemy'ssubmarines? They look rather young for such important posts. " He gazedclosely at Frank. "Surely, " he said finally, "surely you are an American. "

"Yes, sir, " said Frank. "Born in Massachusetts, sir. "

"Chadwick, " mused the President. "Not, by any chance, related to Dr. Chadwick, of Woburn. "

"He is my father, sir. "

The President seemed surprised. 

"But I didn't know my old friend Chadwick had a son of your age, " he said. 

"Well, he has, sir, " replied Frank with a smile. 

"But how do you happen to be in the British service?"

Frank explained briefly. 

"You have certainly seen excitement, " said the President. "I am glad tohave seen you. Give my regards to your father when you see him. I am gladto have met you, too, Captain, " and the President shook hands with Jack. "I hope to have the pleasure of meeting you both again some day. "

The lads understood by this that the interview was ended. They followedSecretary Daniels and the British ambassador back to the former's office, where the latter handed Jack a paper. 

"Cable from the British Admiral, I judge, " he said. 

Jack read the message. 

"You are right, sir, " he said. "We are ordered to home waters whenever youare through with us, sir. "

"I judged as much, " said the Secretary, "which is the reason I had AdmiralSellings order you to report to me. You are at liberty to return wheneveryou please, sir. But first let me thank you for your services in the nameof the American people. "

"Thank you, sir, " said Jack, and saluted stiffly. 

The lads now took their leave. The ambassador insisted on their going homewith him to dinner. 

"But we should get back to our ship at once, sir, " Jack demurred. 

"Never mind, " said the ambassador, "I'll take the responsibility ofholding you over an extra day. "

So Jack and Frank dined with the ambassador, and took a late train toRichmond, where they changed early in the morning for Newport News. Whenthey boarded the Essex later in the day they found in Jack's cabin thecommandant of Fortress Monroe, who, having learned that the Essex wouldsoon depart for home, had come to pay his respects while he yet had time. 

"I want to tell you, " he said to Jack, "that the Essex has made quite aname for herself among my men. "

"I'm glad to hear that, sir, " declared Jack. 

"The men are only sorry, and naturally, " continued the commandant, "thatshe was not manned by an American crew. "

"Naturally, as you say, sir, " Jack agreed. "Yet my first officer is anAmerican. "

The Commandant glanced at Frank. 

"Can that be true?" he asked. 

Frank smiled. 

"It's true enough, sir, " he said. "Yes, I'm a native of the Bay state andam in the British service merely as the result of an accident. "

He explained. 

"Well, " said the Commandant, 'I'm glad of it. I'll have something to tellmy officers and men that will make them proud. I hope that the next timeeither of you find yourselves in these parts you will look me up. "

"Thank you, sir. We certainly shall, " said Jack. 

The Commandant took his departure. 

"And now, " said Jack, "for England. "

First, Jack made a personal tour of inspection of the destroyer. Findingeverything ship-shape, the crew was piped to quarters and Jack rang forhalf speed ahead. 

A crowd had gathered at the water's edge and the Essex was speeded on herway by cheering and waving thousands. It was a touching scene, and Jackwas very proud. 

"A great country, " he confided to Frank, as the vessel moved slowly outinto the Roads. "A great country. I am glad to have seen it again, and Ihope to come back some day. "

"Oh, you'll come back, " said Frank. "You'll come back when the war's over, to visit me. "

"I certainly will, " Jack declared. 

The fortifications of Fortress Monroe now loomed ahead. 

"I suppose the Commandant is somewhere about to wish us God-speed, " Frankremarked. 

The lad was right. And he did it in imposing manner. 

The boom of a great gun was heard. This was followed by the roar of manymore; and the rumble continued as the Essex drew near, was louder as shebreasted the fort and continued as the ship passed on. Jack ordered areply to the salute from the forward guns, and for the space of severalminutes, the very sea seemed to tremble. 

Then the Essex gathered speed and plowed ahead. 

"Quite an ovation, " said Frank, as he and Jack descended to the latter'scabin, leaving Lieutenant Hetherton on the bridge. 

"It was, indeed. Yes, as I said before, it's a great country. You shouldbe proud to be a native of it. "

"I am, " said Frank simply. 

CHAPTER XXIII

BACK IN ENGLAND

Following the return of the Essex to English waters, Jack reported at onceto Lord Hastings in Dover. 

"I hear great things of you boys, " said Lord Hastings. "Great thingsindeed. "

"We were a bit fortunate, sir, " Jack admitted. 

"It was more than good fortune, " declared Lord Hastings. "But it's nothingmore than I expected of you both. "

They conversed about various matters for some minutes. Then Jack asked:

"And what is in store for us now, sir?"

"You will report to Admiral Beatty, " said Lord Hastings. "The Essex willbe assigned to duty with the Grand Fleet in the North Sea. Patrol work, mostly. There is little likelihood that the Germans will make anothereffort, but the sea must be patrolled, nevertheless. "

"When do we report, sir?"

"At once. You will weigh anchor in the morning. Admiral Beatty's flagshipis somewhere off the coast of Belgium. "

"Very well, sir, " said Jack, and departed. 

The next day the Essex left Dover. Fifty miles out, Jack picked up theflagship by wireless and received his instructions. 

Days lengthened into weeks now and weeks into months and the Essex wasstill patrolling the North Sea with others of the Grand Fleet--composedbesides British vessels of an American squadron in command of Vice-AdmiralSims. August passed and September came and still the Germans failed toventure from their fortress of Helgoland and offer battle to the allies. 

The work became monotonous. Occasionally, the Essex put back to port forseveral days to replenish her bunkers and to take on provisions. At suchtimes Jack and Frank usually went ashore for short periods, and the crew, portions at a time, were granted shore leave. 

It was upon the last day of September that great news reached thefleet--news that indicated that the war was nearing its end and that now, if ever, the German fleet might venture from its hiding place and risk anengagement. 

Bulgaria had broken with Germany and sued for a separate peace. 

Several days later came the news that an armistice had been signed andthat Bulgaria had ordered all German and Austrian troops to leave herboundaries. King Ferdinand abdicated in favor of his eldest son, Boris, who immediately ordered the demobilization of the Bulgarian armies. 

"Turkey will come next, mark my words, " declared Frank as he and Jackstood on the bridge, looking off across the broad expanse of the NorthSea. 

"Most likely, " Jack agreed; "and after Turkey, Austria. That will leaveGermany to fight the world by herself. "

"She'll never attempt that, " Frank declared. "The minute she sees her lastchance gone, she'll squeal for help, the same as a hog. It's not in aGerman to take a licking, you know. He begins to show, yellow when thegame goes against him. "

"Perfectly true, " said Jack, with a nod. "Now, it strikes me that Germany, facing the problem of fighting it out alone--for she must see thatBulgaria's action will soon be followed by her other allies--may send outher fleet for a grand blow. "

Frank shook his head. 

"Not a chance, " he said. 

"But, " said Jack, "it has been the opinion of war critics and expertsright along that Germany was saving her fleet for the final effort whenall other means had failed. "

"I don't care what the experts think, " declared Frank, "I don't think theGermans will dare risk an engagement. In the first place, it would besuicidal--she would have everything to lose and nothing to gain. Don'tfret. The German naval authorities know just as well as we do what wouldhappen to the German fleet should it issue from Helgoland. "

"Maybe you're right, " said Jack, "but in the enemy's place, I wouldn'tgive up without a final effort. "

"That's just it, " Frank explained. "You wouldn't, and neither would I. Neither, for that matter, would any British or American officer, norFrench. But the German is of different caliber. He doesn't fight half aswell when he knows the odds are against him. No, I believe that the Germanfleet will be virtually intact when the war ends. "

"Then we'll take it away from them, " declared Jack. 

"I'm sure I hope so. It would be dangerous to the future peace of theworld to allow the Germans to keep their vessels. "

"Well, " said Jack, "you can talk all you please, but you can't convince meour work is over--not until peace has been declared--or an armisticesigned, or something. "

"I agree with you there. There will be plenty of work for us right up tothe last minute. "

As it developed the lads were right. 

"It was shortly after midnight when Jack was aroused by the third officer. 

"Message from Admiral Beatty, sir, " said the third officer, and passedJack a slip of paper. 

Jack read the message, which had been hastily scribbled off by the radiooperator. 

"German squadron of six vessels reported to have left Helgoland and to beheaded for the coast of Scotland, " the message read. "Proceed to interceptthem at full speed. Other vessels being notified. "

Jack sprang into his clothes, meanwhile having Frank summoned from hiscabin. Frank dashed into Jack's cabin, clothes in hand. 

"What's up?" he demanded. 

"Germans headed for the Scottish coast, " replied Jack briefly, and dashedout of the door. 

Frank followed him a few moments later. Jack was standing on the bridgegiving orders hastily. 

"Have a look at the engine room, Frank, " said Jack, "and tell the engineerto crowd on all possible steam. We'll have need of speed this trip, or Imiss my guess. "

Frank obeyed. 

The Essex, which had been proceeding east by south at a leisurely pace, had come about now and was dashing due north at top speed. Jack himselfshaped the course and gave the necessary instructions to the helmsman. 

Below in the radio room, the wireless began to clatter. The operator, fromtime to time, was getting into touch with other vessels of the Grand Fleetordered north to intercept the German raiders. 

First he received a flash from the Lion; then the Brewster replied, andafter her, the Tiger, Southampton, Falcon, White Hawk and Peerless. Counting the Essex this made eight ships speeding northward to interceptthe enemy. 

"I take it, " said Jack, "that this is about the last blow the enemy willattempt to deliver. The Germans, knowing they are beaten, are intent nowonly upon doing what damage they can while there is yet time. This raid, Isuppose, they figure will throw a scare into the coast cities, as similarraids did earlier in the war. However, they'll have a surprise this time, for all the coast ports are fortified now. There will be guns there tostand them off until we get there. "

"Let's hope we get there in time, " muttered Frank. "I'd like one morecrack at the enemy. I'm afraid they are going to get off too easily whenpeace comes. "

"We've got to get there in time, " declared Jack. 

From time to time the radio operator sent reports to Jack giving thepositions of other vessels rushing to the defense of the coast ports. 

"We'll get there first, at this rate, " said Jack. "We're closer than theothers. "

"But we're no match for the enemy single-handed, " declared Frank. "Chancesare that the German squadron is composed mostly of battleships. "

"True enough, " Jack admitted, "but we'll do what damage we can. TheTiger, Lion, White Hawk, Falcon and Peerless are warships, you know. They'll be more than enough for the foe. "

"Yes; but we may be at the bottom of the sea by that time. "

"Don't worry. We'll hold our own until assistance arrives. "

Jack made a rapid calculation. 

"If we had any idea of the approximate position of the enemy at this time, we would know better how to go about our work, " he said. 

"You might call the enemy and find out?" said Frank with a grin. 

"Don't be funny, Frank, " said Jack severely. "This is no time for levity. "

Came a cry from the lookout. 

"Battle squadron off the port bow, sir!"

Jack clapped his glass to his eye. 

The ships were too far distant and the night was too dark, however, topermit him to ascertain the identity of the approaching vessels. 

"May be the enemy, Jack, " said Frank. 

"Right, " Jack agreed. 

A shrill whistle rang out on the Essex. 

This was the answer to Jack's order to pipe the crew to quarters. 

"Clear ship for action!" was Jack's next command. 

"If it is the enemy, " he confided to Frank, "we'll try and keep himengaged until reinforcements arrive. "

"It may not be so hard, after all, " Frank said "They may turn and beat aretreat when they find they are discovered. "

"Not if there is only one of us, " said Jack. "Pass the word to the forwardlookout to sing out as soon as he can identify the enemy. I'll flash mylight on them. He may be able to make them out. "

The huge searchlight of the Essex flashed forth across the water, andplayed upon the approaching ships. 

"Germans!" came the cry from the lookout. 

"I thought so, " said Jack. "Frank, go to the radio room and find out howclose our nearest support is. "

Frank was back in a few minutes. 

"Lion says to engage, " he reported. "Says she'll be with us in less thanan hour. Tiger says she will arrive not more than fifteen minutes later. Falcon and Hawk report they are less than an hour and a half away. "

"Right, " said Jack. "Trouble is those fellows are likely to out-range us, in which event we'll have to retire slowly, trying to draw them after us. In that way reinforcements may arrive sooner. Hello! There she goes!"

The roar of a great gun came across the water. 

CHAPTER XXIV

THE ENGAGEMENT

"If we retire, " said Jack, "we will leave the way open to the coast. Atthis minute we are in their way. "

"But if we try to stick it out here we'll be sunk, " said Frank. "And if weretire toward the coast, we'll be moving away from our supports. "

"True enough, " Jack agreed. "There's only one thing to do. That is toretire as slowly as possible and try to entice all six ships after us. ButI'd much rather wade right in. "

"Same here. But discretion is the better part of valor, you know. "

"Boom!"

Again a gun spoke aboard one of the enemy. 

"We're still out of range, " said Jack. "Let 'em come a little closer. "

As Jack could now see, all six ships had altered their course slightly andwere heading directly for the Essex. 

"You may come about, Mr. Chadwick, " said Jack. 

Slowly the Essex swung about. 

"Train your left guns on the enemy, " Jack ordered. 

This was done. 

"Range finders!"

"Still out of range, sir, " was the report. 

"All right But let me know the minute we can strike. "

"Aye, aye, sir. "

"Half speed ahead, Mr. Chadwick. "

"Aye, aye, sir. "

Frank signalled the engine room. 

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Guns spoke simultaneously aboard three of the enemy ships. 

"Still beyond range. "

It was Lieutenant Hetherton who spoke. 

"Trouble is, " said Frank, "that they will be within range before we are. "

"We'll risk it, " said Jack. "It's up to us to keep them busy until thewarships arrive. "

The next fire from the enemy resulted in a screaming shell to port. 

"They've got the range, sir, " said Frank. 

"Make it two-thirds speed ahead. "

The speed of the Essex increased. 

But the German vessels were bearing down on her swiftly, and eventuallyJack was forced to call for full speed ahead. 

But still the German warships gained. 

"They've the heels of us, too, " muttered Jack. "Well, we'll slow down abit and trust to luck. We can't do any damage unless we get withinrange. "

The Essex slowed suddenly to half speed. 

The German fleet dashed ahead, now in single formation. This was fortunatefor the Essex, for it meant that the guns of only one ship could bebrought to bear on the British destroyer at one time. 

"Range, sir!" cried the range finder at this point. 

"Then fire!" shouted Jack to the aft turret battery captain. 

The battery spoke sharply, and the men gave a cheer of delight. 

The first shell went home. It cleared the bow of the first German vesselapparently by the fraction of an inch and smashed squarely into thebridge. The crash of the shell striking home was followed almost instantlyby an explosion. Timber and steel, intermingled with human bodies, flewhigh in the air. This much those aboard the Essex could see by the flareof the searchlight. 

"A good shot, men!" cried Jack. "An excellent shot!"

An excellent shot it was indeed. 

Something appeared to have gone wrong with the steering apparatus of thefirst German ship. She veered slightly to port. 

The target thus presented was an excellent one. 

"Fire!" cried Jack again. 

The aft battery crashed out and once more the British cheered. 

Two shells plowed into the crippled German just on the water line. 

"A death wound, " muttered Frank. 

The lad was right. 

The German vessel staggered under the force of the impact and seemed toreel backward. Men leaped to the rails and hurled themselves into the sea. 

Suddenly there was a loud explosion and the ship seemed to split in two, ablaze of red fire stretching high into the heavens from the middle of thevessel as it did so. Then blackness enveloped it again and the two partsof the ship fell back into the water with a hiss like that of a thousandserpents. The first German ship was gone. 

It was first blood to the Essex and the crew cheered again. 

But the other five German vessels came on apace. The gun on the forwardship spoke, but the shell went wild. 

"If they'll keep that formation, we might get away with the whole bunch ofthem, " said Frank. 

"Yes, but they won't, " replied Jack. 

He was a good prophet. 

Even now, the German vessels began to spread out, and within ten minuteshad formed a semi-circle. It was possible now for the forward guns on eachship to rake the Essex without interfering with each other's fire. 

"Train your guns on the ship farthest to port, " Jack instructed. 

The order was obeyed. Again came the order for range finders, and thereport that the range was O. K. 

"Fire!" cried Jack. 

Once more fortune was with the crew of the Essex. The range had beenabsolutely accurate, and the heavy shell from the Essex carried away thesuperstructure of the German. At the same moment came a cry from thelookout aft:

"Warship coming up astern, sir!"

Quickly Jack looked around. 

"The first of our reinforcements, " he said quietly. 

He gave his attention again to the enemy, who was drawing uncomfortablyclose. 

"Crash!"

Jack whirled sharply. 

A shell had struck the Essex just above the water line on the port side. 

"Go below and report, Mr. Chadwick!" Jack ordered. 

Frank hurried away in response to this command. He sought the engine room. 

"What's the damage, chief?" he asked. 

"Slight, " was the reply. "Shell passed clear through us, but cleared theboilers. Better round up the carpenter, though, sir. "

Frank hurried back to the bridge and reported the extent of the damage. Then he sent a midshipman for the ship's carpenter. 

"Crash! Bang!"

Another shell had struck the Essex, this time in the aft gun turret. 

"Report, Mr. Chadwick, " said Jack briefly. 

Frank hurried to the turret. 

"What's the damage, Captain?" he asked of the chief of the gun crew. 

"One gun smashed, sir, " was the reply. "Three of the crew killed and fiveinjured. "

"Other guns still working?"

"Can't you hear 'em, sir?"

Frank smiled in spite of himself and cast a quick glance around. 

In spite of the death that had overtaken their comrades, the surviving guncrews in the turret were working like Trojans. The big guns continued tospit defiance at the enemy. 

Now and then a cheer rose on the Essex as a shot went home. 

Frank again returned to the bridge to report. 

"Boom!"

It was a deeper voice that spoke this time. 

The radio operator himself rushed to the bridge. 

"Lion firing, sir, " he said. "Says she has sighted us and for us toretire. No need of sacrificing ourselves Captain Jacobs says. The enemycan't get away. "

At the same moment the lookout aft sang out again. 

"Warship coming up astern, sir!"

"The second of our reinforcements, " said Jack quietly. "I'll bet thesefellows wish they had stayed home. "

"I'm betting the same way, " declared Frank. 

"Well, it's getting too hot here, " said Jack. "We'll get back and let thebig fellows get in the game. "

"Good idea, sir, " said Lieutenant Hetherton. 

"Full speed ahead!" Jack ordered. 

At the sound of the great gun on the British warship Lion, the Germanadmiral in command of the flotilla ordered his ships to slow down. Untilthat moment he had not been appraised of the fact that the German raid wasknown to the British fleet. He supposed, upon seeing the Essex, that hehad encountered a single vessel which just happened to be in that part ofthe sea, but when the Lion came into the fight he began to have hisdoubts. 

As yet, however, there was no other vessel in sight, and as the Germansheavily outnumbered the British, the admiral decided to continue theengagement. 

"I suppose this fellow happened to hear the firing and came toinvestigate, " muttered the German admiral. "Our raid can hardly have beendiscovered yet. "

Accordingly he gave the word to advance again. 

And a moment later he was sorry that he had done so. 

Far astern of the Lion, and yet not so far that the German admiral couldnot have seen her but for the darkness, came two other long gray shapes;and from farther east, and closer, appeared a third. 

The German admiral gritted his teeth. 

"Confound these English!" he exclaimed. "Can nobody beat them?"

For a moment he debated with himself. He had half a mind to continue thestruggle, for the odds were still, with the Germans. Then he changed hismind. 

The wireless aboard the German flagship flashed a signal to retire. 

But the German admiral had delayed too long for a successful retreat. Other British ships hove into view--seven of them. There was nothing forthe German fleet to do but fight it out. The admiral gave the order:

"Advance!"

CHAPTER XXV

THE LAST SEA BATTLE

The cannonading became terrific. 

Now that assistance arrived, Jack ordered the Essex, which still was thenearest British vessel to the enemy, back into the fray. 

"The big fellows will look out for us, " he confided to Frank. 

The revolving turrets of the Essex were kept on the move and guns crashedas fast as they could be brought to bear. Shells struck on all sides ofthe destroyer and occasionally one came aboard. But thanks to Jack'smaneuvering of the vessel, so far she had not been struck in a vital part. 

The main British fleet bore down on the enemy from two sides, and toprotect themselves against these new foes, the Germans were forced to turntheir attention elsewhere than the Essex. Already big shells from theBritish warships were striking aboard the enemy. The range had been foundalmost with the first fire from the approaching war vessels and theGermans were replying as fast as they were able. 

The fighting was at such close range now that Jack was able to distinguishthe names of the German battleships. In the center, flying the flag ofAdmiral Krauss, was the Bismarck. On the right of the flagship were theHamburg and the Potsdam, while on the left the flagship was flanked by theBaden and the Wilhelm II. 

The fire of all five German vessels, at order of the admiral, was nowdirected upon the Lion, which bore down swiftly and was perhaps a quarterof a mile closer to the enemy than any other British craft except thedestroyer Essex, commanded by Jack. 

The forward guns of the Lion roared angrily and spat fire in the darknessas she bore down on the Germans at full speed. As yet no enemy shell hadstruck the Lion, but she had put several shells aboard the nearest Germanbattleship--the Baden. 

Now that the German fire had been momentarily lifted from the Essex, Jackordered his ship in closer; and a veritable hail of shells were dropped onthe Potsdam. For a moment or so the Germans paid no attention to thedestroyer, but the fire from Jack's men became so accurate that thecaptain of the German ship found it necessary to disregard the admiral'sorders and turn his attention to the Essex in self-defense. 

The first shell from the Potsdam flew screaming over the bridge of thedestroyer, but did no damage. The second was aimed better. It struck thebow of the destroyer on the port side and plowed through. The destroyerquivered through her entire length. 

"Go below and report, Mr. Chadwick, " Jack commanded. 

Upon investigation, Frank learned that the shell had plowed through theforward bulkheads and that the outside compartments were awash. But theinner compartments had not been penetrated. He rounded up the ship'scarpenter, who announced that the damage could be repaired in half anhour. There had been no casualties. 

Jack accepted Frank's report with a brief nod; then gave his attentionagain to fighting his ship. 

Forward and to the right of the Essex there sounded a terrific explosion, followed by a blinding glare. The Baden, one of the largest of the Germanwarships, sprang into a mighty sheet of flame. A shell from the Lion hadpenetrated the engine room and exploded her boilers. Came wild cries fromaboard the vessel and escaping steam and boiling water poured on the crewand scalded them. 

With the searchlights of the British ships playing on her, the Badenreared high out of the water, and as men jumped into the sea for safety, she settled by the head, and sank. 

This left only four of the enemy to continue the struggle and opposed tothese the British offered eight unwounded vessels. Admiral Krauss gazed inevery direction, seeking a possible avenue of escape. And at last hebelieved he saw it. 

To the east--back in the direction from which he had come--the spacebetween the British battleships Peerless and Falcon seemed to offer achance. The German admiral calculated rapidly. To the eye it appeared thatthe German ships could pass through that opening before the British couldclose in. 

The wireless aboard the German flagship sputtered excitedly. Instantly thefour remaining German ships turned and dashed after the flagship, whichwas showing the way. 

Instantly the commander of every British ship realized the purpose of theenemy. Even the distant Falcon and Peerless seemed to know what wasexpected of them. Their speed increased and they dashed forward in aneffort to intercept the enemy. 

It was nip and tuck. The Lion was the first to dash in pursuit, followedby the Tiger and the White Hawk. The Brewster and Southampton, closelyfollowed by the more or less crippled Essex, brought up the rear, eachdoing its utmost to pass the other in order to get another chance at theenemy. 

Slowly the Lion, the Tiger and the White Hawk gained on the enemy; and itbecame apparent now that the Germans would be unable to get through thespace between the Peerless and Falcon without a fight. 

Aboard the Bismarck, the German admiral gritted his teeth. 

"It will have to be fight now, " he muttered, "and the odds are all againstme. "

The Falcon and the Peerless, from either side and forward of the Germans, now opened with their big guns almost simultaneously. Every available gunaboard the German vessels replied. From astern, the guns of the Lion werepounding the sterns of the fleeing enemy battleships. The Brewster and theSouthampton, together with the Tiger and the White Hawk, also were hurlingshells after the Germans, although with little effect, for they weretrailing too far behind. 

Jack urged the Essex forward in the wake of the others. He was far behindand was rapidly being outdistanced by the larger ships, but he determinedto see the thing through if possible. 

The last German ship in line, struck by a shell from the pursuing Lion, staggered and fell to one side. The Lion darted on, pouring a broadsideinto the crippled enemy as she passed, then dashed after the vesselsahead. 

The Tiger, White Hawk, Brewster and Southampton, also poured broadsidesinto the Wilhelm II as they passed, but they did not even slacken theirpace. 

But the Wilhelm II apparently had not received her death blow. Her crewcontinued to fight the ship heroically, and as the Essex approached shewas greeted with a heavy fire from the German. 

"The big fellows don't seem to have made a very good job of this, " saidJack to Frank. "We'll finish it for them. "

The Essex slowed down and turned sharply toward the Wilhelm II. Her gunsstill in condition to fight burst forth anew. The British showedexcellent marksmanship. Shell after shell was poured into the crippledfoe. Jack ordered "cease firing. "

Taking a megaphone that lay nearby, he put it to his mouth and called:

"Surrender!"

His answer was a shell that came crashing aboard aft from one of theWilhelm II's big guns. Jack turned quietly to Frank. 

"Sink her!" he said. 

Frank dashed across the deck to where the crew of the forward gun turretwas anxiously awaiting some command. He addressed the captain of the crew. 

"See if you can put a shell into her engine room, " he said. "Take yourtime. "

The latter did so; and it was several seconds before the big gun spoke, but when it did Frank uttered an exclamation of satisfaction. 

The shell had gone true. Watching eyes aboard the Essex saw it plow itsway through the side of the Wilhelm II. Then came the explosion and theWilhelm II seemed to part in the middle. She sank in less than fiveminutes. 

Meanwhile, the Peerless and Falcon had headed off the other three Germanships, which, forced to fight, now stood at bay, with every gun pounding. The Lion, Tiger and the other vessels bore down on them rapidly fromastern. 

For the space of half an hour the view of those aboard the Essex wasobscured by the smoke from the big guns, which could not be penetratedeven by the bright lights of the searchlights. They could hear the boom ofthe big guns, the crash of the shells as they struck home and occasionalsharp explosions that told of irrepairable damage aboard the enemyvessels, but they could see nothing. 

"This will be the last of the enemy, " was Frank's comment. 

Jack nodded. 

"I should think so, " he agreed. "If they let one of those fellows get awaynow they should be court-martialed. "

"Don't fret, " said Frank, "they won't get away. "

They didn't get away. 

Firing ceased just as the first streak of light appeared in the easternsky, and when the smoke of battle cleared away, Jack and Frank saw thatthe British victory had been complete. 

Only two German ships were still above water. These were the Bismarck, flagship of Admiral Krauss, and the Hamburg. The others had all been sunk. 

The Hamburg, the lads could see, was slowly sinking by the head. She wasbeing abandoned by her crew, who, in small boats, some even swimming, werehurrying to the side of the Bismarck, where they were lifted aboard. 

"Why didn't they sink her, too?" demanded Frank pointing to the Germanflagship. 

"Why?" repeated Jack. "Why should they? Can't you see that white flagflying at the masthead?"

"By George! I hadn't noticed that. "

"And there, " said Jack, pointing, "goes a prize crew from the Lion to takeover the vessel. "

A launch loaded with British tars had put off from the Lion and was makingtoward the German flagship. 

Admiral Krauss and his officers and men were soon transferred to the Lionand a British crew was in possession of the Bismarck. 

Thus ended the last sea battle of the great war. In all the times thatGermany had tested the naval power of Great Britain and her allies, shehad found it great--too much for German naval tactics to overcome. And nowthat the great war was drawing to an end, she did not test it again. 

CHAPTER XXVI

THE END APPROACHES

With the coming of November, it became apparent to every officer and manin the Grand Fleet--as well as the rest of the world--that the beginningof the end was at hand--that the German war machine was disintegrating andwas about to break. 

This was strengthened by the announcement on November 2 that the precedingday England, France and Italy had concluded an armistice with Turkey, thusdepriving Germany of her second ally. This left only Germany and Austriato continue the struggle, and upon the same day that the armistice withTurkey was announced came word that Austria also had made overtures forpeace. 

"You can take it from me, " said Jack, as the destroyer Essex continued herpatrol of the North Sea, "that this war is about to end. I'm willing tobet that Germany will sue for peace within a couple of weeks. "

Frank expressed his doubts. 

"She's likely to continue the struggle for some time yet, " he said. 

"But that would be foolish, " declared Jack. "She can hope to gain nothingthereby. "

"Perhaps not. But if Germany sues for peace now there is likely to be suchan internal upheaval in the Empire that the French revolution will looklike a house party. "

"Maybe you're right, but I stick to my opinion nevertheless. "

Events proved that Jack was right. 

On the morning of November 5, word reached the Grand Fleet that anarmistice had been concluded with Austria the day before. 

"As I expected, " said Jack. "What did I tell you, Frank?"

"Well, I anticipated that myself, " said Frank. "But Germany hasn't askedfor peace yet, you know. "

"True, but I can tell you something you don't know. I just got word thismorning. "

"What's that?"

"Why Germany, through Chancellor Ebert, already is in negotiations withPresident Wilson. "

"What?"

"Exactly. President Wilson has replied that he will stick to his originalprinciples of peace, announced some time ago. Germany is requested toannounce whether she will accept such terms. "

"But it seems to me, " said Frank, "that if Germany wants peace she shouldbe made to ask it on the field of battle. "

And that is exactly what happened, for when the armistice negotiationswere finally begun it was at a conference between Marshal Foch, commander-in-chief of all the allied forces, and a commission of Germanofficers. 

It was on November 8, that news of the armistice conference was flashed tothe Grand Fleet. 

"Armistice commission will meet November 10 at Hirson, France, " read themessage, flashed to every vessel in the fleet. 

All that day and the next, every man in the fleet waited anxiously forfurther word of the approaching armistice conference. None came. Neitherhad any word been received on the evening of November 10. 

"Must have been a hitch some place, " said Frank, as they sat in thelatter's cabin that night. 

"Not necessarily, " replied Jack, "You know these things take time. Amatter like this can't be fixed up in an hour, or a day. "

"Well, " said Frank, "I'd like to know what terms Marshal Foch will imposeon the foe. "

"They'll be stringent enough, don't you worry, " said Jack. "He'll imposeterms harsh enough to make sure that Germany doesn't renew the strugglewhile final peace negotiations are in progress. "

"I hope so. But I'll tell you one thing I hope he does. "

"What's that?" Jack wanted to know. 

"I hope he insists on the surrender of the whole German fleet. "

"Whew!" exclaimed Jack. "You don't want much, do you?"

"Well, he should insist on it, " declared Frank. 

"But he probably won't, " returned Jack. "I figure, however that he willinsist that a large share of the ships be turned over to the allies, including their most powerful submarines and battleships and cruisers. Butyou can't expect them to give up the whole business, particularly when theentire High Seas Fleet is practically intact. "

"Maybe not; but I'm for taking all we can get. "

"So am I, " Jack agreed, "all that we can get without danger of causing ahitch in the armistice proceedings. "

"Seems to me, " said Frank, "that by this time we should have had some wordof the proceedings at Hirson to-day. "

"It would seem so, that's a fact. However, I guess we will get theinformation all in good time. "

"That's all right. But I'm anxious to know what's going on. "

"Well, we won't know to-night; so I am in favor of turning in. "

"Guess we may as well. "

But early the next morning, an account of the first day's proceedings ofthe armistice delegates was flashed to the fleet. This, however, did notbring much jubilation, for the announcement simply said that the Germandelegates had refused the terms offered by Marshal Foch and had returnedto their own lines for further instructions. 

"Told you so!" exclaimed Frank. "This war is not over yet. "

"Don't you believe it, " declared Jack. "These Germans may do a littlebluffing--I'd probably try the same thing under similar conditions--butyou mark my words, they'll accept the terms, all right. "

"The conference is to be resumed some time this afternoon, " said Frank. "That means that we will hear nothing before morning. "

"It depends, " said Jack. "If the armistice is signed to-day, we'llprobably get the word immediately; but if it stretches out for a day ortwo, we probably won't"

"I guess that's about the size of it, " Frank admitted. 

All during the day excitement aboard the Essex, and all other vesselspatrolling the North Sea, for that matter, was at fever heat. While everyman knew that there was little likelihood of receiving news until longafter dark, each one nevertheless lived in hopes. 

Nevertheless, patrol work was still being done carefully. It had become anaxiom of a British sailor that a German was not to be trusted--that whenhe appeared the least dangerous, it was time to watch him more carefully. Consequently, in spite of the impending armistice, the vigilance of theBritish fleet was not relaxed. 

Six o'clock came, and seven; and still there had been no word from thescene of the armistice conference. At eight o'clock Frank said:

"I don't know what we are sitting up for. Something must have gone wrongagain. If the armistice had been signed we would know something of it bythis time. "

"Hold your horses, " said Jack. "I'm just as anxious as you are, but thereis no use getting excited about it. "

"Well, " said Frank, "if we haven't heard something by nine o'clock, I'mgoing to turn in. "

But at nine o'clock no word had been received. 

"I know we shall hear nothing to-night, " said Frank, rising, "so I'm goingto tumble into my bunk. "

"Help yourself, " said Jack, looking up from a book he was reading. "I'llwait a little longer. "

Frank retired to his own cabin and was soon asleep. At ten o'clock, noword having been received, Jack put down his book and rose. 

"Frank may be right, " he told himself. "At all events, I may as well turnin. My remaining up won't alter the facts, whatever they are. "

He undressed, extinguished the light in his cabin and climbed into bed. 

Aboard practically every ship in the fleet, almost the same scenes wereenacted that night. Officers and men alike remained up for hours, awaitingpossible word that the armistice had been signed. But at midnight no wordhad been received, and while the big ships moved about their patrol work, the men slept--those of them who had no duties to perform at that hour. Only the officers and members of the crew watch, and the night radiooperators, remained awake. 

To Jack it seemed that he had just closed his eyes when he was aroused bythe sound of the Essex's signal whistle. It screeched and screeched. Jackleaped from his bunk and scrambled into his clothes. 

"Something wrong, " he muttered. "Wonder why they didn't call me?"

He hurried on deck. 

Frank, in his cabin, also had been aroused by the noise. He, too, spranginto his clothes and hurried on deck. 

There the first thing that his eyes encountered was a circle of figures, with hands joined, dancing about the bridge and yelling at the top oftheir voices. Among them was Jack, who, for the moment, seemed to haveforgotten the dignity that went with his command. Also, the shrill signalwhistle continued to give long, sharp blasts. Frank looked at Jack in pureamazement. 

"Must have gone crazy, " he muttered. 

He hurried to the bridge and standing behind the dancing figures, caughtJack by the coat as he whirled by. 

"I say, " he demanded. "What's the meaning of this? Have you gone mad?"

Jack stopped and broke away from the circle which danced on without him. 

"Almost, " said Jack, in answer to Frank's question, "and with goodreason. "

"What--" began Frank. 

"By George! Can't you think?" demanded Jack. 

Gradually comprehension dawned on Frank. 

"You mean--" he began again. 

"Of course, I mean it, " shouted Jack. "Why else do you think I'd bedancing around here like a whirling dervish? Come on and join the crowd. The armistice has been signed!"

"Hurrah!" shouted Frank. 

A moment later he was circling madly about the bridge with the others. 

CHAPTER XXVII

PREPARING FOR THE SURRENDER

ALTHOUGH the armistice had now been officially signed and fighting hadceased, under orders from Admiral Beatty, commander of the Grand Fleet, every ship was still stripped for action. While it appeared thateverything was open and above-board, the British admiral intended to takeno chances. He recalled other German treachery and he was not at all surein his own mind that the enemy might not attempt some other trick. 

Two days after the signing of the armistice, upon instructions from theadmiralty, Admiral Beatty got in touch by wireless with the German fleetcommander in Helgoland, Admiral Baron von Wimpfen. With the latter AdmiralBeatty was to arrange for the surrender for such portions of the GermanHigh Seas Fleet as had been decided upon by Marshal Foch and the Germanarmistice commission. 

All day the wireless sputtered incessantly aboard the flagship, whileother ship commanders within radio distance listened to what was going on. Jack was among these. He relieved his radio operator for the day and tookthe instrument himself. 

"The German fleet, " ticked Admiral Beatty's flagship wireless, "will steamforth from Helgoland on November 19 and move due west toward the Englishcoast, where the British fleet will be stationed to await its coming. "

"Shall we dismantle our guns?" asked Admiral von Wimpfen. 

"Yes. "

"And what of the size of our crews?"

"They shall be large enough to handle the vessel. That is all. The crew ofeach ship shall be reduced to the minimum. "

"And how about our submarines?"

"They must be surrendered first. "

"But the surrender cannot be completed in one day. "

"I am aware of it, " replied Admiral Beatty. "As I have instructed you, thefirst of the German fleet will leave Helgoland on the night of November19. By that I mean the submarines. They must steam on the surface. Thefirst flotilla to be composed of twenty-seven vessels. "

"I understand, " returned the German admiral. 

"Very well. My ships will be stretched out in a fifty-mile line on eitherside of your ships as they approach and will fire at the first sign oftreachery. "

"There shall be no treachery, sir. You have the word of a German admiral. "

"Very well I shall acquaint you with other details from time to time. "

This was the conversation that Jack heard that day. 

At noon on November 18, Jack, together with other commanders, receivedword from Admiral Beatty to steam toward Harwich, on the English coast, and to take his place in the long line of ships that would be gatheredthere to receive the surrender of the enemy fleet. 

Excitement thrilled the crew of the Essex. They were about to witness oneof the greatest events of world history and there wasn't a man aboard whodidn't know it. Nevertheless, there was no confusion, and the Essexsteamed rapidly westward. 

"Hope we get up near the front of the line, " said Frank to his chum. "Alsothat we are close to Admiral Beatty's flagship. "

"Here too, " said Jack. "It will be a sight worth seeing. "

"Rather. "

"Well, we can't kick no matter where they place us, you know. I suppose Ishall receive the necessary instructions in plenty of time. "

Jack did. The instructions came the following morning, while the Essex wasstill possibly a hundred miles off the English coast. 

"You will report to Admiral Tyrwhitt, " Jack's message read, "who willassign you to your station. "

Jack immediately got in touch with Admiral Tyrwhitt by wireless. Thelatter gave his position and informed the lad that his place in line wouldbe next to the Admiral's flagship. 

"I thought Admiral Beatty would be up toward the front, " said Jack. 

"He probably will, " was Frank's reply. "I have it figured out like this, from what you have told me of the fact that the submarines will besurrendered first: Admiral Tyrwhitt probably will receive the surrender ofthe U-Boats, while Admiral Beatty will receive the formal surrender ofAdmiral von Wimpfen himself. "

"Maybe that's it, " Jack agreed. 

It was well after noon when the Essex sighted the flagship of AdmiralTyrwhitt, the Invincible, and reported for duty. Jack receivedinstructions to lay to just west of the flagship. He obeyed. 

From time to time now other vessels appeared and reported to AdmiralTyrwhitt and were assigned places in the long line. 

Suddenly there was a cheer from the crews of the many ships. Jack glancedacross the water, as did Frank. And then the latter went wild withexcitement. 

Steaming majestically toward them came five great battleships flying theStars and Stripes. 

"So the Americans will be in at the finish, " said Jack. 

"You bet they will, " declared Frank. "We're always in at the finish. "

"Well, you deserve to be this time, I guess, " said Jack with a smile. 

"We always deserve to be, " declared Frank. 

"So?" replied Jack. "I'm not going to argue with you about it. "

"It wouldn't do any good, " declared Frank. "Let me tell you something. Ifit hadn't been for the United States this war wouldn't be over yet. "

"Is that so?" demanded Jack. "Why wouldn't it?"

"Because all the British and French together don't seem to have been ableto lick the Germans. "

"Rats, " exclaimed Jack. "We would have done it in time. "

"Maybe so, but there is nothing sure about it It was the Americans whoturned the tide at Chateau-Thierry. "

"They did some wonderful work, I'm not gain-saying that, " Jack admitted. "But I can't see that it was any more remarkable than what the Canadiansdid at Vimy Ridge. "

"Well, " said Frank smiling, "while the Canadians are really Britishsubjects, nevertheless they come from the same part of the world as theYankees. They're made out of the same pattern. "

Jack smiled. 

"I seem to have spoiled my own argument there, don't I?" he said. 

Frank grinned too. 

"You've got to admit, " he said, "that when the Americans start a thingthey go through with it. They never turn back. "

"True enough, " Jack admitted, "but to my mind it takes them a deuced longtime to get started. "

"They just want to be sure they're right first, " Frank explained. 

"Have it your own way. But those five American ships approaching now lookmighty good, I'll admit that. "

"I never saw a more beautiful sight, " declared Frank, and he meant it. 

Majestically the American warships steamed along, the leading vesselflying the flag of Admiral Sims. They approached almost to the flagship ofAdmiral Tyrwhitt and the guns of the two flagships boomed out an exchangeof salutes. Then the American flotilla slowed down and swung to leeward, and took its places in the long line. 

"Going to be quite an event this surrender, if you ask me, " said Frank. 

"It certainly is, " Jack replied. "I understand King George and Queen Mary, together with many other distinguished British, French, Americans andItalians, will be present to witness the surrender. "

"Including ourselves, " grinned Frank. 

"Well, we're probably not such big fry, " Jack commented, "but we've doneas much--and a whole lot more--than a good many of them, if you ask me. "

"My sentiments exactly, " declared Frank. "And for that reason we're justas much entitled to be in at the finish as any of the rest. "

"More so, " said Jack quietly. 

"Well, we'll be there. So we have no kick coming. "

All day great vessels of war continued to arrive and take their places inthe line. As far as the eye could see long gray shapes lay in thewater--two lines of them--with perhaps half a mile between. Through thisspace the German warships would pass when they came out to surrender. 

When the eye could no longer see ships, the presence of other vessels wasnoted by smudges of smoke on the horizon. The line of ships, or rather thetwo lines, Jack and Frank knew, stretched almost to the distant shore. 

"Yes, " said Jack, "it's going to be quite an event. "

Suddenly the guns of every ship burst out with a roar. The flagship ofAdmiral Beatty was approaching down the line from shore. Aboard it, everyman of the great fleet knew, besides the admiral, were King George andQueen Mary of England; and it was the royal salute that was being fired. Even the American ships joined in the greeting. 

The guns of Admiral Beatty's flagship were kept busy acknowledging thesalutes. On every deck handkerchiefs and caps waved frantically as theflagship passed. 

As the vessel drew abreast of the Essex, Jack and Frank, standing togetheron the bridge, made out the forms of the King and Queen of England on thebridge. 

Both lads doffed their caps, and Jack ordered the royal salute fired bythe big guns of the destroyer. 

The vessel trembled under the detonation and the crew seemed to go wild asthey cheered at the top of their voices. 

The flagship passed on. 

A mile or so to the east, the flagship slowed down and turned into line. 

"And that's where I suppose she will remain until after the surrender, "said Jack. 

The lad was right. 

CHAPTER XXVIII

THE SURRENDER

Germany's sea surrender began at dawn on November 20, nine days after thesigning of the armistice. 

Out in this misty expanse of the North Sea the allied battleships hadtaken up their positions in a fifty-mile line of greyhounds. Aboard theallied battleships every eye was strained to the east; every man was onthe alert. The British and allied war vessels presented a noble sight, stretched out as far as the eye could see, and beyond. 

Every ship was stripped for action. Crews were at their posts. Not untilthe surrender was an accomplished fact would the vigilance of the Britishnaval authorities be relaxed. Not until the German vessels were safe inthe hands of the allies would British officers and crews be certain thatthe enemy was not meditating trickery up to the last moment. 

The destroyer Essex, commanded by Jack, as has already been said, was atthe extreme east of the long line of battleships. Beyond it were theflagship of Admiral Beatty, flanked still farther east by three big warvessels, and Admiral Tyrwhitt's flagship. 

Jack and Frank were on the bridge of the destroyer. Other officers were attheir posts. The crews stood to their guns. Below, the engine room was thescene of activity. A full head of steam was kept up, for there was notelling at what moment it might be needed. 

Came a shrill whistle from the farthest advanced British vessel, followedby a cry from the lookout aboard the destroyer:

"Here they come!"

As the red sun rose above the horizon the first submarine appeared insight. Soon after seven o'clock, twenty-seven German submarines were seenin line, accompanied by two destroyers. These latter were the Tibania andthe Serra Venta, which accompanied the flotilla to take the submarinecrews back to Germany. 

All submarines were on the surface, with their hatches open and theircrews standing on deck. They were flying no flags whatever, and their gunswere trained fore and aft in accordance with previous instructions fromAdmiral Beatty. 

Until the moment that they had sighted the first ship of the Britishfleet, the German flag had flown from the mastheads of the variousundersea craft, but they had been hauled down at once when the allied warvessels came into view. 

The leading destroyer, in response to a signal from Admiral Beatty on hisflagship, altered her course slightly and headed toward the coast ofEngland. 

The wireless instrument aboard the destroyer Essex clattered and a fewmoments later the radio operator rushed to the bridge with a message forJack. The latter read it quickly, then said:

"Send an O. K. To the admiral?'

"What's up, Jack?" asked Frank. 

"Lower half a dozen small boats, Mr. Hetherton, " instructed Jack beforereplying to Frank's question, "and have them manned by a score of meneach, fully armed. "

"Aye, aye, sir. "

Lieutenant Hetherton hurried away. 

"What's up, Jack?" asked Frank again. 

"I have been ordered to inspect each submarine as it comes abreast of us, "Jack replied. "Apparently the admiral still fears treachery. I'll remainaboard here, and leave the work to you and the other officers. "

This was done. As each submarine drew up with the Essex she was boarded bya score of the Essex's men. Some stood guard at the hatches with weaponsheld ready, while an officer and the others of the crew went below for ahurried trip of inspection, searching them diligently for "booby traps, "and other signs of treachery. 

This necessitated a slowing down in the speed of the German craft, but atlength the work was accomplished and Frank and his men, and all othersbelonging aboard the Essex, returned to their ship. 

"All serene, Jack, " Frank reported. 

"Very well, I shall so inform the admiral. "

He scribbled off a brief message, which he sent to the radio room. 

Now, with the submarines well along the line, the British fleet began tomove--escorting the U-Boats toward Harwich. The fleet would return thenext day to receive the surrender of the larger enemy war vessels, butto-day it meant to make sure that the submarines were taken safely toport. 

There was one brief halt while the German admiral in command of theflotilla went aboard Admiral Tyrwhitt's flagship to make formal surrenderof the submarines. He was accompanied by two members of his staff. 

Admiral Tyrwhitt received him on the bridge. There were tears in the eyesof the German admiral as he said:

"Sir, I surrender to you this submarine fleet of the Imperial Germannavy. "

He extended his sword. 

Admiral Tyrwhitt waved back the sword and accepted the surrender in a fewbrief words. The German admiral turned on his heel and walked to the rail. There one of his officers held out his hand to a British lieutenant whowas nearby. 

The latter refused it, and the German turned away muttering to himself inhis native tongue. The German admiral and his officers returned to thedestroyer, and the march of the fleets continued. 

It was a procession of broken German hopes--in the van, a destroyer of theunbeaten navy; behind, the cruel pirate craft that were to subjugate thesea. Each of the allied warships turned, and keeping a careful lookout, steamed toward Harwich. 

As the Essex passed one of the largest submarines, which carried two 5. 9guns, Frank counted forty-three officers and men on her deck. The craftwas at least three hundred feet long. 

"By George! Isn't she a whopper?" exclaimed the lad. 

Jack nodded. 

"She is indeed. The largest submarine I ever saw. "

Near the Shipwash lightship, three large British seaplanes appearedoverhead. They were followed by a single airship. The sight of the Harwichforces, which soon appeared in the distance, together with the seaplanesand the airship, was a most impressive one. 

Suddenly two carrier pigeons were released aboard one of the capturedsubmarines. 

A shock ran through the officers and crew of every allied vessel in sight. Apparently something was wrong. Sharp orders rang out. But the matterpassed over. It was explained that the pigeons had been released merely tocarry back to Germany the news that the surrender had been made. 

Nevertheless, the act called forth a vigorous protest from the flagship ofthe British commander-in-chief. 

"Another act like that and I shall sink you, " was Admiral Beatty'smessage. 

Still ten miles off shore, the procession came to a halt. Feverishactivity was manifest aboard the British vessels. Small boats were loweredand put off toward the submarines. These carried British crews that wereto take over the vessels and conduct them to port. As fast as a Britishcrew took possession, the German crews were transferred to the Germandestroyers there for the purpose of taking them back to Germany. 

Then the procession moved toward Harwich again. 

As the boats went through the gates into Harwich harbor, a white ensignwas run up on each of them, with the German flag flying underneath. 

Before being removed to the destroyers, which were to carry them back, each submarine commander, who were the only Germans left aboard thevessels as they passed into the harbor, was required to sign a declarationthat his submarine was in perfect running order, that his periscope wasintact, the torpedoes unloaded and the torpedo head safe. 

Despite orders issued to the Harwich forces in advance, to the effect thatno demonstration must be permitted in the city after the surrender of theGerman fleet, wild cheering broke out on the water front as thesubmarines, escorted by the great British warships, steamed into theharbor. 

Military police cleared the water front of the dense throng that hadgathered, but the best efforts they put forth were unable to still thebedlam that had broken loose. 

Commanders of the British ships had difficulty in restraining cheers bytheir crews and later by the Harwich forces themselves when the fleet ofcaptured submarines was turned over to Captain Addison, the commandant atthat port. 

Harbor space for the surrendered U-Boats had been provided in advance, and the vessels were now piloted to these places, where they were placedunder heavy guard. 

This work took time, and it was almost dark before the last submarine hadbeen escorted to its resting place. 

All day crowds thronged the streets of Harwich, cheering and yellingmadly. In vain the military authorities tried to stop the celebration. Aswell have tried to shut out the sound of thunder in the heavens. At lastthe authorities gave it up as a bad job, and joy and happiness ran rampantand unrestrained. 

It was a glorious day for England, and thousands of persons from Londonand the largest cities of the island had hurried to Harwich to witness theformal surrender of the fleet and its internment. All night the thousandsparaded the streets of the little village, the celebration seeming to growrather than to diminish as the early morning hours approached. 

So passed the bulk of Germany's undersea fighting strength into the handsof Great Britain and her allies. No longer would they terrorize with theirruthless warfare. They were safe at last. The fangs of the underseaserpents had been drawn. 

And on the night of November 20, 1918, thus made harmless, they layquietly in the harbor of Harwich, England, above them flying the UnionJack. 

CHAPTER XXIX

THE SURRENDER COMPLETE

November 21! This was to be a day, perhaps, more historic than the onethat preceded it, for on this day was to be surrendered to the alliedfleet the bulk of the great war vessels that comprised the Imperial Germannavy. 

Heading the great British flotilla that moved out to sea again was thesuper-dreadnaught the Queen Elizabeth, Admiral Beatty's flagship, aboardwhich were King George and Queen Mary, as they had been the day before. 

Following the first twenty-five British ships steamed the Americansquadron, Admiral Rodman, aboard the dreadnaught New York, showing theway. Following the New York were the Florida, Wyoming, Texas and Arkansas. Behind the Americans trailed a pair of French cruisers, followed in turnby a few Italian vessels, after which came the remainder of the greatBritish fleet. 

So the flotilla moved out again and took up the positions they had heldthe day before. Again every eye was strained to catch sight of the firstGerman warship. And at last came the cry, sounding much as it had on thepreceding day:

"Here they come!"

The German fleet that approached now came much more swiftly than had theflotilla of undersea craft. This time the halt was made while the Germanflagship was abreast of the Queen Elizabeth. Admiral Baron von Wimpfen putoff for Admiral Beatty's vessel in a launch. 

Admiral Beatty received the German admiral on the bridge of the QueenElizabeth, with him were King George and Queen Mary. Admiral von Wimpfenmade the formal declaration of surrender and it was accepted by theBritish admiral without ostentation. 

The German fleet thus turned over to Admiral Beatty consisted ofapproximately one hundred and fifty vessels of all classes, includingdreadnaughts, battleships, cruisers and destroyers. Slowly these giantvessels fell into line now and steamed toward Harwich, the British ships, still cleared for action, accompanying them and watching carefully for thesigns of treachery. 

But no such signs showed themselves. No longer were the Germans thinkingof fight. They had been decisively beaten, and they knew it. Apparentlythey considered themselves lucky to get off so easily. 

Still some distance off-shore, the crews of the German ships weretransferred to the half-dozen small vessels that were to carry them backto the Fatherland, and British crews were put aboard the vessels. Then, their eyes sad and watching what had once been the pride of Germany, theGerman officers and sailors began their cheerless journey home. 

Again it was a night of festivity in Harwich, and in all England, and allallied countries, for that matter. The surrender of the great German fleetwas now a thing of the past. Germany's hands were tied. She could continuethe struggle no longer even should she elect to do so. While a formaldeclaration of peace had not been signed, and probably would not be signedfor months to come, the war was over, so far as actual fighting wasconcerned. 

No wonder England, France, America, Italy and the smaller nations withthem went wild with joy. After four years of war, peace had again cast itsshadow over the earth, and everyone was glad. 

"So it's all over. "

It was Frank who spoke. He and Jack were in the latter's cabin on theEssex. The ship was lying at anchor just outside Harwich harbor, ridinggently on the swell of the waves. 

"Yes, it's all over, " said Jack, "and I'm glad. "

"So am I, " Frank declared; "and yet we have had a good time. "

"So we have, of a kind. And still you can't rightly call it a good timewhen all we have been doing is to seek, kill and destroy. "

"But it had to be done, " Frank protested. 

"Oh, I know that as well as you do. But war is a terrible thing, and themore you see of it the more certain you become that it is allfoolishness. "

"And yet, you can't permit a big bully to run amuck and smash up thingsall over the world. "

"That's true, of course, and it's exactly what the kaiser and his warmachine tried to do. Now, the machine had to be smashed, of course, and ithas been smashed. But how long will it take the world to recover? How longwill it take to rebuild what has been destroyed in these four years ofwar?"

Frank shrugged his shoulders. 

"I'm not good at conundrums, " he replied. 

"Nor I; and yet I'll venture to say that the reconstruction days will beas hard as many we have experienced in the war. "

"The thing that I want to know, " said Frank, changing the subjectabruptly, "is just what will be done with Germany in the final peaceconference. "

"You know as much about it as I do, " replied Jack, "but my own idea isthat the German empire will be dismembered--divided into the states ofPrussia, Saxony, and so forth, as they were years before they united underone head. "

"I'm sure I hope so. Certainly the allies will never permit Germany toattain such power that may make all our fighting futile--they'll never lether grow strong enough to start another world struggle. "

The lads conversed far into the night before retiring. Nevertheless theywere astir at an early hour, awaiting orders that they knew must come thatday; and they came shortly after noon in the shape of a wireless from LordHastings. 

"Return to Dover at once, " the message read. 

Again the Essex put to sea. 

But it was upon a peaceful voyage that the destroyer was bound now. Nolonger did her decks bristle with shining guns, crew at quarters and readyfor action. True, the Essex still showed plainly that she was a ship ofwar, but her threatening attitude was gone. The war was over and all wasquiet aboard. 

That night the destroyer put into Dover harbor and the lads went ashore toreport to Lord Hastings. It was after ten o'clock, but their formercommander received them at once in spite of the lateness of the hour. 

"Sorry to disturb you at this hour, sir, " said Jack, "but I thoughtperhaps you would wish us to report to you immediately. "

"And I am glad you did, " returned Lord Hastings. "Come, tell me somethingabout yourselves. So you were in at the finish, eh?"

"You bet!" exclaimed Frank enthusiastically. "You should have been there, sir. "

"I was, " replied Lord Hastings. 

"You were, sir?"

"Yes. "

"But we didn't see you, sir, " said Jack. 

"I know you didn't. But I saw you. And I saw Frank when he inspected thesubmarines on the first day of the surrender. "

"Where were you, sir?" demanded Frank. 

"Aboard the Queen Elizabeth. I viewed the surrender as the guest ofAdmiral Beatty, and their majesties. "

For some time the conversation dealt only with the surrender of the fleet. Then Lord Hastings said:

"Well, boys, the war is over. What do you intend to do now?"

"I know what I shall do, sir, " said Frank. 

"Well, let's hear it. "

"I shall return to America as soon as I am able to procure my discharge. "

"As I thought, " said Lord Hastings. "And you, Jack?"

"I hardly know, sir. I have no relatives, few friends. There is no onedependent on me, and I am dependent on no one. It strikes me, sir, thatthe navy might be a good place to stick. "

"And I had expected that, too, " said Lord Hastings quietly. "But I don'tagree with you, Jack. "

"Why not, sir?" asked Jack, in some surprise. 

"In the first place, " said Lord Hastings, "the life would begin to pall onyou when it settled down to dull routine. Now in active service, ofcourse, it's different. I know, because I've tried both. No, my advice toyou Jack, is to get out of the navy. "

"But what shall I do, sir?"

"There are many things, " said Lord Hastings quietly. "There is theconsular service, the diplomatic service. Who knows how far you may rise?Already you have made a name for yourself and have won distinction. Youmay go far, if you apply yourself. "

"That's true, too, sir, " said Jack. "I have thought of that, at oddmoments. But I guess you are right about the navy, sir. "

"I know I am. And the sooner you get out of it the better. "

"Then I'll take your advice, sir. But I'm afraid it won't be possible toget a discharge for some time yet. "

"It will be much simpler that you think, for both of you, " said LordHastings with a smile. "I still have some influence, you know, and I shallsee you receive your discharges within a fortnight, if you wish. "

"Hurray!" shouted Frank. "That suits me. There is no use sticking in thenavy now. There is nothing to do. "

"And, " continued Lord Hastings to Jack. "In the meantime I'll look aroundand see what I can turn up for you, Jack. "

"Thank you, sir, " said Jack. 

"And in the meantime, Jack, " added Frank, "you are going home with me fora visit. That is, as soon as we get our discharges. "

Jack hesitated. 

"But I don't know that I should, " he said. "Lord Hastings----"

"Go by all means, " said Lord Hastings. "You have earned a rest and shouldtake it. Now I'll see about the discharges at once, and as soon as youreceive them, both of you take my advice and go to the United States. Thatwill give me additional time to look around, Jack. And when you get there, stay until I send for you. "

"All right, sir, " said Jack with a smile. "You're still my superiorofficer, sir. I must obey your commands. "

The three shook hands and Jack and Frank returned to the Essex. 

CHAPTER XXX

HOME AT LAST

"Recognize that, Jack?" asked Frank, pointing across the water. 

The lads were standing on the forward deck of a great trans-Atlantic linerthat was edging its way into New York harbor. 

Jack looked in the direction Frank indicated. 

"Rather, " he said, "although I only saw it once before. That's the Statueof Liberty. "

"Right, " said Frank, "the emblem of that for which America went to war. "

"And the spirit for which we all fought, " Jack added. 

"Exactly. Well, it's been a long time since I saw her. I'm glad to see heragain. "

It was morning of the last day of the year 1918. 

True to his word, Lord Hastings had been able to secure discharges for thelads within two weeks after the surrender of the German fleet. Theyaccompanied Lord Hastings to London, where they remained some time at hishome. Frank, meanwhile, communicated with his father and announced that hewould be home soon. He did not give the exact date, for he wished hisreturn to be a surprise. And a surprise he knew it would be, as he nowstood on the deck of the incoming liner. 

The ship docked a short time later and Jack and Frank went ashore at once. They took a taxi to the Grand Central station, where they caught a fasttrain for Boston. It was night when they arrived there, but Frankdetermined to go out to his home in Woburn, ten miles from Boston, atonce. 

Accordingly they took an elevated train at the South Station. This putthem in the North Station ten minutes later, and Frank found that therewas a train for Woburn in half an hour. 

It was after dark when the lads alighted from the train in the little townof Woburn. Jack had been there with Frank before, when the lads hadcrossed the Atlantic to New York soon after the United States entered thewar. Accordingly, he knew the way from the station to Frank's home almostas well as the latter did himself. 

"Know where you are?" asked Frank. 

Jack grinned. 

"I've been here once, " he said. "That should answer that question. Youknow my memory is pretty good. "

"Then you can show me which house I live in, " said Frank. 

Jack pointed to a house a block away where a dim light showed from beneatha drawn curtain. 

"There's the house, " he said, "and there appears to be some one home. "

"That's father, of course, " said Frank. "He seldom goes out in theevening. "

The lads quickened their steps and soon were before the house. Quietlythey mounted the steps and as quietly tip-toed across the porch. Franktried the door. It was unlocked. 

"Careless of father, " he whispered. "I'll have to speak to him aboutthat. "

He opened the door gently and the two lads passed within. Frank closed thedoor noiselessly behind him. The lads dropped their grips silently in thehall and then tip-toed toward a room at the far end, where a light showed. 

Keeping out of sight, Frank peered in the door. There, with his back tohis son, sat Dr. Chadwick, reading. Frank stepped softly across the roomleaving Jack standing, grinning, at the door. 

Frank reached out and put both hands across his father's eyes. 

Dr. Chadwick's book dropped to the floor and for a moment Frank was afraidhe had frightened him by this unceremonious greeting. But Dr. Chadwick'shands reached up and clasped the hands that for the moment blinded him. 

"Frank!" he cried, and sprang to his feet. 

The next moment father and son were in each other's arms. 

Dr. Chadwick held his son off at arm's length, and looked at him. 

"You're a sight for sore eyes, " he declared. "You look better than you didthe last time I saw you, and you were looking fine then. "

"Here, Father, " said Frank, "is a friend of mine come to see you. "

Dr. Chadwick turned and saw Jack in the doorway. He stepped forward andgripped Jack's hand heartily. 

"Jack Templeton, eh?" he exclaimed. "I'm glad to see you. And you areCaptain Templeton now, I perceive. "

Jack blushed. 

"They insisted on making me one, sir, and I couldn't refuse, " he said. 

"Now, " said Dr. Chadwick, "you two boys sit right down here and tell meall about yourselves. But first, are you hungry?"

"No, sir, " said Frank. "We had dinner on the train just before we reachedBoston. "

"Then let's hear what you have been doing. I understand you were presentat the surrender of the German fleet. Give me some of the details. "

Until long after midnight the three sat there, Dr. Chadwick listeningeagerly to the tales of his son and the latter's chum. But at last helooked at his watch. 

"Why, it's after midnight, " he exclaimed. "Time for bed. "

Frank led the way to the room he had occupied since babyhood. This Jackwas to share with him during his stay. 

"I'll tell you, " said Frank, as he climbed into bed, "it feels pretty goodto a fellow to get back into his own bed after all these years. "

"I should think it would, " agreed Jack. "But mine is a long ways fromhere. However, I guess I shall see it again some day. "

"Of course you will, old fellow, and I'll go along with you. "

They fell asleep. 

Both lads were awakened by the sound of a commotion without. They jumpedout of bed. It was broad daylight of the first day of January, 1919. 

"Still celebrating the new year, I guess, " said Frank. "Remember we heard'em shooting before we went to bed?"

Jack nodded. 

Frank went to the window and stuck his head out. Instantly there was awild yell outside. Frank drew his head hurriedly back again. 

"What's the matter?" asked Jack. 

"I don't know, " said Frank. "There is a whole gang of fellows out thereand they all seem to be crazy about something. "

Jack had a faint suspicion. He crossed to the window and looked out. 

Again a yell went up, followed by a cry from many throats:

"We want Frank!"

Even Frank heard this. His face turned red and he began to act flustered. 

"Some of the fellows know I'm home, I guess, " he said. 

"That's what's the matter, all right, " Jack agreed. "Better show yourselfagain. "

"Wait till I get some clothes on and I'll go down and see 'em, " saidFrank. 

"They'll probably want you to make a speech, " Jack suggested. 

Frank was alarmed. 

"Speech?" he repeated. "I can't make a speech. "

"Oh, yes you can. You don't mean to tell me that a fellow who has donewhat you have--who has talked with kings and czars--is afraid to talk tosome of his old friends and companions?"

"That's different, " declared Frank. 

Jack smiled. 

"I catch your point, and maybe you're right, " he admitted. "However, you'll have to do it. "

"I suppose I shall, " said Frank with a sigh, "so the sooner I get it overwith the better. "

He led the way downstairs and on to the front porch. Jack stepped forwardclose beside him. Again there was a wild cheer from many throats. 

Both lads still wore their British uniforms, and they both presented amanly and handsome appearance as they stood there on the front porch ofFrank's home. 

"Hello, Frank!" "Glad to see you back!" "Are you going to stay here?""Tell us about yourself. "

These were some of the cries hurled at the lad. 

Frank's face turned red and he would have turned away had not Jack'sstalwart frame stayed him. 

"Speech! Speech!" came the cry. 

The hubbub increased. 

"I can't do it, Jack!" Frank exclaimed. 

"Oh, yes you can, " replied his chum. "I'll help you. "

He raised his right hand for silence, still keeping his left tightly onFrank's shoulder, for the latter showed signs of bolting at the firstopportunity. Instantly the shouting died away and the crowd of youngfellows waited expectantly. 

"I just want to introduce my friend, " said Jack smiling. "LieutenantChadwick, gentlemen, of His British Majesty's service, though an Americancitizen, and a good one at that. Lieutenant Chadwick will be glad to say afew words to you. "

The cheering burst forth again, but died away as Jack pushed Frankforward. 

Frank made a brave effort and finally managed to say a few words. He grewmore at ease as he went along and his audience listened intently. Hespoke for perhaps five minutes, then concluded:

"And now, fellows, I want you all to step up and shake hands with myfriend--also my commander--Captain Jack Templeton. He's an Englishman, buta pretty good fellow at that--and he's no older than any of us. "

There was another cheer and the boys gathered around to shake Jack's handand get acquainted with him. And after they had talked and talked andfeasted their eyes on the British uniforms to their hearts' content theywent away. Then Jack and Frank went in to breakfast, where Dr. Chadwickwas awaiting them at the table. 

A few words more and the history of The Boy Allies on the Sea is complete. 

Jack remained with Frank for several weeks, then returned to England uponreceipt of a message from Lord Hastings announcing that he had found aplace for the lad in the diplomatic service. The story of Jack's strugglesin his chosen profession would make interesting reading, perhaps, but itis in no wise connected with the great war. Suffice it to say that he israpidly rising to fame and fortune and that in years to come, in allprobability, he will hold one of the most important posts in the Britishgovernment. 

Frank, for his part, remained in his home town, where he took up thestudy of law. He proved an apt student and soon showed signs of talentthat undoubtedly will make him famous. 

So here we shall take our leave of Jack Templeton and Frank Chadwick, knowing that, in years to come, they will meet again, both famous then, and that through all the years their friendship shall survive, and growstronger than it was in the days when they fought side by side for thefreedom of the world. 

THE END