Clair W. Hayes

“ A minute later Frank came up by the side of the boat and seized it in both hands. In vain Davis tried to steady the craft. Frank's effort was too powerful to resist and the little craft capsized, hurling Davis into the water.
Frank, treading water—now that he had his enemy on even terms—smiled as he waited for the traitor to come up; but what was his surprise when he felt himself suddenly seized by the legs and drawn beneath the surface. So sudden and unexpected was this movement that the lad did not have time to catch a breath before his head went under. ”

“ The lads nodded.
"Will it be best for us to row ashore ourselves, sir?" asked Frank. "Or shall we have one of the men take us?"
"You would better go alone," replied Lord Hastings, after a moment's hesitation. "You can tie your boat up some place. I hardly think any one will bother it. A sailor might betray all of us unconsciously. In a game like this, the fewer the better is my motto."
"Come on, Jack; let's be moving," said Frank impatiently. "There is no use staying here all day. Hurry up."
"Now you just hold your horses," replied his chum. ”

“ Here Colonel Masterson took a hand again. He spoke to Lord Hastings.
"What shall we do with them?" he asked.
"That, colonel, is for you to decide," was Lord Hastings' reply.
"Do you think it necessary to call a court martial?" continued the colonel.
"In view of the evidence we have, I should say not," returned Lord Hastings.
"And still," said Colonel Masterson, half to himself, "it seems to me that every man should be given a chance." ”

“ Waves rolled higher and higher and the little craft first wallowed in the trough of the sea and then climbed the gigantic waves.
"No wonder people get seasick," Frank muttered to himself.
The wind increased in violence until it blew a hurricane, but still the little motorboat did not falter; it bore on as bravely as before, climbing wave after wave swiftly and unerringly. Edwards, at the wheel, was giving a splendid example of seamanship. ”

“ Jack seconded his chum. "However, I feel certain that we shall come upon them sooner or later."
"And still," said Lord Hastings, "there really is no telling where they are likely to be. They can't wander too far from their base. They'll have to put in some place every so often, you know."
"They will live off their victims, providing they have any," said Frank. "To find them is like looking for a needle in a haystack. We might have to search the seven seas."
"And then not find them," Jack added.
"Well, if we do come up with them, I'd like to lay my hands on Davis," declared Frank. ”

“ Then came the sound of a shot from dead ahead and there was a splash between the Glasgow and The Hawk.
"The enemy!" exclaimed Lord Hastings.
Aboard each of the small motorboats every man sprang to his post. Soft commands carried back and forth across the water, while the signal flags of the Glasgow continued to flutter.
Then, even as Lord Hastings received from the Lion the command to advance, he read the last signal of the Glasgow.
"Submarine has halted us," it read. "Dead ahead."
The motorboat fleet came to life upon the instant. ”

“ The water was still full of bobbing heads—the German sailors who had leaped into the sea.
"Poor fellows," said Lord Hastings compassionately.
"Why didn't the other ship stop and pick them up?" demanded Jack.
"Didn't have time, I guess," returned Jack dryly. "Her commander was in too big a hurry to get away from there. He deserves the same fate for running away from them, if you ask me."
"He certainly does," agreed Lord Hastings. "However, there is nothing we can do for the poor sailors in the water; we have no room for them here. They will have to shift for themselves. ”

“ Lord Hastings threw the wheel over with such violence that the motorboat careened desperately and all but capsized. Frank and Jack saved themselves from being thrown overboard by a quick grasp at the rail, to which they clung with all their might.
And then, before Lord Hastings could flash the searchlight across the water, had such been his intention, a blinding glare lighted up The Hawk. The enemy had been too quick for those aboard.
Now another shot rang out and the boys heard a terrible whistling overhead.
"Pretty close," said Jack quietly. "They are liable to get us next time." ”

“ An hour later, The Hawk having been slowed to a bare five knots, Frank thought he caught the sound of another moving object. He called Lord Hastings' attention, and The Hawk's engine was shut off. Again came the sound, as of a choked automobile engine.
"She's off there, and pretty close," whispered Lord Hastings, with a gesture to port.
"Shall we try a shot in the darkness, sir?" asked Frank.
"No; that would be folly," said Lord Hastings. "There is not one chance in a thousand that the first shot would go home; and then she would be on the move again. ”

“ Jack was equally as pleased as Frank, but he did not manifest the same enthusiasm.
"And what is it you expect us to learn, sir?" asked Jack. "I'm sure I haven't any idea."
"Nor I, sir," declared Frank.
Lord Hastings smiled.
"You see," he said, "it might have been better to let me go." Then he added after a brief pause: "I don't know that I had any particular plan in view. I was just going ashore and stroll about a bit. It is barely possible that one of you may overhear something. I wouldn't stay more than two hours at the most." He glanced at his watch. "Two o'clock now," he said. ”

“ You are English and we are German; but what of it? Why should we take orders from such men as Herr Commander Bernstorff and others of his kind?"
"Why, indeed?" echoed another.
"You are right," said Davis. "Now, when we take possession of this vessel we will be our own masters. No one to tell us what to do. We won't have to risk our lives for some one else's gain. And what booty we can get shall be evenly divided among us. There is rich prey upon the sea." ”

“ Day dawned cool and grey, and in spite of their heavy oilskins, Frank and Jack were chilled to the bone from their long stay in the cold. Several times Lord Hastings had asked them if they wished to go below and warm up a bit, but each was too interested to leave his post for a moment.
"Can't tell what minute we may run across them, sir," Jack had said, "and I want to get even for the miss I made a while ago."
A slight fog rose over the water. Lord Hastings gave an exclamation of impatience.
"Even the elements conspire against us," he said aggrievedly.
"It's not much of a fog, sir," said Jack. ”

“ But there was once when it seemed that all—Lord Hastings, Frank and Jack—had come to their end. It came about in this wise: After a long cruise, which resulted in great successes, their submarine, D-16, had come to grief in the Dardanelles. They were caught below and it seemed that all must perish.
Then Jack had decided that it was futile for all to die; there was safety for all but one. A deck of cards decided who was to stay, and Jack had drawn the fatal card—the ace of spades.
Officers and crew were launched to safety by means of a torpedo tube; and Jack sat down to await the end. ”

“ No one had.
"Strange," muttered Lord Hastings; "I could have sworn I heard something moving through the water."
He gave the command to go ahead again; but less than five moments later once more brought The Hawk to a pause.
"I am sure I heard something," he said to Frank, who stood near him.
"I thought I did myself, that time," replied the lad. "Sounded like a boat, and not a great distance away."
"We shall have to be careful," said his commander. "I know that there is not another British vessel in these waters to-night. If there is a second craft out here, it must be an enemy." ”

“ Jack sprang to the searchlight eagerly, and under his guiding hand, it threw its brilliant rays over the dark waters. He swept it in a wide half-circle to the right without result; and then swung the glare around to the left; and there, presenting her stern, a little motorboat was moving swiftly away.
"She's running, sir!" exclaimed Frank, who stood forward, still holding his rifle. "Shall I give her a shot?"
"If you like," replied Lord Hastings. "It can do no harm. In the meantime we'll have after her."
He gave the signal, "Full speed ahead," and The Hawk leaped forward. ”

“ Frank and Jack were equally astonished; and the reason was this: both torpedoes had gone true and the periscope of each vessel fell away.
"There'll be no more diving," said Lord Hastings quietly.
Now the fighting submarines, both upon the surface, launched torpedo after torpedo at each other. A shot from the pirate struck her adversary a glancing blow on the bow and the head of the little craft ducked a trifle. But she bobbed up serenely again a moment later and returned the fire. ”

“ Jack wanted to know.
"Probably intend another raid on the British coast," returned Lord Hastings. "By the time they are in waters patrolled by our ships it will be dark, and they hope to pass them in the night. You haven't forgotten the raid on Scarborough and Hartlepool, have you?"
"No, I haven't," said Jack. "But I don't figure they would have the temerity to try another."
"They seem to have temerity enough to try anything," declared Frank. "However, I guess it's up to us to stop this raid."
"Right you are, Frank," said Lord Hastings quietly. "It's up to us." ”

“ Lord Hastings stood his ground.
Frank was back in a moment and again took his stand on the opposite side of the door from Lord Hastings. He held something in his hand, and a long snake-like object seemed to wiggle along behind him.
"What have you there?" demanded Lord Hastings in some surprise.
"Hose, sir," replied Frank calmly.
"And what are you going to do with it?"
"Rout Davis out, sir."
Lord Hastings chuckled.
"I am afraid you won't have much success," he replied. "It's a poor Englishman who can't stand a little cold water."
"Maybe he won't like hot water, though, sir," replied Frank. ”

“ Jack explained. "While Ostend is called a German naval base, it is, strictly speaking, nothing but a submarine base. The under-sea boats have been able to run in here without much difficulty, but the larger vessels could hardly get by on the surface."
"I see," replied Frank. "I hadn't thought of that."
"But it seems to me we are getting in pretty easily," said Jack. "It's a wonder we are not challenged. I'm always suspicious of anything that is attained too easily. I wonder if we can be suspected?"
"Not likely," remarked Lord Hastings. "We've come pretty straight, in spite of our short stop. ”

“ CHAPTER XXIII. AN UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER.
"Now that we have so kindly been permitted to enter," said Lord Hastings, "I don't believe it would be half a bad idea for us to go ashore; or at least two of us."
"I speak to go with you, sir," exclaimed Frank.
"So do I, sir," said Jack.
"Well, all three of us can't go," Lord Hastings decided. "We'll draw straws to see who are the fortunate—or unfortunate—two. I'll draw with you. The one who gets the short one loses." ”

“ I believe we shall take another little run into Ostend."
"Good, sir!" said Jack. "We did very well on our last trip. Perhaps we shall be fortunate enough to learn something this time."
"Who knows?" said Frank, with a shrug of his shoulders. "However, the nearer the enemy we are, the more chance for action. The sooner we get started the better I shall be pleased."
"It's a short run from here," said Lord Hastings, "and I believe we shall be safe enough if we make the attempt in broad daylight. We'll take a chance."
He gave the command to go forward and the U-6 moved swiftly ahead. ”

“ Even when the searchlight was turned from The Hawk, it was a moment or so before I could make out the enemy. The light had all but blinded me."
"There is no harm done, anyhow," Jack put in. "The enemy is at the bottom of the sea and we are safe again."
"Then we may as well continue a bit," declared Lord Hastings. He turned to give an order, when Frank interrupted him.
"Are you sure we are safe, sir?" he questioned.
"What do you mean?" demanded his commander. ”

“ A few moments later the full crew of the U-6 appeared on deck and the boats were quickly gotten out.
"Rifles and revolvers for each man," ordered Lord Hastings.
The men already had armed themselves; so Lord Hastings gave the word to take to the boats. This was done, and pulling away from the rapidly settling submarine, all turned their eyes again to The Vulture.
To their surprise The Vulture was not settling as fast as was the U-6 and several figures could still be seen struggling about on board.
"They are launching the boats, sir," said Frank.
"So they are," replied Lord Hastings. ”

“ Now, in view of the furore that the sinking of the Lusitania caused in neutral countries, it is hardly to be expected the Glasgow will be torpedoed without warning."
"But just how do we get at the enemy, sir?" demanded Frank.
"I'm coming to that. When the submarine comes to the surface and gives warning for passengers and crew to leave the ship, we shall sneak out from behind at full speed. Before the submarine can submerge, we shall be close enough to get her. That's why we carry such heavy guns. One of us is bound to get her." ”

“ We must have a crew."
"How about the English sailors?" asked one of the Germans. "They must be dissatisfied. Here they are prisoners and will be kept under guard until the end of the war. Certainly they should be willing to join us. It will mean freedom and a share in the rich spoils."
"With which to retire when the war is over," put in another. "Why, we can go to America and live at ease for years to come."
"Which is my plan exactly," declared Davis. "Yes, we must have a crew. Hans, do you think you could approach these prisoners?"
"Leave that to me, sir," replied Hans with an evil wink. ”

“ The man crumpled up on the floor. Quickly Davis whirled about and locked the door, even as Lord Hastings and Jack threw their weight against it. Then Davis laughed aloud.
"Stand back there!" he cried. "Stand back, or I'll smash this machinery so none of us will ever reach the surface."
Frank was for smashing in the door regardless of this threat, but Lord Hastings seized his arm.
"Hold on!" he exclaimed. "The man is crazy enough to do it. We shall have to seek some other method of overcoming him."
"And how are we to get him, unless we go after him, I'd like to know?" the lad demanded angrily. ”

“ The German commander turned from him in disgust.
"It is such men as you, who are a disgrace to the navy," he said quietly.
"Sir!" exclaimed Lord Hastings, facing the German in apparent wrath, though nothing could have pleased him better—things were working out much better than he had dared hope. ”

“ Fifty yards from the submarine, which lay quietly in the water, The Hawk came to a stop and the forward gun was made ready for action.
"Funny there isn't some one on deck," muttered Frank.
"By Jove! So it is," declared Lord Hastings. "Must be something wrong. I wonder what?"
"I have it, sir," declared Frank. "It's one of the vessels that those other motorboats—the ones we sunk—were to have reported to."
"I believe Frank is right," agreed Jack. "It probably comes to the surface here every night, awaiting their return." ”

“ Jack gave the command.
"Twenty knots!" ordered Lord Hastings.
The U-6 leaped forward beneath the water like a thing alive. For fifteen minutes she sped on and then rose until her periscope showed above the surface.
"As I expected," said Lord Hastings. "The enemy is making for home, but we have outrun them and are now between them and their goal." He gauged the range carefully and then ordered: "No. 2 torpedo!"
Again all was expectancy aboard the submarine as all eagerly awaited the next command. ”

“ The U-16 had now come within perhaps a hundred and fifty yards of the other submarine, which in turn was possibly another hundred yards from the big liner. The voice of the commander of the German under-water craft carried plainly to the U-16.
"Five minutes more," he called to the commander of the liner. "I can wait no longer. If all have not left the ship by that time, I shall sink you anyhow."
Instantly all became confusion aboard the steamship. Men, women and children ran shrieking up and down the deck; seeking a place of safety. ”

“ Reaching the Thames, one submarine must lead the way. I shall call for a volunteer."
"Here, sir," Lord Hastings spoke up before the other commanders had a chance.
The others also volunteered, but Admiral Schuler awarded the honor to the U-16.
"You spoke first," he explained. Then he continued: "Unfortunately, we have been unable to learn the exact positions of the various British war vessels in the Thames, but we do know that there are many stationed there—just how far up the river I cannot say. However, once there we shall not return until we have sunk them." ”

“ This time her aim had been true and the torpedo grazed the top of the conning tower. The Vulture also ducked, but came up again.
"It all depends upon who gets in the first square shot," said Lord Hastings, and at that moment the square shot struck.
The Vulture, swerving suddenly, barely escaped a torpedo from her foe, while the pirate's next torpedo struck the enemy squarely upon the bridge. ”

“ Also, the motorboat, being small, is a much more difficult object to hit with a torpedo—it is, in fact, a very poor target. Then again, a motorboat is so much swifter than a submarine that the advantage is all with the motorboat."
"By Jove, sir! the way you explain it I can see the advantages," said Jack eagerly.
"And so can I," agreed Frank.
Lord Hastings smiled.
"You are easily convinced," he replied. "Had some of the admiralty officials been convinced half so easily, this submarine menace might have been effectually stopped long before this." ”

“ Then he got slowly to his feet.
"Is he——," began Edwards.
"Dead," replied Jack quietly.
For a moment there was silence; then Edwards spoke brokenly.
"The best shipmate a man ever had, sir."
He knelt beside his dead companion and tears streamed down his face. Jack and Frank did not speak as he mourned silently for some minutes. At last Edwards got to his feet.
"War is war, sir," he said quietly.
He moved aft.
"Well," said Frank, "I guess we may as well be getting back to The Hawk. Lord Hastings will be worried."
"Right," said Jack. "You take the wheel. I'll try and coax the engine along." ”