Clair W. Hayes

“ More than one man has disappeared, never to be heard of again.”
“You don’t mean that they were assassinated?” demanded Jack.
“Exactly; nine times out of ten, when a secret agent is caught, his life pays the forfeit. Sounds barbarous, doesn’t it?” and Hetherington smiled.
“It certainly does,” replied Frank. “I thought the days of barbarism had passed.”
“Well, to tell the truth, England and France have given up such practice. Germany, Austria, and even Russia, in some cases, continue the old custom. So you may see why the life of a secret agent is not all roses.” ”

“ As Frank made his way to his cabin, Jack wiped beads of perspiration from his brow, as he muttered to Lord Hastings:
“I was afraid he would not come to his senses. I was afraid I should have to use force, and Frank is not one to give up without a fight. I am just as greatly alarmed at Miss Beulow’s predicament as he is, but I know my duty.”
“And I am glad you do,” replied Lord Hastings. “Fond as I am of the boy, I should not have allowed him to go. I should even have shot him had it been necessary. Discipline must be maintained at all hazards. ”

“ It is true my father is a German, but that does not prove I am a spy. I accuse that man there,” and she pointed a trembling finger at Lieutenant Taylor, “of conspiring to destroy the British fleet!”
Lieutenant Taylor sprang to his feet angrily.
“Absurd!” he cried, and sat down again.
“Is it not true?” continued the young girl, facing him steadily, “that you are not an Englishman? Is it not true that you are an American?”
“And what of that?” exclaimed the lieutenant. “I am nevertheless an officer in the British navy.” ”

“ Unflinchingly Alice Beulow, with a slight smile on her lips, faced the firing squad.
The hands of each man trembled, and the face of each was pale.
Then, suddenly, before Lieutenant Taylor could give the next command, Frank Chadwick bounded over the side of the Alto, nor did he hesitate for a moment. In spite of all attempts to stop him, he rushed toward the spot where Alice Beulow was facing death.
Captain Johnson barred the lad’s progress. But Frank was not to be stopped. He dashed ahead with such speed that the captain was thrust violently aside. ”

“ Hardly had Jack and the lieutenant disappeared when the great Italian diplomat, followed by Lord Hastings, made his way excitedly from the house.
“Did you catch the significance of what we have just overheard?” demanded Dellaya, of Lord Hastings, as they hurried away.
“I did,” replied Lord Hastings briefly. “It is fortunate we were here.”
“It is, indeed,” was the reply. “Italy has been the cat’spaw of the German emperor too long. Strive as she will, Italy cannot stand by her partners in the Triple Alliance in the face of such treachery. But I must make sure. ”

“ For instance, if, in some diplomatic undertaking, I should be apprehended upon the order of a foreign government, say as a spy, or for some overt political act, my government would not countenance my action, even though I am acting under direct orders.”
“It must be dangerous work,” declared Frank.
“You take your life in your hands every time you are sent upon a mission,” said Jack.
Hetherington smiled grimly.
“Practically that,” he admitted. “It’s dangerous work, no doubt; but there is a spice of excitement to it that makes it worth while.” ”

“ Without one look at the girl whose life he had saved at the imminent risk of his own, Frank stepped up to Captain Johnson, saluted, and exclaimed:
“Sir! there lies the traitor. I arrived just in time to prevent you from committing a terrible crime. Miss Beulow is innocent.”
“Who are you, sir?” demanded Captain Johnson, waving back the sailors who had again leveled their rifles at the lad. “Why should I not have you shot at once?”
“I am Midshipman Chadwick, sir, of His Majesty’s scout cruiser Sylph. I am here at Lord Hastings’ command to save an innocent girl! ”

“ The searchlight of the Lancaster now enveloped the German, and the searchlight of the latter now played upon the swiftly oncoming British cruiser.
On the Sylph everything was ready for the struggle. The perfectly drilled crew had cleared for action in no time. Lord Hastings and Lieutenant Edwards made a round of inspection, and spoke inspiring words to the members of the crew.
“Remember the words of Lord Nelson,” cried the former, “'England expects every man to do his duty!’”
A cheer was quickly silenced when Lord Hastings raised his hand for quiet. ”

“ Abu ben Sedar was wary.
“Why do you ask that?” he demanded.
“Why,” explained the lieutenant, “I know that you have led more than one uprising, and I know the Arab nature too well to think they will kiss the hand that strikes them down. The spirit of the desert will rise again. Even now I have heard rumors——”
“'Tis as you say,” exclaimed the Sheik excitedly, springing to his feet. “We shall never submit to Italian rule. They have treated us like dogs. But we are biding our time. We need rifles, ammunition, money.” ”

“ Frank rushed up the hatchway to the deck, where a terrible sight met his eyes.
Surrounded by all six of the crew. Captain Harwood was battling desperately for his life. Time after time he struck out with his great fists, but his blows failed to land. The nimble Italians skipped back, then closed in again. By the wheel, Frank saw the unconscious form of Charlie.
Long, wicked-looking knives gleamed in the hands of the Italians. Bleeding from half a dozen wounds, the giant captain continued to fight off his enemies. ”

“ They were too old friends for such formalities. As Lord Hastings reached the deck of the flagship, Admiral Jellicoe rushed forward to meet him. The greeting was affectionate, and, after some few words, Lord Hastings motioned to Frank and Jack to approach.
“I wish to present to your excellency,” said Lord Hastings, in introducing the two lads to the British naval commander, “two of the bravest and most resourceful young men it has ever been my fortune to encounter. They both are midshipmen aboard my vessel.” ”

“ The men needed no further word. All ran for the boat at top speed, waded out into the water, and climbed aboard. Jack, shoving Hardy ahead of him, was the last over the side.
Quickly he stepped to the steering wheel, and a moment later there was a muffled chug-chug, and the little craft began to slip through the water.
There was a cry of “Halt!” from the shore; but this went unheeded.
Came a volley of rifle shots.
“Duck, men,” cried Jack, suiting the action to the word.
One man was a trifle too late, and his arm fell useless by his side.
“Hurt much?” queried Jack anxiously. ”

“ The gun-laying of all the British ships was splendid, and soon the Germans began to show by their rent funnels, splintered upper works and damaged hulls the punishment they were receiving. Almost together, two shells from 10-inch guns struck the Arethusa. One plowed its way through the upper decks, doing great damage, while the other found its way into the engine-room. There was a terrific explosion, and the steam poured from the portholes and mingled with the smoke of battle. ”

“ I’m in the English diplomatic corps and am on an important mission. My capture must be the work of treachery. I suppose I am to be turned over to the Germans.”
“I thought diplomacy was a thing of the past,” said Frank. “Of what use is diplomacy now that practically the whole of Europe is at war?”
“That’s just it,” was the reply. “The whole of Europe is not at war. Italy is still neutral, but unless something happens she is likely to throw in her fortunes with Germany.”
“But what have you got to do with that?”
The man in the bunk was silent for a few moments. ”

“ There was a shower of iron, and men fell on all sides as it rained upon the deck. At Gun No. 2 the gunner crumpled up and fell to the deck just as he was about to fire.
“Report this to Lord Hastings!” cried Jack to Frank, and the latter rushed upon deck.
Jack leaped to the gun and touched it off with his own hand. His action was rewarded by a great shout from on deck, followed by a terrific explosion.
Another German shell struck the gun deck of the Sylph, and again several men went to the deck. But as they fell others jumped to take their places, Jack among them. ”

“ Under Lord Hastings’ command, the Sylph came about, and headed back in the way she had come.
“What would you say she is making?” asked Lord Hastings of Lieutenant Edwards, indicating the approaching German cruiser.
“About twenty-one knots, sir.”
“Good. Set our speed at twenty-four, then.”
“Very good, sir.”
The Sylph seemed to leap forward. Then Lord Hastings took the time to explain his plans.
“We don’t want to run entirely away from her,” he explained. “We want to keep just enough ahead of her so she will continue the chase. Darkness will be upon us in an hour. ”

“ The boys listened eagerly as Lord Hastings continued:
“As you know, the British home fleet is in the North Sea, bottling the Germans up in Kiel and Helgoland. There is likely to be a battle there almost any time. My yacht, the Sylph, has been converted into a scout cruiser, and has been heavily armed.
“Although the Sylph is listed as being able to make a speed of only twenty knots, nevertheless it is swifter than any of our war vessels. This unknown speed has been useful more than once. My naval rank is that of captain, and I have been ordered to the North Sea with the Sylph!” ”

“ Jack laughed modestly.
“A little thinking is all that’s necessary,” he replied.
“Well, you are quite a thinker,” said Frank; “but it strikes me you are something of a fighter besides.”
“What shall we do now?” broke in Hetherington.
“I suppose I had better get home,” replied Jack. “Besides, we are not far from there. You had both better come with me.”
“I want to get back to Naples,” declared Frank.
“And I must get to Nalut, Tripoli, at the earliest possible moment,” declared Hetherington.
“Nalut!” exclaimed Jack. “Why, we can’t be far from there now. It’s close to my home. ”

“ Up to this instant the battle had been fought at very close range, and the dozen or more German cruisers seemed to be rapidly overhauling the mosquito fleet; but, with the sudden turning of the little squadron to the west, there came the single boom of a great gun from out the northwest, heralding the approach of the British battleships—magnificent vessels of the First Battle Squadron.
As the great British guns opened upon the enemy, the Germans turned to flee; but it was too late. They had been lured too far into the open. British strategy had proved too much for the Teutonic mind. ”

“ Jack informed his prisoner. “I thought once you were going to speak, and my finger was on the trigger.”
“I saw it,” replied Hardy quietly. “I am not entirely a fool.”
“Remember it, then,” was Jack’s response.
For some moments they continued on their way in silence, and at last Hardy said:
“Listen here, Templeton! Isn’t there some way we can fix this thing up? I know what will happen to me if I am taken back to the Sylph. If this thing had gone through I would have been a rich man. I am sure I can explain things satisfactorily to my superiors. ”

“ I want to show the young lady we picked up to-day about the vessel. I understand her father is a high officer in the German army, and with the success of our venture—well, who knows?”
“You take my advice and let the girl alone,” growled the sailor. “A woman has spoiled more than one well-laid scheme.”
“Keep your advice to yourself, Hardy,” replied the lieutenant angrily. “Now, good night.”
Jack and Frank straightened up from their cramped position, slipped quickly down the deck and disappeared before the sailor emerged from the lieutenant’s cabin. ”

“ The powerful searchlight on the little boat lighted up the sea for a long distance ahead, and at least a mile away Jack could make out the craft in which Hardy was heading for the Danish coast.
“Well,” said Jack to himself, “it’s up to me to catch him, and I won’t come back till I do.”
Lord Hastings had told him that the Sylph would remain where she was until he returned.
Under Jack’s orders the launch was leaping ahead at full speed, and after an hour it became apparent that the pursuers were gaining slightly.
“At this rate,” said Jack to himself, “we won’t overhaul him before daylight. ”

“ Who are these traitors?”
“Well,” said Frank, “one of them is the man who followed Jack and me in London. He is a sailor on board, but, owing to a false mustache, I did not recognize him until last night.”
“And the other?” queried Lord Hastings.
“The other,” said Frank, “you will find it very hard to believe is plotting against England. He is an officer on board, sir.”
“His name?” demanded Lord Hastings.
“Second Lieutenant Taylor, sir!”
“What!” exclaimed Lord Hastings, jumping to his feet in great excitement. “Lieutenant Taylor?”
“Yes, sir,” said Jack. ”

“ She is in honor bound to support the alliance, and she will, unless she can be made to believe that Germany, in secret conjunction with Austria, is plotting her downfall. And it is this that Italy must be made to believe.”
“But is that exactly fair?” Frank wanted to know.
“'All’s fair in love and war,’” quoted Hetherington. “Besides, we have learned enough through secret channels to know that it is true. Now we must make Italy see it without suspecting that we have had a hand in it.”
“Looks like quite a sizable job,” remarked Jack dryly. ”

“ But I wish something might be done for Miss Beulow.”
“And I,” replied Jack. “But cheer up. It may not be as bad as we think. Besides, I suppose we shall go into action to-night. After the battle, we can manage to get hold of the Alto in some manner, and matters can be explained then.”
“If it’s not too late,” exclaimed Frank fearfully.
“It just can’t be too late,” replied Jack.
Half an hour later Frank stood before Lord Hastings.
“The first thing I want to impress upon you,” said Lord Hastings, “is the necessity of obedience and discipline. Those qualifications are essential.” ”

“ Hardy suddenly let out a loud cry for help.
Instantly Jack whipped his revolver out.
“One more like that,” he said sternly, “and I’ll shoot you where you stand.”
“You wouldn’t have the nerve,” was the sneering response.
“Don’t try me,” said Jack quietly. “You are too dangerous to be running around loose. I would shoot you with as little compunction as I would a dog.”
Hardy was evidently impressed with Jack’s tone, for he resumed his walk slowly.
“What are you going to do with me?” he demanded.
“Take you back aboard the Sylph,” replied the lad. ”

“ Jack drew back in surprise. This was a new side of Lord Hastings. Heretofore he had always been the best-natured fellow imaginable. But he was plainly very angry now.
Jack saluted and turned to move away. Lord Hastings halted him.
“Tell Mr. Chadwick to report to me in half an hour,” he commanded.
“Great Scott!” exclaimed Jack, as he made his way to his cabin. “He can get awfully mad. I can hardly believe it!”
Frank arose from his bed as Jack entered the cabin, and approached his friend with outstretched hand. ”