t perish.

Then Jack had decided that it was futile for all to die; there was
safety for all but one. A deck of cards decided who was to stay, and
Jack had drawn the fatal card--the ace of spades.

Officers and crew were launched to safety by means of a torpedo tube;
and Jack sat down to await the end. But, in some unaccountable manner,
the submarine had suddenly risen to the surface, and Jack, taking
advantage of the single instant the vessel was above water before it
took its final death plunge, flung himself clear. And thus all were
saved.

But, because of their desperate experiences, they were unfit to
immediately resume new duties; so all had returned to England until such
time as they would be physically in shape again.

Now Jack Templeton, although young in years, was wise in the ways of the
world. Also he was of huge stature and as strong as an ox, as he had
proved more than once when put to the test. Frank, although by no means
as large as his chum, was sturdy and strong, and able to give a good
account of himself when occasion required.

The one noticeable difference between the two was that Frank was
high-tempered and quick, whereas Jack was always cool and collected. And
this very fact had more than once showed that Jack, while not exactly
more dependable, could always be relied upon to keep his head.

While both were skillful in the use of weapons, here was a place where
Frank excelled. He was a dead shot with rifle or revolver and was a
strong swordsman. Jack was a good shot himself and a skillful fencer,
but he was not in Frank's class when it came to the use of sword or
firearms.

Upon their last expedition Jack and Frank had acted as first and second
officers respectively of the submarine, and both now held the rank of
first lieutenant. Their promotions had come deservedly. They had the
implicit confidence of Lord Hastings and more than once had offered
valuable advice, which Lord Hastings had acted upon.

Now a few words about the progress of the war. The seven seas had for
some time, save for the presence of the German submarines, been swept
clear of German, Austrian and Turkish fighting ships. Not a one remained
at large to prey upon the shipping of the Allies. The real fighting
strength of the navies of the three central powers still remained in
their own fortified bases, well guarded by mines.

The Allies had established such an effective blockade that none dared to
venture forth. So the