he young German bowed, and Lord Hastings, Frank, and Jack went below.

Here Lord Hastings called the men to him and in a few words explained
the situation. The men consented to be bound and the three tied them up,
for, as Lord Hastings said, it was just as well to keep up appearances.

Before returning on deck Lord Hastings also issued a few sharp commands
to Jack and Frank.

"Just keep your nerve and everything will turn out all right," he said.

"But Davis," exclaimed Frank. "He is likely to betray us."

"Don't you believe it," said Lord Hastings. "Von Rosten doesn't trust
him very much and Davis will be sharp enough to know it. That's why I
want to appear to be doing him a good turn. Besides, it will throw both
of them off the track."

"I see," replied Frank. "I wouldn't have thought of that, sir."

Lord Hastings again led the way on deck and informed the young German
commander that they were ready to accompany him aboard his vessel. The
latter motioned them into the small boat ahead of him.

Ten minutes later they were all seated in Captain Von Rosten's own
cabin. The German summoned his first officer.

"Have the prisoner brought here," he commanded.

A few moments later, Davis, still in irons, stood before them. He gave
an exclamation of surprise when he glanced at the three Englishmen, and
all knew that he recognized them. Lord Hastings thought it would be well
to get in the first word.

"I see you recognize us," he said sharply.

"Well, I guess I do," returned Davis. "You are----"

"Never mind who we are," interrupted Lord Hastings. "Enough for you to
know that you almost spoiled everything."

"What's that?" demanded Davis. "I almost spoiled everything? Me?"

"Yes, you," returned Lord Hastings quietly. "You and the Baron Blosberg,
with your impatience. I don't suppose you know that we carry numbers,
eh?"

"I didn't know you did," replied Davis. "These other two here,"
indicating Jack and Frank, "I surmised did, or else I was fooled. But
the last time I saw you you wore a British uniform and seemed to be
perfectly at home."

"Fortunately for the rest of you," commented Lord Hastings dryly.
"Otherwise none of you would be here now."

Davis was apparently convinced.

"And did you have success?" he asked. "Have you solved the mystery of
the----"

"Vanishing submarines?" interrupted Lord Hastings. "Yes. We have solved
it."

Von Rosten sprang to his feet.

"Is it true?" he exclaimed eagerly.