g famously. We have already sunk one British ship and
secured a quantity of booty, which may have something to do with my
presence in Ostend."

"I see," said Jack.

"And," continued Davis boastingly, "I came in right under the noses of
the Germans. My submarine lies in the harbor at this moment. I came
ashore in the guise of a German officer. I was not questioned, nor were
you, I take it?"

His last words formed a question, and Frank answered.

"No, we were not questioned," he said.

"I thought not. Well, when I presently have finished my business--which,
by the way, has been increased since your arrival--I shall make my way
back to my vessel and put to sea again. I shall bother none of the
Germans nor any ships of war unless they bother me--my business is with
ships of commerce, where there is booty to be had--and when I have
reaped enough I shall go to America, where I shall live the life a
gentleman should."

"You'll make a fine gentleman," said Jack sarcastically.

"You think so?" said Davis, apparently unruffled. "So do I. But time
presses. I am sorry I can entertain you no longer. You will please
precede me from this room and upstairs."

He arose, and with one revolver, motioned the lads out the door. There
was nothing for it but to comply; for both lads realized that while they
might have jumped Davis, one of them probably would be shot down; nor
was it for his own sake that each hesitated.

They preceded Davis up the stairs and into a large unfurnished room. As
he entered, Jack looked toward the window. It was heavily barred and the
walls of the room, he saw, were very thick. Once locked in that room,
the lad realized, there was little hope of escape.

"Now," said Davis, "please cross the room and stand with your backs to
me. I shall leave you here to amuse yourselves. You will have lots of
time, for, I venture to say, the room will not be entered for months to
come--not until I return, which may not be for months. Then I shall give
myself the pleasure of calling on you. Now, good-bye. Turn and face the
wall, please."

Jack realized that it was now or never and he took a sudden decision.

"Face the wall, Frank," he commanded quietly. "It's no use."

Frank obeyed.

"You too, if you please," said Davis blandly, flourishing a revolver,
while at the same time he returned the other to his pocket.

"Look here, Davis," said Jack quietly, "this thing has gone far enough.
We have been highly amused wit