lded by this light.

A shot rang out over the water--the sound of a heavy gun.

Lord Hastings took prompt action, in spite of the fact he could not make
out the enemy.

"Turn the searchlight on him!" he shouted.

A second shot rang out and Frank heard the whistle of a heavy missile
overhead.

He sprang quickly to the searchlight, and with a single movement,
whirled it about. In another moment a second white glare lighted up the
sea.

Frank pointed his light squarely at the point from which he could see
the other light came. While he was unable to see the other boat, because
of its light, he knew that once his own searchlight had found its
object, those aboard the other craft would no longer be able to see _The
Hawk_.

Then came the sound of a third shot, but this time the missile was not
even heard, and Frank knew that he had been successful. The enemy had
lost the range.

"Good!" shouted Lord Hastings. "And just in time, I should say. The next
shot would have hit us."

"Yes, sir," said Frank quietly. "He's blinded us, sir, but we have done
the same for him. Now what, sir?"

"By Jove! I don't know," replied Lord Hastings. "Here, Jack, stand by
this forward gun, and be ready to let her go the first moment you can
see the enemy. If we can manage to work out from under his light we may
be able to get him. Frank, don't you let that light off him a minute."

"I'll keep it on him, sir," replied the lad.

So there the two boats were, less than a hundred yards apart, but still
unable to do one another harm, unless by a chance shot. For, although
the occupants aboard each craft could see the light of the other, they
couldn't gauge its origin with accuracy.

Several times the enemy fired, but without result.

"Well, we've got to do something," declared Lord Hastings. "Can any of
you suggest anything?"

"I believe I have a plan, sir," declared Frank.

"Let's have it quick," said Lord Hastings.

"Well, sir, I should say that if you would stand by the gun, Jack and I
can slip over the side in one of the small boats. We'll make a slight
detour, to get out of the blinding glare, then row toward the enemy.
Without the light in our eyes, we should be able to pick off a couple of
the enemy with rifles. Then he'll have to shift his light to hunt new
foes. You can be ready and sink him the moment he does so."

"That's not a half bad idea," declared Lord Hastings. "It shall be done.
Over with you, lads."

Quickly F