nded Jack, pointing the way
over the gangplank, after he had relieved his captive of a brace of
revolvers. Jack followed hard on the steps of the German and once on
the deck of the U-boat, ordered the fellow below.

"Close that hatch as you go down and keep it closed," ordered Jack.
"And if there are any more below deck tell them to stay right where
they are. If anybody shows head above deck I'll blow out his brains."

Soon Jack was in command of the situation. Making sure that the
submarine was securely moored ashore, he retreated again to the
deck of the U-boat, drawing after him the heavy plank that had been
laid down as a gangplank. The battle on the outskirts of the village
was still raging with fury. Shells were bursting all around the
submarine. Running to starboard, Jack took up his position directly
behind the conning tower with the steel turret between him and the
village. Crouching with a revolver in either hand, he kept sharp
watch at the closed hatches for any attempted outbreak from within.

Soon they came, pouring in wild retreat down the village street
toward the wharf, running pell-mell for the U-boat. At a glance
Jack could see the tide of battle had turned against the Germans and
they were being worsted. He resolved to stand his ground and prevent
the escape of the enemy by way of the submarine.

On they came, a dozen or more of them, heading directly for the
U-boat. The leader of the column, looking in vain for the gangplank,
called to a companion and together they attempted to swing another
timber into position. Leaning around the turret Jack took careful
aim and fired. The foremost of the pair threw up his hands and
dropped. Maddened at this unexpected turn of affairs, the infuriated
Germans began raining a hail of fire at the turret of the U-boat.
Shielding himself as best he could, Jack returned the fire, making
a special effort to keep the Germans away from the towline ashore.

As he fired again at a skulking figure, Jack felt a sting in his right
arm and at the same moment his revolver fell from his fingers and
splashed into the canal. He almost despaired of holding out longer
when with a great cheer the attacking party burst through the village
and hurled themselves upon the remnants of the Germans making their
last stand at the wharf.

Risking a glance over the top of the turret between the bases of the
periscope poles, Jack was stunned with joy to see the familiar
unifor