is finger on the trigger of a rifle, you know."

"But the spies?" asked Vernon.

"Not a sign of 'em," replied the subaltern. "If they were anywhere
about, they must have sheered off pretty quickly when they heard the
racket. An hour later an orderly brought us word to return to the
fort, so we guessed that something had taken place between a
patrol-ship and the submarine. But I must be on the move. Regards to
Trefusis. If you've a chance to get ashore on the other side, look me
up."

CHAPTER XX

To the Rescue

Twelve hours later found H.M.S. _Capella_ back on her station off
Beachy Head.

The long-threatened gale had burst with great violence upon the South
coast. Long crested breakers surged towards the chalky cliffs,
thundering with terrific force against the sheer face of the rocks.

Seaward, as far as the eye could reach, was nothing but a confused
tumble of foam, backed by a lowering bank of ragged and sombre clouds.

The _Capella_ and her consorts had to "stick it". Without orders they
dare not seek shelter in Newhaven harbour. All they could do was to
forge slowly ahead, keeping bows on to the furious seas. In spite of
her shallow draught, the _Capella_ was an excellent sea boat, although
inclined to be "jumpy". Frequently green waves broke over the fo'c'sle
and surged aft as far as the deck-house under the bridge; but with
unfailing regularity the stanch vessel would shake herself clear of the
tons of water that had invaded her deck, to be ready to receive the
next contribution from the hand of King Neptune.

Nevertheless, while the gale lasted it was a time of discomfort. One
thing for which the crew were thankful was the fact that it was still
September, and the gale was not one of those wintry varieties which are
so trying to the hardy patrollers of the North Sea.

Everything had to be battened down. 'Tween-decks the air was stifling,
and reeked of fumes from the motors. It was impossible for a man to
stand unsupported. Anything that had not been securely lashed would be
sure to be flung across the deck by the erratic motion. No hot meals
were obtainable. Officers and crew had to eat as best they might,
without the use of articles of civilization such as plates and similar
things.

Ross and Vernon saw very little of each other during the gale, except
for a brief interval during the changes of the watch on deck. Each
enjoyed his "trick" on deck, as he crouched behind the bu