rash of falling bombs and the sharp reports of the
"anti's", while in the distance could be heard the clatter of broken
glass. The explosive bombs wrought havoc upon the homes of harmless
Londoners. Flames, too, were springing up, throwing a lurid glare upon
the sky.

Yet, unless actually within radius of the German explosives, the
populace was remarkably calm. Men, women, and children watched the
Zeppelin, much in the same way as if they were witnessing a Brock's
display at the Crystal Palace. Once again German frightfulness had
failed--and failed badly--to attain its desired end.

"Hurrah! She's got it properly in the neck," shouted an excited
special constable, as the Zeppelin gave a sudden lurch and began to
drop at an acute angle.

But the next instant the silvery envelope was hidden in a cloud of
dense black smoke. Seconds passed, but no shattered wreckage streamed
earthwards. When the vapour dispersed, the Zeppelin was nowhere to be
seen. Under cover of the smoke-cloud she had dropped a large quantity
of ballast, and had soared skyward to a great altitude.

Gradually, like the rumble of a passing thunderstorm, the reports of
the distant anti-aircraft guns died away. The Zepps had taken
themselves off, leaving half a dozen fires and hundreds of more or less
damaged buildings to impress upon the strafed English that insularity
is no longer a protection from the cowardly night-raiders of the air.

"The show's over," declared Ross. "I vote we turn in. By Jove,
there'll be a rush to the recruiting offices to-morrow!"

Requesting to be called at eight, the two midshipmen entered the lift
and were whisked up to their room.

"What's that noise?" asked Vernon, pausing in the midst of unpacking
his portmanteau.

"Something in the corridor," replied Ross.

"I don't think so. It's something or someone under my bed. Lock the
door, old man; no, don't ring, if it's a burglar we'll tackle him."

Haye knelt by the bedside, Ross standing behind him ready to grapple
with the intruder. Cautiously Vernon lifted the valance. As he did so
he quickly withdrew his hand, which had come in contact with something
warm and moist.

"Dash it all!" he exclaimed. "It's a dog. Come out, sir!"

He was right. The animal gave a low whine, but made no attempt to
budge.

"Mind the brute doesn't fix you," cautioned Ross.

"No fear," replied his chum confidently. "All dogs take to me. Come
along, old boy."

Again