d to
secure two English lads, both sons of distinguished naval officers.
Unfortunately they overheard a conversation between von Ruhle and
myself. In the interests of the Secret Service it is absolutely
necessary that they are kept out of the way for at least a couple of
months. I am averse to doing them personal injury."

"Then what do you wish?" asked Kapitan Schwalbe.

"Take them on board with you. If possible, land them at a German port.
If this be possible, you will realize that we have a strong tool to
work with."

"I fail to understand," said the Kapitan of U75.

"They could be made good use of as hostages," resumed Ramblethorne.
"If these English persist in talking about reprisals, we can hint
that--well, it is unnecessary to go into details."

"I see," remarked Kapitan Schwalbe. "But if it is impossible to land
them?"

"Then you must put them on board the first outward-bound tramp steamer
you fall in with--provided she is bound for South American ports, or
anywhere that will mean a long voyage."

"Very well," assented the submarine officer. "I quite understand your
anxiety to get them out of the way."

"Temporarily, mind," added Ramblethorne.

"Precisely. Herr Rix," he exclaimed, addressing the Leutnant. "Take
four men and go ashore. Von Ruhle will tell you where these English
boys are; have them brought on board."

"One moment," interrupted Ramblethorne. "They came to the island in a
boat. There is nothing unusual in that, I admit, but the fact remains
that the boat is still lying in the cove next to this. You might order
the men to set the boat adrift."

"Water-logged, and with sails set and the main-sheet made fast.
Another deplorable accident. Ach! It shall be so."

Half an hour later Ross Trefusis and Vernon Haye, still unconscious
under the action of the anaesthetic injection, were brought on board
U75 and passed below. Their boat, lying on its beam-ends, was drifting
slowly in the direction of Black Bull Head. Ramblethorne and von
Ruhle, their work for the present done, were already on the way to the
mainland.

Meanwhile, alarmed at the non-appearance of the young heir to
Killigwent Hall and his guest, a party had set off to search St. Mena's
Island.

Just as the boat's keel grounded on the beach of Half Tide Cove, the
German submarine slipped quietly through the blurr of misty rain, and
under cover of darkness headed towards the mouth of Bristol Channel.

CHAPTE