ttempt to open the sea-cocks will mean that no
quarter will be given. Order all hands below, and leave the hatchways
open. You will oblige me by proceeding on board His Majesty's ship
_Capella_."

By this time the _Hoorn_ was forging ahead, since she was in danger of
drifting down upon the captured submarine. In the excitement of the
capture, no one on board noticed two grotesquely garbed men on the
_Hoorn_ whose antics resembled those of a pair of demented creatures;
nor was the presence of a couple of dejected German leutnants and five
seamen, stranded on board the Dutchman, observed, as the Huns
frantically besought the obdurate skipper of the _Hoorn_ to steam as
hard as he could towards the Dutch coast.

It was Vernon Haye's duty to take the cutter and board the prize. It
was a hazardous piece of work, for the sea was now fairly high, and
breaking under the effect of tide against wind; but, with the exception
of a broken top-strake, the boat managed to lie sufficiently close
alongside the submarine to enable the midshipman and five seamen to
board.

Already the German crew were below. Hatches were lowered and secured,
with the exception of the one in the after side of the conning-tower.
This could be left open without fear of the submarine being swamped,
while, to prevent the captured crew closing it and making an attempt to
dive, the steel cover was removed from its hinges and secured on deck.
The Black Cross flag was hauled down and rehoisted under the White
Ensign, and preparations were made to take the prize in tow.

It was some time before a grass rope, to which a stout wire hawser was
bent, could be veered from the _Capella's_ quarter and taken on board
the submarine, but eventually the hawser was made fast.

"Now, sir," said Vernon, addressing the German Kapitan. "Will you
please step into that boat? Where are the other officers?"

"In that ship," replied the Hun sullenly, as he pointed towards the
_Hoorn_. "They will not welcome you, but there are others who will."

Not knowing what the German meant, Vernon indicated that he should get
on board the cutter.

"There are two German officers on board that vessel, air," reported the
midshipman, as the boat came alongside the _Capella_. "Am I to bring
them off?"

Captain Syllenger hesitated before replying. It was a knotty problem.
To remove by force the subjects of a hostile nation from a neutral ship
was contrary to international law. Howev