e to the War and Navy department building on Pennsylvania
avenue and were ushered almost immediately to the offices of Secretary
Daniels. After a wait of perhaps five minutes, Mr. Daniels' private
secretary announced.

"Mr. Daniels will see you now."

The three passed into the secretary's private office, where the British
ambassador introduced the lads. Secretary Daniels expressed his pleasure
at the meeting, then said:

"And now what can I do for you, gentlemen?"

For answer Jack passed over the papers entrusted him by the Admiralty.
Secretary Daniels scanned them briefly.

"These matters shall be attended to, gentlemen," he said. "Now, is there
anything else?"

"There is, sir," said Jack, "and a matter probably of much greater
importance."

He drew from his pocket the documents given him by Lord Hastings, and
these he also passed to Secretary Daniels. The latter read them
carefully, his face drawn into a scowl.

"Hm-m-m," he said at last. "Hm-m-m."

He grew silent, apparently lost in thought. At last he spoke.

"I have had some such fears myself," he said at last, "but it seems they
are not shared by other officials of the department. I dislike to take
matters altogether into my hands, and yet I suppose I can do it. First,
however, I shall make an effort to convince my associates through these
documents."

"I am instructed to say, sir," said Jack, "that it would be well if you
gave the matter prompt attention."

"Oh," said Secretary Daniels, "I anticipate no immediate trouble; and
still this is a matter that should not be overlooked. I thank you,
gentlemen, for bringing the matter to my attention."

He rose from his chair, signifying that the interview was ended.

Jack and Frank left the Navy department, and the ambassador dropped them
at their hotel.

"I don't know what to think of the Secretary of the Navy," said Jack when
they were alone. "He didn't seem greatly interested."

"He is the man, you know," said Frank, "who wanted to change the technical
terms of port and starboard to right and left."

"That's so," said Jack, "but I'll venture to say he can rise to an
emergency."

"There is no doubt about that," Frank agreed, and added quietly:
"Americans always have."

CHAPTER XII

THE U-BOATS APPEAR

Three weeks passed and Jack and Frank were still in Washington.
Immediately after delivering his messages to Secretary Daniels, Jack got
in touch with the British Admiralty wireless an