gloomily.

"So we should," he cried, "but we didn't get him. Well, better luck next
time. All the same, I'm inclined to believe that Ensign Carruthers needs a
talking to. He didn't take the time to calculate the range correctly."

"I'll speak to him," said Frank.

"Do," said Jack. "In the meantime we'll run close to the Ventura and I'll
go aboard for a word with her captain."

The Ventura's wireless was working again now, and Jack himself took the
key.

"Lay to," he ordered. "I'm coming aboard you."

"Very well," was the reply.

The two vessels drew close together. Jack had the destroyer's launch
lowered, climbed in and crossed to the Ventura, where a ladder was lowered
for him. On deck he was greeted by a grizzled old sailor, who introduced
himself as Captain Griswold.

"Come to my cabin, sir," he said to Jack. "We can talk there without being
interrupted."

Jack followed the captain of the Ventura below, and took a seat the latter
motioned him to. The captain set out liquor and cigars, but Jack waved
them away.

"I neither smoke nor drink, thanks," he said.

Captain Griswold shrugged his shoulders and put a match to a cigar.

"Well, what can I do for you, Captain?" he asked.

"First," said Jack, "did you get the number of the submarine?"

"I did. The U-87, Commander Frederich, the captain styled himself; and if
there ever was a murderer unhung, he's the man."

"Why?" asked Jack curiously.

"Because he proposed setting my passengers and crew adrift in small boats,
without water or provisions, before sinking my ship. And when I told him
that I had him figured correctly--that he intended to shell the
lifeboats--the cold-blooded scoundrel admitted it! That's why we had the
nerve to jump him on deck. I figured we might as well die on the Ventura
as in the lifeboats--and we had a chance of taking him to Davy Jones'
locker along with us."

"I see," said Jack. "Not a bad idea."

"It was offered by the wireless operator," continued Captain Griswold,
"although he offered it unconsciously."

"Explain," Jack requested.

"Well, Harrington thought he heard his instrument clicking. He figured it
was you, whom we had just sighted. He broke through the Germans on deck
and dashed below. He locked himself in his room and began talking to you.
Three of the enemy went after him and broke in the door, but I guess he
had told you enough by that time."

"I'd like a word with this Harrington," said Jack. "He is a b