The Boy Allies with Uncle Sams Cruisers | Page 5

officer."
"I guess you could, fill that place without any trouble," said Jack.
"I guess I could fill it all right, if I had to, but I would much rather have
you along," declared Frank.
"Well, I'm glad to be back, old fellow," said Jack. "I'll admit that for a
few minutes there the other night it looked as though I would never see
London again, but everything is all right at last."
There were the sounds of footsteps below. These a few moments later
ascended the stairs.

"Probably Lord Hastings," said Frank.
The lad was right and a moment later Lord Hastings stepped into the
room. His eyes fell upon Jack and he advanced with outstretched hand.
"Jack!" he exclaimed. "I certainly am glad to see you again."
They shook hands heartily.
CHAPTER III
SAILING
"Frank tells me," said Jack, at the dinner table that evening, "that we
are about to sail again; about to go into active service."
Lord Hastings smiled.
"There has been a slight alteration in plans since I spoke to Frank last,"
he said.
"You mean that we are not to go, Sir?" asked Frank. His face showed
his disappointment.
"Not exactly," said Lord Hastings.
"But," Jack interrupted, "Frank said that we would help convoy
American troops to England and France."
"Frank lets his imagination run away with him sometimes," said Lord
Hastings quietly. "America has not yet declared war on Germany."
"But she will, sir," said Frank positively.
"That is probably true," said Lord Hastings, "although the resolution is
being fought in the senate, according to latest cable advices. However,
as you say, America will undoubtedly declare war. But even should
American troops be sent to Europe it will not be for several months
after war is declared."

"I thought they would send the regulars right away, sir," said Frank.
"Hardly. However, it is possible that an American fleet will be
dispatched to act in conjunction with the British grand fleet in the war
zone."
"Then we must sit home, sir?" asked Frank.
"I didn't say that," said Lord Hastings, smiling.
"You are too quick to jump at conclusions, Frank."
Frank flushed a trifle. "I'm just disappointed, sir," he replied.
"You need not be," said Lord Hastings. "There is work ahead. In fact, I
may say that you will leave England some time tomorrow."
"Is that so, sir?" exclaimed Frank, happy again instantly. "Where do we
go, sir?"
"I am not going at all," said Lord Hastings; "at least, not for some time
yet. You and Jack will make this trip alone."
"That's too bad," declared Jack quietly. "We always like to have you
with us, sir."
"I know you do," laughed Lord Hastings, "However, I will turn up later,
so don't worry."
"In that event, it's all right," grinned Jack.
Will you, tell us where we are going, sir, and what we are to do?" asked
Frank.
"I will if you will restrain your impatience," said Lord Hastings.
Frank felt this rebuke and became silent. A moment later Lord Hastings
continued:

"I suppose you have heard that there is another German raider
operating in the Atlantic off the coast of South America?"
"No, sir," said Frank, "I had not heard of it."
"Nor I," said Jack.
"Nevertheless, it's true," said Lord Hastings. Where it came from no
one seems to know, but many merchant ships have been sunk by this
raider. It is understood that she has citizens of allied countries aboard to
the number of several hundred."
"Must be a big ship, sir," said Frank.
"So it is. It is probably a converted liner."
"Well, why haven't some of our cruisers picked it up, sir?" Jack wanted
to know.
"They've tried hard enough," said Lord Hastings. "Trouble is this raider
seems to have the heels of all ships of war. She simply runs away from
them. However, the activities of the raider have become so serious that
the government has decided she must be captured at all hazards."
"Which is where we come in," guessed Frank.
Lord Hastings gazed at the lad sternly.
"Frank," he said, "it's a wonder to me that your tongue hasn't got you
into trouble long ago. Now, if you'll listen, I'll proceed."
Frank sat back abashed.
"Excuse me, sir," he said. "It won't happen again."
"All right, then," said Lord Hastings. "As I say, it seems impossible to
come up with this raider by speed, so she must be captured or sunk by
strategy. Now, I'll explain the plans to you, that you may know what to
do and what will be expected of you."

Lord Hastings talked slowly for several hours, and the lads listened
with unflagging interest. When His Lordship had finished it was almost
midnight.
"Now, are you sure you understand?" he asked, getting to his feet.
"Perfectly,