The Boy Allies with the Victorious Fleets | Page 6

the Germans plan to open a submarine campaign upon allied shipping in American waters."
"Such is my information," declared Lord Hastings.
"And," said Jack, "you wish us to cross the Atlantic and take a hand in the game of taming the U-Boats, sir."
"Such is my idea," Lord Hastings admitted. "Let me explain. My information is not authentic, but nevertheless, knowing the Germans as I do, I am tempted to credit it."
"Then why not warn the United States, sir?" asked Frank. "There are enough American ships of war off the coast to deal effectually with all the submarines the Germans can get across."
"So I would," was Lord Hastings' reply, "but for the fact that some officials of the admiralty are opposed to it."
"Opposed?" exclaimed Jack. "And why, sir?"
"Because they labor under the delusion that such a warning would throw the people of the United States into a panic and would prevent the sending of additional troops to France."
"What a fool idea! By George!" exclaimed Frank, "what do they think the American people are made of?"
"You'll have to ask them," was Lord Hastings' answer to this question. "For my own part, I feel that it is hardly fair to keep this information from the American authorities."
"I should say it isn't fair," declared Frank.
"I agree with you," said Jack. "But just where do Frank and I come in, sir?"
"I'll make that plain to you very quickly," replied Lord Hastings.
He drew a paper from his pocket and passed it to Jack.
"Here," he said, "is your commission as captain of H.M.S. Brigadier." He passed a second paper to Frank. "This," he continued, "is your commission as first officer of the same vessel. Now, through channels known only to myself, I have induced the admiralty to send you to America with certain papers for Secretary Daniels of the navy department. At the same time, I have other personal papers which I shall have you deliver to the secretary of the navy for me. These will acquaint him with the facts I have just laid before you."
"I see, sir," said Jack. "But, if you will pardon my asking, what will happen to you sir should it be found out you have acted contrary to the wishes of the admiralty majority?"
Lord Hastings shrugged his shoulders disdainfully.
"What's the difference?" he wanted to know. "Our allies must be warned."
"I agree with you, sir," declared Jack.
"And I, sir," said Frank.
"It is possible," said Lord Hastings, "that should I take the matter up with the King or with the war ministry I might get action; but that would take time, and I want this message delivered at the earliest possible moment. Should I entrust it to the cables, under the circumstances, there is nothing certain of its arrival."
"I see, sir," said Jack. "Then you may be sure that I shall deliver the message personally to Secretary Daniels."
"It is well," said Lord Hastings. "I knew I could depend upon you boys."
"Always, sir," replied Jack simply.
"Then be off with you," said Lord Hastings, rising. "You can go aboard your ship to-night. Here is the message I wish delivered to the American secretary of the navy," and he passed a second paper to Jack. "The admiralty message you are to take will probably reach you some time in the morning, together with your sailing orders."
Lord Hastings extended his hand.
"Good-bye and good luck," he said.
Jack and Frank shook hands with him and took their departure.
"I'll be glad to get back to America if only for a short time," said Frank, as they walked toward the water front.
"I won't mind another look at the United States myself," Jack declared. "It looks like a pretty good country to me, from what I saw of it last trip. Almost as good as England, I guess."
"Almost?" repeated Frank. "Say, let me tell you something. The United States is the greatest country under the sun and don't you forget it. You Johnny Bulls seem to think that England is the only spot on the map."
"Well," returned Jack with a smile, "it strikes me that you boast considerably about your own land."
Frank's face reddened a trifle.
"Maybe I do," he admitted, "but it's worth it."
"So is England," said Jack quietly.
"By George! So it is, Jack," said Frank. "Maybe it is a fact that I talk too much sometimes."
"No 'maybes' about it," declared Jack. "It's just a plain fact."
"Look here," said Frank, somewhat nettled, "you may be my boss aboard ship, but right now, with no witnesses present to hear what I say, I'll say what I like."
"Come, come, now," said Jack with a smile, "don't get all out of humor just because I joke you a little bit."
Frank grinned.
"Well, then don't always thinks I'm angry just because I make a hot reply," he said.
Jack let it go at that.
"Well, here we are at the water