The Boy Allies with the Victorious Fleets | Page 6

returned Lord Hastings gravely. "Nothing was ever
gained by too great impatience. Remember that."
"I'll try, sir."
"Very well. Then I shall acquaint you with the nature of the work in
hand."
The boys listened intently to Lord Hastings' next words.
"As you know," His Lordship began, "the seas have virtually been
cleared of all enemy ships. All German merchant vessels have been
captured or sunk. What few raiders that preyed on our commerce for a
time have been put out of business."
"Yes, sir," said Jack. "Our merchant vessels no longer have anything to
fear from the foe."
"They shouldn't, that's true enough," replied Lord Hastings.
"You mean they have, sir?" asked Jack, incredulously.
Lord Hastings nodded.
"I do," he admitted gravely. "Particularly shipping on the other side of
the Atlantic."

"America, sir?"
"Exactly."
"But surely," Frank put in, "surely our blockade is tight enough to
prevent the enemy from breaking through."
"We have not yet found means," replied Lord Hastings, "of effectually
blockading the submarine."
"Oh, I see," said Frank. "You mean that 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