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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e5b233c --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #50781 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/50781) diff --git a/old/50781-0.txt b/old/50781-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index e0e012e..0000000 --- a/old/50781-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9223 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mystery Ship, by Percy F. Westerman - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: The Mystery Ship - A Story of the 'Q' Ships During the Great War - -Author: Percy F. Westerman - -Illustrator: A. Morrow - -Release Date: December 28, 2015 [EBook #50781] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MYSTERY SHIP *** - - - - -Produced by R.G.P.M. van Giesen - - - - -[Illustration: cover art] - - - - -THE MYSTERY SHIP - - - - -GLORIES OF SEA -AND AIR SERIES - -_By_ -_PERCY F._ -_WESTERMAN_ - -THE MYSTERY SHIP -THE RIVAL SUBMARINES -BILLY BARCROFT OF THE R.N.A.S. -A WATCH-DOG OF THE NORTH SEA - - -_Publishers_ -PARTRIDGE -LONDON - - - - -[Illustration: "THE MYSTERY BOAT WAS MOVING SLOWLY, HER TRIPLE -TORPEDO-TUBES READY WITH THEIR DEADLY COMPLEMENTS."] - - - - -THE MYSTERY SHIP - -A STORY OF THE "Q" SHIPS -DURING THE GREAT WAR - - -BY -PERCY F. WESTERMAN -_Author of_ -_"The Fritzstrafers," "Billy Barcroft of the R.N.A.S."_ -_"A Watchdog of the North Sea," "A Sub of_ -_the R.N.R.," etc., etc._ - - -ILLUSTRATED BY A. MORROW - - -Publishers -PARTRIDGE -London - - - - -_Made in Great Britain_ -_First published 1920_ - - - - -CONTENTS - - CHAPTER - I. THE TWO SUB-LIEUTENANTS - II. ON PATROL - III. SUNK IN ACTION - IV. THE SPY - V. THE PROWESS OF KAPITAN VON PREUGFELD - VI. PICKED UP - VII. A U-BOAT OF SORTS - VIII. VON PREUSSEN'S BLANK DAY - IX. HOW THE LIGHTERS FARED - X. THE SALVAGE SYNDICATE - XI. VON PREUGFELD'S RESOLVE - XII. PRISONERS OF WAR - XIII. A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE - XIV. A DOUBLE DECOY - XV. CONFIRMED SUSPICIONS - XVI. COVERING HIS TRACKS - XVII. MUTINY - XVIII. A BIG PROPOSITION - XlX. THE TABLES TURNED - XX. THE END OF U 247 - XXI. BLUFFED - XXII. ON THE TRAIL - XXIII. "PREPARE FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION" - XXIV. IN THE HOUR OF HIS TRIUMPH - XXV. TRAPPED - XXVI. HER LAST BOLT - XXVII. BATTERED BUT UNDAUNTED - XXVIII. THE HOMECOMING - XXIX. WHO FIRED THAT TORPEDO? - XXX. A NIGHT OF COINCIDENCES - XXXI. THE GREAT SURRENDER - XXXII. A NAVY IMPOTENT - XXXIII. THE RELIEF VESSEL - XXXIV. THE SCUTTLING - XXXV. WHAT THEY FOUGHT FOR - - - - -THE MYSTERY SHIP - - - - -CHAPTER I - -THE TWO SUB-LIEUTENANTS - - -"BELOW there! You in, George?" - -George--otherwise Kenneth Meredith, sub-lieutenant R.N.V.R. and -second-in-command of H.M. Motor Launch 1071--deliberately blotted -five lines of his weekly epistle to the fond ones at home. -Unperturbed by a heavy fusillade upon the deck--the sound being -caused by a broken golf club vigorously manipulated by an as yet -invisible person--Meredith dexterously threw into envelopes and -blotting-pad into a conveniently placed rack, rammed the cork into -the glass ink-bottle, and thrust his fountain-pen, which either -"founted" like a miniature Niagara or else obstinately refused to -"fount" at all, into the breast pocket of his monkey-jacket. - -Interruptions are many and varied on board the M.L.'s. At almost any -hour of the day and night when the little craft were lying alongside -the parent ship, casual visitors were apt to drop in, to say nothing -of callers on more or less urgent Service matters. An officer is -supposed to receive visitors with complete equanimity whether he be -in the midst of shaving, dressing, having a meal, or even a bath. -Privacy is practically non-existent. Almost the only exception is -when the lawful occupant of the cabin is engaged in private -correspondence. - -Hence Meredith's hurried preliminaries before replying to the noisy -summons on deck. - -"Come in," he shouted. "Visitors are requested to leave sticks and -umbrellas in charge of the hall porter--Oh, dash it all! That's my -toe!" he ejaculated, as the steel-shod end of the golf club was -dropped through the hatchway and fell with a dull thud upon the Sub's -foot. - -Seizing the lethal weapon, Meredith stood up and prepared to take -summary vengeance upon the lower portions of its owner, who was -descending the vertical ladder leading to the diminutive ward-room of -M.L. 1071. - -Instinctively the newcomer must have realised that reprisals were in -the air, for, grasping the rim of the coaming, he dropped lightly to -the floor and faced the second-in-command. - -"Cheerio!" exclaimed the visitor. "Where's everybody? Where's -Wakefield this fine evening?" - -Kenneth, without replying, opened the door leading into the -after-cabin and took a lengthy survey; he repeated the tactics in the -galley at the for'ard end of the ward-room. Then, going on his knees, -he lifted the blue baize table-cloth and peered under the swing -table. - -"'Fraid he's not here, old man," he remarked. "Now I think of it, I -believe he went on the beach at seven bells. Have a cigarette?" - -"Thanks.... Wakefield wasn't on the links this afternoon. -Strange--very. What's his little game, Meredith? Don't tell me he -went ashore in his Number Ones, with his trousers creased an' all -that sort of thing! 'A wedding has been arranged and a -subscription-list will follow in due course,' eh?" - -Jock McIntosh lit his cigarette and took stock of the ward-room, -looking for evidence to confirm his suspicions of the absent -Wakefield's mysterious visits "to the beach." - -Sub-lieutenant McIntosh and Sub-lieutenant Meredith were widely -different in appearance. The former was a tall, raw-boned Scot with -fair features and close-cut sandy hair that even in its closeness -evinced a tendency to curl. Never cut out for a seafaring life, he -found himself much against his will in the uniform of an R.N.V.R. -officer, while his brother Angus, who simply loved the sea and was -part-owner of a yacht and knew how to handle almost every type of -small craft afloat, was given a commission in a line regiment. - -Jock would have made an ideal platoon commander: Angus would have -shone as a skipper of an M.L.; but since from time immemorial the -powers-that-be who run the Admiralty and War Office delight in -putting square pegs in round holes, Jock McIntosh was manfully -sticking to a job that was obviously uncongenial, while his brother -was doing likewise; and each envied the other. - -Meredith, on the other hand, was literally "made for the job." -Slightly above middle height, broad and square-shouldered, -heavy-browed and with a firm and somewhat prominent jaw, Kenneth -looked and was a sailor-man, every inch of him. At the age of twelve -he could handle a sailing dinghy with a skill that was the envy and -admiration of many so-called yachtsmen, who would be hopelessly at -sea in a double sense without the assistance of their paid hands. -Between the ages of twelve and fifteen he spent every available -holiday afloat in his father's ten-ton yacht, until he knew -intimately the art of fore and aft sailing, and incidentally gained -first-hand information of practically every harbour and creek on the -south coast of England. - -Then came the outbreak of the Great War. Promptly the _Ripple_, Mr. -Meredith's cutter, was laid up, while her owner, exchanging a -yachting suit for a khaki uniform, went to India as second-in-command -of a Territorial battalion. - -Kenneth went back to school, bitterly bewailing the fact that he had -not been born three years earlier. Fellows from the senior form--in -many cases physically inferior to him--donned khaki and disappeared -into the mists of Flanders. At intervals some turned up at the old -school, bronzed, aged and ballasted with a more than nodding -acquaintance with life and death: others never returned--their names -figured prominently in the School Roll of Honour as fingerposts to -the path of Higher Duty. - -At length Meredith's chance came. He had to admit that it was -influence that did the trick. A certain retired Admiral whose name -Kenneth had never heard, but who knew Mr. Meredith years ago, worked -the oracle, and the lad found himself a full-fledged sub-lieutenant -of the R.N.V.R. The only fly in the ointment was the fact that -Meredith had been appointed to a northern M.L. flotilla, where, in -strange and remote waters, there appeared to be little chance of -seeing the "actual thing." He had hoped to be appointed to the Dover -Patrol, where his intimate knowledge of the Channel would be a -decided asset and where the prospects of smelling powder would be -almost certain to materialise. - -M.L. 1071, one of the fifteen motor launches belonging to the -Auldhaig Patrol, was lying next but one alongside the parent ship -_Hesperus_, an obsolete second-class cruiser. It was early in May. -Already the northern evenings were drawing out and the nights -becoming shorter and shorter. In the land-locked firth the lofty -serrated hills were capped with fleecy mists that threatened with the -going down of the sun to steal lower and lower and envelop the placid -water in a pall of baffling fog. - -"The main object of my visit this evening," remarked McIntosh -ponderously--he was rather prone to verbosity--"is to enlist your -assistance in the matter of this mashie." - -"I thought it was a patent lead-swinging device," interposed Meredith -drily--"a sort of means of getting me on the sick-list with a -pulverised instep." - -"Not at all, laddie," continued Jock, unruffled by the interruption. -"D'ye ken, I'm no hand at splicing, and I'm not giving myself away by -asking any of my merry wreckers to take on the job. Perhaps you'll be -kind enough to do it to-morrow." - -"When do you want this instrument of torture?" asked Meredith, as he -examined the fractured ends. - -"By three on Wednesday afternoon," replied McIntosh. - -Kenneth shook his head. - -"Can't be done, old son--that is, if you want me to tackle it -to-morrow." - -"Why not?" - -"'Cause I'm on patrol to-night." - -A terrible reverberation as the engine-room staff gave a preliminary -run with the powerful motors corroborated Meredith's statement. - -"But I'll do it now, if you like," he added. "You might ask Coles to -bring along some seaming-twine and beeswax." - -"Don't envy you, old thing," remarked Jock, returning with the -required articles. "It's coming on thick. Personally, I'm jolly -glad." - -"Why?" - -"The matter of those X-lighters," replied McIntosh. "We are handing -them over to the R.A.F., and we've been expecting some one from that -crush down to inspect 'em. And we look like going on expecting. 'Tany -rate, the S.N.O.'s fed up with the lighters, so I've orders to take -'em round to Donnikirk and dump 'em on the R.A.F. people. Hanged if I -want the job! Plugging along with four-knot barges isn't in my line, -so I hope it's foggy." - -Meredith nodded sympathetically, as his deft yet horny fingers waxed -the twine and began the intricate task of "whipping" the broken -pieces of the golf club. He little knew the part those unwieldy -X-lighters would play in his subsequent experiences afloat. - -The X-lighters were almost flat-bottomed barges, about a hundred feet -in length and with a beam of roughly twenty feet. Originally built -for work in connection with the naval river flotillas in Mesopotamia, -they had found their way to a northern base. Then as a result of -negotiations between the Admiralty and the Air Ministry, the former -expressed their intention of turning over the lighters to the Royal -Air Force for kite-balloon work. - -Anxious to get rid of the cumbersome craft, which occupied a large -amount of valuable mooring-space in Auldhaig Harbour, the Senior -Naval Officer had decided not to await the long-delayed visit of the -Air Force representative, but to send the barges round to their new -base. - -"You're quite right, old man," observed Meredith, when, the task of -mending the golf club completed, he accompanied Jock McIntosh on -deck. "It's going to be a beast of a night. An' No. 1071's doing the -Outer Patrol stunt this time." - -"Well, good luck!" exclaimed McIntosh. - -Kenneth smiled sourly. - -"Good luck!" he echoed bitterly. "Nothin' doin', I'm afraid. It's out -nosing through the fog, seeing nothing and doing nothing. Haven't had -so much as a sniff at a strafed U-boat yet, and don't seem like doing -so until the end of the war--whenever that comes off." - -"Sooner the better as far as I'm concerned," said McIntosh. "I'm fed -up to the back teeth absolutely." - -"Think so?" asked Meredith quietly. "From a purely personal point of -view, we'll be jolly sorry when the war is over. Most of us will be -wishing ourselves back in the M.L.'s before many weeks have passed." - -"I'll risk it," rejoined Jock. "Give me the piping times of peace any -old day--s'long as we win, which we're bound to do. Hello! here's -Wakefield. Now the fun's about to commence. I'll hook it." - -And with a friendly gesture of greeting to the returning officer -commanding H.M.M.L. 1071, McIntosh leapt over the rail, crossed the -deck of an intervening craft, and ascended the accommodation-ladder -of the parent ship _Hesperus_. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -ON PATROL - - -"BRIGHT sort of evening, Meredith," was Wakefield's greeting as he -came on board. "I see you've had the engines running. Any trouble -down below?" - -Cedric Wakefield was a burly, pleasant-faced youth of twenty-four, -upon whose broad shoulders rested the weight of responsibility of -M.L. 1071, her crew and equipment. In those far-off days before -practically the whole civilised world was plunged into the throes of -war Wakefield was farming in Canada. Had anyone suggested that within -a few months he would be treading the deck of a diminutive warship -flying the White Ensign, Wakefield would have scouted the idea. The -peril of the German menace had hardly made itself felt as far as -Western Canada was concerned; while the young Englishman, coming -straight from a Public School to the thinly populated slopes of the -Rockies, little thought that the call of duty would bring him home -hot-foot to fight for King and Country. - -But when war broke out with startling suddenness Cedric promptly -"packed up," worked his passage from Quebec to Liverpool as a -fireman, and upon arrival in the Old Country promptly joined the -R.N.V.R. as an ordinary seaman. In less than twelve months he was -granted a commission, and after a brief course in gunnery and -navigation was given command of a motor launch. - -Quiet-spoken, he found that the fact of being in command was not -without its disadvantages. At first he possessed hardly sufficient -self-confidence to give an order loudly and peremptorily. But by -degrees the force of authority asserted itself, and when necessary he -could bellow like a bull and make himself heard in a gale of wind. He -was daring, but at the same time cautious. He could make up his mind -in an instant, and rarely was his judgment at fault, while his -courageous bearing in many a tight corner had won the admiration and -confidence of his crew. - -Judging by their previous occupations, the crew of M.L. 1071 were a -"scratch lot." There were two clerks, a butcher, a chauffeur, an -insurance agent, a London County Council schoolmaster, an hotel -porter, a theological student and a poacher, although the latter was -camouflaged under the designation of farm labourer. And these men, -volunteers all, had been banded together under the White Ensign to do -their level best to make things mighty unpleasant for Fritz by means -of a quick-firer and an assortment of particularly obnoxious -depth-charges. True, up to the present, opportunities for direct -action had been denied them, but nevertheless it was not for want of -trying. - -It was certainly a beast of a night. The moon had risen, but her -light hardly penetrated the white eddying wreaths of vapour. Viewed -from the deck of M.L. 1071, the hull of her parent ship appeared to -terminate twenty yards away, while her steel masts and fighting-tops, -grotesquely distorted by the erratic mists, were visible at one -moment like pillars of silver, while at another they appeared to be -cut off at less than fifteen feet above the deck. Already three of -the six vessels detailed for the forty-eight hours' patrol had been -swallowed up in the mist, as with lights screened they groped their -way blindly towards the invisible mouth of the harbour and the -seemingly boundless expanse of sea and fog beyond. - -With the air reverberating with the roar of the exhausts and the deck -quivering under the pulsations of the throttled motors, Wakefield and -Meredith made their way to the diminutive wheel-house, where the -coxwain (ex-theological student) was standing by the steering-wheel -and peering with a studied professional manner into the dimly -illuminated compass-bowl. - -"All ready?" inquired the skipper in stentorian tones. "Let go -for'ard!... Let go aft!" - -The engine-room telegraph bells clanged as Wakefield thrust the -starboard indicator to easy ahead and the port one to half-speed -astern. Literally spinning round on her heel, M.L. 1071 edged away -from the _Hesperus_, the towering hull of which was quickly swallowed -up in the mist. - -"Good enough, Sub!" exclaimed Wakefield. "We're right in the wake of -the next ahead. Now carry on. It's my watch below. Give me a shout if -anything's doing, and get them to call me at four bells." - -Left in charge, Meredith prepared to make the best of his four hours' -"trick." Experience had long since taught him that warmth and dryness -were absolutely essential on night patrol. Clad in two thick woollen -sweaters, serge-trousers and pilot-coat, and wearing woollen gloves, -sea-boots, muffler, oilskins and sou'wester, he was well equipped for -the work in hand. The three-sided erection known as the wheel-house -afforded little protection from the spray, as the windows had to be -kept wide open otherwise the moisture settling on the glass panes -would render the mist still more baffling than it actually was. - -Right for'ard the dim outlines of the look-out could be discerned, -as, crouching to dodge as far as possible the clouds of spray, the -man peered through the darkening mist. It was his duty to see that -M.L. 1071 kept fairly in the bubbling wake of the boat next ahead. -Fifty yards astern another M.L., unseen but plainly audible, was -likewise making use of the swirl of No. 1071's twin propellers as a -guide through the fog-laden water. - -So well, so good. Provided the flotilla kept station in "single -column line ahead," there was little cause for the science of -navigation except on the part of the navigating officer of the -leading M.L. It was a case of seamanship, a sort of marine -follow-my-leader work, until on arriving at a certain rendezvous the -boats had to work independently; and No. 1071 had been detailed for -the Outer Patrol stunt. - -At a reduced speed of ten knots and an M.L. is a difficult craft to -handle at slow speed--the flotilla plugged seawards. - -The short steep tide rip at the harbour's mouth gave place to the -long sullen undulations of the North Sea. Although navigation was -carried on without steaming lights, the chances of collision were -hardly worth taking into consideration, since the noise of the -exhausts could be plainly audible for a distance of a couple of -miles. - -For the best part of an hour the flotilla held on then just before -midnight came an order from the leading M.L. for the boats to proceed -independently. - -Meredith, hitherto inactive, roused himself. - -"Port fifteen!" he ordered. "Course east a half north!" - -"East a half north it is, sir," repeated the coxwain. - -In obedience to the Sub's order, a man made his way aft and paid out -the patent log-line. The mileage as recorded by this instrument and -the course as determined by the magnetic needle were the sole factors -used to take the M.L. to her appointed station, four miles from a -prominent headland and right in the steamer-track of vessels -proceeding northwards from the Firth of Forth. Kenneth felt no -particular enthusiasm for this kind of work. It was Duty, spelt with -a capital D. Whether the patrol were essential to safeguard shipping -had yet to be proved. For the best part of a twelvemonth M.L.'s were -constantly on duty off the headland, yet on no occasion had a U-boat -been definitely sighted. There had been false alarms. A boat-hook -stave floating perpendicularly and drifting with the tide had caused -the waste of a couple of depth-charges and incidentally the slaughter -of thousands of fish; a derelict fore-topmast had been responsible -for the expenditure of twenty rounds of six-pounder ammunition. - -On the other hand, what might have happened had the Auldhaig M.L. -Patrol not been in existence can well be conjectured. The slow-moving -tramps chartered by the Admiralty to take naval stores to the Grand -Fleet at Scapa Flow would have afforded easy targets to U-boat -commanders but for the constant vigilance on the part of the M.L.'s. -In effect, the little patrol boats had frightened off the modern -pirates, thereby performing a useful though somewhat monotonous rĂ´le -in the question of Sea Power. - -"'Tany rate, I'm afloat," soliloquised Meredith. "Better than sitting -tight in a muddy trench and being strafed day and night by Boche -artillery; but I wish to goodness I'd been in the Dover Patrol. -There's no Zeebrugge this end of the North Sea to make things a bit -lively." - -"Wireless message, sir." - -Meredith turned abruptly to find an operator proffering a leaf from a -signal pad. - -"Anything important?" he asked. - -The lad--he was one of the two ex-bank clerks--smiled. - -"Looks like business this time, sir," he replied. "A U-boat's been -shelling Aberspey. One of our blimps nearly got one home, and Fritz -sheered off and was lost in the mist." - -Switching on an electric torch, Meredith read the message. It was -couched in matter-of-fact official terms and left much to the -imagination. Briefly, the U-boat was believed to be damaged and -incapable of submerging. It was last sighted at 22.30 (half-past -ten), steering eastward and apparently on fire aft. - -"Very good; inform the skipper," said Kenneth. "Yes; we stand a -chance of seeing something this time." - -In less than a couple of minutes Wakefield was on deck. - -"Some wheeze, this, Meredith!" he exclaimed gleefully. "With luck we -may spot little Fritz. I don't think it's much use following the -directions given in this signal. There'll be a swarm of destroyers -and all that sort of fry buzzing around already, and if the skipper -of the U-boat is up to snuff he'll have altered course to the -south'ard. We'll just stand on and keep our wits on the alert. If -he's legging it to the south'ard he'll cut athwart our course. I'll -try what luck we can get with the hydrophone first." - -The M.L.'s engines were stopped, and the boat rolled heavily in the -oily swell. Over her starboard side a weird contraption of wires -was lowered, the wires terminating in submerged metal plates, while -inboard they led to a complicated device known as a hydrophone. In -the wireless-room a man sat with receivers clipped to his ears. He -was not listening to wireless messages, but for the sound of a -U-boat's propellers. - -"Anything doing?" inquired Meredith for the twentieth time, as the -minutes slowly passed. - -This time the listener did not shake his head. - -"Fancy I hear something, sir," he reported. "Would you like to -listen?" - -Kenneth took the proffered ear-pieces and clipped them to his head. -Very faintly he could hear the characteristic thud of a marine motor. - -"Evidently she's knocking around," he observed, as he handed the -apparatus to the operator. "All right; carry on." - -Slowly the man revolved a handle until the thudding sound reached a -maximum intensity. A glance at the compass showed that the -hydrophones were pointing east by south. Still turning the handle, he -noted that the volume of sound gradually decreased until a certain -point; then it began to increase again, reaching a state of maximum -intensity in a bearing south by east. That was all the operator -required. Experience had taught him that the source of emission of -the sound came from a direction midway between the two maxima, while -a further test revealed the fact that the U-boat was moving in a -southerly direction. - -"If only this blessed fog would lift!" exclaimed Wakefield when his -Sub communicated the result of the hydrophone test. - -"Get the gear inboard, Meredith. See that the ammunition is brought -up and the gun cleared for action. Now for a game of blind man's -buff." - -"None of our submarines are about here, I suppose?" asked Meredith. - -"Not within seventy miles," replied the skipper. "So if we do have -the luck to run across a submarine, we'll go for the brute -bald-headed." - -"And if Fritz can't dive?" - -"Then, of course, we'll have to try our best to tickle his ribs with -a shell while he's on the surface. Tricky work, but we'll keep him -fully occupied with our little pea-shooter"; and Wakefield indicated -the six-pounder, by the side of which the gun-layer was standing -ready and alert to train the weapon upon its objective. - -A quarter of an hour passed. Both officers realised that in this game -of hide-and-seek the U-boat stood a better chance, since she could -hear the noisy explosions of the M.L.'s exhausts, especially if she -floated motionless with her motors switched off. Again, if it came to -a trial of gunnery, the odds were tremendously in favour of the Hun, -since the U-boat mounted a couple of 4.7-inch or even 6-inch weapons. - -Wakefield was counting on the chance of catching his foe napping, and -that, if the U-boat were able to dive, she would submerge -precipitately. It was then that the depth-charges would play their -deadly part. - -Conscious of a peculiar sinking sensation in the pit of his stomach, -Meredith confessed to himself that "he had the wind up." Faced with -the possibility of going into action for the first time, he both -dreaded and welcomed the chance. Fervently he gave thanks for the -fact that it was dark, and that none of his comrades could see his -face. For his own part, he felt that every vestige of colour had -vanished from his usually bronze features. - -Again M.L. 1071 was brought to a standstill and recourse made to the -hydrophone. The result was disappointing. Except for a faint rumbling -that could only be ascribed to the surf lashing the distant cliffs, -not a sound was recorded. Apparently the U-boat was again capable of -submerging, and was lying doggo on the bed of the North Sea, while -the destroyers engaged in hunting her had passed beyond the range of -the M.L.'s hydrophone. - -"We'll just carry on," decided Wakefield. "The fog looks like -lifting." - -Overhead the moonlight was streaming down through a thin layer of -mist, while the range of visibility varied from fifty to five hundred -yards as banks of dispersing vapour bore down before the light -easterly wind. - -Wiping the moisture from the lenses of his powerful night glasses, -Meredith raised the binoculars and scanned the limited expanse of -visible sea. Even as he did so a weird greyish object swept across -his field of vision. - -"By Jove!" he ejaculated. - -"By Jove, what?" asked Wakefield sharply. "Good heavens! Yes, there -she is!" - -He jerked the telegraph indicator to full speed ahead. - -"See her, Clarkson?" he shouted to the gun-layer. "Two points on your -starboard bow. Let her have it." - - - - -CHAPTER III - -SUNK IN ACTION - - -A BLINDING flash and a deafening roar, followed by a sickening lurch -of the little patrol boat as the lightly built hull reeled to the -recoil, announced that the action had commenced. Almost immediately -the breech-block of the six-pounder was jerked back and the still -smoking metal cylinder clattered noisily on the deck. The air reeked -of burnt cordite as the excited gun's crew, who had never before been -in action, loaded and fired like men possessed. - -With the first shot Kenneth's sense of nervousness fell from him like -a cast garment. Up to the present the foe had not replied to the -M.L.'s fire, but it was not to be supposed that she would decline the -combat. Glowing steel messages of death would presently be hurtling -through the air with the avowed object of wiping out the little M.L. -and her crew. Kenneth fully realised this, but beyond a curious -feeling of elation the Sub was as cool as if bringing No. 1071 -alongside her parent ship. - -Her antagonist's reply was not long delayed. With a lurid red flash -that completely eclipsed the wan moonlight, her after quick-firer let -rip. A shrill whine as the projectile passed overhead caused every -man on the M.L.'s deck to duck his head. - -"If she can't do better than that it's time she packed up!" shouted -Wakefield. "Keep it up, men! Let her have it properly in the neck!" - -A provoking wreath of vapour drifting down hid the misty outlines of -her opponent from the M.L.'s crew. Only the constant flashes of the -former's guns gave the six-pounder's gun-layer an inkling of her -direction. Whether five hundred or a thousand yards separated the -combatants remained a matter for speculation, and whether the foe was -"legging it" or closing upon Wakefield's command was equally a -speculative proposition. - -"That's a near one," thought Meredith, as a shell literally scraped -the searchlight mounted on the roof of the wheel-house. - -Hitherto the opposing craft had been firing with too much elevation. -Apparently realising her mistake, her gunner was lowering the sights. - -Kenneth's thought was also shared by his skipper. Wakefield decided -first to increase the distance in order to baffle the enemy -gun-layers, and then make a dash for his opponent and thus bring the -depth-charges into action. - -Grasping the telegraph levers, he intended to signal full ahead on -the starboard and full astern on the port engine in order to spin the -M.L. on her heel in the shortest possible time. But at the critical -moment the mechanism failed badly: both levers became interlocked. - -Savagely Wakefield wrenched at the refractory indicator. Manoeuvring -under engines alone was out of the question. The use of the helm was -the sole solution of the difficulty. - -"Cease fire!" shouted the skipper, judging that the absence of -flashes from the puny six-pounder would mystify the hostile craft, -and give the M.L. a better chance to close and use her depth-charges. -"Stand by aft, Meredith, and give an eye to things. If those fellows -get jumpy and fool about with the firing key, we're in the soup." - -Promptly the Sub obeyed, yet as he did so he almost involuntarily -crouched under the lee side of the "tin" dinghy that was hanging -inboard from the davits. Then he laughed at what he had done. The -idea of imagining that the thin galvanised steel plates of the dinghy -would stop a 4.7-inch shell struck him as the height of absurdity. - -Yet even as he sidled past the dinghy a concussion shook the M.L. -from stem to stern. It was a far different concussion from that -caused by her own quick-firer. This time her opponent had got one -home. - -M.L. 1071 stopped dead, like a man who receives a knock-out blow -between the eyes. Pungent smoke enveloped her, as she rolled sullenly -on the long swell. Then the pall of smoke was rent by a furious blast -of red flame. An unlucky shot had struck her amidships, playing havoc -in the engine-room and igniting one of the petrol-tanks. - -Nor was that the worst of the business. A fire could be subdued with -little difficulty by means of patent extinguishers; but the -projectile, luckily without exploding, had passed completely through -both sides of the wooden hull of the M.L., tearing jagged holes that -were admitting volumes of the North Sea into her engine-room. - -Valiantly the artificers, directly they recovered from the -disconcerting effects of the projectile, strove to quench the flames -until, knee-deep in water on which floated patches of blazing petrol, -they were compelled to evacuate their untenable posts. Scorched and -almost suffocated by the fumes from the chemicals, they gained the -deck and collapsed. - -"Fall in aft!" roared Wakefield. "Swing out the boat! Look lively -there, men!" - -The crew needed no second bidding. Every man on board, save the two -unconscious engine-room ratings, who were unceremoniously dragged aft -by their messmates, knew that M.L. 1071 was doomed. It was a question -whether she would blow up or founder, for the flames were momentarily -increasing in violence and threatening to explode the magazine, while -already the waves were lapping over her foredeck. - -Quickly, yet without a vestige of panic, the men swung out the dinghy -and lowered her from the davits. The two casualties were then lifted -in, and the rest of the crew followed--Meredith and Wakefield being -the last to leave. - -"She's going down with flying colours at all events," exclaimed the -skipper. "Give way, lads!" - -The men pulled with a will. There is a powerful incentive to do so -when in the vicinity of a couple of depth-charges that might at any -moment be detonated with disastrous results. - -"What's Fritz doing?" inquired one of the rowers, when at length the -order was given to "Lay on your oars." - -No one knew. The enemy had ceased fire, but when he did so none of -the late M.L.'s crew could say. In the excitement of abandoning ship, -the fact that they were under shell-fire hardly concerned them. - -"Pushing off at the rate of knots, he is," hazarded another. "Unless -we've given him gyp. P'raps he's been knocked out, same as us." - -"Shouldn't be surprised," remarked Clarkson, the gun-layer. "I'll -swear I got half a dozen home in his hide before the fog came on -again. Otherwise he'd be sniffing around and giving us a dose of -machine-gun fire. That's Fritz's little joke when a fellow can't hit -back. If----" - -A terrific roar caused the man to break off suddenly. Somewhere -within the radius of a mile, although the now increasing fog gave no -indication of direction, an explosion of no slight magnitude had -occurred. For nearly a minute came the sound of falling debris, and -then deep silence. - -"Is that Fritz or us?" inquired one of the men, as the rowers resumed -their task. - -"How far is it to Auldhaig?" asked another. "Lucky for us we aren't -in the ditch. 'Twould be a longish swim." - -Wakefield let the men talk. It helped to keep up their spirits, -although they were not apt to be down-hearted. For his part, he was -kept busily employed in steering the boat by means of a small compass -that was little better than a toy. By a fortunate chance, he had -found it with a miscellaneous assortment of small articles in the -inside pocket of his monkey-jacket. A fortnight previously he had -been induced by an attractive damsel at a bazaar in aid of the -Auldhaig Seamen and Fishermen's Society to buy what then occurred to -him to be an utterly useless article, but now he found himself -trusting implicitly to the doubtless highly erratic magnetised -needle. It was a sorry substitute for the boat-compass that ought to -have been in the boat, but wasn't; but even in the baffling fog -Wakefield knew that he was provided with a means of direction. With -reasonable luck, the boat ought to hit the Scottish coast somewhere, -if the survivors were not picked up by one of the other patrol-boats -known to be cruising in the vicinity. - -At frequent intervals Wakefield bade the men rest on their oars, -taking advantage of the silence to listen for sounds indicating the -presence of other craft; but beyond the lap of the water against the -metal sides of the boat the stillness was unbroken. - -It was an eerie experience, climbing the slope of the long rollers -and sliding down into the trough beyond, the while encompassed by a -fog now so dense that at twenty yards sea and air blended into -nothingness. Fortunately there was little or no wind, and the boat -rode the swell without shipping as much as a pailful of water, but -both Wakefield and Meredith knew full well that those sullen rollers -portended a storm at no distant date. The while the pale rays of the -moon penetrated with little difficulty the relatively thin stratum of -fog overhead, the ghostly light adding to the weirdness of the scene. - -"Prop.!" exclaimed Kenneth laconically. - -A tense silence fell upon the boat's crew. Through the mists came the -unmistakable thud of a vessel's propellers, but whether from north, -south, east or west the baffling atmospheric conditions gave no clue. - -Then the subdued sound ceased abruptly. - -"Give a hail, lads!" exclaimed Wakefield; but before the bowman could -stand and give vent to a bellowing "Ahoy!" the skipper countermanded -the order. - -"We'll put a stopper on the hailing business," he remarked, without -giving any further explanation. "Ah, there it is again!" - -"Nearer this time," announced Meredith. "Voices, too." - -"Too jolly guttural for my liking," added Wakefield. "It's a Fritz -surface cruising. We'll lie doggo." - -"Wish they'd push along out of it," said the stroke in a low tone. -"We want to get another move on." - -These sentiments were shared by the rest of the boat's crew. Every -man knew what detection meant. A machine-gun turned upon the boat, or -perhaps a bomb thrown with the whole-hearted generosity that Fritz -was wont to display towards a boat-load of helpless seamen. - -"Silence!" hissed Wakefield, holding up his hand to impress upon the -men the necessity for absolute noiselessness. - -A minute passed in breathless suspense. Although the unseen craft had -again switched off the ignition, the plash of water against her bows -was distinctly audible. - -"Stand by to give way, men," whispered the skipper. "If she spots us -we may be able to give her the slip in the fog." - -Even as he spoke a sudden gust of wind swept over the boat. As if by -magic the hitherto enfolding pall of mist was torn relentlessly -aside, revealing in the full light of the moon the outlines of a -U-boat at less than fifty yards from the survivors of M.L. 1071. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -THE SPY - - -"FIFTEEN metres fine grey sand, Herr Kapitan." - -Ober-leutnant Hans von Preugfeld, commanding officer of U 247, was -typically Prussian in his thoroughness. Carefully he examined the -sand adhering to the "arming" of the lead line that the leadsman held -up for his inspection. - -He grunted a sort of congratulatory reply and, turning his back upon -the black oilskinned seaman, addressed himself to the -second-in-command. - -"Good, Eitel!" he exclaimed. "We are not far from the spot. But -caution the men to keep their ears open and to stop running at -intervals. I am in no mood to fall in with any of those hornets, nor -do I want an English destroyer cutting us in twain." - -Eitel von Loringhoven, unter-leutnant of the Imperial German -Submarine Service, nodded his head comprehendingly. He, too, fully -realised the perils that beset pirate _unterseebooten_, for, despite -all possible precautions, Germany's under-water fleet was in a bad -way. It came home to him in a very personal manner, too, for he was -the last survivor of five brothers who had gone out into the North -Sea mists at the behest of Admiral von Tirpitz. Four had never -returned. Of the manner of their demise he was in total ignorance. -Perhaps some day, if he survived the period of hostilities, the -British Admiralty might enlighten him, but until then his knowledge -of how four von Loringhovens simply vanished was merely a matter for -conjecture. And the very mystery of it all was both nerve-racking and -terrifying not only to Eitel von Loringhoven but to every officer and -man serving in the _unterseebooten_ flying the dishonoured Black -Cross Ensign. - -Throughout the day U 247 had been feeling her way through fog of -varying intensity by aid of compass, lead line, and patent log. -Whenever the thud of the engines of an approaching vessel was heard -the U-boat submerged promptly and without ceremony. Although five out -of every six vessels that passed within audible distance were of the -British Mercantile Marine, U 247 made no effort to ascertain that -they were not warships. The risk of closing with any craft in the fog -was too great, for, although the U-boat could shell an unarmed -merchantman with impunity, she had long learnt to respect both -men-of-war and armed merchant ships. - -Von Preugfeld had vivid recollections of the s.s. _Contraption_, a -six-knot tramp two hours out of Grimsby. He had had information from -an unimpeachable source that the _Contraption_ was unarmed, that she -carried munitions for Archangel, and that she expected to join a -convoy off Flamborough Head. - -With these facts in his possession, the ober-leutnant showed far less -discretion than he usually exercised. Unable to resist a chance of -playing upon the nerves of the crew of the English ship, he brought U -247 to the surface, and at reduced speed maintained a position a bare -cable's length from the tramp's starboard bow. - -Therein he made a great mistake. He had completely underrated the -stubborn courage of the British Mercantile Marine. - -Hard-a-port went the _Contraption's_ helm. Barely had the crew of the -U-boat time to scurry below and submerge at record speed when the -tramp's forefoot rasped athwart the U-boat's deck. It was a near -thing, as the moisture on von Preugfeld's ashen-grey features -testified. - -Twenty minutes later U 247 rose to the surface, and at a safe -distance shelled her antagonist and sent her to the bottom; but the -U-boat had to "leg it" back to Wilhelmshaven with her pumps going -continuously to keep down the water that oozed through ominous dents -in her hull. - -"Ten metres, Herr Kapitan." - -"Any signs of the lighthouse?" he demanded. - -"None, Herr Kapitan." - -"Keep her at that," continued the ober-leutnant. "Inform me when you -strike eight metres, unless you sight the headland before that." - -Running just awash, and with her surface motors well throttled down, -U 247 held on until the look-out man gave the much desired -information: - -"Land right ahead, Herr Kapitan. A white lighthouse two points on our -starboard bow." - -It was now close on sunset. A partial lifting of the fog revealed at -a distance of about a mile a serrated ridge of dark cliffs -culminating in a bold promontory crowned by the massive squat tower -of a lighthouse. There was no need for von Preugfeld to verify the -statement by means of his reflex glasses. He rapped out a curt order, -and the U-boat swung round through eight points of the compass and -settled down to a course south-south-west, or parallel with the -forbidding shore. - -"Tell von Preussen to hold himself in readiness," said von Preugfeld, -addressing the unter-leutnant. "If he is not set ashore within -forty-five minutes, I will accept no further responsibility in the -matter." - -Von Loringhoven clicked his heels and saluted. - -"Very good, Herr Kapitan," he replied. "Von Preussen is even now -changing into the accursed English uniform. Ach, here he is." - -The ober-leutnant wheeled abruptly to see standing within three paces -of him a tall, thickly built man wearing a khaki uniform. - -"So you are ready?" remarked von Preugfeld, not with any degree of -cordiality. Truth to tell, he was not at all keen about this -particular undertaking, namely, to set ashore a German spy disguised -as a British officer. "Well, I suppose your get-up will pass muster, -von Preussen? If it does not, I fancy you'll be in a tighter hole -than ever you've been before." - -"I can look after myself, I think, Herr Kapitan," replied the spy. "I -can assure you that from my point of view my work ashore will be -child's play to the time I spent on board your vessel. Ach! I do not -hesitate to confess that I am not of a disposition suitable for -_unterseebooten_ work. It appals me." - -The ober-leutnant shrugged his shoulders. - -"It will help you to appreciate the perils that we undergo for the -honour of the Fatherland," he observed. "Perhaps, on your return, you -might communicate your views on the subject to the Chief of Staff. -Our task grows more difficult every day. The men, even, are showing -signs of discontent, thereby magnifying our dangers. But, -there--better come below and let von Loringhoven and me have a final -kit inspection; and at the same time we may join in a bottle of -Rhenish wine and drink to the success of our joint enterprise." - -The kapitan having enjoined a petty Officer to maintain a vigilant -watch, led the way, followed by von Preussen, the unter-leutnant -bringing up the rear, and the three adjourned to a narrow, -complicated compartment that served as a ward-room. In spite of -scientific apparatus for purifying the air, that confined space -reeked abominably. Everything of a textile nature was saturated with -moisture, while the metal beams, although coated with cork -composition, exuded drops of rust-tinged water. - -In the glare of the electric lamps Karl von Preussen stood stiffly -erect, clad in the uniform of a captain of the British Royal Air -Force. In height he was about five feet eight, broad of build, and -with decidedly Anglo-Saxon features. He could speak English fluently -and colloquially, and thanks to a British Public School education, -followed by a three years' appointment in a London shipping office, -he was well acquainted with the peculiarities and customs of a -country that was Germany's chief enemy. - -Long before August 1914 von Preussen had been a spy. One might say -that the seeds of the dishonourable profession were germinating -during his school-days: they were certainly decidedly active when he -was occupying an ill-paid post in Threadneedle Street, where his -modest pound a week was augmented by sundry substantial sums paid in -British gold but emanating from Berlin. - -The outbreak of hostilities found von Preussen fully prepared. Posing -as one of the principals of a steel factory, he practically had an -entry to every British Government establishment. Armed with forged -documents, he was not for one moment suspected. From Scapa Flow to -the Scillies, and from Loch Swilly to Dover, his activities brought -valuable information to the Imperial Government. Within a week of the -mining of a British Dreadnought--a calamity that the Admiralty vainly -attempted to conceal--von Preussen had conveyed details and -photographs of the lost vessel to Berlin, and on the following -morning the German Press published illustrated reports of a "secret" -known throughout the world. - -When occasion offered, von Preussen did not hesitate to commit acts -of sabotage. More than once, disguised as a munition worker, he was -instrumental in the destruction of a shell factory, while it was he -who gave instructions and furnished material to the noted spy Otto -Oberfurst in order that the latter could and did destroy the cruiser -_Pompey_ in Auldhaig Harbour. - -The stringent passport restrictions placed upon all travellers to and -from Great Britain considerably curtailed von Preussen's activities. -The difficulty of making a sea passage to the Continent was almost -insurmountable. Once, indeed, the spy essayed to fly, and was within -an ace of success, when the stolen machine crashed. Fortunately for -the spy, the accident happened in an unfrequented spot, and being but -slightly injured he contrived to get away; but the mystery of the -abandoned machine puzzled the brains of the Air Ministry for months. -Von Preussen returned to the Fatherland via Bergen, disguised as a -fireman on board a Norwegian tramp. - -The spy had not long been in Berlin before he was peremptorily -ordered off on another "tour." The Hun High Command knew how to get -the best out of their secret service agents, and since Karl von -Preussen had been a success his employers kept him running at high -pressure. Accordingly, armed with instructions to report upon various -British air stations, and to obtain accurate information respecting -the bombing 'planes known to be building for the express purpose of -blowing Berlin to bits, the spy was sent on board U 247, the -commander of which was furnished with orders to land his passenger on -the east coast of Scotland. - -"Here's to your venture, von Preussen!" exclaimed Ober-leutnant von -Preugfeld, as he raised his glass. "Your health." - -With a profusion of "Hoch, hoch, hoch!" their glasses clicked and the -toast was drunk. Then, tightening the belt of his trench-coat, the -spy ascended the ladder and gained the deck. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -THE PROWESS OF KAPITAN VON PREUGFELD - - -"THE fog is thicker than ever," grumbled the ober-leutnant as he -emerged from below. "It is so far fortunate for your landing, von -Preussen, but give me a clear night. Then there is far less risk of -being run down by those accursed P-boats." - -"You need to be doubly careful on a night like this," rejoined the -spy. - -"And one way is to lose no time in getting into the dinghy," added -von Preugfeld pointedly. - -Rubbing alongside the bulging hull of the U-boat was a small -collapsible dinghy manned by a couple of hands clad in oilskins. In -the stern-sheets, muffled by a piece of tarpaulin, was a lighted -compass. - -"I am sending my unter-leutnant in charge of the boat," observed von -Preugfeld. - -"Then I hope Herr von Loringhoven realises the sense of his -responsibility," laughed the spy, as he stepped into the boat. _"Auf -Wiedersehen!"_ - -The dinghy pushed off under muffled oars and well-greased rowlocks. -In less than half a minute it was inaudible and invisible, swallowed -up in the fog. - -The kapitan of U 247 remained on deck, half-buried in his greatcoat. -He was both irritable and impatient--impatient for the return of the -boat, irritable since he wanted to smoke and durst not. Another -U-boat commander had smoked on deck while his boat was recharging -batteries at night. The fumes of the cigar, drifting far and wide, -assailed the keen nostrils of a submarine hunter. As it was, the -U-boat got away, but her kapitan learnt a lesson and did not hesitate -to inform his fellow-pirates of his very narrow escape. - -Always within easy distance of the open conning-tower hatchway and -ready to submerge at an instant's notice, Ober-leutnant von Preugfeld -maintained his solitary vigil, for the rest of the crew had been -ordered to their diving stations. It was the life of a hunted animal, -haunted by an ever-present fear. Von Preugfeld, prematurely aged and -careworn, had suffered the torments of the damned since the order had -been issued for unrestricted submarine warfare, At first he had -entered into the business with grim zest. A firm believer in the -policy of ruthlessness as applied to war, the ober-leutnant had no -compunction in sinking unarmed merchantmen and hospital ships, but -when the British Mercantile Marine took unto itself guns and -gun-layers who could shoot uncommonly straight, and when the Royal -Navy adopted certain sinister devices to cope with the pirate Hun, -von Preugfeld did not feel at all happy. - -By this time he was convinced that he was on the losing side. Almost -every officer in the German Submarine Service had the same opinion, -although individually they were loth to admit it. The men, too, knew -that the U-boat campaign was a failure, but, unlike their officers, -they discussed the matter amongst themselves and thought that it was -quite about time they had a say in the business. - -For a full forty minutes von Preugfeld paced the limited expanse of -steel platform that comprised the U-boat's deck, until a faint -whistle like the call of a curlew was borne to his ears. - -Ordering a couple of hands on deck, the ober-leutnant gave the -pre-arranged reply. For another five minutes the interchange of -signals continued as the dinghy, baffled by the fog, endeavoured to -find her way back to her parent ship. - -Presently the black outlines of the little boat loomed through the -moonlit mist. The bowman threw the painter, and von Loringhoven -clambered on board. - -"This confounded fog!" he exclaimed. "I have not seen a worse one -even off the Friesland shore." - -"And von Preussen?" asked the kapitan laconically. - -"We landed him safely, Herr Kapitan," replied the unter-leutnant. -"There was no one about. The actual business of setting him ashore -was simple. We are to look out for him at the same place at midnight -on the first of next month, I believe?" - -"That is so," assented von Preugfeld. "That is, if we are still -alive," he added, speaking to himself. - -"If what, Kerr Kapitan?" asked his subordinate anxiously. - -"Nothing," rejoined the other gruffly. "Now, to your post, von -Loringhoven. We have a tricky piece of navigation in front of us if -we are to arrive off Aberspey by midnight." - -Thanks to his intimate knowledge of the coasts of Great Britain, von -Preugfeld was able to take the intricate inner passage round St. -Rollox Head. He did not expect to find any patrols in that waterway -on a foggy night, and his anticipations were well founded. Running -awash and at full speed, U 247 literally scraped past the outlying -rocks, the thresh of her propellers being deadened by the constant -roar of the surf upon the far-flung ledges that thrust themselves -seaward from the bold headland. Through a winding channel barely a -hundred yards in width, beset with dangers on either hand and swept -by furious currents and counter-eddies, the U-boat held steadily -onwards, until with a grunt of relief von Preugfeld "handed over" to -his subordinate. - -"We're through," he observed. "Now keep her south by west at nine -knots. Call me in twenty minutes." - -At the expiration of the given time the kapitan went on deck and -ordered the leadsman to sound. Very slowly the U-boat held on, until -through a rift in the fog the look-out sighted a green buoy on the -starboard hand. - -"That is what I was looking for," remarked von Preugfeld to the -unter-leutnant. "It's a wreck-buoy placed there as a monument to our -achievement last March. You remember?" - -"The _Camperdown Castle_, Herr Kapitan?" - -"No, you fool," snapped the kapitan. "We sank the _Camperdown Castle_ -eighty kilometres away to the south-eastward." - -"The _Columbine_, then?" - -"That's better," exclaimed von Preugfeld. "That red cross on her port -bow made an excellent mark, illuminated by electric light as it was -for our convenience. Now, shut off the motors. Call away the guns' -crews. Elevate to eight thousand metres, and fire anywhere between -west by north and west by south, and I'll warrant we'll make a mess -of things ashore in Aberspey." - -The two six-inch guns mounted on U 247 were quickly manned. The -glistening, well-oiled breech-blocks were flung open, and the metal -cylinders with their deadly steel shells were thrust home. For a -brief instant the gun-layers lingered over their sights, training the -weapons upon an invisible target roughly five miles off. - -"Open fire!" ordered von Preugfeld in a strained, harsh voice. - -Both guns barked almost simultaneously, stabbing the foggy night with -long tongues of dark red flame. Even as the U-boat heeled under the -recoil the shrill whine of the projectile could be distinctly heard, -followed by the distant crashes of the exploding shells. - -"Hit something," observed von Loringhoven. "Let us hope that the -objective was worth hitting." - -"Carry on!" shouted the kapitan. "Twelve rounds each gun, and be -sharp about it." - -The required number of rounds did not take long. The German gunners -were working in feverish haste, fearful lest the tip-and-run -bombardment would bring swift retribution in its wake in the shape of -a flotilla of destroyers. - -Directly the last shell case had been ejected and passed below--for -brass was worth almost its weight in silver to the German military -and naval authorities--the guns were secured and the crews returned -to diving stations. - -Pausing only to listen intently for sounds of approaching vessels, -von Preugfeld disappeared through the conning-tower hatchway. The -metal fastening clanged into its appointed place, the ballast tanks -were flooded and U 247 submerged to thirty metres. - -For the next hour she proceeded warily, until her kapitan deemed it -safe to rise to the surface. The engines were stopped, and as soon as -the U-boat floated just awash the officers went on deck to listen. - -"Petrol engine!" exclaimed von Loringhoven, as the noisy exhaust -beats of an internal combustion engine were plainly audible although -at a considerable distance. - -"Down with her then!" ordered von Preugfeld. - -As he moved towards the hatchway, the chief motor engineer -approached. - -"We have a bad case of short circuiting, Herr Kapitan," he began. -"Both on magneto and accumulator the motors refuse to fire. I -have----" - -"_Donnerwetter!_" exclaimed von Preugfeld angrily. "What monkey -tricks have you been playing? And there are hostile motor craft -around. Von Loringhoven, what depth have we?" - -"Too great to rest on the bed of the sea, Herr Kapitan," replied the -unter-leutnant. - -Without motive power the submarine was helpless for under-water work. -She could fill her ballast tanks, but it would be impossible to sink -only to a required depth. She would sink rapidly until the tremendous -external pressure of water would crush her thick steel hull like an -egg-shell. - -"How long will it take you to make good defects?" demanded von -Preugfeld of the thoroughly scared mechanic. "Half an hour--twenty -minutes?" - -"I will try, Herr Kapitan. Perhaps in half an hour----" - -"Then get on with the task," almost shouted the excitable -ober-leutnant. "First couple up the surface-cruising engines. Von -Loringhoven, turn out the guns' crews. If that motor vessel comes in -sight we must try and settle her before she uses her depth-charges, -or it will be all up with us. Ten thousand curses on von Preussen for -having got us into this mess!" - -Although scared himself, von Loringhoven could not help smiling at -his superior's words. He realised that the spy had little or nothing -to do with U 247's present predicament. It was just possible that the -concussion caused by the bombardment of Aberspey might have set up a -short circuit, but von Preugfeld would never admit that. - -At frequent intervals the U-boat's engines were stopped. The noise of -the unseen motor vessel's exhaust alternately grew louder and -fainter. Somewhere in that baffling mist was the danger. Engaged in -a mutual game of maritime blind man's bluff the submarine and the -submarine-hunter were groping for each other. At any moment a rift in -the veil of fog might bring the adversaries almost broadside to -broadside. - -Von Preugfeld glanced at the luminous dial of his watch. - -"Fifteen minutes more," he muttered. "Will it be in time?" - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -PICKED UP - - -"PULL starboard; back port!... Give way together!" ordered -Lieutenant-Commander Wakefield, as the blunt bows of the U-boat -appeared through the dispersing fog-bank. - -The men obeyed with a will. Almost in its own length the "tin" dinghy -spun round and darted towards the pall of misty vapour. It was a -dog's chance, and the men realised it, but they were not going to -throw up the sponge without a determined effort to escape. - -Alas for the bold resolve! With a rapidity that was little short of -miraculous for a vessel of her type, the U-boat turned to starboard. -Then, with her engines reversed, she brought up dead with her bows -within an oar's length of the M.L.'s dinghy. - -Right for'ard were half a dozen men clad in oilskins. One of them -brandished a long boat-hook. - -"Game's up, Fritz," shouted an unmistakable Devonshire voice. "Be yu -comin' quiet-like?" - -For a moment the men sat dumfounded. Then Wakefield laughed -mirthlessly. - -"She's one of our new submarines!" he exclaimed. "And we've been -engaging her by mistake. Good heavens, what a proper lash up! Make -fast there!" - -The bowman threw a coil of rope, and as the boat swung alongside the -giant submarine Wakefield leapt on board, followed by Meredith. - -The surprise of M.L. 1071's officers was more than equalled by the -consternation of the skipper of the submarine, who burst out into a -torrent of eager questions. - -"Then I've sunk you, by Jove!" exclaimed the latter. "How was I to -know? Why the deuce didn't you make your private signal? You fired -first, you know." - -"Admitted," replied Wakefield. "We spotted what we took to be a -U-boat and, having had official information that none of our -submarines was within eighty miles of us, we naturally let rip the -moment we sighted you." - -He gave a quick glance at the deck and superstructure. - -"Any damage?" he asked. - -The other smiled grimly. - -"Not to us... 'Fraid I cannot congratulate you on the excellence of -your gunnery. Every shell went overhead handsomely." - -The gun-layer of M.L. 1071's six-pounder, overhearing the remark, -groaned at the slight upon his marksmanship. - -"Sorry I can't return the compliment," observed Wakefield. "You -caught us a beauty--only it failed to explode or we wouldn't be here. -As it is, I've lost my command and sustained a couple of casualties. -Rough luck!" - -"Rough luck indeed!" rejoined the other sympathetically. "Come below -and have a glass of grog. I'll have your men attended to. We must cut -your boat adrift, I'm afraid." - -Meredith followed the two lieutenant-commanders to the little -ward-room, which, though small, was not chock-a-block with the usual -appendages to a submarine's officers' quarters. - -The skipper of the boat threw off his oilskin, revealing a burly -figure rigged out in the uniform of a lieutenant-commander R.N.R. In -height he was over six feet, with massive neck and bull-dog features. -His face was tanned a deep red that contrasted vividly with his -light-blue eyes and white, even teeth. From the outer corner of his -left eye to within an inch of the extremity of his jaw-bone ran a -greyish scar that tended to accentuate the grim tenacity of -expression. - -"Sit you down," he said, in unmistakably Northumbrian accents. "A -stiff peg will pull you fellows together, although the sun's not over -the fore-yard. But let that slide. What's your name?" - -Wakefield gave the required information and introduced Meredith to -the burly R.N.R. skipper. - -"Morpeth's my tally," announced the latter, in answer to Wakefield's -inquiry: "Geordie Morpeth, or 'Tough Geordie,' as they used to call -me when I was first mate in the Foul Anchor Line--them that runs -cattle boats to Monte Video, you might remember." - -"Tough work, eh?" inquired Wakefield. - -"You're about right," agreed Morpeth. "Handling a crew of Dagoes and -such-like takes a bit of doing. My present job is an easy one in -comparison." - -"What made you go in for the Submarine Service?" asked Meredith. - -The bull-necked R.N.R. officer leant back in his chair and laughed -uproariously. - -"Got you cold, by Jove!" he ejaculated. "Submarine Service--a -precious lot I know about it, 'cept that I know a U-boat when I spot -her. Leastways, I thought I did until I mistook your hooker for -Fritz: but you fired on me first, my man. Ha! ha! ha! Submarine -indeed!" - -"Well, isn't this one?" inquired Wakefield. - -"She won't submerge unless a Hun tinfish gets her," replied Morpeth -oracularly. "And that ain't likely, since Fritz can't distinguish -between a real U-boat and this old hooker. We're just a decoy." - -"Sort of Q-boat?" asked Meredith. - -"You've about hit it, old thing," replied the R.N.R. man. "We're just -off to the Heligoland Bight to see if that fish will bite. Excuse my -joke. Hope you're not in a hurry, 'cause you'll have to be shipmates -along with us for the next fortnight." - -"Any old job'll suit me," said Wakefield. "The only thing that -troubles me is how we are to get in touch with the S.N.O., Auldhaig. -We'll be posted as missing and all that sort of thing." - -"Can't help you there," declared Morpeth. "We don't get in touch with -patrolling craft during this stunt for a very good reason. They'd -fire on us at sight long before we could establish our identity." - -"Why not wireless?" suggested Meredith. - -"We've got a wireless rigged up, but we don't use it except in cases -of actual danger," explained Morpeth. "Once we start sending out -messages all our chances go by the board. Fritz might intercept them, -and there you are. We'll receive as many as they care to send, and a -fine old collection we've got. You should see our wireless decoder -with his German signal code-book. That's the way to get a true -insight into the U-boat campaign. No, gentlemen, it can't be did; but -I'll do my level best to make you comfortable. There's a spare bunk -in my cabin, Mr. Wakefield, and Mr. Meredith can have a hammock slung -in the ward-room. As for grub, there's enough and to spare for all -hands." - -"Good enough!" exclaimed Wakefield heartily. "Only I hope you've got -a job for us?" - -"You trust me for that," rejoined the R.N.R. officer grimly. - -He glanced at the clock on the after-bulkhead. - -"Seven bells," he remarked. "We've spent a solid hour kagging away -when we ought to be turned in. It'll be daybreak in another hour. -Tired?" - -Wakefield and Meredith replied in the negative. The excitement of the -unfortunate engagement was still making itself felt, rendering the -desire for sleep impossible. - -"Take my tip and turn in," suggested Morpeth. "I'll get the steward -to bring some grub first, and then you'll be all right for the next -few hours. You'll excuse me, but I must see how things are going on -deck. I've got a ripping officer of the watch, but at the same time -the responsibility is mine." - -Picking up his cap, the gold lace and badge of which was green with -exposure to the salt spray, Lieutenant-Commander Morpeth left his -involuntary guests and went on deck. - -"Tough customer," remarked Wakefield. "His nickname is well bestowed. -I shouldn't care to fall foul of him." - -"A good man for the job, I should imagine," said Meredith, as he -proffered his cigarette-case to his superior officer. "Where the Navy -would be without the R.N.R. goodness only knows. Those fellows could -carry on straight away, but we had to be trained--after a fashion. I -remember the first time I tried to bring an M.L. alongside a jetty. -There wasn't much tide and hardly any wind, but it took five attempts -before I did the trick." - -"You were not the only one," said Wakefield reminiscently. "First -time I was running at fifteen knots I had the wind up properly. Knew -every article on the Rule of Road and all that sort of thing by -heart, but the first lumbering old tramp I met drove the whole -blessed lot out of my head. Scraped her quarter by less'n a yard, an' -it might have been worse." - -Kenneth puffed thoughtfully at his pipe. - -"Rummy war this," he observed. "When you take things into -consideration----" - -"Fog's cleared away, and it's a bright moonlight night," announced -Morpeth, thrusting his head, surmounted by the salt-stained cap and -tarnished badge, through the doorway. "Care to come up and have a -look round?" - -"Right-o, old thing," replied Wakefield. - -Preceded by their host, the M.L. officers ascended the almost -vertical steel ladder and gained the deck. - -"Mind our tram-lines," cautioned Morpeth, "That's right. Now, what do -you think of the old hooker?" - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -A U-BOAT OF SORTS - - -THE "old hooker" was plugging along at a steady twelve knots. At -frequent intervals copious quantities of spray would be flung inboard -as her bows plunged into the long swell. Running dead into the eye of -the wind, she gave one an exaggerated idea of speed, for even in a -light breeze the wire rigging supporting the two short masts -verberated tunefully in the night air. - -From the partly closed fo'c'sle hatchway came sounds of mild revelry. -Meredith smiled at the noise, for he recognised amongst others the -voices of some of his own men. Evidently the ex-crew of M.L. 1071 -were taking kindly to their new surroundings, and were not in the -least perturbed by their change of fortune. - -"Hefty sort of hooker after an M.L." remarked Wakefield. "And what -did you tell me was her name?" - -"I didn't tell you any name, for the simple reason that she hasn't -one. She's simply Q 171, while to Fritz she appears as U 251--but -Fritz doesn't get away to tell the tale." - -"What are these for?" asked Kenneth, kicking his boot against one of -a pair of metal rails that ran fore and aft. - -"Our tram-lines," explained the lieutenant-commander of Q 171. "A -little device to clear decks for action in a brace of shakes. See our -conning-tower and that superstructure arrangement abaft it? They're -duds. Stand aside a minute, and I'll give a little demonstration of -how things are worked. A bit further--that's it; now you are clear of -the rails. Jackson!" - -"Sir!" - -A bearded petty officer came aft at a double, and awaited orders. - -"The gadget!" exclaimed Morpeth laconically. - -The man ran for'ard and was lost to sight beyond the break of the -conning-tower. - -Ten seconds later, impelled by a swift and invisible force, the -conning-tower and the raised superstructure glided forward along the -rails, leaving exposed in all their stark aggressiveness three large -objects resembling exaggerated drain-pipes. - -"Torpedo-tubes, by Jove!" exclaimed Wakefield. - -"Guess you've never seen the type before," remarked the -lieutenant-commander of Q 171. "They are shorter than the standard -pattern, and, as you might observe, are not exactly parallel. -Discharge all three torpedoes simultaneously, and they run on -slightly divergent courses." - -"Doesn't give Fritz much of a chance," observed Meredith. - -"Not a dog's chance, old thing," rejoined Morpeth. "They're only -14-inch torpedoes, but they're just some. Blow a hole in a -battleship's hull large enough to take a stage-coach, so you can -imagine what happens when Fritz stops one--perhaps two, and very -occasionally three. In a way a fellow can't help feeling sorry for -Fritz, but he's asked for it all along the line. If he'd played a -straight game with his U-boats we would have given him credit for -what he'd done, and taken our chances. That chap who torpedoed our -_Cressy_, _Hogue_, and _Aboukir_ early in the war did a smart thing, -and the Navy admitted it; but now all the decent U-boat skippers have -packed up, or else have degenerated into low-down curs." - -"Precisely," agreed Wakefield. "Hospital ships, and all that sort of -business." - -"Unarmed merchantmen--that's why we've had to take on the Q-boat -stunt. Hardly seems proper jonnick to lure a Fritz within range, and -then blow him to bits, but, as I said before, he's asked for it." - -"Bagged many?" - -"A few," admitted the R.N.R. man modestly; then, pleased at a sudden -recollection, he squared his massive shoulders and burst into a -hearty roar of laughter. "That reminds me of the last Fritz we -scuppered. We had information that a U-boat was knocking around off -Bass Rock, playing Old Harry with small coasting craft out of -Arbroath and Granton, so we sent out the old s.s. _Niblick_--one of -the Pink Funnel Line. She had been sold to a firm of ship-breakers, -but when the pinch came they fitted her out again. Well, we followed -an hour after the _Niblick_ left Montrose, got within range, and -started firing at her, or rather putting shells into the sea within a -hundred yards or so. Presently we sighted a periscope. Fritz couldn't -quite understand things, since he imagined he was the only U-boat -sculling around. But after a while he couldn't resist the temptation -of joining in the pursuit, and he blew ballast-tanks and came to the -surface at a cable's length broad on our starboard beam. Before he -could get to work on the _Niblick_ with his bow quick-firer, he went -to the bottom for good and all. It required only one of our torpedoes -for that job." - -"That's the stuff to give 'em!" exclaimed Meredith. - -"It strikes me, Sub," observed Wakefield, as he stifled a yawn, "that -we of the M.L. patrol will have to pack up. There's nothin' doin' for -us now the Q-boats are out." - -"Ever sighted a Fritz?" inquired Morpeth. - -Wakefield was obliged to confess that he had not. - -"I'm not surprised," continued the R.N.R. skipper. "Your little -packets make too much noise. I wouldn't mind betting that Fritz has -had a squint at you many a time through his periscope, and then he's -promptly legged it. You're like a fat policeman on the track of a -young burglar. It's the moral effect that tells. Before we cover up -these beauties I'd like to show you the torpedoes." - -With a dexterous movement Morpeth opened the breech of one of the -tubes. Unlike the standard pattern, which is closed by means of six -butterfly nuts, the breech mechanism consisted of an intercepted -thread action somewhat similar to that of a quick-firer. - -"We bagged that idea from the Hun," remarked Morpeth. "Now here is -our tinfish: it has a range of only two miles, but quite enough for -our purpose. Propulsive force, electric, and no fooling about with -compressed air." - -The M.L. officers examined the well-oiled glistening steel cylinders. -In the bright moonlight the missiles looked harmless enough, but it -took very little effort of the imagination to picture the fate of a -craft torn by the explosion of fifty pounds of gun-cotton and aminol. - -"The hydrophone-room," announced Morpeth, indicating a hatchway -almost amidships. "That's nothing new to you, I'm sure. Here is our -engine-room--petrol motors, of course." - -"And your speed?" asked Wakefield. - -"We are running normally--twelve knots." - -"Yes--but all out?" - -"With luck we might touch thirty-eight," was the unconcerned reply. -"It isn't very often we do that--it's not necessary when we're -Fritz-hunting--but when the Hun does come out with his light cruisers -and torpedo boats, then we just show a clean pair of heels before -they as much as sight us. Once they get an inkling that a British -Q-boat is out disguised as a U-boat, then we may just as well pay off -and save the taxpayers." - -"But if their aircraft spotted you?" asked Meredith. "Your speed -wouldn't help you much then." - -"I agree," said Morpeth. "Aircraft are, in my opinion, unmitigated -nuisances--that is, as far as we are concerned on this little stunt. -When I see any of our blimps or flying-boats I get the wind up, -because they naturally take us for a U-boat; and unless we're pretty -smart at making our distinguishing signs, and they are equally smart -at reading the same, they proceed with the utmost relish to strafe -us. When I meet the Air Force fellows ashore I chip 'em and say it's -because they're jealous." - -"And when you spot a Hun 'plane?" inquired Wakefield. - -"That's quite a different story. Just step aft a minute." - -Morpeth led the way abaft the engine-room hatchway. On the centre -line of the narrow deck was a metal flap about eighteen inches -square. - -"Our anti-aircraft gun is below there," observed the R.N.R. officer. -"No, we don't lug it on deck. It's fired from below. Now, when a Hun -spots us and we can't make ourselves scarce, we stop our engines and -display a signal as per Imperial German Navy Code Book, a copy of -which was issued to me by the British Admiralty." - -"I know the thing," remarked Wakefield. - -"Down swoops inquisitive Fritz," continued Morpeth, "and then we -have him cold." - -Wakefield stifled another yawn. - -"'Scuse me," he murmured apologetically, "but it's not because I'm -not interested. I am, really; but Nature is reminding me that I've -had no sleep for the last twenty-four hours." - -"By Jove! Why didn't you tell me before?" demanded Morpeth, in -genuine concern. "Turn in, both of you, at once; and if you're out -before the sun's over the fore-yard there'll be trouble." - -"Right-o, on one condition," rejoined Wakefield. - -The R.N.R. lieutenant-commander smiled grimly. - -"I don't have fellows making conditions with the skipper of this -hooker as a general rule," he remarked. "But what is it?" - -"That we are called if there's any little stunt on," continued -Wakefield. - -"That's a deal," agreed Morpeth. "Good-night." - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -VON PREUSSEN'S BLANK DAY - - -"WHAT a ghastly welcome!" soliloquised Leutnant Karl von Preussen, as -he approached the "prohibited area" of Auldhaig. For the present his -assumed name was Captain George Fennelburt, R.A.F., and in adopting -the name and character he had left very little to chance. His -pocket-book bulged with spurious official documents, printed in -Germany, and replicas of papers that had either been surreptitiously -obtained from British air stations, or had been found on captured -men. - -It was not a pleasant sort of evening. The sea mist had turned to a -steady drizzle, accompanied by gusts of icy-cold wind. On the road, -cut up by exceptionally heavy motor traffic, the mud lay four inches -deep. Wearing a heavy trench coat, thick boots and leggings, and -encumbered by a bulky haversack, von Preussen found himself decidedly -hot and clammy before he had covered many miles of his long tramp. - -He had studiously avoided the cliff road, preferring to make a detour -inland and to approach Auldhaig from the railway station. - -At length he gained the summit of the hill overlooking the town. On -his left lay the important munition factory of Sauchieblair, shrouded -in utter darkness, although there were aural evidences in plenty of -the activity that was in progress day and night. A mile to the north -gleamed lights. Von Preussen smiled grimly as he saw them. He knew -precisely the meaning of the unscreened gleams. They were decoys, -shown for the purpose of putting a raider off the scent, and up to a -certain point had justified their existence. - -Ahead lay Auldhaig, also shrouded in utter darkness. Neither in the -wide ramifications of the landlocked harbour, nor from the vast -expanse of wharves and docks, was there the faintest sign of a light; -but the clatter of pneumatic hammers and the rumbling of locomotives -indicated pretty plainly that the shipyards were running at high -pressure. - -Without difficulty, von Preussen passed the guard at the block-house -on the bridge and entered the sombre town. It was now four o'clock in -the morning, and the spy wisely decided to make for an hotel and have -a much needed rest. - -In response to a knock the door of the Antelope Hotel was opened by a -sleepy night porter, who evinced no surprise at the belated arrival -of a guest. - -"You'll be registering in the morn, sir," he remarked. - -"Thanks; I may as well register at once," replied the spy, not that -he wanted to take the trouble to do so, but because he had ulterior -motives. - -In a bold hand he made the perfunctory declaration:--"George -Fennelburt, Captn. R.A.F.; business--on duty; where stationed ---Sheerness; name of Commanding Officer--Lieut.-Colonel H. B. L. -Greathooks, O.B.E." - -"Silly lot of rot, sir," remarked the porter, "giving a gent no end -of trouble. If you was to put down 'Julius Caesar' or 'Christopher -Columbus' I don't see as how it 'ud matter." - -"It's regulations, you know," said von Preussen, handing the fellow -half a crown. "Now get me a glass of something hot and a snack. I'm -hungry." - -The porter hurried off to execute the commission, pondering in his -mind on the inconsistency of the officer, who almost in one breath -had upheld the regulations and had broken them in the matter of -obtaining liquor during prohibited hours. - -Seizing his opportunity during the man's absence, von Preussen -scanned the pile of registration forms lying on the reception clerk's -desk. It behoved him to ascertain "who's who" with regard to the -naval, military and air officers staying at the hotel--particularly -the latter, as he had no desire to meet anyone hailing from Sheerness -or Isle of Grain air stations. - -Satisfied on that point, the spy went to bed, apologising for the -muddy state of his boots by stating that he had missed the last train -from Nedderburn, and had been compelled to walk to Auldhaig. - -He slept soundly till close on eleven in the morning. At noon, spick -and span, he made his way to Auldhaig Dockyard, with the plausible -intention of inspecting X-lighters, but with the real object of -keeping his ears and eyes open. - -Noon was a well-chosen time. The dockyard "maties" had knocked off -work for dinner, while the officials, with the prospects of lunch in -the near distance, would almost certainly request the pseudo-Captain -Fennelburt to call again at three. That meant, once inside the -dockyard gates, the spy had three hours in which to make useful -observations. - -The first official he called upon was the Senior Naval Officer, who, -forgetting that the X-barges had left early that morning in the -charge of Sub-lieutenant Jock McIntosh, R.N.V.R., referred Captain -Fennelburt to the Captain of the Dockyard. That individual, who had a -dim recollection that the craft in question were in his charge and -were about to be handed over to the Royal Air Force, requested the -_soi-disant_ representative of that branch of the Service to inquire -of the Chief Writer. The Chief Writer, about to go to lunch, summoned -the Head Messenger, who in turn told off a messenger to accompany -Captain Fennelburt on his search for the elusive X-lighters. - -For the next three-quarters of an hour the spy was hurried to and fro -over the slippery cobble-stones of Auldhaig Dockyard. He saw very -little that would be of service to the Imperial German Government. -For one reason, the messenger stuck like a leech and lost no time, -since he too was wanting his dinner. For another, everything in the -way of new ship construction was being done under cover, while -zealous, lynx-eyed policemen--picked men from the Metropolitan Police -Force--were everywhere in evidence; and von Preussen had a wholesome -respect for men in blue. - -"What's that vessel?" inquired von Preussen, indicating a tramp -steamer with her sides and deck covered with tarpaulins. - -"Merchantman, sir," replied his escort. - -"Why is she in a Government dock?" continued the spy. "I thought -tramp steamers would be repaired in the commercial dock." - -"So would she," answered the man. "Only there wasn't room. Torpedoed, -she was, 'bout a month ago." - -"Then why all that canvas over her?" asked von Preussen, beginning to -find himself on the track of something mysterious. - -"'Tis like this, sir," explained his companion with the utmost -gravity. "Her captain is living on board, an' 'e's got a bald 'ead. -When it rains they rigs up an awning to keep the drops off 'is pate, -'cause 'e gets awfully up the pole an' leads the crew a regular dog's -life if he's upset by gettin' 'is 'ead wet." - -"I perceive you are a humorist," remarked von Preussen drily. - -"Didn't know it, sir," rejoined the man. "My mates usually call me -'Mouldy Bill.' But hangin' around 'ere won't find what you're lookin' -for, sir, so let's make a move." - -It was an application of "official reticence and reserve" on the -part of this minor servant of the Admiralty. He knew perfectly well -that the tramp was in reality a Q-boat, and that under those canvas -awnings lay hidden a collection of mysterious "gadgets," for a -detailed description of which the authorities at Berlin would give a -high sum in gold. - -To linger would arouse suspicion, so reluctantly the spy followed his -guide on what he knew to be a vain quest for craft that were no -longer at Auldhaig. - -"Why not try the Kite and Balloon Section of the R.A.F.?" suggested -an official. "The depot is just across the harbour. I'll let you have -a boat." - -Von Preussen debated before replying. The offer was a tempting one, -for not only would he get a chance of having a closer view of various -warships in the stream, but there was no telling what information he -might pick up at the depot. On the other hand, he didn't want to be -asked awkward questions by men wearing the same uniform as himself. -He knew, however, that it was no exception to detail perfectly -incompetent officers on inspection duties. He had heard of a case of -one who hardly knew one end of a boat from another who was sent on a -700-mile journey to report upon some rowing-boats about to be -purchased for a station in the south of England. - -"Thanks," he replied. "I may even yet get on the track of those -elusive X-barges." - -Twenty minutes later von Preussen was seated in the stern-sheets of a -harbour service duty boat. To his guarded inquiries of the coxwain as -to the names of the vessels lying at the buoys, he received an -equally guarded answer: - -"Dunno, sir they comes and goes all hours of the day and night, an' -not havin' no names painted on 'em, and bein' all disguised-like, I -can't tell no more'n a nooborn baby." - -The duty-boat rubbed gently alongside the stone steps of the jetty. -Von Preussen stepped ashore, returned the sentry's salute, and -inquired the way to the adjutant's office. - -"X-barges?" queried the adjutant. "None this side. We used to borrow -'em from the dockyard, but we transferred most of our observation -balloons more than a month ago, and so we don't require the barges. -But now you are here, come and have lunch. It's close on one-thirty." - -"Many fellows here?" asked the spy, as he accompanied his host across -the wide parade-ground to a long wooden hut used as the mess. - -"Twenty," was the reply. "All old R.F.C. and R.N.A.S. men. Most of -them have been here for quite a long time. It's a posh station, and -once here a fellow doesn't want to be transferred elsewhere." - -In the absence of the commanding officer, the head of the table was -taken by the major. On his right sat the adjutant. Next to him was -placed von Preussen, who on his right had a youngster who looked -barely eighteen, yet he wore a captain's uniform, embellished by the -ribbons of the D.S.O. and M.C. - -The lunch was liberal and appetising. Deft-handed girls in W.R.A.F. -uniforms were kept busily employed in attending to the wants of -twenty odd ravenous officers, for the keen northern air, combined -with plenty of out-door activity, created vast appetites. - -As the meal progressed, conversation, at first desultory, grew in -volume and interest. Although "shop" figured largely, strictly -official matters were rigidly tabooed. Von Preussen had again to -confess that from his point of view he was getting precious little -change out of the entertainment. - -"Did you say you were from Calshot?" inquired the officer on the -spy's right. - -"No--from Sheerness," replied von Preussen, devoutly hoping that none -of the men present had been stationed there recently. - -"Who said Calshot?" inquired an indignant voice lower down the table. -"Beastly hole!" - -"What's that?" demanded the major. - -"Had to spend a night there, sir," was, the reply. "Forced landing. -They gave me a cubicle that was more like a condemned cell. Concrete -walls and floor dripping with moisture; not even a mat on the floor; -a bedstead without a mattress and only two blankets. No other -furniture. In the morning I had the worst breakfast I ever had on -this side of the North Sea. Filthy margarine, rancid bacon and weak -tea; and they took jolly good care to make me plank down half a -dollar on the nail for my breakfast. Ugh! Makes me shudder to think -of it." - -"Sheerness," remarked the captain, returning to the attack. "You must -know Smithers, then? A big, fat chap, with a mole just under his eye. -He's been quartermaster there since '16." - -Von Preussen acknowledged that he knew the quartermaster. He could -not very well have denied it in the face of his inquisitor's remarks. - -"And Tomlinson?" continued the latter. "Suppose he's still there, but -I haven't heard from him recently. A short, very dark-featured old -bean, with a very dry sense of humour. Plays 'pack and brag' every -available five minutes, and uses most atrocious language when he's -put out and when he isn't." - -"Tomlinson was sent to Dunkirk last month," declared von Preussen -mendaciously; then, eager to change what was a most distasteful and -embarrassing topic, he inquired: - -"Is there a decent theatre at Auldhaig?" - -"Not bad," replied Captain Cumberleigh--for that was the name of -von Preussen's heckler. "'Maid of the Mountains' is on to-night. Seen -it? Then, by Jove, you must, you priceless old thing!" he exclaimed -effusively. "No, we won't take a refusal. We've booked a box, and you -simply must come. After your fruitless journey to inspect those -X-lighters, you owe yourself some relaxation. And I say, Jefferson," -he continued, addressing a lieutenant across the table, "we'll take -Fennelburt out fishing this afternoon, just to kill time. Fine sport -just off the harbour." - -"I ought to be on my way back," protested von Preussen, as he weighed -up the possible advantages and disadvantages of remaining at Auldhaig -Air Station. - -"Rot, you conscientious old blighter!" said Cumberleigh boisterously. -"In any case, you wouldn't get further than Edinburgh to-night. We'll -fix you up with a cabin, and you'll be all O.K., old bean!" - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -HOW THE LIGHTERS FARED - - -"HOPE the brutes won't konk," thought Sub-lieutenant Jock McIntosh, -R.N.V.R., as he dispassionately surveyed the unlovely outlines of -X-lighters 5 and 6. - -After being second-in-command of a crack M.L., McIntosh felt no -violent enthusiasm over his job--to take the two cumbersome craft to -a strange port eighty odd miles along the coast. At a maximum speed -of five knots, it meant a sixteen hours' run; but McIntosh, knowing -the vagaries of the X-lighters' motors, refrained from being sanguine -on the matter. - -It was one of the jobs that fall to all branches of the Navy. With a -strange crew, and not having navigated a lighter before, McIntosh was -taking on "some stunt." He had charts and navigating instruments, but -he would have felt easier in his mind had he possessed "local -knowledge" of this part of the coast. On an M.L., where he was under -a competent officer, navigation was fairly simple as far as the Sub -was concerned; but now the whole responsibility of getting his -charges safely into port rested on his shoulders. - -It was the morning of von Preussen's visit to Auldhaig. The fog had -dispersed. In its wake had sprung up a fresh southerly breeze, which -in turn gave indications of decreasing in velocity before noon. - -Stopping to give his final instructions to the coxwain of No. 6, and -impressing upon him to follow at a cable's length in her consort's -wake, McIntosh boarded the lighter which for the nonce was to be the -leading craft. Already the twin heavy oil engines were "warming up," -making the decks quiver, and filling the air with oil-laden smoke. - -Making his way aft to the rough wooden hut that served as a -wheel-house, the Sub gave the signal to the engine-room staff to -"stand by." - -"Rummiest packets that ever sailed under the White Ensign," he -soliloquised, as his eye caught sight of the dingy bunting floating -from the yard-arm of the lighters' stumpy masts. "Ah, well; it's all -in a day's work." - -He gave the telegraph lever another jerk. - -"Cast off!" he shouted. - -Sluggishly the deeply-laden barge gathered way. She had a freeboard -of barely ten inches--a fact that portended wet decks before long. - -Having satisfied himself that No. 6 was following, McIntosh devoted -his attention to shaping a course out of harbour, undergoing a dozen -mental thrills as his unwieldy packet scraped past buoys and showed a -decided tendency to commit suicide across the steel stems of a couple -of anchored cruisers. - -Once clear of the harbour, the Sub called to a seaman. - -"Take her," he ordered, handing over the wheel. "Keep her as she is: -south a half west." - -"South a half west it is, sir," replied the man in the time-honoured -formula of the sea. - -Free to devote his attention to other things, McIntosh secured the -storm-flap of his oilskin coat and, leaving the shelter of the -wheel-house, looked towards the following boat. - -No. 6 was coming along well. The "bone in her teeth" glistened white -as she pushed her snub nose through the waves. Both craft were -"taking it green" as the water flowed over the tarpaulined hatches -and surged along the broad waterways. - -"We'll carry our tide for another hour," he said to himself. "Then -it'll be a slow job. One thing, we can't have every blessed thing in -life, but I hope to goodness nothing goes wrong." - -He glanced ahead. In an incredibly short space of time, the bold -outlines of Dunkennet Head had vanished. Dead to windward haze, -possibly fog, was bearing down. It was something that McIntosh had -not bargained for. The glass had shown indications of fine weather, -but unfortunately it was not capable of indicating the approach of -mist. - -"Hazy ahead," he remarked to the petty officer. - -"Yes, sir," was the reply. "Will you be altering course a point or -so, sir? There's a nasty set of the tide inshore about these parts." - -"Yes," decided the Sub, and gave the necessary instructions to the -helmsman. - -"Get a nun-buoy ready to veer astern," he continued, "and signal to -No. 6 to keep the thing dose under her bows. If she doesn't, we'll be -losing each other." - -While the men were making these preparations the hideous clamour of -No. 6's foghorn attracted their attention. The lighters had increased -their distance to nearly a quarter of a mile, and No. 6 was still -dropping astern. - -"Ask 'em what's wrong," ordered McIntosh. - -A signalman, steadying himself with feet planted widely apart on the -plunging deck, semaphored the message. From No. 6 two red and yellow -hand-flags replied. McIntosh, unable to follow the swift movements of -the flags, was obliged to await the signalman's report: - -"Says, sir, she's overheated her bearings. She'll have to stop or her -engines'll seize up." - -It was exactly what the Sub was anticipating, and now trouble had -come he met it promptly and resolutely. - -"Tell them to stand by and receive a hawser," he ordered, at the same -time ringing down for "Slow." "Look alive, there, with that six-inch -rope." - -While the men were engaged in bringing one end of the hawser to the -after "towing-bitts," McIntosh took the helm and began to run to -starboard in order to close with the disabled lighter. He was working -against time, for already the mist was upon them--the outflung -tentacles of a bank of fog. With a range of visibility of three or -four hundred yards, matters were somewhat complicated, but the -manoeuvre of establishing communication with the helpless craft would -be rendered fourfold difficult, should the baffling fog envelop the -two boats. - -"All ready with the heaving-line?" shouted the Sub. - -"All ready, sir." - -Slowly, even for the low-speed lighter, McIntosh, made for the -disabled vessel, which was now lying broadside on to the fairly -confused sea. The Sub was cautious. Strange to the boat, he knew that -there was a vast difference between the manoeuvring capabilities of -an M.L. and a lighter, and with that fact in mind he displayed an -excess of caution. - -Almost before he realised the danger, disaster came. Answering too -slowly to her helm, No. 5 crashed heavily against the bluff steel -bows of No. 6. Amidst the hiss of inrushing water, the two engineers -scrambled through the smoke-laden atmosphere of the motor-room and -gained the deck with the tidings that the sea was pouring in like a -mill-race. And to add to the peril the fog was then enveloping the -colliding craft. - -There seemed no doubt about it: No. 5 was sinking. Had she been -struck anywhere but right aft, her heavy rubbing-strake would have -saved her. As it was she had been hit in a vital spot--her -engine-room. - -As luck would have it, both lighters drifted together, their -metal-bound sides grinding and bumping in the agitated waves. Since -No. 5 was evidently sinking, the only refuge for her crew was the -deck of disabled No. 6. - -"Jump for it!" shouted McIntosh. "Every man for himself." - -Waiting till the last, the Sub snatched up his confidential papers, -thrust them into the pocket of his oilskins, and, as the two lighters -rolled heavily together, he made a flying leap for the deck of No. 6. - -He was not a moment too soon. At the next roll there was a gap of -five or six yards between the two vessels. Separated by a freak eddy -of the tidal stream, they increased their distance more and more, -until the holed lighter, with her stern level with the water, was -lost to sight in the fog. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -THE SALVAGE SYNDICATE - - -"WHAT'S your little game, Cumberleigh?" demanded the major. "Hanged -if I can see what you are driving at." - -Lunch was over at Auldhaig Air Station. Most of the officers had -drifted in twos and threes into the ante-room to seize the -opportunity of enjoying a smoke before falling in on parade. The -second-in-command and Captain Cumberleigh found themselves alone. - -"I may be mistaken, sir," replied Cumberleigh, "but I'm not at all -sure about that fellow Fennelburt." - -"What d'ye mean, old thing? asked the major. - -"It's a rotten business to explain," replied the captain. "I hope I -don't do the fellow an injustice, but I believe he's a spy." - -Major Sparrowhawk raised his eyebrows in a manner that indicated -incredulous objection. - -"Goodness gracious, Cumberleigh!" he exclaimed. "What are you driving -at? The idea's preposterous. There are limits to the imagination, and -I think you're exceeding them." - -"I have reasons, sir," - -"Well, what are they?" - -"You remember I asked him about Smithers and Tomlinson? I know for a -fact that they were both at Sheerness a week ago." - -"Yes, and Captain Fennelburt said he knew them." - -"He did--but I deliberately gave him a totally wrong description of -them. Smithers is fat, but he's short--about five six, I should -think--and he certainly hasn't a mole under his eye. Tomlinson is -fair, not dark, and I've never known him to touch a card either in -the mess or out of it." - -"There are some very queer cusses in the Service, I'll admit," -remarked Major Sparrowhawk thoughtfully. "Getting a commission in war -time isn't the same as in normal times. The chap may be pulling your -leg, Cumberleigh. But why did you pal up to him and promise to take -him to the theatre and all that?" - -"Just to gain time, sir," answered Captain Cumberleigh. "I thought -I'd ask your permission to telegraph to Sheerness Air Station. The -inquiry could be worded discreetly, and if the reply's satisfactory -there's no harm done. If it isn't, then we can take action." - -"But what aroused your suspicions in the first instance?" asked the -second-in-command. - -Cumberleigh shrugged his shoulders. - -"Just a little mannerism of his, sir," he replied. "I've never -before tumbled across it on this side of the Rhine. Spent part of my -far distant youth at Heidelburg, and one notices certain things. So -I've practically put the fellow under arrest, only he doesn't know -it. Young Jefferson'll take him fishing this afternoon, and in the -meanwhile the wires can be getting busy." - -"Bet you a double whisky you're wrong, Cumberleigh," offered Major -Sparrowhawk. - -"Done, sir," was the prompt reply. - -Meanwhile Lieutenant Jefferson, assisted by a couple of -air-mechanics, was getting his boat ready for the fishing expedition. -One of the advantages of being in the Service in war time is that the -uniformed owner of a private boat has a "pull" over his civilian -confrère. The one can make use of his craft almost without restraint -the other is hedged in by a formidable and galling array of -restrictions that are none the less necessary for the well-being of -the State. - -The _Pip-squeak_, Jefferson's boat, was about fifteen feet in length -and provided with a standing lug-sail and centre-board. Formerly she -belonged to an Auldhaig waterman, who on being mobilised for the -R.N.R. sold her for 3 pounds. Her new owner, who contrived to escape the -irregular meshes of the Recruiting Officer's net, had palmed the -_Pip-squeak_ off on Jefferson for six times the amount he had paid, -or, roughly, the same sum that the boat had cost to build twenty -years ago. - -The _Pip-squeak_ was no chicken, nor did she lay claim to beauty. -Bluff-bowed, and with an almost entire lack of sheer, she had one -compensating quality: she was as stiff as a house. - -At the edge of the jetty gathered most of the crew--Cumberleigh, -Jefferson, a "second loot" named Pyecroft, and von Preussen. - -"An' what are we waitin' for?" demanded Pyecroft, clapping his hands -and stamping his feet. "When I go sailing I like to get on with it. -What are we waitin' for?" - -"Bait," replied Jefferson laconically. - -"A _sine quĂ¢ non_ for a fishing expedition," added the major, who, -though not one of the party, had strolled down to the jetty -ostensibly to see the start but in reality to observe "Captain -Fennelburt" more closely. The seeds of suspicion are apt to shoot -rapidly. - -"Here's Blenkinson with the bait," announced Cumberleigh, as another -khaki-clad individual, a first lieutenant, appeared carrying a rusty -tin in one hand and a mud-covered spade in the other. - -"Here are your precious rag-worms, Jeff," he remarked bitterly. "Next -time you get me on that job I'll borrow your rubber boots. The mud's -stiff with broken glass, and I've cut mine through--look." - -To prove his words, Blenkinson adroitly balanced himself on one foot -and kicked off a rubber boot. As the foot-gear fell upon the wooden -staging of the jetty a quart of black sea-water poured out. - -Jefferson sniffed judiciously at the tin. - -"Fresh enough," he observed, "but, old son, pity you didn't devote -your energies to the worms instead of wasting your time pulling bits -of glass out of your boots. These won't last any time." - -"No more will my boots, you slave-driving blighter," rejoined the -worm-digger. "I'll swear I shifted a ton of mud without finding a -single worm." - -"Don't stop there arguing all the blessed afternoon!" exclaimed -Cumberleigh. "If we can't fish we can sail. 'Once aboard the lugger,' -my hearties." - -The party embarked awkwardly after the fashion of men wearing -breeches, puttees or leggings, and heavy boots. With the exception of -Jefferson and von Preussen, they were raw amateurs in the art of -sailing save on board a coastal airship. On those occasions they -shone. In the present instance they did not. - -The spy was on his best behaviour. Although he kept his eyes and ears -open, he purposely avoided asking any questions relating to naval or -military affairs at Auldhaig. Once, when Cumberleigh tried to "draw" -him by pointing out the scene of the disaster to the _Pompey_, von -Preussen adroitly changed the subject by a reference to the -forthcoming performance of "The Maid of the Mountains." - -For an hour or more the _Pip-squeak_ made steady progress under a -stiffish breeze. She was by no means a flyer, but on the other hand -she sailed well with the wind broad on the beam. Beyond a few slaps -of spray she proved herself a dry boat, so that the crew, with the -exception of Jefferson, who was at the helm, were able to sit on the -bottom boards and smoke to their heart's content. - -"Get a move on, you lazy hogs!" exclaimed Jefferson. "We're close on -the right spot. Down with the canvas! Blenkinson, stand by to let go -the anchor." - -With a splash the anchor was lowered to obtain a grip in ten fathoms -of water. Riding head to wind and tide, the boat brought up, pitching -sharply in the short crested waves. - -As long as the supply of bait lasted, sport was good. So engrossed -were the sportsmen that they failed to notice that the wind was -rising, and with the turn of the tide the waves were growing -decidedly vicious. - -"Hadn't we better be getting a move on?" suddenly inquired -Cumberleigh, as he realised that the motion was causing an -uncomfortable sensation in the pit of his stomach. "Remember, some of -us are going to the theatre to-night." - -"What's the hurry, old bean?" inquired the enthusiastic boat-sailer, -Jefferson. "If it comes to that, you can see the 'Mountains' from -here, although there's no 'Maid'--not even a mermaid. But, I say, -what's that?" - -He pointed seawards. At about a mile distant was a long, low-lying -black hull, apparently drifting broadside on to the waves. - -"Boche submarine, perhaps," ventured the facetious Pyecroft. "She's -coming to give us a tow back to Auldhaig. Did anyone remember to -bring a Lewis gun in his trouser pocket?" - -With the others, von Preussen looked in the direction of the -mysterious craft. He had no pressing desire to renew acquaintance -with one of His Imperial Majesty's _unterseebooten_, although the -consequences would be far less awkward for him than it would be for -his present companions. But a brief glance assured him on that point. -The craft, whatever it might be, was certainly not a U-boat. No -amount of camouflage could alter that. - -"She's a derelict," exclaimed Jefferson. "Get up the anchor, you -fellows. We'll run alongside and have a look at her." - -Quickly the anchor was broken out and the sail hoisted. Cumberleigh, -who had been silently keeping the derelict under observation, -suddenly turned and thumped von Preussen on the shoulder. - -"Fennelburt," he vociferated, "Providence has played into your hands! -You came here to inspect X-barges. Lo and behold, one of them -obligingly drifts down to greet you!" - -"You're right, Cumberleigh," said Pyecroft. "It's one of those that -left Auldhaig this morning. I saw them go out. That red-haired Scot -chap--McIntosh, you know him--was in charge." - -"Hanged if he is now, at any rate," added Jefferson. "An' the old -thing is well down by the stern. I believe she's sinking." - -It took ten minutes for the _Pip-squeak_ to close with X-lighter No. -5. Running up into the wind on the lee side, Jefferson got way off -the boat. - -"How about it, you fellows?" he inquired. "Think it's safe to run -alongside?" - -"Might have a shot at it, old thing," replied Cumberleigh. "She -hasn't altered her trim during the last five or ten minutes. I say, -do we get salvage on a job like this, or is there some rotten -regulation debarring underpaid officers from making a bit? What do -you make of her, Fennelburt? You are a marine expert." - -Von Preussen, who had been maintaining a discreet silence, ventured -an opinion that it might be safe to board her provided the -sailing-boat were kept alongside. - -"Good enough," replied Cumberleigh. "You, Blenkinson and I will -comprise the boarding-party; the others stand by in the boat. _En -avant, mes braves!_ Over the top you go, and the best of luck." - -Fending off the _Pip-squeak_ lest her planks should be stove in -against the massive rubbing-strake of the lighter, the three men -contrived to effect a safe transhipment. A brief examination revealed -the fact that the derelict had been in collision and that she had -been badly holed right aft. The engine-room was flooded, and only the -iron bulkhead between it and the hold had kept the craft from -foundering. - -"Now what's to be done?" inquired Blenkinson. "We can't tow her in. -That's a moral cert." - -"No, but we can send for a tug," said Cumberleigh. "Jefferson can -sail back to Auldhaig in about an hour even if he doesn't fall in -with a tug or even an M.L. on the way." - -"What about 'The Maid of the Mountains'?" asked Blenkinson. - -"We'll cut the appointment," replied the captain, with a laugh. -"Excuse--the exigencies of the Service." - -"But," protested von Preussen, "the lighter might founder. We should -be in an awkward predicament if she did, the boat having left us. I -would suggest that we all go back in the _Pip-squeak_ and report the -matter." - -"I agree," added Blenkinson. "After all's said and done, we don't -stand a chance of getting anything out of the deal. And what matters -if the old tub does sink? Her value is but a mere fleabite out of six -millions a day." - -But Captain Cumberleigh was made of sterner stuff. Once having set -his hand to this maritime plough, he was loth to turn back. - -"We'll stick it," he decided resolutely. "Jefferson will cruise -around in case of an accident. If we find we are drifting on shore we -can let go that anchor. I don't see there's much to get the wind up -about." - -"Cheers for the R.A.F. Salvage Syndicate," exclaimed Blenkinson, -fired by his companion's enthusiasm, but von Preussen merely shrugged -his shoulders. He hadn't risked the perils of the North Sea in order -to protect the property of His Majesty the King of England. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -VON PREUGFELD'S RESOLVE - - -"DONNERWETTER! I am utterly sick of this business, Kaspar," whispered -Seaman Furst. "It is the life of a dog, or worse. If this war is not -over by the beginning of the winter there will be trouble amongst the -_unterseebooten_ crews." - -"S'sh, not so loud," cautioned his companion, as the grumbler raised -his voice towards the end of his tirade. "I agree with you, Hans. -This game does not pay. We were told that we should save the -Fatherland and bring England to her knees by our submarines. But have -we? Just look! Here we are hungry, wet and unhappy, yet in England -there is, they say, plenty. Just before we left Cuxhaven my wife had -a letter from her brother who is a prisoner in England. He wrote and -said that even our men who are held in captivity receive three good -meals a day." - -"That is what I do not understand," remarked Hans Furst. "If we are -winning, as our officers tell us we are, how comes it that we cannot -get eatable food? Of course, at the beginning of the war we were -lucky. All we had to do was to run alongside an English merchantman, -take what we wanted in the way of food and tobacco, and then sink -her; but now----" - -"But now," continued Kaspar Krauss, taking up the parable, "every -strafed English ship has a gun, and one never knows but that a -coasting vessel is not a death-trap for us. You remember that -fishing-smack off Flamborough?" - -Furst shuddered. - -"Will I ever forget it?" he answered. "'Tis marvellous that we live -to tell the tale. What would I not give for a life ashore with a -tankard of Munich beer, a loaf of good bread and cheese? And -tobacco--what is tobacco? I have almost forgotten." - -"There was some in that Dutch vessel we burnt a week ago," said -Krauss. - -Furst clenched his fists. - -"And where did it go?" he demanded. "That _schweinhund_ our kapitan -put it under lock and key. He and the pig-faced von Loringhoven smoke -every night when we rise to recharge batteries, but never a cigar or -a pipeful comes our way." - -"We'll be back again on Friday if all goes well," said the other. -"Then we can enjoy ourselves." - -"Enjoy ourselves!" echoed Furst contemptuously. "How? I've got a -bundle of notes in my belt, but precious little use are they. In the -good old days a mark was a mark, but now----" - -"Yes, I know," snarled Krauss. "Just before the war I came back from -America on the _George Washington_ with eight hundred and fifty marks -to my name. I was going to buy a small business in Bremen and settle -down to a life ashore. I should have done well. Then came the war. -The rascally swindlers told us that if we lent our money to the State -it would be repaid with twenty-five per cent. when peace was -proclaimed. Just imagine! I handed over my eight hundred marks in -silver, fool that I was! Even supposing the government does pay me -back a thousand marks, it will be in rotten paper money, and I know -that five thousand now will not buy the place I had offered to me for -eight hundred and fifty four years ago." - -"There will be trouble," agreed Furst. "Do you know that there is a -movement amongst the men of the U-boats' crews to hoist the Red -Flag?" - -"Have I not heard of it!" exclaimed Kaspar grimly. "And when the -time comes here is one who will jump at the opportunity. Now, at----" - -The clang of a gong interrupted the discourse. The men jumped up -smartly. The cast-iron discipline of the German Navy was as yet too -powerful a force to be flouted by embryo revolutionists. - -"Empty two and four tanks," came a guttural order through a voice -tube. "And be quick about it, you numskulls!" - -U 247 was preparing to rise to the surface in order to verify her -position. For several hours she had rested on the bottom, scared by -the presence of a swarm of destroyers and M.L.'s which had hurried to -avenge the bombardment of Aberspey. - -The material damage to the little town had been slight--almost -negligible--for the majority of the shells had fallen in open spaces. -Two people had been slightly injured by flying fragments. Actual -destruction of military property was nil. Financially the bombardment -was a failure. The cost of the ammunition far exceeded that of the -damage; but morally an insult had been offered to the island shores -of Britain, and the destroyer flotillas were quick to avenge the -affront. - -Ober-leutnant Hans von Preugfeld, kapitan of U 247, had acted with -great discretion after his brave bombardment of Aberspey. "Legging -it," submerged for several miles, he allowed the submarine to lie on -the bottom for a considerable period. Then, hearing no suspicious -sounds, he had the motors restarted and, the while submerged, shifted -his position a good five miles. At length, assuming that it was safe -to blow ballast-tanks and come to the surface, he gave the necessary -orders. - -Directly a patch of white light showed upon the object-bowl of the -periscope, signifying that the tip of the latter had "broken -surface," von Preugfeld made a cautious survey. Through nearly three -hundred degrees the periscope revolved. Then, abruptly, the kapitan -checked the rotary movement of the training-wheel. - -"Come here, Eitel!" he exclaimed peremptorily. - -Von Preugfeld stood aside to allow the unter-leutnant to view the -object that had attracted his superior's attention. - -"Come now," said the ober-leutnant irritably. "What do you make of -it?" - -"It is a vessel of some kind, Herr Kapitan," replied Eitel von -Loringhoven. - -"Of course it is," snapped von Preugfeld. "Any fool could see that. -What I want to know is: what sort of craft is it? Stand aside if you -cannot do better than that." - -"It is a long, low-lying craft painted black," resumed Loringhoven, -retaining his place at the periscope in order to ingratiate himself -in the eyes of his commanding officer. "There are men standing aft. -Amidships I can see a small sail--it may be that there is a sailing -boat alongside." - -"That's better," remarked von Preugfeld, literally pushing the -unter-leutnant aside. "Port helm fifteen degrees," he ordered. "A -touch ahead with both motors." - -The U-boat shuddered under the beats of the twin screws, then forging -slowly ahead approached the puzzling object. - -"Stop!" - -A bell clanged somewhere in the confined recesses of the modern -pirate craft. At a curt nod from the kapitan the quartermaster pulled -over a lever which had the effect of actuating the twin horizontal -rudders. Once more the periscope reared its sinister head above the -waves. - -"Ach! I see men in uniform," exclaimed von Preugfeld. "We must be -cautious. Men in khaki," he continued, scratching his closely cropped -head in perplexity. "I cannot understand it. Look again, Eitel: can -you see if she carries any guns or torpedo-tubes?" - -"None, as far as I can see, Herr Kapitan," replied von Loringhoven -after a careful scrutiny. "To me it looks as if she is sinking. Her -stern is well down. Yes, there is a sailing-boat alongside or close -to her. The boat is moving ahead." - -"We will submerge and come up again on the other side," declared von -Preugfeld. "We may then solve the mystery. Down to ten metres," he -ordered. - -Bubbling with latent insubordination, Furst and Krauss at their posts -at the auxiliary ballast-tank valves obeyed promptly. In spite of all -their revolutionary tendencies and expressions of general -"fed-uppedness," they realised that their lives depended upon the -prompt execution of their hated superior's orders. Knowing nothing of -what was going on without, they submitted to discipline as the only -remedy for their present predicament. After a period of ten minutes' -total submergence the periscope shoved its squat snout above the -surface--like a reluctant puppy about to receive a hiding. When a -periscope is in danger of getting a blinding blow in the shape of a -six-pounder shell, or the hull to which it belongs is liable to be -pulverised by a trio of torpedoes, the need for extreme caution -becomes apparent. - -"They have not observed us," muttered von Preugfeld with fervent -gratitude to the providence that looks after Hun submarines. "There's -'X 5' painted on her bows. Know what that means, Eitel?" - -Von Loringhoven confessed that he did not. In spite of a careful -perusal of all works dealing with numbers and nomenclature of British -shipping--and Berlin was kept fairly up-to-date in such matters--the -mystic symbol "X 5" was to him an unknown quantity. Incidentally it -recalled days when he was studying mathematics at the Kiel Naval -College. - -The ober-leutnant steadied the periscope and touched a switch. -Immediately, by the introduction of a special lens, the "field" -covered by the eye-piece of the periscope was reduced, but the object -actually seen was considerably magnified. It was like looking through -a telescope. - -"They are men of the English Air Force," he observed. "I -believe--here, Eitel, look--the man walking for'ard. What do you -make of him?" - -"_Donnerwetter!_" ejaculated von Loringhoven. "Surely it is our -friend von Preussen?" - -"Yes," replied the ober-leutnant. "Von Preussen playing the part of a -Jonah to an English whale. I wonder what he does there?" - -"It would be well to clear out and leave him alone, Herr Kapitan," -suggested von Loringhoven. "It could only be that von Preussen is -engaged in highly important confidential work that brings him afloat -again. _Himmel!_ He is a clever fellow." - -The ober-leutnant tugged at his moustache thoughtfully. Eager to have -a finger in any pie without the risk of burning himself, he was loth -to take his subordinate's advice. Here, apparently, was an unarmed -craft, crewless, with the exception of a few officers. To him it -suggested that highly confidential experiments were being carried -on--so important that no one beneath the rank of officer was -permitted to be present. Perhaps they were staff officers of high -rank? - -Eagerly von Preugfeld kept each man under observation. The -trench-coats gave no indication of their wearers' rank, but ---disappointing fact--none of the officers wore gilt leaves round the -peaks of their caps. The sailing-boat alongside was also a puzzle. -Why should the experimenters make use of an insignificant -sailing-boat when there were steam pinnaces and motor launches -available? - -"Stand by!" he ordered. "Guns' crews prepare to take your stations. -Blow main and auxiliary tanks." - -Bells clanged, valves hissed and pumps grated, men hurried to and fro -in execution of loud-voiced orders. - -Von Preugfeld turned to his unter-leutnant. - -"Bring her up," he ordered. "I am going to take those fellows -prisoners." - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -PRISONERS OF WAR - - -"WHAT in the name of goodness is that?" exclaimed Captain -Cumberleigh. - -He knew perfectly well. The sight of a slender pole inclined slightly -from the perpendicular and throwing out a double feather of spray as -it cleft the water told him that it was the periscope of a submarine. - -His exclamation attracted the attention of his companions. Even as -they looked appeared the tip of the second periscope, followed almost -immediately by the bows and conning-tower of the submarine. Then like -a gigantic whale the long, bulging hull slithered above the surface, -the water pouring from its deck in cascades of swirling foam. - -"One of our submarines, by Jove!" exclaimed Pyecroft. "Wonder what -she's doing here?" - -"A Hun!" corrected Cumberleigh. "We're properly in the soup, you -fellows." - -He gave a hurried glance in the only direction from which they could -expect aid--skywards. Not an aircraft of any description was in -sight. The gorgeous prospect of seeing a seaplane swoop down upon an -incautious Fritz was out of the question. - -"Jefferson!" he shouted. "Run for it, man. Don't wait for us." - -The owner of the _Pip-squeak_ took in the situation at a glance. -True, the U-boat was between him and the shore, but there was a stiff -leading wind. While the Hun was concentrating his attention upon the -X-lighter the sailing-boat had a fair chance of getting away, but -Jefferson was a "white man." - -"No fear, old bird!" he shouted. "We're all in this stunt. I am -coming on board." - -With that he ran the sailing-boat alongside the barge, and, without -waiting to lower the sail, leapt on deck and secured the painter. - -Meanwhile the hatches of the U-boat had been thrown open and her two -guns manned and trained point-blank upon the helpless lighter. - -"'Fraid this isn't the time for a death-or-glory stunt," remarked -Cumberleigh. "Fritz is evidently 'one up.'" - -Of the five, "Captain Fennelburt" was the least perturbed. The spy -was distinctly annoyed at the unexpected turn of events. It looked as -if his carefully prepared campaign was to be nipped in the bud. -Consequently he was liable to heavy financial loss in addition to a -waste of valuable time, for his employers in Berlin paid only for -definite results. "No work, no pay," was the motto of the German -Secret Service, and before von Preussen could be landed in Great -Britain again weeks might elapse. As a secondary consideration, there -was the doubt of how he would be received by his compatriots. For -very good reasons he wished to conceal his identity from his -companions on the lighter. In spite of strenuous precautions, British -prisoners of war sometimes contrived to effect their escape, and it -would be a very serious matter for von Preussen if it became known -through the medium of a former captive in Germany that the -_soi-disant_ Captain Fennelburt was a Secret Service agent of the -German Intelligence Department. - -"Gentlemen!" observed Pyecroft facetiously. "The R.A.F. Salvage -Syndicate is dissolved." - -With her guns still trained upon the lighter, U 247 approached slowly -and with evident hesitation. At the back of von Preugfeld's mind -lurked the haunting suspicion that X 5 was a snare. The very -temptingness of the bait increased his suspicions. Perhaps a British -submarine was lying in wait to blow him and his U-boat to atoms; or -somewhere in the clouds a coastal airship was floating motionless, -awaiting an opportunity to swoop down and let loose an aerial torpedo -before the Germans had time to close hatches and submerge. - -On the other hand, there was von Preussen, clad in a British R.A.F. -uniform and standing seemingly unconcerned upon the lighter's deck. -Surely, if there were a trap, the Hun would contrive to make a mute -signal to his compatriots. - -Von Preussen gave none. He was content to let events take their -course. - -Presently U 247 reversed engines and brought up within half a cable's -length of the barge. Clambering upon the raised platform abaft the -conning-tower, the kapitan raised a megaphone to his lips. - -His delivery of English was execrable, but he was unaware of the -fact. He rather prided himself on the knowledge that he could speak -the language, having learnt it from a third-rate German professor in -a minor university in the Fatherland. - -"You vos surrender make!" he shouted. "It all of an instant up is -mit you. Get into der leedle boat and put you yourselves on board dis -scheep. If you drouble giff, den we shoot." - -"Right-o, old bean!" hailed Cumberleigh in reply. - -Von Preugfeld was puzzled by the reply. Mentally he resolved at the -first opportunity to consult Volume II (Ba-Cu) of a British -Encyclopaedia that he had on board. - -"Look you pointed about it!" he exclaimed angrily. "I you give half a -minute to quit der boat." - -"Come on, boys!" said Cumberleigh. "The old josser's getting jumpy." - -"Is that an order or a request, Cumberleigh?" asked Pyecroft. "If -it's an order, well and good; if not, I'm not having any." - -"Please yourself, old man," replied the captain. "And the very best -of luck." - -The four stepped into the _Pip-squeak_. Her sail was hurriedly -stowed, and under oars the boat approached the submarine. - -"Der vos five!" exclaimed Ober-leutnant von Preugfeld, as the -prisoners came over the side. "Vere is der odder?" - -A look of blank ignorance appeared on each man's face. Even the spy -failed to betray any sign that would reveal the secret. The kapitan -turned to a petty officer. - -"Place these men below," he ordered. - -"These three in No. 3 store-room; this one will go aft. You, there," -he added, addressing another seaman. "Take an axe and knock out the -garboards of that boat." - -Cumberleigh, Blenkinson and Jefferson found themselves escorted below -in double quick time. When fear hangs on the heels of a U-boat's crew -the promptness to execute an order borders on panic. Literally -hustled along a narrow alley-way bristling with dozens, nay, scores, -of valve-wheels, they were bundled into a dark, moisture-laden recess -that at one time contained a quantity of consumable stores. The door -was slammed and locked, and the three R.A.F. officers found -themselves prisoners of war under highly objectionable -circumstances--trapped in a U-boat. - -Giving another glance skywards and all around the horizon, von -Preugfeld walked aft to the hatchway through which von Preussen had -disappeared. "I'll see you in the ward-room in less than five -minutes, von Preussen," he said. "Apparently this affair requires an -explanation. But what has become of the fourth Englishman?" - -"Still on board," replied the spy. "He's trying to evade capture." - -"There is an alternative," remarked the ober-leutnant grimly. "He's -welcome to it." - -Making his way back to the outside of the conning-tower, von -Preugfeld noted that his order concerning the sailing-boat had been -carried out. Levelling his binocular, he scanned the shelving deck of -the X-lighter. There was no sign of life on board X 5. - -Ringing for half speed, von Preugfeld increased the distance between -the U-boat and her prize to three hundred yards. - -"Give her a round amidships!" he ordered. - -The U-boat rolled sluggishly to starboard under the recoil of the -gun. Almost simultaneously with the report of the weapon came the -crash of exploding shell. Amidst a welter of foam and yellow smoke X -5 disappeared beneath the waves, leaving the water dotted with -floating debris in the shape of buoyant articles released from her -hold by the shattering of her hatches. - -For a full half-minute the ober-leutnant kept the flotsam under -observation; then, satisfied that his work of destruction had been -accomplished in its entirety, and that to remain on the surface much -longer after the roar of the explosion was hazardous, he turned to -von Loringhoven. - -"Down to twenty-five metres," he ordered. "Course due west at eight -knots for ten minutes. Then let her sound." - -Leaving the unter-leutnant to carry out his instructions, von -Preugfeld made his way to the cabin where the returned spy awaited -him. - -"I hardly expected to see you so soon, Karl," he began. "I hope I -haven't disturbed your elaborate plans." - -"You have," replied the spy, with marked emphasis. - -"_Himmel!_ How is that? Were you taken into the confidence of these -English officers, and were your investigations a secret project that -was being experimented upon to the disadvantage of the Fatherland?" - -"You have put me to considerable inconvenience," replied von -Preussen. "My kit is at an hotel at Auldhaig." - -"No compromising documents, I hope?" asked the kapitan anxiously. - -"No; but a man cannot get about in comfort without his travelling -belongings," remarked the spy. "You will have to land me again, but -my venture in the Auldhaig district is a failure. It means that I -must make my way south and try my luck in Dover and Portsmouth. And I -was getting on so nicely with those fellows at the air station," he -added, little knowing to what purpose the hospitality had been -extended. - -"And what was the experiment?" asked von Preugfeld. - -"Experiment? There was no experiment," declared the spy. "Those fools -of Englishmen took a liking to me and insisted on my going with them -on a fishing expedition. We fell in with an almost water-logged -barge, and while we were exploring you appeared. Now comes the -question, where and when do you intend to set me ashore?" - -Von Preugfeld's feelings were far from those of composure. On the one -hand, he had sunk an English vessel of sorts. It was true that she -looked like sinking before, but that was a side issue. He had made a -capture of three English officers and had killed a fourth. -Unfortunately, they were of no great rank as he had hoped--merely -junior officers. On the other hand, he would have to delay his return -journey in order to set von Preussen ashore. Stores, fuel and -provisions were already running short, and the delay would mean -considerable inconvenience, possibly danger. His afternoon's work, -like that of the bombardment of Aberspey, was not worth the candle. - -"I have already carried out instructions with reference to yourself," -he remarked stiffly. - -"And almost immediately you have undone all the work required of you -in the matter," added the spy. - -The ober-leutnant shrugged his shoulders. He was obstinate, -pig-headed and arrogant, but in argument he was no match for the -trained finesse of the Secret Service agent. - -"As a favour----" he began. - -"No--as a right," corrected von Preussen firmly. - -"_Donnerwetter!_ You insist too much," grumbled von Preugfeld. "I -suppose there is nothing to be done but to fall in with your whim." - -"With official instructions," interpolated the spy. - -"Have your own way then," snapped the ober-leutnant. "To land you -must necessarily entail night-work. I propose, then, to set you -ashore at the same place as before. We are, in fact, within a couple -of miles of it, and you will observe that we have shut off the -motors, and U 247 is even now resting on the bed of the German Ocean. -I would suggest that you should walk to Nedderburn and catch the mail -train south that stops at the junction shortly after three in the -morning." - -"And more than likely stumble across some of the officers and men -from Auldhaig Air Station," objected the spy. "No, my friend, I -prefer to lay my own plans; then, if anything does go wrong, I have -only myself to blame. And since Captain George Fennelburt is either a -prisoner of war or 'missing--presumed drowned,' I must needs beg, -borrow or steal another name. Henceforth, until further notice, I am -Captain Broadstone, also of the Royal Air Force. Will you oblige me -by lending me a pen? There are certain forms which I must now fill in -to bear out my new character." - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE - - -WITH Captain Cumberleigh's valedictory words ringing in his ears, -Pyecroft began his preparations to avoid capture. While his comrades -were hurriedly lowering the _Pipsqueak's_ sail, the "second loot," -hidden from the pirate craft by the flapping canvas, slipped over the -side as noiselessly and silently as an eel. - -The shock of the icy-cold water almost took his breath away. - -"By gosh!" he muttered. "It is a bit of a stinger. But cheer up, old -son, you may get it pretty hot in a very short time." - -With that he dived under the lighter's hull. Literally groping his -way down the weed and barnacle-covered bottom, he scraped under the -keel and up again on the other side until darkness gave place to a -glint of pale green water that in turn gave place to the salt-laden -air. He had now placed the hull of No. 5 between him and the U-boat. -So far so good, but the late member of the R.A.F. Salvage Syndicate -had to consider another pressing problem. - -Even supposing, as he fondly hoped, that the Huns had not noticed -him, it was logical to assume that they would not sheer off before -sending the lighter to Davy Jones's locker. How? By ramming? Hardly. -A U-boat would not hesitate to crash into a ship's boat deeply laden -with the survivors of a torpedoed merchantman, but she would think -twice before trying conclusions with the lighter's massive -rubbing-strake. By placing bombs on board? That meant making use of a -boat and consequently delay. Gunfire? Yes; that looked like the -answer to the question. - -Now for the subsidiary problem. Assuming that the Huns would turn a -quick-firer upon the lighter, where would they aim? At the -engine-room? Hardly, as the stern was already awash. Amidships, into -the heavily-laden hold, the work of destruction would be most easily -accomplished. - -"So here's for her bows," decided Pyecroft, having reviewed the -situation. "If my theories are all wrong, then it's a case of 'going -west.'" He swam with slow, easy strokes towards the bows. There was -no immediate hurry, since the boat with his companions had not yet -reached the pirate submarine. He knew that he had to conserve his -strength and his energies for the ordeal that promised to be -forthcoming. - -To his great delight, he found a rope trailing overboard. A tug -reassured him that it was made fast to the towing bollards. By -hanging on to it Pyecroft could support himself with ease, while the -bluff, overhanging bows would effectually screen him should any of -the Huns board the abandoned craft. - -For a long-drawn ten minutes--it seemed like ten hours--Pyecroft -waited. Already the numbing cold was taking effect. His upstretched -arm seemed to have lost all sensation of feeling. It was merely the -grip of the tightly closed fingers, contracted by the cold, that -supported him. - -Then with appalling suddenness came the crash of the exploding shell. -Jerked almost clear of the water, Pyecroft had a vision of the -forepart of the massive hull rearing high in the air. Flying debris -hurtled over him, pungent smoke filled the air. Then, with a rush of -eddying water, the X-lighter slithered beneath the waves. - -Under cover of the smoke Pyecroft struck out. Fragments hurled high -in the air were now falling all around him, while buoyant objects, -taken down by the vortex, were rising to the surface with terrific -force. A plank, the jagged edge of which would have almost cut the -swimmer in two, shot upwards from beneath the waves. Missing him by -inches, it described a parabola, rising to a height of twenty feet or -more before it fell back with a resounding smack. - -With his senses deadened by the stupendous roar, the pungent smoke -and the coldness of the water, Pyecroft kept himself afloat -automatically until he came in contact with a huge wicker basket that -was floating upside down with about a third of its bulk exposed. - -As he grasped it, the basket turned completely over, the rim striking -the swimmer a smart rap on the face. The sting of the blow had the -effect of partly restoring his mental faculties. Gaining a firmer -grip of the basket, he took stock of his surroundings. - -The surface of the water was coated with a deposit of oil, for part -of the cargo of X 5 had consisted of turps, linseed, and lubricating -oil in casks. One effect of the explosion of the shell had been to -liberate the contents of the casks; another, the oil acted as an -antidote to the coldness of the water. - -Before the haze of smoke had completely disappeared Pyecroft drew the -basket over his head. Within there was enough space to keep his head -clear of the water, and at the same time there remained considerable -buoyancy on the part of the stout wicker-work. - -Presently the outlines of the U-boat that had been responsible for -Pyecroft's predicament became visible. She was slowly forging ahead. -Her deck was deserted. She was preparing to submerge. - -"She's gone," he soliloquised. "That's a blessing. I wouldn't swop -places with Cumberleigh for a tenner." - -He dodged outside his place of concealment and glanced around. A -hundred yards away was the water-logged _Pip-squeak_. Even with her -garboard smashed the staunchly built boat kept afloat. - -"Wonder if I can do it?" thought the swimmer. - -Fumbling with benumbed fingers to draw a knife from his pocket, he -proceeded to cut the laces of his leggings. - -"There's thirty-one and six gone," he muttered ruefully. "An' they -aren't paid for yet." - -His boots were likewise ruthlessly sacrificed. Then, quitting his -hold of the basket, he struck out towards the derelict boat. A few -strokes convinced him that the overhand method of swimming has its -disadvantages when hampered with sodden clothing. The breast stroke, -he found, required comparatively little effort, yet by the time he -covered that hundred yards he felt that he had reached the limit of -his prowess in the swimming line. - -Grasping the gunwale, Pyecroft attempted to clamber into the boat, -with the result that the water-logged boat dipped completely under -his weight. - -At the second attempt he slithered over the transom and, still -submerged, lightly grasped one of the thwarts. Here was a precarious -shelter. Provided he made no attempt to draw himself clear of the -water, there was just sufficient buoyancy to keep him afloat. - -His next task--there was little time before he would be overcome by -the cold--was to unship the mast and lash it to the thwarts. Thrice -the boat dipped before the effort met with success. The stout spar, -secured to the thwarts by the main-sheets and halliards, added -considerably to the liveliness of the boat. - -An oar, amongst other flotsam, drifted alongside. This Pyecroft -secured, and by its aid added another oar, although of different -length, to his life-saving appliances. A circular life-buoy and a -couple of empty petrol tins were also taken possession of; these he -lashed under thwarts, with the result that the boat's gunwales showed -four inches above the surface amidships. - -Groping on the bottom boards, the young officer discovered a pair of -gun-metal rowlocks that had apparently escaped the eye of the -destructive Hun. Thus equipped, he began to row for the distant -shore. - -It was hard work. At the best the water-logged craft made a bare mile -an hour, but the effect of the heavy toil was to bring warmth to the -man's chilled body and limbs. Setting his jaw tightly, he held on, -glancing from time to time over his shoulder in the direction of the -cliffs, now growing dim in the dusk of approaching night. - -"How much further?" he asked himself at the end of two hours. "Hanged -if they seem any nearer. Wind and tide are with me, too." - -Compared with flying through the air at a hundred and fifty miles an -hour, his present rate of progression was indeed painfully slow, yet -with the dogged determination of an Englishman, "never to say die -till you're dead," he tugged at the heavy oars until his blistered -hands grew raw and his muscles ached as if his back would break. - -With night the wind dropped and the sea assumed a placid, oily -aspect. The land was now invisible, for not a light could be seen -from seaward. Fortunate it was that the young airman had been -compelled to undergo a course of astronomy. He hated it at the time; -now he was glad, for by keeping the North Star broad on his starboard -beam, he knew that he was heading towards the shores of Scotland. - -His task was stupendous. The drag of the boat, which contained more -than a ton of the North Sea, was terrific. He was wearing badly. -Cold, hunger and fatigue were telling. Almost mechanically he swotted -at the heavy oars. - -He had lost all count of time, when he heard a faint rumble. It was -the surf lashing the beach. Encouraged, yet realising that other -dangers lurked on that surf-beaten shore, he rallied his remaining -energies, counting each stroke as he bent to the oars. - -At the one thousand and eightieth stroke he desisted. Around him the -water was phosphorescent and white with the backlash of the waves. -His task was accomplished. Human endurance had attained its limit. He -was powerless to control his water-logged craft in the breakers. All -he could do was to sit tight and trust in Providence. - -For another five minutes the sorely-tried _Pip-squeak_ was tossed and -buffeted in the broken water, until a tremendous jar announced that -in the trough of the waves she had touched hard shingle. - -Then, like an avalanche, a cascade of foam swept completely over the -boat. Frantically Pyecroft strove to grip the gunwale. Torn away by -the rush of water, he was conscious of being pounded on the shingle. -Then came the dreaded undertow. - -Vainly he attempted to grasp the rolling shingle. He felt himself -being swept backwards to be again overwhelmed by the next roller, -when his retrograde motion was arrested by a heavy object. It was the -_Pip-squeak_. Even in the last stages of her existence Jefferson's -boat seemed destined to be of service. - -With a final effort as the frothy water slithered past Pyecroft -gained his feet. The hiss of the approaching breaker gave strength to -his limbs. Stumbling, terror-stricken, and well-nigh exhausted, he -contrived to win the race by inches until, realising that the dreaded -enemy had fallen short, he fell on his face on the wet shingle. - -For some moments he lay thus until, haunted by the horrible suspicion -that the rising tide would overwhelm him, he staggered a few paces -until he was above high-water mark, and then collapsed inertly upon -the seaweed-strewn shore. - -How long he lay unconscious he had no idea; but when he came to -himself the moon was shining dimly through a watery haze. The tide -had fallen, and with it the horrible ground-swell had disappeared. - -He was bitterly cold: his limbs were like lead. An effort to rise was -a dismal failure. He tried to shout, but no sound came from his -parched lips. While he had lain unconscious there must have been a -short spell of wind, for he found that he was covered with dried -wrack and seaweed. - -"It must be close on daybreak," he thought. "I'll have to stick it a -little longer." - -He made an attempt to look at his wristlet watch. The dial was no -longer luminous, while an ominous silence had taken the place of an -erstwhile healthy tick. A prolonged submergence had ruined the -delicate mechanism for all time. - -As he lay, too benumbed to move, he became aware that a boat had -grounded on the beach within a few yards of his involuntary -resting-place. The little craft must have come in very silently, for -until the men's boots grated on the shingle he was unaware of their -presence. - -Again he tried to shout, but without result. Then, even as he tried -to raise himself, he noticed that with one exception the men wore -unfamiliar uniforms. They were talking softly, with an unmistakable -guttural Teutonic accent. - -"Huns," thought Pyecroft. "What's their little game? I've done them -so far, and I'm hanged if I want them to put a half-nelson on me now. -I'll lie doggo." - -Which, considering his weak physical state, was an easy matter to do. - -The Huns were evidently in a hurry, for after a few words with a -greatcoated individual, they pushed off and rowed seaward, while the -man they had left ashore lifted a portmanteau from the shingle and -made his way towards the cliff with the air of one who is confident -of his surroundings. - -He passed so close to the prone figure lying partly covered by -seaweed that for a brief instant Pyecroft expected the stranger to -stumble against him. - -"Good heavens!" ejaculated the astonished Pyecroft. "Where have I -seen that fellow? By Jove--it's Fennelburt. Up to some dirty work: I -wonder what?" - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -A DOUBLE DECOY - - -"GUN-FIRE!" exclaimed Lieutenant-Commander Morpeth, sniffing the salt -air like an alert terrier scenting a rat. - -"Away to the south-east'ard," corroborated Wakefield. "Is this going -to be one of your lucky days, George?" - -"It won't be for the want of trying," rejoined the R.N. R. man -grimly; then bending till his lips nearly touched the mouth of the -voice tube, he shouted, "Stand by, below there, to whack her up." - -A few crisp orders followed. Men moved swiftly and silently to their -appointed stations, while the course was altered a couple of points -to take Q 171 to the scene of the supposed action. - -It was the second day of Wakefield's and Meredith's enforced but none -the less interesting detention on board the mystery ship. Q 171 was -well out into the North Sea, bound for a certain position a few miles -to the west'ard of the now famous Horn Reefs Lightship. The sea was -calm, a light breeze blew from the west'ard, while the sky was filled -with small fleecy clouds drifting slowly athwart the lower -air-currents--an indication of a forthcoming change of wind. - -The three officers, clad in black oilskins to keep up the rĂ´le of -Hun pirates, had been sitting on the cambered edge of the base of the -dummy conning-tower, yarning of times not long gone and holding forth -wondrous theories of what might happen in the seemingly far distant -epoch after the war. - -"Small quick-firers," declared Morpeth, as the rumble of the sharp -reports grew louder and louder. "None of our M.L.'s in action by any -chance, I hope?" - -Slinging his binoculars round his neck, Morpeth, with an agility that -his ponderous frame belied, clambered to the domed top of the -conning-tower, reckless of the fact that his weight was causing the -frail metal-work to "give" ominously. - -Bringing his glasses to bear upon a faint dot just on the horizon, -Morpeth made a long and steady scrutiny. - -"Merchant vessel--tramp, by the look of her--chased by a Fritz," he -reported, "Unhealthy work--for Fritz. I'll keep her on my lee bow a -bit. It's no use butting in too soon. Too much dashed hurry spoils -everything." - -At sixteen knots Q 171 held on, with the apparent object of joining -in the chase and cutting off the fleeing merchantman. Quickly the -chase came in sight--a bluff-bowed, wall-sided tramp, with an -elaborately camouflaged hull. - -"Confounded scheme that razzle-dazzle," commented Morpeth. "Meet -three or four in a crowded waterway, and you begin to wonder whether -you'll see mother again. Can't tell whether they are bows on, or -what. Fancy we've got her cold, though. For'ard gun, let her have -it." - -The bow-chaser spat viciously, sending a shrieking missile within a -hundred yards of the tramp, which, badly on fire aft, was still -proudly flying the Red Ensign. Her funnel, hit about six feet above -the deck, was showing signs of collapse, being supported only by the -wire rope guys. Making a bare eight knots, she was evidently at the -mercy of the pursuing U-boat, which, capable of doing eighteen on the -surface, was slowing down after the manner of a cat playing with a -mouse. - -Q 171, firing rapidly, but deliberately planting her shells wide of -the merchant vessel, now turned twelve points to port. This had the -effect of bringing her into a decidedly convergent course with that -of the U-boat. The latter, probably "smelling a rat," or taking -exception to what appeared to be another of her kind "spoiling the -game," edged away to starboard, at the same time hoisting a signal. - -By the aid of the appropriated German Naval Code Book, Q 171's -skipper deciphered the signal. It was a peremptory request for the -pseudo U-boat to make her number and thus proclaim her identity. - -This was easily done. A four letter hoist of bunting fluttered from Q -171's mast, giving the information that she was U 251 of the Imperial -German Navy. - -"This is my prize," signalled the dog-in-the-manger Fritz. - -"I have good reasons for joining in the chase," was Morpeth's reply. - -During the lengthy exchange of flag messages, both boats had -maintained a hot fire upon the tramp. From the genuine U-boat the -result of Q 171's shells could not be observed. Had the Huns been -able to do so, they would have expressed considerable surprise at -their supposed consort's decidedly erratic gunnery; but in the heat -of rivalry they became reckless. - -Almost imperceptibly, Q 171 lessened the distance between her and her -prey. The tramp was two miles ahead, while barely half a mile -separated the U-boat and the decoy. - -"Stand by the tubes!" ordered Morpeth, at the same time motioning to -Wakefield and Meredith to step clear of the rails. - -Meredith felt a distinctly unpleasant sensation in his throat. -Perspiration oozed from his forehead. Fascinated, he watched the -alert faces of the men standing by the mechanism that was to lay bare -the deadly torpedo-tubes. - -"Let her have it!" shouted Morpeth. - -With hardly a rumble, the dummy conning-tower rolled over the -well-oiled rails, revealing the triple tubes trained abeam upon their -prey. The next instant the glistening cigar-shaped missiles leapt -over the side and disappeared in a welter of foam. - -Travelling at the rate of an express train under the impulse of small -but powerful electric motors, the torpedoes took very little time to -cover the intervening distance. So intent were the Huns at shelling -the tramp that they failed to notice the tracks of the sinister -weapons until, with an appalling roar, two of them exploded -simultaneously and thirty yards apart against the U-boat's hull. - -Morpeth gave a grunt of satisfaction as he watched the tall column of -water break and fall in a shower of smoke-mingled spray. - -"Simple--quite simple," he remarked; then, observing Meredith's white -face, he clapped the young officer on the shoulder. - -"Cheer up!" he ejaculated. "Nothing to look white about the gills.... -When you've been on the game as long as I have, and seen what an -utter bounder Fritz is, you'll understand." - -With the discharge of the torpedoes Q 171 altered helm and resumed -her former course. Morpeth meant to take no chances by revealing his -identity to the tramp. He preferred to let the crew of the merchant -vessel think that the disaster of her supposed consort had -effectually put the wind up the second U-boat. Q 171 was a mystery -ship, and once her true character was known the story would be all -over the first port at which the tramp touched. And, after all, it -was not a very far cry from an East Coast port to Berlin in war time, -and benevolent neutrals had an unfortunate liking for spreading -reports, true or otherwise, of what they saw and heard in British -harbours. - -A sudden ejaculation from Morpeth attracted Meredith's attention. The -R.N.R. man was pointing with outstretched arm in the direction of the -tramp. - -He had good reason for astonishment. The apparently badly battered -tramp had swung round and was forging through the water at high -speed--possibly a good twenty-five knots. The Red Ensign had been -struck, and the White Ensign streamed proudly in the breeze. - -"Look alive there!" shouted Morpeth. "Up with our rag, or they'll be -planking a four-point-seven into us. Hanged if she isn't a Q-boat -too!" - -The R.N.R. man was right concerning the rĂ´le of the oncoming ship; -but he was wrong in his surmise as to her intentions. Her skipper had -noticed that the shells fired from the second U-boat had purposely -gone wide, he had spotted the uncovered torpedo-tubes on her deck, -and had seen the sudden disintegration of U-boat No. 1. -Metaphorically speaking, he was foaming at the mouth. - -A hoist of bunting rose to the masthead of the approaching vessel. -"Heave-to; I wish to communicate," read the signal. - -Morpeth rang for "half speed" and then "stop." He turned to -Wakefield. - -"Now's your chance to get a lift back," he remarked. - -"Fancy I'll hang on," replied the late skipper of M.L. 1071. "A day -or two won't make much difference. Had I been ashore I suppose the -S.N.O. would have packed me off on leaf." - -"And you, my festive?" inquired Morpeth, addressing Meredith. - -"I'm following my senior officer's lead," replied the Sub promptly. - -"As regards your men, I'll put them on board if she'll have 'em," -continued Morpeth. "It'll relieve the pressure on the grub locker. -Hope they won't kag too much about us, though." - -"I don't think so," replied Wakefield, who had great faith in the -sound sense of his crew. - -"But after all it won't matter so very much," added the R.N.R. -officer. "By the time they get ashore my little stunt will, I hope, -be a back number. Now, let's see what this camouflaged blighter has -to say." - -The Q-boat had now ranged up within fifty or sixty feet of her small -co-worker. Men, rigged out in the nondescript garments affected by -the Mercantile Marine, were clustered for'ard, while a couple of -stalwart individuals, rigged out in pilot-coats, serge trousers and -sea-boots, were leaning over the side abreast the mainmast. - -"Dash you, you meddling bounder!" roared one of the latter. "What -d'ye mean by butting in and spoiling our sport? D'ye think we stood a -gruelling for four mortal hours just for the fun of seeing you give -Fritz socks? An' we had her nicely within range when you let rip." - -"Sorry," replied Morpeth apologetically, "But how the blazes was I to -know?" - -"You'd have known quick enough if we had shown our teeth," replied -the other grimly. "Three of my men killed and six wounded, and -nothing to show for it." - -"So I suppose when I fall in with a genuine tramp being chased by a -Fritz, I'll just carry on?" inquired Morpeth caustically. - -"I won't say that," replied the other. His wrath was fast -evaporating. He was beginning to realise that, after all, cooperation -was the thing, and that rivalry, except of the healthy order, was -detrimental to the great work in hand. "When all's said and done, -it's something to think that we took you in. At first I thought you -were a Fritz: your get-up was so good. But I say, isn't your name -Morpeth--Geordie Morpeth?" - -"I have a notion that you've hit the right nail on the head," replied -the skipper Of Q 171. "But I'm dashed if I can call your face to -mind!" - -"Met you in Rio in January '12," announced the other, with a typical -sailorman's memory for dates. "You were in the _Humming-Bird_. I was -on the _Glaucis_, second mate at the time." - -"By Jove!" exclaimed Morpeth, "you're Bellairs. I didn't recognise -you; you've altered some." - -"Hardly recognise myself at times," remarked Bellairs. "If you want -to age rapidly, try a trick in a Q-boat. I see you're trying it -already. Well, I must be pushing along. I'm making for Newcastle, -after three weeks off the Lofoden Islands. Fritz was pretty busy in -Norwegian waters, but I guess he's put up his shutters for a time at -least. We've driven a few nails into his coffin." - -"Left one or two for me, I hope?" remarked Morpeth. "But look here, -can you give a passage to a few hands?" - -"A few," agreed Bellairs guardedly. "How many?" - -Morpeth told him. - -"I've also two officers on board," he added. "They wish to stay and -have a rest cure. I'm doing my best to educate 'em at the same time." - -The other R.N.R. man laughed. "Right-o!" he exclaimed. "If you -educate 'em like you did the youngsters on the _Humming-Bird_ I can -see them writing home to mother about you." - -"Hear that?" inquired Morpeth, turning to Wakefield and Meredith. -"Old man Bellairs evidently thinks I'm a tough nut. Hope Fritz'll -think so too; that's the thing that counts." - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -CONFIRMED SUSPICIONS - - -"FROM Sub-lieut. J. McIntosh to S.N.O., Auldhaig. Regret to report -X-lighter No. 5 sunk in collision. Crew saved." - -"From Officer Commanding No. Umpteen Group to Air Ministry. I have to -report that the following officers are reported missing, believed -drowned:--Captain R. G. Cumberleigh, Lieut. H. L. Jefferson, 2/Lieut. -W. Pyecroft, Lieut. J. Blenkinson, all of Auldhaig Air Station; and -Captain G. Fennelburt, from Sheerness Air Station, on detached duty. -It is understood that these officers left Auldhaig in a private boat -on a fishing expedition. It is requested that Sheerness may be -informed concerning the officer mentioned above." - -"From O.C. Lintieness Coast Guard Station to Inspecting Officer of -C.G., Auldhaig. I have to report that at 4 P.M. a lighter which had -been signalled passing south at 11 A.M. was observed to be derelict 3 -miles E. by S. off Lintieness Head. It was afterwards lost in the -haze, drifting to the northward. At 5 P.M. a violent explosion was -heard, apparently from a direction bearing E. by N." - -"From O.C. Auldhaig M.L. Flotilla to S.N.O., Auldhaig. Acting upon -instructions, I proceeded in search of X-lighter No. 5. At a position -bearing N.E. by E., five miles from Lintieness Head, quantity of -wreckage discovered floating, including a buoy marked 'X-lighter No. -5.' The debris gave indication of an explosion. Saw no trace of boat -reported missing by Air Station, Auldhaig." - -"From Superintendent of Police, Abercuish, to O.C. Auldhaig Air -Station. Report that at 5 A.M. on the -- inst. 2/Lieutenant W. -Pyecroft, R.A.F., was discovered in an exhausted condition on the -shore at Abercuish. He was removed to a house in the village, and -thence to the Abercuish Cottage Hospital. According to his statement, -his companions were taken prisoners by a German submarine from -X-lighter No. 5." - -"From Air Ministry to O.C. No. Umpteen Group, Auldhaig. Nothing known -of Captain Fennelburt at Sheerness Air Station. Please ascertain if a -mistake has been made in this officer's name, and report the nature -of the detached duty referred to in your telegram No. 4452 of the -- -inst." - -These messages, written on official forms, lay on the table in the -private room of the Commander-in-Chief's office at Auldhaig. - -There were three persons in the room. One, the Commander-in-Chief, a -breezy, dark-featured, clean-shaven naval officer of about -fifty-five; the second, the dapper, boyish-faced lieutenant-colonel -who held the post of Officer Commanding the R.A.F. Air Station. The -third was the Commander-in-Chief's secretary--a silent, almost -taciturn individual whose face was almost the same colour as that of -his gilt aiguillettes. In his head the secretary held knowledge upon -which depended the success of the Grand Fleet and for which Germany -would willingly have paid millions; but that firmly set mouth was -sealed upon all matters appertaining to the war save when lawful -occasion demanded. And in a few months' time John Elphinhaye would be -placed upon the Retired List with a pension that, with Income Tax -deducted, would be little more than the wages of an artisan. - -"The whole business seems a general muck-up, Greyhouse," observed the -Commander-in-Chief, addressing the lieutenant-colonel. "There's -something wrong somewhere. How can this confounded lighter be sunk in -collision and shortly afterwards be blown up?" - -"There were two lighters, sir," replied Colonel Greyhouse. "It is -quite possible that one was mistaken for the other." - -"As a matter of fact there were half a dozen," explained the -Commander-in-Chief. "And all, except No. 5, are accounted for. That -is so, Elphinhaye?" - -"Yes, sir," corroborated the secretary. - -"But the main reason why I came to see you, sir," said -Lieutenant-Colonel Greyhouse, "was the affair of my missing officers. -In the first instance they went off in a boat belonging to one of my -lieutenants. I cannot conceive how they came to be on board the -lighter. True, she was to be transferred to the R.A.F., but she left -here under an R.N.V.R officer and crew." - -"Sub-lieutenant John McIntosh, sir, who reported from Donnikirk," -announced the secretary, in response to his superior's inquiry ---mutely expressed by the raising of his bushy eyebrows. - -"Exactly," agreed the Commander-in-Chief. "The situation required -further information, and I have wired instructions to Mr. McIntosh to -report immediately upon his return to-day." - -"Then there is the question raised by the presence of Captain -Fennelburt----" - -"That," interrupted the naval officer, "is a matter that concerns the -Air Force. I have no jurisdiction in the case." - -"But," persisted Colonel Greyhouse, "that officer visited Auldhaig -Dockyard." - -"He called upon the Staff Captain, sir," reported the secretary, who -appeared to have a knowledge of the movements of every stranger -within the gates of Auldhaig Dockyard at his fingers' ends. - -"And yet the Air Ministry and Sheerness Air Station deny all -knowledge of him," continued Colonel Greyhouse. "I was away on duty -at the time he reported at my station, but curiously enough Captain -Cumberleigh, one of the missing officers, entertained a suspicion of -him. He communicated his doubts to my second-in-command, Major -Sparrowhawk, who this morning reported to me on the matter. It is now -his belief, although he scouted the idea at the time, that this -Captain Fennelburt is a spy, or at least an impostor, masquerading as -an R.A.F. officer, with certain shady motives behind him. That is why -I came, in order to find out his alleged motives for visiting -Auldhaig Dockyard." - -"That's the worst of these new-fangled shows," declared the -Commander-in-Chief vehemently. He was a sailor of the Old School who -did not take kindly to innovations. "When the R.N.A.S. was in -existence we had good men who could fly. Now with this amalgamation -it seems to me that for every effective pilot the Air Ministry grants -a dozen commissions to men who never will 'go up' and who apparently -have nothing better to do than to knock about in uniform doing work -badly that a civilian clerk could do well, and trying to bluff people -that they are the salt of the earth. Apparently Captain Fennelburt is -one of this crowd, only the Air Ministry has forgotten his existence. -I rather feel inclined to pooh-pooh the spy theory." - -The colonel suffered the Commander-in-Chief's strictures in silence. -Although his career in the Service had been limited to a period of -four years, his promotion had been rapid. He had a real pride in the -R.A.F., but at the same time he knew that there was considerable -truth in the naval man's assertions. Also he realised that it was -both inadvisable and contrary to discipline to argue with an officer -of superior rank. - -"Your best course," continued the Commander-in-Chief, "would be to -send some one over to Abercuish Cottage Hospital to interview Mr. -Pyecrust--I mean, Pyecroft. That is, naturally, if he is in a fit -state to give information." - -Colonel Greyhouse inclined his head in assent. It was, moreover, -exactly what he had already given instructions to be done. The -colonel took his leave, and just as he stepped ashore at the Air -Station a motor car dashed into the parade-ground. From it alighted -Major Sparrowhawk. - -"I've seen young Pyecroft, sir," he reported with a salute. "He's -going on well in the circumstances. The doctor informed me that he -will be fit to be removed to-morrow." - -"That's good," commented the colonel. Together they walked a few -paces out of hearing of the transport driver and the coxwain of the -motor boat. - -"Well?" inquired Colonel Greyhouse laconically. - -"Dashed queer business, sir," replied the major. "Pyecroft is -perfectly fit mentally, which, considering what he has gone through, -is rather to be wondered at. It appears our fellows boarded a -derelict lighter and while on board were surprised by a Hun -submarine. Pyecroft got away, had a sticky time on a water-logged -boat, and finally drifted ashore more than half dead with cold and -exposure. The others, it seems, were taken prisoners by the Huns. And -now comes the extraordinary part of the story. We had an officer here -on inspection duties. Fennelburt--Captain George Fennelburt--he -announced himself on reporting." - -Colonel Greyhouse nodded. - -"Yes," he observed. "I know that much." - -"Well, sir," explained Sparrowhawk, "he came ashore from the German -submarine at night, while Pyecroft was lying helpless on the beach. -Four men brought him ashore in a collapsible boat, and he vanished -inland, still rigged out in R.A.F. uniform. Pyecroft can swear -definitely on that point." - -"And Sheerness Air Station has disclaimed all knowledge of him," -remarked the C.O. "Why the deuce the Air Ministry cannot be more -particular in posting the movements of officers passes my -understanding! Can you give a fairly accurate description of -Captain--er--Fennelburt?" - -"I think so, sir; he was at the mess to lunch, and I saw a good deal -of him." - -"Good," ejaculated Colonel Greyhouse. "Send a report to 'Area,' and -at the same time to Scotland Yard. The police will then take the -matter up. You might also inform the Naval and Military Authorities. -If we don't lay the fellow by the heels within the next twelve hours -I'll eat my hat." - -A vow that, taking into consideration the copious gold leaves that -adorned the peak, was an exceedingly rash one, unless Greyhouse had -the digestion of an ostrich. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -COVERING HIS TRACKS - - -FOR the second time within forty-eight hours Karl von Preussen -tramped the deserted road leading to Nedderburn Junction railway -station. On the previous occasion he called himself Captain George -Fennelburt; on the second he had assumed the name of Ronald -Broadstone. - -He travelled light, but in place of his khaki, leather-reinforced -haversack he carried a small portmanteau, which, owing to unforeseen -circumstances, was practically empty. He decided that at the first -favourable opportunity he would replenish a portion of his kit and -replace that lying at the Auldhaig Hotel. But in the portmanteau was -an automatic pistol of British manufacture. Its possession showed -economy and discrimination in small details. Since it had been -acquired from a battlefield, it had cost von Preussen nothing; and -being of British make it was in keeping with the spy's rĂ´le as an -officer of the Royal Air Force. - -He walked quickly and unhesitatingly along the bleak, unfrequented -road. Delay meant the great possibility of missing the night train -and a consequent detention at Nedderburn, which was too close to -Auldhaig to be pleasant. He had good reasons for steering clear of -Auldhaig "for the rest of the duration." The place had been a -"wash-out," and since von Preussen was of a superstitious nature he -always avoided scenes of previous failures. - -Beyond meeting a belated shepherd, who greeted the spy in an unknown -Highland dialect, von Preussen arrived at Nedderburn without -encountering anyone. The station had just been lit up, two feeble -paraffin lamps providing the necessary illumination for the safety of -passengers. Peeping through the high wooden palisade, von Preussen -took stock of the people on the up-platform. - -There were half a dozen "Jocks" with full equipment, including "tin -hats" and rifles with the breech-mechanism bound in strips of oiled -cloth. - -"Highlanders returning from leave to the Front, curse them!" muttered -von Preussen. - -He had reason for his maledictory utterance. In the earlier days of -the war, when he was a lieutenant of Uhlans, he soon learnt to have a -wholesome respect for the stalwart, bare-kneed, kilted men from -"Caledonia stern and wild." He recalled an incident at a certain -village about twenty kilometres from Mons. His squadron had overtaken -twenty tired Highlanders tramping along the _pavĂ©_. Observation by -means of binoculars showed that they were bordering on utter fatigue. -Most of them wore blood-stained bandages. They had no officer with -them. They looked to be an easy prey to the lances of his Uhlans. Von -Preussen never had a worse shock. Instead of the kilted men taking to -their heels at the sight of the charging cavalry and thus falling -easy victims to the steel-tipped lances, they coolly threw themselves -into a circle fringed by a ring of glittering bayonets. Three volleys -in quick succession were too much for the Uhlans to stomach. They -galloped off, amongst them von Preussen groaning and cursing with a -bullet wound through his left shoulder. - -In the present instance he decided that he had nothing to fear from -these men. A little further on were three greatcoated officers. With -a grunt of satisfaction von Preussen noted that their cap-bands were -not black with the badge of the crown, eagle and wings. He had good -cause to avoid Air Force officers and men just at present. - -Beyond stood a sturdily-built man with a long black coat and soft -hat--evidently a clergyman. He was trying to decipher a poster in the -feeble glimmer of the station lamps. - -The changing of the signal from red to green warned the spy that it -was time to enter the station. Outside the entrance stood an old and -somewhat decrepit porter who, after inquiry as to whether the new -arrival had any luggage and receiving a negative reply, hobbled off -to ring the bell. At the doorway stood a girl ticket-collector. - -"Warrant, miss!" exclaimed von Preussen, holding out a buff paper. - -The girl examined it perfunctorily. - -"Carlisle--change at Edinburgh!" she announced. - -The spy thanked the girl for the gratuitous and unnecessary -information. To change at Edinburgh was his intention. By so doing he -could withhold and destroy the faked railway warrant, which, had it -been retained by the ticket collector, would eventually be presented -to the Air Ministry for payment. Already von Preussen had travelled -thousands of miles over British railways without payment, and never -once had he surrendered the buff slip that would otherwise have been -a clue to his movements. - -With much hissing of steam the night mail train drew up at the -platform. The handful of travellers hurried along, peering into the -dimly-lit compartments in the hope of finding vacant seats. Von -Preussen happened to secure one in the company of five naval officers -who were already "bored stiff" with their tedious journey from a far -northern base. The spy soon discovered that there was precious little -information to be picked up from them. - -At Perth the spy changed compartments. He now found himself in the -company of four rather lively subalterns and the clergyman he had -noticed on Nedderburn Junction platform. The latter, deep in the -pages of the _Church Times_, took no notice of the new arrival. - -"Tickets, please!" - -A gigantic inspector examined the tickets and vouchers of the -occupants of the compartment. - -"Change at Edinburgh," he remarked, as he clipped von Preussen's -warrant. "Through train to Carlisle at 7.5." - -With the resumption of the journey, the clerical passenger offered -von Preussen a copy of an evening paper as a prelude to opening -conversation. He was, he informed the spy, travelling from Nedderburn -to Hawick, where he was about to take up an Army chaplaincy at Stobs -Camp. In return von Preussen told a fairy tale to the effect that he -was joining an R.A.F. balloon station near Carlisle and gave some -vivid and totally imaginary stories of his adventures in the air. Yet -in spite of several attempts to draw the subalterns into the -conversation, the hilarious representatives of the "One Star Crush" -limited their discourse to anecdotes calculated to bring blushes to -the cheeks of the padre. - -It was nearly six in the morning when the train reached Edinburgh. -Without difficulty von Preussen passed the barrier and emerged into -Princes Street. For the rest of the day he remained in seclusion at a -small private hotel just behind Edinburgh's main thoroughfare. - -He had a nasty shock that evening. The evening papers came out with -an announcement that there was a reward of one hundred pounds for -information leading to the detection of a certain individual giving -the name of George Fennelburt, aged about thirty; height, five feet -seven or eight; broadly built, fair featured with blue eyes. Believed -to be wearing the uniform of a captain in the Royal Air Force, and -last seen in the neighbourhood of Auldhaig. - -Von Preussen broke into a gentle perspiration. Furtively he glanced -at his companions in the commercial room. They were, fortunately for -him, deep in a game of chess. - -The spy had registered in the name of Captain Broadstone. That was -now, of itself, a decidedly risky proceeding, since, the hue and cry -being raised, there would most certainly be a stringent examination -of registration forms at all the hotels. - -Even in his panic von Preussen was curious. He could form no -satisfactory theory on the matter. How was his presence known, since -it was reasonable to conjecture that the authorities knew he had gone -on the fishing expedition that had been so unpropitious to his -temporary companions? Obviously the notice offering a reward for his -apprehension had not been issued before his visit to Auldhaig; and -since he, with others, was missing and presumed to be drowned, why go -to the length of advertising for his arrest? Perchance U 247 had been -captured and the British prisoners released. Even in that case none -of those knew the true facts. When they were sent below they were -under the impression that he, von Preussen, was also a prisoner of -war. In the absence of detail the newspaper notice was terrible in -its gaunt wording. - -"I will have to find a different disguise," he decided. "But how? To -purchase civilian clothing would be courting instant suspicion. I -cannot get it myself, nor can I trust anyone to obtain it for me. Yet -to persist in appearing in this Air Force uniform would be simple -madness. It is equally futile to dye my hair and eyebrows. The people -here would notice the difference instantly. And if I changed my hotel -I would run fresh and possibly greater risks. _Himmel!_ What can I -do?" - -He glanced suspiciously round the room. The players, deep in their -game, paid no attention to anyone or anything else. - -"There's one blessing," he soliloquised. "I registered as Broadstone, -not Fennelburt. I think I'll go to bed. It's safer." - -He went, placed his automatic pistol under his pillow, and found -himself looking at the empty portmanteau. Then, switching off the -light, he attempted to court slumber. - -It was in vain. For hours he lay wide awake, racking his ready brain -for a solution to the apparently insurmountable difficulty. He heard -the occupant of the next room retiring, the click of the electric -light switch, and very soon after, the first of a series of loud -snores. - -"At all events," thought the spy, "the fellow is luckier than I: he -can sleep soundly." - -The sleeper and the empty portmanteau: subconsciously von Preussen -connected the two. Why, he knew not, but gradually and with -increasing lucidity a plan matured. Why not steal the sleeper's -clothes, pack them into his portmanteau, and change in a remote -country spot? - -"It may throw suspicion on me," he thought, "but it's worth trying. -Given four or five hours' start, I'll throw them off the scent." - -Cautiously von Preussen got out of bed and opened the door. A light -burned in the corridor. By its aid he could see pairs of boots -standing outside the various rooms: either the servant responsible -for the cleaning of them was late, or else the task of collection was -left till early in the morning. - -Silently the spy picked up a boot belonging to the person he intended -to rob and examined it carefully. It was an "eight":--a similar size -to his. So far so good; he could only hope that the fellow resembled -him in build and height. He must at all events avoid the incongruity -of donning the clothes of a man five feet two or six feet one. - -Very deftly von Preussen tried the door-handle. The sleeper had -omitted to bolt the door. The snores continued. - -Creeping into the room the intruder closed the door. The lawful -occupant had evidently not intended to wake up and switch on the -light, otherwise he would not have thrown back the heavy curtains and -admitted the moonlight. Neatly folded on a chair were the man's -clothes. For once the methodical habits of their owner were to his -disadvantage. - -Quickly von Preussen collected the articles, and, pausing only for a -few minutes to make sure that the corridor was deserted, regained his -own room. - -Ten minutes later, having crammed his portmanteau with his -newly-gotten booty, he again turned in. - -He had arranged to be called at eight-thirty. He saw no object in -anticipating the hour. Let the occupier of the adjoining room -discover his loss. The management would not dare to question the -officer guest or examine his portmanteau. - -At seven he was awakened by a furious ringing and a bellowing voice. -He smiled grimly. The fun was about to commence. He could hear -various members of the hotel staff talking excitedly, while the -indignant tones of the robbed guest dominated all. - -Pleading a headache caused by the noise and that he was suffering -from shell-shock, von Preussen had his breakfast brought to his -bedroom. Then, having shaved and paid his bill, he grasped his now -heavy portmanteau and left the hotel. - -He made his way to Princes Street, feeling horribly self-conscious. -At every salute he received and returned, he felt that the man who -gave it had his suspicions. He made haste to board the first tramcar, -which, he noticed, was marked "Portobello and Joppa." - -Before the car had passed Scott's Monument a couple of R.A.F. -officers boarded it and, to the spy's consternation, took seats -immediately behind him. - -Presently one of them, a captain, tapped von Preussen on the -shoulder: - -"Can you oblige me with a match, old bean?" - -The old bean complied without a word. - -The next question came with startling suddenness: - -"'Spose you haven't come across Captain Fennelburt?" - -The spy, controlling himself with an effort, turned his head and -laughed. - -"Hope you don't think I'm the fellow?" he inquired. "If, so, you -won't get that hundred pounds, old son. I heard this morning that he -had been collared at Perth." - -"Is that so?" asked the other, a subaltern. "What was all the racket -about?" - -"Misappropriation of mess funds, I believe," replied von Preussen. He -now felt more at ease and master of the situation. He forced the -conversation on trivial topics until his undesirable acquaintances -reached their destination. - -The spy remained until the car stopped at the terminus; then he -started to walk briskly inland, reproving himself for his bad -manoeuvre in taking a car bound for a coast town. - -A four hours' stiff walk brought him to a desolate moor, standing -well on eight hundred feet above the sea. Sheltering from possible -observation behind an overhanging rock, he made the necessary change -from Captain Broadstone, R.A.F., to plain Thomas Smith, commercial -traveller, representing Collar & Grab, wholesale provision merchants -(and incidentally profiteers), of Liverpool. - -For the next four days he remained at Galashiels, lying low and -explaining his presence by the plausible statement that the samples -his firm had dispatched had gone astray. On the fifth he decided to -go to York, where he knew of a Polish Jew, Polinski by name, who was -in reality a German Secret Service agent. - -At Newcastle he caught a fast train bound for London. He now -travelled third class, finding himself in the company of four -bluejackets proceeding "on leaf." - -Within a few minutes of the train leaving the station the commercial -traveller was apparently fast asleep. He was keenly on the alert to -gather information, and his wishes were realised. - -"S'elp me," exclaimed one of the men. "We'd got a blanked U-boat -blazing away at us like mad. 'Course we didn't reply, an' they didn't -'arf give us a dustin'. Then up comes another of the swine an' starts -firin', only 'er shells goes wide. Still our owner sticks it without -so much as winkin'. Hopin', you see, to bag 'em both." - -"And did 'e?" inquired another. - -"Not 'e, worse luck," replied the other. "Just as we was about ter -drop our false bulwarks an' give 'em perishin' socks, one of the -U-boats slipped in a couple o' tawpedas into t'other an' blew 'er to -blazes." - -"Wot for?" asked a bearded petty officer. - -"Wot for?" snorted the other. "To do us out of our bloomin' prize -money, of course. There was we, with our decks littered with sheep -and cattle, stickin' it for four mortal hours in the hope we'd put it -abaft the swine, an' all for nothin'. The U-boat was one of our own -mystery ships, rigged up to bamboozle Fritz. She was orf right into -Heligoland Bight to do 'er dirty work, if I remember right." - -Von Preussen chuckled inwardly. Here indeed was a "scoop." Before -eight that evening the information, transmitted in the form of an -apparently genuine business telegram to a firm in Amsterdam, was in -the hands of the German Admiralty. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -MUTINY - - -"HANS!" whispered Seaman Kaspar Krauss of U 247. "Do you know what -our swine-headed kapitan has made up his mind to do?" - -"How should I?" responded Hans Furst with a grunt. "Something that -has upset your apple-cart." - -"He's taking the vessel back to Ostend," announced Krauss. "It's -madness. To say nothing of the danger of mines, it's putting our -heads into a noose. With Wilhelmshaven and Heligoland dead under our -lee, why does he persist in making for Ostend? The boat is hardly -seaworthy; we are short of food, and yet----" - -A petty officer, stooping to avoid the overhead gear, thrust his head -and shoulders through the oval aperture in the transverse bulkhead. - -"Herr Kapitan wants you, Kaspar Krauss," he exclaimed curtly. The -seaman wiped his hands on a piece of cotton waste, looked into the -burnished reflector of a lamp to assure himself that his cap was on -straight, and hurried along the congested alleyway. - -"Wonder what he wants me for?" he thought. He had done nothing as -far as he knew to merit either praise or censure. It was somewhat -unusual for a kapitan to summon a seaman. Orders would be generally -communicated through the medium of a petty officer. - -Ober-leutnant von Preugfeld was sitting on a camp-stool on the -after-part of the deck. Behind him stood Unter-leutnant Eitel von -Loringhoven, while at his side were three men rigidly at attention. - -The U-boat was running awash, the conning-tower being occupied for -the time being by the chief petty officer. - -Kaspar Krauss felt far from comfortable. The sight of the three -motionless wooden-faced seamen--comrades of his--heightened his -discomfiture. - -"See here, you swine!" began the amiable von Preugfeld, curtly -acknowledging the man's salute. "You were slow--abominably slow--in -executing orders. What have you to say?" - -Krauss moistened his dry lips, trying vainly to recall the incident -to which the ober-leutnant referred. - -Von Preugfeld eyed him like a cat about to pounce on a mouse. He was -furiously angry, and wanted to vent his wrath upon some one who could -not retaliate. The cause of his fury had nothing to do with Kaspar -Krauss's delinquency. He had just been referring to the English -Encyclopaedia to discover the meaning of the epithet "old bean," and -to his almost speechless indignation he found that one of his Royal -Air Force prisoners had likened him to "the seed of certain -leguminous plants, universally cultivated for food"--and old at that. - -"You were fifteen seconds slow in carrying out my order to blow the -auxiliary ballasttank, you wooden-faced pig!" exclaimed von -Preugfeld. "For the remainder of the voyage you will work double -tricks and keep for'ard look-out on deck whenever we are running on -the surface. Now go!" - -Kaspar Krauss, outwardly pale but inwardly fuming, saluted with a -faint suspicion of reluctance, and began to make his way aft until -the guttural voice of his kapitan called him back. - -"Is that the way you salute me, _schweinhund_?" demanded von -Preugfeld. "If I find any more signs of slackness on your part, look -out. That's all. Now, again: dismiss!" - -Von Preugfeld watched the fellow out of sight and then turned to his -subordinate. - -"There's nothing like being firm with these brutes, von Loringhoven," -he said in a loud voice, as if to impress the fact upon the three -seamen. "Take my advice: come down on them like Thor's hammer the -moment you see them giving signs of discontent. How many men have -been placed in the report this trip?" - -"Eleven, Herr Kapitan," replied the unter-leutnant, smacking his -lips with relish. "A third of the ship's company." - -"That shows good discipline, Eitel," rejoined von Preugfeld. -"Cast-iron discipline--that's the secret of efficiency." - -He made his way to the conning-tower and spent some moments poring -over a chart of the centre portion of the North Sea. There were -mine-fields in profusion. Those laid by the British were shown in -blue, those of German origin were indicated in red. On paper they -looked formidable, but unfortunately for von Preugfeld there were -hundreds of others either drifting or else uncharted. He, too, cursed -the wireless order that was responsible for U 274 making for Ostend. - -Having checked the course and given further instructions to the -quartermaster, von Preugfeld strolled aft, took a leisurely survey of -the horizon and, finding nothing in the shape of a vessel, settled -himself once more in his deck-chair. - -Meanwhile 'tween decks discontent was seething. The men, disheartened -and hungry, were aghast at the idea of making for the Belgian coast. -Many of them were undergoing punishment for various slight offences. -Krauss, one of the more advanced agitators, was holding forth upon -the purposeless brutality of the kapitan. - -Just then von Loringhoven made his way for'ard. Possibly by accident, -one of the group of malcontents lurched against him, for the -submarine was rolling in the sullen swell. - -"Pardon, Herr Offizier!" exclaimed the man. It was Furst, slow of -action yet quick to take offence. - -The next instant von Loringhoven raised his clenched fist and struck -the man heavily in the face. It was the unter-leutnant's idea of -imparting discipline with an iron hand according to the advice given -by Kapitan von Preugfeld. - -Von Loringhoven had struck his men before. He had seen them stand -rigidly at attention, meekly bearing blows as becomes a military or -naval subject of the Kaiser. He expected Furst to do likewise, but to -his unbounded astonishment the German bluejacket planted a staggering -blow right in the centre of the unter-leutnant's chest. - -Von Loringhoven reeled and fell heavily against a large air-flask. -There he lay breathless and unable to utter a sound. - -For a few moments the men were dumfounded. Oft-times they had formed -mental pictures of striking their officers to the deck. Now the idea -had become a reality. - -"You'll be shot for this, Hans Furst," exclaimed one of the men. - -"Perhaps," replied Furst. "And all of you with me. I struck the pig, -I admit, but you were standing by and did not stop me. So that's -mutiny." - -"Yes; that is so," agreed Krauss. "We've started, so why not carry it -through? I owe the kapitan a debt which I mean to pay. Furst will -help. Who joins?" - -There was no lack of offers of assistance. The men knew that whether -guilty or innocent they would have to suffer. They had no definite -plan. It was merely a sudden conflagration on the part of men stifled -by adverse conditions. Carried away by the unexpected turn of events, -their seething discontent flared up into the red flame of mutiny. - -"Down with von Preugfeld!" hissed Krauss. "Come with me, brothers!" - -Maintaining a certain amount of caution, a dozen of the mutineers -swarmed up the fore-hatch and made their way aft. Von Preugfeld, -seated in the deck-chair and deep in a book, took no heed of their -approach until, with a cat-like spring, Krauss leapt upon him. The -chair collapsed. The kapitan and his assailant fell on the deck in a -confused heap. - -Although a bully and a coward by nature, von Preugfeld put up a stiff -fight when cornered. Recovering from his sudden surprise, he fought -and struggled desperately, shouting in vain to von Loringhoven for -assistance. The unter-leutnant was at that moment being held by two -stalwart Frisian seamen. - -Over and over rolled von Preugfeld and his attacker. Punching, -kicking, snarling and even biting, the two tackled each other -tenaciously--the blue-blooded Prussian and the plebeian -Frisian--while the rest of the mutineers looked on with evident -relish, until it occurred to them that they might have a hand in the -discomfiture of their hated taskmaster. - -It was not until half a dozen had thrown themselves upon the wellnigh -breathless von Preugfeld that the unequal struggle ended. The -ober-leutnant was bound hand and foot and secured to a ring-bolt--an -object for derision and coarse jests from his captors. - -Shouting to the quartermaster to telegraph to the engine-room to stop -the motors, Furst, who by common consent was acclaimed the -ringleader, ordered all hands on deck. The mutineers' first council -of war was about to begin. - -The outbreak had been spontaneous. A general mutiny of submarine -crews had been thought about, and the idea was taking firm root; but -this ebullition was almost unpremeditated. The men had no definite -plan. They were literally and metaphorically at sea. - -"Let's hoist the Red Flag," suggested one. "Our comrades on the other -_unterseebooten_ will join us." - -"Unless we meet an English ship of war in the meanwhile," added -another. "I propose we hoist the White Flag and take the boat into an -English port. We'll be well treated." - -"Yes," admitted Furst; "but what will happen after the war? Supposing -the English treat us as mutineers and hand us over to Germany when -peace is signed? What then?" - -"And I, for another, wish to get back to my wife and children," -exclaimed a mutineer of timorous fibre. "I vote we alter our course -for Hamburg or Wilhelmshaven." - -"And what then?" demanded Krauss scornfully. "There'll be questions -asked. We will be put under arrest straight away and no doubt shot. -That's not good enough." - -"It will be all right if we throw these pigs overboard," said Furst, -indicating the two officers, who were now both lying bound on deck. -"We can say that they were swept overboard in heavy weather. We must -all stick to the same tale. It will be of no use for anyone to betray -us. We're all hand in glove in this business." - -"Supposing an English ship of war does appear?" queried the timorous -one. "We'll be sunk at sight. You know the way they have." - -"We could submerge," declared Krauss loftily. - -"And who will take command if we do," persisted the man. "I know of -no one of us able to manage this boat under water. I'd rather take my -chance and hoist the White Flag. Besides, haven't we English -prisoners--officers--on board? They might help us if we treated them -well." - -"That is so," admitted Furst. "Meanwhile we'll steer east for -Germany." - -"Who is navigator?" asked a mechanic. "Do you know anything of -navigation, Hans Furst?" - -Furst was obliged to admit that he knew but little. Taking -observations--a very necessary accomplishment when one has to thread -a way through mine-fields--was beyond him. - -"I'll try," he added. "We can but hope for the best. But now we must -first get rid of these." - -He pointed to the late kapitan and unter-leutnant of U 247. - -"Shoot them," suggested the revengeful Krauss. - -"Too easy a death," objected Furst. "We'll toss them overboard." - -Some of the men moved aft to carry out the suggestion, but Furst -called on them to stand by. - -"Cast off those lashings," he ordered, with a grim laugh. "We'll give -them a chance to swim for it. The nearest land is only about two -hundred miles away. It will give them time to think over things. -Start up those motors again and get way on her." - -The men obeyed promptly. The idea of seeing their former officers -struggling for life "in the ditch" appealed to their innate cruelty. -After all, they argued, they were only revenging themselves upon two -tyrants who had shown no mercy to the crews of British merchant -vessels they had sunk. - -Von Loringhoven squealed like a stuck pig when he saw one of the -seamen advancing with a drawn knife. With a couple of deft cuts the -unter-leutnant's bonds were severed. Two brawny men seized him by -arms and legs and with a swinging heave tossed him over the side into -the water. - -Von Preugfeld, cursing, imploring and struggling, shared the same -fate, his exit watched by all the hands on deck save one, who, -evidently lacking the nerve to witness the tragedy, had stepped -unobserved to the other side of the conning-tower. - -Then, increasing her speed to twelve knots, U 247 turned eight -degrees to port and headed for the distant shore of Germany, leaving -von Preugfeld and his subordinate struggling for life in the cold -waters of the North Sea. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -A BIG PROPOSITION - - -"KNOW anything about motor bikes?" inquired Morpeth, helping himself -to a liberal chunk of margarine and pushing the earthenware jar -across to his companion. "After you with the jam. Thank heaven it's -not the everlasting plum and apple!" - -Meredith and the "owner" of Q 171 were at tea in the ward-room. -Wakefield was taking deck duties in conjunction with the Q-boat's -official sub-lieutenant--a youth of twenty, Ainslie by name. - -Tea was served in war time fashion afloat--an iron-moulded -table-cloth, two enamelled cups, plates of the same material, and -wooden-handled steel knives that had evidently not made the -acquaintance of a knife-board since they came aboard. A loaf of large -and decidedly ancient appearance, a pot of jam and a generous pat of -margarine (referred to in conversation as nut-butter) formed the -edible part of the feast. Black, strongly brewed tea, condensed milk -and moist sugar in more senses than one combined to provide liquid -refreshment. The whole contents of the swing table were executing a -rhythmic dance with the vibrations of the twin engines, the propeller -shafts of which ran under and on either side of the table. - -"I have one," replied Meredith. "At least I believe I have--unless -my young brother has pinched it," he added feelingly and with the -knowledge of past experiences. "Why?" - -"Rather curious to know what you paid for it?" replied Morpeth. - -"As a matter of fact I got it a great bargain from a pal of mine who -was given a commission in '15," replied Meredith. "Twenty-two -pounds." - -"I guess I can beat that," remarked the R.N.R. officer, deliberately -and deftly harpooning a slice of bread in the act of skimming over -the fidleys on to the floor. "I bought one for a sovereign." - -"Scrap iron, then," declared Kenneth. - -"No; in good running order," continued Morpeth, "twin cylinders, -magneto, countershaft, kick starter and all that sort of -fake-a-lorum. True, the old 'bus had been in the ditch for a -fortnight. Do you remember when the old _Tantalus_ was torpedoed some -while back? They got her into shallow water down Cornwall. Well, this -motor bike was on board. Bought it from a chap called Farrar, who -told me he had bought it from a marine officer for four bob and had -refused a fiver for it as the vessel was sinking. Spent best part of -seven days' leave cleaning the thing up, and now, by Jove!----" - -"You're wanted on deck, sir," exclaimed a sailor excitedly. "We've -just sighted two men in the ditch----" - -Taking a hasty and copious gulp of tea on the principle that "you -never know when you may get another chance," Lieutenant-Commander -Morpeth ran up the ladder, Meredith only hanging back sufficiently to -clear the heels of the R.N.R. officer's seaboots. - -The mystery ship had already slowed down and altered course. Men, -grasping coiled bowlines, were grouped on her long narrow bows. -Ainslie, standing well for'ard, was conning the ship by movements of -his arms. Wakefield, binoculars to his eyes, was keeping the men in -distress under observation. - -"A pair of Huns!" he exclaimed, as Morpeth and Meredith joined him. -"They're clinging to a U-boat's buoy. I can see the number 'U 247' -painted on it." - -"One of our submarines has been busy, then," remarked Morpeth. "Hope -to goodness she doesn't jolly well take it into her head to slap a -tinfish into us." - -Wakefield shrugged his shoulders. This was another phase of U-boat -tactics. When a fellow rigs himself up like a Fritz to bag a Fritz, -presumably he must run the risk of being taken for a genuine Fritz by -other Fritz-hunters. He glanced at Morpeth inquiringly. The R.N.R. -man's face was set and determined. - -Above the risks of war another issue dominated. Human life was at -stake, not in the heat of battle but in the ceaseless struggle of man -with the sea--a fight that has been waged ever since men adventured -themselves upon the waters. Friends or foemen made no difference: -Morpeth was determined to pluck the two distressed men from the grip -of the voracious sea. - -The swimmers were Ober-leutnant Hans von Preugfeld and Unter-leutnant -Eitel von Loringhoven. More than an hour had elapsed since they had -been ruthlessly jettisoned by the mutineers. Their chances of being -picked up were small indeed. Had it not been for the fact that one of -the U-boat's crew, more humane than the rest, had surreptitiously -released a life-buoy from the starboard side of the submarine--he had -done this just before the two officers were hurled overboard--von -Preugfeld and von Loringhoven would have perished. As it was, the -support afforded by the cylindrical hollow metal buoy had kept both -afloat, although they were almost exhausted by the numbing cold. - -Slowing down until she carried bare steerage way, Q 171's bows passed -within three yards of the life-buoy and the two men. A bowline, -thrown with admirable judgment and precision, fell over the -unter-leutnant's head, but von Loringhoven was too exhausted to slip -his arms and shoulders through the looped line. Without hesitation, -the bluejacket who had hurled the coil of rope thrust the tail end -into the hands of a man standing next to him. - -"Hold hard, mate!" he exclaimed, as he took a flying leap over the -low stanchion rail. - -Deftly the rescuer adjusted the bowline under von Loringhoven's -shoulders, and with a stentorian "Heave away roundly!" he swung -himself back to the Q-boat's fo'c'sle. - -In another fifteen seconds two dripping and water-logged individuals -joined the rescuer. - -Kapitan von Preugfeld, gasping like a stranded carp, was speechless -with exhaustion and astonishment. Up to that moment he had been -deceived into believing that the vessel that had effected his rescue -was a U-boat. He was still hazy on that point, but there was no -shadow of doubt that the crew were British. - -"Give the blighters a stiff glass of grog and shove them into hot -blankets," ordered Morpeth. "I'll see them later and find out how -they came to be in the ditch." - -But von Preugfeld, recovering his speech, was anxious to explain -matters at once. The thought paramount in his mind was that of -revenge. It mattered not by what motive or through whose agency -retribution was accomplished as long as the mutineers were accounted -for. - -"I kapitan am of _Unterseebooten_ 247," he announced in his broken -English. "My crew haf mutiny make an' throw me into der zee. Der -submarine is dere"--he pointed eastwards--"not von hour an' half -gone." - -"Peculiar bird," thought Morpeth, then--"Good enough, cap'n," he -replied. "We'll be on her track. With luck she'll be scrap iron -before night." - -"No, no," protested von Preugfeld. "Do not to der bottom send. Make -capture. I tink not dat she can sink." - -"Won't she," interrupted the R.N.R. officer grimly. "You leave that -to us." - -"He means 'submerge,' I fancy," remarked Wakefield. - -"Ach! Dat is so. She submerge cannot make. Take prisoners dose -mutineer sailors." - -"What's he driving at, Wakefield?" inquired Morpeth. "Hanged if I can -cotton on to the yarn." - -"He apparently wants to get his own back," suggested Wakefield. "A -true type of the egotistical, arrogant Prussian. D'ye notice he never -referred to his fellow victim of the mutiny. Perhaps they got what -they jolly well deserved." - -"No business of mine," quoth the R.N.R. man. "Sinking Fritzes is my -job. Take that fellow below, Walters." - -He jerked his thumb in the direction of the fore hatchway, whither -von Loringhoven had already been escorted; but von Preugfeld had -another card to play. - -"Englisch officers der are on board der submarine," he declared. -"Four officers prisoners--nein, it is three," and he held up three -fingers to emphasise the fact. - -Except to serve his own ends, von Preugfeld would not have mentioned -the fact. It mattered nothing to him whether the prisoners were sent -to the bottom inside the hull of the U-boat if she were destroyed by -the British craft; but as a lever to influence Morpeth's decision, in -order to enable von Preugfeld to take vengeance on the mutineers at -some distant date, the Prussian blurted out the disconcerting news. - -Almost at the same time he realised that the situation was a -complicated one. There was the question of the spy, von Preussen. The -R.A.F. officers would, on their release, certainly demand an -explanation of their supposed comrade's whereabouts, and then the spy -would be revealed in his true character. It would be -awkward--decidedly awkward--for von Preussen, but in his -vindictiveness against the mutineering crew von Preugfeld swept aside -the question. He had little qualms in sacrificing von Preussen to -attain his immediate aim. - -"What officers are they?" demanded Morpeth. He pictured the plight of -master mariners of Mercantile Marine held captive on board the -submarine that had sent their vessel to the bottom--hostages who, -contrary to all the recognised canons of war, had been compelled to -run a grave risk of being slaughtered by their fellow countrymen -while in the hold of a modern pirate submarine. - -"Von der Air Regiment at Auldhaig," replied von Preugfeld. "It fair -capture vos," he hastened to explain. - -"We know most of them," exclaimed Meredith. "I wonder who they are?" - -Morpeth as inquisitor-in-chief put the question, but von Preugfeld -shook his head and professed ignorance on the matter. - -With a gesture Morpeth dismissed him. Shivering with cold and -trembling with rage, the kapitan of U 247 disappeared below, to enjoy -a far greater hospitality than he had ever bestowed upon his -prisoners of war. - -Meanwhile Q 171, running at thirty knots, was fast overhauling the -mutineers. In forty minutes after von Preugfeld's rescue the -conning-tower of the fugitive was sighted at a distance of five -miles. - -Morpeth immediately rang down for fifteen knots. The enormous speed -of the Q-boat would be sufficient to cause surprise and suspicion in -the minds of the U-boat's crew, and supposing it were another -submarine which could dive and succeed in getting away, then the -story of a decoy capable of attaining a terrific pace would be known -to the German Admiralty. In that case Morpeth's "little stunt" would -bid fair to become a "wash-out." - -Ten minutes later the White Ensign was hoisted at Q 171's masthead, -and a shell, purposely fired wide, threw up a column of water fifty -yards from the U-boat's port bow. - -"That's done the trick," exclaimed Wakefield, as a white flag was -promptly hoisted on the mutineer. "It's 'Kamerad' all the time when -they're cornered. By Jove! the old blighter did speak the truth for -once. There are fellows in khaki standing aft." - -Morpeth merely grunted. He was pondering in his mind--not on the -question of how to deal with his prize, but one on which weightier -matters depended. It meant an addition of thirty odd people to feed -and quarter--a big proposition indeed. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -THE TABLES TURNED - - -"WHAT'S for dinner at the mess to-night?" inquired Blenkinson. -"Wonder if the management has got rid of our box for 'The Maid of the -Mountains'? If not, will he try and make us pay up?" - -"The theatre people can try," replied Cumberleigh grimly. "Hope -they'll accept the excuse: unavoidable absence." - -"Wonder how Pyecroft got on?" remarked Jefferson. - -The three R.A.F. officers were cooped up in the otherwise empty -storeroom of U 247. They were in utter darkness. The place was damp, -ill ventilated, and reeked abominably. Moisture was constantly -forming on the curved angle-iron deck beams and dripping -promiscuously upon the captives. - -"It is presumed that the genial captain of this vessel," continued -Jefferson, "has not yet invested in a cinematograph. If he had it -would be reasonable to suppose that he would have us on deck at -regular intervals, supply us with cigarettes and cock-tails, and at -the same time take a film to let neutrals know how benevolent and -humane the Hun is when he is on the warpath. I am afraid my surmise -is correct. Therefore we languish in captivity." - -"Anyone any idea of the time?" inquired Cumberleigh. "My watch says -half-past three, but I can't depend upon it." - -"Mine shows ten o'clock," reported Blenkinson, consulting the -luminous dial of his wristlet watch. "Unfortunately it omits to -inform me whether it is AK Emma or PIP Emma, and I'm hanged if I know -which it is." - -"My watch went west the day before yesterday," said Jefferson. "The -best Waterbury in existence is not proof against the back-fire of a -six-cylinder car. Now if that fellow Fennelburt were here, he had a -ripping little watch, I noticed." - -"By the way, what happened to Fennelburt?" inquired Cumberleigh. - -"Happened?" echoed Jefferson. "Why he's in the cart, same as us. Hard -lines on the chap--taking him out on a joy trip and then landing him -in this mess." - -Cumberleigh grunted. He was not at all sure that he agreed with -Jefferson's sentiments. Not that he had any suspicion that Fennelburt -had conjured up the U-boat to take the Salvage Syndicate prisoners. -The suggestion that the party should go fishing emanated from -himself. Yet it was somewhat curious that Fennelburt should be -separated from the others. - -The three Auldhaig Air Station officers had had a sticky time during -the last twenty-four hours. During that period they had been twice -supplied with scanty and unappetising meals; they had dozed fitfully -in the foetid atmosphere of their cell, but up to the present they -had not been allowed on deck to get a breath of fresh air. - -"Hope old Pyecroft pulled it off all right," remarked Blenkinson. He -had harped on the matter at least a dozen times. Pyecroft had been -his special pal. They had flown over the German lines together; they -had crashed in the same 'bus; they had spent six weeks in the same -hospital--in all, quite sufficient to cement a casual acquaintance -into a lifelong friendship. - -"There's the chance, anyway," said Jefferson. "He may not have been -missed, and--hello what's the game now? They've stopped the motors." - -The three men listened intently. The faintest alteration in the -rhythmic purr of the U-boat's engines set their nerves on edge. They -knew something of the fearfully ingenious devices used to strafe Hun -submarines, and now they were metaphorically at the business end of a -big gun, whereas formerly they had been behind it. It was a -disconcerting affair, exposed to unseen perils that might without -warning send them to their death in company with a crowd of Huns. -And, unless Pyecroft had succeeded in getting safely ashore, the -manner of their going would remain a secret for all time. - -For several long-drawn seconds the trio listened in silence. They -knew by the difference in the pulsations of the motors that the -U-boat had been running on the surface. The diving-tanks had not been -filled, otherwise they would have heard the gurgling inrush of water. -For some reason the submarine had brought up and was drifting with -wind and tide. - -A quarter of an hour elapsed, then the petrol-motors were restarted. -Very soon after the door of their cell was unlocked and a couple of -Hun seamen appeared. - -"Come you on deck!" one exclaimed, with such a broad smile that -Cumberleigh and Co. suspected a dirty trick on the part of Fritz. - -"Anything to get a breather," ejaculated Blenkinson. "Lead on, old -bird!" - -In single file the three British officers followed their guide along -the intricate alley-way and on deck via the conning-tower hatchway. - -A hurried glance gave no clue to the unexpected change of -environment. The U-boat was forging ahead. By noting the position of -the sun the captive officers knew that the course was approximately -east, and that direction led towards Germany. The skyline was -unbroken. Neither the proximity of land nor the presence of another -craft was evident to account for the change of attitude on the part -of their captors. - -"We friends is," continued the Hun who had previously addressed them; -and as evidence of good faith he handed the Englishmen a box of -cigarettes. - -The dearth of tobacco, cigars and cigarettes that had been noticeable -amongst the ratings during von Preugfeld's regime was now, -temporarily at least, a thing of the past. The former ober-leutnant's -cabin had been systematically ransacked, with the result that a -goodly store of tobacco had been discovered and distributed. - -"What has gone wrong?" inquired Captain Cumberleigh, speaking slowly -in order to make himself understood. "Where are your officers?" - -The seaman paused before replying. In order to ingratiate himself he -would not have hesitated to confess that the Prussian tyrants had -been thrown overboard; but in the event of the submarine making -Hamburg safely or else being overhauled by a vessel flying the Black -Cross Ensign, the knowledge that the Englishmen knew the secret might -prove decidedly awkward. - -"They overboard fell, Herr Offizier," replied the German. "They stand -so, making what the Englisch sailors call 'shooting der sun.' A big -wave come an' pouf!--dey are gone." - -Cumberleigh nodded. For the present he deemed it prudent to accept -the statement, although he was aware by the comparatively easy motion -that the U-boat had not encountered heavy weather. Nor had the German -sailor given any explanation why the collapsible canvas boat had not -been lowered to effect a rescue. - -"And where is Captain Fennelburt?" he asked. "There were four of us -taken prisoners." - -A blank look overspread the Teuton's heavy features. He extended his -palms in a manner that expressed complete disinterestedness. - -Cumberleigh pressed the point. The Hun turned and consulted his -comrades. Apparently they had not taken this factor into their -calculations. - -"I want no lies," continued Cumberleigh, who was rapidly finding his -feet. "What has become of the fourth officer (he was about to prefix -the word British, but somehow he checked himself) who was taken on -board?" - -"Kapitan von Preugfeld him sent on land last night, Herr Offizier," -announced the man. - -"For what reason?" - -"I do not know der plans of Kapitan von Preugfeld," explained the -German. "An' he not is here to ask." - -This was simple, but none the less truthful logic. It was hardly -conceivable that the ober-leutnant should explain his actions to a -lower-deck rating. - -"It's jolly rummy, any old way," remarked Blenkinson. "The whole -business is fishy--decidedly fishy. And I reckon that big wave yarn -won't go down." - -Again the German strolled up, smiling and apparently unperturbed. - -"You know der mine-fields, Herr Offizier?" he asked. "You can take us -to Zhermany?" - -"All I know," replied Cumberleigh pointedly, "is that there are -mines--thousands of them--and that you're going straight for them. I -might add that I know the course to Auldhaig. It's a jolly sight -safer than barging along as you're doing." - -The German apparently saw the wisdom of the suggestion. He retired to -consult his companions. On a Soviet-controlled ship everyone has to -have a say--with conflicting and other disastrous results. - -Kaspar Krauss and Hans Furst vehemently opposed the suggestion, -which, considering the fact that they were the ringleaders in the -mutiny, was somewhat remarkable. The desire to get home overruled -their fears of running against a mine. Others, fearful lest the curse -be brought home to them, clamoured to be taken into a British port, -bringing forward the argument that German prisoners of war in England -were well treated and that no difference was made in the case of men -who had served in U-boats. - -How long the drolly-conducted debate would have lasted remains a -matter for speculation, but it was brought to an abrupt and still -undecided conclusion by one of the men raising a shout and pointing -astern. - -A vessel of some description was approaching rapidly. The enormous -"bone in her teeth" as her sharp bows cleft the waves into frothy -clouds of foam showed that she was moving at a terrific rate. - -"An English ship!" exclaimed the fellow excitedly. "A U-boat hunter! -Quick, run up the white flag, or we'll be blown to bits!" - -All was scurry bordering on panic. There was a hasty rush to find the -emblem of surrender. Hans Furst, gripping the interpreter by the -shoulders, shouted to him to ask the English officers to go aft and -stand in a conspicuous place. - -Cumberleigh and his companions fell in with the request with the -greatest good humour. They had no desire to become objectives for the -approaching vessel's quick-firers. They realised that deliverance -from a hideous captivity was at hand. - -Suddenly Kaspar Krauss, who was standing just abaft the -conning-tower, shouted to his fellow mutineer-in-chief. - -"It's one of our U-boats after all," he exclaimed. "Now we shall have -to be most careful." - -"Surely not," questioned Furst, snatching up a pair of binoculars. - -Then, after a brief scrutiny, he added, "You're right, Kaspar. -There's a number--U 231--painted on her conning-tower. Kick those -Englishmen below. They will be of no further use to us. Dietrich, -untoggle that white flag and hoist our ensign again. Make our private -signal, too. For heaven's sake look sharp about it!" - -Calling to two or three of his comrades, Kaspar Krauss began to make -his way aft, with the intention of putting into execution the -congenial task of kicking the Englishmen below. - -Before he had taken a couple of steps, the flash of a gun brought him -up all standing. Dumfounded, he stared at the oncoming vessel. Even -the terrific splash of the ricochetting shot, barely fifty yards -away, failed to detract his attention, for the approaching craft had -hoisted her colours--no Black Cross Ensign, but the White Ensign of a -navy that has a glorious tradition covering over a thousand years. - -The seaman Dietrich paused in the act of hoisting the U-boat's -ensign. Frantically Furst shouted to him to run up the white flag -after all. - -"Be quick!" yelled half a dozen voices. "Be quick before she fires -again!" - -It was an excellent example of the lack of discipline. When the men -were ruled, although by an iron hand, they did their work smartly and -well. In secret they grumbled, but the fact remained they carried out -the orders of their commanding officers with automaton-like -precision. Deprived by their own act of a real leader, they had -deteriorated within the space of a few hours into a panic-stricken -mob. - -The Black Cross Ensign--the hoisting of which might have drawn a -devastating fire upon the mutineers--was untoggled and rolled into a -ball with indecorous haste, and a rectangular piece of white cloth -was hoisted to the mast-head. Even Hans Furst heaved a sigh of -relief. Captivity awaited him, but, after all, it was preferable to -being "bowled out" by the German naval authorities and ignominiously -shot as a mutineer. - -Then as Q 171--to outward appearances she was U 231--lost way a -cable's length astern of her prize and trained her formidable -armament upon the mutineers, the Huns lined up on deck with hands -upraised, shouting their craven shibboleth of "Kamerad." - -Blenkinson smiled. - -"Good as a play, eh, what?" he remarked. - -"I agree," remarked Cumberleigh. "After all, I'm glad I missed 'The -Maid of the Mountains.'" - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -THE END OF U 247 - -"IT seems as if Old Man Morpeth's keen on taking all the Auldhaig -crush for a joyride," said Meredith, as he shook hands with -Cumberleigh and was introduced by the latter to the other R.A.F. -officers. - -Both Wakefield and the R.N.V.R. Sub knew most of the staff at -Auldhaig Air Station by sight, while Meredith had met Cumberleigh on -several occasions, both officially and socially, as they were members -of the same club. - -"The world is small," quoth Cumberleigh. "All the same, I hardly -expected to tumble across you half way across the North Sea. What are -you doing on this hooker?" - -"Supernumeraries," replied Wakefield. "Same as you. Unless anything -unforeseen takes place, I fancy we're off to German waters on a -particular stunt." - -"Hope there won't be too many underwater stunts," said Blenkinson. -"I've had enough submarine work during the last twenty-four hours to -last me a lifetime. Give me an old 'bus at five thousand feet any -day." - -"There'll be no under-water performances this trip, I hope," remarked -Wakefield gravely. "If there is, it will be a case with us." - -"Is that so?" asked Cumberleigh. "I thought this was a captured -U-boat." - -"So did I once upon a time," said Wakefield, and he briefly explained -Q 171's true rĂ´le. - -The five officers were standing aft watching the transhipment of the -mutineers. Morpeth and Sub-lieutenant Ainslie were far too busy to -pay any attention to the released captives. The R.N.R. skipper was -alertly watching events, ready to cope with any sinister designs on -the part of Fritz, while Ainslie was superintending the task of -clapping the surrendered Huns under hatches. - -With a good knowledge of German--it was mainly on that account that -he was appointed to Q 171--Ainslie soon obtained the mutineers' -carefully concocted account of what had happened to merit their tame -surrender; what was more, he literally "knocked the stuffing out of -them" by informing them that their precious yarn was all eye-wash, -and that Ober-leutnant von Preugfeld and Unter-leutnant von -Loringhoven had been picked up and were now on board as prisoners of -war. Yet with the Hun's typical effrontery Hans Furst coolly told the -examination officer that after the war he proposed to settle in -England, become naturalised, and make plenty of money. - -"The English," he added "will be grateful to me when they learn that -I threw the German officers overboard." - -While the cross-questioning of the mutineers was in progress Morpeth -was taking steps to destroy the prize. - -"You might have a look round before we send her to the bottom," he -said to Wakefield, who jumped at the suggestion. - -So Wakefield, Meredith and three of the Q-boat's crew manned the -collapsible dinghy belonging to the captured submarine and boarded -the prize. - -A hasty examination showed that no attempt had been made to play -tricks with the sea-cocks, nor had Fritz, according to his usual -custom, placed bombs with time-fuses in the hold. It was another -example of the lack of a master. So intent had the Huns been to save -their own skins that they took not the faintest precaution to prevent -the confidential signal-book, log-book and other documents from -falling into the hands of their enemy. - -"It's a pity to have to scuttle her," remarked Meredith regretfully, -as he surveyed the complicated array of mechanism. "It would be just -my mark to navigate her to Auldhaig under a prize crew." - -"No doubt, Sub," rejoined Wakefield drily. "But unfortunately there -are objections. Morpeth's short-handed although he's choc-a-block -with useless passengers. We couldn't make the Hun mechanics take on -in the engine-room. On the way, even supposing you tackled the job, -there's a risk of falling in with a Boche U-boat, or a greater risk -of being torpedoed or bombed by our destroyers and aircraft. No doubt -Cumberleigh and the R.A.F. fellows would bear a hand, but they're -amateurs at the game. We should be if we were called upon to navigate -a coastal airship." - -"And we should be out of Morpeth's big stunt," added Meredith. -"Having gone so far I should be sorry to miss it." - -"Exactly," agreed the R.N.V.R. lieutenant. "So U 247 must go to Davy -Jones. I think we've seen everything of importance." - -The U-boat was to be scuttled by opening the under-water valves. -Destruction by means of explosives was undesirable, as the report -might bring inquisitive craft upon the scene, and Q 171 was for the -nonce a sort of social pariah and liable to be fired upon by British -patrol boats, which acted upon the principle of shoot quick and shoot -straight at anything resembling a German submarine. - -Ordering the boat's crew to stand by, Wakefield went below once more. -By the aid of an electric torch, for the internal lighting -arrangements had given out, he found the levers that operated the big -valves. So great was the inrush of water that Wakefield fancied he -would be trapped by the miniature Niagara. Without waiting to -manipulate the second sea-cock, he hastened precipitately on deck and -followed Meredith into the dinghy. - -"Done the trick?" inquired Morpeth, as the two R.N.V.R. officers -regained the mystery ship. "She doesn't seem in a hurry." - -Nor was she. It seemed quite a long time before the volume of water -admitted into the U-boat's hull made any visible change in her trim. -At length her freeboard diminished. She began to settle by the stern. - -"I suppose you made certain that there were no other prisoners of war -on board?" inquired Captain Cumberleigh. - -"Trust me for that," replied Wakefield. "Why did you ask?" - -"Because I'm rather mystified about a fellow who called himself -Captain Fennelburt. He was with us when von Preugfeld collared us. -One of the mutineers pitched me a yarn to the effect that von -Preugfeld set him ashore. If so, what was the motive?" - -"I'll see Morpeth about it," decided Wakefield. - -"Ask von Preugfeld," suggested the skipper. "I can't do so myself -just at present. Make him own up, and don't stand any nonsense." - -Cumberleigh, Wakefield and Blenkinson went below to interview the -prisoner. They acted on Morpeth's tip and stood on no ceremony. Time -was a consideration, as the U-boat was sinking and they wanted to see -the end. - -Wakefield came straight to the point. - -"I understand, Kapitan von Preugfeld," he said sternly, "that you had -on board another prisoner, a Captain Fennelburt of the R.A.F. He was -not found when we searched U 247. Now where is he?" - -"You ask him," replied von Preugfeld, indicating von Loringhoven. - -"I do not know," protested the unter-leutnant, "but he does." - -Evidently von Loringhoven was getting pretty sick of being made a -convenience of by his egotistical skipper. - -Wakefield's brows lowered. There was an ominous glint in his eye. - -"I give you five seconds," he said darkly. "Otherwise, if you refuse -to tell me, back you go on board U 247. I might add that she is -sinking. Now: one... two... three... four---" - -"I tell you!" exclaimed von Preugfeld. "All I tell you. Der offizier -he try to escape. He vos shot. It is der rules of der war." - -"Unfortunately for the statement," interposed Captain Cumberleigh, "I -heard from one of your men that you landed him early this morning." - -"In dat case," rejoined von Preugfeld, shrugging his shoulders, "why -you ask me? You take der word of a common sailor instead of a -Prussian offizier--a von Preugfeld? I tell you he lie." - -Wakefield turned his back upon the bullying Prussian. - -"It's evident that there was no other British officer on board," he -remarked to his companions. "We'll go into the matter later. Come -along, if we are to see the last of U 247." - -The door was locked upon the prisoners, and the three officers -hurried on deck. Q 171 was forging ahead, moving in wide circles -around the sinking pirate craft. - -By this time the U-boat had dipped her stern. Waves were lapping -along her deck as far as the after quick-firer. Her stem was -correspondingly raised until the bow tubes were visible above water. - -Higher and higher rose the submarine's bows. Tons of water were flung -into her hull through the open after-hatch. Compressed air was -hissing loudly. Little rivulets of iridescent oil were forming on the -surface. Occasionally interior fittings, giving way under the -ever-increasing pressure, creaked and groaned to add to the -discordant noises of the sinking craft. - -Then, with a shuddering movement, the U-boat slithered under the -water. For a brief instant her bows stood almost on end. A column of -water, forced by the terrific pressure through the fore-hatch, -spurted a good fifty feet, ejecting with it a quantity of debris and -oil. - -"_Bon voyage!_" exclaimed Wakefield. - -A turmoil of agitated water marked the spot where the submarine -disappeared. For a full minute the maelstrom surged and swirled, -then, overcome by the liberation of tons of heavy oil, the disturbed -water died down, leaving in its place an ever-increasing patch of -multi-hued colours. Forty fathoms down the submarine had made a -permanent acquaintance with the bed of the North Sea. - -"Well, any luck?" inquired Morpeth, who, having left Ainslie in -charge, had rejoined his unofficial guests in the ward-room. "What -did you get out of von Preugfeld?" - -"Precious little," admitted Wakefield. "He tried to hedge. We'll have -to confront him with some of his mutineering men." - -"I'll find out if there's any reference to the mysterious captain in -this," said the R.N.R. skipper, holding up U 247's log-book. "Any of -you fellows read the lingo?" - -"Sorry," replied Meredith. - -"You needn't be, old son," rejoined Morpeth. "I can't an' don't want -to, although just now it would come in mighty handy. Some years back -the Foul Anchor Line turned me down when I wanted a job as Second -Officer on one of their crack boats because I couldn't speak German. -They were carrying a lot of German passengers and South Americans at -that time. Another fellow--Campbell was his name--got the billet -'cause he'd gained a first prize for German on a cadet training-ship. -First trip he piled the old hooker aground off the entrance to Rio -Harbour, 'and a dozen or more Huns got drowned." - -"So you were glad you didn't get the appointment after all?" asked -Cumberleigh. - -"Rather," agreed Morpeth, with a laugh. "Not that I'd have put the -ship aground. Guess I know that part of the South American coast too -well. But, looking back on it, young Campbell was a patriot, only he -didn't know it. We might have had another dozen Huns to fight. But to -get back to business: here's this log wants looking into, and it's -young Ainslie's trick. He's the Hun lingoist." - -"I'll have a shot at it," volunteered Captain Cumberleigh. "I was in -Germany. ...Long before the war," he added apologetically, speaking -with the weight of experience of twenty-two years. - -He opened the log-book at the last-written page. - -"'Fraid it won't help us much," he announced. "Apparently it doesn't -go beyond 8 A.M. of the 15th--that is the morning of the day they -collared us. By Jove! Morpeth, you've caught a much-wanted specimen. -Von Preugfeld's the fellow who torpedoed the hospital ship -_Columbine_ and the _Camperdown Castle_." - -"The Lord have mercy on his soul, then!" said Morpeth solemnly. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - -BLUFFED - - -"HOWEVER," remarked Cumberleigh briskly, "the _Columbine_ business -hasn't anything to do with friend Fennelburt. We get no forrarder." - -"I don't know so much about that," demurred Morpeth. "I'll use it as -a lever to prize a secret out of this von Preugfeld. We'll have him -up here and give him the shock of his life." - -The R.N.R. officer touched a bell. - -"Take a couple of hands and bring the U-boat skipper here," he -ordered. - -"Say, Skipper," remarked Cumberleigh, who had been skimming the pages -of the log-book, "here's a rummy entry:--'2 A.M. Landed von -Preussen.' Who's von Preussen, and where else could he have been -landed except on the Scottish coast? One minute." - -He turned over more leaves rapidly, nevertheless scanning the -sloping, flourish-embellished words. - -"No mention of this von Preussen having been taken on board again," -he continued. "First this fellow and this Fennelburt are landed--that -is, if the German bluejacket's yarn is correct. Will you allow me to -commence the examination, Skipper?" - -"Tough Geordie's" weather-lined face wrinkled with a smile. - -"By all means," he replied. "I'm not much of a hand at talky-talky. -The best argument I used in the Foul Anchor Line was a big boot. -Dagoes and Dutchies understood that. Stand by; they're bringing the -swine in." - -Kapitan von Preugfeld entered jauntily. He had imagined, judging from -the result of the previous interview, that he had completely bluffed -his captors on the subject of Captain Fennelburt, and that, if he -persisted in his story, he would emerge triumphant from the ordeal. - -Cumberleigh came to the point at once. "I'm anxious to know," he -remarked, "what connection there is between Leutnant Karl von -Preussen of the Prussian Guards and Captain George Fennelburt of the -British Air Force. You can enlighten me, Herr Kapitan, and I await -your explanation." - -Attacked from a totally unexpected quarter, von Preugfeld's defences -were literally rushed. - -"I know not," he replied sullenly. - -"Try again," persisted Cumberleigh. - -"_Der Teufel!_ vot you mean?" asked the U-boat commander. - -"Mean? This," replied Cumberleigh, holding up U 247's log-book. "Here -is one entry:--'2 A.M. Landed von Preussen.' That is in your -handwriting." - -Von Preugfeld was forced to admit the truth of the impeachment. - -"It was practically the last entry you made," continued Cumberleigh, -"but there are more, apparently written by your subordinate officer. -I'll read some:--'5 P.M. Broke surface. Found large barge, X 5, -derelict. Took off her as prisoners three English officers'--not -four, you'll note. There certainly were four in R.A.F. uniforms. Now -again:--'4.10 A.M. Set von Preussen ashore.' It's perfectly obvious -that if von Preussen were set ashore twice he must have come on board -during that interval. There is no mention of your vessel -communicating with the shore between the two times you mentioned. So -I put it to you that von Preussen and Fennelburt are one and the same -person." - -The Hun's face grew pale. Beads of perspiration oozed from his -forehead. - -"A curse on von Loringhoven!" he muttered in German. "His lack of -caution has spoiled everything." Then in broken English he added: "I -call you to make testimony. It vos not I dat betray von Preussen. It -vos mein unter-leutnant, von Loringhoven." - -"That's all we wanted to know," rejoined Captain Cumberleigh quietly. -"I might add, however, that it is hardly playing the game to put the -blame upon your subordinate. Perhaps it is a way Prussian officers -have, so it would not be surprising to hear that, later on, you will -blame him for torpedoing the hospital ship _Columbine_ and the -unarmed liner _Camperdown Castle_. Think it over." - -He turned to Lieutenant-Commander Morpeth. - -"Any further questions you want to ask, sir?" he inquired, with -strict formality. - -"No," replied Morpeth. "Take him away." - -The sliding door closed on the prisoner. "Tough Geordie" turned to -the successful amateur barrister. - -"By Jove, Cumberleigh," he exclaimed, "you bowled him out this time! -But I thought you said that the log-book wasn't up to date." - -"Neither was it," admitted Cumberleigh, passing his cigarette-case. -"I took the liberty of imagining that it was and ascribing the -authorship to that little worm of a von Loringhoven." - -The R.A.F. captain was flushed with pleasure at his triumph. He had -vindicated himself concerning his doubts of "Fennelburt's" -genuineness. Until he had done so he was considerably uneasy in his -mind, for he hated a suspicious nature. - -"I suppose you can wireless the information to Auldhaig?" he -continued. "Goodness only knows what that spy might be up to before -he's laid by the heels!" - -Morpeth shook his head. - -"Sorry," he replied. "It can't be did. We mustn't get ourselves into -the cart over our forthcoming stunt for the sake of putting a stopper -on a spy. You see, we don't know who might tap the wireless. Fritz -might, and that would make him horribly suspicious." - -"Is there no other way to communicate with Auldhaig?" asked -Cumberleigh. - -"Possibly," admitted the R.N.R. officer. "We might send a code -message by the first vessel we fall in with. I don't as a rule want -to speak a vessel, unless she's a Fritz, and then I do more than -speak. But I can't carry on with this crowd of Huns on board. Must -get rid of them somehow, and the best plan will be to tranship them. -Then'll be your chance to pass the word about your pal 'Fennelburt.'" - -The conference then dissolved, Morpeth and the R.A.F. fellows turning -in for a much needed sleep, while Wakefield and Meredith went on -deck. - -About half an hour later the look-out reported smoke away to the -north-east. In ordinary circumstances Q 171 would have held on, -purposely avoiding the stranger. But now she altered helm, steering a -course to intercept the ship. - -It was fairly reasonable to suppose that the as yet invisible vessel -was not a Hun. German surface craft were rare birds in these waters. -When they did come out they appeared in force, accompanied by a -Zeppelin or two to give them plenty of warning should a British -patrolling squadron appear. She might be a disguised German raider, -but these generally chose to sneak along the Norwegian coast and gain -mid-Atlantic by a circuitous route. - -Before long the oncoming vessel appeared above the horizon, and -presently by the aid of binoculars it was seen that she was a large -Norwegian tramp. - -"That's good!" exclaimed Morpeth, who had been roused from his -slumbers by the announcement of the tramp's approach. "Decent fellows -these Norwegian skippers! 'Fraid I can't say the same for the Swedes. -Pro-Huns, waiting to see which way the cat jumps, every time. Up with -the German ensign, bos'n's mate, and hoist the International 'ID.' -Sorry to have to put the wind up 'em, but it can't be helped." - -"Hanged if I ever thought I'd be under the Black Cross Ensign!" -remarked Blenkinson, as the emblem of modern piracy was sent aloft. -"And what's the meaning of those flags?" he inquired, indicating a -square of yellow bunting with a circular black patch in the centre -surmounting a blue pennant with a white ball. - -"Just a polite intimation to stop and pass the time of day," -volunteered Meredith. "Kind of invitation to have a drink. -Technically it's a signal meaning 'Heave-to or I'll sink you.'" - -Approaching at an aggregate speed of twenty-seven knots, the tramp -and the Q-boat were soon at close quarters. True to her rĂ´le of -U-boat, the latter was cleared for action, the R.A.F. officers like -the rest of the crew disguised in black oilskins in order to heighten -the deception. - -The Norwegian tramp reversed engines. She flew her national ensign -and had the distinctive colours painted on her sides, together with -the word "Norge" in huge letters. But that was no guarantee that she -was a genuine Norwegian vessel. She might be a Hun raider in -disguise, with a heavy armament concealed behind hinged bulwarks. - -Once more the collapsible boat was lowered, and Ainslie and -Cumberleigh, whose knowledge of German enabled them the better to -impersonate Hun officers, were rowed off to the tramp. - -"Dash it all!" whispered the R.A.F. captain to his companion, as he -eyed askance the dangling Jacob's ladder hanging over the side of the -rolling vessel. "Do I swarm up that? I'll give the show away right -off." - -All the same he made a creditable performance, following Ainslie to -the deck of the _Ole_, for such was her name. - -A glance reassured the sub-lieutenant that the tramp was not a -disguised raider. He made a prearranged signal to the Q-boat to -relieve Morpeth of further anxiety on the subject, and then proceeded -to interview the Norwegian skipper, who also spoke German. - -The latter fully expected his command to be sunk, as her papers -showed her to be bound for Leith with a cargo of foodstuffs. Nor did -he look surprised, although he expressed indignation, when Ainslie -ordered him into the boat. - -"And my crew?" he asked. "Surely you will give them time to provision -and man the boats?" - -"That will be decided later," replied the Sub. "Be quick. We are -waiting." - -The Norwegian crew, taking it for granted that their skipper was to -be made a prisoner, showed a decidedly threatening attitude. Ainslie -and Cumberleigh were inwardly perturbed. Without "giving the show -away," it was difficult to see how they were to get out of the -trouble, until the Norwegian captain, anxious to save his men from -further ill-usage at the hands of the German pirates, ordered them to -adopt a passive attitude. - -Morpeth met the skipper of the _Ole_ as he came over the side of Q -171 and escorted him below. - -"Can you speak English?" he asked abruptly. - -"Yes," was the reply of the astonished Norwegian. "For fifteen years -I have run between British and Norwegian ports. A man has then an -excellent chance to learn the English language." - -"Then you will not be sorry to hear that this is a British vessel," -continued Morpeth, producing a bottle of whisky. "Say when. That's -good!" - -The Norwegian hesitated to accept the proffered glass. - -"Why, then, am I arrested?" he asked. - -"Not arrested," corrected Morpeth--"merely invited on board. I -want to ask a favour. Will you give a passage to three British -officers and twenty-six Germans?" - -"Explain, please," said the master of the _Ole_. - -"Tough Geordie" did so. - -"I have no objection to offering hospitality to the British -officers," decided the Norwegian; "but there are difficulties as far -as the German sailors are concerned." - -"Their passage will be paid for." - -"I was not troubling about that question," continued the Norwegian. -"You see, I am a neutral. These men will be free while under the -Norwegian flag." - -"They won't be when you set them ashore, Skipper," rejoined the -R.N.R. man meaningly. "As for International Law and the rights of -neutrals, all I can say is that if Germany had respected them the war -would have been over long ago, and I wouldn't be holding you up -to-day." - -"That is quite true," admitted the master of the _Ole_. "We -Norwegians have no love for the Germans, and our mercantile navy has -suffered more at their hands than the rest of the neutral nations -combined. But I have another objection. These Germans would outnumber -my crew. Supposing they take possession forcibly of my ship and make -for a German port?" - -"They won't do that," said Morpeth emphatically. "Knowing their -skipper is alive, they wouldn't go back to Germany and put their -heads through a running noose." - -"That is so," remarked the Norwegian. "I will take them." - -The two men, brothers of the sea, shook hands. The Norwegian returned -to his vessel in Q 171's dinghy and gave orders for the _Ole's_ boat -to be lowered. - -"Now, gentlemen," said Morpeth briskly, addressing the three R.A.F. -officers, "the best of pals must part. Circumstances demand that I -send you back in yonder vessel. I've got my job, and no doubt one is -waiting for you at Auldhaig. I wouldn't shine as an airman, and I -don't think you're cut out for Q-boat work. See my meaning?" - -"Quite," agreed Cumberleigh gravely. - -"Of course we're sorry to have to part company, but your remarks fit -the case absolutely. And I'm rather keen to follow this Fennelburt -business." - -"I've had a code message written out," continued Morpeth. "You can -take charge of that. I'm afraid you'll have von Loringhoven and those -mutineering Huns as travelling companions. Von Preugfeld I'm keeping -on board for the benefit of his health. The risks he'll run here will -be slight compared with those he'd have on board the _Ole_. Some of -his former crew would doubtless cut his throat in order to clinch -matters. Here's the boat coming alongside. Good-bye and good luck!" - -Bidding Wakefield, Morpeth and Ainslie farewell, the three members of -the dissolved R.A.F. Salvage Syndicate went over the side and were -transhipped to the Norwegian vessel. The Hun seamen followed in -another boat, but von Loringhoven refused to go with them. He, too, -felt that he was in danger at the hands of the mutineers, and -Morpeth, knowing the facts and having no cause to wish the -unter-leutnant harm from a personal point of view, allowed him to -remain. - -Twenty minutes later the _Ole_ was hull down. - -Morpeth, who had been busy with a sextant, laid the instrument down -and began to work out his position. Presently he turned to Wakefield. - -"Here we are," he said, sticking a point of the divider into the -chart. "Lat. 55 deg. 50' 10" N. Long. 6 deg. 15' 10" E. We fired our -passengers just in time. Another four hours and with luck we'll pick -up the Hoorn Reefs Lightship. Then the fun'll commence." - -"All our passengers?" queried Wakefield smiling. - -"Yes," replied "Tough Geordie." "You, my lad, are a worker. I'll see -that you do your bit. We'll bag some pheasants although it's close -season." - -"Let's hope so," said Wakefield cheerfully. - -"An' I'm a rotten sportsman," added Morpeth. "'Owing to the war,' I -suppose. 'Tany rate if I've the chance I'm going to bag 'em while -they're sitting up. After all, Fritz-strafing's my job, and the more -the merrier." - - - - -CHAPTER XXII - -ON THE TRAIL - - -PHILIP ENTWISTLE puffed thoughtfully at his briar. - -"That was the fellow right enough," he soliloquised. "Had I been -informed directly the Air people made the discovery, I'd have nabbed -him before this." - -It was a few days after Karl von Preussen's hasty and almost -panic-stricken exodus from Edinburgh. Entwistle, Secret Service -agent, with a highly respectable record, had been called in by the -authorities to trace the elusive spy. As usual, he was not consulted -until after the police had declared themselves baffled. No doubt it -was a tribute to Entwistle's sagacity, but he looked upon it in a -totally different light. To him it meant precious hours and minutes -wasted. - -He remembered the wanted man. Entwistle was one of those -comparatively rare individuals who hardly ever forget a face. -Disguised as a country parson, he was returning from a case at -Aberdeen--he had convinced the naval authorities the whole thing was -a mare's nest and that a supposed spy was a harmless professor of a -Scottish University--when, having to change at Nedderburn Junction, -he found himself in the same compartment with the man whom the -Admiralty, War Office, and Air Ministry wanted most particularly. - -And when von Preussen showed his railway warrant to the ticket -inspector, Entwistle, taking cover behind the _Church Times_, had -memorised the particulars written on the buff form. It was not idle -curiosity. It was to him a mental exercise. During the brief instant -in which the inspector was holding the warrant to the light of the -carriage lamp Entwistle had committed the following facts to memory: -the number and date of the warrant, the holder's name and rank, his -points of departure and his destination--details that were jotted -down at the first opportunity in the Secret Service agent's -pocket-book. - -Entwistle was sitting in his study at his house in Barborough. The -windows were wide open. It was a bright, sunny morning, and from -where he sat he could see the rugged outlines of the distant hills -and the tall chimneys of the factories in the valleys. - -As he sat scanning the newly-arrived dossier of his latest case, -Entwistle's thoughts went back to other scenes. The hills above -Blackberry Cross and towards Tarleigh reminded him of the von -Eitelwurmer case. - -"Wonder if this Fennelburt fellow (of course, that's an assumed name) -has anything to do with the late Herr Eitelwurmer?" he mused. "May as -well go through those papers again, and perhaps it would be advisable -to look up the von Gobendorff case." - -He unlocked a drawer and pulled out two bulky packets of documents, -neatly tied with string. Entwistle had a distaste for red tape, both -metaphorically and literally. For the best part of an hour he busied -himself with the various and for the most part faulty clues, -endeavouring from the tangled skein to weave a thread of conclusive -facts. - -The offer of the one hundred pounds reward had had its disadvantages. -Amateur detectives and others attracted by the offer had seen -"Captain Fennelburt" in a dozen or more different places at -approximately the same time. Copies of letters from these individuals -had been included in the dossier sent to Entwistle from Scotland -Yard. One was from a farmer at Penzance, who was certain that he saw -the wanted man making for Poldene Air Station. Another emanated from -a fisherman at Wick, who stated that an R.A.F. officer answering to -the description of Captain Fennelburt stopped him and inquired the -way to Loch Thrumster Flying School. Yet another correspondent, -hailing from Ramsgate, reported that the spy was boarding at a small -house near Pegwell Bay. - -"Even in these days of high speed in aviation," thought Entwistle, -"there are limits. We have yet to find conclusive evidence of a man -starting from Wick, say, at 9 A.M. and finishing at Penzance at 11 -A.M.--650 miles in two hours. And when he stops on the way to -partake of refreshments at Ramsgate--involving a detour of another -couple of hundred miles--the imagination is stretched beyond -breaking-point. I'm afraid these worthy people are following the -red-herring trail. The R.A.F. uniform has put them on a false scent. -Now, if I were in Captain Fennelburt's position--without, presumably, -a change of clothes--in a fairly distinctive uniform, what would I -do?" - -His meditations were interrupted by the entrance of a maid with a -telegram. - -"No answer," said Entwistle briefly. - -The wire was from the stationmaster at Carlisle. No R.A.F. railway -warrant bearing the number E99109 had been given up at Carlisle. - -"That is quite what I expected," thought the Secret Service agent. -"The warrant was a forged one, and Carlisle was a bit of bluff. He's -probably lying low in Edinburgh. Suppose it's not much use trying to -pick up the trail there now? Yet--H'm! I'll risk it." - -He took an up-to-date time-table from a shelf. Experience had taught -him to be particularly careful as far as the times of departure of -trains were concerned. - -"H'm this will do. Arrive Waverley Station at so-and-so. Yes, that -will do." - -In ten minutes Entwistle had made all necessary preparations, and -with a small hand-bag as his total luggage was walking briskly to the -station. - -It was not until the train stopped at Carlisle that he was fortunate -enough to take a corner seat. Already he had scanned _The Times_ and -_The Scotsman_ those hubs of the newspaper worlds north and south of -the Tweed. The rest of the occupants of the compartment still -retained that insular reserve that has been partly broken down since -the memorable August 1914, so Entwistle amused himself by admiring -the scenery as the train ascended picturesque Liddisdale. Many a time -had Entwistle travelled north by this route, but the beauties of the -Lowlands as viewed from the North British Railway never palled. - -As the train approached Galashiels it slowed down rapidly, coming to -a standstill just outside the station. It was an unusual occurrence, -for the express was supposed to make a non-stop run from Carlisle to -Edinburgh. Carriage windows were opened and passengers thrust their -heads out to ascertain the cause of the delay. - -"A truck with a lot of luggage has fallen off the platform on to the -line," remarked one of the passengers. "They've removed it now." - -The train began to move. Before it gathered much speed it was running -through the station. Suddenly Entwistle was all attention, for -standing on the opposite platform was "his man"--the _soi-disant_ -Captain Fennelburt. - -Entwistle recognised him at once, in spite of the fact that he wore -civilian clothes. He was evidently waiting for a train bound south. - -For a brief instant the Secret Service man deliberated on the chance -of being able to leap from the train. He would have cheerfully run -the risk of violating the Company's rules and regulations, but there -are limits to personal activity. He would not have hesitated to jump, -for he possessed more than a moderate amount of courage; but prudence -predominated. It would be of little use to find himself stranded at -Galashiels with a broken limb, he argued; but there was the -communication-cord. - -Even as he pulled the chain that gave the alarm in the guard's van, -greatly to the surprise of his fellow passengers, another train -thundered past. There was not a moment to lose. - -"What's wrong, sir?" inquired eight or nine curious voices. "Are you -ill?" - -Without replying, Entwistle grasped his bag and stick, went into the -corridor, and began to make his way towards the guard's van. The -train showed no signs of slowing down. Already it must have run a -couple of miles beyond Galashiels. - -Presently the vacuum brakes were put in action, and with a peculiar -sensation, akin to the rapid stopping of a lift, the train drew up. - -"Guard!" exclaimed Entwistle peremptorily, as the uniformed official -attempted to hurry past him in the narrow corridor. "I pulled the -communication-cord." - -"What for, sir?" - -Entwistle produced a card from his pocket and explained matters. By -this time another two precious minutes had passed. - -"Very good, sir," said the guard, retaining the piece of cardboard. -"If you'll alight, we'll get on. It's a tidyish step back to -Galashiels, d'ye ken?" - -The Secret Service man clambered down the footboard on to the -permanent way, his progress watched with unabated interest by scores -of passengers. Then, taking to his heels, he ran with the ease of a -trained athlete towards the station. - -He was too late. Already the train--a slow local--had taken up its -quota of passengers and was out of sight. Entwistle promptly tackled -the ticket collector. - -"A tallish chap in a grey overcoat and a bowler, sir?" inquired the -man. "Yes; I remember him. He's got a ticket for Hawick. ...No, sir, -third, single." - -"Is there a motor available?" asked Entwistle, loth to go to the -extremity of telegraphing or telephoning to the Hawick police. - -One was--a powerful six-cylinder. The driver, rising to the -exhortation to "drive like blue blazes," pressed heavily upon the -accelerator, and the car leapt along the road. - -There was every chance of reaching Hawick before the train, punctures -and other road mishaps excepted. The route through Selkirk was -practically a direct one, while the iron road made a considerable -detour through Melrose. Consequently, nothing happening to delay the -car, Entwistle found himself, cool but elated, waiting outside the -entrance to Hawick Station a good six minutes before the advertised -time of the train's arrival. - -Keenly alive to the necessity for prompt action, the Secret Service -man took up a position immediately behind the open door. - -The train drew up. There seemed no hurry on the part of the arriving -passengers to leave the platform. A boy wearing a tam-o'-shanter and -a plaid was the first to appear, then an old woman bearing a large -wicker basket. A couple of huge, red-faced farmers next jostled -through the doorway, discussing in loud tones the latest ruling -market prices of oats and oil-cake. After them a pale, thin-featured -woman with a baby, and last of all a nervous young man who walked -with hesitating steps as he fumbled for a mislaid ticket. - -"Confound it!" muttered Entwistle savagely. - -Leaving his place of concealment, he made for the platform. Luggage -was still being put out of the van. There might be time to look into -all the carriages. He would have to take the risk of "Captain -Fennelburt" recognising him as the cleric who travelled with him from -Nedderburn to Edinburgh. - -But Entwistle was again disappointed. The train, a non-corridor one, -carried no passengers at all resembling the wanted man. "Captain -Fennelburt" had adroitly covered his tracks. - -The baffled Secret Service man hied him to the telephone--the Railway -Company's private wire--and rang up Galashiels. - -A brief but emphatic conversation both with the ticket collector and -the booking clerk elicited the information that the bowler-hatted man -might have alighted at one of the four intermediate stations. - -"You'll be for trying St. Boswell's Junction, mon?" came a suggestion -on the telephone. - -Entwistle tried St. Boswell's Junction, with the result that a man -answering his description had left the train, and had booked for -York, via Alnwick and Alnmouth. - -The clue was developing into a man-hunt after Entwistle's own heart. -It afforded him scant satisfaction to attain his object with little -trouble. The greater the obstacles, the keener became his interest. - -"'Fraid I don't want you again," he remarked to the waiting -chauffeur, as he paid him. - -Inquiries resulted in the information that there was a fast train -through to Carlisle, whence it was possible to arrive at York within -twenty minutes of the East Coast express. Entwistle, having had time -to make a satisfying meal, was retracing his course. - -Luck was against him. It was not until about eight on the following -morning that he alighted on York platform. His first step was to make -inquiries at the Postal Censor's Office. On presentation of his card, -he was allowed to scan the duplicates of telegraphic messages sent -during the preceding twelve or fifteen hours. There was nothing to -excite suspicion. The foreign cables proved more fruitful, especially -one from "Messrs. Grabnut & Plywrench to Mynheer Jakob van Doornzylt, -woollen merchant, of Amsterdam." - -The message was in plain English (according to war time regulations), -and referred to a consignment of merchandise about to be dispatched -from Leith to Ymuiden. On the duplicate was an official stamp "Passed -by Censor." - -"Has this been dispatched?" asked Entwistle. - -"Yes," replied the postal official. "It was held back for three hours -according to procedure when dealing with foreign cablegrams, and was -sent off at 7.50 P.M. yesterday." - -Entwistle, having provided himself with a copy, went to a desk in a -secluded corner of the large room. - -"Close bales 251 in number--" began the message. - -Consulting his code-book (the identical one that he had taken from -the spy von Eitelwurmer), Entwistle began his translation. "Close" -signified "disguised," "bale" was the counterpart of "Q-boat," and so -on. In ten minutes the secret message stood revealed as follows:-- - -"Q-boat disguised as U 251 left Leith on 9th for Hoorn Reefs.--VON -PREUSSEN." - -That was all--but sufficient to lure "Tough Geordie" Morpeth and his -gallant comrades into a veritable death-trap. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII - -"PREPARE FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION" - - -THE Admiral's secretary at Auldhaig stood at the Commander-in-Chief's -elbow. It was close on lunch-time, and the Admiral had still a bulky -though fast diminishing pile of documents either to sign or initial -before he could complete his morning's work. But, being mortal, even -the Commander-in-Chief was hungry, and consequently short-tempered. - -"What is it, Elphinhaye?" he demanded tartly. "Can't you deal with it -yourself?" - -"'Fraid not, sir," replied the secretary, still proffering the -newly-arrived telegram. - -"What is it?" asked the Admiral again. "Who's it from?" - -"Entwistle? Never heard of him." - -The secretary coughed deprecatingly. He was slightly surprised and -pained to think that his worthy chief had not heard of the famous -Secret Service agent. - -"Oh, yes; now I do," corrected the Commander-in-Chief. "He was -barging about down in Cornwall over that von Gobendorff case, when I -was Senior Officer at Trecurnow. Well, what is it now?... By Jove!" - -The telegram had been dispatched from York. It read as follows:-- - -"To S.N.O., Auldhaig. For your information and necessary -action:--Discover Captain Fennelburt, R.A.F., to be Leutnant Karl von -Preussen (_vide_ dossier 445). He has dispatched the following -cablegram to Admiralty, Berlin: 'Q-boat disguised as U 251 left Leith -on 9th for Hoorn Reefs." - -"Someone's let the cat out of the bag," declared the -Commander-in-Chief. "It's an absolute mystery to me how intelligence -does leak out. Now, what's to be done, Elphinhaye? What Q-boat does -the message refer to?" - -"Q 171, sir," replied the secretary, never at a loss to supply the -requisite information. "She was the old _Tollerdale_, and was adapted -at Leith in January last." - -"Who's her commanding officer?" - -Elphinhaye had to consult a current Navy List. - -"Morpeth, sir. George Morpeth, an R.N.R. officer with the D.S.C." - -"By Gad! Morpeth! I knew him at Trecurnow," exclaimed the Admiral. -"Smart fellow, but a bit of a rough diamond. I've no doubt that he -can take care of himself, but all the same----" - -"We could wireless him, sir." - -"And warn every Fritz on this side of Germany," declared the -Commander-in-Chief. "No, no, Elphinhaye. We must think of a better -plan--one that, with luck, will entail a clean sweep of every Fritz -who dares to poke his nose outside his kennel." - -Twenty minutes later the joyful signal was received by the Nth Light -Cruiser Squadron and the Z Destroyer Flotilla:-- - -"Raise steam for thirty knots and prepare for immediate action on -clearing harbour." - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV - -IN THE HOUR OF HIS TRIUMPH - - -"HAVE you any means of tracing the person who brought this message? -inquired Entwistle. - -"Hardly," replied the Postal Censor's assistant. "One receives so -many cables and telegrams for dispatch in the course of the day. I'll -find out the name of the clerk on duty at the time, although I'm -afraid the information will be disappointing." By means of a -voice-tube, the official made various inquiries. - -"O'Donovon, is it?... Is he on duty now?... Just reported, eh? Good. -Ask him to step up to my room, please." - -Presently a brisk tap on the door was followed by the appearance of a -slight, rather pale-faced young man of pronounced Hibernian features. - -"This," said the Censor's assistant, "is 'Mr. O'Donovon. Mr. -O'Donovon, this gentleman, Mr. Entwistle, wishes to ask you some -information respecting a certain cablegram. Will you answer as fully -as you can on the matter?" - -"I want you, Mr. O'Donovon," began Entwistle, "to give me a -description of the person who handed in the message." - -It was Entwistle's way. Instead of asking if the clerk perchance -remembered the individual, he assumed that he already did so. - -"Sure," replied Mr O'Donovon, after reading the duplicate message. -"It was a boy of twelve or about. Black hair and eyes and a Jewish -nose. He had a mole on his chin. I remember he gave me two pound -notes and I gave him half a crown change." - -"I suppose by no possibility could you show me the notes? inquired -Entwistle. - -"No, sir," replied Mr. O'Donovon. "That I can't. We put all notes -into a drawer. I call to mind that they were rather dirty, although -it's dirtier ones I've seen in Dublin." - -"I thought not," remarked Entwistle. "Perhaps it's as well, for in -all probability you gave the lad half a crown for sending the -cablegram. If you've time you might examine the notes in that drawer. -Ten to one, you'll find two were printed in Germany. Now, will you -please send me a priority telegram--on H.M.S.--to Leith, Auldhaig, -and Wick; the latter to be transmitted by wireless to -Commander-in-Chief, Grand Fleet, Scapa Flow." - -Having done all that he could possibly do to scotch von Preussen's -activities on the Continental cables, Entwistle prepared to follow up -the clues that would, he hoped, lead to the running to earth of the -cunning and resourceful spy. - -His next step was to trace the boy with the Jewish features and the -mole on his chin. It was rather a tall undertaking, for, in spite of -the fact that there was a hideous massacre of Jews in York in the -remote days when Richard Coeur de Lion reigned, there seemed to be a -distinct predilection on the part of people of Hebraic origin to live -in the city that holds the position of capital of the Shire of Broad -Acres. Besides, many people have moles on their faces, and O'Donovon -might have been slightly wide of the mark in describing the mole as -being on the lad's chin. It might have been his cheek--either his -left or his right. - -It was in Petergate, one of those narrow, old-world thoroughfares -leading to the Cathedral precincts that Entwistle came face to face -with the immediate object of his investigations. Sauntering towards -him was a young Jewish lad with a mole on the point of his chin. - -Entwistle gave him no opening. - -"I say, my lad," he exclaimed, holding out a bright half-crown to the -astonished youth, "I gave you the wrong change when you handed in -that telegram from Grabnut & Plywrench. Here you are." - -The boy took the proffered coin eagerly. As Entwistle expected, he -devoted more attention to the coin than he did to the donor. - -"He won't recognise me again," mused the Secret Service man as he -hurried away, leaving the boy testing the bright half-crown in case -he had been "had." - -Swallowed up in the crowd, for Petergate was thronged, Entwistle -dived into a tobacconist's shop and made a small purchase, the while -keeping a sharp look-out upon the passers-by. - -Presently the lad, whistling blithely, hurried along. At a discreet -distance Entwistle followed, noting with satisfaction that the boy -lingered outside a cinema palace. - -"He would have spent that half-dollar had the place been open," he -theorised. "As it is, he'll go home to his dinner and he won't say a -word about the wrong change." - -Keeping within sight of his chase, Entwistle followed until the boy -turned down a narrow street close to Bootham Bar--one of the -still-existent gateways of mediaeval York. On the other hand the -roadway was bounded by the masonry of the city wall. - -Entwistle followed no further. He promptly ascended the steps of -Bootham Bar and gained the paved walk that runs along the top of the -walls. From his coign of vantage he watched, and saw the lad enter a -house--stopping, however, to glance up and down the cobbled street. - -"Good enough for the present," soliloquised Entwistle. "I feel fairly -satisfied with my morning's work. Until to-night there's nothing -doing, so I will have a little relaxation from duty. Philip, my -festive, you can be reckless: you can have a whole coupon's worth of -roast beef at the best restaurant in York." - -Having done ample justice to the inner man, Entwistle decided to put -in an hour or two at the railway station. Railway stations had a -peculiar fascination for him. Incidentally he had obtained a good -many clues while waiting on a platform, although he was bound to -admit that the almost general use of motor cars had robbed the -railway of a questionable record of affording quick transit to -fugitive criminals. - -As he entered the booking hall he ran against a familiar figure -wearing an unfamiliar garb--a thick-set, clean-shaven man of about -forty-seven or eight, in height about five feet ten. He was in R.A.F. -officer's uniform. Just beneath his cap his iron-grey closely-cropped -hair contrasted forcibly with his brown, almost reddish complexion. - -"B a r c r o f t !" exclaimed Entwistle. "What on earth are you doing -here? And in uniform, too. By Jove! I'm pleased to see you." - -"I'm here for fifteen and a half minutes more," replied Peter -Barcroft, consulting his wristlet watch. "That is, if the North -Eastern Company run their train punctually. That's question one -answered. I'm in uniform because I wanted to be, and didn't mean to -be out of the fun. What are you doing, might I ask?" - -"Same old thing--'the trivial round, the common task' sort of -business, you know," answered the Secret Service man. - -"But you've not explained: how comes it that you are in khaki?" - -"I suppose," replied Barcroft, "it's a case of 'following in father's -footsteps' reversed. I'm a mere 'second loot'; my son Billy is now a -major, so if I meet him in public I must salute him. This war's been -responsible for a lot of funny incidents and conditions, hasn't it?" - -"It has," agreed Entwistle. "We've been mixed up in a few together, -haven't we? But to get back to the point. I'm curious to know how you -managed to get a commission. You told me you were blind in one eye -and deaf in one ear. How did you pass the doctor?" - -"I passed, or was passed by, three," replied Barcroft proudly. -"Bluffed them absolutely. Merely a triumph of mind over matter. I -learnt the letters on the sight-testing card off by heart. Perfectly -simple, eh, what? I'm in the Marine Section, R.A.F., and incidentally -I'm the senior officer in the depot in point of age. I'm on my way to -Auldhaig to take some boats round to Sableridge--that's on the South -Coast." - -"Not X-lighters, by any chance?" - -Barcroft stared. - -"Yes," he admitted. "What do you know about them?" - -Entwistle laughed. - -"Bet you twopence you won't find them at Auldhaig," he said. "More -than that, you'll stand a chance of being arrested. There's been a -fellow on the same sort of game, and that's why I'm here--to nab him -on sight. By the by, how are Ponto and Nan?" - -"Going strong," replied Barcroft. "At the present moment they are -assisting my crowd of merry wreckers to digest railway buffet -sandwiches and bully beef. We'll go and find them." - -The two old chums walked down the platform. Just beyond the covered -part was a large truck piled high with a miscellaneous assortment of -kit-bags, blankets, sea-boots, oilskins, charts, and a pair of hand -semaphore flags. Mounting guard over the luggage were Barcroft's two -shaggy sheep-dogs. - -"They remember me," remarked Entwistle, as the animals began to wag -their stumpy tails. - -"Of course," replied the R.A.F. officer. "But you wouldn't dare to -lay a finger on that pile of kit." - -"I won't experiment," replied Entwistle. "Your dogs' teeth are just a -trifle too formidable. When do you think you'll get back to -Sableridge? I'm going down south in a fortnight or so, and I may run -across you." - -"Look me up, then," replied Barcroft. "With decent luck I ought to -get my five-knot convoy round in a fortnight, mines and contradictory -Air Ministry orders permitting. And if I knock up against Captain -Fennelburt I'll give him your chin-chin." - -"You won't," said Entwistle confidently--"at least, not under that -name. But I hope to deny you that pleasure by having him under lock -and key before many hours." - -The signal for the train's departure interrupted the conversation. -Barcroft, having seen his crew into the train and the baggage in the -van, entered a compartment followed by his two dogs--to bear the -responsibility of navigating two of His Majesty's vessels, together -with thousands of pounds worth of stores and a score of valuable -lives, over six or seven hundred miles of mined waters; for which a -grateful government paid him the magnificent sum of half a guinea a -day. - -"And how is Mrs. Barcroft?" inquired Entwistle. "I ought, of course, -to have inquired before." - -Peter Barcroft was lighting a cigarette. - -"Mrs. Barcroft is A1, thanks," he replied. "At present she is engaged -in keeping the home fires burning--with coal at fifty-five and six a -ton, but I have not the faintest doubt that she will carry on to my -utmost satisfaction. Well, cheerio, Entwistle! Glad to have met you -again." - -The train moved off, leaving Entwistle to "carry on" in his -particular line even as Barcroft Senior was "doing his bit" in a -different sphere. - -Leaving the station, the Secret Service man made his way to the -premises of Messrs. Grabnut & Plywrench. As he expected, a brief -interview with the manager elicited the information that no cablegram -had been sent by the firm to Holland. In fact, the Continental -transactions of Messrs. Grabnut & Plywrench had ceased early in 1915. -They had as much business in connection with Government contracts as -they could possibly tackle. - -At sunset Entwistle returned to his post of observation on the city -walls. Soon York, or as much of it as he could see from his lofty -perch, was in darkness. He could hear the crowds in the main -thoroughfares, the whirr of machinery in the workshops, the rumble of -heavily laden trains, and the "chough-chough" of motor barges on the -canal conveying raw material for the manufacturing centres of -Yorkshire and the coast. It was a hive of industry working under -cover of darkness. - -Cold work it was keeping the poverty-stricken tenement under -observation. Occasionally people would pass along the narrow path on -the walls. Entwistle would then lean on the lichen-grown parapet and -feign a deep interest in the darkness until their footsteps died -away; otherwise he hardly stirred during his prolonged vigil. - -"Great Peter" would have been tolling the hour of nine had it not -been that the world was at war, when Entwistle heard a street door -open. Straining his eyesight, he discerned a bent figure emerging -stealthily from the house he was keeping under observation. - -"H'm!" he soliloquised. "A man with a military bearing ought never to -trust to the disguise of decrepitude. Von Preussen, you've -overreached yourself, I fancy." - -Keeping under the shelter of the breast-high parapet, Entwistle moved -cautiously to the steps by the side of Bootham Bar. Gaining the -roadway, he pressed against the side of the Gothic archway. For the -present the thoroughfare was deserted. He could hear von Preussen's -boots shuffling on the cobbles. Nearer, nearer... - -With a sudden spring Entwistle hurled himself upon the spy. The -Secret Service agent had not mistaken his man. Almost before von -Preussen knew what had happened he found himself lying face downwards -on the pavement and his elbows being drawn together behind his back. - -"The game's up, Karl von Preussen," exclaimed Entwistle. - -"Yes," admitted the spy breathlessly. "You've scored this time. I'd -like to know how you traced me." - -"You will in due course," replied Entwistle grimly, as he jerked his -captive to his feet. - -The next instant a cloud of pungent, burning powder struck Entwistle -full in the face. The sudden, agonising pain as the grains filled his -eyes took the Secret Service agent completely off his guard. Gasping -for breath, and holding both hands to his face, he staggered blindly -against the wall. Even in his physical torment he could hear von -Preussen running swiftly. - -In the moment of his triumph a craven trick had robbed Entwistle of -his prey. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV - -TRAPPED - - -COLD, grey dawn was stealing over the North Sea. Hull down to the -east'ard, her cage-mast just showing above the horizon, lay the Hoorn -Reefs Lightship. Off the tail of the bank that fringes Denmark's -shores Hun submarines were in the habit of bringing up and receiving -wireless orders before venturing through the inner mine-fields either -to the mouth of the Elbe or northwards to the Baltic through the -Kattegat. - -Q 171 was moving slowly through the greyish-green water. Her triple -torpedo-tubes were ready with their deadly complements; her -quick-firers, trained fore and aft after the manner of U-boats -returning to their bases, were ready for action at a moment's notice. -The torpedo-men and gun crews, sheltering under the lee of the dummy -conning-tower, were keenly on the alert, watching their commanding -officer as he, in his turn, watched the broad expanse of sea over -which the rising sun would shortly throw its slanting rays. - -Supporting himself by the shaft of the periscope, which, like the -conning-tower, was a "dud," Morpeth again and again raised his -prism-binoculars to his eyes. Just below him stood Wakefield, -conscious of a peculiar sensation of mingled doubts and hopes. He, -too, shared with Morpeth the feeling that the climax was at hand. The -great stunt that was to deal a terrific blow to Germany's campaign of -unrestricted warfare was imminent. Would it succeed? - -The plan of operations was daring in its simplicity. According to -information obtained from a British Secret Service agent in Kiel, two -giant submarine-cruisers were leaving the German Baltic port, passing -through the Imperial Kiel Canal during the hours of darkness, and -leaving Brunsbuttel the following night for the Hoorn Reefs -rendezvous. Here they were to take on board two experienced U-boat -commanders from submarines expected to be homeward-bound from the -Irish Sea, and then proceed to the Atlantic seaboard of the United -States. Capable of keeping the sea for a period of sixty days without -having to re-fuel or re-provision, these submarine-cruisers were a -direct menace to the Allies in general and to Uncle Sam in -particular. Consequently, if Morpeth's plans were successful and he -were able to destroy both submarine-cruisers before the returning -U-boats arrived at the rendezvous, the moral effects of the -mysterious disappearance of two brand-new additions to Germany's -under-sea fleet would be more far-reaching than their actual loss. - -And the hour was approaching when the two submarine-cruisers would -arrive at the rendezvous--and then Q 171 would strike--swiftly and -with annihilating force. - -Right aft stood Meredith and Ainslie. The former was in charge of the -after quick-firer, while on the other sub-lieutenant rested the -responsibility of "dumping the ash-cans," or, in other words, -dropping the depth-charges, should they be required. He also had -charge of the hand-steerage flat, where, in the event of the -electrically-operated wheel becoming disabled, the work of steering -the Q-boat would be undertaken. - -"Fritz is late in keeping his appointment," remarked Meredith. -"Beastly uncivil of him on a cold morning like this." - -Ainslie swung his arms vigorously and stamped with his rubber boots -upon the metal deck. - -"We'll forgive him if he shows up," he remarked. "Wonder if there'll -be a chance of a scrap? By the by, you've your gasmask ready?" - -"Yes, old son," replied Meredith, producing a hideous-looking -contraption from the pocket of his oilskin coat. "We hadn't them -issued to us on the M.L.'s, for which many thanks. Gosh! What would -the old folks at home say if they could see their little Kenneth in -this?" - -"You do look a Hun," admitted Ainslie, as Meredith rather clumsily -clipped the antigas device to his nose. "What a dash you'd cut at a -kids' Christmas party! Got everything--pneumatic life-belt, first-aid -outfit, meat lozenges, spirit flask an' all, in case you fancy -rivalling a cross-Channel swimmer?" - -Meredith gravely assured his questioner that he had all the articles -named. - -"Right-o," rejoined Ainslie. "And just kick over the oiler. Here's a -link that wants a drop of oil pretty badly. Thanks, old thing." - -The Sub was about to attend to what appeared to be a stiff link in -the dummy deckgear release, when a cry came from for'ard: - -"Submarine two points on the starboard bow, sir!" - -At a distance of two miles in the direction indicated lay a U-boat -motionless, with her deck just awash. Telescopes and binoculars were -brought to bear upon her. - -"That's not the bird I want," declared Morpeth. "She's one of the -ordinary submarine mine-layers. We'll sheer off. No sprat to catch a -mackerel for me!" - -Q 171 turned eight points to port. Expecting at any moment to be -challenged by the U-boat, Morpeth gave a curt order to the signalman. -The latter toggled the _soi-disant_ U 251's signal numbers to the -halliards and stood by. - -"They don't keep a sharp look-out," remarked Wakefield. "If we can -spot them lying awash, surely they've twigged us by now." - -"Just back from a cruise, I expect," surmised the R.N.R. officer. -"And jolly glad to be back out of it, so they're holding on to the -slack." - -"Where's the other one, then?" inquired Wakefield. "There were two -expected." - -"She's neither of 'em," explained Morpeth. "Sort of stray cat coming -home. The ones expected to meet the submarine-cruisers are big -ones--three hundred feet or thereabouts. This one's not more'n a -couple of hundred. I'd slip a tinfish into her with the greatest of -pleasure, only that would spoil the proper stunt. _Au revoir_, -Fritz!" - -"Seaplane, sir!" shouted one of the crew. - -"Confounded nuisance!" muttered "Tough Geordie." "Get our decorations -ready, lads, and look slippy about it." - -Two or three of the hands prepared to unroll a couple of square -pieces of canvas. These were Morpeth's "decorations," or, in other -words, the vessel's "aircraft distinction discs." On one side of the -canvas were painted red, white and blue concentric circles--the -British hall-mark for aerial efficiency. On the reverse were black -Maltese crosses on a white ground--the symbol adopted by Hun -aircraft. In both cases the same device showed on the deck of a ship -denoted her either as a friend or foe. - -"Hun, sir!" shouted three or four voices in unison, when the rapidly -approaching seaplane drew near enough for the crew of Q 171 to -distinguish the Black Crosses on her wings. - -"Up with 'em!" shouted Morpeth. - -Dexterously "Tough Geordie's" decorations were unfolded and -exhibited--one at the top of the conning-tower, the other just abaft -the for'ard gun. - -Right aft the gun-layer of the concealed anti-aircraft weapon kept -the sights trained on the approaching Hun, ready and eager at the -word of command to let fly with a novel type of shell that on -bursting would entail the immediate destruction of any aircraft -within a couple of hundred feet of the point of detonation. - -"'Nother seaplane right astern, sir!" roared a seaman in stentorian -tones. - -"Confound it!" ejaculated Morpeth. "What is their little game?" - -The anti-aircraft gun could have effectively silenced one seaplane, -but the other would have turned and flown off to give the alarm. So -impassively Q 171 held on, every man on board (except von Preugfeld -and von Loringhoven, who were ignorant of what was transpiring) -fervently hoping that the Hun airmen would take it for granted that -she was a U-boat. - -With a rush and a roar the first seaplane dived steeply, flattening -out and passing within fifty feet of the mystery ship's deck. -Meredith distinctly felt the rush of air from her wake and could make -out the goggled and helmeted heads of the observer and -machine-gunner. The pilot behind his triple glass screen was -invisible. - -The seaplane began climbing in vast circles, until it became a mere -dot in the now sunlit sky. The second Hun, content with hovering at -five hundred feet for nearly five minutes, also began climbing, and -finally both disappeared behind a stratum of high, fleecy clouds. - -"Hanged if I like that!" remarked Morpeth. - -"They've probably mistaken us for one of the returning U-boats," -suggested Wakefield. "In that case they've cleared off to report that -the submarine-cruisers can repair to the rendezvous." - -"Let's hope you're right," added Morpeth. "Once I bag those -submarine-cruisers, I'll take my chance with the seaplanes." - -He rapped out an order to the quartermaster. - -Round swung Q 171 until she steadied on a course that would bring her -once more within a short distance of the U-boat they had sighted soon -after dawn. - -She was practically in the same position, but had swung with the -change of tide--a fact which indicated that she was riding at anchor. - -For full half an hour Morpeth kept her under observation, but no sign -of life was visible on board. - -"Another mutiny?" queried Meredith. - -"Hardly," replied Wakefield. "Unless it were a general mutiny amongst -the submarine fleet, and this one were left behind. No, it's not -that." - -"Then what do you think?" asked the Sub. - -"A booby-trap, possibly. If so, then Morpeth's stunt is off. I'll see -what he says." - -The late skipper of M.L. 1071 went up to the R.N.R. officer and -saluted--as he always did when on deck. - -"Yes," admitted "Tough Geordie" gloomily. "I'm afraid that it's a -booby-trap. Those seaplanes, too, rather support the theory. And -there are no signs of the submarine-cruisers. If nothing turns up by -noon I'll torpedo that packet and leg it home at the rate of knots." - -"Any objection to my boarding her?" asked Wakefield. - -"None, as far as I am concerned," replied Morpeth, "provided, of -course, you take all reasonable precautions. I'll be ready in case of -an accident, but I must insist upon your taking a volunteer crew." - -A boarding-party was quickly forthcoming, consisting of Wakefield, -Meredith, an armourer's mate, and two bluejackets. Launching the -collapsible dinghy, they approached the U-boat, while Q 171, her -concealed torpedo-tubes bearing on the former's hull, was ready to -frustrate or at any rate to avenge any attempt upon the -boarding-party. - -A rope ladder trailed forlornly over the U-boat's bulging side. This -Wakefield studiously avoided, making for the after-part where the -long tapering stern dipped beneath the surface. - -He hailed in German. No reply came from the apparently deserted -craft, which was fretting at her cable in the now strong tideway. - -Wakefield motioned to the rowers to pull alongside. Followed by -Meredith and the armourer's mate, he gained the rusty deck. - -"Hatches are closed," he said, in a low voice. - -"Soon have them open, sir," declared the petty officer confidently. - -"I think not," replied Wakefield. "Not until we've looked round a -bit." - -The three men moved for'ard. There were signs that the boat had not -recently been in commission. Apparently she had been towed out of -harbour and moored in the isolated position off the Hoorn Reefs. Why? -If as a mark-boat to assist returning submarines to verify their -position, the fact of closed hatches was easily explained. Being -shut, they enabled her to ride out a spell of bad weather, otherwise -she would have foundered. - -"That's curious," exclaimed Meredith, pointing to the closed -fore-hatch. - -"What?" asked Wakefield. - -"This," replied the Sub, pointing to a small, almost unnoticeable -disc let in flush with the steel lid. - -"By Jove, rather!" agreed the lieutenant. "An ebonite plug with a -copper core! Yes; look here. There's a corresponding gadget on the -deck. The two would come in contact when the holding down bolts of -the hatch are released and the cover flies back. I fancy we were wise -not to meddle with those hatch covers, or our curiosity would have -landed us in a hole." - -"She's stuffed with explosives, then?" - -"Precisely," agreed Wakefield. "Once the circuit is completed by -opening any of these hatches, up she goes, and anyone on board with -her. We've seen enough. We'll clear out." - -"What's the reason?" inquired Meredith. - -"Ask Morpeth," was the reply. "He'll probably tell you that details -of his stunt have leaked out. Hello! Seaplanes coming back? Look -alive there!" - -The boarding-party hurried to the boat. Quickly the rowers gave way. -It was a race between a comparatively slow-moving boat and a pair of -swift seaplanes. The former had to cover about two hundred yards: the -latter a distance of from two to three miles. - -The aircraft would have won hands down had they not banked and -circled. As it was, there was time for Wakefield and his party to -regain the mystery ship. - -"Fritz has smelt a rat," reported the R.N.V.R. officer. "That -U-boat's chock-a-block with explosives." - -"Good enough!" declared Morpeth, ringing for "Easy ahead, both -engines." "See that the smoke-screen gear is ready, Wakefield. We may -want it, badly." - -Q 171 increased her distance from the booby-trap to a good two -cables' length, then she turned until she could bring her broadside -torpedo-tubes to bear upon the anchored U-boat. - -Diving steeply, the first seaplane swooped down to within three -hundred feet. From underneath her fuselage a black object dropped -swiftly--then another. Four seconds later the first missile struck -the water, exploding with a deafening report unpleasantly close to -the Q-boat's starboard quarter and deluging the after quick-firer's -crew with spray. The second bomb fell further away. - -Morpeth gave no signal to the anti-aircraft gun, although the -departing seaplane offered a tempting target. His cool and ready wit -saw an opening and he took it. - -Both Hun machines were now flying on a parallel course, the first one -manoeuvring to return to the attack. Incautiously they were -approaching the anchored U-boat. - -Like an arrow from a bow, a gleaming steel cylinder leapt from the -Q-boat's side. Striking the water with a shower of spray, it dived -obliquely and made straight for the Hun's booby-trap, its trail -clearly defined by the milky foam on the surface. - -Suddenly there was a lurid flash that seemed to outshine the light of -the sun. A roar so stupendous that it shook Q 171 from stem to stern -gave warning that the torpedo had reached its mark. - -The terrific crash was not merely the result of the torpedo -detonating. Laden with tons of powerful explosive, the decoy U-boat -was literally blown to fragments. Even at the intervening distance -pieces of molten metal hit Q 171 with great force. Fragments rattled -against her side and on her deck like hailstones upon a galvanised -iron shed. - -For a brief space officers and men were stupefied by the overpowering -concussion. Wakefield and three of the seamen were hit by flying -debris, although fortunately the wounds were nothing worse than skin -deep. In fact, Wakefield, in the excitement of it all, was unaware of -the fact until Meredith called his attention to a trickle of blood -down his cheek. - -The first seaplane, which at the moment of explosion was immediately -above the anchored U-boat, had vanished utterly in the irresistible -blast of fire. The other, with her wings and tail planes riddled and -rent, fluttered downwards like a wounded bird until, the drop -developing into a tail-spin, she crashed into the sea. Floats were -shattered under the impact, and almost before the foam had subsided -the wreck of the second seaplane had disappeared beneath the waves. - -"The stunt's a wash-out," declared Morpeth disappointedly. "It might -have been worse, though, if those seaplanes had brought a crowd of -their pals with them instead of being too sure off their own bat. -We'll have to leg it for home." - -"If we can," added Wakefield calmly. "Look!" - -He pointed with outstretched arm towards the south-west. Pelting -along at high speed, with their funnels belching out clouds of -oil-fed smoke, were seven German ocean-going torpedo boats. -Simultaneously, away to the nor'ard, three more columns of smoke -indicated pretty plainly that Fritz was doing his utmost to trap the -too daring Q-boat. - -"Tough Geordie" shrugged his massive shoulders. - -"Looks like a bit of a scrap after all," he remarked. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI - -HER LAST BOLT - - -IT was a formidable trap. Already there was less than seven miles -between the jaws of these rapidly closing pincers as the two -divisions of hostile torpedo-craft steamed towards each other. To -make matters more unpleasant a Zeppelin--a comparatively rare bird in -the latter stages of the Great War--appeared from the east'ard, -possibly from the airsheds at Tondern, and without venturing to make -a direct attack was evidently communicating by wireless with the -torpedo boats. - -"Hoist our Ensign!" ordered Morpeth. "That'll show 'em we aren't -going to take it lying down. We'll give them a run for their money." - -Up rose the White Ensign bravely in the breeze. Simultaneously came -the tell-tale bark of a torpedo. With a quick movement of her helm Q -171 avoided the missile, but even as she did so another torpedo came -hissing under the waves. To avoid the new menace by alteration of -course was impossible. The Q-boat carried too much way to reverse and -gather sternway in time. To Meredith, standing by the after -quick-firer, the sight of the approaching torpedo was a -nerve-thrilling one. Gripping the rail, he watched its approach as it -headed almost under that part of the deck on which he stood. -Mechanically he gripped the wire and waited. He could do nothing: not -even run a few paces in order to avoid, if possible, the direct -effect of the explosion. He felt much as the French aristocrats must -have felt when they lay strapped to the bed of the guillotine waiting -for the fatal knife to fall.... - -"How much longer?" he thought. "How much----" - -"Stand by with the depth-charges," roared Morpeth, as Q 171 swung -round and made straight for the spot where the twin periscopes of a -U-boat were disappearing. - -The torpedo had been aimed truly, save in one respect. The commander -of the U-boat had gauged the draught of the mystery ship by that of -his own craft, forgetting that, although above water Q 171 resembled -a German submarine, her depth beneath the water-line was only seven -feet six inches. The missile had travelled harmlessly under her to -finish its run three miles beyond. - -Outboard toppled the two metal canisters. At the speed of an express -train the reel of wire ran out; then, with a detonation that -threatened to shake every rivet in the Q-boat's hull, the -depth-charges exploded simultaneously. - -There was no time to investigate whether the U-boat had been -destroyed, or whether, with buckled plates and gaping seams, she was -blowing her tanks in an attempt to reach the surface. In any case, -even if she did survive, her crew would be so shaken by the -concussion that they would be "down and out" as far as further -submarine work was concerned. - -The shrill whine of a 6-inch shell drew attention to the fact that -the destroyers were getting within range, and that a "registering -shot" had been fired to test the accuracy of their range-finder. - -Almost immediately after, and before a second flash came from the -nearmost torpedo boat, Q 171 liberated her smoke-screen; then, -answering rapidly to her helm, spun round and practically retraced -her course. - -There was a chance of escape--that of making for Danish waters--but -Morpeth scorned the idea. As he had remarked, he meant to give Fritz -a run for his money. He would go down with flying colours, biting -savagely till the last. And his men were with him. Discarding their -black oilskin coats, and tightening their belts, they spat upon their -hands after the manner of sailor-men and prepared to take their -gruelling. - -An artificial fog-screen cannot last indefinitely. Sooner or later Q -171 had to emerge from her concealment. When she did she was steering -almost due west, or towards the tail of the seven torpedo boats. - -Directly the movement was observed, the Huns turned sixteen degrees -to port, all firing as they swung round. At the same moment Q 171's -quick-firers replied for the first time. - -The bark of her own guns eased the tension amongst the crew. Although -outnumbered, they realised that there was some satisfaction in being -able to reply. - -The Q-boat took her punishment grimly--and it was punishment! -Several shells of varying calibre hit her in quick succession. The -dummy conning-tower had vanished, all but a few bent and twisted -steel girders. Acrid-smelling fumes swept down upon Meredith as he -assisted the last member of the after quick-firer to load and train -the weapon. Through the eddying vapour he could see men feverishly -working the other gun. He fancied he could distinguish Wakefield, but -he was not sure... And Morpeth: where was he? - -Suddenly Meredith felt his legs give way under him. The sensation was -akin to that of receiving an unexpected blow behind the knees. -Surprised and resentful, he tried to regain his feet. Some one was -lying across them. It was Ainslie--or rather all that was left of -Ainslie. - -For perhaps twenty seconds Meredith lay on the deck striving to -recollect where he was and how he came there. A red mist swam before -his eyes, then it cleared, and he saw Ainslie's body once more. - -There were rents on the deck. The whole fabric of the vessel was -throbbing under the continued concussions. Q 171 was turning in a -wide circle to starboard, exposing the whole of her broadside to the -hostile fire. - -With an effort Meredith freed his legs, and by the aid of the -shoulder-piece of the now silent after quick-firer regained his feet. -As he did so a man, grimy and blood-stained, lurched aft. - -"Cap'n's down, sir," he reported. "Steering-gear carried away.... -There's the hand-gear, sir." - -Heavens! Morpeth down, Ainslie killed, Wakefield nowhere to be seen. -The responsibility of fighting Q 171 to a finish had fallen upon the -supernumerary, Sub-lieutenant Kenneth Meredith. - -Staggering right aft, the Sub, assisted by the bluejacket who had -reported to him, contrived to unshackle the useless wires from the -heavy tiller. Then in answer to a powerful heave on the metal bar the -boat began to swing once more to port. - -Standing up, Meredith gave directions by gesture to the emergency -helmsman. It was impossible to be understood otherwise, so terrific -was the din, and, apart from that, Meredith's throat was so dry that -he was unable to utter a sound. - -Rapidly the Sub took in the situation. Morpeth's idea was to "cross -the tee" of the approaching line of torpedo boats, which had changed -their course so that the rearmost boat was now leading the flotilla. -The demolition of the steering-gear, and Morpeth being knocked out of -action, had temporarily thwarted the manoeuvre, but there was yet -time to mend matters. The steady pulsations of the motors showed that -below decks the badly battered vessel was still making good. For'ard -a solitary gun was barking at wide intervals, keeping up a sullen and -determined show of defiance. Otherwise the whole length of deck -resembled, as far as the eddying smoke permitted, a gaunt and hideous -charnel-house. - -"Fritz has got to have it in the neck," thought Meredith. "Here -goes!" - -Conning the still swiftly moving Q-boat, he made straight for the -leading German vessel. The latter held stubbornly on her course, at -the same time masking the fire of her consorts astern. - -It was a tense moment. Approaching at a speed of about sixty miles an -hour, the two vessels, British and German, were heading to mutual -destruction. With telescoped bows and interlocked framework, they -would assuredly founder together in a common and awe-inspiring -dissolution. - -But almost at the last moment the nerve of the German commander -failed. He ported his helm in a vain attempt to avoid the despairing -act of a mad Englishman. He was too late. Meredith held on. - -It was true that the kapitan-leutnant of the V 199 saved the bows of -his boat from being telescoped, but by giving the vessel starboard -helm he had neglected the important fact that the stern would swing -to starboard more rapidly than the bows would turn to port. - -Almost before he was aware of the fact, the bows of Q 171 bit deeply -into the German torpedo boat's quarter. The shock was lighter than -the Sub expected: it was the tortional wrench that hurled him -sideways against the disabled quick-firer. - -Then, swinging outwards under the way carried by her opponent, Q 171 -literally levered the partly severed stern away from the rest of the -rammed torpedo boat. With a gurgling sound, audible above the hiss of -steam from the flooding engine-room, the after-part of the Hun boat -sank, leaving two-thirds of the hull floating almost motionless and -kept afloat solely by the badly strained bulkheads. - -Freed from the interlocking embrace, Q 171 drifted clear, but she was -no longer under control. Both her propellers had fouled some of the -wreckage, and the bosses were stripped clear of their phosphor-bronze -blades. - -The gallant mystery ship, with the White Ensign flying from her -stumpy mast--how it withstood that tornado of hurtling metal was -little short of miraculous--was doomed. - -But the end was not yet. The second enemy torpedo boat, unable to -bring her guns to bear lest she should hit her disabled consort, was -manoeuvring to obtain a favourable position to deliver the _coup de -grĂ¢ce_. It seemed an easy thing to do, for Q 171 was little better -than a floating scrap-heap. - -Suddenly, from what appeared to be a tangle of riddled steel-plating -and grotesquely twisted girders, a gleaming steel cylinder flashed in -the sunlight. - -Q 171 had shot her last bolt. One of the torpedo-tubes was still -intact, and a grievously wounded man had seized his chance. - -Fifteen seconds later the torpedo got home, literally blowing the Hun -in twain. - -Meredith saw the Q-boat's last blow. Defiantly, almost exultantly, he -drew himself to full height, then a blinding flash seemed to leap -from beneath his feet, and he toppled unconscious upon the deck. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII - -BATTERED BUT UNDAUNTED - - -"FORE-CONTROL, there! Anything to report?" - -It was ten and a half hours after the light-cruiser squadron had left -Auldhaig. At thirty knots the light cruisers were approaching the -rendezvous mentioned in their sealed orders--orders that were no -longer secret, since they were opened and communicated within one -hour of clearing harbour. - -On either side of the cruisers, which were steaming in double column -line ahead, were the destroyers--long, lean, and eager to be released -from the leash that held them to that comparatively modest thirty -knots. - -For the sixth time in the last hour the Commodore had asked the -question. His impatience was natural. Visibility was good, and from -the lofty eerie of the fore-control platform a wide expanse of -horizon lay revealed. - -Before the fore-control could reply, the navigating lieutenant, who -was standing by the Commodore on the bridge, threw back his head and -listened intently. - -Above the whine of the wind past the tautened wire shrouds and -sagging aerials came a long, low rumble. - -"Gunfire!" he announced laconically, yet there was keen anticipation -in his tone. - -"Quick-firers," added the gunnery lieutenant. - -"Suppose it's too much to expect--to find Fritz's battle fleet out?" -remarked the navigator. "We'd shake 'em up a bit, I reckon." - -The Commodore smiled at the subordinate's enthusiasm for a -"hussar-stroke" of the light, swiftly-moving vessels against the -heavily-armoured battleships of Germany. - -"We'll think ourselves more than lucky if their light cruisers are -out," he replied. "Lucky if there are only destroyers. If----" - -He broke off abruptly to receive a message through a voice-tube. - -"Good enough," he replied. "Increase speed to thirty-four," he -ordered. "Keep her as she is, Quartermaster." - -"Is it they, sir?" asked the gunnery lieutenant. - -"Look-out has reported a smoke-screen dead ahead," replied the -Commodore. "We'll be seeing the enemy ships above the horizon in a -few minutes." - -"Then my name's Johnny Walker, sir," said the gunnery officer -whimsically, as he hurried off to his post to superintend the firing -of the long-distance salvoes. - -A signal was hoisted to the signal-yard arm of the flagship. Hardly -had it appeared ere a similar hoist appeared "at the dip" on every -ship of the squadron--there to pause for a brief instant before being -hauled "close up." - -It was a signal well understood, although the opportunities for its -use were few and far between. It signified "Enemy in sight; prepare -to open fire." - -"Enemy torpedo boats beating east by north, sir," came the welcome -news. "Heavy firing from the leading boats." Then, fifty seconds -later: "One blown up, sir.... Another on fire." - -Moments of suspense followed. Would the Huns, intent upon battering -the vessel that the approaching flotillas were bent upon rescuing, -spot the presence of the British light cruisers and destroyers before -they drew within effective range? - -Up in the fire-control station the range-finding officer was calling -out the range, much like an intonation: "Twelve thousand yards... -eleven thousand yards... ten thousand----" - -A flash, immediately followed by a loud report, gave very audible -warning that the flagship had opened the ball. The officers and men -on the bridge could follow the flight of the spinning projectile, -until it was lost to sight in the blue atmosphere. But they knew it -was hurtling and climbing to an immense height, thence to drop, still -with terrific speed, until it burst where, according to the highest -efforts of ballistic science, and when it was intended to do--to the -detriment, physical and moral, of the King's enemies. - -Simultaneously the leading light cruiser of the port division opened -fire, the following vessel executing an echelon manoeuvre in order -that they too could join in the grim carnival of battle and sudden -death. - -The hitherto flanking destroyers were now, with two exceptions, far -ahead, one division steering east by south in order to cut off, if -possible, the enemy's retreat behind the Heligoland batteries; the -other was pelting east-north-east to frustrate Fritz's flight round -the northernmost point of Denmark. The exceptions were the T.B.D.'s -_Pylos_ and _Polyxo_, on board of which their officers fumed in -impatient and excusable wrath while sweating engine-room artificers -were desperately striving to effect repairs to defective condensers. - -So at a modest fifteen, soon afterwards increased to twenty-two, -knots, the _Pylos_ and _Polyxo_ followed their more fortunate -competitors in the "Fritz Stakes." To all appearances they were "out -of it" and numbered amongst the "Also Rans." Yet they held on, hoping -like Mr. Wilkins Micawber that something might turn up. - -Already Fritz had turned tail. Under cover of a heavy smoke-screen -the remaining Hun torpedo boats were "legging it," steering zig-zag -courses in order to avoid, if possible, the long-range shells that -followed with uncanny accuracy. And they were steering neither for -the Bight nor for the Kattegat. The Zeppelin, that had been hovering -around throughout the operations, had given warning of the -outflanking British destroyers, and they were making for a place of -security which is recognised as such by the navies of the world save -that of Germany--the three-mile limit of a neutral seaboard. - -The light cruisers opened outwards to avoid the far-flung line of -artificially-created fog. It was unwise to penetrate that screen. A -Hun torpedo boat at bay might seize an opportunity to "slap a -tinfish" into an opponent at close range, or U-boats might be lurking -in the fringe of the pall to claim a victim. - -The _Pylos_ and the _Polyxo_, jogging along, held straight on. By the -time they reached the fog-screen the smoke would have lifted, and -there was a chance that they might pick up some of the light -cruisers' leavings in the shape of a few Huns. - -It so happened that a sudden dispersal of a part of the smoke-screen -under the steady westerly breeze revealed to the _Polyxo_ what -appeared to be an intact hostile torpedo boat with her engines broken -down. She was still flying the Black Cross Ensign. - -Gleefully the destroyer altered helm, let fly with her bow -quick-firer, and prepared to send Fritz to the bottom by means of a -torpedo. - -But Fritz objected. He had had no compunction at firing, together -with half a dozen of his kind, at a solitary British Q-boat; and he -had been considerably surprised when the Q-boat had chopped off -twenty or thirty feet of her stern. But when a destroyer suddenly -loomed out of the fog, the panic-stricken kapitan-leutnant promptly -gave orders to lower the Black Cross Ensign and substitute one that -was as blank and pale as his face. - -While the officers and men of the _Polyxo_ were enjoying a -performance of the "Kamerad" order, the _Pylos_, slower than her -consort, butted up against what she took to be at first sight a Hun -submarine, down by the head and with practically all her top hamper -gone. From her mast-head hung a flag, tattered, torn and dun-coloured -by smoke and dust. - -"By Jove!" ejaculated the astonished lieutenant-commander of the -_Pylos_. "It's Q 171." - -Every officer and man on board the destroyer had been firmly -convinced that the mystery ship had been sunk. Indeed it seemed -incredible that the lightly-built vessel could have withstood a -hammering from half a dozen relatively heavily-armed ocean-going -torpedo boats, and yet remain afloat. - -On the Q-boat's deck were standing ten or twelve grimy men, stripped -to the waist, and for the most part wearing bandages. There were -others--some sitting with their heads supported by their hands, -others stretched motionless. - -"Pass the word for the surgeon," ordered the lieutenant-commander, as -he rang for "half-speed" and then "stop." - -Adroitly manoeuvred, the _Pylos_ ran alongside the cruelly battered -Q-boat and made fast. A sub-lieutenant, the surgeon and a dozen hands -boarded the disabled boat. - -"Not an officer left standing, sir," reported a chief petty officer, -whose rank was indicated only by a battered peak cap set at a raking -angle on his head and partly counterbalanced by a stained bandage. -The rest of his attire consisted of a pair of trousers hanging in -shreds below the knees, and the remains of a singlet that failed to -conceal a lacerated wound on the man's broad chest. "And only a -handful of us--mostly engine-room ratings." - -Leaving the doctor and his assistants to deal with their grim and -stupendous task, the sub-lieutenant proceeded to investigate the -state of the ship. A decision had to be arrived at with the utmost -promptitude--whether she should be sunk or steps taken to tow her -back across the North Sea. - -Her bows were battered and the for'ard compartment flooded. Beyond -that she seemed fairly water-tight. Her engine-room was practically -intact, although there were several gaping holes just above the -water-line. - -"I think we can save her yet," decided the Sub--a lad of nineteen, -with the mature judgment of one who has seen three years of naval -warfare. - -He made his way aft, encountering the surgeon. - -"A hard case, Pills," he remarked. "How many casualties?" - -"Seventeen killed," was the reply. "Nine wounded. The disparity shows -that she must have had a gruelling. There are only eight men fit to -carry on, and most of them have scratches or are shaken up by the -concussion. There are three officers right aft--all badly knocked -about." - -Lying side by side, close to the disabled after quick-firer, were -Morpeth, Wakefield and Meredith. A short distance away was all that -was mortal of young Ainslie. - -Morpeth was unconscious, his left arm shattered below the elbow and -his skull laid bare by a fragment of shell. Wakefield, already under -the influence of morphia, was lying on his back, staring blankly at -the tattered White Ensign. Aware that something was wrong with him, -he was ignorant of the fact that four pieces of German shells were -finding a temporary lodging in his body. For the present, he was -serenely happy--not solely on account of the morphia injection, but -because he realised that he had "seen it through," and that Q 171 was -still flying the flag that symbolises the real Freedom of the Seas. - -Next to him was Kenneth Meredith, his bandaged head supported on a -coir fender. Seeing the destroyer's sub-lieutenant, he made an effort -to rise. - -"Now lie still, my lad," said the doctor kindly, but authoritatively. -"You can tell us all about it when we get you in the sick bay." - -He turned to his companion. - -"That youngster's got something on his chest that he wants to get rid -of," he remarked. "I can't make out what he wants. P'raps you can. It -will relieve his mind." The Sub of the _Pylos_ knelt by Meredith's -side. - -"Well, what is it?" he asked. - -Kenneth moved his lips in a vain endeavour to speak. - -"This won't hurt him, I suppose?" inquired the sub-lieutenant, -producing a spirit flask. - -"Only a small nip," replied the doctor, as he busied himself with -another case. - -Kenneth drank the proffered brandy. The spirit put fresh life into -him. He raised himself and pointed below, but no words came from his -lips. - -The Sub of the _Pylos_ looked puzzled. - -"It's all right," he replied soothingly. "She's as tight as a bottle. -We'll tow her in yet." - -Meredith shook his head. - -"I'm on the wrong tack evidently," thought the Sub. "I wonder if he -can write down what he wants." - -He handed Kenneth a pencil and notebook. The wounded officer took -them eagerly and, with trembling fingers feebly grasping the pencil, -he wrote: - -"Prisoners still below." - -"Good enough," exclaimed the other. "I'll see to that." - -Kenneth smiled, closed his eyes, and relapsed into unconsciousness. - -* * * * * - -Accompanied by a couple of hands, the sub-lieutenant of the _Pylos_ -went below and hurried aft. - -Stretched at full length in the narrow alley-way was one of the -mystery ship's crew. He had been detailed at the commencement of the -action to mount guard outside the compartment in which von Preugfeld -and von Loringhoven had been placed. His orders were, in the event of -the ship beginning to sink, to liberate the prisoners and give them -an equal chance with their captors of saving their lives. - -Unknown to the rest of the crew, the sentry had been rendered -insensible, apparently by concussion only, for no marks of injury -were visible. - -They found the key of the compartment lying on the floor within a few -inches of the man's hand, but no amount of persuasion could shoot -back the wards of the lock. They had jammed possibly through the same -shock that had rendered the bluejacket unconscious. - -"Stand clear inside there!" shouted the Sub warningly; then, placing -the muzzle of his revolver a few inches off the door, he fired and -shattered the lock. - -The sight which met his eyes was an unexpected one. Ober-leutnant -Hans von Preugfeld was lying on his back with a ghastly wound in his -chest. Even in death his heavy Prussian features looked grim and -forbidding. - -In the far corner von Loringhoven was leaning against the bulkhead, -pale-faced and terror-stricken, with three fingers of his right hand -torn away. - -"You're all right, old bean!" exclaimed the sub-lieutenant of the -_Pylos_. "You'll enjoy the hospitality of Donnington Hall yet. Come -along and let's see what our doc. can do for you." - -In spite of every precaution that Morpeth had taken to safeguard his -prisoners, Nemesis in the shape of a German shell had overtaken von -Preugfeld. Placed for his protection as far below the water-line as -possible, the ober-leutnant had been slain by a three-pounder shell, -which, without exploding, had penetrated Q 171's side about two feet -above the water-line. Glancing from the underside of the metal base -of one of the triple torpedo-tubes, the missile had been deflected -downwards. Penetrating the roof of the prisoners' cell, the pointed -missile had gone completely through von Preugfeld's body and had -ended its career by pulverising von Loringhoven's fingers and jamming -the door. - -By the time the Sub returned to the deck the work of rendering first -aid to the wounded was accomplished. The _Polyxo_, having transferred -the German crew as prisoners from the torpedo boat that Q 171 had -rammed, was engaged in sending to the bottom the still floating -portion. Already the light cruisers were returning, having been -robbed of the fruits of complete victory by their foe taking shelter -in neutral waters. - -Twenty minutes later Q 171, taken in tow by the _Pylos_, was on her -way back to Britannia's shores. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII - -THE HOMECOMING - - -"IT'S time those scallywags of ours put in an appearance, -Sparrowhawk," remarked Colonel Greyhouse of the Auldhaig Air Station. -"They reported from Leith two days ago. We're short-handed, and -there's a patrol needed to escort the light cruisers back." - -"Quite true, sir," agreed Major Sparrowhawk. "I'll 'phone through. -Because they had a joy-ride on a Q-boat is no excuse for kicking -their heels around Leith and Edinburgh." - -"And how's young Pyecroft?" inquired the C.O. - -"Reported for duty this morning, sir," replied the second-in-command. -"I asked him if he wanted sick leave and he declined." - -Colonel Greyhouse raised his eyebrows in surprise. Never before had -he known of a case of a junior officer refusing leave. - -"Wonder what his game is?" he remarked, as he gathered his cap, -gloves and stick from an untidy heap on the ante-room table. - -Before the second-in-command could think of a suitable reply, the -door was thrown open and the three absentees filed into the -room--Captain Cumberleigh leading, followed by Lieutenants Blenkinson -and Jefferson. - -"Detained at Area Headquarters, sir," reported Captain Cumberleigh. - -"All right," rejoined the C.O. drily. "As it happens, you're just in -time, Major Sparrowhawk will give you your orders." - -He went out, leaving the three returned officers exchanging inquiring -glances. - -"The light-cruiser squadron went out yesterday to give a leg-up to -your pals in Q 171," explained the major. "There are U-boats knocking -about off the north of the Dogger. The C.O. wants a couple of blimps -to go out and get in touch with the cruisers." - -"And Q 171: what of her, sir?" asked Blenkinson. - -The major shook his head. - -"No news has come through," he replied. "Apparently you fellows had -an exciting time." - -"Rather, sir," exclaimed Jefferson. "I suppose Pyecroft told you -everything up to the time we lost sight of him. Plucky blighter, -Pyecroft!" - -"There's one point I'd like to mention, sir," remarked Cumberleigh. - -"What's that?" asked Major Sparrowhawk. - -"You owe me a double whisky," said Cumberleigh solemnly. - -"By Jove, I do!" admitted the second-in-command. "You were right -about that Fennelburt fellow. They are on his track, but I've had no -news of his capture." - -"That's why we were detained," explained Cumberleigh. "There's a -'tec--Entwistle is his name--on the spy's track. Almost nabbed him at -York, but he managed to slip through the 'tec's fingers. This -Entwistle came to Leith to ask us certain questions. It appears that -Fennelburt's real name is Karl von Preussen, and he's a don hand at -the game." - -It was early on the following morning that the light-cruiser flotilla -came into Auldhaig Harbour. All had their funnels blistered and -stripped of paint, testifying to the efforts of the engine-room staff -to break all records in the matter of speed. After them came the -destroyers, a few showing signs of having been in action. - -In single column line ahead they stole on at reduced speed, their -passing greeted with resounding cheers from the crews of the vessels -at anchor and from dense crowds of spectators who lined the shore. -Silently, as if too modest to take unto themselves any credit for -what they had done, the cruisers went to their appointed -mooring-buoys and the destroyers disappeared from view within the -entrance to the large basin in Auldhaig Dockyard. - -But still the crowd refused to disperse. - -They expected something more. Even the bald official Admiralty -announcement--"One of our Light-Cruiser Squadrons, supported by -destroyers, sighted and engaged enemy forces in the North Sea. Three -enemy destroyers were sunk; the rest escaped, apparently heavily -damaged. Our casualties were light"--had failed to keep one of the -salient features of the action a secret. The inhabitants of Auldhaig -remained on the shore, expecting, and were not disappointed of, a -spectacle. - -Well in the rear of the flotilla came three vessels, one towing -another and the third steaming slowly a cable's length astern. -Overhead, their envelopes glistening in the sunlight, were three -coastal airships. - -As the expected vessels drew nearer telescopes and field-glasses were -levelled in a formidable battery by the throng. - -"That's the _Inattentive_, sure," declared a man who wore a silver -badge and had the appearance of a sailor despite the fact that one -coat-sleeve was empty and pinned across his breast. "She's got the -Q-boat in tow. Looks like the old _Pylos_ coming up astern." - -"Looks like a U-boat in tow," remarked another spectator. "P'raps -they've captured her before her crew could sink her--dirty dogs!" - -The Silver Badge man handed his telescope to a boy and tapped the -second speaker on the shoulder. - -"Look here, my man!" he exclaimed. "She's flying a flag, isn't she? -What flag is it?" - -"White Ensign--half-mast high," replied the other. - -"Then what d'ye mean by saying she's a blinkin' U-boat?" demanded the -ex-bluejacket hotly. "If she were, you'd be seein' that White Ensign -flyin' over Fritz's rotten ensign. That, I tell you, is the Q-boat -our light cruisers went out to bring in. And they've jolly well done -it, too. Stand by, you chaps, an' give her a proper British cheer." - -Slowly, very slowly, the _Inattentive_ passed the Outer Bar Buoy, and -turning close in shore followed the line of buoys marking the -approach channel to Auldhaig Harbour. - -The spectators wanted a sight. What they saw was a long hull, -battered and scarred. The deck was little more than a litter of torn -and riddled steelwork, but conspicuous among the debris was the -muzzle of a dismounted quick-firer that tilted at an acute angle to -the sky. Right aft a space had been cleared, and on it were rows of -motionless figures wrapped in canvas hammocks. Clustered round the -hastily repaired stanchion-rails were a few bandaged heroes whose -appearance resembled that of tramps rather than British bluejackets. - -Cheers? Not a sound. At the sight of the half-masted Ensign and the -gallant dead lying upon the deck of the ship that they had fought so -well, the desire to cheer was quelled. As if by a common impulse the -crowd stood silent and bareheaded, as a tribute to those who had laid -down their lives for King and Country. - -But "Tough Geordie," Wakefield and Meredith were ignorant of the -silent tribute. They were still unconscious. - -With those dishevelled but undaunted survivors of her crew standing -at attention, Q 171 glided past the port flagship, the towing hawser -was slipped, and the battered mystery ship, taken in charge of a -dockyard tug, was safely berthed alongside the jetty. - -Ambulances were already in attendance, and the work of transferring -the wounded to the naval hospital was immediately put in hand. - -Wakefield opened his eyes as he was being carried up the broad steps -into the building. Morpeth had a partial return to consciousness -almost at the same time. - -Looking round at the unfamiliar surroundings, he appeared to be -solving some perplexing problem. His last conscious vision as he lay -with a shattered arm upon the deck of the ship he had handled so -magnificently was that of a man scrambling through the smoke and -across a pile of debris to the triple torpedo-tubes. He watched the -unknown hero fumbling over the releasing levers until at last a "tin -fish" leapt from the only serviceable tube. Then in a swirl of -pungent smoke the vision grew blurred and faded into nothingness. - -"What I want to know is," he exclaimed with startling clearness, "who -the blue blazes fired that last torpedo? 'Tany rate, it got her -properly." - -And Wakefield smiled to himself and closed his eyes again. But -Kenneth Meredith was still in blissful ignorance of his surroundings. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX - -WHO FIRED THAT TORPEDO? - - -IT was close on eight o'clock on a clear October evening that Kenneth -Meredith, promoted to Lieutenant-Commander R.N.V.R., and having the -distinctive letters D.S.C. tacked on to his name, was pacing the -crowded departure platform at King's Cross. - -Six months was a big chunk out of a man's life--six months of -comparative idleness, spent partly in Haslar Hospital, partly in a -convalescent home on the South Coast, and latterly at his own home. -But carving fantastic-shaped pieces of shell--which, being German by -origin, showed decided tendencies to produce gangrene--out of a -patient and allowing the wounds to heal takes time, especially when -the fragments are lodged in close proximity to the spine. For some -weeks it was touch and go, but Meredith's record of clean living and -high vitality were in his favour. And now he found himself at King's -Cross, bound north to take command of M.L. 1497, attached to the -fleet at Scapa Flow. - -Only once since that memorable May evening when he travelled south in -a hospital train had Kenneth been in London. That was a fortnight -ago, when he had business at the Admiralty. Just outside the old -entrance he encountered a burly, bearded man with one arm in a sling -and the D.S.O. ribbon on his breast. It was Morpeth, very much down -in the mouth despite the fact that he had been decorated by his -Sovereign. The grievance was that "Tough Geordie's" sea-days were -over. Neither the Royal Navy nor the Mercantile Marine has a use for -a one-armed man. It was useless to remind My Lords that Nelson was -one-armed, besides possessing only one eye. _Autres temps, autres -moeurs_. So Morpeth was given a pension for wounds and sent out to -join the vast and ever-increasing throng of wounded heroes, to jog -along as best he might on a sum that, taking into consideration the -low purchasing power of a "Bradbury," was barely sufficient to keep -his head above water. - -Apart from that chance meeting, Meredith had heard from Morpeth but -twice. The R.N.R. officer was a bad correspondent at the best of -times, and now, hampered by physical disabilities, he simply could -not bring himself to put pen to paper. - -It was different as far as Wakefield was concerned. Wakefield, too, -had passed through some critical moments during his prolonged stay in -hospital, but from the first, even though he had to correspond -through the medium of a hospital nurse, he never failed to keep in -touch with his late subordinate and brother-in-arms. He had been -awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, and had been appointed to -M.L. 1499, also attached to the Scapa Flow Base. - -The two R.N.V.R. officers had arranged to travel north together; but -the hour fixed for the departure of the train was drawing nigh, and -Wakefield, who usually made a point of being half an hour too early -rather than half a minute too late, had not yet put in an appearance. - -Already Meredith had secured a doubleberth sleeping compartment and -had handed his compact kit over to the care of the guard. The -passengers were exclusively Naval, Military, or Air Force. -Bluejackets, holding their scanty kit in black silk scarves, were -conversing with khaki-clad Tommies equipped with rifles and bayonets, -"tin-hats" and other paraphernalia associated with that delectable -region known as "The Front." There were men, too, clad in tropical -uniform and wearing sun-helmets, whose appearance contrasted vividly -with a party of fur-clad Engineers about to leave for Northern -Russia. Amongst the officers, who for the most part had already -secured their seats and had bought evening papers from the -loud-yelling newsboys, could be seen every diversity of uniform. -Naval rig predominated, but there were khaki-clad infantry officers, -kilted Highlanders, R.A.F.'s in gorgeous if unserviceable light blue, -slouch-hatted Australians and Canadians, flat brim-hatted New -Zealanders, and a solitary subaltern of an Indian regiment wearing a -turban. One and all were going to be shed from the crowded train at -various stopping-places between King's Cross and Thurso, their -diverse ways governed by an all-absorbing factor--to break for ever -the menace of Prussian Kaiserism. - -Everywhere a cheerful spirit pervaded. The end was in sight. After -over four years of desperate fighting, in which there were dark -periods when it seemed as if Germany was having much her own way, -there were unmistakable signs that the Hun was "cracking up." On the -naval side things had been going steadily worse with her since the -glorious operations that resulted in the blocking of Zeebrugge and -Ostend. Almost from that time the submarine menace paled. Convoys of -merchantmen were continuously arriving unscathed at British ports; a -huge American army had been successfully transported across the -Atlantic, and the U-boats had been powerless to say them nay. -Rumours, that were subsequently confirmed, were in the air that the -Hun High Seas Fleet had been ordered out to commit _felo-de-se_ under -the guns of the Grand Fleet, and that the crews had declined to -sacrifice their lives even to please the whim of the arch -cannon-fodder provider, the Emperor Wilhelm. - -And on land things were no better for the Hun. His stupendous attempt -to break through at Arras had failed. Another desperate effort -against Paris had resulted in his masses being thrown back dispirited -and disorganised. All along the line between the North Sea and the -Swiss Frontier the field-grey troops were being pushed back, while -elsewhere their allies--Turkish, Austrian, and Bulgarian--were -practically "down and out." - -Amongst the naval people the news was received phlegmatically. -Rumours of a German naval mutiny had been received before--perhaps it -was a move on Germany's part to throw us off our guard. It seemed -impossible to think otherwise but that the Hun High Seas Fleet would -put to sea as a forlorn hope. British naval officers generously tried -to credit the Germans with a sense of honour approaching their own; -hence they could not expect anything else but a big scrap before the -end. It would be a foregone conclusion, but it would give the Huns a -chance to vindicate themselves and the British to clinch the -opportunity that they had missed at Jutland. - -While his fellow passengers were discussing the world-wide situation -in general and the naval one in particular, Meredith was still -keeping watch for his chum Wakefield. Almost at the last minute -Wakefield hove in sight, cheery and smiling as of yore, having in tow -a bearded, greatcoated individual whom Meredith recognised as "Tough -Geordie Morpeth." - -"Let's get aboard," exclaimed Wakefield briskly. "We can kag -afterwards.... Yes; Morpeth's coming along, too.... Never mind about -a porter; we'll sling this gear into the corridor. In you hop, -Morpeth. My word! it was a narrow shave, eh, what?" - -The three edged along the corridor, making their way over handbags -and portmanteaux until they came to the compartment Meredith had -secured. - -"Leave your kit here," he remarked. "I'll find the attendant and get -you a berth, Morpeth. S'pose you're going beyond York?" - -He looked inquiringly at the bearded R.N.R. man, who wore a brand-new -uniform under his sea-stained greatcoat. - -"Yes, to Scapa, too," he replied. "I've got a shore berth there. -Goodness knows how. Someone put their oar in for me--must have done. -Anyhow, it's good money and a chance to get afloat occasionally, so I -jumped at it. 'Fraid it's only for the duration though." - -And he sighed deeply. Like many another man whose heart and soul are -wrapped up in his work, he both longed for and dreaded the time when -"Fritz chucked his hand in." - -Meredith helped him off with his coat. - -"Jolly strange," remarked Morpeth, "being one-armed; but I'm getting -used to it. Often I can feel my missing fingers--absolute fact." - -He sat down on an upturned suit-case and proceeded to fill his -well-blackened pipe with a dexterity that surprised his companions. -"That's a thing I've no use for now," he added, indicating a razor -that Wakefield was removing from a handbag. "Being single-handed, in -a manner of speaking, gives me an excuse for not shaving." - -Just then a short, thick-set man in the rig of a commander R.N.R. -thrust his head through the doorway. - -"Sorry," he exclaimed apologetically. "Thought there might be a -vacant berth. Why, dash my wigs, it's 'Tough Geordie'!" - -"Anderson, my lad, delighted! Squeeze in. We'll find a tot of -something. I've a flask in my bag. Wakefield, an old chum of mine. -And this is a young chum--Meredith by name." - -"Let me see," remarked the commander. "Weren't you in a Q-boat? Yes, -I thought so. Had many exciting stunts?" - -"A few," replied Morpeth modestly. "One of the rummiest was when -Wakefield tried to knock paint off my old hooker with his -six-pounders, and I sank his little M.L." - -"Accidents will happen," quoted Commander Anderson. "I nearly sank -one of our own submarines once.... But your missing arm.... and the -D.S.O. ribbon--what about that?" - -"A little scrap," explained Morpeth. "I don't know why they gave me -the D.S.O., although they said I torpedoed a Hun destroyer. For -details ask Wakefield; he's our torpedo expert." - -Wakefield flushed hotly. - -"I don't know what you mean," he expostulated. - -The conversation flowed into other channels, continuing briskly until -someone suggested turning in. - -Anderson said good-night, and resumed his interrupted search for -somewhere to lay his head. Morpeth was about to follow Meredith to -the berth the latter had secured for him, when Wakefield called the -R.N.R. man back. - -"Say," he remarked, lapsing into one of his Canadian-acquired -expressions, "what did you mean when you told the merchant I was a -torpedo expert?" - -"Tough Geordie's" face wrinkled more than usual, as he playfully -prodded Wakefield in the ribs with the fingers of his remaining hand. - -"You're a sly dog, Wakefield," he chuckled; "but you can't get to -wind'ard of Geordie Morpeth. Happened to meet one of my ship's -company at Waterloo this morning, and he told me something that's -been puzzling me for months past. You were the blighter who slapped -that torpedo into the Hun torpedo boat; and that's what got me this." - -And he touched the bit of ribbon on his coat. - -"Tut, tut!" expostulated Wakefield. "No; I can't deny it since you've -taxed me with it. But let the thing drop, Morpeth. If you don't, I'm -hanged if I'll take you for a joy-ride in my M.L. as long as I'm at -Scapa Flow. So put that in your pipe and smoke it, you dear old -thing!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXX - -A NIGHT OF COINCIDENCES - - -IT was late on the following day when Meredith and his companions, -together with close on six hundred naval ratings and a corresponding -quantity of kit and baggage, found themselves dumped down upon the -platform at Thurso. The long Highland night had fallen, bringing with -it wind and rain in plenty, and altogether things looked too desolate -for words. It was bitterly cold, too, and occasionally drifting -flakes of snow eddied in the howling wind. - -"Cheerful sort of show, this!" exclaimed Wakefield, as he buttoned -the storm-flap of his waterproof coat. "Can't say I like the idea of -this part as a cruising-ground. Auldhaig was bad enough at times, but -this!" - -"Wonder our fellows could stick it, summer and winter, for over four, -years," remarked Meredith. "Hark at the roar of the surf! And -Thurso's in a bay, isn't it?" - -For the most part the bluejackets were accepting the conditions with -the same equanimity as when they fall in on the lower deck for -dinner. Clad in glistening oilskins, and gripping their bundles, they -formed up and marched off to a long shed to partake of refreshment, -laughing and cutting jokes like overgrown schoolboys. - -The officers, too, were sorting themselves out and drifting away in -search of a repast. Their baggage was left to take care of itself. -Far from the Metropolis, and free from the inconveniences of being at -the mercy of opulent and independent porters, Thurso was run strictly -on Service lines. There was no necessity on the part of the owners to -worry about their luggage. Under the supervision of a "baggage -officer" a crowd of bluejackets threw themselves upon the weird -assortment of "officers' effects," and in due course the luggage, -marshalled and sorted, would be transferred to various tenders for -conveyance to the Fleet. - -Presently the refreshment-rooms disgorged their temporary occupants. -Voices in the night were heard shouting, "Men for _Furious_ fall in." -"_Iron Dukes_ to the right." "Ninth Destroyer Flotilla men, this -way"--until the hitherto jumbled crowd of humanity was formed up into -a distinct semblance of order. - -In fours the bluejackets marched along the pier to embark on various -tugs and harbour craft that were to take them to their respective -ships across the wild Pentland Firth, their movements regulated by a -bull-throated piermaster, whose capacity for organisation alone, -apart from the cap, greatcoat and sea-boots, would have proclaimed -him to be a naval officer. - -At frequent intervals he would be interrupted to answer questions by -harassed officers and men, yet with the ease of a Cook's courier he -would supply the necessary information and then revert to his main -task of supervising the embarkation. - -"M.L.'s?" he exclaimed, in answer to Wakefield's query. "Take -passage in _Growler_. She's lying at No. 3 berth.... What's that? -Beach-master at Skelda Holm? H'm! let me see. Yes! you'd better carry -on with the M.L. party. You'll find a duty boat at Scapa." - -"So we don't part company yet awhile," said Morpeth. "Lead on, -Wakefield, and let's get out of the rain. I can stick plenty of salt -spray, but I'm hanged if I like this." - -They found the _Growler_, a tubby twin-screw tug, grinding against -the pier, massive rope fenders notwithstanding. On board were half a -dozen R.N.V.R. officers and about fifty men. The former eyed the -newcomers keenly, as if expecting to find former acquaintances. - -"Give us your paw, laddie. I am delighted to see you," exclaimed a -hearty voice, as a big, muscular hand gripped Meredith's shoulder. -"Bless me, and Wakefield too!" - -"McIntosh!" ejaculated Meredith. "What are you doing here?" - -"I'll tell ye all in guid time," replied the R.N.V.R. officer, whose -shoulder-straps denoted that he was a Sub no longer but a full-blown -lieutenant. "But just tell me: where's that golf club of mine I gave -you to mend?" - -"'Fraid it's at the bottom of the North Sea," replied Meredith. "'All -goods left at owner's risk,' you know. But tell me when did you leave -Auldhaig?" - -"Last May," replied Jock gloomily. "After I lost that confounded -lighter my name was Mud. They gave me an M.L., but she's a swine. -She's known as the _Scapa Misfit_--an' she is," he added bitterly. -"There's been three fires in the galley--petrol stoves are a -curse--once I stove her bows in 'cause the rudder chains jammed, and -now she's laid up with a fractured cylinder. Hope she is still!" - -"Chuck it, you bloomin' pessimist!" exclaimed Wakefield boisterously. -"Say you re glad to see us----" - -"I did," declared McIntosh. "And my Sub! He's what you'd call a -knock-out. I'll swop with you, Meredith. P'raps you could make -something of him--give him poison, or muzzle him, or shanghai him." - -"What's he done?" asked Kenneth. - -Before Jock McIntosh could go very far into the reasons why -Sub-lieutenant Jasper Clinch was the bane of his existence, the -piermaster came hurrying along the jetty. - -"Too bad outside," he yelled, addressing the skipper of the tug. -"We've just got orders to transfer the men to Wick. It will be an -easier passage." - -The master of the _Growler_ signified acquiescence. He gave a jerk at -the engine-room telegraph, shouted "Finished with the engines, -George!" and descended the bridge with the air of a man who has -suddenly come into a small fortune. In his case it was a stroke of -rattling good luck. Expecting a tempestuous trip across the swirling -"Swilkie"--one of the most dangerous "tidal races" round the British -Isles--he was greatly surprised and relieved to find that his orders -had been countermanded. - -One man's meat is another man's poison. This axiom was clearly -demonstrated when the order came for all officers and men to -disembark, entrain once more, and proceed to Wick--a railway journey -of about twenty miles, tedious enough when tacked on to long hours of -travelling. - -Upon arrival at Wick another surprise awaited Wakefield and Meredith, -for on the pier-head they encountered Jefferson and Pyecroft. - -"Cheerio!" exclaimed Jefferson. "So we are to be shipmates again! -Hope neither of us is a Jonah this trip. D'ye remember that old -lighter?" - -"Yes, rather," replied Meredith. "Coincidences are tumbling over one -another tonight. McIntosh, let me introduce you to Jefferson and -Pyecroft. They picked up the X-barge you lost." - -"They were welcome to her," remarked McIntosh. "So you fellows saw -the inside of a U-boat?" - -"Yes," admitted Jefferson. "I did. Pyecroft, here, preferred a swim -in the North Sea. By the by, Meredith, old Cumberleigh's knocking -around somewhere. He was on the pier five minutes ago. We're off to -Stenness Air Station--it's not far from Scapa--for aerial -observation duties. Hello! This our boat?" - -A large, two-funnelled vessel was approaching the jetty, her decks -deserted save for a few muffled and greatcoated passengers. Usually -she brought a full complement of liberty men from the Grand Fleet, -but now, in anticipation of a move on the part of the Hun Navy, all -leave had been stopped. - -"Better than crossing in a tug," commented Wakefield. "And we'll be -under the lee of the land till we clear Duncansbay Head. Hello! -here's Cumberleigh. Cheerio!" - -Greetings were exchanged between the R.A.F. captain and the R.N.V.R. -officers, while Morpeth came in for a fair share of congratulations. - -"Thank goodness I found my sea-legs aboard your old hooker, Morpeth," -remarked Cumberleigh. "My word, there's a swell running!" - -The steamer made fast. The wire hawsers were made fast and the -gangways run out. - -"Bless my soul," ejaculated McIntosh, pointing to a cloaked figure -descending the gangway, "'if that isn't my Sub! Wonder what he's -doing here?" - -He detached himself from the crowd and confronted Sub-lieutenant -Jasper Clinch. - -"Hello, Sub!" he exclaimed. "Got leave?" - -"No," was the reply. "No such luck. The S.N.O. ordered me to -Auldhaig. There's a Court of Inquiry about something. Has the train -left yet?" - -Jefferson nudged Cumberleigh in the ribs. - -"Good enough!" exclaimed the R.A.F. captain, and to the surprise of -everyone standing around, the two officers literally leapt at the -astounded Clinch. - -Before the latter had time to consider the situation he was lying on -his back on the wet and muddy jetty, with Cumberleigh sitting on his -chest and Jefferson gripping his ankles. - -"Find the A.P.M., somebody," exclaimed Cumberleigh in an exultant -tone; "or a picquet will answer the purpose. Now then, Captain -Fennelburt, or whatever you call yourself--no, don't wriggle, it's -bad form--there's no need to worry about the Auldhaig train. You'll -soon be in safe quarters, my festive!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI - -THE GREAT SURRENDER - - -"SUPPOSING the Huns won't sign," remarked Wakefield, somewhat -wistfully. - -"They will," said Meredith reassuringly. "We've got them -cold--absolutely." - -"And the sooner the better," added Jock McIntosh. "It was a close -thing to say who would be fed up first--Fritz or us. Fritz did win -that, but by a short length." - -"You are speaking for yourself, my lad," said Wakefield. "You can -see your release in sight, but I'll bet you'll be wishing yourself -back again before you're out six months." - -It was the morning of the memorable 11th day of November. The three -M.L. skippers, just back from patrol, had foregathered in the -ward-room of No. 1497 during the period known as "stand easy." - -The M.L.'s were lying in a fairly sheltered creek--one of the -numerous indentations of Scapa Flow. Beyond a neck of rocky ground -could be discerned a forest of tripod masts and lofty funnels, -marking the war-time anchorage of the most powerful fleet that the -world has yet seen. - -"You are a bit far-seeing, my festive," remarked Meredith. - -"I am," admitted Wakefield. "After four years of it, are we going to -settle down to a humdrum life, rubbing shoulders with those blighters -who stayed at home and made pots of money out of the Empire's days of -supreme trial? Can you imagine yourself, Meredith, on the beach with -all your kit, demobbed and with nothing to do? It'll come to that. -The Government were jolly glad to get hold of us, and when the war is -over it'll be a case of 'Thank you and get out.' There will be -thousands of young fellows, used to command and innured to peril, who -will be literally on their beam ends, because they never had the -chance of completing their peace-time education." - -"There's the sea behind us," suggested Meredith. - -"Is there?" questioned Wakefield, "I doubt it, unless it's potting -around in private yachts and small sailing-boats. We've learnt to -handle M.L.'s pretty efficiently, but after the war you try for a -post as skipper of a trading steamer. Think you'll get it? You won't. -You'll be up against all the red tape of Board of Trade officialdom -and all that sort of thing. But Fritz hasn't accepted the terms of -the Armistice yet." - -"By the by," remarked Kenneth. "Have you heard any more news of -Cumberleigh's pal, Karl von Preussen?" - -"Now, how could I?" expostulated Wakefield. "Haven't we been on -patrol for umpteen hours? Just before we left we heard that he was -being sent under escort to London." - -"He's a plucky fellow, in any case," observed McIntosh. - -"Deucedly daring," corrected Wakefield. - -"I don't know," remarked Meredith. "It may be pluck or daring, or -both. Hanged if I should like the job! Yet both sides employ spies. -These fellows go about their work with the utmost certainty of -finding themselves up against a wall and looking down the muzzles of -a dozen rifles if they're caught." - -"Seems to me it's a despicable sort of job," said Wakefield, as he -relit his pipe. "Sort of stabbing-your-foeman-in-the-back business. -If, for instance, von Preussen hadn't been at Auldhaig the chances -are that Morpeth wouldn't have lost his arm, and a dozen or so Q -171's men wouldn't have been killed in action." - -"And yet, from von Preussen's point of view, his activities resulted -in two Hun submarine-cruisers being prevented from being sent to the -bottom," argued Meredith. "Put the boot on the other foot and imagine -von Preussen working for us, you'd say he was a dashed smart fellow. -Hello! here's Cumberleigh coming alongside." - -A dinghy had just brought the R.A.F. captain from the beach, and -Cumberleigh was looking down the ward-room ladder. - -"Come down," sung out Meredith, who, since the informal gathering was -held on his M.L., was master of the ceremonies. "We're discussing -your friend, von Preussen. We were debating whether he were plucky or -not." - -"He's slippery, at any rate," declared Cumberleigh, as he settled -himself in one comer of the settee and lit a cigarette. "You know I -was warned as a witness at the court-martial. Rotten job giving -evidence against a fellow. To my mind it's like murdering him in cold -blood. I was to have left for London this afternoon, but this morning -I had a wire postponing the most unpleasant duty. Then I learnt from -the adjutant that von Preussen was at liberty again." - -"Released?" asked Meredith and Wakefield in one voice. - -"After a fashion," replied Cumberleigh. - -"Details please?" - -"There are none--except that he managed to escape. However, I don't -fancy von Preussen will count after to-day. The Armistice----" - -"Has it been signed?" asked McIntosh. - -Before Cumberleigh could reply there came a low roar of distant -cheering, accompanied by the hooting of steam whistles and the -long-drawn boom of sirens. - -"By Jove!" exclaimed Wakefield. - -The four officers started to their feet and scrambled indecorously -for the ladder. Gaining the deck, they found the signalman of the -anchored M.L.'s taking in a message from the swiftly moving arms of a -shore semaphore. - -"What is it, Signalman?" inquired Meredith. - -"'Report rounds of quick-firing ammunition on board,' sir," was the -unexpected reply. - -But on the heels of the first came a second signal---- - -"ARMISTICE SIGNED." - -The M.L. crews cheered lustily. Hostilities had ceased. Gone, for all -time presumably, were those long, tedious vigils on the grey North -Sea, those hazardous patrols through the mine-infested waters, those -anxious nights when, blow high or blow low, the frail little craft -had to put to sea on an apparently trivial errand. - -Germany had caved in. Without striking a blow, the powerful fleet -with which the Kaiser had hoped to wrest the trident from Britannia's -grasp was to pass into inglorious internment. The strangle-hold of -the British Navy had triumphed. - -More than that. The Freedom of the Seas was established more firmly -than before. In the subsequent words of Sir David Beatty, "The -surrender of the German Fleet has secured the Freedom of the Seas for -such as pass thereon upon their lawful occasions, and is a testimony -to the value of sea power which the people of the British Empire will -forget at their peril." - -A week later the vast anchorage of Scapa Flow was practically empty. -The Grand Fleet had left for the Firth of Forth to arrange the actual -surrender of the pick of Germany's battleships, cruisers and -destroyers. Of the U-boats the first batch of a total of 120 was due -to arrive at Harwich on the 20th, but "Beatty's Day" was fixed for -the 21st. - -"Here's luck, Meredith," exclaimed Wakefield. "Five of us are to -represent the M.L. flotillas, and have a joy-trip to meet Fritz. The -S.N.O.'s just drawn the names. You're one, and so am I, so pack up -and get ready. We're to be temporarily accommodated on board the -_Lion_." - -The Day dawned grey and misty as the mighty steel-clad battleships -steamed eastward to meet their surrendering foes. Grey predominated -everywhere, from the leaden-coloured skies to the leaden-hued water -churned by the propellers of a hundred grey-hulled warships. The -fluttering White Ensign and the Admirals' flags flying from the -leading ships of each division provided a fitting contrast to the -otherwise sombre yet soul-inspiring pageant of "Might and Right." - -"We're taking no risks," thought Meredith, as a bugle rang for -"Action Stations." "It only shows how low a Hun's honour is rated." - -Silently yet rapidly the battle-cruiser's ship's company fell in at -their appointed stations. The securing chains of the huge turrets -were cast off and the monster guns trained and elevated to test the -intricate mechanism. The quick-firers were manned and trained abeam, -ammunition was sent up from the magazines, torpedoes launched home -into the under-water tubes, fire hoses were coupled up and watertight -doors closed. Officers and men, with gas-masks ready to hand, were -keenly on the alert, those whose stations prevented them from seeing -what was going on without plying their more fortunate comrades with -eager questions. - -Kenneth and Wakefield were standing just under the fore-bridge. Above -them every tier of "Monkey Island" bore its quota of sightseers, all -looking steadily ahead into the grey mirk in a kind of competition as -to who should first discern the masts of the expected Hun ships. - -"Think they'll show up? If so, will they fight?" asked Wakefield. - -A naval officer standing by answered him. - -"They'll show up all right. As to fighting, it's a toss up. Judging -from our standpoint, I shouldn't be surprised if they did; but, by -Jove! they will be smashed in twenty rounds." - -The whirr of an aerial propeller sounded overhead, and a large -seaplane, literally skimming over the fore-topmast truck, raced -noisily eastward, and was lost to sight in the grey dawn. Another, -passing well to windward, followed, and then a huge airship, her -yellow gas-bag glinting in the pale light, sailed serenely overhead -at a great height. The scouts of the modern navy were at work. - -"They're coming, sir!" announced a messenger, as he flung himself at -the bridge ladder. "Airship's just wirelessed through." - -"Then that's done it--one way or the other," murmured the naval -officer. "I look like getting Christmas leave after all." - -Approaching rapidly, came the line of pale-grey Hun battle-cruisers, -led by the British light cruiser _Cardiff_. As far as could be seen, -they flew no ensigns. Either in fear or in shame they hesitated to -hoist the dishonoured Black Cross--the battle-cruisers had figured -prominently in the raid on Scarboro' and Hartlepool, and the Huns -were far from comfortable at the thought of their reception. - -The German vessels had rigorously carried out the conditions of -surrender. Their guns were trained fore and aft. The slightest -deviation from that position would invite a veritable tornado of -shells into the vitals of any ship that disregarded that command. -Their own supply of ammunition had been left ashore, together with -the war-heads of their torpedoes. The huge warships were like pythons -with their poisonous fangs removed--formidable in appearance yet -powerless to do harm. - -From the British flagship a string of bunting streamed in the wind. -With mathematical precision the two parallel columns turned sixteen -degrees in succession, so that the head of each line was parallel to -and on the same course as the leading German vessel. - -Simultaneously the Huns hoisted their colours. Surrounded by a galaxy -of White Ensigns, the Black Cross fleet was being shepherded into -captivity, while the British battle-cruisers, led by the _Lion_, -formed a supplementary column betwixt the Hun vessels and the British -battleships following the mighty _Queen Elizabeth_. - -The "Cat Squadron" had been within sight and within range of the -German battle-cruisers on more than one previous occasion, but for -the first time since the outbreak of war the former were almost -within hailing distance of the hitherto elusive but much-sought-after -_Seidlitz, Derfflinger, Moltke_, and _Von der Tann_. - -And so into the Firth of Forth passed the Hun Armada on the first -stage of the final journey to Scapa Flow. One signal did the gallant -Beatty make. It was brief, peremptory, and left in its exactitude no -possibility for doubt. It was sent to Admiral von Reuter, the -Commander-in-Chief of the surrendered fleet: - -"The German Flag is to be hauled down at 15.57 to-day, Thursday, and -is not to be hoisted again without permission." - -Precisely at sunset, the time mentioned in the signal, the Black -Cross Ensign fluttered down on every Hun ship--but von Reuter had his -tongue in his cheek. - -It was a fitting climax to the Bloodless Trafalgar of November 21, -1918. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII - -A NAVY IMPOTENT - - -THROUGHOUT the winter and the following spring Kenneth Meredith still -carried on at Scapa. Wakefield, too, was temporarily retained, but -otherwise the band of R.N.V.R. officers and men of the M.L. patrol -was steadily and rapidly diminishing. - -Almost brand-new boats would steam out for the last time, bound south -to lie, neglected and forlorn, in a Hampshire river, where a tier, -four-deep and lengthening daily, was one of the many signs that the -Great War was practically over, even if Peace were not yet signed. - -Jock McIntosh was one of the first to be "demobbed." He went -smilingly, confident of the future, yet something about him seemed to -strike Meredith that his bright, almost jocular demeanour was a -little simulated. - -There were reductions amongst the Air Force people, too. Blenkinson -and Jefferson went almost at the same time, reluctantly, into an -unaccustomed world to start life afresh, as it were--Blenkinson into -an office, setting aside the "joy-stick" to take up the pen; -Jefferson into slightly more congenial surroundings--to wit, a large -motor business. - -Some months later Pyecroft went, via a demobilisation centre in the -south of England, to take up the almost forgotten threads of study at -an Engineering College. - -Of all the R.A.F. fellows who, by chance, had been Meredith's -comrades on board Q 171, only Cumberleigh remained, "carrying on" -until the order came for the Air Station to "pack up." - -During those months following the Armistice, Kenneth and Wakefield -saw a good deal of Cumberleigh. Although there was much work to be -done with the remaining M.L.'s, there was plenty of opportunity for -leisure, and it was not to be wondered at that after months of -strenuous and perilous occupation there was a decided tendency to -"slack." Joy-riding, both afloat and in the air, was freely indulged -in. For one thing, it "kept one's hand in," and it was better to make -use of both boat and machine than to allow them to rust and -deteriorate for want of use. - -Several times Meredith accompanied Cumberleigh on a flight in a blimp -over the interned German fleet. It was a novel sensation, driving -along at fifty miles an hour in a motor-propelled gas-bag above the -now impotent Hun navy and observing battleship, battle-cruiser, -cruiser and destroyer rusting at their respective moorings. - -"I can't imagine why we don't shunt those Huns," remarked -Cumberleigh, during one flight. The ignition of both motors had been -switched off and the blimp was floating almost motionless in the -still air. "They're supposed to be 'care and maintenance parties,' -but I'm hanged if I've ever seen them at work. The ships ought to -have been surrendered and prize crews put on board." - -"Wakefield and I were talking to a pukka commander on the very -subject," said Meredith. "He quite agreed that Fritz ought to be -shunted, but it appears that the Allied Council insists upon the -German ships being kept in a state of internment." - -"What for?" asked Cumberleigh. - -"Pending a decision as to their disposal," replied Meredith. -"Personally I think it's rather a good scheme towing the lot out to -sea and sinking them, as the Admiralty suggested." - -"Why?" asked the R.A.F. captain. "It would be a precious waste of -good material." - -"It would," agreed Kenneth; "but at the same time it would do away -with any danger of friction between the Allies as to the sharing-out -deal. Without a doubt it was the British Navy that brought about the -surrender. The Yanks, too, helped considerably. But neither we nor -the Americans want the ships. France, Italy and Japan might; but -there, you see, is a chance of squabbling. However, there they are, -and seem likely to remain until Peace is signed." - -"At the same time it's a risky business leaving Fritz on board," -declared Cumberleigh. "Everyone on the station is of the same -opinion, but, I hear, the Commander-in-Chief is helpless in the -matter. Virtually the ships are German territory, even though they -daren't hoist their dirty flags." - -"And we cannot board them to see what's going on," added Meredith. -"All we can do is to overhaul the weekly relief boat to see that she -carries no war material. There was a yarn knocking around that the -Huns were deliberately tampering with the big guns." - -"Yes," said Cumberleigh, "cutting deep grooves round the chases and -filling them in with putty and paint, so that if they were fired they -would burst and kill the guns' crews. That was authenticated, and -photographs printed showing Fritz's rotten trick." - -"The Hun relief boat's due to-morrow," observed Meredith. "Wakefield -and I have to meet her at the entrance to Pentland Firth. Like to -come along with us?" - -"Delighted," replied Cumberleigh, as he motioned to the mechanic to -"carry on." "Look there a minute," he added. "See that Hun just abaft -the after-turret?" - -Kenneth levelled his binoculars upon the deck of the ship -indicated--the giant _Hindenburg_. The blimp was barely five hundred -feet up, and at that height it seemed as if one could touch the -trucks of her mast with a fishing-rod. - -Standing on the quarter-deck was a burly German bluejacket. Others -were sitting or sprawling on the formerly almost sacred deck, where -no officer or man would step without saluting the Black Cross Ensign. -The fellow had his head thrown back and was gazing upwards at the -British coastal airship, the while making hideous grimaces and -shaking his fist, while his comrades were laughing at his antics and -doubtless applauding his expressions of anger. - -"Sort of thing you'd expect from a Hun," observed Cumberleigh. "He -knows we can't strafe him, so I suppose he thinks he's getting some -satisfaction in making faces at us." - -Meredith replaced his glasses. - -"Yes," he remarked. "Case of little things please little minds. Good -heavens! Can you imagine our fleet lying in captivity at Kiel? I -can't. And yet those fellows don't seem to realise their rotten -position in the slightest." - -"Well, we've seen all that there is to be seen," said Cumberleigh. -"Outwardly the Hun fleet seems _in statu quo_, but I'd like to know -what's going on 'tween decks." - -"And so would a good many people," added Meredith. - -The noise of the motors interrupted further conversation, as the -blimp, describing a graceful curve, headed for the distant sheds. - -The airship made a faultless descent. With plenty of hands available, -she was guided into her lofty stable, while Meredith, declining an -invitation to stay to lunch at the mess, bade Cumberleigh good-day. - -"And don't forget to-morrow," he added. "We are getting under way at -nine." - -At the landing-stage he encountered Morpeth. - -"Been up?" inquired "Tough Geordie." "I mean to have a trip aloft -before I finish here." - -"Find things a bit dull?" asked Kenneth. - -"A bit," admitted Morpeth. "Since the Grand Fleet pushed off there's -not much doing. A fellow gets sick of looking at a crowd of Hun ships -day after day and not knowing what's going on." - -"Eh?" inquired Kenneth curiously. - -"'Twouldn't have been my way with the brutes," explained Morpeth. -"Practically leaving them to their own devices. We made them come -out: why can't we put the stopper on them?" - -"What's the matter with your foot?" asked Meredith, noticing that his -"companion walked with a slight limp. - -"For over four years," he said, "I never had a chance to lay a Fritz -out. I don't call blowing a few dozen up the same thing. But I did -to-day. I was up beyond Stenness, where you know the Huns are allowed -the run of the show. Hanged if I didn't bear a woman yelling like -billy-o. So I ran up in double quick time and found three Huns -robbing her hen-roost. Took a fowl under her very nose, as cool as -brass. When they saw me they looked a bit scared, until they found -that I had only one arm and there was no one else about. Three of -them to a one-armed man is about their mark. They showed fight. So -did I. I forgot my missing arm and imagined I was handling Dagoes in -the old Foul Anchor Line. Biffed one right in the jaw, staggered -another on the solar plexus. The third hooked it." - -"And your foot?" - -"Travelled a little faster than the fellow who hooked it," replied -Morpeth grimly. "Three knots faster, I'll allow, but I forgot that I -was wearing thin shoes and not fat, solid sea-boots. By the way Fritz -yelled I reckon I hurt him more than he did me, and he won't go -robbing hen-roosts again in a hurry." - -"Have a trip to-morrow?" asked Meredith. "We're going out to look for -the Hun relief ship. Cumberleigh's coming." - -"Suppose I can manage it," replied Morpeth. "I'll fix it up with my -opposite number. Right-o. I'll be aboard by eight bells." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII - -THE RELIEF VESSEL - - -THE next day dawned bright and clear. Hardly a ripple disturbed the -placid surface of the Flow, although beyond the harbour the flood -tide was boiling and seething through the Pentland Firth, with a roar -that sounded like a continuous peal of thunder. - -M.L.'s 1497 and 1499 were ready to cast off when Cumberleigh stepped -on board the former--Meredith's command. Morpeth had forestalled the -R.A.F. officer by a good hour. - -"When do you pick her up?" inquired Cumberleigh, referring to the -German vessel bringing stores and relief crews to the fleet in -bondage. "I hope," he added anxiously, "that it won't be like that." - -He pointed to the turbulent tidal current. "We'll be miles outside -that," replied Meredith. "I expect to sight her fifteen or twenty -miles east of Duncansbay Head--off the Pentland Skerries, to be -exact. Hullo! Wakefield's moving." - -With much spluttering of exhausts, No. 1499 swung out, gathered way, -and headed for the open sea. - -"Let go for'ard... let go aft!" ordered Meredith. - -He invariably took the helm himself when leaving or approaching the -harbour. A true son of the sea, he delighted in feeling the kick of -the helm and the lift of the little craft to the curling waves. Yet, -sadly, he realised that the time was drawing near when no more would -he sail under the White Ensign and have the responsibility of -command. For the future he would either relegate to an amateur -yachtsman or go as a passenger on a pleasure steamer when he went -afloat. Vaguely he wondered whether it would be anything like holding -command. He thought not. - -He had had a letter from Pyecroft that morning. Pyecroft was -literally eating his heart out in Bournemouth, already utterly fed up -with civilian life. - -"I went up yesterday," he wrote. "They're running flights at two -guineas a head in a Handley-Page. Couldn't resist it; but, by Jove! -it was as dull as ditch-water having to watch another bloke at the -joystick. Just fancy paying two guineas, when I was paid twelve bob a -day in the Service for practically the same thing. And the price of -everything! I never realised it when I was in the R.A.F. I tell you, -it will knock the bottom out of my gratuity when I get it." - -"Sufficient is the day..." thought Meredith, and as the M.L. took -the first comber over her sharp bows and flung a shower of spray -completely over the fluttering pennant, he threw forebodings to the -winds. - -"Fine little boat, eh, what?" he exclaimed, addressing Morpeth, who -like an old war-dog was revelling in the sensation of being afloat -once more. "Take her, if you like." - -"Tough Geordie" did so with alacrity. To him it was a novel -sensation. Apart from the fact that he was no longer commander of a -vessel, and had perforce to spend his time superintending the -embarking and landing of bluejackets and naval stores, he had been -used to handling ships of large tonnage. To him No. 1497 appeared -like a swift skimming-dish, and required but little helm to make her -turn almost in her own length. - -"Fine little craft!" he declared enthusiastically. "Takes some -getting used to. I feel like a carter riding a Derby winner. Hello! -Destroyer on our starboard quarter." - -"Yes," said Meredith. "She stands by while we board--just a matter of -precaution, you know. We can run alongside a vessel; but if she took -on the boarding stunts he'd have to lower a boat." - -He gave orders for the M. L. to show her distinguishing number, then, -having received the acknowledgment from the destroyer, Meredith told -off one of the crew to take the helm. - -An hour and a half later the two M.L.'s arrived at the rendezvous. -There was no sign of the _Hohenhoorn_--the expected relief ship. - -"Another dirty trick of Fritz's to keep us barging about in a -seaway," bawled Wakefield through a megaphone. "Sorry I can't have -you fellows on board to lunch." - -"Don't want any, thanks," replied Cumberleigh feelingly. It was a far -different motion, running dead slow in an M.L., from that of the -heavily-ballasted Q 171. He was beginning to feel unpleasantly warm -in the region immediately below the buckle of his belt. - -"Nothing like a little rifle practice to buck a fellow up," shouted -Wakefield. "I'll tow a bottle astern. Bet you fifty cigarettes you -don't smash it in a dozen rounds." - -"Done," replied Cumberleigh; and the skipper of M.L. 1499 proceeded -to carry out his share of the programme. - -Even at a bare five knots the bottle was a difficult target as it -bobbed and zigzagged in the wake of the M.L. At the sixth shot -Cumberleigh began to lose his optimism; at the ninth he looked -positively glum; at the eleventh, that ricochetted clean over the -target, he turned to Meredith. - -"The barrel isn't leaded, is it?" he inquired. "I had the beastly -bottle dead on the sights every time." - -"One more to go," observed Kenneth. - -Cumberleigh raised the rifle to his shoulder, took careful aim, and -pressed the trigger. The bullet struck the water a couple of yards -beyond the untouched target. - -"You've won," shouted Cumberleigh. - -"Have you a pistol on board?" inquired Morpeth, who had been a silent -but interested spectator. - -"Yes," replied Kenneth. - -"I'll borrow it, then," continued Morpeth. "Ahoy, there! Will you -take me on the same terms?" - -"Right-o," replied Wakefield. - -"A hundred yards," commented "Tough Geordie," thrusting the weapon -under the stump of his left arm, and opening the breech to ascertain -that the chambers were loaded. - -Without any apparent effort, and with what appeared to be a careless -movement, Morpeth raised the weapon. - -"Bang! bang! bang!" it barked in quick succession. - -"A hit!" exclaimed Cumberleigh enthusiastically, as the bottle leapt -almost clear of the swirling wake. - -"No," replied Morpeth. "I've only cut the towline." - -Thrice more the heavy pistol barked. At the sixth shot the bottle, -smashed to fragments, disappeared from view. - -"Not bad," commented Morpeth modestly. "Considering the lively -platform, it wasn't a bad shot." - -"A capital shot, by Jove!" declared Kenneth. - -"S'pose I'm a bit out of practice," exclaimed the R.N.R. officer. "It -used to be a favourite pastime in the old Foul Anchor Line. You see, -if a Dago thought of using a knife, he'd consider twice when he knew -a fellow could shoot straight. For my own part, I'd as lief use my -fist in a close scrap, but you can't hit a periscope at two hundred -yards with your fist. One of our skippers shattered one at two -hundred--that was early in '15, when Fritz wasn't so careful as he -was later--and it wasn't all luck either. He was a good shot, and no -mistake." - -By this time Cumberleigh's threatened indisposition had passed away, -and when a little later the _Hohenhoorn_ was sighted he had -completely regained his sea-legs. - -In answer to an International Code signal the German vessel slowed -down, and finally lost way within a couple of cables' lengths of -Meredith's command. - -"Coming aboard?" inquired Kenneth, as No. 1497 ran alongside the -towering hull of the Hun ship. - -Cumberleigh mentally measured the length of the wire rope ladder that -had been let down from the vessel's bulwarks. Many a time he had -clambered out of the fuselage of a blimp at anything up to five -thousand feet, but the swinging monkey ladder as it flogged the side -of the rolling ship was quite another proposition. - -He was on the point of declining the invitation when, looking up, he -caught sight of a German officer regarding him with a supercilious -smile. - -"Yes, I'm coming," he replied. "But one minute." - -Meredith paused in the act of making a cat-like spring, and stepped -back a couple of paces. - -"What is it?" he asked. - -"See that fellow? He's an old acquaintance--von Preussen, to be -exact." - -"Never," declared Meredith incredulously. "He wouldn't dare risk it." - -"He has, at any rate," said Cumberleigh. "More, he knows we can't -touch him. Logically he's on German soil, and in a German vessel -that's been given safe conduct." - -"I suppose you're right," admitted Kenneth regretfully. "All I can do -is to report to the S.N.O." - -"That may stop his little game--for he's up to some mischief, I'll be -bound," said Cumberleigh. "Right-o, I'll follow you!" - -The boarding-party, consisting of Meredith, Cumberleigh, a petty -officer and two bluejackets, negotiated the ladder with no casualty -beyond a few barked knuckles. Meredith, receiving and returning the -German captain's salute, asked for the ship's papers. - -"And what is Herr von Preussen doing on board?" he demanded abruptly. - -"It vos mein order," replied the skipper of the _Hohenhoorn_. "Dis -Zherman scheep." - -"Quite," agreed Meredith. "At the same time I warn you that von -Preussen's presence will be reported, and it would be well if he -refrained from any activities that will certainly lead to trouble. -Now, I'll look under hatches." - -A systematic search of the holds revealed nothing in the nature of -the cargo beyond what was stated in the official documents. -Everything, apparently, was in order. - -"Now I'll see what's aft," declared the boarding officer. - -Again there was nothing to elicit suspicion, but as Kenneth passed -along the main deck he saw something covered by a tarpaulin. Lifting -one comer, there was what appeared to be a huge pile of evergreens. - -"What's that for?" he inquired. "It's rather too early for -Christmas." - -"Ja, Herr Kapitan," agreed the German. "Dese are for--how you call -it?--Ach, I haf it: wreaths. It is a Zherman officer that vos died, -an' dese are tribute from der Vaderland." - -"Then he must be deeply lamented," thought Kenneth, as he moved on. -Then, filled with well-grounded suspicion, he stopped abruptly. - -"Just shift those things," he ordered, addressing the two members of -the M.L.'s crew. "It would be well to see if anything's underneath, -although Fritz would, I take it, choose a craftier hiding-place." - -The men obeyed, the German officer making no protest. They were -genuine evergreens, and on plucking a leaf Kenneth found that the sap -was still fresh. - -"All right. Put them back and carry on," he ordered. - -Meanwhile, Karl von Preussen--spy, ex-officer of the Prussian Guards, -and now wearing a naval uniform--was holding Cumberleigh in -conversation. - -"Ah, good morning, Cumberleigh," he exclaimed with all the assurance -possible, and extended his right hand. "Delighted to see you again." - -"For what reason?" asked the R.A.F. captain, ignoring the Hun's hand. - -"It is good to meet old acquaintances," continued the unabashed -German. "Now the war is over we must be friends, and get back to our -old footing. I, for example, am looking forward to visiting London -again, but in a different capacity than on the last occasion." - -"Might I remind you that the war is not yet over," said Cumberleigh -coldly. - -"Practically so," protested von Preussen. "So let bygones be bygones. -I myself bear you no animosity for knocking me down on Wick pier. It -was an unfortunate mistake for me to have been there. I ought to have -known better. But on the other hand I thank you for your excellent -entertainment at the mess at Auldhaig. The lunch was splendid, but I -am afraid I cannot say the same for your entertainment of me on the -fishing expedition. It caused me a considerable amount of -inconvenience." - -"And more to me," added Cumberleigh. "By the by, what are you doing -on board?" - -"I am following a temporary post as assistant secretary to Admiral -von Reuter," explained von Preussen without hesitation. "It is mainly -on account of my knowledge of England and the English. I am sorry you -are so stand-offish, Captain Cumberleigh. It is hardly the way to -treat a man who has worn the same uniform as yourself. Remember me to -Jefferson, Pyecroft and Blenkinson, also other old acquaintances at -Auldhaig, if you should come across them. There is some one else I -should like to send a message to--a Mr. Entwistle. I believe you have -met him. Well, I see your friend has completed his examination of the -_Hohenhoorn_, so we must part. Until our next meeting!" - -"What has that poisonous blighter to say?" inquired Meredith, as the -boarding-party returned to the M.L. - -"A lot," replied Cumberleigh. "He's no fool, and in spite of his -assurances I firmly believe he's something up his sleeve. I'd like to -have him in irons as a matter of precaution." - -"Same here," rejoined Meredith. "But it can't be did, you know. He's -pinning his faith on the old saying, 'An Englishman's word is his -bond'; and there you are." - -"Precisely," admitted Cumberleigh. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV - -THE SCUTTLING - - -"I SAY, old bean!" exclaimed Cumberleigh. "Can you give me a good -tip?" - -"For what?" inquired Meredith cautiously. - -"It's like this," explained the R.A.F. officer. "I've three days' -leave. Why I've been granted it is a mystery, as one doesn't get much -in the R.A.F. without asking for it. However, that is a digression. -The bald facts of the case are I have three days' leave, which means -that I have to report for duty on Monday. Now it's perfectly obvious -that I can't get home and back in the time; I haven't the cheek to -wire for an extension, so what can I do to spend the time?" - -"You miserable blighter!" exclaimed Kenneth laughing, "Do you mean to -tell me you didn't know we were running round to Aberdeen?" - -"Guilty, m'lud," confessed Cumberleigh. "I may as well admit that I -was fishing for an invite. More'n that, I've packed my kit-bag in -anticipation of a sea-trip for the benefit of my health." - -It was now summer. In the warm long-drawn days the Orkneys were at -their best. Forgotten almost were those strenuous periods of patrol -amidst the fierce winter gales and snowstorms--or at least time -mellowed the reminiscences, partly obliterating the dark phases and -keeping alive the pleasing episodes of the Long, Long Trick. - -M.L. 1497 had been ordered to convey a small bulk of naval stores to -Aberdeen--articles urgently required but not sufficient to warrant -the use of a naval storeship. The run was a short one--a little over -100 miles. It would give the crew a few hours ashore to see the -sights of The Granite City. - -"Wakefield's not coming along, I suppose?" asked Cumberleigh. - -"No; he's on Inner Patrol," replied Kenneth. "I'm short-handed, too; -had to land my Sub yesterday. Got mumps or some other cheerful -thing--no, don't look alarmed. It was my mistake. Toothache. I knew -it was something with a swollen face about it. In a way it's a -blessing in disguise. There's a bunk waiting for you." - -Almost without incident, the run to Aberdeen was accomplished in -record time. The motors ran without a hitch, and carrying a -favourable tide most of the way M.L. 1497 averaged 19 knots "over the -ground." - -"Enough for to-day," remarked Meredith as the M.L. was safely -berthed, and he was changing into shore-kit in the ward-room. "I'll -give general leave till eleven to-night. One man will have to remain -on board. Now, then, Cumberleigh, my dear old thing----" - -"Gentleman to see you, sir," called out one of the men. - -"Who the----" began Meredith wonderingly. He had no acquaintances in -Aberdeen as far as he knew. But the next instant he gave an -exclamation of pleasurable surprise as a well-known voice exclaimed: - -"Eh, laddie, I thought 'twas you I saw coming in past the North -Pier." - -"Jock McIntosh, by the powers!" ejaculated Meredith. "Come on down. -By Jove! This is great--absolutely." - -It was Jock, but not the Jock of yore. McIntosh was rigged out in -civilian clothes of distinctly post-war quality. He had lost the -alertness that he had acquired, despite his heavy build, during his -service afloat. He descended the steep ladder awkwardly, his heavy -boots clattering and slipping on the brass treads of the steps. - -"Eh, lad," he remarked, "but you were about right. I'm downright -sorry I'm out of it. Life ashore is a bit dour, and when I saw you -bringing the old packet into harbour I'd have given my last shilling -to have been in sea-rig again." - -"Cheer up," said Meredith. "We'll all be in the same boat before very -long. Demobbing is going strong just at present. What are you doing -in Aberdeen?" - -"Buying a boat," replied Jock simply. - -"What? Buying a boat?" exclaimed Kenneth. "What sort of boat? I -thought you'd had enough of the sea." - -"A good many of us thought that," said McIntosh soberly. "I was -mistaken. It's the call of the sea, d'ye ken? So half a dozen of us, -all out of the Motor-Boat crush, have pooled and bought a drifter. -There's money in it... and we'll be afloat. You must come along, see -the old boat, and be introduced to the lads." - -"Glad to," replied Meredith. "So you're going fishing?" - -Jock shook his head. - -"No; coastal trade," he replied. "Running up along to Peterhead, -Frazerburgh, Banff and perhaps Wick. The autumn we'll go south. Some -of the fellows were in the Dover Patrol and at Scilly. There's -freight always to be picked up." - -"That chap's on a sound scheme," remarked Cumberleigh, when McIntosh -had gone ashore. - -"Yes; and he was always talking of what he was going to do on the -beach when the War was over," said Kenneth. "There were dozens of -M.L. fellows who ran yachts before the war. Now there's a chance--a -good chance--to combine business with pleasure and go in for the -coasting trade. It's worth thinking over." - -Early next morning M.L. 1497 discharged her small but valuable -consignment of Government stores, filled up with petrol, and awaited -instructions. Somewhat to Meredith's disappointment, came telegraphic -orders:-- - -"Proceed at once." - -"It means a night trip," observed Meredith. "Fortunately it's calm -and the nights are short. It will rather upset your leave, old man, -to find yourself back at Scapa to-morrow." - -"Anything wrong, I wonder?" asked Cumberleigh. - -"Don't suppose so," replied Kenneth. "Merely a brain wave on the part -of some shore-loafing minion in the S.N.O.'s office. However, 'a -norder's a norder; an' it's a nard life,' as I once overheard a -matloe remark." - -Apparently M.L. 1497 was in no hurry to return to her base, for -shortly after midnight her engines "konked." For some hours she -wallowed in the swell a few miles from the shores of Caithness, while -sweating mechanics struggled with sooted plugs and choked jets. - -It was broad daylight before the trouble was overcome, and the M.L. -was able to resume her interrupted return run. - -"I wonder what von Preussen is doing," remarked Cumberleigh, as the -rocky shores of the Orkneys appeared above the horizon. "Somehow I've -got the idea that he was up to some mischief when we spotted him -aboard the _Hohenhoorn_." - -"Shouldn't be surprised," agreed Meredith. "I reported the incident, -but nothing seems to have been done. Unfortunately our people are -hampered by the Allied Congress; otherwise the Huns wouldn't be on -board now--nearly six months after the Armistice." - -A quarter of an hour later Kenneth raised his binoculars. - -"Seems much the same old show," he observed. "Fritz is still -occupying the best berths in Scapa Flow. Wonder why we were recalled -so hurriedly? Hello! There's old Wakefield coming out to meet us." - -M.L. 1499 approached rapidly, then turning sixteen points to port, -drew within hailing distance. - -"What's wrong?" shouted Meredith through a megaphone. - -"Nothing, as far as I know," replied Wakefield. "Why are you back so -soon?" - -"Ask me another," rejoined Kenneth. "I was afraid we had orders to -pack up." - -"I've heard nothing more about demobilisation," said Wakefield. "So -it's not that." - -"Who said there was nothing wrong?" inquired Cumberleigh, pointing -with outstretched arm towards the German vessels. "They've hoisted -their ensigns." - -"So they have, by Jove!" exclaimed Meredith. "What does it mean? -Surely the Peace Conference blokes haven't restored the ships to -Germany? Wakefield, look! Germans have hoisted their colours." - -Somewhere in the grey distance came the report of a gun, followed by -another. A British destroyer was taking drastic measures to deal with -the flagrant breach of Beatty's peremptory order. - -"Whack her up!" ordered Meredith through the voice-tube. "All out." - -The motor mechanics responded smartly. M.L. 1497 simply tore through -the water. - -"They're sinking!" exclaimed Cumberleigh. "Every one of them. The -dirty dogs: they're scuttling the fleet!" - -There was no doubt about it. Already seven destroyers were awash. The -larger vessels were heeling with distinct rapidity. The giant -_Hindenburg_ was practically on her beam ends, while her meagre crew, -prepared for the consequences of the dastardly act, had already taken -to the boats and were watching the mammoth vessel in her -death-throes. - -Close by, the _Seidlitz, Derfflinger_ and other Hun battle-cruisers -were going down with flying colours, not gloriously in the heat of -battle but ignominiously scuttled by their crews. Further on the -_Bayern_, the most powerful battleship of the German navy, was -capsizing. With a loud crash her heavy guns in superimposed turrets -burst from their armoured bases. For a while the vessel's list was -checked, until, under the action of the terrific inrush of water -through her open sea-cocks, she lay completely over on her beam ends. -Then, still heeling, her barnacle-covered bottom and bilge-keel -showed above a smother of foam, like the back of an enormous whale. -The next instant she had disappeared. - -Already the crews of the M.L.'s 1497 and 1499 were at action -stations. On his part Kenneth Meredith realised that he could do -nothing to save the larger ships. There might be a chance of -preventing the foundering of some of the Hun destroyers, and he meant -to try. - -Passing astern of the line of sinking battle-cruisers, Kenneth made -straight for a large destroyer of the V-class that for some unknown -reason was settling down slower than her consorts. - -His course lay close to three or four boats manned by German officers -and bluejackets, who viewed the rapidly-moving M.L.'s with -considerable apprehension. Possibly they expected a few shells from -the patrol boats' quick-firers. Up went their hands above their -heads, and the now monotonous cry of "Kamerad!" rose from the craven -crews. - -Paying no heed to the boats, although the "wash" from the M.L. gave -the finishing touch to the "wind up" stunt, Kenneth brought his -command alongside the destroyer. Her crew were still on board, but -were preparing to take to the boats. - -With levelled revolver Kenneth climbed over the destroyer's rail and -covered the unter-leutnant in charge. - -"Have those sea-cocks closed instantly!" he ordered. - -For a moment the Hun hesitated, but the stern face and set jaw of the -Englishman gave him warning that delay meant trouble. He turned and -gave a hurried order to some of the men. They hurried below, while to -make sure that they would reclose the valves Kenneth ordered the -hatches to be secured until the work was properly done. - -Meanwhile two of the M.L.'s crew were at work for'ard, knocking out -the Senhouse slip, and thus freeing the vessel from her mooring. - -"All clear, sir!" shouted one of the hands. - -Returning to the M.L., Meredith ordered "Easy ahead, starboard -engine." - -Still lashed alongside, No. 1497 had a stiff task to tow the partly -flooded Hun, but gradually the two vessels gathered way. The nearest -shoal water was a bare two cables' length away, and great was -Meredith's delight when he heard the destroyer's forefoot grate on -the hard bottom. - -"She'll do: tide's falling," he observed. "Get those Huns out of it, -Cumberleigh. Order them to embark in their own boat and row ashore. -We may be in time to save another.... By Jove! I'll collar that -ensign as a souvenir." - -Although Cumberleigh boosted the Huns pretty severely, there was -considerable delay before M.L. 1497 could cast off. It was evident -that she had reached her limit in the salvage line. The Hun vessels -were nearly all gone. A few had been beached through the prompt -action of the British patrol and harbour service vessels. By the time -Meredith gave the order for "Easy astern," the vast anchorage, -crowded a brief half-hour previously, was now bare save for small -craft and boats laden with Germans, who, now that their act of -melodramatic bravado was accomplished, were wondering what the result -of their gross breach of faith would entail. - -There was flotsam everywhere. The water was covered with oil and -wreckage, and the M.L.'s and other craft had to exercise great -caution lest their propellers should foul the drifting planks and -spars as they cruised round, shepherding the Huns to a place of safe -custody. - -"By Jove! Look!" exclaimed Kenneth, calling Cumberleigh's attention -to a large circular mass of foliage. - -"Looks like a wreath," observed the R.A.F. officer. - -"Exactly," agreed Meredith. "There were dozens of them on board the -_Hohenhoorn_. The blighters said they were for an officer's -funeral--a ship's funeral, if you like. And there's another one." - -There were, in fact, scores, each wreath entwined with red, white and -black ribbons and bearing the name of the ship on which it had been -placed when the act of scuttling was performed--a circumstance which -tends to prove that the violation of the Armistice terms had been -connived at by the existing German government. - -"Who's that semaphoring?" asked Cumberleigh, indicating a steam -pinnace about three hundred yards away, in the stern-sheets of which -a bluejacket was waving a pair of hand-flags. - -Kenneth levelled his glasses. Simultaneously one of the M.L.'s crew -prepared to receive the message. - -"It's Geordie Morpeth," exclaimed Meredith. "His old packet's broken -down and he's getting his signalman to ask us for a tow." - -"Will--you--come--alongside?" read out the receiving signalman. "They -don't give a reason, sir," he added; "but it looks as if they've -fouled some wreckage." - -Very cautiously M.L. 1497 approached the apparently disabled steam -pinnace. - -"Ahoy, there!" shouted Kenneth. "What's wrong?" - -Morpeth swung his arm in the direction astern. - -"We've got some one in tow," he replied. "I knew Captain Cumberleigh -was aboard you, and he might be interested." - -Sitting on the engine-room casing were half a dozen Germans, -including an unter-leutnant, all dripping wet and looking thoroughly -dejected. - -"Just lugged 'em out of the ditch," remarked Morpeth, stating what -was an obvious fact. "But that's not what I hailed you for. Just look -aft." - -What had appeared to be at first sight a tangle of debris caught in -the steam pinnace's propeller was one of the German funeral wreaths. -In the centre was the body of a man, his feet secured to the -stern-sheets by means of a running bowline. - -"Good heavens!" exclaimed Cumberleigh. "It's von Preussen." - -"And as dead as a door-nail," added Morpeth. "I had an account to -settle with him, too; but it's wiped out now. No; it wasn't my -doings. One of their boats got swamped, so I went to the rescue. -There was von Preussen hanging on to a life-buoy and looking as -pleased as a dog with two tails--gloating over his share in the dirty -work, I suppose. We weren't more than twenty yards off when there was -an explosion--compressed air, you know. Up came a jagged plank and -heaved von Preussen almost clear of the water. Killed him in half a -shake. And then one of these wreaths came up and floated alongside of -him just as we were slipping a bowline round his feet." - -"Poor devil!" ejaculated Cumberleigh. "It's strange that he met his -fate that way. Sort of Nemesis." - -"Perhaps it was as well," added Meredith. "He would have been in a -pretty hole had he got ashore." - -"Rather," agreed Morpeth. "Every Fritz, officer and man, is being -shoved under arrest. Old von Reuter, the Admiral, is collared too. -There's one thing: the Allies can't squabble over the disposal of the -Hun Fleet now; so Fritz has unwittingly done us a good turn. Well, -cheerio. I'll run my little lot of Huns across to the beach. -Cheerful-looking cargo, eh?" - -Going dead slow, the steam pinnace headed towards the pier, the -corpse of the spy towing astern; while M.L. 1497 "carried on," -patrolling the land-locked waters upon which but a brief hour ago -floated the fleet by which the German Emperor had hoped, and hoped in -vain, to obtain the domination of the world. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV - -WHAT THEY FOUGHT FOR - - -"CONFOUND it!" ejaculated Cumberleigh, ruefully contemplating a small -amount of silver in his palm. "Bang goes another Bradbury. At this -rate I'll be on the rocks before many days are over." - -"Cheer up, Mr. Cumberleigh," exclaimed Pyecroft, with a marked -emphasis on the "Mister." "You're only just beginning to feel your -feet." - -"You'll feel them in half a tick if you don't shut up," remarked the -ex-R.A.F. captain grimly. "Now, then, Meredith, how's that patch -setting? Or do we intend to stop here the night?" - -It was the month of August 1919. The four demobbed chums--Meredith, -Wakefield, Cumberleigh, and Pyecroft--were again tasting of the mixed -blessings of civil life, carrying out a long-promised vow that they -would celebrate their release from active service by going on a -motor-cycling tour through Glorious Devon and the Delectable Duchy of -Cornwall. - -Barely three days had elapsed since Meredith and Wakefield found -themselves "on the beach," with an accumulation of gear that they had -acquired during their service afloat--kit that for the most part -would be practically useless in the future. - -Meredith had dug out his old 1913 motor cycle, thanking his lucky -stars that he had not disposed of it when he first joined the -Motor-Boat Reserve. Wakefield, too, was fortunate in that respect, -although he quickly learnt the cost of accessories in the motor line -compared with the price of far superior and more readily accessible -articles of pre-war days. - -Pyecroft had been hard hit. On the strength of his as yet unpaid -gratuity he had just purchased a second-hand motor cycle, paying 20 -pounds more than it had originally cost five years ago; and he was -still waiting hopefully for an advice from his R.A.F. bankers -informing him that his gratuity had been paid. Moreover, he had hopes -that he would be placed upon the "Unemployed List," with the rank of -captain. With the advantage of a hundred and twenty days' experience -of civil life he was the mentor and financial adviser of the party. - -It was a change with a vengeance. Accustomed to living well at a cost -of half a crown per diem for "messing," the demobbed ones were simply -astounded at the prices demanded for meals at hotels, while the cost -of petrol staggered them, especially when they had seen the volatile -spirit wasted like water while on service. - -"That's holding, I think," remarked Meredith, surveying the -reinflated back tyre. "Don't know so much about it, though," he added -doubtfully. - -"Risk it," suggested Wakefield. "We're only two miles from -Shaftesbury. You can get another tube there. This one looks as if it -were on its last legs." - -"That's the game," agreed Pyecroft. "Let's push on. We're expecting -letters at the Post Office, and they'll be closed before we get there -if we don't get a move on." - -Without further delays the four climbed the long ascent out of Semley -and dismounted at the old-world town of Shaftesbury, that has the -reputation of being one of the loftiest boroughs in England, being -nearly 800 feet above the sea. - -"I'll call at the Post Office," suggested Cumberleigh, when the party -had secured rooms at the hotel. "Don't worry about that tyre -to-night, Meredith. I'll be back in half a tick." - -"Tea won't be ready for half an hour," announced Wakefield, after the -two had shed their overalls and had removed the dust of the road from -their hands and faces. "Let's go for a stroll. I'll leave word with -the boots for Cumberleigh to pick us up. By Jove! I feel like a fish -out of water." - -"So did I," admitted Pyecroft. "Missed my batman as much as anything, -dear old soul!" - -"I bought some tobacco this morning," said Meredith. "First lot other -than Navy I've bought for months. And a shilling an ounce, too!" - -"I begin to wonder whether we have won the War," declared Wakefield. -"While we've been fighting the Huns the people who stayed at home -have become top-dog. They seem to have plenty of money to chuck -about, and don't seem to mind if a Bradbury is worth only nine -shillings. Because we licked Fritz is no reason why the price of -everything should go up after the War. Mind you, I'm not complaining -of the prices of things during the War. We had to grin and bear it. -But now, why?" - -"Reaction, I suppose," suggested Meredith. "Same's us, only certain -sections of the community go about it a different way--strike, and -all that sort of thing." - -"And meanwhile our sea-borne trade is being collared by the Yanks and -Japs," remarked Wakefield. "It's all very fine talking about the -superiority of British manufactured articles, but when, owing to -labour troubles, they can't be got, or, if they can, they are -prohibitive in price, where are you? Germany, our former serious -rival, is down and out, and instead of bucking to and capturing their -markets we play the fool and pay out unemployment doles. Hello'! -here's Cumberleigh." - -"Almost a wash-out," announced Cumberleigh. "Only one letter between -the four of us, and that's for Pyecroft. Marked Air Ministry, too. -Pyecroft, if that's your captaincy, it's fizz all round at dinner -to-night." - -The ex-lieutenant took the proffered envelope eagerly, and tore the -seal with feverish haste. - -"Bilkers!" he ejaculated savagely. "Listen to this: 'With reference -to Air Ministry orders, your pay should have been issued at B rates -instead of at the old Technical rates. It is therefore necessary to -recover the pay which has been over-issued to you, and upon your -gratuity being issuable the balance, _i.e._ 47 pounds 11_s._, will be -deducted from your gratuity.' What do you think of that?" - -"That," replied Cumberleigh, "is Economy, spelt with a big E. -Retrenchment must begin somewhere, so they start on you, just to -remind you that the War is over and you're a back number, old son. -But, cheer up, you might have been under the daisies." - -"True," admitted Pyecroft. "Yes, we've seen life, and it's no use -grousing; but what did we fight for?" - -"This," said Meredith, giving a comprehensive sweep of his arm across -the wide valley three hundred feet below. "I don't want to pile it on -and spout and all that sort of thing, but just look. Those cottages -might have been in ruins like the homesteads of France and Belgium. -But they're not. Our country has been spared from the foot of the -victorious Hun. That's the main thing. Other considerations are -simply side-issues, 'if England to herself be true.'" - - - -THE END - - - -PRINTED BY PURNELL AND SONS -PAULTON (SOMERSET) AND LONDON - - - - - [Transcriber's Notes: - - This book contains a number of misprints. - The following misprints have been corrected: - - [Karl von Pruessen stood stiffly] -> - [Karl von Preussen stood stiffly] - [in geniune concern] -> [in genuine concern] - [Cumberleigh----for that was the name] -> - [Cumberleigh--for that was the name] - [Cumbereigh shrugged] -> [Cumberleigh shrugged] - [so much as winkin'. hopin'] -> [so much as winkin'. Hopin'] - [imparting descipline with] -> [imparting discipline with] - [you aan be reckless] -> [you can be reckless] - [Some of the follows] -> [Some of the fellows] - [unless its potting] -> [unless it's potting] - - A few cases of punctuation errors were corrected, but are not - mentioned here. - - ] - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mystery Ship, by Percy F. 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Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - diff --git a/old/50781-0.zip b/old/50781-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 688c05d..0000000 --- a/old/50781-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/50781-h.zip b/old/50781-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 92f0819..0000000 --- a/old/50781-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/50781-h/50781-h.htm b/old/50781-h/50781-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 2e55a79..0000000 --- a/old/50781-h/50781-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9555 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> -<html> -<head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1"> - <title>THE MYSTERY SHIP</title> - - <style type="text/css"> - - body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} - - p {text-indent: 2%} - - .p_no_indent {display: block; - margin-top: 0.5em; - margin-bottom: 0.5em; - margin-left: 0; - margin-right: 0;} - - sup { - vertical-align: super; - font-size: 50%; - } - - sub { - vertical-align: sub; - font-size: 50%; - } - - .standard {font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal;} - - .indent02 {margin-left: 2%; margin-right: 10%;} - .indent10 {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} - .indent20 {margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 10%;} - .indent30 {margin-left: 30%; margin-right: 10%;} - .indent50 {margin-left: 50%; margin-right: 10%;} - .indent60 {margin-left: 60%; margin-right: 10%;} - - .fontsize80 {font-size: 80%;} - .fontsize60 {font-size: 60%;} - .fontsize133 {font-size: 133%;} - - /* for big and small caps on one line. Usable as class in a 'span' tag around text or in the 'p'/tag */ - .smallcaps {font-variant: small-caps;} - - /* use for Transribers Notes and such */ - .notebox {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; margin-top: 5%; margin-bottom: 5%; padding: 1em; border: solid black 1px;} - - </style> - - -</head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mystery Ship, by Percy F. Westerman - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: The Mystery Ship - A Story of the 'Q' Ships During the Great War - -Author: Percy F. Westerman - -Illustrator: A. Morrow - -Release Date: December 28, 2015 [EBook #50781] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MYSTERY SHIP *** - - - - -Produced by R.G.P.M. van Giesen - - - - - -</pre> - - -<a name="cover"></a> -<center><img src="images/01_cover.jpg" alt="Cover" style="width:100%; height:auto; max-width:600px;"></center> -<center>[Illustration: cover art]</center> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<center><h2>THE MYSTERY SHIP</h2></center> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<div class="indent20"> -<br>GLORIES OF SEA -<br><span style="text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-style:double">AND AIR SERIES</span> - -<br> -<br><i>By</i> -<br><i>PERCY F.</i> -<br><i>WESTERMAN</i> -<br> -<br>THE MYSTERY SHIP -<br>THE RIVAL SUBMARINES -<br>BILLY BARCROFT OF THE R.N.A.S. -<br>A WATCH-DOG OF THE NORTH SEA -<br> -<br><i>Publishers</i> -<br>PARTRIDGE -<br>LONDON -</div> - -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<center> -<a name="02_frontispiece"></a> -<img src="images/02_frontispiece.jpg" alt="Image: 02_frontispiece.jpg"></center> -<center>["THE MYSTERY BOAT WAS MOVING SLOWLY, HER TRIPLE -TORPEDO-TUBES READY WITH THEIR DEADLY COMPLEMENTS."]</center> - -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<center> -<h1> -THE MYSTERY SHIP -</h1> -</center> - -<center><h2>A STORY OF THE "Q" SHIPS -<br>DURING THE GREAT WAR</h2></center> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<center><h4>BY</h4></center> -<center><h3>PERCY F. WESTERMAN</h3></center> - -<br> - -<center><br><i>Author of</i> -<br><i>"The Fritzstrafers," "Billy Barcroft of the R.N.A.S."</i> -<br><i>"A Watchdog of the North Sea," "A Sub of</i> -<br><i>the R.N.R.," etc., etc.</i></center> -<br> -<center><br>ILLUSTRATED BY A. MORROW</center> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<center><br>Publishers -<br>PARTRIDGE -<br>London</center> - -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<center><br><i>Made in Great Britain</i> -<br><i>First published 1920</i></center> - -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h3 align="center">CONTENTS</h3> -<hr width="25%" align="center"> -<table align="center" width="80%" summary="contents"> - -<tbody><tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">CHAPTER</td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">I. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter01">The Two Sub-Lieutenants</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">II. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter02">On Patrol</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">III. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter03">Sunk in Action</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">IV. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter04">The Spy</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">V. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter05">The Prowess of Kapitan von Preugfeld</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">VI. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter06">Picked Up</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">VII. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter07">A U-Boat of Sorts</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">VIII. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter08">Von Preussen's Blank Day</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">IX. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter09">How the Lighters Fared</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">X. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter10">The Salvage Syndicate</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XI. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter11">Von Preugfeld's Resolve</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XII. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter12">Prisoners of War</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XIII. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter13">A Struggle for Life</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XIV. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter14">A Double Decoy</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XV. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter15">Confirmed Suspicions</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XVI. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter16">Covering His Tracks</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XVII. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter17">Mutiny</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XVIII. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter18">A Big Proposition</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XIX. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter19">The Tables Turned</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XX. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter20">The End of U 247</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XXI. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter21">Bluffed</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XXII. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter22">On the Trail</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XXIII. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter23">"Prepare for Immediate Action"</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XXIV. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter24">In the Hour of His Triumph</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XXV. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter25">Trapped</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XXVI. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter26">Her Last Bolt</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XXVII. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter27">Battered but Undaunted</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XXVIII. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter28">The Homecoming</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XXIX. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter29">Who Fired that Torpedo?</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XXX. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter30">A Night of Coincidences</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XXXI. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter31">The Great Surrender</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XXXII. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter32">A Navy Impotent</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XXXIII. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter33">The Relief Vessel</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XXXIV. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter34">The Scuttling</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XXXV. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a class="smallcaps" href="#chapter35">What They Fought For</a></td> -</tr> - -</tbody></table> - -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<center><h2>THE MYSTERY SHIP</h2></center> -<hr align="center" width="25%"> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<a name="chapter01"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER I</h3> - -<h4 align="center">THE TWO SUB-LIEUTENANTS</h4> - -<p>"<span class="smallcaps">Below</span> there! You in, George?"</p> - -<p>George—otherwise Kenneth Meredith, sub-lieutenant R.N.V.R. and -second-in-command of H.M. Motor Launch 1071—deliberately blotted -five lines of his weekly epistle to the fond ones at home. -Unperturbed by a heavy fusillade upon the deck—the sound being -caused by a broken golf club vigorously manipulated by an as yet -invisible person—Meredith dexterously threw into envelopes and -blotting-pad into a conveniently placed rack, rammed the cork into -the glass ink-bottle, and thrust his fountain-pen, which either -"founted" like a miniature Niagara or else obstinately refused to -"fount" at all, into the breast pocket of his monkey-jacket.</p> - -<p>Interruptions are many and varied on board the M.L.'s. At almost any -hour of the day and night when the little craft were lying alongside -the parent ship, casual visitors were apt to drop in, to say nothing -of callers on more or less urgent Service matters. An officer is -supposed to receive visitors with complete equanimity whether he be -in the midst of shaving, dressing, having a meal, or even a bath. -Privacy is practically non-existent. Almost the only exception is -when the lawful occupant of the cabin is engaged in private -correspondence.</p> - -<p>Hence Meredith's hurried preliminaries before replying to the noisy -summons on deck.</p> - -<p>"Come in," he shouted. "Visitors are requested to leave sticks and -umbrellas in charge of the hall porter—Oh, dash it all! That's my -toe!" he ejaculated, as the steel-shod end of the golf club was -dropped through the hatchway and fell with a dull thud upon the Sub's -foot.</p> - -<p>Seizing the lethal weapon, Meredith stood up and prepared to take -summary vengeance upon the lower portions of its owner, who was -descending the vertical ladder leading to the diminutive ward-room of -M.L. 1071.</p> - -<p>Instinctively the newcomer must have realised that reprisals were in -the air, for, grasping the rim of the coaming, he dropped lightly to -the floor and faced the second-in-command.</p> - -<p>"Cheerio!" exclaimed the visitor. "Where's everybody? Where's -Wakefield this fine evening?"</p> - -<p>Kenneth, without replying, opened the door leading into the -after-cabin and took a lengthy survey; he repeated the tactics in the -galley at the for'ard end of the ward-room. Then, going on his knees, -he lifted the blue baize table-cloth and peered under the swing -table.</p> - -<p>"'Fraid he's not here, old man," he remarked. "Now I think of it, I -believe he went on the beach at seven bells. Have a cigarette?"</p> - -<p>"Thanks.... Wakefield wasn't on the links this afternoon. -Strange—very. What's his little game, Meredith? Don't tell me he -went ashore in his Number Ones, with his trousers creased an' all -that sort of thing! 'A wedding has been arranged and a -subscription-list will follow in due course,' eh?"</p> - -<p>Jock McIntosh lit his cigarette and took stock of the ward-room, -looking for evidence to confirm his suspicions of the absent -Wakefield's mysterious visits "to the beach."</p> - -<p>Sub-lieutenant McIntosh and Sub-lieutenant Meredith were widely -different in appearance. The former was a tall, raw-boned Scot with -fair features and close-cut sandy hair that even in its closeness -evinced a tendency to curl. Never cut out for a seafaring life, he -found himself much against his will in the uniform of an R.N.V.R. -officer, while his brother Angus, who simply loved the sea and was -part-owner of a yacht and knew how to handle almost every type of -small craft afloat, was given a commission in a line regiment.</p> - -<p>Jock would have made an ideal platoon commander: Angus would have -shone as a skipper of an M.L.; but since from time immemorial the -powers-that-be who run the Admiralty and War Office delight in -putting square pegs in round holes, Jock McIntosh was manfully -sticking to a job that was obviously uncongenial, while his brother -was doing likewise; and each envied the other.</p> - -<p>Meredith, on the other hand, was literally "made for the job." -Slightly above middle height, broad and square-shouldered, -heavy-browed and with a firm and somewhat prominent jaw, Kenneth -looked and was a sailor-man, every inch of him. At the age of twelve -he could handle a sailing dinghy with a skill that was the envy and -admiration of many so-called yachtsmen, who would be hopelessly at -sea in a double sense without the assistance of their paid hands. -Between the ages of twelve and fifteen he spent every available -holiday afloat in his father's ten-ton yacht, until he knew -intimately the art of fore and aft sailing, and incidentally gained -first-hand information of practically every harbour and creek on the -south coast of England.</p> - -<p>Then came the outbreak of the Great War. Promptly the <i>Ripple</i>, Mr. -Meredith's cutter, was laid up, while her owner, exchanging a -yachting suit for a khaki uniform, went to India as second-in-command -of a Territorial battalion.</p> - -<p>Kenneth went back to school, bitterly bewailing the fact that he had -not been born three years earlier. Fellows from the senior form—in -many cases physically inferior to him—donned khaki and disappeared -into the mists of Flanders. At intervals some turned up at the old -school, bronzed, aged and ballasted with a more than nodding -acquaintance with life and death: others never returned—their names -figured prominently in the School Roll of Honour as fingerposts to -the path of Higher Duty.</p> - -<p>At length Meredith's chance came. He had to admit that it was -influence that did the trick. A certain retired Admiral whose name -Kenneth had never heard, but who knew Mr. Meredith years ago, worked -the oracle, and the lad found himself a full-fledged sub-lieutenant -of the R.N.V.R. The only fly in the ointment was the fact that -Meredith had been appointed to a northern M.L. flotilla, where, in -strange and remote waters, there appeared to be little chance of -seeing the "actual thing." He had hoped to be appointed to the Dover -Patrol, where his intimate knowledge of the Channel would be a -decided asset and where the prospects of smelling powder would be -almost certain to materialise.</p> - -<p>M.L. 1071, one of the fifteen motor launches belonging to the -Auldhaig Patrol, was lying next but one alongside the parent ship -<i>Hesperus</i>, an obsolete second-class cruiser. It was early in May. -Already the northern evenings were drawing out and the nights -becoming shorter and shorter. In the land-locked firth the lofty -serrated hills were capped with fleecy mists that threatened with the -going down of the sun to steal lower and lower and envelop the placid -water in a pall of baffling fog.</p> - -<p>"The main object of my visit this evening," remarked McIntosh -ponderously—he was rather prone to verbosity—"is to enlist your -assistance in the matter of this mashie."</p> - -<p>"I thought it was a patent lead-swinging device," interposed Meredith -drily—"a sort of means of getting me on the sick-list with a -pulverised instep."</p> - -<p>"Not at all, laddie," continued Jock, unruffled by the interruption. -"D'ye ken, I'm no hand at splicing, and I'm not giving myself away by -asking any of my merry wreckers to take on the job. Perhaps you'll be -kind enough to do it to-morrow."</p> - -<p>"When do you want this instrument of torture?" asked Meredith, as he -examined the fractured ends.</p> - -<p>"By three on Wednesday afternoon," replied McIntosh.</p> - -<p>Kenneth shook his head.</p> - -<p>"Can't be done, old son—that is, if you want me to tackle it -to-morrow."</p> - -<p>"Why not?"</p> - -<p>"'Cause I'm on patrol to-night."</p> - -<p>A terrible reverberation as the engine-room staff gave a preliminary -run with the powerful motors corroborated Meredith's statement.</p> - -<p>"But I'll do it now, if you like," he added. "You might ask Coles to -bring along some seaming-twine and beeswax."</p> - -<p>"Don't envy you, old thing," remarked Jock, returning with the -required articles. "It's coming on thick. Personally, I'm jolly -glad."</p> - -<p>"Why?"</p> - -<p>"The matter of those X-lighters," replied McIntosh. "We are handing -them over to the R.A.F., and we've been expecting some one from that -crush down to inspect 'em. And we look like going on expecting. 'Tany -rate, the S.N.O.'s fed up with the lighters, so I've orders to take -'em round to Donnikirk and dump 'em on the R.A.F. people. Hanged if I -want the job! Plugging along with four-knot barges isn't in my line, -so I hope it's foggy."</p> - -<p>Meredith nodded sympathetically, as his deft yet horny fingers waxed -the twine and began the intricate task of "whipping" the broken -pieces of the golf club. He little knew the part those unwieldy -X-lighters would play in his subsequent experiences afloat.</p> - -<p>The X-lighters were almost flat-bottomed barges, about a hundred feet -in length and with a beam of roughly twenty feet. Originally built -for work in connection with the naval river flotillas in Mesopotamia, -they had found their way to a northern base. Then as a result of -negotiations between the Admiralty and the Air Ministry, the former -expressed their intention of turning over the lighters to the Royal -Air Force for kite-balloon work.</p> - -<p>Anxious to get rid of the cumbersome craft, which occupied a large -amount of valuable mooring-space in Auldhaig Harbour, the Senior -Naval Officer had decided not to await the long-delayed visit of the -Air Force representative, but to send the barges round to their new -base.</p> - -<p>"You're quite right, old man," observed Meredith, when, the task of -mending the golf club completed, he accompanied Jock McIntosh on -deck. "It's going to be a beast of a night. An' No. 1071's doing the -Outer Patrol stunt this time."</p> - -<p>"Well, good luck!" exclaimed McIntosh.</p> - -<p>Kenneth smiled sourly.</p> - -<p>"Good luck!" he echoed bitterly. "Nothin' doin', I'm afraid. It's out -nosing through the fog, seeing nothing and doing nothing. Haven't had -so much as a sniff at a strafed U-boat yet, and don't seem like doing -so until the end of the war—whenever that comes off."</p> - -<p>"Sooner the better as far as I'm concerned," said McIntosh. "I'm fed -up to the back teeth absolutely."</p> - -<p>"Think so?" asked Meredith quietly. "From a purely personal point of -view, we'll be jolly sorry when the war is over. Most of us will be -wishing ourselves back in the M.L.'s before many weeks have passed."</p> - -<p>"I'll risk it," rejoined Jock. "Give me the piping times of peace any -old day—s'long as we win, which we're bound to do. Hello! here's -Wakefield. Now the fun's about to commence. I'll hook it."</p> - -<p>And with a friendly gesture of greeting to the returning officer -commanding H.M.M.L. 1071, McIntosh leapt over the rail, crossed the -deck of an intervening craft, and ascended the accommodation-ladder -of the parent ship <i>Hesperus</i>.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter02"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER II</h3> - -<h4 align="center">ON PATROL</h4> - -<p>"<span class="smallcaps">Bright</span> sort of evening, Meredith," was Wakefield's greeting as he -came on board. "I see you've had the engines running. Any trouble -down below?"</p> - -<p>Cedric Wakefield was a burly, pleasant-faced youth of twenty-four, -upon whose broad shoulders rested the weight of responsibility of -M.L. 1071, her crew and equipment. In those far-off days before -practically the whole civilised world was plunged into the throes of -war Wakefield was farming in Canada. Had anyone suggested that within -a few months he would be treading the deck of a diminutive warship -flying the White Ensign, Wakefield would have scouted the idea. The -peril of the German menace had hardly made itself felt as far as -Western Canada was concerned; while the young Englishman, coming -straight from a Public School to the thinly populated slopes of the -Rockies, little thought that the call of duty would bring him home -hot-foot to fight for King and Country.</p> - -<p>But when war broke out with startling suddenness Cedric promptly -"packed up," worked his passage from Quebec to Liverpool as a -fireman, and upon arrival in the Old Country promptly joined the -R.N.V.R. as an ordinary seaman. In less than twelve months he was -granted a commission, and after a brief course in gunnery and -navigation was given command of a motor launch.</p> - -<p>Quiet-spoken, he found that the fact of being in command was not -without its disadvantages. At first he possessed hardly sufficient -self-confidence to give an order loudly and peremptorily. But by -degrees the force of authority asserted itself, and when necessary he -could bellow like a bull and make himself heard in a gale of wind. He -was daring, but at the same time cautious. He could make up his mind -in an instant, and rarely was his judgment at fault, while his -courageous bearing in many a tight corner had won the admiration and -confidence of his crew.</p> - -<p>Judging by their previous occupations, the crew of M.L. 1071 were a -"scratch lot." There were two clerks, a butcher, a chauffeur, an -insurance agent, a London County Council schoolmaster, an hotel -porter, a theological student and a poacher, although the latter was -camouflaged under the designation of farm labourer. And these men, -volunteers all, had been banded together under the White Ensign to do -their level best to make things mighty unpleasant for Fritz by means -of a quick-firer and an assortment of particularly obnoxious -depth-charges. True, up to the present, opportunities for direct -action had been denied them, but nevertheless it was not for want of -trying.</p> - -<p>It was certainly a beast of a night. The moon had risen, but her -light hardly penetrated the white eddying wreaths of vapour. Viewed -from the deck of M.L. 1071, the hull of her parent ship appeared to -terminate twenty yards away, while her steel masts and fighting-tops, -grotesquely distorted by the erratic mists, were visible at one -moment like pillars of silver, while at another they appeared to be -cut off at less than fifteen feet above the deck. Already three of -the six vessels detailed for the forty-eight hours' patrol had been -swallowed up in the mist, as with lights screened they groped their -way blindly towards the invisible mouth of the harbour and the -seemingly boundless expanse of sea and fog beyond.</p> - -<p>With the air reverberating with the roar of the exhausts and the deck -quivering under the pulsations of the throttled motors, Wakefield and -Meredith made their way to the diminutive wheel-house, where the -coxwain (ex-theological student) was standing by the steering-wheel -and peering with a studied professional manner into the dimly -illuminated compass-bowl.</p> - -<p>"All ready?" inquired the skipper in stentorian tones. "Let go -for'ard!... Let go aft!"</p> - -<p>The engine-room telegraph bells clanged as Wakefield thrust the -starboard indicator to easy ahead and the port one to half-speed -astern. Literally spinning round on her heel, M.L. 1071 edged away -from the <i>Hesperus</i>, the towering hull of which was quickly swallowed -up in the mist.</p> - -<p>"Good enough, Sub!" exclaimed Wakefield. "We're right in the wake of -the next ahead. Now carry on. It's my watch below. Give me a shout if -anything's doing, and get them to call me at four bells."</p> - -<p>Left in charge, Meredith prepared to make the best of his four hours' -"trick." Experience had long since taught him that warmth and dryness -were absolutely essential on night patrol. Clad in two thick woollen -sweaters, serge-trousers and pilot-coat, and wearing woollen gloves, -sea-boots, muffler, oilskins and sou'wester, he was well equipped for -the work in hand. The three-sided erection known as the wheel-house -afforded little protection from the spray, as the windows had to be -kept wide open otherwise the moisture settling on the glass panes -would render the mist still more baffling than it actually was.</p> - -<p>Right for'ard the dim outlines of the look-out could be discerned, -as, crouching to dodge as far as possible the clouds of spray, the -man peered through the darkening mist. It was his duty to see that -M.L. 1071 kept fairly in the bubbling wake of the boat next ahead. -Fifty yards astern another M.L., unseen but plainly audible, was -likewise making use of the swirl of No. 1071's twin propellers as a -guide through the fog-laden water.</p> - -<p>So well, so good. Provided the flotilla kept station in "single -column line ahead," there was little cause for the science of -navigation except on the part of the navigating officer of the -leading M.L. It was a case of seamanship, a sort of marine -follow-my-leader work, until on arriving at a certain rendezvous the -boats had to work independently; and No. 1071 had been detailed for -the Outer Patrol stunt.</p> - -<p>At a reduced speed of ten knots and an M.L. is a difficult craft to -handle at slow speed—the flotilla plugged seawards.</p> - -<p>The short steep tide rip at the harbour's mouth gave place to the -long sullen undulations of the North Sea. Although navigation was -carried on without steaming lights, the chances of collision were -hardly worth taking into consideration, since the noise of the -exhausts could be plainly audible for a distance of a couple of -miles.</p> - -<p>For the best part of an hour the flotilla held on then just before -midnight came an order from the leading M.L. for the boats to proceed -independently.</p> - -<p>Meredith, hitherto inactive, roused himself.</p> - -<p>"Port fifteen!" he ordered. "Course east a half north!"</p> - -<p>"East a half north it is, sir," repeated the coxwain.</p> - -<p>In obedience to the Sub's order, a man made his way aft and paid out -the patent log-line. The mileage as recorded by this instrument and -the course as determined by the magnetic needle were the sole factors -used to take the M.L. to her appointed station, four miles from a -prominent headland and right in the steamer-track of vessels -proceeding northwards from the Firth of Forth. Kenneth felt no -particular enthusiasm for this kind of work. It was Duty, spelt with -a capital D. Whether the patrol were essential to safeguard shipping -had yet to be proved. For the best part of a twelvemonth M.L.'s were -constantly on duty off the headland, yet on no occasion had a U-boat -been definitely sighted. There had been false alarms. A boat-hook -stave floating perpendicularly and drifting with the tide had caused -the waste of a couple of depth-charges and incidentally the slaughter -of thousands of fish; a derelict fore-topmast had been responsible -for the expenditure of twenty rounds of six-pounder ammunition.</p> - -<p>On the other hand, what might have happened had the Auldhaig M.L. -Patrol not been in existence can well be conjectured. The slow-moving -tramps chartered by the Admiralty to take naval stores to the Grand -Fleet at Scapa Flow would have afforded easy targets to U-boat -commanders but for the constant vigilance on the part of the M.L.'s. -In effect, the little patrol boats had frightened off the modern -pirates, thereby performing a useful though somewhat monotonous rôle -in the question of Sea Power.</p> - -<p>"'Tany rate, I'm afloat," soliloquised Meredith. "Better than sitting -tight in a muddy trench and being strafed day and night by Boche -artillery; but I wish to goodness I'd been in the Dover Patrol. -There's no Zeebrugge this end of the North Sea to make things a bit -lively."</p> - -<p>"Wireless message, sir."</p> - -<p>Meredith turned abruptly to find an operator proffering a leaf from a -signal pad.</p> - -<p>"Anything important?" he asked.</p> - -<p>The lad—he was one of the two ex-bank clerks—smiled.</p> - -<p>"Looks like business this time, sir," he replied. "A U-boat's been -shelling Aberspey. One of our blimps nearly got one home, and Fritz -sheered off and was lost in the mist."</p> - -<p>Switching on an electric torch, Meredith read the message. It was -couched in matter-of-fact official terms and left much to the -imagination. Briefly, the U-boat was believed to be damaged and -incapable of submerging. It was last sighted at 22.30 (half-past -ten), steering eastward and apparently on fire aft.</p> - -<p>"Very good; inform the skipper," said Kenneth. "Yes; we stand a -chance of seeing something this time."</p> - -<p>In less than a couple of minutes Wakefield was on deck.</p> - -<p>"Some wheeze, this, Meredith!" he exclaimed gleefully. "With luck we -may spot little Fritz. I don't think it's much use following the -directions given in this signal. There'll be a swarm of destroyers -and all that sort of fry buzzing around already, and if the skipper -of the U-boat is up to snuff he'll have altered course to the -south'ard. We'll just stand on and keep our wits on the alert. If -he's legging it to the south'ard he'll cut athwart our course. I'll -try what luck we can get with the hydrophone first."</p> - -<p>The M.L.'s engines were stopped, and the boat rolled heavily in the -oily swell. Over her starboard side a weird contraption of wires -was lowered, the wires terminating in submerged metal plates, while -inboard they led to a complicated device known as a hydrophone. In -the wireless-room a man sat with receivers clipped to his ears. He -was not listening to wireless messages, but for the sound of a -U-boat's propellers.</p> - -<p>"Anything doing?" inquired Meredith for the twentieth time, as the -minutes slowly passed.</p> - -<p>This time the listener did not shake his head.</p> - -<p>"Fancy I hear something, sir," he reported. "Would you like to -listen?"</p> - -<p>Kenneth took the proffered ear-pieces and clipped them to his head. -Very faintly he could hear the characteristic thud of a marine motor.</p> - -<p>"Evidently she's knocking around," he observed, as he handed the -apparatus to the operator. "All right; carry on."</p> - -<p>Slowly the man revolved a handle until the thudding sound reached a -maximum intensity. A glance at the compass showed that the -hydrophones were pointing east by south. Still turning the handle, he -noted that the volume of sound gradually decreased until a certain -point; then it began to increase again, reaching a state of maximum -intensity in a bearing south by east. That was all the operator -required. Experience had taught him that the source of emission of -the sound came from a direction midway between the two maxima, while -a further test revealed the fact that the U-boat was moving in a -southerly direction.</p> - -<p>"If only this blessed fog would lift!" exclaimed Wakefield when his -Sub communicated the result of the hydrophone test.</p> - -<p>"Get the gear inboard, Meredith. See that the ammunition is brought -up and the gun cleared for action. Now for a game of blind man's -buff."</p> - -<p>"None of our submarines are about here, I suppose?" asked Meredith.</p> - -<p>"Not within seventy miles," replied the skipper. "So if we do have -the luck to run across a submarine, we'll go for the brute -bald-headed."</p> - -<p>"And if Fritz can't dive?"</p> - -<p>"Then, of course, we'll have to try our best to tickle his ribs with -a shell while he's on the surface. Tricky work, but we'll keep him -fully occupied with our little pea-shooter"; and Wakefield indicated -the six-pounder, by the side of which the gun-layer was standing -ready and alert to train the weapon upon its objective.</p> - -<p>A quarter of an hour passed. Both officers realised that in this game -of hide-and-seek the U-boat stood a better chance, since she could -hear the noisy explosions of the M.L.'s exhausts, especially if she -floated motionless with her motors switched off. Again, if it came to -a trial of gunnery, the odds were tremendously in favour of the Hun, -since the U-boat mounted a couple of 4.7-inch or even 6-inch weapons.</p> - -<p>Wakefield was counting on the chance of catching his foe napping, and -that, if the U-boat were able to dive, she would submerge -precipitately. It was then that the depth-charges would play their -deadly part.</p> - -<p>Conscious of a peculiar sinking sensation in the pit of his stomach, -Meredith confessed to himself that "he had the wind up." Faced with -the possibility of going into action for the first time, he both -dreaded and welcomed the chance. Fervently he gave thanks for the -fact that it was dark, and that none of his comrades could see his -face. For his own part, he felt that every vestige of colour had -vanished from his usually bronze features.</p> - -<p>Again M.L. 1071 was brought to a standstill and recourse made to the -hydrophone. The result was disappointing. Except for a faint rumbling -that could only be ascribed to the surf lashing the distant cliffs, -not a sound was recorded. Apparently the U-boat was again capable of -submerging, and was lying doggo on the bed of the North Sea, while -the destroyers engaged in hunting her had passed beyond the range of -the M.L.'s hydrophone.</p> - -<p>"We'll just carry on," decided Wakefield. "The fog looks like -lifting."</p> - -<p>Overhead the moonlight was streaming down through a thin layer of -mist, while the range of visibility varied from fifty to five hundred -yards as banks of dispersing vapour bore down before the light -easterly wind.</p> - -<p>Wiping the moisture from the lenses of his powerful night glasses, -Meredith raised the binoculars and scanned the limited expanse of -visible sea. Even as he did so a weird greyish object swept across -his field of vision.</p> - -<p>"By Jove!" he ejaculated.</p> - -<p>"By Jove, what?" asked Wakefield sharply. "Good heavens! Yes, there -she is!"</p> - -<p>He jerked the telegraph indicator to full speed ahead.</p> - -<p>"See her, Clarkson?" he shouted to the gun-layer. "Two points on your -starboard bow. Let her have it."</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter03"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER III</h3> - -<h4 align="center">SUNK IN ACTION</h4> - -<p><span class="smallcaps">A blinding</span> flash and a deafening roar, followed by a sickening lurch -of the little patrol boat as the lightly built hull reeled to the -recoil, announced that the action had commenced. Almost immediately -the breech-block of the six-pounder was jerked back and the still -smoking metal cylinder clattered noisily on the deck. The air reeked -of burnt cordite as the excited gun's crew, who had never before been -in action, loaded and fired like men possessed.</p> - -<p>With the first shot Kenneth's sense of nervousness fell from him like -a cast garment. Up to the present the foe had not replied to the -M.L.'s fire, but it was not to be supposed that she would decline the -combat. Glowing steel messages of death would presently be hurtling -through the air with the avowed object of wiping out the little M.L. -and her crew. Kenneth fully realised this, but beyond a curious -feeling of elation the Sub was as cool as if bringing No. 1071 -alongside her parent ship.</p> - -<p>Her antagonist's reply was not long delayed. With a lurid red flash -that completely eclipsed the wan moonlight, her after quick-firer let -rip. A shrill whine as the projectile passed overhead caused every -man on the M.L.'s deck to duck his head.</p> - -<p>"If she can't do better than that it's time she packed up!" shouted -Wakefield. "Keep it up, men! Let her have it properly in the neck!"</p> - -<p>A provoking wreath of vapour drifting down hid the misty outlines of -her opponent from the M.L.'s crew. Only the constant flashes of the -former's guns gave the six-pounder's gun-layer an inkling of her -direction. Whether five hundred or a thousand yards separated the -combatants remained a matter for speculation, and whether the foe was -"legging it" or closing upon Wakefield's command was equally a -speculative proposition.</p> - -<p>"That's a near one," thought Meredith, as a shell literally scraped -the searchlight mounted on the roof of the wheel-house.</p> - -<p>Hitherto the opposing craft had been firing with too much elevation. -Apparently realising her mistake, her gunner was lowering the sights.</p> - -<p>Kenneth's thought was also shared by his skipper. Wakefield decided -first to increase the distance in order to baffle the enemy -gun-layers, and then make a dash for his opponent and thus bring the -depth-charges into action.</p> - -<p>Grasping the telegraph levers, he intended to signal full ahead on -the starboard and full astern on the port engine in order to spin the -M.L. on her heel in the shortest possible time. But at the critical -moment the mechanism failed badly: both levers became interlocked.</p> - -<p>Savagely Wakefield wrenched at the refractory indicator. Manoeuvring -under engines alone was out of the question. The use of the helm was -the sole solution of the difficulty.</p> - -<p>"Cease fire!" shouted the skipper, judging that the absence of -flashes from the puny six-pounder would mystify the hostile craft, -and give the M.L. a better chance to close and use her depth-charges. -"Stand by aft, Meredith, and give an eye to things. If those fellows -get jumpy and fool about with the firing key, we're in the soup."</p> - -<p>Promptly the Sub obeyed, yet as he did so he almost involuntarily -crouched under the lee side of the "tin" dinghy that was hanging -inboard from the davits. Then he laughed at what he had done. The -idea of imagining that the thin galvanised steel plates of the dinghy -would stop a 4.7-inch shell struck him as the height of absurdity.</p> - -<p>Yet even as he sidled past the dinghy a concussion shook the M.L. -from stem to stern. It was a far different concussion from that -caused by her own quick-firer. This time her opponent had got one -home.</p> - -<p>M.L. 1071 stopped dead, like a man who receives a knock-out blow -between the eyes. Pungent smoke enveloped her, as she rolled sullenly -on the long swell. Then the pall of smoke was rent by a furious blast -of red flame. An unlucky shot had struck her amidships, playing havoc -in the engine-room and igniting one of the petrol-tanks.</p> - -<p>Nor was that the worst of the business. A fire could be subdued with -little difficulty by means of patent extinguishers; but the -projectile, luckily without exploding, had passed completely through -both sides of the wooden hull of the M.L., tearing jagged holes that -were admitting volumes of the North Sea into her engine-room.</p> - -<p>Valiantly the artificers, directly they recovered from the -disconcerting effects of the projectile, strove to quench the flames -until, knee-deep in water on which floated patches of blazing petrol, -they were compelled to evacuate their untenable posts. Scorched and -almost suffocated by the fumes from the chemicals, they gained the -deck and collapsed.</p> - -<p>"Fall in aft!" roared Wakefield. "Swing out the boat! Look lively -there, men!"</p> - -<p>The crew needed no second bidding. Every man on board, save the two -unconscious engine-room ratings, who were unceremoniously dragged aft -by their messmates, knew that M.L. 1071 was doomed. It was a question -whether she would blow up or founder, for the flames were momentarily -increasing in violence and threatening to explode the magazine, while -already the waves were lapping over her foredeck.</p> - -<p>Quickly, yet without a vestige of panic, the men swung out the dinghy -and lowered her from the davits. The two casualties were then lifted -in, and the rest of the crew followed—Meredith and Wakefield being -the last to leave.</p> - -<p>"She's going down with flying colours at all events," exclaimed the -skipper. "Give way, lads!"</p> - -<p>The men pulled with a will. There is a powerful incentive to do so -when in the vicinity of a couple of depth-charges that might at any -moment be detonated with disastrous results.</p> - -<p>"What's Fritz doing?" inquired one of the rowers, when at length the -order was given to "Lay on your oars."</p> - -<p>No one knew. The enemy had ceased fire, but when he did so none of -the late M.L.'s crew could say. In the excitement of abandoning ship, -the fact that they were under shell-fire hardly concerned them.</p> - -<p>"Pushing off at the rate of knots, he is," hazarded another. "Unless -we've given him gyp. P'raps he's been knocked out, same as us."</p> - -<p>"Shouldn't be surprised," remarked Clarkson, the gun-layer. "I'll -swear I got half a dozen home in his hide before the fog came on -again. Otherwise he'd be sniffing around and giving us a dose of -machine-gun fire. That's Fritz's little joke when a fellow can't hit -back. If——"</p> - -<p>A terrific roar caused the man to break off suddenly. Somewhere -within the radius of a mile, although the now increasing fog gave no -indication of direction, an explosion of no slight magnitude had -occurred. For nearly a minute came the sound of falling debris, and -then deep silence.</p> - -<p>"Is that Fritz or us?" inquired one of the men, as the rowers resumed -their task.</p> - -<p>"How far is it to Auldhaig?" asked another. "Lucky for us we aren't -in the ditch. 'Twould be a longish swim."</p> - -<p>Wakefield let the men talk. It helped to keep up their spirits, -although they were not apt to be down-hearted. For his part, he was -kept busily employed in steering the boat by means of a small compass -that was little better than a toy. By a fortunate chance, he had -found it with a miscellaneous assortment of small articles in the -inside pocket of his monkey-jacket. A fortnight previously he had -been induced by an attractive damsel at a bazaar in aid of the -Auldhaig Seamen and Fishermen's Society to buy what then occurred to -him to be an utterly useless article, but now he found himself -trusting implicitly to the doubtless highly erratic magnetised -needle. It was a sorry substitute for the boat-compass that ought to -have been in the boat, but wasn't; but even in the baffling fog -Wakefield knew that he was provided with a means of direction. With -reasonable luck, the boat ought to hit the Scottish coast somewhere, -if the survivors were not picked up by one of the other patrol-boats -known to be cruising in the vicinity.</p> - -<p>At frequent intervals Wakefield bade the men rest on their oars, -taking advantage of the silence to listen for sounds indicating the -presence of other craft; but beyond the lap of the water against the -metal sides of the boat the stillness was unbroken.</p> - -<p>It was an eerie experience, climbing the slope of the long rollers -and sliding down into the trough beyond, the while encompassed by a -fog now so dense that at twenty yards sea and air blended into -nothingness. Fortunately there was little or no wind, and the boat -rode the swell without shipping as much as a pailful of water, but -both Wakefield and Meredith knew full well that those sullen rollers -portended a storm at no distant date. The while the pale rays of the -moon penetrated with little difficulty the relatively thin stratum of -fog overhead, the ghostly light adding to the weirdness of the scene.</p> - -<p>"Prop.!" exclaimed Kenneth laconically.</p> - -<p>A tense silence fell upon the boat's crew. Through the mists came the -unmistakable thud of a vessel's propellers, but whether from north, -south, east or west the baffling atmospheric conditions gave no clue.</p> - -<p>Then the subdued sound ceased abruptly.</p> - -<p>"Give a hail, lads!" exclaimed Wakefield; but before the bowman could -stand and give vent to a bellowing "Ahoy!" the skipper countermanded -the order.</p> - -<p>"We'll put a stopper on the hailing business," he remarked, without -giving any further explanation. "Ah, there it is again!"</p> - -<p>"Nearer this time," announced Meredith. "Voices, too."</p> - -<p>"Too jolly guttural for my liking," added Wakefield. "It's a Fritz -surface cruising. We'll lie doggo."</p> - -<p>"Wish they'd push along out of it," said the stroke in a low tone. -"We want to get another move on."</p> - -<p>These sentiments were shared by the rest of the boat's crew. Every -man knew what detection meant. A machine-gun turned upon the boat, or -perhaps a bomb thrown with the whole-hearted generosity that Fritz -was wont to display towards a boat-load of helpless seamen.</p> - -<p>"Silence!" hissed Wakefield, holding up his hand to impress upon the -men the necessity for absolute noiselessness.</p> - -<p>A minute passed in breathless suspense. Although the unseen craft had -again switched off the ignition, the plash of water against her bows -was distinctly audible.</p> - -<p>"Stand by to give way, men," whispered the skipper. "If she spots us -we may be able to give her the slip in the fog."</p> - -<p>Even as he spoke a sudden gust of wind swept over the boat. As if by -magic the hitherto enfolding pall of mist was torn relentlessly -aside, revealing in the full light of the moon the outlines of a -U-boat at less than fifty yards from the survivors of M.L. 1071.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter04"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER IV</h3> - -<h4 align="center">THE SPY</h4> - -<p>"<span class="smallcaps">Fifteen</span> metres fine grey sand, Herr Kapitan."</p> - -<p>Ober-leutnant Hans von Preugfeld, commanding officer of U 247, was -typically Prussian in his thoroughness. Carefully he examined the -sand adhering to the "arming" of the lead line that the leadsman held -up for his inspection.</p> - -<p>He grunted a sort of congratulatory reply and, turning his back upon -the black oilskinned seaman, addressed himself to the -second-in-command.</p> - -<p>"Good, Eitel!" he exclaimed. "We are not far from the spot. But -caution the men to keep their ears open and to stop running at -intervals. I am in no mood to fall in with any of those hornets, nor -do I want an English destroyer cutting us in twain."</p> - -<p>Eitel von Loringhoven, unter-leutnant of the Imperial German -Submarine Service, nodded his head comprehendingly. He, too, fully -realised the perils that beset pirate <i>unterseebooten</i>, for, despite -all possible precautions, Germany's under-water fleet was in a bad -way. It came home to him in a very personal manner, too, for he was -the last survivor of five brothers who had gone out into the North -Sea mists at the behest of Admiral von Tirpitz. Four had never -returned. Of the manner of their demise he was in total ignorance. -Perhaps some day, if he survived the period of hostilities, the -British Admiralty might enlighten him, but until then his knowledge -of how four von Loringhovens simply vanished was merely a matter for -conjecture. And the very mystery of it all was both nerve-racking and -terrifying not only to Eitel von Loringhoven but to every officer and -man serving in the <i>unterseebooten</i> flying the dishonoured Black -Cross Ensign.</p> - -<p>Throughout the day U 247 had been feeling her way through fog of -varying intensity by aid of compass, lead line, and patent log. -Whenever the thud of the engines of an approaching vessel was heard -the U-boat submerged promptly and without ceremony. Although five out -of every six vessels that passed within audible distance were of the -British Mercantile Marine, U 247 made no effort to ascertain that -they were not warships. The risk of closing with any craft in the fog -was too great, for, although the U-boat could shell an unarmed -merchantman with impunity, she had long learnt to respect both -men-of-war and armed merchant ships.</p> - -<p>Von Preugfeld had vivid recollections of the s.s. <i>Contraption</i>, a -six-knot tramp two hours out of Grimsby. He had had information from -an unimpeachable source that the <i>Contraption</i> was unarmed, that she -carried munitions for Archangel, and that she expected to join a -convoy off Flamborough Head.</p> - -<p>With these facts in his possession, the ober-leutnant showed far less -discretion than he usually exercised. Unable to resist a chance of -playing upon the nerves of the crew of the English ship, he brought U -247 to the surface, and at reduced speed maintained a position a bare -cable's length from the tramp's starboard bow.</p> - -<p>Therein he made a great mistake. He had completely underrated the -stubborn courage of the British Mercantile Marine.</p> - -<p>Hard-a-port went the <i>Contraption's</i> helm. Barely had the crew of the -U-boat time to scurry below and submerge at record speed when the -tramp's forefoot rasped athwart the U-boat's deck. It was a near -thing, as the moisture on von Preugfeld's ashen-grey features -testified.</p> - -<p>Twenty minutes later U 247 rose to the surface, and at a safe -distance shelled her antagonist and sent her to the bottom; but the -U-boat had to "leg it" back to Wilhelmshaven with her pumps going -continuously to keep down the water that oozed through ominous dents -in her hull.</p> - -<p>"Ten metres, Herr Kapitan."</p> - -<p>"Any signs of the lighthouse?" he demanded.</p> - -<p>"None, Herr Kapitan."</p> - -<p>"Keep her at that," continued the ober-leutnant. "Inform me when you -strike eight metres, unless you sight the headland before that."</p> - -<p>Running just awash, and with her surface motors well throttled down, -U 247 held on until the look-out man gave the much desired -information:</p> - -<p>"Land right ahead, Herr Kapitan. A white lighthouse two points on our -starboard bow."</p> - -<p>It was now close on sunset. A partial lifting of the fog revealed at -a distance of about a mile a serrated ridge of dark cliffs -culminating in a bold promontory crowned by the massive squat tower -of a lighthouse. There was no need for von Preugfeld to verify the -statement by means of his reflex glasses. He rapped out a curt order, -and the U-boat swung round through eight points of the compass and -settled down to a course south-south-west, or parallel with the -forbidding shore.</p> - -<p>"Tell von Preussen to hold himself in readiness," said von Preugfeld, -addressing the unter-leutnant. "If he is not set ashore within -forty-five minutes, I will accept no further responsibility in the -matter."</p> - -<p>Von Loringhoven clicked his heels and saluted.</p> - -<p>"Very good, Herr Kapitan," he replied. "Von Preussen is even now -changing into the accursed English uniform. Ach, here he is."</p> - -<p>The ober-leutnant wheeled abruptly to see standing within three paces -of him a tall, thickly built man wearing a khaki uniform.</p> - -<p>"So you are ready?" remarked von Preugfeld, not with any degree of -cordiality. Truth to tell, he was not at all keen about this -particular undertaking, namely, to set ashore a German spy disguised -as a British officer. "Well, I suppose your get-up will pass muster, -von Preussen? If it does not, I fancy you'll be in a tighter hole -than ever you've been before."</p> - -<p>"I can look after myself, I think, Herr Kapitan," replied the spy. "I -can assure you that from my point of view my work ashore will be -child's play to the time I spent on board your vessel. Ach! I do not -hesitate to confess that I am not of a disposition suitable for -<i>unterseebooten</i> work. It appals me."</p> - -<p>The ober-leutnant shrugged his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"It will help you to appreciate the perils that we undergo for the -honour of the Fatherland," he observed. "Perhaps, on your return, you -might communicate your views on the subject to the Chief of Staff. -Our task grows more difficult every day. The men, even, are showing -signs of discontent, thereby magnifying our dangers. But, -there—better come below and let von Loringhoven and me have a final -kit inspection; and at the same time we may join in a bottle of -Rhenish wine and drink to the success of our joint enterprise."</p> - -<p>The kapitan having enjoined a petty Officer to maintain a vigilant -watch, led the way, followed by von Preussen, the unter-leutnant -bringing up the rear, and the three adjourned to a narrow, -complicated compartment that served as a ward-room. In spite of -scientific apparatus for purifying the air, that confined space -reeked abominably. Everything of a textile nature was saturated with -moisture, while the metal beams, although coated with cork -composition, exuded drops of rust-tinged water.</p> - -<p>In the glare of the electric lamps Karl von Preussen stood stiffly -erect, clad in the uniform of a captain of the British Royal Air -Force. In height he was about five feet eight, broad of build, and -with decidedly Anglo-Saxon features. He could speak English fluently -and colloquially, and thanks to a British Public School education, -followed by a three years' appointment in a London shipping office, -he was well acquainted with the peculiarities and customs of a -country that was Germany's chief enemy.</p> - -<p>Long before August 1914 von Preussen had been a spy. One might say -that the seeds of the dishonourable profession were germinating -during his school-days: they were certainly decidedly active when he -was occupying an ill-paid post in Threadneedle Street, where his -modest pound a week was augmented by sundry substantial sums paid in -British gold but emanating from Berlin.</p> - -<p>The outbreak of hostilities found von Preussen fully prepared. Posing -as one of the principals of a steel factory, he practically had an -entry to every British Government establishment. Armed with forged -documents, he was not for one moment suspected. From Scapa Flow to -the Scillies, and from Loch Swilly to Dover, his activities brought -valuable information to the Imperial Government. Within a week of the -mining of a British Dreadnought—a calamity that the Admiralty vainly -attempted to conceal—von Preussen had conveyed details and -photographs of the lost vessel to Berlin, and on the following -morning the German Press published illustrated reports of a "secret" -known throughout the world.</p> - -<p>When occasion offered, von Preussen did not hesitate to commit acts -of sabotage. More than once, disguised as a munition worker, he was -instrumental in the destruction of a shell factory, while it was he -who gave instructions and furnished material to the noted spy Otto -Oberfurst in order that the latter could and did destroy the cruiser -<i>Pompey</i> in Auldhaig Harbour.</p> - -<p>The stringent passport restrictions placed upon all travellers to and -from Great Britain considerably curtailed von Preussen's activities. -The difficulty of making a sea passage to the Continent was almost -insurmountable. Once, indeed, the spy essayed to fly, and was within -an ace of success, when the stolen machine crashed. Fortunately for -the spy, the accident happened in an unfrequented spot, and being but -slightly injured he contrived to get away; but the mystery of the -abandoned machine puzzled the brains of the Air Ministry for months. -Von Preussen returned to the Fatherland via Bergen, disguised as a -fireman on board a Norwegian tramp.</p> - -<p>The spy had not long been in Berlin before he was peremptorily -ordered off on another "tour." The Hun High Command knew how to get -the best out of their secret service agents, and since Karl von -Preussen had been a success his employers kept him running at high -pressure. Accordingly, armed with instructions to report upon various -British air stations, and to obtain accurate information respecting -the bombing 'planes known to be building for the express purpose of -blowing Berlin to bits, the spy was sent on board U 247, the -commander of which was furnished with orders to land his passenger on -the east coast of Scotland.</p> - -<p>"Here's to your venture, von Preussen!" exclaimed Ober-leutnant von -Preugfeld, as he raised his glass. "Your health."</p> - -<p>With a profusion of "Hoch, hoch, hoch!" their glasses clicked and the -toast was drunk. Then, tightening the belt of his trench-coat, the -spy ascended the ladder and gained the deck.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter05"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER V</h3> - -<h4 align="center">THE PROWESS OF KAPITAN VON PREUGFELD</h4> - -<p>"<span class="smallcaps">The</span> fog is thicker than ever," grumbled the ober-leutnant as he -emerged from below. "It is so far fortunate for your landing, von -Preussen, but give me a clear night. Then there is far less risk of -being run down by those accursed P-boats."</p> - -<p>"You need to be doubly careful on a night like this," rejoined the -spy.</p> - -<p>"And one way is to lose no time in getting into the dinghy," added -von Preugfeld pointedly.</p> - -<p>Rubbing alongside the bulging hull of the U-boat was a small -collapsible dinghy manned by a couple of hands clad in oilskins. In -the stern-sheets, muffled by a piece of tarpaulin, was a lighted -compass.</p> - -<p>"I am sending my unter-leutnant in charge of the boat," observed von -Preugfeld.</p> - -<p>"Then I hope Herr von Loringhoven realises the sense of his -responsibility," laughed the spy, as he stepped into the boat. <i>"Auf -Wiedersehen!"</i></p> - -<p>The dinghy pushed off under muffled oars and well-greased rowlocks. -In less than half a minute it was inaudible and invisible, swallowed -up in the fog.</p> - -<p>The kapitan of U 247 remained on deck, half-buried in his greatcoat. -He was both irritable and impatient—impatient for the return of the -boat, irritable since he wanted to smoke and durst not. Another -U-boat commander had smoked on deck while his boat was recharging -batteries at night. The fumes of the cigar, drifting far and wide, -assailed the keen nostrils of a submarine hunter. As it was, the -U-boat got away, but her kapitan learnt a lesson and did not hesitate -to inform his fellow-pirates of his very narrow escape.</p> - -<p>Always within easy distance of the open conning-tower hatchway and -ready to submerge at an instant's notice, Ober-leutnant von Preugfeld -maintained his solitary vigil, for the rest of the crew had been -ordered to their diving stations. It was the life of a hunted animal, -haunted by an ever-present fear. Von Preugfeld, prematurely aged and -careworn, had suffered the torments of the damned since the order had -been issued for unrestricted submarine warfare, At first he had -entered into the business with grim zest. A firm believer in the -policy of ruthlessness as applied to war, the ober-leutnant had no -compunction in sinking unarmed merchantmen and hospital ships, but -when the British Mercantile Marine took unto itself guns and -gun-layers who could shoot uncommonly straight, and when the Royal -Navy adopted certain sinister devices to cope with the pirate Hun, -von Preugfeld did not feel at all happy.</p> - -<p>By this time he was convinced that he was on the losing side. Almost -every officer in the German Submarine Service had the same opinion, -although individually they were loth to admit it. The men, too, knew -that the U-boat campaign was a failure, but, unlike their officers, -they discussed the matter amongst themselves and thought that it was -quite about time they had a say in the business.</p> - -<p>For a full forty minutes von Preugfeld paced the limited expanse of -steel platform that comprised the U-boat's deck, until a faint -whistle like the call of a curlew was borne to his ears.</p> - -<p>Ordering a couple of hands on deck, the ober-leutnant gave the -pre-arranged reply. For another five minutes the interchange of -signals continued as the dinghy, baffled by the fog, endeavoured to -find her way back to her parent ship.</p> - -<p>Presently the black outlines of the little boat loomed through the -moonlit mist. The bowman threw the painter, and von Loringhoven -clambered on board.</p> - -<p>"This confounded fog!" he exclaimed. "I have not seen a worse one -even off the Friesland shore."</p> - -<p>"And von Preussen?" asked the kapitan laconically.</p> - -<p>"We landed him safely, Herr Kapitan," replied the unter-leutnant. -"There was no one about. The actual business of setting him ashore -was simple. We are to look out for him at the same place at midnight -on the first of next month, I believe?"</p> - -<p>"That is so," assented von Preugfeld. "That is, if we are still -alive," he added, speaking to himself.</p> - -<p>"If what, Kerr Kapitan?" asked his subordinate anxiously.</p> - -<p>"Nothing," rejoined the other gruffly. "Now, to your post, von -Loringhoven. We have a tricky piece of navigation in front of us if -we are to arrive off Aberspey by midnight."</p> - -<p>Thanks to his intimate knowledge of the coasts of Great Britain, von -Preugfeld was able to take the intricate inner passage round St. -Rollox Head. He did not expect to find any patrols in that waterway -on a foggy night, and his anticipations were well founded. Running -awash and at full speed, U 247 literally scraped past the outlying -rocks, the thresh of her propellers being deadened by the constant -roar of the surf upon the far-flung ledges that thrust themselves -seaward from the bold headland. Through a winding channel barely a -hundred yards in width, beset with dangers on either hand and swept -by furious currents and counter-eddies, the U-boat held steadily -onwards, until with a grunt of relief von Preugfeld "handed over" to -his subordinate.</p> - -<p>"We're through," he observed. "Now keep her south by west at nine -knots. Call me in twenty minutes."</p> - -<p>At the expiration of the given time the kapitan went on deck and -ordered the leadsman to sound. Very slowly the U-boat held on, until -through a rift in the fog the look-out sighted a green buoy on the -starboard hand.</p> - -<p>"That is what I was looking for," remarked von Preugfeld to the -unter-leutnant. "It's a wreck-buoy placed there as a monument to our -achievement last March. You remember?"</p> - -<p>"The <i>Camperdown Castle</i>, Herr Kapitan?"</p> - -<p>"No, you fool," snapped the kapitan. "We sank the <i>Camperdown Castle</i> -eighty kilometres away to the south-eastward."</p> - -<p>"The <i>Columbine</i>, then?"</p> - -<p>"That's better," exclaimed von Preugfeld. "That red cross on her port -bow made an excellent mark, illuminated by electric light as it was -for our convenience. Now, shut off the motors. Call away the guns' -crews. Elevate to eight thousand metres, and fire anywhere between -west by north and west by south, and I'll warrant we'll make a mess -of things ashore in Aberspey."</p> - -<p>The two six-inch guns mounted on U 247 were quickly manned. The -glistening, well-oiled breech-blocks were flung open, and the metal -cylinders with their deadly steel shells were thrust home. For a -brief instant the gun-layers lingered over their sights, training the -weapons upon an invisible target roughly five miles off.</p> - -<p>"Open fire!" ordered von Preugfeld in a strained, harsh voice.</p> - -<p>Both guns barked almost simultaneously, stabbing the foggy night with -long tongues of dark red flame. Even as the U-boat heeled under the -recoil the shrill whine of the projectile could be distinctly heard, -followed by the distant crashes of the exploding shells.</p> - -<p>"Hit something," observed von Loringhoven. "Let us hope that the -objective was worth hitting."</p> - -<p>"Carry on!" shouted the kapitan. "Twelve rounds each gun, and be -sharp about it."</p> - -<p>The required number of rounds did not take long. The German gunners -were working in feverish haste, fearful lest the tip-and-run -bombardment would bring swift retribution in its wake in the shape of -a flotilla of destroyers.</p> - -<p>Directly the last shell case had been ejected and passed below—for -brass was worth almost its weight in silver to the German military -and naval authorities—the guns were secured and the crews returned -to diving stations.</p> - -<p>Pausing only to listen intently for sounds of approaching vessels, -von Preugfeld disappeared through the conning-tower hatchway. The -metal fastening clanged into its appointed place, the ballast tanks -were flooded and U 247 submerged to thirty metres.</p> - -<p>For the next hour she proceeded warily, until her kapitan deemed it -safe to rise to the surface. The engines were stopped, and as soon as -the U-boat floated just awash the officers went on deck to listen.</p> - -<p>"Petrol engine!" exclaimed von Loringhoven, as the noisy exhaust -beats of an internal combustion engine were plainly audible although -at a considerable distance.</p> - -<p>"Down with her then!" ordered von Preugfeld.</p> - -<p>As he moved towards the hatchway, the chief motor engineer -approached.</p> - -<p>"We have a bad case of short circuiting, Herr Kapitan," he began. -"Both on magneto and accumulator the motors refuse to fire. I -have——"</p> - -<p>"<i>Donnerwetter!</i>" exclaimed von Preugfeld angrily. "What monkey -tricks have you been playing? And there are hostile motor craft -around. Von Loringhoven, what depth have we?"</p> - -<p>"Too great to rest on the bed of the sea, Herr Kapitan," replied the -unter-leutnant.</p> - -<p>Without motive power the submarine was helpless for under-water work. -She could fill her ballast tanks, but it would be impossible to sink -only to a required depth. She would sink rapidly until the tremendous -external pressure of water would crush her thick steel hull like an -egg-shell.</p> - -<p>"How long will it take you to make good defects?" demanded von -Preugfeld of the thoroughly scared mechanic. "Half an hour—twenty -minutes?"</p> - -<p>"I will try, Herr Kapitan. Perhaps in half an hour——"</p> - -<p>"Then get on with the task," almost shouted the excitable -ober-leutnant. "First couple up the surface-cruising engines. Von -Loringhoven, turn out the guns' crews. If that motor vessel comes in -sight we must try and settle her before she uses her depth-charges, -or it will be all up with us. Ten thousand curses on von Preussen for -having got us into this mess!"</p> - -<p>Although scared himself, von Loringhoven could not help smiling at -his superior's words. He realised that the spy had little or nothing -to do with U 247's present predicament. It was just possible that the -concussion caused by the bombardment of Aberspey might have set up a -short circuit, but von Preugfeld would never admit that.</p> - -<p>At frequent intervals the U-boat's engines were stopped. The noise of -the unseen motor vessel's exhaust alternately grew louder and -fainter. Somewhere in that baffling mist was the danger. Engaged in -a mutual game of maritime blind man's bluff the submarine and the -submarine-hunter were groping for each other. At any moment a rift in -the veil of fog might bring the adversaries almost broadside to -broadside.</p> - -<p>Von Preugfeld glanced at the luminous dial of his watch.</p> - -<p>"Fifteen minutes more," he muttered. "Will it be in time?"</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter06"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER VI</h3> - -<h4 align="center">PICKED UP</h4> - -<p>"<span class="smallcaps">Pull</span> starboard; back port!... Give way together!" ordered -Lieutenant-Commander Wakefield, as the blunt bows of the U-boat -appeared through the dispersing fog-bank.</p> - -<p>The men obeyed with a will. Almost in its own length the "tin" dinghy -spun round and darted towards the pall of misty vapour. It was a -dog's chance, and the men realised it, but they were not going to -throw up the sponge without a determined effort to escape.</p> - -<p>Alas for the bold resolve! With a rapidity that was little short of -miraculous for a vessel of her type, the U-boat turned to starboard. -Then, with her engines reversed, she brought up dead with her bows -within an oar's length of the M.L.'s dinghy.</p> - -<p>Right for'ard were half a dozen men clad in oilskins. One of them -brandished a long boat-hook.</p> - -<p>"Game's up, Fritz," shouted an unmistakable Devonshire voice. "Be yu -comin' quiet-like?"</p> - -<p>For a moment the men sat dumfounded. Then Wakefield laughed -mirthlessly.</p> - -<p>"She's one of our new submarines!" he exclaimed. "And we've been -engaging her by mistake. Good heavens, what a proper lash up! Make -fast there!"</p> - -<p>The bowman threw a coil of rope, and as the boat swung alongside the -giant submarine Wakefield leapt on board, followed by Meredith.</p> - -<p>The surprise of M.L. 1071's officers was more than equalled by the -consternation of the skipper of the submarine, who burst out into a -torrent of eager questions.</p> - -<p>"Then I've sunk you, by Jove!" exclaimed the latter. "How was I to -know? Why the deuce didn't you make your private signal? You fired -first, you know."</p> - -<p>"Admitted," replied Wakefield. "We spotted what we took to be a -U-boat and, having had official information that none of our -submarines was within eighty miles of us, we naturally let rip the -moment we sighted you."</p> - -<p>He gave a quick glance at the deck and superstructure.</p> - -<p>"Any damage?" he asked.</p> - -<p>The other smiled grimly.</p> - -<p>"Not to us... 'Fraid I cannot congratulate you on the excellence of -your gunnery. Every shell went overhead handsomely."</p> - -<p>The gun-layer of M.L. 1071's six-pounder, overhearing the remark, -groaned at the slight upon his marksmanship.</p> - -<p>"Sorry I can't return the compliment," observed Wakefield. "You -caught us a beauty—only it failed to explode or we wouldn't be here. -As it is, I've lost my command and sustained a couple of casualties. -Rough luck!"</p> - -<p>"Rough luck indeed!" rejoined the other sympathetically. "Come below -and have a glass of grog. I'll have your men attended to. We must cut -your boat adrift, I'm afraid."</p> - -<p>Meredith followed the two lieutenant-commanders to the little -ward-room, which, though small, was not chock-a-block with the usual -appendages to a submarine's officers' quarters.</p> - -<p>The skipper of the boat threw off his oilskin, revealing a burly -figure rigged out in the uniform of a lieutenant-commander R.N.R. In -height he was over six feet, with massive neck and bull-dog features. -His face was tanned a deep red that contrasted vividly with his -light-blue eyes and white, even teeth. From the outer corner of his -left eye to within an inch of the extremity of his jaw-bone ran a -greyish scar that tended to accentuate the grim tenacity of -expression.</p> - -<p>"Sit you down," he said, in unmistakably Northumbrian accents. "A -stiff peg will pull you fellows together, although the sun's not over -the fore-yard. But let that slide. What's your name?"</p> - -<p>Wakefield gave the required information and introduced Meredith to -the burly R.N.R. skipper.</p> - -<p>"Morpeth's my tally," announced the latter, in answer to Wakefield's -inquiry: "Geordie Morpeth, or 'Tough Geordie,' as they used to call -me when I was first mate in the Foul Anchor Line—them that runs -cattle boats to Monte Video, you might remember."</p> - -<p>"Tough work, eh?" inquired Wakefield.</p> - -<p>"You're about right," agreed Morpeth. "Handling a crew of Dagoes and -such-like takes a bit of doing. My present job is an easy one in -comparison."</p> - -<p>"What made you go in for the Submarine Service?" asked Meredith.</p> - -<p>The bull-necked R.N.R. officer leant back in his chair and laughed -uproariously.</p> - -<p>"Got you cold, by Jove!" he ejaculated. "Submarine Service—a -precious lot I know about it, 'cept that I know a U-boat when I spot -her. Leastways, I thought I did until I mistook your hooker for -Fritz: but you fired on me first, my man. Ha! ha! ha! Submarine -indeed!"</p> - -<p>"Well, isn't this one?" inquired Wakefield.</p> - -<p>"She won't submerge unless a Hun tinfish gets her," replied Morpeth -oracularly. "And that ain't likely, since Fritz can't distinguish -between a real U-boat and this old hooker. We're just a decoy."</p> - -<p>"Sort of Q-boat?" asked Meredith.</p> - -<p>"You've about hit it, old thing," replied the R.N.R. man. "We're just -off to the Heligoland Bight to see if that fish will bite. Excuse my -joke. Hope you're not in a hurry, 'cause you'll have to be shipmates -along with us for the next fortnight."</p> - -<p>"Any old job'll suit me," said Wakefield. "The only thing that -troubles me is how we are to get in touch with the S.N.O., Auldhaig. -We'll be posted as missing and all that sort of thing."</p> - -<p>"Can't help you there," declared Morpeth. "We don't get in touch with -patrolling craft during this stunt for a very good reason. They'd -fire on us at sight long before we could establish our identity."</p> - -<p>"Why not wireless?" suggested Meredith.</p> - -<p>"We've got a wireless rigged up, but we don't use it except in cases -of actual danger," explained Morpeth. "Once we start sending out -messages all our chances go by the board. Fritz might intercept them, -and there you are. We'll receive as many as they care to send, and a -fine old collection we've got. You should see our wireless decoder -with his German signal code-book. That's the way to get a true -insight into the U-boat campaign. No, gentlemen, it can't be did; but -I'll do my level best to make you comfortable. There's a spare bunk -in my cabin, Mr. Wakefield, and Mr. Meredith can have a hammock slung -in the ward-room. As for grub, there's enough and to spare for all -hands."</p> - -<p>"Good enough!" exclaimed Wakefield heartily. "Only I hope you've got -a job for us?"</p> - -<p>"You trust me for that," rejoined the R.N.R. officer grimly.</p> - -<p>He glanced at the clock on the after-bulkhead.</p> - -<p>"Seven bells," he remarked. "We've spent a solid hour kagging away -when we ought to be turned in. It'll be daybreak in another hour. -Tired?"</p> - -<p>Wakefield and Meredith replied in the negative. The excitement of the -unfortunate engagement was still making itself felt, rendering the -desire for sleep impossible.</p> - -<p>"Take my tip and turn in," suggested Morpeth. "I'll get the steward -to bring some grub first, and then you'll be all right for the next -few hours. You'll excuse me, but I must see how things are going on -deck. I've got a ripping officer of the watch, but at the same time -the responsibility is mine."</p> - -<p>Picking up his cap, the gold lace and badge of which was green with -exposure to the salt spray, Lieutenant-Commander Morpeth left his -involuntary guests and went on deck.</p> - -<p>"Tough customer," remarked Wakefield. "His nickname is well bestowed. -I shouldn't care to fall foul of him."</p> - -<p>"A good man for the job, I should imagine," said Meredith, as he -proffered his cigarette-case to his superior officer. "Where the Navy -would be without the R.N.R. goodness only knows. Those fellows could -carry on straight away, but we had to be trained—after a fashion. I -remember the first time I tried to bring an M.L. alongside a jetty. -There wasn't much tide and hardly any wind, but it took five attempts -before I did the trick."</p> - -<p>"You were not the only one," said Wakefield reminiscently. "First -time I was running at fifteen knots I had the wind up properly. Knew -every article on the Rule of Road and all that sort of thing by -heart, but the first lumbering old tramp I met drove the whole -blessed lot out of my head. Scraped her quarter by less'n a yard, an' -it might have been worse."</p> - -<p>Kenneth puffed thoughtfully at his pipe.</p> - -<p>"Rummy war this," he observed. "When you take things into -consideration——"</p> - -<p>"Fog's cleared away, and it's a bright moonlight night," announced -Morpeth, thrusting his head, surmounted by the salt-stained cap and -tarnished badge, through the doorway. "Care to come up and have a -look round?"</p> - -<p>"Right-o, old thing," replied Wakefield.</p> - -<p>Preceded by their host, the M.L. officers ascended the almost -vertical steel ladder and gained the deck.</p> - -<p>"Mind our tram-lines," cautioned Morpeth, "That's right. Now, what do -you think of the old hooker?"</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter07"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER VII</h3> - -<h4 align="center">A U-BOAT OF SORTS</h4> - -<p><span class="smallcaps">The</span> "old hooker" was plugging along at a steady twelve knots. At -frequent intervals copious quantities of spray would be flung inboard -as her bows plunged into the long swell. Running dead into the eye of -the wind, she gave one an exaggerated idea of speed, for even in a -light breeze the wire rigging supporting the two short masts -verberated tunefully in the night air.</p> - -<p>From the partly closed fo'c'sle hatchway came sounds of mild revelry. -Meredith smiled at the noise, for he recognised amongst others the -voices of some of his own men. Evidently the ex-crew of M.L. 1071 -were taking kindly to their new surroundings, and were not in the -least perturbed by their change of fortune.</p> - -<p>"Hefty sort of hooker after an M.L." remarked Wakefield. "And what -did you tell me was her name?"</p> - -<p>"I didn't tell you any name, for the simple reason that she hasn't -one. She's simply Q 171, while to Fritz she appears as U 251—but -Fritz doesn't get away to tell the tale."</p> - -<p>"What are these for?" asked Kenneth, kicking his boot against one of -a pair of metal rails that ran fore and aft.</p> - -<p>"Our tram-lines," explained the lieutenant-commander of Q 171. "A -little device to clear decks for action in a brace of shakes. See our -conning-tower and that superstructure arrangement abaft it? They're -duds. Stand aside a minute, and I'll give a little demonstration of -how things are worked. A bit further—that's it; now you are clear of -the rails. Jackson!"</p> - -<p>"Sir!"</p> - -<p>A bearded petty officer came aft at a double, and awaited orders.</p> - -<p>"The gadget!" exclaimed Morpeth laconically.</p> - -<p>The man ran for'ard and was lost to sight beyond the break of the -conning-tower.</p> - -<p>Ten seconds later, impelled by a swift and invisible force, the -conning-tower and the raised superstructure glided forward along the -rails, leaving exposed in all their stark aggressiveness three large -objects resembling exaggerated drain-pipes.</p> - -<p>"Torpedo-tubes, by Jove!" exclaimed Wakefield.</p> - -<p>"Guess you've never seen the type before," remarked the -lieutenant-commander of Q 171. "They are shorter than the standard -pattern, and, as you might observe, are not exactly parallel. -Discharge all three torpedoes simultaneously, and they run on -slightly divergent courses."</p> - -<p>"Doesn't give Fritz much of a chance," observed Meredith.</p> - -<p>"Not a dog's chance, old thing," rejoined Morpeth. "They're only -14-inch torpedoes, but they're just some. Blow a hole in a -battleship's hull large enough to take a stage-coach, so you can -imagine what happens when Fritz stops one—perhaps two, and very -occasionally three. In a way a fellow can't help feeling sorry for -Fritz, but he's asked for it all along the line. If he'd played a -straight game with his U-boats we would have given him credit for -what he'd done, and taken our chances. That chap who torpedoed our -<i>Cressy</i>, <i>Hogue</i>, and <i>Aboukir</i> early in the war did a smart thing, -and the Navy admitted it; but now all the decent U-boat skippers have -packed up, or else have degenerated into low-down curs."</p> - -<p>"Precisely," agreed Wakefield. "Hospital ships, and all that sort of -business."</p> - -<p>"Unarmed merchantmen—that's why we've had to take on the Q-boat -stunt. Hardly seems proper jonnick to lure a Fritz within range, and -then blow him to bits, but, as I said before, he's asked for it."</p> - -<p>"Bagged many?"</p> - -<p>"A few," admitted the R.N.R. man modestly; then, pleased at a sudden -recollection, he squared his massive shoulders and burst into a -hearty roar of laughter. "That reminds me of the last Fritz we -scuppered. We had information that a U-boat was knocking around off -Bass Rock, playing Old Harry with small coasting craft out of -Arbroath and Granton, so we sent out the old s.s. <i>Niblick</i>—one of -the Pink Funnel Line. She had been sold to a firm of ship-breakers, -but when the pinch came they fitted her out again. Well, we followed -an hour after the <i>Niblick</i> left Montrose, got within range, and -started firing at her, or rather putting shells into the sea within a -hundred yards or so. Presently we sighted a periscope. Fritz couldn't -quite understand things, since he imagined he was the only U-boat -sculling around. But after a while he couldn't resist the temptation -of joining in the pursuit, and he blew ballast-tanks and came to the -surface at a cable's length broad on our starboard beam. Before he -could get to work on the <i>Niblick</i> with his bow quick-firer, he went -to the bottom for good and all. It required only one of our torpedoes -for that job."</p> - -<p>"That's the stuff to give 'em!" exclaimed Meredith.</p> - -<p>"It strikes me, Sub," observed Wakefield, as he stifled a yawn, "that -we of the M.L. patrol will have to pack up. There's nothin' doin' for -us now the Q-boats are out."</p> - -<p>"Ever sighted a Fritz?" inquired Morpeth.</p> - -<p>Wakefield was obliged to confess that he had not.</p> - -<p>"I'm not surprised," continued the R.N.R. skipper. "Your little -packets make too much noise. I wouldn't mind betting that Fritz has -had a squint at you many a time through his periscope, and then he's -promptly legged it. You're like a fat policeman on the track of a -young burglar. It's the moral effect that tells. Before we cover up -these beauties I'd like to show you the torpedoes."</p> - -<p>With a dexterous movement Morpeth opened the breech of one of the -tubes. Unlike the standard pattern, which is closed by means of six -butterfly nuts, the breech mechanism consisted of an intercepted -thread action somewhat similar to that of a quick-firer.</p> - -<p>"We bagged that idea from the Hun," remarked Morpeth. "Now here is -our tinfish: it has a range of only two miles, but quite enough for -our purpose. Propulsive force, electric, and no fooling about with -compressed air."</p> - -<p>The M.L. officers examined the well-oiled glistening steel cylinders. -In the bright moonlight the missiles looked harmless enough, but it -took very little effort of the imagination to picture the fate of a -craft torn by the explosion of fifty pounds of gun-cotton and aminol.</p> - -<p>"The hydrophone-room," announced Morpeth, indicating a hatchway -almost amidships. "That's nothing new to you, I'm sure. Here is our -engine-room—petrol motors, of course."</p> - -<p>"And your speed?" asked Wakefield.</p> - -<p>"We are running normally—twelve knots."</p> - -<p>"Yes—but all out?"</p> - -<p>"With luck we might touch thirty-eight," was the unconcerned reply. -"It isn't very often we do that—it's not necessary when we're -Fritz-hunting—but when the Hun does come out with his light cruisers -and torpedo boats, then we just show a clean pair of heels before -they as much as sight us. Once they get an inkling that a British -Q-boat is out disguised as a U-boat, then we may just as well pay off -and save the taxpayers."</p> - -<p>"But if their aircraft spotted you?" asked Meredith. "Your speed -wouldn't help you much then."</p> - -<p>"I agree," said Morpeth. "Aircraft are, in my opinion, unmitigated -nuisances—that is, as far as we are concerned on this little stunt. -When I see any of our blimps or flying-boats I get the wind up, -because they naturally take us for a U-boat; and unless we're pretty -smart at making our distinguishing signs, and they are equally smart -at reading the same, they proceed with the utmost relish to strafe -us. When I meet the Air Force fellows ashore I chip 'em and say it's -because they're jealous."</p> - -<p>"And when you spot a Hun 'plane?" inquired Wakefield.</p> - -<p>"That's quite a different story. Just step aft a minute."</p> - -<p>Morpeth led the way abaft the engine-room hatchway. On the centre -line of the narrow deck was a metal flap about eighteen inches -square.</p> - -<p>"Our anti-aircraft gun is below there," observed the R.N.R. officer. -"No, we don't lug it on deck. It's fired from below. Now, when a Hun -spots us and we can't make ourselves scarce, we stop our engines and -display a signal as per Imperial German Navy Code Book, a copy of -which was issued to me by the British Admiralty."</p> - -<p>"I know the thing," remarked Wakefield.</p> - -<p>"Down swoops inquisitive Fritz," continued Morpeth, "and then we -have him cold."</p> - -<p>Wakefield stifled another yawn.</p> - -<p>"'Scuse me," he murmured apologetically, "but it's not because I'm -not interested. I am, really; but Nature is reminding me that I've -had no sleep for the last twenty-four hours."</p> - -<p>"By Jove! Why didn't you tell me before?" demanded Morpeth, in -genuine concern. "Turn in, both of you, at once; and if you're out -before the sun's over the fore-yard there'll be trouble."</p> - -<p>"Right-o, on one condition," rejoined Wakefield.</p> - -<p>The R.N.R. lieutenant-commander smiled grimly.</p> - -<p>"I don't have fellows making conditions with the skipper of this -hooker as a general rule," he remarked. "But what is it?"</p> - -<p>"That we are called if there's any little stunt on," continued -Wakefield.</p> - -<p>"That's a deal," agreed Morpeth. "Good-night."</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter08"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER VIII</h3> - -<h4 align="center">VON PREUSSEN'S BLANK DAY</h4> - -<p>"<span class="smallcaps">What</span> a ghastly welcome!" soliloquised Leutnant Karl von Preussen, as -he approached the "prohibited area" of Auldhaig. For the present his -assumed name was Captain George Fennelburt, R.A.F., and in adopting -the name and character he had left very little to chance. His -pocket-book bulged with spurious official documents, printed in -Germany, and replicas of papers that had either been surreptitiously -obtained from British air stations, or had been found on captured -men.</p> - -<p>It was not a pleasant sort of evening. The sea mist had turned to a -steady drizzle, accompanied by gusts of icy-cold wind. On the road, -cut up by exceptionally heavy motor traffic, the mud lay four inches -deep. Wearing a heavy trench coat, thick boots and leggings, and -encumbered by a bulky haversack, von Preussen found himself decidedly -hot and clammy before he had covered many miles of his long tramp.</p> - -<p>He had studiously avoided the cliff road, preferring to make a detour -inland and to approach Auldhaig from the railway station.</p> - -<p>At length he gained the summit of the hill overlooking the town. On -his left lay the important munition factory of Sauchieblair, shrouded -in utter darkness, although there were aural evidences in plenty of -the activity that was in progress day and night. A mile to the north -gleamed lights. Von Preussen smiled grimly as he saw them. He knew -precisely the meaning of the unscreened gleams. They were decoys, -shown for the purpose of putting a raider off the scent, and up to a -certain point had justified their existence.</p> - -<p>Ahead lay Auldhaig, also shrouded in utter darkness. Neither in the -wide ramifications of the landlocked harbour, nor from the vast -expanse of wharves and docks, was there the faintest sign of a light; -but the clatter of pneumatic hammers and the rumbling of locomotives -indicated pretty plainly that the shipyards were running at high -pressure.</p> - -<p>Without difficulty, von Preussen passed the guard at the block-house -on the bridge and entered the sombre town. It was now four o'clock in -the morning, and the spy wisely decided to make for an hotel and have -a much needed rest.</p> - -<p>In response to a knock the door of the Antelope Hotel was opened by a -sleepy night porter, who evinced no surprise at the belated arrival -of a guest.</p> - -<p>"You'll be registering in the morn, sir," he remarked.</p> - -<p>"Thanks; I may as well register at once," replied the spy, not that -he wanted to take the trouble to do so, but because he had ulterior -motives.</p> - -<p>In a bold hand he made the perfunctory declaration:—"George -Fennelburt, Captn. R.A.F.; business—on duty; where stationed -—Sheerness; name of Commanding Officer—Lieut.-Colonel H. B. L. -Greathooks, O.B.E."</p> - -<p>"Silly lot of rot, sir," remarked the porter, "giving a gent no end -of trouble. If you was to put down 'Julius Caesar' or 'Christopher -Columbus' I don't see as how it 'ud matter."</p> - -<p>"It's regulations, you know," said von Preussen, handing the fellow -half a crown. "Now get me a glass of something hot and a snack. I'm -hungry."</p> - -<p>The porter hurried off to execute the commission, pondering in his -mind on the inconsistency of the officer, who almost in one breath -had upheld the regulations and had broken them in the matter of -obtaining liquor during prohibited hours.</p> - -<p>Seizing his opportunity during the man's absence, von Preussen -scanned the pile of registration forms lying on the reception clerk's -desk. It behoved him to ascertain "who's who" with regard to the -naval, military and air officers staying at the hotel—particularly -the latter, as he had no desire to meet anyone hailing from Sheerness -or Isle of Grain air stations.</p> - -<p>Satisfied on that point, the spy went to bed, apologising for the -muddy state of his boots by stating that he had missed the last train -from Nedderburn, and had been compelled to walk to Auldhaig.</p> - -<p>He slept soundly till close on eleven in the morning. At noon, spick -and span, he made his way to Auldhaig Dockyard, with the plausible -intention of inspecting X-lighters, but with the real object of -keeping his ears and eyes open.</p> - -<p>Noon was a well-chosen time. The dockyard "maties" had knocked off -work for dinner, while the officials, with the prospects of lunch in -the near distance, would almost certainly request the pseudo-Captain -Fennelburt to call again at three. That meant, once inside the -dockyard gates, the spy had three hours in which to make useful -observations.</p> - -<p>The first official he called upon was the Senior Naval Officer, who, -forgetting that the X-barges had left early that morning in the -charge of Sub-lieutenant Jock McIntosh, R.N.V.R., referred Captain -Fennelburt to the Captain of the Dockyard. That individual, who had a -dim recollection that the craft in question were in his charge and -were about to be handed over to the Royal Air Force, requested the -<i>soi-disant</i> representative of that branch of the Service to inquire -of the Chief Writer. The Chief Writer, about to go to lunch, summoned -the Head Messenger, who in turn told off a messenger to accompany -Captain Fennelburt on his search for the elusive X-lighters.</p> - -<p>For the next three-quarters of an hour the spy was hurried to and fro -over the slippery cobble-stones of Auldhaig Dockyard. He saw very -little that would be of service to the Imperial German Government. -For one reason, the messenger stuck like a leech and lost no time, -since he too was wanting his dinner. For another, everything in the -way of new ship construction was being done under cover, while -zealous, lynx-eyed policemen—picked men from the Metropolitan Police -Force—were everywhere in evidence; and von Preussen had a wholesome -respect for men in blue.</p> - -<p>"What's that vessel?" inquired von Preussen, indicating a tramp -steamer with her sides and deck covered with tarpaulins.</p> - -<p>"Merchantman, sir," replied his escort.</p> - -<p>"Why is she in a Government dock?" continued the spy. "I thought -tramp steamers would be repaired in the commercial dock."</p> - -<p>"So would she," answered the man. "Only there wasn't room. Torpedoed, -she was, 'bout a month ago."</p> - -<p>"Then why all that canvas over her?" asked von Preussen, beginning to -find himself on the track of something mysterious.</p> - -<p>"'Tis like this, sir," explained his companion with the utmost -gravity. "Her captain is living on board, an' 'e's got a bald 'ead. -When it rains they rigs up an awning to keep the drops off 'is pate, -'cause 'e gets awfully up the pole an' leads the crew a regular dog's -life if he's upset by gettin' 'is 'ead wet."</p> - -<p>"I perceive you are a humorist," remarked von Preussen drily.</p> - -<p>"Didn't know it, sir," rejoined the man. "My mates usually call me -'Mouldy Bill.' But hangin' around 'ere won't find what you're lookin' -for, sir, so let's make a move."</p> - -<p>It was an application of "official reticence and reserve" on the -part of this minor servant of the Admiralty. He knew perfectly well -that the tramp was in reality a Q-boat, and that under those canvas -awnings lay hidden a collection of mysterious "gadgets," for a -detailed description of which the authorities at Berlin would give a -high sum in gold.</p> - -<p>To linger would arouse suspicion, so reluctantly the spy followed his -guide on what he knew to be a vain quest for craft that were no -longer at Auldhaig.</p> - -<p>"Why not try the Kite and Balloon Section of the R.A.F.?" suggested -an official. "The depot is just across the harbour. I'll let you have -a boat."</p> - -<p>Von Preussen debated before replying. The offer was a tempting one, -for not only would he get a chance of having a closer view of various -warships in the stream, but there was no telling what information he -might pick up at the depot. On the other hand, he didn't want to be -asked awkward questions by men wearing the same uniform as himself. -He knew, however, that it was no exception to detail perfectly -incompetent officers on inspection duties. He had heard of a case of -one who hardly knew one end of a boat from another who was sent on a -700-mile journey to report upon some rowing-boats about to be -purchased for a station in the south of England.</p> - -<p>"Thanks," he replied. "I may even yet get on the track of those -elusive X-barges."</p> - -<p>Twenty minutes later von Preussen was seated in the stern-sheets of a -harbour service duty boat. To his guarded inquiries of the coxwain as -to the names of the vessels lying at the buoys, he received an -equally guarded answer:</p> - -<p>"Dunno, sir they comes and goes all hours of the day and night, an' -not havin' no names painted on 'em, and bein' all disguised-like, I -can't tell no more'n a nooborn baby."</p> - -<p>The duty-boat rubbed gently alongside the stone steps of the jetty. -Von Preussen stepped ashore, returned the sentry's salute, and -inquired the way to the adjutant's office.</p> - -<p>"X-barges?" queried the adjutant. "None this side. We used to borrow -'em from the dockyard, but we transferred most of our observation -balloons more than a month ago, and so we don't require the barges. -But now you are here, come and have lunch. It's close on one-thirty."</p> - -<p>"Many fellows here?" asked the spy, as he accompanied his host across -the wide parade-ground to a long wooden hut used as the mess.</p> - -<p>"Twenty," was the reply. "All old R.F.C. and R.N.A.S. men. Most of -them have been here for quite a long time. It's a posh station, and -once here a fellow doesn't want to be transferred elsewhere."</p> - -<p>In the absence of the commanding officer, the head of the table was -taken by the major. On his right sat the adjutant. Next to him was -placed von Preussen, who on his right had a youngster who looked -barely eighteen, yet he wore a captain's uniform, embellished by the -ribbons of the D.S.O. and M.C.</p> - -<p>The lunch was liberal and appetising. Deft-handed girls in W.R.A.F. -uniforms were kept busily employed in attending to the wants of -twenty odd ravenous officers, for the keen northern air, combined -with plenty of out-door activity, created vast appetites.</p> - -<p>As the meal progressed, conversation, at first desultory, grew in -volume and interest. Although "shop" figured largely, strictly -official matters were rigidly tabooed. Von Preussen had again to -confess that from his point of view he was getting precious little -change out of the entertainment.</p> - -<p>"Did you say you were from Calshot?" inquired the officer on the -spy's right.</p> - -<p>"No—from Sheerness," replied von Preussen, devoutly hoping that none -of the men present had been stationed there recently.</p> - -<p>"Who said Calshot?" inquired an indignant voice lower down the table. -"Beastly hole!"</p> - -<p>"What's that?" demanded the major.</p> - -<p>"Had to spend a night there, sir," was, the reply. "Forced landing. -They gave me a cubicle that was more like a condemned cell. Concrete -walls and floor dripping with moisture; not even a mat on the floor; -a bedstead without a mattress and only two blankets. No other -furniture. In the morning I had the worst breakfast I ever had on -this side of the North Sea. Filthy margarine, rancid bacon and weak -tea; and they took jolly good care to make me plank down half a -dollar on the nail for my breakfast. Ugh! Makes me shudder to think -of it."</p> - -<p>"Sheerness," remarked the captain, returning to the attack. "You must -know Smithers, then? A big, fat chap, with a mole just under his eye. -He's been quartermaster there since '16."</p> - -<p>Von Preussen acknowledged that he knew the quartermaster. He could -not very well have denied it in the face of his inquisitor's remarks.</p> - -<p>"And Tomlinson?" continued the latter. "Suppose he's still there, but -I haven't heard from him recently. A short, very dark-featured old -bean, with a very dry sense of humour. Plays 'pack and brag' every -available five minutes, and uses most atrocious language when he's -put out and when he isn't."</p> - -<p>"Tomlinson was sent to Dunkirk last month," declared von Preussen -mendaciously; then, eager to change what was a most distasteful and -embarrassing topic, he inquired:</p> - -<p>"Is there a decent theatre at Auldhaig?"</p> - -<p>"Not bad," replied Captain Cumberleigh—for that was the name of -von Preussen's heckler. "'Maid of the Mountains' is on to-night. Seen -it? Then, by Jove, you must, you priceless old thing!" he exclaimed -effusively. "No, we won't take a refusal. We've booked a box, and you -simply must come. After your fruitless journey to inspect those -X-lighters, you owe yourself some relaxation. And I say, Jefferson," -he continued, addressing a lieutenant across the table, "we'll take -Fennelburt out fishing this afternoon, just to kill time. Fine sport -just off the harbour."</p> - -<p>"I ought to be on my way back," protested von Preussen, as he weighed -up the possible advantages and disadvantages of remaining at Auldhaig -Air Station.</p> - -<p>"Rot, you conscientious old blighter!" said Cumberleigh boisterously. -"In any case, you wouldn't get further than Edinburgh to-night. We'll -fix you up with a cabin, and you'll be all O.K., old bean!"</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter09"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER IX</h3> - -<h4 align="center">HOW THE LIGHTERS FARED</h4> - -<p>"<span class="smallcaps">Hope</span> the brutes won't konk," thought Sub-lieutenant Jock McIntosh, -R.N.V.R., as he dispassionately surveyed the unlovely outlines of -X-lighters 5 and 6.</p> - -<p>After being second-in-command of a crack M.L., McIntosh felt no -violent enthusiasm over his job—to take the two cumbersome craft to -a strange port eighty odd miles along the coast. At a maximum speed -of five knots, it meant a sixteen hours' run; but McIntosh, knowing -the vagaries of the X-lighters' motors, refrained from being sanguine -on the matter.</p> - -<p>It was one of the jobs that fall to all branches of the Navy. With a -strange crew, and not having navigated a lighter before, McIntosh was -taking on "some stunt." He had charts and navigating instruments, but -he would have felt easier in his mind had he possessed "local -knowledge" of this part of the coast. On an M.L., where he was under -a competent officer, navigation was fairly simple as far as the Sub -was concerned; but now the whole responsibility of getting his -charges safely into port rested on his shoulders.</p> - -<p>It was the morning of von Preussen's visit to Auldhaig. The fog had -dispersed. In its wake had sprung up a fresh southerly breeze, which -in turn gave indications of decreasing in velocity before noon.</p> - -<p>Stopping to give his final instructions to the coxwain of No. 6, and -impressing upon him to follow at a cable's length in her consort's -wake, McIntosh boarded the lighter which for the nonce was to be the -leading craft. Already the twin heavy oil engines were "warming up," -making the decks quiver, and filling the air with oil-laden smoke.</p> - -<p>Making his way aft to the rough wooden hut that served as a -wheel-house, the Sub gave the signal to the engine-room staff to -"stand by."</p> - -<p>"Rummiest packets that ever sailed under the White Ensign," he -soliloquised, as his eye caught sight of the dingy bunting floating -from the yard-arm of the lighters' stumpy masts. "Ah, well; it's all -in a day's work."</p> - -<p>He gave the telegraph lever another jerk.</p> - -<p>"Cast off!" he shouted.</p> - -<p>Sluggishly the deeply-laden barge gathered way. She had a freeboard -of barely ten inches—a fact that portended wet decks before long.</p> - -<p>Having satisfied himself that No. 6 was following, McIntosh devoted -his attention to shaping a course out of harbour, undergoing a dozen -mental thrills as his unwieldy packet scraped past buoys and showed a -decided tendency to commit suicide across the steel stems of a couple -of anchored cruisers.</p> - -<p>Once clear of the harbour, the Sub called to a seaman.</p> - -<p>"Take her," he ordered, handing over the wheel. "Keep her as she is: -south a half west."</p> - -<p>"South a half west it is, sir," replied the man in the time-honoured -formula of the sea.</p> - -<p>Free to devote his attention to other things, McIntosh secured the -storm-flap of his oilskin coat and, leaving the shelter of the -wheel-house, looked towards the following boat.</p> - -<p>No. 6 was coming along well. The "bone in her teeth" glistened white -as she pushed her snub nose through the waves. Both craft were -"taking it green" as the water flowed over the tarpaulined hatches -and surged along the broad waterways.</p> - -<p>"We'll carry our tide for another hour," he said to himself. "Then -it'll be a slow job. One thing, we can't have every blessed thing in -life, but I hope to goodness nothing goes wrong."</p> - -<p>He glanced ahead. In an incredibly short space of time, the bold -outlines of Dunkennet Head had vanished. Dead to windward haze, -possibly fog, was bearing down. It was something that McIntosh had -not bargained for. The glass had shown indications of fine weather, -but unfortunately it was not capable of indicating the approach of -mist.</p> - -<p>"Hazy ahead," he remarked to the petty officer.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir," was the reply. "Will you be altering course a point or -so, sir? There's a nasty set of the tide inshore about these parts."</p> - -<p>"Yes," decided the Sub, and gave the necessary instructions to the -helmsman.</p> - -<p>"Get a nun-buoy ready to veer astern," he continued, "and signal to -No. 6 to keep the thing dose under her bows. If she doesn't, we'll be -losing each other."</p> - -<p>While the men were making these preparations the hideous clamour of -No. 6's foghorn attracted their attention. The lighters had increased -their distance to nearly a quarter of a mile, and No. 6 was still -dropping astern.</p> - -<p>"Ask 'em what's wrong," ordered McIntosh.</p> - -<p>A signalman, steadying himself with feet planted widely apart on the -plunging deck, semaphored the message. From No. 6 two red and yellow -hand-flags replied. McIntosh, unable to follow the swift movements of -the flags, was obliged to await the signalman's report:</p> - -<p>"Says, sir, she's overheated her bearings. She'll have to stop or her -engines'll seize up."</p> - -<p>It was exactly what the Sub was anticipating, and now trouble had -come he met it promptly and resolutely.</p> - -<p>"Tell them to stand by and receive a hawser," he ordered, at the same -time ringing down for "Slow." "Look alive, there, with that six-inch -rope."</p> - -<p>While the men were engaged in bringing one end of the hawser to the -after "towing-bitts," McIntosh took the helm and began to run to -starboard in order to close with the disabled lighter. He was working -against time, for already the mist was upon them—the outflung -tentacles of a bank of fog. With a range of visibility of three or -four hundred yards, matters were somewhat complicated, but the -manoeuvre of establishing communication with the helpless craft would -be rendered fourfold difficult, should the baffling fog envelop the -two boats.</p> - -<p>"All ready with the heaving-line?" shouted the Sub.</p> - -<p>"All ready, sir."</p> - -<p>Slowly, even for the low-speed lighter, McIntosh, made for the -disabled vessel, which was now lying broadside on to the fairly -confused sea. The Sub was cautious. Strange to the boat, he knew that -there was a vast difference between the manoeuvring capabilities of -an M.L. and a lighter, and with that fact in mind he displayed an -excess of caution.</p> - -<p>Almost before he realised the danger, disaster came. Answering too -slowly to her helm, No. 5 crashed heavily against the bluff steel -bows of No. 6. Amidst the hiss of inrushing water, the two engineers -scrambled through the smoke-laden atmosphere of the motor-room and -gained the deck with the tidings that the sea was pouring in like a -mill-race. And to add to the peril the fog was then enveloping the -colliding craft.</p> - -<p>There seemed no doubt about it: No. 5 was sinking. Had she been -struck anywhere but right aft, her heavy rubbing-strake would have -saved her. As it was she had been hit in a vital spot—her -engine-room.</p> - -<p>As luck would have it, both lighters drifted together, their -metal-bound sides grinding and bumping in the agitated waves. Since -No. 5 was evidently sinking, the only refuge for her crew was the -deck of disabled No. 6.</p> - -<p>"Jump for it!" shouted McIntosh. "Every man for himself."</p> - -<p>Waiting till the last, the Sub snatched up his confidential papers, -thrust them into the pocket of his oilskins, and, as the two lighters -rolled heavily together, he made a flying leap for the deck of No. 6.</p> - -<p>He was not a moment too soon. At the next roll there was a gap of -five or six yards between the two vessels. Separated by a freak eddy -of the tidal stream, they increased their distance more and more, -until the holed lighter, with her stern level with the water, was -lost to sight in the fog.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter10"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER X</h3> - -<h4 align="center">THE SALVAGE SYNDICATE</h4> - -<p>"<span class="smallcaps">What's</span> your little game, Cumberleigh?" demanded the major. "Hanged -if I can see what you are driving at."</p> - -<p>Lunch was over at Auldhaig Air Station. Most of the officers had -drifted in twos and threes into the ante-room to seize the -opportunity of enjoying a smoke before falling in on parade. The -second-in-command and Captain Cumberleigh found themselves alone.</p> - -<p>"I may be mistaken, sir," replied Cumberleigh, "but I'm not at all -sure about that fellow Fennelburt."</p> - -<p>"What d'ye mean, old thing? asked the major.</p> - -<p>"It's a rotten business to explain," replied the captain. "I hope I -don't do the fellow an injustice, but I believe he's a spy."</p> - -<p>Major Sparrowhawk raised his eyebrows in a manner that indicated -incredulous objection.</p> - -<p>"Goodness gracious, Cumberleigh!" he exclaimed. "What are you driving -at? The idea's preposterous. There are limits to the imagination, and -I think you're exceeding them."</p> - -<p>"I have reasons, sir,"</p> - -<p>"Well, what are they?"</p> - -<p>"You remember I asked him about Smithers and Tomlinson? I know for a -fact that they were both at Sheerness a week ago."</p> - -<p>"Yes, and Captain Fennelburt said he knew them."</p> - -<p>"He did—but I deliberately gave him a totally wrong description of -them. Smithers is fat, but he's short—about five six, I should -think—and he certainly hasn't a mole under his eye. Tomlinson is -fair, not dark, and I've never known him to touch a card either in -the mess or out of it."</p> - -<p>"There are some very queer cusses in the Service, I'll admit," -remarked Major Sparrowhawk thoughtfully. "Getting a commission in war -time isn't the same as in normal times. The chap may be pulling your -leg, Cumberleigh. But why did you pal up to him and promise to take -him to the theatre and all that?"</p> - -<p>"Just to gain time, sir," answered Captain Cumberleigh. "I thought -I'd ask your permission to telegraph to Sheerness Air Station. The -inquiry could be worded discreetly, and if the reply's satisfactory -there's no harm done. If it isn't, then we can take action."</p> - -<p>"But what aroused your suspicions in the first instance?" asked the -second-in-command.</p> - -<p>Cumberleigh shrugged his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"Just a little mannerism of his, sir," he replied. "I've never -before tumbled across it on this side of the Rhine. Spent part of my -far distant youth at Heidelburg, and one notices certain things. So -I've practically put the fellow under arrest, only he doesn't know -it. Young Jefferson'll take him fishing this afternoon, and in the -meanwhile the wires can be getting busy."</p> - -<p>"Bet you a double whisky you're wrong, Cumberleigh," offered Major -Sparrowhawk.</p> - -<p>"Done, sir," was the prompt reply.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile Lieutenant Jefferson, assisted by a couple of -air-mechanics, was getting his boat ready for the fishing expedition. -One of the advantages of being in the Service in war time is that the -uniformed owner of a private boat has a "pull" over his civilian -confrère. The one can make use of his craft almost without restraint -the other is hedged in by a formidable and galling array of -restrictions that are none the less necessary for the well-being of -the State.</p> - -<p>The <i>Pip-squeak</i>, Jefferson's boat, was about fifteen feet in length -and provided with a standing lug-sail and centre-board. Formerly she -belonged to an Auldhaig waterman, who on being mobilised for the -R.N.R. sold her for £3. Her new owner, who contrived to escape the -irregular meshes of the Recruiting Officer's net, had palmed the -<i>Pip-squeak</i> off on Jefferson for six times the amount he had paid, -or, roughly, the same sum that the boat had cost to build twenty -years ago.</p> - -<p>The <i>Pip-squeak</i> was no chicken, nor did she lay claim to beauty. -Bluff-bowed, and with an almost entire lack of sheer, she had one -compensating quality: she was as stiff as a house.</p> - -<p>At the edge of the jetty gathered most of the crew—Cumberleigh, -Jefferson, a "second loot" named Pyecroft, and von Preussen.</p> - -<p>"An' what are we waitin' for?" demanded Pyecroft, clapping his hands -and stamping his feet. "When I go sailing I like to get on with it. -What are we waitin' for?"</p> - -<p>"Bait," replied Jefferson laconically.</p> - -<p>"A <i>sine quâ non</i> for a fishing expedition," added the major, who, -though not one of the party, had strolled down to the jetty -ostensibly to see the start but in reality to observe "Captain -Fennelburt" more closely. The seeds of suspicion are apt to shoot -rapidly.</p> - -<p>"Here's Blenkinson with the bait," announced Cumberleigh, as another -khaki-clad individual, a first lieutenant, appeared carrying a rusty -tin in one hand and a mud-covered spade in the other.</p> - -<p>"Here are your precious rag-worms, Jeff," he remarked bitterly. "Next -time you get me on that job I'll borrow your rubber boots. The mud's -stiff with broken glass, and I've cut mine through—look."</p> - -<p>To prove his words, Blenkinson adroitly balanced himself on one foot -and kicked off a rubber boot. As the foot-gear fell upon the wooden -staging of the jetty a quart of black sea-water poured out.</p> - -<p>Jefferson sniffed judiciously at the tin.</p> - -<p>"Fresh enough," he observed, "but, old son, pity you didn't devote -your energies to the worms instead of wasting your time pulling bits -of glass out of your boots. These won't last any time."</p> - -<p>"No more will my boots, you slave-driving blighter," rejoined the -worm-digger. "I'll swear I shifted a ton of mud without finding a -single worm."</p> - -<p>"Don't stop there arguing all the blessed afternoon!" exclaimed -Cumberleigh. "If we can't fish we can sail. 'Once aboard the lugger,' -my hearties."</p> - -<p>The party embarked awkwardly after the fashion of men wearing -breeches, puttees or leggings, and heavy boots. With the exception of -Jefferson and von Preussen, they were raw amateurs in the art of -sailing save on board a coastal airship. On those occasions they -shone. In the present instance they did not.</p> - -<p>The spy was on his best behaviour. Although he kept his eyes and ears -open, he purposely avoided asking any questions relating to naval or -military affairs at Auldhaig. Once, when Cumberleigh tried to "draw" -him by pointing out the scene of the disaster to the <i>Pompey</i>, von -Preussen adroitly changed the subject by a reference to the -forthcoming performance of "The Maid of the Mountains."</p> - -<p>For an hour or more the <i>Pip-squeak</i> made steady progress under a -stiffish breeze. She was by no means a flyer, but on the other hand -she sailed well with the wind broad on the beam. Beyond a few slaps -of spray she proved herself a dry boat, so that the crew, with the -exception of Jefferson, who was at the helm, were able to sit on the -bottom boards and smoke to their heart's content.</p> - -<p>"Get a move on, you lazy hogs!" exclaimed Jefferson. "We're close on -the right spot. Down with the canvas! Blenkinson, stand by to let go -the anchor."</p> - -<p>With a splash the anchor was lowered to obtain a grip in ten fathoms -of water. Riding head to wind and tide, the boat brought up, pitching -sharply in the short crested waves.</p> - -<p>As long as the supply of bait lasted, sport was good. So engrossed -were the sportsmen that they failed to notice that the wind was -rising, and with the turn of the tide the waves were growing -decidedly vicious.</p> - -<p>"Hadn't we better be getting a move on?" suddenly inquired -Cumberleigh, as he realised that the motion was causing an -uncomfortable sensation in the pit of his stomach. "Remember, some of -us are going to the theatre to-night."</p> - -<p>"What's the hurry, old bean?" inquired the enthusiastic boat-sailer, -Jefferson. "If it comes to that, you can see the 'Mountains' from -here, although there's no 'Maid'—not even a mermaid. But, I say, -what's that?"</p> - -<p>He pointed seawards. At about a mile distant was a long, low-lying -black hull, apparently drifting broadside on to the waves.</p> - -<p>"Boche submarine, perhaps," ventured the facetious Pyecroft. "She's -coming to give us a tow back to Auldhaig. Did anyone remember to -bring a Lewis gun in his trouser pocket?"</p> - -<p>With the others, von Preussen looked in the direction of the -mysterious craft. He had no pressing desire to renew acquaintance -with one of His Imperial Majesty's <i>unterseebooten</i>, although the -consequences would be far less awkward for him than it would be for -his present companions. But a brief glance assured him on that point. -The craft, whatever it might be, was certainly not a U-boat. No -amount of camouflage could alter that.</p> - -<p>"She's a derelict," exclaimed Jefferson. "Get up the anchor, you -fellows. We'll run alongside and have a look at her."</p> - -<p>Quickly the anchor was broken out and the sail hoisted. Cumberleigh, -who had been silently keeping the derelict under observation, -suddenly turned and thumped von Preussen on the shoulder.</p> - -<p>"Fennelburt," he vociferated, "Providence has played into your hands! -You came here to inspect X-barges. Lo and behold, one of them -obligingly drifts down to greet you!"</p> - -<p>"You're right, Cumberleigh," said Pyecroft. "It's one of those that -left Auldhaig this morning. I saw them go out. That red-haired Scot -chap—McIntosh, you know him—was in charge."</p> - -<p>"Hanged if he is now, at any rate," added Jefferson. "An' the old -thing is well down by the stern. I believe she's sinking."</p> - -<p>It took ten minutes for the <i>Pip-squeak</i> to close with X-lighter No. -5. Running up into the wind on the lee side, Jefferson got way off -the boat.</p> - -<p>"How about it, you fellows?" he inquired. "Think it's safe to run -alongside?"</p> - -<p>"Might have a shot at it, old thing," replied Cumberleigh. "She -hasn't altered her trim during the last five or ten minutes. I say, -do we get salvage on a job like this, or is there some rotten -regulation debarring underpaid officers from making a bit? What do -you make of her, Fennelburt? You are a marine expert."</p> - -<p>Von Preussen, who had been maintaining a discreet silence, ventured -an opinion that it might be safe to board her provided the -sailing-boat were kept alongside.</p> - -<p>"Good enough," replied Cumberleigh. "You, Blenkinson and I will -comprise the boarding-party; the others stand by in the boat. <i>En -avant, mes braves!</i> Over the top you go, and the best of luck."</p> - -<p>Fending off the <i>Pip-squeak</i> lest her planks should be stove in -against the massive rubbing-strake of the lighter, the three men -contrived to effect a safe transhipment. A brief examination revealed -the fact that the derelict had been in collision and that she had -been badly holed right aft. The engine-room was flooded, and only the -iron bulkhead between it and the hold had kept the craft from -foundering.</p> - -<p>"Now what's to be done?" inquired Blenkinson. "We can't tow her in. -That's a moral cert."</p> - -<p>"No, but we can send for a tug," said Cumberleigh. "Jefferson can -sail back to Auldhaig in about an hour even if he doesn't fall in -with a tug or even an M.L. on the way."</p> - -<p>"What about 'The Maid of the Mountains'?" asked Blenkinson.</p> - -<p>"We'll cut the appointment," replied the captain, with a laugh. -"Excuse—the exigencies of the Service."</p> - -<p>"But," protested von Preussen, "the lighter might founder. We should -be in an awkward predicament if she did, the boat having left us. I -would suggest that we all go back in the <i>Pip-squeak</i> and report the -matter."</p> - -<p>"I agree," added Blenkinson. "After all's said and done, we don't -stand a chance of getting anything out of the deal. And what matters -if the old tub does sink? Her value is but a mere fleabite out of six -millions a day."</p> - -<p>But Captain Cumberleigh was made of sterner stuff. Once having set -his hand to this maritime plough, he was loth to turn back.</p> - -<p>"We'll stick it," he decided resolutely. "Jefferson will cruise -around in case of an accident. If we find we are drifting on shore we -can let go that anchor. I don't see there's much to get the wind up -about."</p> - -<p>"Cheers for the R.A.F. Salvage Syndicate," exclaimed Blenkinson, -fired by his companion's enthusiasm, but von Preussen merely shrugged -his shoulders. He hadn't risked the perils of the North Sea in order -to protect the property of His Majesty the King of England.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter11"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XI</h3> - -<h4 align="center">VON PREUGFELD'S RESOLVE</h4> - -<p>"<span class="smallcaps">Donnerwetter!</span> I am utterly sick of this business, Kaspar," whispered -Seaman Furst. "It is the life of a dog, or worse. If this war is not -over by the beginning of the winter there will be trouble amongst the -<i>unterseebooten</i> crews."</p> - -<p>"S'sh, not so loud," cautioned his companion, as the grumbler raised -his voice towards the end of his tirade. "I agree with you, Hans. -This game does not pay. We were told that we should save the -Fatherland and bring England to her knees by our submarines. But have -we? Just look! Here we are hungry, wet and unhappy, yet in England -there is, they say, plenty. Just before we left Cuxhaven my wife had -a letter from her brother who is a prisoner in England. He wrote and -said that even our men who are held in captivity receive three good -meals a day."</p> - -<p>"That is what I do not understand," remarked Hans Furst. "If we are -winning, as our officers tell us we are, how comes it that we cannot -get eatable food? Of course, at the beginning of the war we were -lucky. All we had to do was to run alongside an English merchantman, -take what we wanted in the way of food and tobacco, and then sink -her; but now——"</p> - -<p>"But now," continued Kaspar Krauss, taking up the parable, "every -strafed English ship has a gun, and one never knows but that a -coasting vessel is not a death-trap for us. You remember that -fishing-smack off Flamborough?"</p> - -<p>Furst shuddered.</p> - -<p>"Will I ever forget it?" he answered. "'Tis marvellous that we live -to tell the tale. What would I not give for a life ashore with a -tankard of Munich beer, a loaf of good bread and cheese? And -tobacco—what is tobacco? I have almost forgotten."</p> - -<p>"There was some in that Dutch vessel we burnt a week ago," said -Krauss.</p> - -<p>Furst clenched his fists.</p> - -<p>"And where did it go?" he demanded. "That <i>schweinhund</i> our kapitan -put it under lock and key. He and the pig-faced von Loringhoven smoke -every night when we rise to recharge batteries, but never a cigar or -a pipeful comes our way."</p> - -<p>"We'll be back again on Friday if all goes well," said the other. -"Then we can enjoy ourselves."</p> - -<p>"Enjoy ourselves!" echoed Furst contemptuously. "How? I've got a -bundle of notes in my belt, but precious little use are they. In the -good old days a mark was a mark, but now——"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I know," snarled Krauss. "Just before the war I came back from -America on the <i>George Washington</i> with eight hundred and fifty marks -to my name. I was going to buy a small business in Bremen and settle -down to a life ashore. I should have done well. Then came the war. -The rascally swindlers told us that if we lent our money to the State -it would be repaid with twenty-five per cent. when peace was -proclaimed. Just imagine! I handed over my eight hundred marks in -silver, fool that I was! Even supposing the government does pay me -back a thousand marks, it will be in rotten paper money, and I know -that five thousand now will not buy the place I had offered to me for -eight hundred and fifty four years ago."</p> - -<p>"There will be trouble," agreed Furst. "Do you know that there is a -movement amongst the men of the U-boats' crews to hoist the Red -Flag?"</p> - -<p>"Have I not heard of it!" exclaimed Kaspar grimly. "And when the -time comes here is one who will jump at the opportunity. Now, at——"</p> - -<p>The clang of a gong interrupted the discourse. The men jumped up -smartly. The cast-iron discipline of the German Navy was as yet too -powerful a force to be flouted by embryo revolutionists.</p> - -<p>"Empty two and four tanks," came a guttural order through a voice -tube. "And be quick about it, you numskulls!"</p> - -<p>U 247 was preparing to rise to the surface in order to verify her -position. For several hours she had rested on the bottom, scared by -the presence of a swarm of destroyers and M.L.'s which had hurried to -avenge the bombardment of Aberspey.</p> - -<p>The material damage to the little town had been slight—almost -negligible—for the majority of the shells had fallen in open spaces. -Two people had been slightly injured by flying fragments. Actual -destruction of military property was nil. Financially the bombardment -was a failure. The cost of the ammunition far exceeded that of the -damage; but morally an insult had been offered to the island shores -of Britain, and the destroyer flotillas were quick to avenge the -affront.</p> - -<p>Ober-leutnant Hans von Preugfeld, kapitan of U 247, had acted with -great discretion after his brave bombardment of Aberspey. "Legging -it," submerged for several miles, he allowed the submarine to lie on -the bottom for a considerable period. Then, hearing no suspicious -sounds, he had the motors restarted and, the while submerged, shifted -his position a good five miles. At length, assuming that it was safe -to blow ballast-tanks and come to the surface, he gave the necessary -orders.</p> - -<p>Directly a patch of white light showed upon the object-bowl of the -periscope, signifying that the tip of the latter had "broken -surface," von Preugfeld made a cautious survey. Through nearly three -hundred degrees the periscope revolved. Then, abruptly, the kapitan -checked the rotary movement of the training-wheel.</p> - -<p>"Come here, Eitel!" he exclaimed peremptorily.</p> - -<p>Von Preugfeld stood aside to allow the unter-leutnant to view the -object that had attracted his superior's attention.</p> - -<p>"Come now," said the ober-leutnant irritably. "What do you make of -it?"</p> - -<p>"It is a vessel of some kind, Herr Kapitan," replied Eitel von -Loringhoven.</p> - -<p>"Of course it is," snapped von Preugfeld. "Any fool could see that. -What I want to know is: what sort of craft is it? Stand aside if you -cannot do better than that."</p> - -<p>"It is a long, low-lying craft painted black," resumed Loringhoven, -retaining his place at the periscope in order to ingratiate himself -in the eyes of his commanding officer. "There are men standing aft. -Amidships I can see a small sail—it may be that there is a sailing -boat alongside."</p> - -<p>"That's better," remarked von Preugfeld, literally pushing the -unter-leutnant aside. "Port helm fifteen degrees," he ordered. "A -touch ahead with both motors."</p> - -<p>The U-boat shuddered under the beats of the twin screws, then forging -slowly ahead approached the puzzling object.</p> - -<p>"Stop!"</p> - -<p>A bell clanged somewhere in the confined recesses of the modern -pirate craft. At a curt nod from the kapitan the quartermaster pulled -over a lever which had the effect of actuating the twin horizontal -rudders. Once more the periscope reared its sinister head above the -waves.</p> - -<p>"Ach! I see men in uniform," exclaimed von Preugfeld. "We must be -cautious. Men in khaki," he continued, scratching his closely cropped -head in perplexity. "I cannot understand it. Look again, Eitel: can -you see if she carries any guns or torpedo-tubes?"</p> - -<p>"None, as far as I can see, Herr Kapitan," replied von Loringhoven -after a careful scrutiny. "To me it looks as if she is sinking. Her -stern is well down. Yes, there is a sailing-boat alongside or close -to her. The boat is moving ahead."</p> - -<p>"We will submerge and come up again on the other side," declared von -Preugfeld. "We may then solve the mystery. Down to ten metres," he -ordered.</p> - -<p>Bubbling with latent insubordination, Furst and Krauss at their posts -at the auxiliary ballast-tank valves obeyed promptly. In spite of all -their revolutionary tendencies and expressions of general -"fed-uppedness," they realised that their lives depended upon the -prompt execution of their hated superior's orders. Knowing nothing of -what was going on without, they submitted to discipline as the only -remedy for their present predicament. After a period of ten minutes' -total submergence the periscope shoved its squat snout above the -surface—like a reluctant puppy about to receive a hiding. When a -periscope is in danger of getting a blinding blow in the shape of a -six-pounder shell, or the hull to which it belongs is liable to be -pulverised by a trio of torpedoes, the need for extreme caution -becomes apparent.</p> - -<p>"They have not observed us," muttered von Preugfeld with fervent -gratitude to the providence that looks after Hun submarines. "There's -'X 5' painted on her bows. Know what that means, Eitel?"</p> - -<p>Von Loringhoven confessed that he did not. In spite of a careful -perusal of all works dealing with numbers and nomenclature of British -shipping—and Berlin was kept fairly up-to-date in such matters—the -mystic symbol "X 5" was to him an unknown quantity. Incidentally it -recalled days when he was studying mathematics at the Kiel Naval -College.</p> - -<p>The ober-leutnant steadied the periscope and touched a switch. -Immediately, by the introduction of a special lens, the "field" -covered by the eye-piece of the periscope was reduced, but the object -actually seen was considerably magnified. It was like looking through -a telescope.</p> - -<p>"They are men of the English Air Force," he observed. "I -believe—here, Eitel, look—the man walking for'ard. What do you -make of him?"</p> - -<p>"<i>Donnerwetter!</i>" ejaculated von Loringhoven. "Surely it is our -friend von Preussen?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," replied the ober-leutnant. "Von Preussen playing the part of a -Jonah to an English whale. I wonder what he does there?"</p> - -<p>"It would be well to clear out and leave him alone, Herr Kapitan," -suggested von Loringhoven. "It could only be that von Preussen is -engaged in highly important confidential work that brings him afloat -again. <i>Himmel!</i> He is a clever fellow."</p> - -<p>The ober-leutnant tugged at his moustache thoughtfully. Eager to have -a finger in any pie without the risk of burning himself, he was loth -to take his subordinate's advice. Here, apparently, was an unarmed -craft, crewless, with the exception of a few officers. To him it -suggested that highly confidential experiments were being carried -on—so important that no one beneath the rank of officer was -permitted to be present. Perhaps they were staff officers of high -rank?</p> - -<p>Eagerly von Preugfeld kept each man under observation. The -trench-coats gave no indication of their wearers' rank, but -—disappointing fact—none of the officers wore gilt leaves round the -peaks of their caps. The sailing-boat alongside was also a puzzle. -Why should the experimenters make use of an insignificant -sailing-boat when there were steam pinnaces and motor launches -available?</p> - -<p>"Stand by!" he ordered. "Guns' crews prepare to take your stations. -Blow main and auxiliary tanks."</p> - -<p>Bells clanged, valves hissed and pumps grated, men hurried to and fro -in execution of loud-voiced orders.</p> - -<p>Von Preugfeld turned to his unter-leutnant.</p> - -<p>"Bring her up," he ordered. "I am going to take those fellows -prisoners."</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter12"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XII</h3> - -<h4 align="center">PRISONERS OF WAR</h4> - -<p>"<span class="smallcaps">What</span> in the name of goodness is that?" exclaimed Captain -Cumberleigh.</p> - -<p>He knew perfectly well. The sight of a slender pole inclined slightly -from the perpendicular and throwing out a double feather of spray as -it cleft the water told him that it was the periscope of a submarine.</p> - -<p>His exclamation attracted the attention of his companions. Even as -they looked appeared the tip of the second periscope, followed almost -immediately by the bows and conning-tower of the submarine. Then like -a gigantic whale the long, bulging hull slithered above the surface, -the water pouring from its deck in cascades of swirling foam.</p> - -<p>"One of our submarines, by Jove!" exclaimed Pyecroft. "Wonder what -she's doing here?"</p> - -<p>"A Hun!" corrected Cumberleigh. "We're properly in the soup, you -fellows."</p> - -<p>He gave a hurried glance in the only direction from which they could -expect aid—skywards. Not an aircraft of any description was in -sight. The gorgeous prospect of seeing a seaplane swoop down upon an -incautious Fritz was out of the question.</p> - -<p>"Jefferson!" he shouted. "Run for it, man. Don't wait for us."</p> - -<p>The owner of the <i>Pip-squeak</i> took in the situation at a glance. -True, the U-boat was between him and the shore, but there was a stiff -leading wind. While the Hun was concentrating his attention upon the -X-lighter the sailing-boat had a fair chance of getting away, but -Jefferson was a "white man."</p> - -<p>"No fear, old bird!" he shouted. "We're all in this stunt. I am -coming on board."</p> - -<p>With that he ran the sailing-boat alongside the barge, and, without -waiting to lower the sail, leapt on deck and secured the painter.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile the hatches of the U-boat had been thrown open and her two -guns manned and trained point-blank upon the helpless lighter.</p> - -<p>"'Fraid this isn't the time for a death-or-glory stunt," remarked -Cumberleigh. "Fritz is evidently 'one up.'"</p> - -<p>Of the five, "Captain Fennelburt" was the least perturbed. The spy -was distinctly annoyed at the unexpected turn of events. It looked as -if his carefully prepared campaign was to be nipped in the bud. -Consequently he was liable to heavy financial loss in addition to a -waste of valuable time, for his employers in Berlin paid only for -definite results. "No work, no pay," was the motto of the German -Secret Service, and before von Preussen could be landed in Great -Britain again weeks might elapse. As a secondary consideration, there -was the doubt of how he would be received by his compatriots. For -very good reasons he wished to conceal his identity from his -companions on the lighter. In spite of strenuous precautions, British -prisoners of war sometimes contrived to effect their escape, and it -would be a very serious matter for von Preussen if it became known -through the medium of a former captive in Germany that the -<i>soi-disant</i> Captain Fennelburt was a Secret Service agent of the -German Intelligence Department.</p> - -<p>"Gentlemen!" observed Pyecroft facetiously. "The R.A.F. Salvage -Syndicate is dissolved."</p> - -<p>With her guns still trained upon the lighter, U 247 approached slowly -and with evident hesitation. At the back of von Preugfeld's mind -lurked the haunting suspicion that X 5 was a snare. The very -temptingness of the bait increased his suspicions. Perhaps a British -submarine was lying in wait to blow him and his U-boat to atoms; or -somewhere in the clouds a coastal airship was floating motionless, -awaiting an opportunity to swoop down and let loose an aerial torpedo -before the Germans had time to close hatches and submerge.</p> - -<p>On the other hand, there was von Preussen, clad in a British R.A.F. -uniform and standing seemingly unconcerned upon the lighter's deck. -Surely, if there were a trap, the Hun would contrive to make a mute -signal to his compatriots.</p> - -<p>Von Preussen gave none. He was content to let events take their -course.</p> - -<p>Presently U 247 reversed engines and brought up within half a cable's -length of the barge. Clambering upon the raised platform abaft the -conning-tower, the kapitan raised a megaphone to his lips.</p> - -<p>His delivery of English was execrable, but he was unaware of the -fact. He rather prided himself on the knowledge that he could speak -the language, having learnt it from a third-rate German professor in -a minor university in the Fatherland.</p> - -<p>"You vos surrender make!" he shouted. "It all of an instant up is -mit you. Get into der leedle boat and put you yourselves on board dis -scheep. If you drouble giff, den we shoot."</p> - -<p>"Right-o, old bean!" hailed Cumberleigh in reply.</p> - -<p>Von Preugfeld was puzzled by the reply. Mentally he resolved at the -first opportunity to consult Volume II (Ba-Cu) of a British -Encyclopaedia that he had on board.</p> - -<p>"Look you pointed about it!" he exclaimed angrily. "I you give half a -minute to quit der boat."</p> - -<p>"Come on, boys!" said Cumberleigh. "The old josser's getting jumpy."</p> - -<p>"Is that an order or a request, Cumberleigh?" asked Pyecroft. "If -it's an order, well and good; if not, I'm not having any."</p> - -<p>"Please yourself, old man," replied the captain. "And the very best -of luck."</p> - -<p>The four stepped into the <i>Pip-squeak</i>. Her sail was hurriedly -stowed, and under oars the boat approached the submarine.</p> - -<p>"Der vos five!" exclaimed Ober-leutnant von Preugfeld, as the -prisoners came over the side. "Vere is der odder?"</p> - -<p>A look of blank ignorance appeared on each man's face. Even the spy -failed to betray any sign that would reveal the secret. The kapitan -turned to a petty officer.</p> - -<p>"Place these men below," he ordered.</p> - -<p>"These three in No. 3 store-room; this one will go aft. You, there," -he added, addressing another seaman. "Take an axe and knock out the -garboards of that boat."</p> - -<p>Cumberleigh, Blenkinson and Jefferson found themselves escorted below -in double quick time. When fear hangs on the heels of a U-boat's crew -the promptness to execute an order borders on panic. Literally -hustled along a narrow alley-way bristling with dozens, nay, scores, -of valve-wheels, they were bundled into a dark, moisture-laden recess -that at one time contained a quantity of consumable stores. The door -was slammed and locked, and the three R.A.F. officers found -themselves prisoners of war under highly objectionable -circumstances—trapped in a U-boat.</p> - -<p>Giving another glance skywards and all around the horizon, von -Preugfeld walked aft to the hatchway through which von Preussen had -disappeared. "I'll see you in the ward-room in less than five -minutes, von Preussen," he said. "Apparently this affair requires an -explanation. But what has become of the fourth Englishman?"</p> - -<p>"Still on board," replied the spy. "He's trying to evade capture."</p> - -<p>"There is an alternative," remarked the ober-leutnant grimly. "He's -welcome to it."</p> - -<p>Making his way back to the outside of the conning-tower, von -Preugfeld noted that his order concerning the sailing-boat had been -carried out. Levelling his binocular, he scanned the shelving deck of -the X-lighter. There was no sign of life on board X 5.</p> - -<p>Ringing for half speed, von Preugfeld increased the distance between -the U-boat and her prize to three hundred yards.</p> - -<p>"Give her a round amidships!" he ordered.</p> - -<p>The U-boat rolled sluggishly to starboard under the recoil of the -gun. Almost simultaneously with the report of the weapon came the -crash of exploding shell. Amidst a welter of foam and yellow smoke X -5 disappeared beneath the waves, leaving the water dotted with -floating debris in the shape of buoyant articles released from her -hold by the shattering of her hatches.</p> - -<p>For a full half-minute the ober-leutnant kept the flotsam under -observation; then, satisfied that his work of destruction had been -accomplished in its entirety, and that to remain on the surface much -longer after the roar of the explosion was hazardous, he turned to -von Loringhoven.</p> - -<p>"Down to twenty-five metres," he ordered. "Course due west at eight -knots for ten minutes. Then let her sound."</p> - -<p>Leaving the unter-leutnant to carry out his instructions, von -Preugfeld made his way to the cabin where the returned spy awaited -him.</p> - -<p>"I hardly expected to see you so soon, Karl," he began. "I hope I -haven't disturbed your elaborate plans."</p> - -<p>"You have," replied the spy, with marked emphasis.</p> - -<p>"<i>Himmel!</i> How is that? Were you taken into the confidence of these -English officers, and were your investigations a secret project that -was being experimented upon to the disadvantage of the Fatherland?"</p> - -<p>"You have put me to considerable inconvenience," replied von -Preussen. "My kit is at an hotel at Auldhaig."</p> - -<p>"No compromising documents, I hope?" asked the kapitan anxiously.</p> - -<p>"No; but a man cannot get about in comfort without his travelling -belongings," remarked the spy. "You will have to land me again, but -my venture in the Auldhaig district is a failure. It means that I -must make my way south and try my luck in Dover and Portsmouth. And I -was getting on so nicely with those fellows at the air station," he -added, little knowing to what purpose the hospitality had been -extended.</p> - -<p>"And what was the experiment?" asked von Preugfeld.</p> - -<p>"Experiment? There was no experiment," declared the spy. "Those fools -of Englishmen took a liking to me and insisted on my going with them -on a fishing expedition. We fell in with an almost water-logged -barge, and while we were exploring you appeared. Now comes the -question, where and when do you intend to set me ashore?"</p> - -<p>Von Preugfeld's feelings were far from those of composure. On the one -hand, he had sunk an English vessel of sorts. It was true that she -looked like sinking before, but that was a side issue. He had made a -capture of three English officers and had killed a fourth. -Unfortunately, they were of no great rank as he had hoped—merely -junior officers. On the other hand, he would have to delay his return -journey in order to set von Preussen ashore. Stores, fuel and -provisions were already running short, and the delay would mean -considerable inconvenience, possibly danger. His afternoon's work, -like that of the bombardment of Aberspey, was not worth the candle.</p> - -<p>"I have already carried out instructions with reference to yourself," -he remarked stiffly.</p> - -<p>"And almost immediately you have undone all the work required of you -in the matter," added the spy.</p> - -<p>The ober-leutnant shrugged his shoulders. He was obstinate, -pig-headed and arrogant, but in argument he was no match for the -trained finesse of the Secret Service agent.</p> - -<p>"As a favour——" he began.</p> - -<p>"No—as a right," corrected von Preussen firmly.</p> - -<p>"<i>Donnerwetter!</i> You insist too much," grumbled von Preugfeld. "I -suppose there is nothing to be done but to fall in with your whim."</p> - -<p>"With official instructions," interpolated the spy.</p> - -<p>"Have your own way then," snapped the ober-leutnant. "To land you -must necessarily entail night-work. I propose, then, to set you -ashore at the same place as before. We are, in fact, within a couple -of miles of it, and you will observe that we have shut off the -motors, and U 247 is even now resting on the bed of the German Ocean. -I would suggest that you should walk to Nedderburn and catch the mail -train south that stops at the junction shortly after three in the -morning."</p> - -<p>"And more than likely stumble across some of the officers and men -from Auldhaig Air Station," objected the spy. "No, my friend, I -prefer to lay my own plans; then, if anything does go wrong, I have -only myself to blame. And since Captain George Fennelburt is either a -prisoner of war or 'missing—presumed drowned,' I must needs beg, -borrow or steal another name. Henceforth, until further notice, I am -Captain Broadstone, also of the Royal Air Force. Will you oblige me -by lending me a pen? There are certain forms which I must now fill in -to bear out my new character."</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter13"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XIII</h3> - -<h4 align="center">A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE</h4> - -<p><span class="smallcaps">With</span> Captain Cumberleigh's valedictory words ringing in his ears, -Pyecroft began his preparations to avoid capture. While his comrades -were hurriedly lowering the <i>Pipsqueak's</i> sail, the "second loot," -hidden from the pirate craft by the flapping canvas, slipped over the -side as noiselessly and silently as an eel.</p> - -<p>The shock of the icy-cold water almost took his breath away.</p> - -<p>"By gosh!" he muttered. "It is a bit of a stinger. But cheer up, old -son, you may get it pretty hot in a very short time."</p> - -<p>With that he dived under the lighter's hull. Literally groping his -way down the weed and barnacle-covered bottom, he scraped under the -keel and up again on the other side until darkness gave place to a -glint of pale green water that in turn gave place to the salt-laden -air. He had now placed the hull of No. 5 between him and the U-boat. -So far so good, but the late member of the R.A.F. Salvage Syndicate -had to consider another pressing problem.</p> - -<p>Even supposing, as he fondly hoped, that the Huns had not noticed -him, it was logical to assume that they would not sheer off before -sending the lighter to Davy Jones's locker. How? By ramming? Hardly. -A U-boat would not hesitate to crash into a ship's boat deeply laden -with the survivors of a torpedoed merchantman, but she would think -twice before trying conclusions with the lighter's massive -rubbing-strake. By placing bombs on board? That meant making use of a -boat and consequently delay. Gunfire? Yes; that looked like the -answer to the question.</p> - -<p>Now for the subsidiary problem. Assuming that the Huns would turn a -quick-firer upon the lighter, where would they aim? At the -engine-room? Hardly, as the stern was already awash. Amidships, into -the heavily-laden hold, the work of destruction would be most easily -accomplished.</p> - -<p>"So here's for her bows," decided Pyecroft, having reviewed the -situation. "If my theories are all wrong, then it's a case of 'going -west.'" He swam with slow, easy strokes towards the bows. There was -no immediate hurry, since the boat with his companions had not yet -reached the pirate submarine. He knew that he had to conserve his -strength and his energies for the ordeal that promised to be -forthcoming.</p> - -<p>To his great delight, he found a rope trailing overboard. A tug -reassured him that it was made fast to the towing bollards. By -hanging on to it Pyecroft could support himself with ease, while the -bluff, overhanging bows would effectually screen him should any of -the Huns board the abandoned craft.</p> - -<p>For a long-drawn ten minutes—it seemed like ten hours—Pyecroft -waited. Already the numbing cold was taking effect. His upstretched -arm seemed to have lost all sensation of feeling. It was merely the -grip of the tightly closed fingers, contracted by the cold, that -supported him.</p> - -<p>Then with appalling suddenness came the crash of the exploding shell. -Jerked almost clear of the water, Pyecroft had a vision of the -forepart of the massive hull rearing high in the air. Flying debris -hurtled over him, pungent smoke filled the air. Then, with a rush of -eddying water, the X-lighter slithered beneath the waves.</p> - -<p>Under cover of the smoke Pyecroft struck out. Fragments hurled high -in the air were now falling all around him, while buoyant objects, -taken down by the vortex, were rising to the surface with terrific -force. A plank, the jagged edge of which would have almost cut the -swimmer in two, shot upwards from beneath the waves. Missing him by -inches, it described a parabola, rising to a height of twenty feet or -more before it fell back with a resounding smack.</p> - -<p>With his senses deadened by the stupendous roar, the pungent smoke -and the coldness of the water, Pyecroft kept himself afloat -automatically until he came in contact with a huge wicker basket that -was floating upside down with about a third of its bulk exposed.</p> - -<p>As he grasped it, the basket turned completely over, the rim striking -the swimmer a smart rap on the face. The sting of the blow had the -effect of partly restoring his mental faculties. Gaining a firmer -grip of the basket, he took stock of his surroundings.</p> - -<p>The surface of the water was coated with a deposit of oil, for part -of the cargo of X 5 had consisted of turps, linseed, and lubricating -oil in casks. One effect of the explosion of the shell had been to -liberate the contents of the casks; another, the oil acted as an -antidote to the coldness of the water.</p> - -<p>Before the haze of smoke had completely disappeared Pyecroft drew the -basket over his head. Within there was enough space to keep his head -clear of the water, and at the same time there remained considerable -buoyancy on the part of the stout wicker-work.</p> - -<p>Presently the outlines of the U-boat that had been responsible for -Pyecroft's predicament became visible. She was slowly forging ahead. -Her deck was deserted. She was preparing to submerge.</p> - -<p>"She's gone," he soliloquised. "That's a blessing. I wouldn't swop -places with Cumberleigh for a tenner."</p> - -<p>He dodged outside his place of concealment and glanced around. A -hundred yards away was the water-logged <i>Pip-squeak</i>. Even with her -garboard smashed the staunchly built boat kept afloat.</p> - -<p>"Wonder if I can do it?" thought the swimmer.</p> - -<p>Fumbling with benumbed fingers to draw a knife from his pocket, he -proceeded to cut the laces of his leggings.</p> - -<p>"There's thirty-one and six gone," he muttered ruefully. "An' they -aren't paid for yet."</p> - -<p>His boots were likewise ruthlessly sacrificed. Then, quitting his -hold of the basket, he struck out towards the derelict boat. A few -strokes convinced him that the overhand method of swimming has its -disadvantages when hampered with sodden clothing. The breast stroke, -he found, required comparatively little effort, yet by the time he -covered that hundred yards he felt that he had reached the limit of -his prowess in the swimming line.</p> - -<p>Grasping the gunwale, Pyecroft attempted to clamber into the boat, -with the result that the water-logged boat dipped completely under -his weight.</p> - -<p>At the second attempt he slithered over the transom and, still -submerged, lightly grasped one of the thwarts. Here was a precarious -shelter. Provided he made no attempt to draw himself clear of the -water, there was just sufficient buoyancy to keep him afloat.</p> - -<p>His next task—there was little time before he would be overcome by -the cold—was to unship the mast and lash it to the thwarts. Thrice -the boat dipped before the effort met with success. The stout spar, -secured to the thwarts by the main-sheets and halliards, added -considerably to the liveliness of the boat.</p> - -<p>An oar, amongst other flotsam, drifted alongside. This Pyecroft -secured, and by its aid added another oar, although of different -length, to his life-saving appliances. A circular life-buoy and a -couple of empty petrol tins were also taken possession of; these he -lashed under thwarts, with the result that the boat's gunwales showed -four inches above the surface amidships.</p> - -<p>Groping on the bottom boards, the young officer discovered a pair of -gun-metal rowlocks that had apparently escaped the eye of the -destructive Hun. Thus equipped, he began to row for the distant -shore.</p> - -<p>It was hard work. At the best the water-logged craft made a bare mile -an hour, but the effect of the heavy toil was to bring warmth to the -man's chilled body and limbs. Setting his jaw tightly, he held on, -glancing from time to time over his shoulder in the direction of the -cliffs, now growing dim in the dusk of approaching night.</p> - -<p>"How much further?" he asked himself at the end of two hours. "Hanged -if they seem any nearer. Wind and tide are with me, too."</p> - -<p>Compared with flying through the air at a hundred and fifty miles an -hour, his present rate of progression was indeed painfully slow, yet -with the dogged determination of an Englishman, "never to say die -till you're dead," he tugged at the heavy oars until his blistered -hands grew raw and his muscles ached as if his back would break.</p> - -<p>With night the wind dropped and the sea assumed a placid, oily -aspect. The land was now invisible, for not a light could be seen -from seaward. Fortunate it was that the young airman had been -compelled to undergo a course of astronomy. He hated it at the time; -now he was glad, for by keeping the North Star broad on his starboard -beam, he knew that he was heading towards the shores of Scotland.</p> - -<p>His task was stupendous. The drag of the boat, which contained more -than a ton of the North Sea, was terrific. He was wearing badly. -Cold, hunger and fatigue were telling. Almost mechanically he swotted -at the heavy oars.</p> - -<p>He had lost all count of time, when he heard a faint rumble. It was -the surf lashing the beach. Encouraged, yet realising that other -dangers lurked on that surf-beaten shore, he rallied his remaining -energies, counting each stroke as he bent to the oars.</p> - -<p>At the one thousand and eightieth stroke he desisted. Around him the -water was phosphorescent and white with the backlash of the waves. -His task was accomplished. Human endurance had attained its limit. He -was powerless to control his water-logged craft in the breakers. All -he could do was to sit tight and trust in Providence.</p> - -<p>For another five minutes the sorely-tried <i>Pip-squeak</i> was tossed and -buffeted in the broken water, until a tremendous jar announced that -in the trough of the waves she had touched hard shingle.</p> - -<p>Then, like an avalanche, a cascade of foam swept completely over the -boat. Frantically Pyecroft strove to grip the gunwale. Torn away by -the rush of water, he was conscious of being pounded on the shingle. -Then came the dreaded undertow.</p> - -<p>Vainly he attempted to grasp the rolling shingle. He felt himself -being swept backwards to be again overwhelmed by the next roller, -when his retrograde motion was arrested by a heavy object. It was the -<i>Pip-squeak</i>. Even in the last stages of her existence Jefferson's -boat seemed destined to be of service.</p> - -<p>With a final effort as the frothy water slithered past Pyecroft -gained his feet. The hiss of the approaching breaker gave strength to -his limbs. Stumbling, terror-stricken, and well-nigh exhausted, he -contrived to win the race by inches until, realising that the dreaded -enemy had fallen short, he fell on his face on the wet shingle.</p> - -<p>For some moments he lay thus until, haunted by the horrible suspicion -that the rising tide would overwhelm him, he staggered a few paces -until he was above high-water mark, and then collapsed inertly upon -the seaweed-strewn shore.</p> - -<p>How long he lay unconscious he had no idea; but when he came to -himself the moon was shining dimly through a watery haze. The tide -had fallen, and with it the horrible ground-swell had disappeared.</p> - -<p>He was bitterly cold: his limbs were like lead. An effort to rise was -a dismal failure. He tried to shout, but no sound came from his -parched lips. While he had lain unconscious there must have been a -short spell of wind, for he found that he was covered with dried -wrack and seaweed.</p> - -<p>"It must be close on daybreak," he thought. "I'll have to stick it a -little longer."</p> - -<p>He made an attempt to look at his wristlet watch. The dial was no -longer luminous, while an ominous silence had taken the place of an -erstwhile healthy tick. A prolonged submergence had ruined the -delicate mechanism for all time.</p> - -<p>As he lay, too benumbed to move, he became aware that a boat had -grounded on the beach within a few yards of his involuntary -resting-place. The little craft must have come in very silently, for -until the men's boots grated on the shingle he was unaware of their -presence.</p> - -<p>Again he tried to shout, but without result. Then, even as he tried -to raise himself, he noticed that with one exception the men wore -unfamiliar uniforms. They were talking softly, with an unmistakable -guttural Teutonic accent.</p> - -<p>"Huns," thought Pyecroft. "What's their little game? I've done them -so far, and I'm hanged if I want them to put a half-nelson on me now. -I'll lie doggo."</p> - -<p>Which, considering his weak physical state, was an easy matter to do.</p> - -<p>The Huns were evidently in a hurry, for after a few words with a -greatcoated individual, they pushed off and rowed seaward, while the -man they had left ashore lifted a portmanteau from the shingle and -made his way towards the cliff with the air of one who is confident -of his surroundings.</p> - -<p>He passed so close to the prone figure lying partly covered by -seaweed that for a brief instant Pyecroft expected the stranger to -stumble against him.</p> - -<p>"Good heavens!" ejaculated the astonished Pyecroft. "Where have I -seen that fellow? By Jove—it's Fennelburt. Up to some dirty work: I -wonder what?"</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter14"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XIV</h3> - -<h4 align="center">A DOUBLE DECOY</h4> - -<p>"<span class="smallcaps">Gun-fire!</span>" exclaimed Lieutenant-Commander Morpeth, sniffing the salt -air like an alert terrier scenting a rat.</p> - -<p>"Away to the south-east'ard," corroborated Wakefield. "Is this going -to be one of your lucky days, George?"</p> - -<p>"It won't be for the want of trying," rejoined the R.N. R. man -grimly; then bending till his lips nearly touched the mouth of the -voice tube, he shouted, "Stand by, below there, to whack her up."</p> - -<p>A few crisp orders followed. Men moved swiftly and silently to their -appointed stations, while the course was altered a couple of points -to take Q 171 to the scene of the supposed action.</p> - -<p>It was the second day of Wakefield's and Meredith's enforced but none -the less interesting detention on board the mystery ship. Q 171 was -well out into the North Sea, bound for a certain position a few miles -to the west'ard of the now famous Horn Reefs Lightship. The sea was -calm, a light breeze blew from the west'ard, while the sky was filled -with small fleecy clouds drifting slowly athwart the lower -air-currents—an indication of a forthcoming change of wind.</p> - -<p>The three officers, clad in black oilskins to keep up the rôle of -Hun pirates, had been sitting on the cambered edge of the base of the -dummy conning-tower, yarning of times not long gone and holding forth -wondrous theories of what might happen in the seemingly far distant -epoch after the war.</p> - -<p>"Small quick-firers," declared Morpeth, as the rumble of the sharp -reports grew louder and louder. "None of our M.L.'s in action by any -chance, I hope?"</p> - -<p>Slinging his binoculars round his neck, Morpeth, with an agility that -his ponderous frame belied, clambered to the domed top of the -conning-tower, reckless of the fact that his weight was causing the -frail metal-work to "give" ominously.</p> - -<p>Bringing his glasses to bear upon a faint dot just on the horizon, -Morpeth made a long and steady scrutiny.</p> - -<p>"Merchant vessel—tramp, by the look of her—chased by a Fritz," he -reported, "Unhealthy work—for Fritz. I'll keep her on my lee bow a -bit. It's no use butting in too soon. Too much dashed hurry spoils -everything."</p> - -<p>At sixteen knots Q 171 held on, with the apparent object of joining -in the chase and cutting off the fleeing merchantman. Quickly the -chase came in sight—a bluff-bowed, wall-sided tramp, with an -elaborately camouflaged hull.</p> - -<p>"Confounded scheme that razzle-dazzle," commented Morpeth. "Meet -three or four in a crowded waterway, and you begin to wonder whether -you'll see mother again. Can't tell whether they are bows on, or -what. Fancy we've got her cold, though. For'ard gun, let her have -it."</p> - -<p>The bow-chaser spat viciously, sending a shrieking missile within a -hundred yards of the tramp, which, badly on fire aft, was still -proudly flying the Red Ensign. Her funnel, hit about six feet above -the deck, was showing signs of collapse, being supported only by the -wire rope guys. Making a bare eight knots, she was evidently at the -mercy of the pursuing U-boat, which, capable of doing eighteen on the -surface, was slowing down after the manner of a cat playing with a -mouse.</p> - -<p>Q 171, firing rapidly, but deliberately planting her shells wide of -the merchant vessel, now turned twelve points to port. This had the -effect of bringing her into a decidedly convergent course with that -of the U-boat. The latter, probably "smelling a rat," or taking -exception to what appeared to be another of her kind "spoiling the -game," edged away to starboard, at the same time hoisting a signal.</p> - -<p>By the aid of the appropriated German Naval Code Book, Q 171's -skipper deciphered the signal. It was a peremptory request for the -pseudo U-boat to make her number and thus proclaim her identity.</p> - -<p>This was easily done. A four letter hoist of bunting fluttered from Q -171's mast, giving the information that she was U 251 of the Imperial -German Navy.</p> - -<p>"This is my prize," signalled the dog-in-the-manger Fritz.</p> - -<p>"I have good reasons for joining in the chase," was Morpeth's reply.</p> - -<p>During the lengthy exchange of flag messages, both boats had -maintained a hot fire upon the tramp. From the genuine U-boat the -result of Q 171's shells could not be observed. Had the Huns been -able to do so, they would have expressed considerable surprise at -their supposed consort's decidedly erratic gunnery; but in the heat -of rivalry they became reckless.</p> - -<p>Almost imperceptibly, Q 171 lessened the distance between her and her -prey. The tramp was two miles ahead, while barely half a mile -separated the U-boat and the decoy.</p> - -<p>"Stand by the tubes!" ordered Morpeth, at the same time motioning to -Wakefield and Meredith to step clear of the rails.</p> - -<p>Meredith felt a distinctly unpleasant sensation in his throat. -Perspiration oozed from his forehead. Fascinated, he watched the -alert faces of the men standing by the mechanism that was to lay bare -the deadly torpedo-tubes.</p> - -<p>"Let her have it!" shouted Morpeth.</p> - -<p>With hardly a rumble, the dummy conning-tower rolled over the -well-oiled rails, revealing the triple tubes trained abeam upon their -prey. The next instant the glistening cigar-shaped missiles leapt -over the side and disappeared in a welter of foam.</p> - -<p>Travelling at the rate of an express train under the impulse of small -but powerful electric motors, the torpedoes took very little time to -cover the intervening distance. So intent were the Huns at shelling -the tramp that they failed to notice the tracks of the sinister -weapons until, with an appalling roar, two of them exploded -simultaneously and thirty yards apart against the U-boat's hull.</p> - -<p>Morpeth gave a grunt of satisfaction as he watched the tall column of -water break and fall in a shower of smoke-mingled spray.</p> - -<p>"Simple—quite simple," he remarked; then, observing Meredith's white -face, he clapped the young officer on the shoulder.</p> - -<p>"Cheer up!" he ejaculated. "Nothing to look white about the gills.... -When you've been on the game as long as I have, and seen what an -utter bounder Fritz is, you'll understand."</p> - -<p>With the discharge of the torpedoes Q 171 altered helm and resumed -her former course. Morpeth meant to take no chances by revealing his -identity to the tramp. He preferred to let the crew of the merchant -vessel think that the disaster of her supposed consort had -effectually put the wind up the second U-boat. Q 171 was a mystery -ship, and once her true character was known the story would be all -over the first port at which the tramp touched. And, after all, it -was not a very far cry from an East Coast port to Berlin in war time, -and benevolent neutrals had an unfortunate liking for spreading -reports, true or otherwise, of what they saw and heard in British -harbours.</p> - -<p>A sudden ejaculation from Morpeth attracted Meredith's attention. The -R.N.R. man was pointing with outstretched arm in the direction of the -tramp.</p> - -<p>He had good reason for astonishment. The apparently badly battered -tramp had swung round and was forging through the water at high -speed—possibly a good twenty-five knots. The Red Ensign had been -struck, and the White Ensign streamed proudly in the breeze.</p> - -<p>"Look alive there!" shouted Morpeth. "Up with our rag, or they'll be -planking a four-point-seven into us. Hanged if she isn't a Q-boat -too!"</p> - -<p>The R.N.R. man was right concerning the rôle of the oncoming ship; -but he was wrong in his surmise as to her intentions. Her skipper had -noticed that the shells fired from the second U-boat had purposely -gone wide, he had spotted the uncovered torpedo-tubes on her deck, -and had seen the sudden disintegration of U-boat No. 1. -Metaphorically speaking, he was foaming at the mouth.</p> - -<p>A hoist of bunting rose to the masthead of the approaching vessel. -"Heave-to; I wish to communicate," read the signal.</p> - -<p>Morpeth rang for "half speed" and then "stop." He turned to -Wakefield.</p> - -<p>"Now's your chance to get a lift back," he remarked.</p> - -<p>"Fancy I'll hang on," replied the late skipper of M.L. 1071. "A day -or two won't make much difference. Had I been ashore I suppose the -S.N.O. would have packed me off on leaf."</p> - -<p>"And you, my festive?" inquired Morpeth, addressing Meredith.</p> - -<p>"I'm following my senior officer's lead," replied the Sub promptly.</p> - -<p>"As regards your men, I'll put them on board if she'll have 'em," -continued Morpeth. "It'll relieve the pressure on the grub locker. -Hope they won't kag too much about us, though."</p> - -<p>"I don't think so," replied Wakefield, who had great faith in the -sound sense of his crew.</p> - -<p>"But after all it won't matter so very much," added the R.N.R. -officer. "By the time they get ashore my little stunt will, I hope, -be a back number. Now, let's see what this camouflaged blighter has -to say."</p> - -<p>The Q-boat had now ranged up within fifty or sixty feet of her small -co-worker. Men, rigged out in the nondescript garments affected by -the Mercantile Marine, were clustered for'ard, while a couple of -stalwart individuals, rigged out in pilot-coats, serge trousers and -sea-boots, were leaning over the side abreast the mainmast.</p> - -<p>"Dash you, you meddling bounder!" roared one of the latter. "What -d'ye mean by butting in and spoiling our sport? D'ye think we stood a -gruelling for four mortal hours just for the fun of seeing you give -Fritz socks? An' we had her nicely within range when you let rip."</p> - -<p>"Sorry," replied Morpeth apologetically, "But how the blazes was I to -know?"</p> - -<p>"You'd have known quick enough if we had shown our teeth," replied -the other grimly. "Three of my men killed and six wounded, and -nothing to show for it."</p> - -<p>"So I suppose when I fall in with a genuine tramp being chased by a -Fritz, I'll just carry on?" inquired Morpeth caustically.</p> - -<p>"I won't say that," replied the other. His wrath was fast -evaporating. He was beginning to realise that, after all, cooperation -was the thing, and that rivalry, except of the healthy order, was -detrimental to the great work in hand. "When all's said and done, -it's something to think that we took you in. At first I thought you -were a Fritz: your get-up was so good. But I say, isn't your name -Morpeth—Geordie Morpeth?"</p> - -<p>"I have a notion that you've hit the right nail on the head," replied -the skipper Of Q 171. "But I'm dashed if I can call your face to -mind!"</p> - -<p>"Met you in Rio in January '12," announced the other, with a typical -sailorman's memory for dates. "You were in the <i>Humming-Bird</i>. I was -on the <i>Glaucis</i>, second mate at the time."</p> - -<p>"By Jove!" exclaimed Morpeth, "you're Bellairs. I didn't recognise -you; you've altered some."</p> - -<p>"Hardly recognise myself at times," remarked Bellairs. "If you want -to age rapidly, try a trick in a Q-boat. I see you're trying it -already. Well, I must be pushing along. I'm making for Newcastle, -after three weeks off the Lofoden Islands. Fritz was pretty busy in -Norwegian waters, but I guess he's put up his shutters for a time at -least. We've driven a few nails into his coffin."</p> - -<p>"Left one or two for me, I hope?" remarked Morpeth. "But look here, -can you give a passage to a few hands?"</p> - -<p>"A few," agreed Bellairs guardedly. "How many?"</p> - -<p>Morpeth told him.</p> - -<p>"I've also two officers on board," he added. "They wish to stay and -have a rest cure. I'm doing my best to educate 'em at the same time."</p> - -<p>The other R.N.R. man laughed. "Right-o!" he exclaimed. "If you -educate 'em like you did the youngsters on the <i>Humming-Bird</i> I can -see them writing home to mother about you."</p> - -<p>"Hear that?" inquired Morpeth, turning to Wakefield and Meredith. -"Old man Bellairs evidently thinks I'm a tough nut. Hope Fritz'll -think so too; that's the thing that counts."</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter15"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XV</h3> - -<h4 align="center">CONFIRMED SUSPICIONS</h4> - -<p>"<span class="smallcaps">From</span> Sub-lieut. J. McIntosh to S.N.O., Auldhaig. Regret to report -X-lighter No. 5 sunk in collision. Crew saved."</p> - -<p>"From Officer Commanding No. Umpteen Group to Air Ministry. I have to -report that the following officers are reported missing, believed -drowned:—Captain R. G. Cumberleigh, Lieut. H. L. Jefferson, 2/Lieut. -W. Pyecroft, Lieut. J. Blenkinson, all of Auldhaig Air Station; and -Captain G. Fennelburt, from Sheerness Air Station, on detached duty. -It is understood that these officers left Auldhaig in a private boat -on a fishing expedition. It is requested that Sheerness may be -informed concerning the officer mentioned above."</p> - -<p>"From O.C. Lintieness Coast Guard Station to Inspecting Officer of -C.G., Auldhaig. I have to report that at 4 P.M. a lighter which had -been signalled passing south at 11 A.M. was observed to be derelict 3 -miles E. by S. off Lintieness Head. It was afterwards lost in the -haze, drifting to the northward. At 5 P.M. a violent explosion was -heard, apparently from a direction bearing E. by N."</p> - -<p>"From O.C. Auldhaig M.L. Flotilla to S.N.O., Auldhaig. Acting upon -instructions, I proceeded in search of X-lighter No. 5. At a position -bearing N.E. by E., five miles from Lintieness Head, quantity of -wreckage discovered floating, including a buoy marked 'X-lighter No. -5.' The debris gave indication of an explosion. Saw no trace of boat -reported missing by Air Station, Auldhaig."</p> - -<p>"From Superintendent of Police, Abercuish, to O.C. Auldhaig Air -Station. Report that at 5 A.M. on the — inst. 2/Lieutenant W. -Pyecroft, R.A.F., was discovered in an exhausted condition on the -shore at Abercuish. He was removed to a house in the village, and -thence to the Abercuish Cottage Hospital. According to his statement, -his companions were taken prisoners by a German submarine from -X-lighter No. 5."</p> - -<p>"From Air Ministry to O.C. No. Umpteen Group, Auldhaig. Nothing known -of Captain Fennelburt at Sheerness Air Station. Please ascertain if a -mistake has been made in this officer's name, and report the nature -of the detached duty referred to in your telegram No. 4452 of the — -inst."</p> - -<p>These messages, written on official forms, lay on the table in the -private room of the Commander-in-Chief's office at Auldhaig.</p> - -<p>There were three persons in the room. One, the Commander-in-Chief, a -breezy, dark-featured, clean-shaven naval officer of about -fifty-five; the second, the dapper, boyish-faced lieutenant-colonel -who held the post of Officer Commanding the R.A.F. Air Station. The -third was the Commander-in-Chief's secretary—a silent, almost -taciturn individual whose face was almost the same colour as that of -his gilt aiguillettes. In his head the secretary held knowledge upon -which depended the success of the Grand Fleet and for which Germany -would willingly have paid millions; but that firmly set mouth was -sealed upon all matters appertaining to the war save when lawful -occasion demanded. And in a few months' time John Elphinhaye would be -placed upon the Retired List with a pension that, with Income Tax -deducted, would be little more than the wages of an artisan.</p> - -<p>"The whole business seems a general muck-up, Greyhouse," observed the -Commander-in-Chief, addressing the lieutenant-colonel. "There's -something wrong somewhere. How can this confounded lighter be sunk in -collision and shortly afterwards be blown up?"</p> - -<p>"There were two lighters, sir," replied Colonel Greyhouse. "It is -quite possible that one was mistaken for the other."</p> - -<p>"As a matter of fact there were half a dozen," explained the -Commander-in-Chief. "And all, except No. 5, are accounted for. That -is so, Elphinhaye?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir," corroborated the secretary.</p> - -<p>"But the main reason why I came to see you, sir," said -Lieutenant-Colonel Greyhouse, "was the affair of my missing officers. -In the first instance they went off in a boat belonging to one of my -lieutenants. I cannot conceive how they came to be on board the -lighter. True, she was to be transferred to the R.A.F., but she left -here under an R.N.V.R officer and crew."</p> - -<p>"Sub-lieutenant John McIntosh, sir, who reported from Donnikirk," -announced the secretary, in response to his superior's inquiry -—mutely expressed by the raising of his bushy eyebrows.</p> - -<p>"Exactly," agreed the Commander-in-Chief. "The situation required -further information, and I have wired instructions to Mr. McIntosh to -report immediately upon his return to-day."</p> - -<p>"Then there is the question raised by the presence of Captain -Fennelburt——"</p> - -<p>"That," interrupted the naval officer, "is a matter that concerns the -Air Force. I have no jurisdiction in the case."</p> - -<p>"But," persisted Colonel Greyhouse, "that officer visited Auldhaig -Dockyard."</p> - -<p>"He called upon the Staff Captain, sir," reported the secretary, who -appeared to have a knowledge of the movements of every stranger -within the gates of Auldhaig Dockyard at his fingers' ends.</p> - -<p>"And yet the Air Ministry and Sheerness Air Station deny all -knowledge of him," continued Colonel Greyhouse. "I was away on duty -at the time he reported at my station, but curiously enough Captain -Cumberleigh, one of the missing officers, entertained a suspicion of -him. He communicated his doubts to my second-in-command, Major -Sparrowhawk, who this morning reported to me on the matter. It is now -his belief, although he scouted the idea at the time, that this -Captain Fennelburt is a spy, or at least an impostor, masquerading as -an R.A.F. officer, with certain shady motives behind him. That is why -I came, in order to find out his alleged motives for visiting -Auldhaig Dockyard."</p> - -<p>"That's the worst of these new-fangled shows," declared the -Commander-in-Chief vehemently. He was a sailor of the Old School who -did not take kindly to innovations. "When the R.N.A.S. was in -existence we had good men who could fly. Now with this amalgamation -it seems to me that for every effective pilot the Air Ministry grants -a dozen commissions to men who never will 'go up' and who apparently -have nothing better to do than to knock about in uniform doing work -badly that a civilian clerk could do well, and trying to bluff people -that they are the salt of the earth. Apparently Captain Fennelburt is -one of this crowd, only the Air Ministry has forgotten his existence. -I rather feel inclined to pooh-pooh the spy theory."</p> - -<p>The colonel suffered the Commander-in-Chief's strictures in silence. -Although his career in the Service had been limited to a period of -four years, his promotion had been rapid. He had a real pride in the -R.A.F., but at the same time he knew that there was considerable -truth in the naval man's assertions. Also he realised that it was -both inadvisable and contrary to discipline to argue with an officer -of superior rank.</p> - -<p>"Your best course," continued the Commander-in-Chief, "would be to -send some one over to Abercuish Cottage Hospital to interview Mr. -Pyecrust—I mean, Pyecroft. That is, naturally, if he is in a fit -state to give information."</p> - -<p>Colonel Greyhouse inclined his head in assent. It was, moreover, -exactly what he had already given instructions to be done. The -colonel took his leave, and just as he stepped ashore at the Air -Station a motor car dashed into the parade-ground. From it alighted -Major Sparrowhawk.</p> - -<p>"I've seen young Pyecroft, sir," he reported with a salute. "He's -going on well in the circumstances. The doctor informed me that he -will be fit to be removed to-morrow."</p> - -<p>"That's good," commented the colonel. Together they walked a few -paces out of hearing of the transport driver and the coxwain of the -motor boat.</p> - -<p>"Well?" inquired Colonel Greyhouse laconically.</p> - -<p>"Dashed queer business, sir," replied the major. "Pyecroft is -perfectly fit mentally, which, considering what he has gone through, -is rather to be wondered at. It appears our fellows boarded a -derelict lighter and while on board were surprised by a Hun -submarine. Pyecroft got away, had a sticky time on a water-logged -boat, and finally drifted ashore more than half dead with cold and -exposure. The others, it seems, were taken prisoners by the Huns. And -now comes the extraordinary part of the story. We had an officer here -on inspection duties. Fennelburt—Captain George Fennelburt—he -announced himself on reporting."</p> - -<p>Colonel Greyhouse nodded.</p> - -<p>"Yes," he observed. "I know that much."</p> - -<p>"Well, sir," explained Sparrowhawk, "he came ashore from the German -submarine at night, while Pyecroft was lying helpless on the beach. -Four men brought him ashore in a collapsible boat, and he vanished -inland, still rigged out in R.A.F. uniform. Pyecroft can swear -definitely on that point."</p> - -<p>"And Sheerness Air Station has disclaimed all knowledge of him," -remarked the C.O. "Why the deuce the Air Ministry cannot be more -particular in posting the movements of officers passes my -understanding! Can you give a fairly accurate description of -Captain—er—Fennelburt?"</p> - -<p>"I think so, sir; he was at the mess to lunch, and I saw a good deal -of him."</p> - -<p>"Good," ejaculated Colonel Greyhouse. "Send a report to 'Area,' and -at the same time to Scotland Yard. The police will then take the -matter up. You might also inform the Naval and Military Authorities. -If we don't lay the fellow by the heels within the next twelve hours -I'll eat my hat."</p> - -<p>A vow that, taking into consideration the copious gold leaves that -adorned the peak, was an exceedingly rash one, unless Greyhouse had -the digestion of an ostrich.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter16"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XVI</h3> - -<h4 align="center">COVERING HIS TRACKS</h4> - -<p><span class="smallcaps">For</span> the second time within forty-eight hours Karl von Preussen -tramped the deserted road leading to Nedderburn Junction railway -station. On the previous occasion he called himself Captain George -Fennelburt; on the second he had assumed the name of Ronald -Broadstone.</p> - -<p>He travelled light, but in place of his khaki, leather-reinforced -haversack he carried a small portmanteau, which, owing to unforeseen -circumstances, was practically empty. He decided that at the first -favourable opportunity he would replenish a portion of his kit and -replace that lying at the Auldhaig Hotel. But in the portmanteau was -an automatic pistol of British manufacture. Its possession showed -economy and discrimination in small details. Since it had been -acquired from a battlefield, it had cost von Preussen nothing; and -being of British make it was in keeping with the spy's rôle as an -officer of the Royal Air Force.</p> - -<p>He walked quickly and unhesitatingly along the bleak, unfrequented -road. Delay meant the great possibility of missing the night train -and a consequent detention at Nedderburn, which was too close to -Auldhaig to be pleasant. He had good reasons for steering clear of -Auldhaig "for the rest of the duration." The place had been a -"wash-out," and since von Preussen was of a superstitious nature he -always avoided scenes of previous failures.</p> - -<p>Beyond meeting a belated shepherd, who greeted the spy in an unknown -Highland dialect, von Preussen arrived at Nedderburn without -encountering anyone. The station had just been lit up, two feeble -paraffin lamps providing the necessary illumination for the safety of -passengers. Peeping through the high wooden palisade, von Preussen -took stock of the people on the up-platform.</p> - -<p>There were half a dozen "Jocks" with full equipment, including "tin -hats" and rifles with the breech-mechanism bound in strips of oiled -cloth.</p> - -<p>"Highlanders returning from leave to the Front, curse them!" muttered -von Preussen.</p> - -<p>He had reason for his maledictory utterance. In the earlier days of -the war, when he was a lieutenant of Uhlans, he soon learnt to have a -wholesome respect for the stalwart, bare-kneed, kilted men from -"Caledonia stern and wild." He recalled an incident at a certain -village about twenty kilometres from Mons. His squadron had overtaken -twenty tired Highlanders tramping along the <i>pavé</i>. Observation by -means of binoculars showed that they were bordering on utter fatigue. -Most of them wore blood-stained bandages. They had no officer with -them. They looked to be an easy prey to the lances of his Uhlans. Von -Preussen never had a worse shock. Instead of the kilted men taking to -their heels at the sight of the charging cavalry and thus falling -easy victims to the steel-tipped lances, they coolly threw themselves -into a circle fringed by a ring of glittering bayonets. Three volleys -in quick succession were too much for the Uhlans to stomach. They -galloped off, amongst them von Preussen groaning and cursing with a -bullet wound through his left shoulder.</p> - -<p>In the present instance he decided that he had nothing to fear from -these men. A little further on were three greatcoated officers. With -a grunt of satisfaction von Preussen noted that their cap-bands were -not black with the badge of the crown, eagle and wings. He had good -cause to avoid Air Force officers and men just at present.</p> - -<p>Beyond stood a sturdily-built man with a long black coat and soft -hat—evidently a clergyman. He was trying to decipher a poster in the -feeble glimmer of the station lamps.</p> - -<p>The changing of the signal from red to green warned the spy that it -was time to enter the station. Outside the entrance stood an old and -somewhat decrepit porter who, after inquiry as to whether the new -arrival had any luggage and receiving a negative reply, hobbled off -to ring the bell. At the doorway stood a girl ticket-collector.</p> - -<p>"Warrant, miss!" exclaimed von Preussen, holding out a buff paper.</p> - -<p>The girl examined it perfunctorily.</p> - -<p>"Carlisle—change at Edinburgh!" she announced.</p> - -<p>The spy thanked the girl for the gratuitous and unnecessary -information. To change at Edinburgh was his intention. By so doing he -could withhold and destroy the faked railway warrant, which, had it -been retained by the ticket collector, would eventually be presented -to the Air Ministry for payment. Already von Preussen had travelled -thousands of miles over British railways without payment, and never -once had he surrendered the buff slip that would otherwise have been -a clue to his movements.</p> - -<p>With much hissing of steam the night mail train drew up at the -platform. The handful of travellers hurried along, peering into the -dimly-lit compartments in the hope of finding vacant seats. Von -Preussen happened to secure one in the company of five naval officers -who were already "bored stiff" with their tedious journey from a far -northern base. The spy soon discovered that there was precious little -information to be picked up from them.</p> - -<p>At Perth the spy changed compartments. He now found himself in the -company of four rather lively subalterns and the clergyman he had -noticed on Nedderburn Junction platform. The latter, deep in the -pages of the <i>Church Times</i>, took no notice of the new arrival.</p> - -<p>"Tickets, please!"</p> - -<p>A gigantic inspector examined the tickets and vouchers of the -occupants of the compartment.</p> - -<p>"Change at Edinburgh," he remarked, as he clipped von Preussen's -warrant. "Through train to Carlisle at 7.5."</p> - -<p>With the resumption of the journey, the clerical passenger offered -von Preussen a copy of an evening paper as a prelude to opening -conversation. He was, he informed the spy, travelling from Nedderburn -to Hawick, where he was about to take up an Army chaplaincy at Stobs -Camp. In return von Preussen told a fairy tale to the effect that he -was joining an R.A.F. balloon station near Carlisle and gave some -vivid and totally imaginary stories of his adventures in the air. Yet -in spite of several attempts to draw the subalterns into the -conversation, the hilarious representatives of the "One Star Crush" -limited their discourse to anecdotes calculated to bring blushes to -the cheeks of the padre.</p> - -<p>It was nearly six in the morning when the train reached Edinburgh. -Without difficulty von Preussen passed the barrier and emerged into -Princes Street. For the rest of the day he remained in seclusion at a -small private hotel just behind Edinburgh's main thoroughfare.</p> - -<p>He had a nasty shock that evening. The evening papers came out with -an announcement that there was a reward of one hundred pounds for -information leading to the detection of a certain individual giving -the name of George Fennelburt, aged about thirty; height, five feet -seven or eight; broadly built, fair featured with blue eyes. Believed -to be wearing the uniform of a captain in the Royal Air Force, and -last seen in the neighbourhood of Auldhaig.</p> - -<p>Von Preussen broke into a gentle perspiration. Furtively he glanced -at his companions in the commercial room. They were, fortunately for -him, deep in a game of chess.</p> - -<p>The spy had registered in the name of Captain Broadstone. That was -now, of itself, a decidedly risky proceeding, since, the hue and cry -being raised, there would most certainly be a stringent examination -of registration forms at all the hotels.</p> - -<p>Even in his panic von Preussen was curious. He could form no -satisfactory theory on the matter. How was his presence known, since -it was reasonable to conjecture that the authorities knew he had gone -on the fishing expedition that had been so unpropitious to his -temporary companions? Obviously the notice offering a reward for his -apprehension had not been issued before his visit to Auldhaig; and -since he, with others, was missing and presumed to be drowned, why go -to the length of advertising for his arrest? Perchance U 247 had been -captured and the British prisoners released. Even in that case none -of those knew the true facts. When they were sent below they were -under the impression that he, von Preussen, was also a prisoner of -war. In the absence of detail the newspaper notice was terrible in -its gaunt wording.</p> - -<p>"I will have to find a different disguise," he decided. "But how? To -purchase civilian clothing would be courting instant suspicion. I -cannot get it myself, nor can I trust anyone to obtain it for me. Yet -to persist in appearing in this Air Force uniform would be simple -madness. It is equally futile to dye my hair and eyebrows. The people -here would notice the difference instantly. And if I changed my hotel -I would run fresh and possibly greater risks. <i>Himmel!</i> What can I -do?"</p> - -<p>He glanced suspiciously round the room. The players, deep in their -game, paid no attention to anyone or anything else.</p> - -<p>"There's one blessing," he soliloquised. "I registered as Broadstone, -not Fennelburt. I think I'll go to bed. It's safer."</p> - -<p>He went, placed his automatic pistol under his pillow, and found -himself looking at the empty portmanteau. Then, switching off the -light, he attempted to court slumber.</p> - -<p>It was in vain. For hours he lay wide awake, racking his ready brain -for a solution to the apparently insurmountable difficulty. He heard -the occupant of the next room retiring, the click of the electric -light switch, and very soon after, the first of a series of loud -snores.</p> - -<p>"At all events," thought the spy, "the fellow is luckier than I: he -can sleep soundly."</p> - -<p>The sleeper and the empty portmanteau: subconsciously von Preussen -connected the two. Why, he knew not, but gradually and with -increasing lucidity a plan matured. Why not steal the sleeper's -clothes, pack them into his portmanteau, and change in a remote -country spot?</p> - -<p>"It may throw suspicion on me," he thought, "but it's worth trying. -Given four or five hours' start, I'll throw them off the scent."</p> - -<p>Cautiously von Preussen got out of bed and opened the door. A light -burned in the corridor. By its aid he could see pairs of boots -standing outside the various rooms: either the servant responsible -for the cleaning of them was late, or else the task of collection was -left till early in the morning.</p> - -<p>Silently the spy picked up a boot belonging to the person he intended -to rob and examined it carefully. It was an "eight":—a similar size -to his. So far so good; he could only hope that the fellow resembled -him in build and height. He must at all events avoid the incongruity -of donning the clothes of a man five feet two or six feet one.</p> - -<p>Very deftly von Preussen tried the door-handle. The sleeper had -omitted to bolt the door. The snores continued.</p> - -<p>Creeping into the room the intruder closed the door. The lawful -occupant had evidently not intended to wake up and switch on the -light, otherwise he would not have thrown back the heavy curtains and -admitted the moonlight. Neatly folded on a chair were the man's -clothes. For once the methodical habits of their owner were to his -disadvantage.</p> - -<p>Quickly von Preussen collected the articles, and, pausing only for a -few minutes to make sure that the corridor was deserted, regained his -own room.</p> - -<p>Ten minutes later, having crammed his portmanteau with his -newly-gotten booty, he again turned in.</p> - -<p>He had arranged to be called at eight-thirty. He saw no object in -anticipating the hour. Let the occupier of the adjoining room -discover his loss. The management would not dare to question the -officer guest or examine his portmanteau.</p> - -<p>At seven he was awakened by a furious ringing and a bellowing voice. -He smiled grimly. The fun was about to commence. He could hear -various members of the hotel staff talking excitedly, while the -indignant tones of the robbed guest dominated all.</p> - -<p>Pleading a headache caused by the noise and that he was suffering -from shell-shock, von Preussen had his breakfast brought to his -bedroom. Then, having shaved and paid his bill, he grasped his now -heavy portmanteau and left the hotel.</p> - -<p>He made his way to Princes Street, feeling horribly self-conscious. -At every salute he received and returned, he felt that the man who -gave it had his suspicions. He made haste to board the first tramcar, -which, he noticed, was marked "Portobello and Joppa."</p> - -<p>Before the car had passed Scott's Monument a couple of R.A.F. -officers boarded it and, to the spy's consternation, took seats -immediately behind him.</p> - -<p>Presently one of them, a captain, tapped von Preussen on the -shoulder:</p> - -<p>"Can you oblige me with a match, old bean?"</p> - -<p>The old bean complied without a word.</p> - -<p>The next question came with startling suddenness:</p> - -<p>"'Spose you haven't come across Captain Fennelburt?"</p> - -<p>The spy, controlling himself with an effort, turned his head and -laughed.</p> - -<p>"Hope you don't think I'm the fellow?" he inquired. "If, so, you -won't get that hundred pounds, old son. I heard this morning that he -had been collared at Perth."</p> - -<p>"Is that so?" asked the other, a subaltern. "What was all the racket -about?"</p> - -<p>"Misappropriation of mess funds, I believe," replied von Preussen. He -now felt more at ease and master of the situation. He forced the -conversation on trivial topics until his undesirable acquaintances -reached their destination.</p> - -<p>The spy remained until the car stopped at the terminus; then he -started to walk briskly inland, reproving himself for his bad -manoeuvre in taking a car bound for a coast town.</p> - -<p>A four hours' stiff walk brought him to a desolate moor, standing -well on eight hundred feet above the sea. Sheltering from possible -observation behind an overhanging rock, he made the necessary change -from Captain Broadstone, R.A.F., to plain Thomas Smith, commercial -traveller, representing Collar & Grab, wholesale provision merchants -(and incidentally profiteers), of Liverpool.</p> - -<p>For the next four days he remained at Galashiels, lying low and -explaining his presence by the plausible statement that the samples -his firm had dispatched had gone astray. On the fifth he decided to -go to York, where he knew of a Polish Jew, Polinski by name, who was -in reality a German Secret Service agent.</p> - -<p>At Newcastle he caught a fast train bound for London. He now -travelled third class, finding himself in the company of four -bluejackets proceeding "on leaf."</p> - -<p>Within a few minutes of the train leaving the station the commercial -traveller was apparently fast asleep. He was keenly on the alert to -gather information, and his wishes were realised.</p> - -<p>"S'elp me," exclaimed one of the men. "We'd got a blanked U-boat -blazing away at us like mad. 'Course we didn't reply, an' they didn't -'arf give us a dustin'. Then up comes another of the swine an' starts -firin', only 'er shells goes wide. Still our owner sticks it without -so much as winkin'. Hopin', you see, to bag 'em both."</p> - -<p>"And did 'e?" inquired another.</p> - -<p>"Not 'e, worse luck," replied the other. "Just as we was about ter -drop our false bulwarks an' give 'em perishin' socks, one of the -U-boats slipped in a couple o' tawpedas into t'other an' blew 'er to -blazes."</p> - -<p>"Wot for?" asked a bearded petty officer.</p> - -<p>"Wot for?" snorted the other. "To do us out of our bloomin' prize -money, of course. There was we, with our decks littered with sheep -and cattle, stickin' it for four mortal hours in the hope we'd put it -abaft the swine, an' all for nothin'. The U-boat was one of our own -mystery ships, rigged up to bamboozle Fritz. She was orf right into -Heligoland Bight to do 'er dirty work, if I remember right."</p> - -<p>Von Preussen chuckled inwardly. Here indeed was a "scoop." Before -eight that evening the information, transmitted in the form of an -apparently genuine business telegram to a firm in Amsterdam, was in -the hands of the German Admiralty.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter17"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XVII</h3> - -<h4 align="center">MUTINY</h4> - -<p>"<span class="smallcaps">Hans!</span>" whispered Seaman Kaspar Krauss of U 247. "Do you know what -our swine-headed kapitan has made up his mind to do?"</p> - -<p>"How should I?" responded Hans Furst with a grunt. "Something that -has upset your apple-cart."</p> - -<p>"He's taking the vessel back to Ostend," announced Krauss. "It's -madness. To say nothing of the danger of mines, it's putting our -heads into a noose. With Wilhelmshaven and Heligoland dead under our -lee, why does he persist in making for Ostend? The boat is hardly -seaworthy; we are short of food, and yet——"</p> - -<p>A petty officer, stooping to avoid the overhead gear, thrust his head -and shoulders through the oval aperture in the transverse bulkhead.</p> - -<p>"Herr Kapitan wants you, Kaspar Krauss," he exclaimed curtly. The -seaman wiped his hands on a piece of cotton waste, looked into the -burnished reflector of a lamp to assure himself that his cap was on -straight, and hurried along the congested alleyway.</p> - -<p>"Wonder what he wants me for?" he thought. He had done nothing as -far as he knew to merit either praise or censure. It was somewhat -unusual for a kapitan to summon a seaman. Orders would be generally -communicated through the medium of a petty officer.</p> - -<p>Ober-leutnant von Preugfeld was sitting on a camp-stool on the -after-part of the deck. Behind him stood Unter-leutnant Eitel von -Loringhoven, while at his side were three men rigidly at attention.</p> - -<p>The U-boat was running awash, the conning-tower being occupied for -the time being by the chief petty officer.</p> - -<p>Kaspar Krauss felt far from comfortable. The sight of the three -motionless wooden-faced seamen—comrades of his—heightened his -discomfiture.</p> - -<p>"See here, you swine!" began the amiable von Preugfeld, curtly -acknowledging the man's salute. "You were slow—abominably slow—in -executing orders. What have you to say?"</p> - -<p>Krauss moistened his dry lips, trying vainly to recall the incident -to which the ober-leutnant referred.</p> - -<p>Von Preugfeld eyed him like a cat about to pounce on a mouse. He was -furiously angry, and wanted to vent his wrath upon some one who could -not retaliate. The cause of his fury had nothing to do with Kaspar -Krauss's delinquency. He had just been referring to the English -Encyclopaedia to discover the meaning of the epithet "old bean," and -to his almost speechless indignation he found that one of his Royal -Air Force prisoners had likened him to "the seed of certain -leguminous plants, universally cultivated for food"—and old at that.</p> - -<p>"You were fifteen seconds slow in carrying out my order to blow the -auxiliary ballasttank, you wooden-faced pig!" exclaimed von -Preugfeld. "For the remainder of the voyage you will work double -tricks and keep for'ard look-out on deck whenever we are running on -the surface. Now go!"</p> - -<p>Kaspar Krauss, outwardly pale but inwardly fuming, saluted with a -faint suspicion of reluctance, and began to make his way aft until -the guttural voice of his kapitan called him back.</p> - -<p>"Is that the way you salute me, <i>schweinhund</i>?" demanded von -Preugfeld. "If I find any more signs of slackness on your part, look -out. That's all. Now, again: dismiss!"</p> - -<p>Von Preugfeld watched the fellow out of sight and then turned to his -subordinate.</p> - -<p>"There's nothing like being firm with these brutes, von Loringhoven," -he said in a loud voice, as if to impress the fact upon the three -seamen. "Take my advice: come down on them like Thor's hammer the -moment you see them giving signs of discontent. How many men have -been placed in the report this trip?"</p> - -<p>"Eleven, Herr Kapitan," replied the unter-leutnant, smacking his -lips with relish. "A third of the ship's company."</p> - -<p>"That shows good discipline, Eitel," rejoined von Preugfeld. -"Cast-iron discipline—that's the secret of efficiency."</p> - -<p>He made his way to the conning-tower and spent some moments poring -over a chart of the centre portion of the North Sea. There were -mine-fields in profusion. Those laid by the British were shown in -blue, those of German origin were indicated in red. On paper they -looked formidable, but unfortunately for von Preugfeld there were -hundreds of others either drifting or else uncharted. He, too, cursed -the wireless order that was responsible for U 274 making for Ostend.</p> - -<p>Having checked the course and given further instructions to the -quartermaster, von Preugfeld strolled aft, took a leisurely survey of -the horizon and, finding nothing in the shape of a vessel, settled -himself once more in his deck-chair.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile 'tween decks discontent was seething. The men, disheartened -and hungry, were aghast at the idea of making for the Belgian coast. -Many of them were undergoing punishment for various slight offences. -Krauss, one of the more advanced agitators, was holding forth upon -the purposeless brutality of the kapitan.</p> - -<p>Just then von Loringhoven made his way for'ard. Possibly by accident, -one of the group of malcontents lurched against him, for the -submarine was rolling in the sullen swell.</p> - -<p>"Pardon, Herr Offizier!" exclaimed the man. It was Furst, slow of -action yet quick to take offence.</p> - -<p>The next instant von Loringhoven raised his clenched fist and struck -the man heavily in the face. It was the unter-leutnant's idea of -imparting discipline with an iron hand according to the advice given -by Kapitan von Preugfeld.</p> - -<p>Von Loringhoven had struck his men before. He had seen them stand -rigidly at attention, meekly bearing blows as becomes a military or -naval subject of the Kaiser. He expected Furst to do likewise, but to -his unbounded astonishment the German bluejacket planted a staggering -blow right in the centre of the unter-leutnant's chest.</p> - -<p>Von Loringhoven reeled and fell heavily against a large air-flask. -There he lay breathless and unable to utter a sound.</p> - -<p>For a few moments the men were dumfounded. Oft-times they had formed -mental pictures of striking their officers to the deck. Now the idea -had become a reality.</p> - -<p>"You'll be shot for this, Hans Furst," exclaimed one of the men.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps," replied Furst. "And all of you with me. I struck the pig, -I admit, but you were standing by and did not stop me. So that's -mutiny."</p> - -<p>"Yes; that is so," agreed Krauss. "We've started, so why not carry it -through? I owe the kapitan a debt which I mean to pay. Furst will -help. Who joins?"</p> - -<p>There was no lack of offers of assistance. The men knew that whether -guilty or innocent they would have to suffer. They had no definite -plan. It was merely a sudden conflagration on the part of men stifled -by adverse conditions. Carried away by the unexpected turn of events, -their seething discontent flared up into the red flame of mutiny.</p> - -<p>"Down with von Preugfeld!" hissed Krauss. "Come with me, brothers!"</p> - -<p>Maintaining a certain amount of caution, a dozen of the mutineers -swarmed up the fore-hatch and made their way aft. Von Preugfeld, -seated in the deck-chair and deep in a book, took no heed of their -approach until, with a cat-like spring, Krauss leapt upon him. The -chair collapsed. The kapitan and his assailant fell on the deck in a -confused heap.</p> - -<p>Although a bully and a coward by nature, von Preugfeld put up a stiff -fight when cornered. Recovering from his sudden surprise, he fought -and struggled desperately, shouting in vain to von Loringhoven for -assistance. The unter-leutnant was at that moment being held by two -stalwart Frisian seamen.</p> - -<p>Over and over rolled von Preugfeld and his attacker. Punching, -kicking, snarling and even biting, the two tackled each other -tenaciously—the blue-blooded Prussian and the plebeian -Frisian—while the rest of the mutineers looked on with evident -relish, until it occurred to them that they might have a hand in the -discomfiture of their hated taskmaster.</p> - -<p>It was not until half a dozen had thrown themselves upon the wellnigh -breathless von Preugfeld that the unequal struggle ended. The -ober-leutnant was bound hand and foot and secured to a ring-bolt—an -object for derision and coarse jests from his captors.</p> - -<p>Shouting to the quartermaster to telegraph to the engine-room to stop -the motors, Furst, who by common consent was acclaimed the -ringleader, ordered all hands on deck. The mutineers' first council -of war was about to begin.</p> - -<p>The outbreak had been spontaneous. A general mutiny of submarine -crews had been thought about, and the idea was taking firm root; but -this ebullition was almost unpremeditated. The men had no definite -plan. They were literally and metaphorically at sea.</p> - -<p>"Let's hoist the Red Flag," suggested one. "Our comrades on the other -<i>unterseebooten</i> will join us."</p> - -<p>"Unless we meet an English ship of war in the meanwhile," added -another. "I propose we hoist the White Flag and take the boat into an -English port. We'll be well treated."</p> - -<p>"Yes," admitted Furst; "but what will happen after the war? Supposing -the English treat us as mutineers and hand us over to Germany when -peace is signed? What then?"</p> - -<p>"And I, for another, wish to get back to my wife and children," -exclaimed a mutineer of timorous fibre. "I vote we alter our course -for Hamburg or Wilhelmshaven."</p> - -<p>"And what then?" demanded Krauss scornfully. "There'll be questions -asked. We will be put under arrest straight away and no doubt shot. -That's not good enough."</p> - -<p>"It will be all right if we throw these pigs overboard," said Furst, -indicating the two officers, who were now both lying bound on deck. -"We can say that they were swept overboard in heavy weather. We must -all stick to the same tale. It will be of no use for anyone to betray -us. We're all hand in glove in this business."</p> - -<p>"Supposing an English ship of war does appear?" queried the timorous -one. "We'll be sunk at sight. You know the way they have."</p> - -<p>"We could submerge," declared Krauss loftily.</p> - -<p>"And who will take command if we do," persisted the man. "I know of -no one of us able to manage this boat under water. I'd rather take my -chance and hoist the White Flag. Besides, haven't we English -prisoners—officers—on board? They might help us if we treated them -well."</p> - -<p>"That is so," admitted Furst. "Meanwhile we'll steer east for -Germany."</p> - -<p>"Who is navigator?" asked a mechanic. "Do you know anything of -navigation, Hans Furst?"</p> - -<p>Furst was obliged to admit that he knew but little. Taking -observations—a very necessary accomplishment when one has to thread -a way through mine-fields—was beyond him.</p> - -<p>"I'll try," he added. "We can but hope for the best. But now we must -first get rid of these."</p> - -<p>He pointed to the late kapitan and unter-leutnant of U 247.</p> - -<p>"Shoot them," suggested the revengeful Krauss.</p> - -<p>"Too easy a death," objected Furst. "We'll toss them overboard."</p> - -<p>Some of the men moved aft to carry out the suggestion, but Furst -called on them to stand by.</p> - -<p>"Cast off those lashings," he ordered, with a grim laugh. "We'll give -them a chance to swim for it. The nearest land is only about two -hundred miles away. It will give them time to think over things. -Start up those motors again and get way on her."</p> - -<p>The men obeyed promptly. The idea of seeing their former officers -struggling for life "in the ditch" appealed to their innate cruelty. -After all, they argued, they were only revenging themselves upon two -tyrants who had shown no mercy to the crews of British merchant -vessels they had sunk.</p> - -<p>Von Loringhoven squealed like a stuck pig when he saw one of the -seamen advancing with a drawn knife. With a couple of deft cuts the -unter-leutnant's bonds were severed. Two brawny men seized him by -arms and legs and with a swinging heave tossed him over the side into -the water.</p> - -<p>Von Preugfeld, cursing, imploring and struggling, shared the same -fate, his exit watched by all the hands on deck save one, who, -evidently lacking the nerve to witness the tragedy, had stepped -unobserved to the other side of the conning-tower.</p> - -<p>Then, increasing her speed to twelve knots, U 247 turned eight -degrees to port and headed for the distant shore of Germany, leaving -von Preugfeld and his subordinate struggling for life in the cold -waters of the North Sea.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter18"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XVIII</h3> - -<h4 align="center">A BIG PROPOSITION</h4> - -<p>"<span class="smallcaps">Know</span> anything about motor bikes?" inquired Morpeth, helping himself -to a liberal chunk of margarine and pushing the earthenware jar -across to his companion. "After you with the jam. Thank heaven it's -not the everlasting plum and apple!"</p> - -<p>Meredith and the "owner" of Q 171 were at tea in the ward-room. -Wakefield was taking deck duties in conjunction with the Q-boat's -official sub-lieutenant—a youth of twenty, Ainslie by name.</p> - -<p>Tea was served in war time fashion afloat—an iron-moulded -table-cloth, two enamelled cups, plates of the same material, and -wooden-handled steel knives that had evidently not made the -acquaintance of a knife-board since they came aboard. A loaf of large -and decidedly ancient appearance, a pot of jam and a generous pat of -margarine (referred to in conversation as nut-butter) formed the -edible part of the feast. Black, strongly brewed tea, condensed milk -and moist sugar in more senses than one combined to provide liquid -refreshment. The whole contents of the swing table were executing a -rhythmic dance with the vibrations of the twin engines, the propeller -shafts of which ran under and on either side of the table.</p> - -<p>"I have one," replied Meredith. "At least I believe I have—unless -my young brother has pinched it," he added feelingly and with the -knowledge of past experiences. "Why?"</p> - -<p>"Rather curious to know what you paid for it?" replied Morpeth.</p> - -<p>"As a matter of fact I got it a great bargain from a pal of mine who -was given a commission in '15," replied Meredith. "Twenty-two -pounds."</p> - -<p>"I guess I can beat that," remarked the R.N.R. officer, deliberately -and deftly harpooning a slice of bread in the act of skimming over -the fidleys on to the floor. "I bought one for a sovereign."</p> - -<p>"Scrap iron, then," declared Kenneth.</p> - -<p>"No; in good running order," continued Morpeth, "twin cylinders, -magneto, countershaft, kick starter and all that sort of -fake-a-lorum. True, the old 'bus had been in the ditch for a -fortnight. Do you remember when the old <i>Tantalus</i> was torpedoed some -while back? They got her into shallow water down Cornwall. Well, this -motor bike was on board. Bought it from a chap called Farrar, who -told me he had bought it from a marine officer for four bob and had -refused a fiver for it as the vessel was sinking. Spent best part of -seven days' leave cleaning the thing up, and now, by Jove!——"</p> - -<p>"You're wanted on deck, sir," exclaimed a sailor excitedly. "We've -just sighted two men in the ditch——"</p> - -<p>Taking a hasty and copious gulp of tea on the principle that "you -never know when you may get another chance," Lieutenant-Commander -Morpeth ran up the ladder, Meredith only hanging back sufficiently to -clear the heels of the R.N.R. officer's seaboots.</p> - -<p>The mystery ship had already slowed down and altered course. Men, -grasping coiled bowlines, were grouped on her long narrow bows. -Ainslie, standing well for'ard, was conning the ship by movements of -his arms. Wakefield, binoculars to his eyes, was keeping the men in -distress under observation.</p> - -<p>"A pair of Huns!" he exclaimed, as Morpeth and Meredith joined him. -"They're clinging to a U-boat's buoy. I can see the number 'U 247' -painted on it."</p> - -<p>"One of our submarines has been busy, then," remarked Morpeth. "Hope -to goodness she doesn't jolly well take it into her head to slap a -tinfish into us."</p> - -<p>Wakefield shrugged his shoulders. This was another phase of U-boat -tactics. When a fellow rigs himself up like a Fritz to bag a Fritz, -presumably he must run the risk of being taken for a genuine Fritz by -other Fritz-hunters. He glanced at Morpeth inquiringly. The R.N.R. -man's face was set and determined.</p> - -<p>Above the risks of war another issue dominated. Human life was at -stake, not in the heat of battle but in the ceaseless struggle of man -with the sea—a fight that has been waged ever since men adventured -themselves upon the waters. Friends or foemen made no difference: -Morpeth was determined to pluck the two distressed men from the grip -of the voracious sea.</p> - -<p>The swimmers were Ober-leutnant Hans von Preugfeld and Unter-leutnant -Eitel von Loringhoven. More than an hour had elapsed since they had -been ruthlessly jettisoned by the mutineers. Their chances of being -picked up were small indeed. Had it not been for the fact that one of -the U-boat's crew, more humane than the rest, had surreptitiously -released a life-buoy from the starboard side of the submarine—he had -done this just before the two officers were hurled overboard—von -Preugfeld and von Loringhoven would have perished. As it was, the -support afforded by the cylindrical hollow metal buoy had kept both -afloat, although they were almost exhausted by the numbing cold.</p> - -<p>Slowing down until she carried bare steerage way, Q 171's bows passed -within three yards of the life-buoy and the two men. A bowline, -thrown with admirable judgment and precision, fell over the -unter-leutnant's head, but von Loringhoven was too exhausted to slip -his arms and shoulders through the looped line. Without hesitation, -the bluejacket who had hurled the coil of rope thrust the tail end -into the hands of a man standing next to him.</p> - -<p>"Hold hard, mate!" he exclaimed, as he took a flying leap over the -low stanchion rail.</p> - -<p>Deftly the rescuer adjusted the bowline under von Loringhoven's -shoulders, and with a stentorian "Heave away roundly!" he swung -himself back to the Q-boat's fo'c'sle.</p> - -<p>In another fifteen seconds two dripping and water-logged individuals -joined the rescuer.</p> - -<p>Kapitan von Preugfeld, gasping like a stranded carp, was speechless -with exhaustion and astonishment. Up to that moment he had been -deceived into believing that the vessel that had effected his rescue -was a U-boat. He was still hazy on that point, but there was no -shadow of doubt that the crew were British.</p> - -<p>"Give the blighters a stiff glass of grog and shove them into hot -blankets," ordered Morpeth. "I'll see them later and find out how -they came to be in the ditch."</p> - -<p>But von Preugfeld, recovering his speech, was anxious to explain -matters at once. The thought paramount in his mind was that of -revenge. It mattered not by what motive or through whose agency -retribution was accomplished as long as the mutineers were accounted -for.</p> - -<p>"I kapitan am of <i>unterseebooten</i> 247," he announced in his broken -English. "My crew haf mutiny make an' throw me into der zee. Der -submarine is dere"—he pointed eastwards—"not von hour an' half -gone."</p> - -<p>"Peculiar bird," thought Morpeth, then—"Good enough, cap'n," he -replied. "We'll be on her track. With luck she'll be scrap iron -before night."</p> - -<p>"No, no," protested von Preugfeld. "Do not to der bottom send. Make -capture. I tink not dat she can sink."</p> - -<p>"Won't she," interrupted the R.N.R. officer grimly. "You leave that -to us."</p> - -<p>"He means 'submerge,' I fancy," remarked Wakefield.</p> - -<p>"Ach! Dat is so. She submerge cannot make. Take prisoners dose -mutineer sailors."</p> - -<p>"What's he driving at, Wakefield?" inquired Morpeth. "Hanged if I can -cotton on to the yarn."</p> - -<p>"He apparently wants to get his own back," suggested Wakefield. "A -true type of the egotistical, arrogant Prussian. D'ye notice he never -referred to his fellow victim of the mutiny. Perhaps they got what -they jolly well deserved."</p> - -<p>"No business of mine," quoth the R.N.R. man. "Sinking Fritzes is my -job. Take that fellow below, Walters."</p> - -<p>He jerked his thumb in the direction of the fore hatchway, whither -von Loringhoven had already been escorted; but von Preugfeld had -another card to play.</p> - -<p>"Englisch officers der are on board der submarine," he declared. -"Four officers prisoners—nein, it is three," and he held up three -fingers to emphasise the fact.</p> - -<p>Except to serve his own ends, von Preugfeld would not have mentioned -the fact. It mattered nothing to him whether the prisoners were sent -to the bottom inside the hull of the U-boat if she were destroyed by -the British craft; but as a lever to influence Morpeth's decision, in -order to enable von Preugfeld to take vengeance on the mutineers at -some distant date, the Prussian blurted out the disconcerting news.</p> - -<p>Almost at the same time he realised that the situation was a -complicated one. There was the question of the spy, von Preussen. The -R.A.F. officers would, on their release, certainly demand an -explanation of their supposed comrade's whereabouts, and then the spy -would be revealed in his true character. It would be -awkward—decidedly awkward—for von Preussen, but in his -vindictiveness against the mutineering crew von Preugfeld swept aside -the question. He had little qualms in sacrificing von Preussen to -attain his immediate aim.</p> - -<p>"What officers are they?" demanded Morpeth. He pictured the plight of -master mariners of Mercantile Marine held captive on board the -submarine that had sent their vessel to the bottom—hostages who, -contrary to all the recognised canons of war, had been compelled to -run a grave risk of being slaughtered by their fellow countrymen -while in the hold of a modern pirate submarine.</p> - -<p>"Von der Air Regiment at Auldhaig," replied von Preugfeld. "It fair -capture vos," he hastened to explain.</p> - -<p>"We know most of them," exclaimed Meredith. "I wonder who they are?"</p> - -<p>Morpeth as inquisitor-in-chief put the question, but von Preugfeld -shook his head and professed ignorance on the matter.</p> - -<p>With a gesture Morpeth dismissed him. Shivering with cold and -trembling with rage, the kapitan of U 247 disappeared below, to enjoy -a far greater hospitality than he had ever bestowed upon his -prisoners of war.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile Q 171, running at thirty knots, was fast overhauling the -mutineers. In forty minutes after von Preugfeld's rescue the -conning-tower of the fugitive was sighted at a distance of five -miles.</p> - -<p>Morpeth immediately rang down for fifteen knots. The enormous speed -of the Q-boat would be sufficient to cause surprise and suspicion in -the minds of the U-boat's crew, and supposing it were another -submarine which could dive and succeed in getting away, then the -story of a decoy capable of attaining a terrific pace would be known -to the German Admiralty. In that case Morpeth's "little stunt" would -bid fair to become a "wash-out."</p> - -<p>Ten minutes later the White Ensign was hoisted at Q 171's masthead, -and a shell, purposely fired wide, threw up a column of water fifty -yards from the U-boat's port bow.</p> - -<p>"That's done the trick," exclaimed Wakefield, as a white flag was -promptly hoisted on the mutineer. "It's 'Kamerad' all the time when -they're cornered. By Jove! the old blighter did speak the truth for -once. There are fellows in khaki standing aft."</p> - -<p>Morpeth merely grunted. He was pondering in his mind—not on the -question of how to deal with his prize, but one on which weightier -matters depended. It meant an addition of thirty odd people to feed -and quarter—a big proposition indeed.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter19"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XIX</h3> - -<h4 align="center">THE TABLES TURNED</h4> - -<p>"<span class="smallcaps">What's</span> for dinner at the mess to-night?" inquired Blenkinson. -"Wonder if the management has got rid of our box for 'The Maid of the -Mountains'? If not, will he try and make us pay up?"</p> - -<p>"The theatre people can try," replied Cumberleigh grimly. "Hope -they'll accept the excuse: unavoidable absence."</p> - -<p>"Wonder how Pyecroft got on?" remarked Jefferson.</p> - -<p>The three R.A.F. officers were cooped up in the otherwise empty -storeroom of U 247. They were in utter darkness. The place was damp, -ill ventilated, and reeked abominably. Moisture was constantly -forming on the curved angle-iron deck beams and dripping -promiscuously upon the captives.</p> - -<p>"It is presumed that the genial captain of this vessel," continued -Jefferson, "has not yet invested in a cinematograph. If he had it -would be reasonable to suppose that he would have us on deck at -regular intervals, supply us with cigarettes and cock-tails, and at -the same time take a film to let neutrals know how benevolent and -humane the Hun is when he is on the warpath. I am afraid my surmise -is correct. Therefore we languish in captivity."</p> - -<p>"Anyone any idea of the time?" inquired Cumberleigh. "My watch says -half-past three, but I can't depend upon it."</p> - -<p>"Mine shows ten o'clock," reported Blenkinson, consulting the -luminous dial of his wristlet watch. "Unfortunately it omits to -inform me whether it is AK Emma or PIP Emma, and I'm hanged if I know -which it is."</p> - -<p>"My watch went west the day before yesterday," said Jefferson. "The -best Waterbury in existence is not proof against the back-fire of a -six-cylinder car. Now if that fellow Fennelburt were here, he had a -ripping little watch, I noticed."</p> - -<p>"By the way, what happened to Fennelburt?" inquired Cumberleigh.</p> - -<p>"Happened?" echoed Jefferson. "Why he's in the cart, same as us. Hard -lines on the chap—taking him out on a joy trip and then landing him -in this mess."</p> - -<p>Cumberleigh grunted. He was not at all sure that he agreed with -Jefferson's sentiments. Not that he had any suspicion that Fennelburt -had conjured up the U-boat to take the Salvage Syndicate prisoners. -The suggestion that the party should go fishing emanated from -himself. Yet it was somewhat curious that Fennelburt should be -separated from the others.</p> - -<p>The three Auldhaig Air Station officers had had a sticky time during -the last twenty-four hours. During that period they had been twice -supplied with scanty and unappetising meals; they had dozed fitfully -in the foetid atmosphere of their cell, but up to the present they -had not been allowed on deck to get a breath of fresh air.</p> - -<p>"Hope old Pyecroft pulled it off all right," remarked Blenkinson. He -had harped on the matter at least a dozen times. Pyecroft had been -his special pal. They had flown over the German lines together; they -had crashed in the same 'bus; they had spent six weeks in the same -hospital—in all, quite sufficient to cement a casual acquaintance -into a lifelong friendship.</p> - -<p>"There's the chance, anyway," said Jefferson. "He may not have been -missed, and—hello what's the game now? They've stopped the motors."</p> - -<p>The three men listened intently. The faintest alteration in the -rhythmic purr of the U-boat's engines set their nerves on edge. They -knew something of the fearfully ingenious devices used to strafe Hun -submarines, and now they were metaphorically at the business end of a -big gun, whereas formerly they had been behind it. It was a -disconcerting affair, exposed to unseen perils that might without -warning send them to their death in company with a crowd of Huns. -And, unless Pyecroft had succeeded in getting safely ashore, the -manner of their going would remain a secret for all time.</p> - -<p>For several long-drawn seconds the trio listened in silence. They -knew by the difference in the pulsations of the motors that the -U-boat had been running on the surface. The diving-tanks had not been -filled, otherwise they would have heard the gurgling inrush of water. -For some reason the submarine had brought up and was drifting with -wind and tide.</p> - -<p>A quarter of an hour elapsed, then the petrol-motors were restarted. -Very soon after the door of their cell was unlocked and a couple of -Hun seamen appeared.</p> - -<p>"Come you on deck!" one exclaimed, with such a broad smile that -Cumberleigh and Co. suspected a dirty trick on the part of Fritz.</p> - -<p>"Anything to get a breather," ejaculated Blenkinson. "Lead on, old -bird!"</p> - -<p>In single file the three British officers followed their guide along -the intricate alley-way and on deck via the conning-tower hatchway.</p> - -<p>A hurried glance gave no clue to the unexpected change of -environment. The U-boat was forging ahead. By noting the position of -the sun the captive officers knew that the course was approximately -east, and that direction led towards Germany. The skyline was -unbroken. Neither the proximity of land nor the presence of another -craft was evident to account for the change of attitude on the part -of their captors.</p> - -<p>"We friends is," continued the Hun who had previously addressed them; -and as evidence of good faith he handed the Englishmen a box of -cigarettes.</p> - -<p>The dearth of tobacco, cigars and cigarettes that had been noticeable -amongst the ratings during von Preugfeld's regime was now, -temporarily at least, a thing of the past. The former ober-leutnant's -cabin had been systematically ransacked, with the result that a -goodly store of tobacco had been discovered and distributed.</p> - -<p>"What has gone wrong?" inquired Captain Cumberleigh, speaking slowly -in order to make himself understood. "Where are your officers?"</p> - -<p>The seaman paused before replying. In order to ingratiate himself he -would not have hesitated to confess that the Prussian tyrants had -been thrown overboard; but in the event of the submarine making -Hamburg safely or else being overhauled by a vessel flying the Black -Cross Ensign, the knowledge that the Englishmen knew the secret might -prove decidedly awkward.</p> - -<p>"They overboard fell, Herr Offizier," replied the German. "They stand -so, making what the Englisch sailors call 'shooting der sun.' A big -wave come an' pouf!—dey are gone."</p> - -<p>Cumberleigh nodded. For the present he deemed it prudent to accept -the statement, although he was aware by the comparatively easy motion -that the U-boat had not encountered heavy weather. Nor had the German -sailor given any explanation why the collapsible canvas boat had not -been lowered to effect a rescue.</p> - -<p>"And where is Captain Fennelburt?" he asked. "There were four of us -taken prisoners."</p> - -<p>A blank look overspread the Teuton's heavy features. He extended his -palms in a manner that expressed complete disinterestedness.</p> - -<p>Cumberleigh pressed the point. The Hun turned and consulted his -comrades. Apparently they had not taken this factor into their -calculations.</p> - -<p>"I want no lies," continued Cumberleigh, who was rapidly finding his -feet. "What has become of the fourth officer (he was about to prefix -the word British, but somehow he checked himself) who was taken on -board?"</p> - -<p>"Kapitan von Preugfeld him sent on land last night, Herr Offizier," -announced the man.</p> - -<p>"For what reason?"</p> - -<p>"I do not know der plans of Kapitan von Preugfeld," explained the -German. "An' he not is here to ask."</p> - -<p>This was simple, but none the less truthful logic. It was hardly -conceivable that the ober-leutnant should explain his actions to a -lower-deck rating.</p> - -<p>"It's jolly rummy, any old way," remarked Blenkinson. "The whole -business is fishy—decidedly fishy. And I reckon that big wave yarn -won't go down."</p> - -<p>Again the German strolled up, smiling and apparently unperturbed.</p> - -<p>"You know der mine-fields, Herr Offizier?" he asked. "You can take us -to Zhermany?"</p> - -<p>"All I know," replied Cumberleigh pointedly, "is that there are -mines—thousands of them—and that you're going straight for them. I -might add that I know the course to Auldhaig. It's a jolly sight -safer than barging along as you're doing."</p> - -<p>The German apparently saw the wisdom of the suggestion. He retired to -consult his companions. On a Soviet-controlled ship everyone has to -have a say—with conflicting and other disastrous results.</p> - -<p>Kaspar Krauss and Hans Furst vehemently opposed the suggestion, -which, considering the fact that they were the ringleaders in the -mutiny, was somewhat remarkable. The desire to get home overruled -their fears of running against a mine. Others, fearful lest the curse -be brought home to them, clamoured to be taken into a British port, -bringing forward the argument that German prisoners of war in England -were well treated and that no difference was made in the case of men -who had served in U-boats.</p> - -<p>How long the drolly-conducted debate would have lasted remains a -matter for speculation, but it was brought to an abrupt and still -undecided conclusion by one of the men raising a shout and pointing -astern.</p> - -<p>A vessel of some description was approaching rapidly. The enormous -"bone in her teeth" as her sharp bows cleft the waves into frothy -clouds of foam showed that she was moving at a terrific rate.</p> - -<p>"An English ship!" exclaimed the fellow excitedly. "A U-boat hunter! -Quick, run up the white flag, or we'll be blown to bits!"</p> - -<p>All was scurry bordering on panic. There was a hasty rush to find the -emblem of surrender. Hans Furst, gripping the interpreter by the -shoulders, shouted to him to ask the English officers to go aft and -stand in a conspicuous place.</p> - -<p>Cumberleigh and his companions fell in with the request with the -greatest good humour. They had no desire to become objectives for the -approaching vessel's quick-firers. They realised that deliverance -from a hideous captivity was at hand.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Kaspar Krauss, who was standing just abaft the -conning-tower, shouted to his fellow mutineer-in-chief.</p> - -<p>"It's one of our U-boats after all," he exclaimed. "Now we shall have -to be most careful."</p> - -<p>"Surely not," questioned Furst, snatching up a pair of binoculars.</p> - -<p>Then, after a brief scrutiny, he added, "You're right, Kaspar. -There's a number—U 231—painted on her conning-tower. Kick those -Englishmen below. They will be of no further use to us. Dietrich, -untoggle that white flag and hoist our ensign again. Make our private -signal, too. For heaven's sake look sharp about it!"</p> - -<p>Calling to two or three of his comrades, Kaspar Krauss began to make -his way aft, with the intention of putting into execution the -congenial task of kicking the Englishmen below.</p> - -<p>Before he had taken a couple of steps, the flash of a gun brought him -up all standing. Dumfounded, he stared at the oncoming vessel. Even -the terrific splash of the ricochetting shot, barely fifty yards -away, failed to detract his attention, for the approaching craft had -hoisted her colours—no Black Cross Ensign, but the White Ensign of a -navy that has a glorious tradition covering over a thousand years.</p> - -<p>The seaman Dietrich paused in the act of hoisting the U-boat's -ensign. Frantically Furst shouted to him to run up the white flag -after all.</p> - -<p>"Be quick!" yelled half a dozen voices. "Be quick before she fires -again!"</p> - -<p>It was an excellent example of the lack of discipline. When the men -were ruled, although by an iron hand, they did their work smartly and -well. In secret they grumbled, but the fact remained they carried out -the orders of their commanding officers with automaton-like -precision. Deprived by their own act of a real leader, they had -deteriorated within the space of a few hours into a panic-stricken -mob.</p> - -<p>The Black Cross Ensign—the hoisting of which might have drawn a -devastating fire upon the mutineers—was untoggled and rolled into a -ball with indecorous haste, and a rectangular piece of white cloth -was hoisted to the mast-head. Even Hans Furst heaved a sigh of -relief. Captivity awaited him, but, after all, it was preferable to -being "bowled out" by the German naval authorities and ignominiously -shot as a mutineer.</p> - -<p>Then as Q 171—to outward appearances she was U 231—lost way a -cable's length astern of her prize and trained her formidable -armament upon the mutineers, the Huns lined up on deck with hands -upraised, shouting their craven shibboleth of "Kamerad."</p> - -<p>Blenkinson smiled.</p> - -<p>"Good as a play, eh, what?" he remarked.</p> - -<p>"I agree," remarked Cumberleigh. "After all, I'm glad I missed 'The -Maid of the Mountains.'"</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter20"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XX</h3> - -<h4 align="center">THE END OF U 247</h4> - -<p>"<span class="smallcaps">It</span> seems as if Old Man Morpeth's keen on taking all the Auldhaig -crush for a joyride," said Meredith, as he shook hands with -Cumberleigh and was introduced by the latter to the other R.A.F. -officers.</p> - -<p>Both Wakefield and the R.N.V.R. Sub knew most of the staff at -Auldhaig Air Station by sight, while Meredith had met Cumberleigh on -several occasions, both officially and socially, as they were members -of the same club.</p> - -<p>"The world is small," quoth Cumberleigh. "All the same, I hardly -expected to tumble across you half way across the North Sea. What are -you doing on this hooker?"</p> - -<p>"Supernumeraries," replied Wakefield. "Same as you. Unless anything -unforeseen takes place, I fancy we're off to German waters on a -particular stunt."</p> - -<p>"Hope there won't be too many underwater stunts," said Blenkinson. -"I've had enough submarine work during the last twenty-four hours to -last me a lifetime. Give me an old 'bus at five thousand feet any -day."</p> - -<p>"There'll be no under-water performances this trip, I hope," remarked -Wakefield gravely. "If there is, it will be a case with us."</p> - -<p>"Is that so?" asked Cumberleigh. "I thought this was a captured -U-boat."</p> - -<p>"So did I once upon a time," said Wakefield, and he briefly explained -Q 171's true rôle.</p> - -<p>The five officers were standing aft watching the transhipment of the -mutineers. Morpeth and Sub-lieutenant Ainslie were far too busy to -pay any attention to the released captives. The R.N.R. skipper was -alertly watching events, ready to cope with any sinister designs on -the part of Fritz, while Ainslie was superintending the task of -clapping the surrendered Huns under hatches.</p> - -<p>With a good knowledge of German—it was mainly on that account that -he was appointed to Q 171—Ainslie soon obtained the mutineers' -carefully concocted account of what had happened to merit their tame -surrender; what was more, he literally "knocked the stuffing out of -them" by informing them that their precious yarn was all eye-wash, -and that Ober-leutnant von Preugfeld and Unter-leutnant von -Loringhoven had been picked up and were now on board as prisoners of -war. Yet with the Hun's typical effrontery Hans Furst coolly told the -examination officer that after the war he proposed to settle in -England, become naturalised, and make plenty of money.</p> - -<p>"The English," he added "will be grateful to me when they learn that -I threw the German officers overboard."</p> - -<p>While the cross-questioning of the mutineers was in progress Morpeth -was taking steps to destroy the prize.</p> - -<p>"You might have a look round before we send her to the bottom," he -said to Wakefield, who jumped at the suggestion.</p> - -<p>So Wakefield, Meredith and three of the Q-boat's crew manned the -collapsible dinghy belonging to the captured submarine and boarded -the prize.</p> - -<p>A hasty examination showed that no attempt had been made to play -tricks with the sea-cocks, nor had Fritz, according to his usual -custom, placed bombs with time-fuses in the hold. It was another -example of the lack of a master. So intent had the Huns been to save -their own skins that they took not the faintest precaution to prevent -the confidential signal-book, log-book and other documents from -falling into the hands of their enemy.</p> - -<p>"It's a pity to have to scuttle her," remarked Meredith regretfully, -as he surveyed the complicated array of mechanism. "It would be just -my mark to navigate her to Auldhaig under a prize crew."</p> - -<p>"No doubt, Sub," rejoined Wakefield drily. "But unfortunately there -are objections. Morpeth's short-handed although he's choc-a-block -with useless passengers. We couldn't make the Hun mechanics take on -in the engine-room. On the way, even supposing you tackled the job, -there's a risk of falling in with a Boche U-boat, or a greater risk -of being torpedoed or bombed by our destroyers and aircraft. No doubt -Cumberleigh and the R.A.F. fellows would bear a hand, but they're -amateurs at the game. We should be if we were called upon to navigate -a coastal airship."</p> - -<p>"And we should be out of Morpeth's big stunt," added Meredith. -"Having gone so far I should be sorry to miss it."</p> - -<p>"Exactly," agreed the R.N.V.R. lieutenant. "So U 247 must go to Davy -Jones. I think we've seen everything of importance."</p> - -<p>The U-boat was to be scuttled by opening the under-water valves. -Destruction by means of explosives was undesirable, as the report -might bring inquisitive craft upon the scene, and Q 171 was for the -nonce a sort of social pariah and liable to be fired upon by British -patrol boats, which acted upon the principle of shoot quick and shoot -straight at anything resembling a German submarine.</p> - -<p>Ordering the boat's crew to stand by, Wakefield went below once more. -By the aid of an electric torch, for the internal lighting -arrangements had given out, he found the levers that operated the big -valves. So great was the inrush of water that Wakefield fancied he -would be trapped by the miniature Niagara. Without waiting to -manipulate the second sea-cock, he hastened precipitately on deck and -followed Meredith into the dinghy.</p> - -<p>"Done the trick?" inquired Morpeth, as the two R.N.V.R. officers -regained the mystery ship. "She doesn't seem in a hurry."</p> - -<p>Nor was she. It seemed quite a long time before the volume of water -admitted into the U-boat's hull made any visible change in her trim. -At length her freeboard diminished. She began to settle by the stern.</p> - -<p>"I suppose you made certain that there were no other prisoners of war -on board?" inquired Captain Cumberleigh.</p> - -<p>"Trust me for that," replied Wakefield. "Why did you ask?"</p> - -<p>"Because I'm rather mystified about a fellow who called himself -Captain Fennelburt. He was with us when von Preugfeld collared us. -One of the mutineers pitched me a yarn to the effect that von -Preugfeld set him ashore. If so, what was the motive?"</p> - -<p>"I'll see Morpeth about it," decided Wakefield.</p> - -<p>"Ask von Preugfeld," suggested the skipper. "I can't do so myself -just at present. Make him own up, and don't stand any nonsense."</p> - -<p>Cumberleigh, Wakefield and Blenkinson went below to interview the -prisoner. They acted on Morpeth's tip and stood on no ceremony. Time -was a consideration, as the U-boat was sinking and they wanted to see -the end.</p> - -<p>Wakefield came straight to the point.</p> - -<p>"I understand, Kapitan von Preugfeld," he said sternly, "that you had -on board another prisoner, a Captain Fennelburt of the R.A.F. He was -not found when we searched U 247. Now where is he?"</p> - -<p>"You ask him," replied von Preugfeld, indicating von Loringhoven.</p> - -<p>"I do not know," protested the unter-leutnant, "but he does."</p> - -<p>Evidently von Loringhoven was getting pretty sick of being made a -convenience of by his egotistical skipper.</p> - -<p>Wakefield's brows lowered. There was an ominous glint in his eye.</p> - -<p>"I give you five seconds," he said darkly. "Otherwise, if you refuse -to tell me, back you go on board U 247. I might add that she is -sinking. Now: one... two... three... four—-"</p> - -<p>"I tell you!" exclaimed von Preugfeld. "All I tell you. Der offizier -he try to escape. He vos shot. It is der rules of der war."</p> - -<p>"Unfortunately for the statement," interposed Captain Cumberleigh, "I -heard from one of your men that you landed him early this morning."</p> - -<p>"In dat case," rejoined von Preugfeld, shrugging his shoulders, "why -you ask me? You take der word of a common sailor instead of a -Prussian offizier—a von Preugfeld? I tell you he lie."</p> - -<p>Wakefield turned his back upon the bullying Prussian.</p> - -<p>"It's evident that there was no other British officer on board," he -remarked to his companions. "We'll go into the matter later. Come -along, if we are to see the last of U 247."</p> - -<p>The door was locked upon the prisoners, and the three officers -hurried on deck. Q 171 was forging ahead, moving in wide circles -around the sinking pirate craft.</p> - -<p>By this time the U-boat had dipped her stern. Waves were lapping -along her deck as far as the after quick-firer. Her stem was -correspondingly raised until the bow tubes were visible above water.</p> - -<p>Higher and higher rose the submarine's bows. Tons of water were flung -into her hull through the open after-hatch. Compressed air was -hissing loudly. Little rivulets of iridescent oil were forming on the -surface. Occasionally interior fittings, giving way under the -ever-increasing pressure, creaked and groaned to add to the -discordant noises of the sinking craft.</p> - -<p>Then, with a shuddering movement, the U-boat slithered under the -water. For a brief instant her bows stood almost on end. A column of -water, forced by the terrific pressure through the fore-hatch, -spurted a good fifty feet, ejecting with it a quantity of debris and -oil.</p> - -<p>"<i>Bon voyage!</i>" exclaimed Wakefield.</p> - -<p>A turmoil of agitated water marked the spot where the submarine -disappeared. For a full minute the maelstrom surged and swirled, -then, overcome by the liberation of tons of heavy oil, the disturbed -water died down, leaving in its place an ever-increasing patch of -multi-hued colours. Forty fathoms down the submarine had made a -permanent acquaintance with the bed of the North Sea.</p> - -<p>"Well, any luck?" inquired Morpeth, who, having left Ainslie in -charge, had rejoined his unofficial guests in the ward-room. "What -did you get out of von Preugfeld?"</p> - -<p>"Precious little," admitted Wakefield. "He tried to hedge. We'll have -to confront him with some of his mutineering men."</p> - -<p>"I'll find out if there's any reference to the mysterious captain in -this," said the R.N.R. skipper, holding up U 247's log-book. "Any of -you fellows read the lingo?"</p> - -<p>"Sorry," replied Meredith.</p> - -<p>"You needn't be, old son," rejoined Morpeth. "I can't an' don't want -to, although just now it would come in mighty handy. Some years back -the Foul Anchor Line turned me down when I wanted a job as Second -Officer on one of their crack boats because I couldn't speak German. -They were carrying a lot of German passengers and South Americans at -that time. Another fellow—Campbell was his name—got the billet -'cause he'd gained a first prize for German on a cadet training-ship. -First trip he piled the old hooker aground off the entrance to Rio -Harbour, 'and a dozen or more Huns got drowned."</p> - -<p>"So you were glad you didn't get the appointment after all?" asked -Cumberleigh.</p> - -<p>"Rather," agreed Morpeth, with a laugh. "Not that I'd have put the -ship aground. Guess I know that part of the South American coast too -well. But, looking back on it, young Campbell was a patriot, only he -didn't know it. We might have had another dozen Huns to fight. But to -get back to business: here's this log wants looking into, and it's -young Ainslie's trick. He's the Hun lingoist."</p> - -<p>"I'll have a shot at it," volunteered Captain Cumberleigh. "I was in -Germany. ...Long before the war," he added apologetically, speaking -with the weight of experience of twenty-two years.</p> - -<p>He opened the log-book at the last-written page.</p> - -<p>"'Fraid it won't help us much," he announced. "Apparently it doesn't -go beyond 8 A.M. of the 15th—that is the morning of the day they -collared us. By Jove! Morpeth, you've caught a much-wanted specimen. -Von Preugfeld's the fellow who torpedoed the hospital ship -<i>Columbine</i> and the <i>Camperdown Castle</i>."</p> - -<p>"The Lord have mercy on his soul, then!" said Morpeth solemnly.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter21"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XXI</h3> - -<h4 align="center">BLUFFED</h4> - -<p>"<span class="smallcaps">However,</span>" remarked Cumberleigh briskly, "the <i>Columbine</i> business -hasn't anything to do with friend Fennelburt. We get no forrarder."</p> - -<p>"I don't know so much about that," demurred Morpeth. "I'll use it as -a lever to prize a secret out of this von Preugfeld. We'll have him -up here and give him the shock of his life."</p> - -<p>The R.N.R. officer touched a bell.</p> - -<p>"Take a couple of hands and bring the U-boat skipper here," he -ordered.</p> - -<p>"Say, Skipper," remarked Cumberleigh, who had been skimming the pages -of the log-book, "here's a rummy entry:—'2 A.M. Landed von -Preussen.' Who's von Preussen, and where else could he have been -landed except on the Scottish coast? One minute."</p> - -<p>He turned over more leaves rapidly, nevertheless scanning the -sloping, flourish-embellished words.</p> - -<p>"No mention of this von Preussen having been taken on board again," -he continued. "First this fellow and this Fennelburt are landed—that -is, if the German bluejacket's yarn is correct. Will you allow me to -commence the examination, Skipper?"</p> - -<p>"Tough Geordie's" weather-lined face wrinkled with a smile.</p> - -<p>"By all means," he replied. "I'm not much of a hand at talky-talky. -The best argument I used in the Foul Anchor Line was a big boot. -Dagoes and Dutchies understood that. Stand by; they're bringing the -swine in."</p> - -<p>Kapitan von Preugfeld entered jauntily. He had imagined, judging from -the result of the previous interview, that he had completely bluffed -his captors on the subject of Captain Fennelburt, and that, if he -persisted in his story, he would emerge triumphant from the ordeal.</p> - -<p>Cumberleigh came to the point at once. "I'm anxious to know," he -remarked, "what connection there is between Leutnant Karl von -Preussen of the Prussian Guards and Captain George Fennelburt of the -British Air Force. You can enlighten me, Herr Kapitan, and I await -your explanation."</p> - -<p>Attacked from a totally unexpected quarter, von Preugfeld's defences -were literally rushed.</p> - -<p>"I know not," he replied sullenly.</p> - -<p>"Try again," persisted Cumberleigh.</p> - -<p>"<i>Der Teufel!</i> vot you mean?" asked the U-boat commander.</p> - -<p>"Mean? This," replied Cumberleigh, holding up U 247's log-book. "Here -is one entry:—'2 A.M. Landed von Preussen.' That is in your -handwriting."</p> - -<p>Von Preugfeld was forced to admit the truth of the impeachment.</p> - -<p>"It was practically the last entry you made," continued Cumberleigh, -"but there are more, apparently written by your subordinate officer. -I'll read some:—'5 P.M. Broke surface. Found large barge, X 5, -derelict. Took off her as prisoners three English officers'—not -four, you'll note. There certainly were four in R.A.F. uniforms. Now -again:—'4.10 A.M. Set von Preussen ashore.' It's perfectly obvious -that if von Preussen were set ashore twice he must have come on board -during that interval. There is no mention of your vessel -communicating with the shore between the two times you mentioned. So -I put it to you that von Preussen and Fennelburt are one and the same -person."</p> - -<p>The Hun's face grew pale. Beads of perspiration oozed from his -forehead.</p> - -<p>"A curse on von Loringhoven!" he muttered in German. "His lack of -caution has spoiled everything." Then in broken English he added: "I -call you to make testimony. It vos not I dat betray von Preussen. It -vos mein unter-leutnant, von Loringhoven."</p> - -<p>"That's all we wanted to know," rejoined Captain Cumberleigh quietly. -"I might add, however, that it is hardly playing the game to put the -blame upon your subordinate. Perhaps it is a way Prussian officers -have, so it would not be surprising to hear that, later on, you will -blame him for torpedoing the hospital ship <i>Columbine</i> and the -unarmed liner <i>Camperdown Castle</i>. Think it over."</p> - -<p>He turned to Lieutenant-Commander Morpeth.</p> - -<p>"Any further questions you want to ask, sir?" he inquired, with -strict formality.</p> - -<p>"No," replied Morpeth. "Take him away."</p> - -<p>The sliding door closed on the prisoner. "Tough Geordie" turned to -the successful amateur barrister.</p> - -<p>"By Jove, Cumberleigh," he exclaimed, "you bowled him out this time! -But I thought you said that the log-book wasn't up to date."</p> - -<p>"Neither was it," admitted Cumberleigh, passing his cigarette-case. -"I took the liberty of imagining that it was and ascribing the -authorship to that little worm of a von Loringhoven."</p> - -<p>The R.A.F. captain was flushed with pleasure at his triumph. He had -vindicated himself concerning his doubts of "Fennelburt's" -genuineness. Until he had done so he was considerably uneasy in his -mind, for he hated a suspicious nature.</p> - -<p>"I suppose you can wireless the information to Auldhaig?" he -continued. "Goodness only knows what that spy might be up to before -he's laid by the heels!"</p> - -<p>Morpeth shook his head.</p> - -<p>"Sorry," he replied. "It can't be did. We mustn't get ourselves into -the cart over our forthcoming stunt for the sake of putting a stopper -on a spy. You see, we don't know who might tap the wireless. Fritz -might, and that would make him horribly suspicious."</p> - -<p>"Is there no other way to communicate with Auldhaig?" asked -Cumberleigh.</p> - -<p>"Possibly," admitted the R.N.R. officer. "We might send a code -message by the first vessel we fall in with. I don't as a rule want -to speak a vessel, unless she's a Fritz, and then I do more than -speak. But I can't carry on with this crowd of Huns on board. Must -get rid of them somehow, and the best plan will be to tranship them. -Then'll be your chance to pass the word about your pal 'Fennelburt.'"</p> - -<p>The conference then dissolved, Morpeth and the R.A.F. fellows turning -in for a much needed sleep, while Wakefield and Meredith went on -deck.</p> - -<p>About half an hour later the look-out reported smoke away to the -north-east. In ordinary circumstances Q 171 would have held on, -purposely avoiding the stranger. But now she altered helm, steering a -course to intercept the ship.</p> - -<p>It was fairly reasonable to suppose that the as yet invisible vessel -was not a Hun. German surface craft were rare birds in these waters. -When they did come out they appeared in force, accompanied by a -Zeppelin or two to give them plenty of warning should a British -patrolling squadron appear. She might be a disguised German raider, -but these generally chose to sneak along the Norwegian coast and gain -mid-Atlantic by a circuitous route.</p> - -<p>Before long the oncoming vessel appeared above the horizon, and -presently by the aid of binoculars it was seen that she was a large -Norwegian tramp.</p> - -<p>"That's good!" exclaimed Morpeth, who had been roused from his -slumbers by the announcement of the tramp's approach. "Decent fellows -these Norwegian skippers! 'Fraid I can't say the same for the Swedes. -Pro-Huns, waiting to see which way the cat jumps, every time. Up with -the German ensign, bos'n's mate, and hoist the International 'ID.' -Sorry to have to put the wind up 'em, but it can't be helped."</p> - -<p>"Hanged if I ever thought I'd be under the Black Cross Ensign!" -remarked Blenkinson, as the emblem of modern piracy was sent aloft. -"And what's the meaning of those flags?" he inquired, indicating a -square of yellow bunting with a circular black patch in the centre -surmounting a blue pennant with a white ball.</p> - -<p>"Just a polite intimation to stop and pass the time of day," -volunteered Meredith. "Kind of invitation to have a drink. -Technically it's a signal meaning 'Heave-to or I'll sink you.'"</p> - -<p>Approaching at an aggregate speed of twenty-seven knots, the tramp -and the Q-boat were soon at close quarters. True to her rôle of -U-boat, the latter was cleared for action, the R.A.F. officers like -the rest of the crew disguised in black oilskins in order to heighten -the deception.</p> - -<p>The Norwegian tramp reversed engines. She flew her national ensign -and had the distinctive colours painted on her sides, together with -the word "Norge" in huge letters. But that was no guarantee that she -was a genuine Norwegian vessel. She might be a Hun raider in -disguise, with a heavy armament concealed behind hinged bulwarks.</p> - -<p>Once more the collapsible boat was lowered, and Ainslie and -Cumberleigh, whose knowledge of German enabled them the better to -impersonate Hun officers, were rowed off to the tramp.</p> - -<p>"Dash it all!" whispered the R.A.F. captain to his companion, as he -eyed askance the dangling Jacob's ladder hanging over the side of the -rolling vessel. "Do I swarm up that? I'll give the show away right -off."</p> - -<p>All the same he made a creditable performance, following Ainslie to -the deck of the <i>Ole</i>, for such was her name.</p> - -<p>A glance reassured the sub-lieutenant that the tramp was not a -disguised raider. He made a prearranged signal to the Q-boat to -relieve Morpeth of further anxiety on the subject, and then proceeded -to interview the Norwegian skipper, who also spoke German.</p> - -<p>The latter fully expected his command to be sunk, as her papers -showed her to be bound for Leith with a cargo of foodstuffs. Nor did -he look surprised, although he expressed indignation, when Ainslie -ordered him into the boat.</p> - -<p>"And my crew?" he asked. "Surely you will give them time to provision -and man the boats?"</p> - -<p>"That will be decided later," replied the Sub. "Be quick. We are -waiting."</p> - -<p>The Norwegian crew, taking it for granted that their skipper was to -be made a prisoner, showed a decidedly threatening attitude. Ainslie -and Cumberleigh were inwardly perturbed. Without "giving the show -away," it was difficult to see how they were to get out of the -trouble, until the Norwegian captain, anxious to save his men from -further ill-usage at the hands of the German pirates, ordered them to -adopt a passive attitude.</p> - -<p>Morpeth met the skipper of the <i>Ole</i> as he came over the side of Q -171 and escorted him below.</p> - -<p>"Can you speak English?" he asked abruptly.</p> - -<p>"Yes," was the reply of the astonished Norwegian. "For fifteen years -I have run between British and Norwegian ports. A man has then an -excellent chance to learn the English language."</p> - -<p>"Then you will not be sorry to hear that this is a British vessel," -continued Morpeth, producing a bottle of whisky. "Say when. That's -good!"</p> - -<p>The Norwegian hesitated to accept the proffered glass.</p> - -<p>"Why, then, am I arrested?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Not arrested," corrected Morpeth—"merely invited on board. I -want to ask a favour. Will you give a passage to three British -officers and twenty-six Germans?"</p> - -<p>"Explain, please," said the master of the <i>Ole</i>.</p> - -<p>"Tough Geordie" did so.</p> - -<p>"I have no objection to offering hospitality to the British -officers," decided the Norwegian; "but there are difficulties as far -as the German sailors are concerned."</p> - -<p>"Their passage will be paid for."</p> - -<p>"I was not troubling about that question," continued the Norwegian. -"You see, I am a neutral. These men will be free while under the -Norwegian flag."</p> - -<p>"They won't be when you set them ashore, Skipper," rejoined the -R.N.R. man meaningly. "As for International Law and the rights of -neutrals, all I can say is that if Germany had respected them the war -would have been over long ago, and I wouldn't be holding you up -to-day."</p> - -<p>"That is quite true," admitted the master of the <i>Ole</i>. "We -Norwegians have no love for the Germans, and our mercantile navy has -suffered more at their hands than the rest of the neutral nations -combined. But I have another objection. These Germans would outnumber -my crew. Supposing they take possession forcibly of my ship and make -for a German port?"</p> - -<p>"They won't do that," said Morpeth emphatically. "Knowing their -skipper is alive, they wouldn't go back to Germany and put their -heads through a running noose."</p> - -<p>"That is so," remarked the Norwegian. "I will take them."</p> - -<p>The two men, brothers of the sea, shook hands. The Norwegian returned -to his vessel in Q 171's dinghy and gave orders for the <i>Ole's</i> boat -to be lowered.</p> - -<p>"Now, gentlemen," said Morpeth briskly, addressing the three R.A.F. -officers, "the best of pals must part. Circumstances demand that I -send you back in yonder vessel. I've got my job, and no doubt one is -waiting for you at Auldhaig. I wouldn't shine as an airman, and I -don't think you're cut out for Q-boat work. See my meaning?"</p> - -<p>"Quite," agreed Cumberleigh gravely.</p> - -<p>"Of course we're sorry to have to part company, but your remarks fit -the case absolutely. And I'm rather keen to follow this Fennelburt -business."</p> - -<p>"I've had a code message written out," continued Morpeth. "You can -take charge of that. I'm afraid you'll have von Loringhoven and those -mutineering Huns as travelling companions. Von Preugfeld I'm keeping -on board for the benefit of his health. The risks he'll run here will -be slight compared with those he'd have on board the <i>Ole</i>. Some of -his former crew would doubtless cut his throat in order to clinch -matters. Here's the boat coming alongside. Good-bye and good luck!"</p> - -<p>Bidding Wakefield, Morpeth and Ainslie farewell, the three members of -the dissolved R.A.F. Salvage Syndicate went over the side and were -transhipped to the Norwegian vessel. The Hun seamen followed in -another boat, but von Loringhoven refused to go with them. He, too, -felt that he was in danger at the hands of the mutineers, and -Morpeth, knowing the facts and having no cause to wish the -unter-leutnant harm from a personal point of view, allowed him to -remain.</p> - -<p>Twenty minutes later the <i>Ole</i> was hull down.</p> - -<p>Morpeth, who had been busy with a sextant, laid the instrument down -and began to work out his position. Presently he turned to Wakefield.</p> - -<p>"Here we are," he said, sticking a point of the divider into the -chart. "Lat. 55 deg. 50' 10" N. Long. 6 deg. 15' 10" E. We fired our -passengers just in time. Another four hours and with luck we'll pick -up the Hoorn Reefs Lightship. Then the fun'll commence."</p> - -<p>"All our passengers?" queried Wakefield smiling.</p> - -<p>"Yes," replied "Tough Geordie." "You, my lad, are a worker. I'll see -that you do your bit. We'll bag some pheasants although it's close -season."</p> - -<p>"Let's hope so," said Wakefield cheerfully.</p> - -<p>"An' I'm a rotten sportsman," added Morpeth. "'Owing to the war,' I -suppose. 'Tany rate if I've the chance I'm going to bag 'em while -they're sitting up. After all, Fritz-strafing's my job, and the more -the merrier."</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter22"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XXII</h3> - -<h4 align="center">ON THE TRAIL</h4> - -<p><span class="smallcaps">Philip Entwistle</span> puffed thoughtfully at his briar.</p> - -<p>"That was the fellow right enough," he soliloquised. "Had I been -informed directly the Air people made the discovery, I'd have nabbed -him before this."</p> - -<p>It was a few days after Karl von Preussen's hasty and almost -panic-stricken exodus from Edinburgh. Entwistle, Secret Service -agent, with a highly respectable record, had been called in by the -authorities to trace the elusive spy. As usual, he was not consulted -until after the police had declared themselves baffled. No doubt it -was a tribute to Entwistle's sagacity, but he looked upon it in a -totally different light. To him it meant precious hours and minutes -wasted.</p> - -<p>He remembered the wanted man. Entwistle was one of those -comparatively rare individuals who hardly ever forget a face. -Disguised as a country parson, he was returning from a case at -Aberdeen—he had convinced the naval authorities the whole thing was -a mare's nest and that a supposed spy was a harmless professor of a -Scottish University—when, having to change at Nedderburn Junction, -he found himself in the same compartment with the man whom the -Admiralty, War Office, and Air Ministry wanted most particularly.</p> - -<p>And when von Preussen showed his railway warrant to the ticket -inspector, Entwistle, taking cover behind the <i>Church Times</i>, had -memorised the particulars written on the buff form. It was not idle -curiosity. It was to him a mental exercise. During the brief instant -in which the inspector was holding the warrant to the light of the -carriage lamp Entwistle had committed the following facts to memory: -the number and date of the warrant, the holder's name and rank, his -points of departure and his destination—details that were jotted -down at the first opportunity in the Secret Service agent's -pocket-book.</p> - -<p>Entwistle was sitting in his study at his house in Barborough. The -windows were wide open. It was a bright, sunny morning, and from -where he sat he could see the rugged outlines of the distant hills -and the tall chimneys of the factories in the valleys.</p> - -<p>As he sat scanning the newly-arrived dossier of his latest case, -Entwistle's thoughts went back to other scenes. The hills above -Blackberry Cross and towards Tarleigh reminded him of the von -Eitelwurmer case.</p> - -<p>"Wonder if this Fennelburt fellow (of course, that's an assumed name) -has anything to do with the late Herr Eitelwurmer?" he mused. "May as -well go through those papers again, and perhaps it would be advisable -to look up the von Gobendorff case."</p> - -<p>He unlocked a drawer and pulled out two bulky packets of documents, -neatly tied with string. Entwistle had a distaste for red tape, both -metaphorically and literally. For the best part of an hour he busied -himself with the various and for the most part faulty clues, -endeavouring from the tangled skein to weave a thread of conclusive -facts.</p> - -<p>The offer of the one hundred pounds reward had had its disadvantages. -Amateur detectives and others attracted by the offer had seen -"Captain Fennelburt" in a dozen or more different places at -approximately the same time. Copies of letters from these individuals -had been included in the dossier sent to Entwistle from Scotland -Yard. One was from a farmer at Penzance, who was certain that he saw -the wanted man making for Poldene Air Station. Another emanated from -a fisherman at Wick, who stated that an R.A.F. officer answering to -the description of Captain Fennelburt stopped him and inquired the -way to Loch Thrumster Flying School. Yet another correspondent, -hailing from Ramsgate, reported that the spy was boarding at a small -house near Pegwell Bay.</p> - -<p>"Even in these days of high speed in aviation," thought Entwistle, -"there are limits. We have yet to find conclusive evidence of a man -starting from Wick, say, at 9 A.M. and finishing at Penzance at 11 -A.M.—650 miles in two hours. And when he stops on the way to -partake of refreshments at Ramsgate—involving a detour of another -couple of hundred miles—the imagination is stretched beyond -breaking-point. I'm afraid these worthy people are following the -red-herring trail. The R.A.F. uniform has put them on a false scent. -Now, if I were in Captain Fennelburt's position—without, presumably, -a change of clothes—in a fairly distinctive uniform, what would I -do?"</p> - -<p>His meditations were interrupted by the entrance of a maid with a -telegram.</p> - -<p>"No answer," said Entwistle briefly.</p> - -<p>The wire was from the stationmaster at Carlisle. No R.A.F. railway -warrant bearing the number E99109 had been given up at Carlisle.</p> - -<p>"That is quite what I expected," thought the Secret Service agent. -"The warrant was a forged one, and Carlisle was a bit of bluff. He's -probably lying low in Edinburgh. Suppose it's not much use trying to -pick up the trail there now? Yet—H'm! I'll risk it."</p> - -<p>He took an up-to-date time-table from a shelf. Experience had taught -him to be particularly careful as far as the times of departure of -trains were concerned.</p> - -<p>"H'm this will do. Arrive Waverley Station at so-and-so. Yes, that -will do."</p> - -<p>In ten minutes Entwistle had made all necessary preparations, and -with a small hand-bag as his total luggage was walking briskly to the -station.</p> - -<p>It was not until the train stopped at Carlisle that he was fortunate -enough to take a corner seat. Already he had scanned <i>The Times</i> and -<i>The Scotsman</i> those hubs of the newspaper worlds north and south of -the Tweed. The rest of the occupants of the compartment still -retained that insular reserve that has been partly broken down since -the memorable August 1914, so Entwistle amused himself by admiring -the scenery as the train ascended picturesque Liddisdale. Many a time -had Entwistle travelled north by this route, but the beauties of the -Lowlands as viewed from the North British Railway never palled.</p> - -<p>As the train approached Galashiels it slowed down rapidly, coming to -a standstill just outside the station. It was an unusual occurrence, -for the express was supposed to make a non-stop run from Carlisle to -Edinburgh. Carriage windows were opened and passengers thrust their -heads out to ascertain the cause of the delay.</p> - -<p>"A truck with a lot of luggage has fallen off the platform on to the -line," remarked one of the passengers. "They've removed it now."</p> - -<p>The train began to move. Before it gathered much speed it was running -through the station. Suddenly Entwistle was all attention, for -standing on the opposite platform was "his man"—the <i>soi-disant</i> -Captain Fennelburt.</p> - -<p>Entwistle recognised him at once, in spite of the fact that he wore -civilian clothes. He was evidently waiting for a train bound south.</p> - -<p>For a brief instant the Secret Service man deliberated on the chance -of being able to leap from the train. He would have cheerfully run -the risk of violating the Company's rules and regulations, but there -are limits to personal activity. He would not have hesitated to jump, -for he possessed more than a moderate amount of courage; but prudence -predominated. It would be of little use to find himself stranded at -Galashiels with a broken limb, he argued; but there was the -communication-cord.</p> - -<p>Even as he pulled the chain that gave the alarm in the guard's van, -greatly to the surprise of his fellow passengers, another train -thundered past. There was not a moment to lose.</p> - -<p>"What's wrong, sir?" inquired eight or nine curious voices. "Are you -ill?"</p> - -<p>Without replying, Entwistle grasped his bag and stick, went into the -corridor, and began to make his way towards the guard's van. The -train showed no signs of slowing down. Already it must have run a -couple of miles beyond Galashiels.</p> - -<p>Presently the vacuum brakes were put in action, and with a peculiar -sensation, akin to the rapid stopping of a lift, the train drew up.</p> - -<p>"Guard!" exclaimed Entwistle peremptorily, as the uniformed official -attempted to hurry past him in the narrow corridor. "I pulled the -communication-cord."</p> - -<p>"What for, sir?"</p> - -<p>Entwistle produced a card from his pocket and explained matters. By -this time another two precious minutes had passed.</p> - -<p>"Very good, sir," said the guard, retaining the piece of cardboard. -"If you'll alight, we'll get on. It's a tidyish step back to -Galashiels, d'ye ken?"</p> - -<p>The Secret Service man clambered down the footboard on to the -permanent way, his progress watched with unabated interest by scores -of passengers. Then, taking to his heels, he ran with the ease of a -trained athlete towards the station.</p> - -<p>He was too late. Already the train—a slow local—had taken up its -quota of passengers and was out of sight. Entwistle promptly tackled -the ticket collector.</p> - -<p>"A tallish chap in a grey overcoat and a bowler, sir?" inquired the -man. "Yes; I remember him. He's got a ticket for Hawick. ...No, sir, -third, single."</p> - -<p>"Is there a motor available?" asked Entwistle, loth to go to the -extremity of telegraphing or telephoning to the Hawick police.</p> - -<p>One was—a powerful six-cylinder. The driver, rising to the -exhortation to "drive like blue blazes," pressed heavily upon the -accelerator, and the car leapt along the road.</p> - -<p>There was every chance of reaching Hawick before the train, punctures -and other road mishaps excepted. The route through Selkirk was -practically a direct one, while the iron road made a considerable -detour through Melrose. Consequently, nothing happening to delay the -car, Entwistle found himself, cool but elated, waiting outside the -entrance to Hawick Station a good six minutes before the advertised -time of the train's arrival.</p> - -<p>Keenly alive to the necessity for prompt action, the Secret Service -man took up a position immediately behind the open door.</p> - -<p>The train drew up. There seemed no hurry on the part of the arriving -passengers to leave the platform. A boy wearing a tam-o'-shanter and -a plaid was the first to appear, then an old woman bearing a large -wicker basket. A couple of huge, red-faced farmers next jostled -through the doorway, discussing in loud tones the latest ruling -market prices of oats and oil-cake. After them a pale, thin-featured -woman with a baby, and last of all a nervous young man who walked -with hesitating steps as he fumbled for a mislaid ticket.</p> - -<p>"Confound it!" muttered Entwistle savagely.</p> - -<p>Leaving his place of concealment, he made for the platform. Luggage -was still being put out of the van. There might be time to look into -all the carriages. He would have to take the risk of "Captain -Fennelburt" recognising him as the cleric who travelled with him from -Nedderburn to Edinburgh.</p> - -<p>But Entwistle was again disappointed. The train, a non-corridor one, -carried no passengers at all resembling the wanted man. "Captain -Fennelburt" had adroitly covered his tracks.</p> - -<p>The baffled Secret Service man hied him to the telephone—the Railway -Company's private wire—and rang up Galashiels.</p> - -<p>A brief but emphatic conversation both with the ticket collector and -the booking clerk elicited the information that the bowler-hatted man -might have alighted at one of the four intermediate stations.</p> - -<p>"You'll be for trying St. Boswell's Junction, mon?" came a suggestion -on the telephone.</p> - -<p>Entwistle tried St. Boswell's Junction, with the result that a man -answering his description had left the train, and had booked for -York, via Alnwick and Alnmouth.</p> - -<p>The clue was developing into a man-hunt after Entwistle's own heart. -It afforded him scant satisfaction to attain his object with little -trouble. The greater the obstacles, the keener became his interest.</p> - -<p>"'Fraid I don't want you again," he remarked to the waiting -chauffeur, as he paid him.</p> - -<p>Inquiries resulted in the information that there was a fast train -through to Carlisle, whence it was possible to arrive at York within -twenty minutes of the East Coast express. Entwistle, having had time -to make a satisfying meal, was retracing his course.</p> - -<p>Luck was against him. It was not until about eight on the following -morning that he alighted on York platform. His first step was to make -inquiries at the Postal Censor's Office. On presentation of his card, -he was allowed to scan the duplicates of telegraphic messages sent -during the preceding twelve or fifteen hours. There was nothing to -excite suspicion. The foreign cables proved more fruitful, especially -one from "Messrs. Grabnut & Plywrench to Mynheer Jakob van Doornzylt, -woollen merchant, of Amsterdam."</p> - -<p>The message was in plain English (according to war time regulations), -and referred to a consignment of merchandise about to be dispatched -from Leith to Ymuiden. On the duplicate was an official stamp "Passed -by Censor."</p> - -<p>"Has this been dispatched?" asked Entwistle.</p> - -<p>"Yes," replied the postal official. "It was held back for three hours -according to procedure when dealing with foreign cablegrams, and was -sent off at 7.50 P.M. yesterday."</p> - -<p>Entwistle, having provided himself with a copy, went to a desk in a -secluded corner of the large room.</p> - -<p>"Close bales 251 in number—" began the message.</p> - -<p>Consulting his code-book (the identical one that he had taken from -the spy von Eitelwurmer), Entwistle began his translation. "Close" -signified "disguised," "bale" was the counterpart of "Q-boat," and so -on. In ten minutes the secret message stood revealed as follows:—</p> - -<p>"Q-boat disguised as U 251 left Leith on 9th for Hoorn Reefs.—VON -PREUSSEN."</p> - -<p>That was all—but sufficient to lure "Tough Geordie" Morpeth and his -gallant comrades into a veritable death-trap.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter23"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XXIII</h3> - -<h4 align="center">"PREPARE FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION"</h4> - -<p><span class="smallcaps">The</span> Admiral's secretary at Auldhaig stood at the Commander-in-Chief's -elbow. It was close on lunch-time, and the Admiral had still a bulky -though fast diminishing pile of documents either to sign or initial -before he could complete his morning's work. But, being mortal, even -the Commander-in-Chief was hungry, and consequently short-tempered.</p> - -<p>"What is it, Elphinhaye?" he demanded tartly. "Can't you deal with it -yourself?"</p> - -<p>"'Fraid not, sir," replied the secretary, still proffering the -newly-arrived telegram.</p> - -<p>"What is it?" asked the Admiral again. "Who's it from?"</p> - -<p>"Entwistle? Never heard of him."</p> - -<p>The secretary coughed deprecatingly. He was slightly surprised and -pained to think that his worthy chief had not heard of the famous -Secret Service agent.</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes; now I do," corrected the Commander-in-Chief. "He was -barging about down in Cornwall over that von Gobendorff case, when I -was Senior Officer at Trecurnow. Well, what is it now?... By Jove!"</p> - -<p>The telegram had been dispatched from York. It read as follows:—</p> - -<p>"To S.N.O., Auldhaig. For your information and necessary -action:—Discover Captain Fennelburt, R.A.F., to be Leutnant Karl von -Preussen (<i>vide</i> dossier 445). He has dispatched the following -cablegram to Admiralty, Berlin: 'Q-boat disguised as U 251 left Leith -on 9th for Hoorn Reefs."</p> - -<p>"Someone's let the cat out of the bag," declared the -Commander-in-Chief. "It's an absolute mystery to me how intelligence -does leak out. Now, what's to be done, Elphinhaye? What Q-boat does -the message refer to?"</p> - -<p>"Q 171, sir," replied the secretary, never at a loss to supply the -requisite information. "She was the old <i>Tollerdale</i>, and was adapted -at Leith in January last."</p> - -<p>"Who's her commanding officer?"</p> - -<p>Elphinhaye had to consult a current Navy List.</p> - -<p>"Morpeth, sir. George Morpeth, an R.N.R. officer with the D.S.C."</p> - -<p>"By Gad! Morpeth! I knew him at Trecurnow," exclaimed the Admiral. -"Smart fellow, but a bit of a rough diamond. I've no doubt that he -can take care of himself, but all the same——"</p> - -<p>"We could wireless him, sir."</p> - -<p>"And warn every Fritz on this side of Germany," declared the -Commander-in-Chief. "No, no, Elphinhaye. We must think of a better -plan—one that, with luck, will entail a clean sweep of every Fritz -who dares to poke his nose outside his kennel."</p> - -<p>Twenty minutes later the joyful signal was received by the Nth Light -Cruiser Squadron and the Z Destroyer Flotilla:—</p> - -<p>"Raise steam for thirty knots and prepare for immediate action on -clearing harbour."</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter24"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XXIV</h3> - -<h4 align="center">IN THE HOUR OF HIS TRIUMPH</h4> - -<p>"<span class="smallcaps">Have</span> you any means of tracing the person who brought this message? -inquired Entwistle.</p> - -<p>"Hardly," replied the Postal Censor's assistant. "One receives so -many cables and telegrams for dispatch in the course of the day. I'll -find out the name of the clerk on duty at the time, although I'm -afraid the information will be disappointing." By means of a -voice-tube, the official made various inquiries.</p> - -<p>"O'Donovon, is it?... Is he on duty now?... Just reported, eh? Good. -Ask him to step up to my room, please."</p> - -<p>Presently a brisk tap on the door was followed by the appearance of a -slight, rather pale-faced young man of pronounced Hibernian features.</p> - -<p>"This," said the Censor's assistant, "is 'Mr. O'Donovon. Mr. -O'Donovon, this gentleman, Mr. Entwistle, wishes to ask you some -information respecting a certain cablegram. Will you answer as fully -as you can on the matter?"</p> - -<p>"I want you, Mr. O'Donovon," began Entwistle, "to give me a -description of the person who handed in the message."</p> - -<p>It was Entwistle's way. Instead of asking if the clerk perchance -remembered the individual, he assumed that he already did so.</p> - -<p>"Sure," replied Mr O'Donovon, after reading the duplicate message. -"It was a boy of twelve or about. Black hair and eyes and a Jewish -nose. He had a mole on his chin. I remember he gave me two pound -notes and I gave him half a crown change."</p> - -<p>"I suppose by no possibility could you show me the notes? inquired -Entwistle.</p> - -<p>"No, sir," replied Mr. O'Donovon. "That I can't. We put all notes -into a drawer. I call to mind that they were rather dirty, although -it's dirtier ones I've seen in Dublin."</p> - -<p>"I thought not," remarked Entwistle. "Perhaps it's as well, for in -all probability you gave the lad half a crown for sending the -cablegram. If you've time you might examine the notes in that drawer. -Ten to one, you'll find two were printed in Germany. Now, will you -please send me a priority telegram—on H.M.S.—to Leith, Auldhaig, -and Wick; the latter to be transmitted by wireless to -Commander-in-Chief, Grand Fleet, Scapa Flow."</p> - -<p>Having done all that he could possibly do to scotch von Preussen's -activities on the Continental cables, Entwistle prepared to follow up -the clues that would, he hoped, lead to the running to earth of the -cunning and resourceful spy.</p> - -<p>His next step was to trace the boy with the Jewish features and the -mole on his chin. It was rather a tall undertaking, for, in spite of -the fact that there was a hideous massacre of Jews in York in the -remote days when Richard Coeur de Lion reigned, there seemed to be a -distinct predilection on the part of people of Hebraic origin to live -in the city that holds the position of capital of the Shire of Broad -Acres. Besides, many people have moles on their faces, and O'Donovon -might have been slightly wide of the mark in describing the mole as -being on the lad's chin. It might have been his cheek—either his -left or his right.</p> - -<p>It was in Petergate, one of those narrow, old-world thoroughfares -leading to the Cathedral precincts that Entwistle came face to face -with the immediate object of his investigations. Sauntering towards -him was a young Jewish lad with a mole on the point of his chin.</p> - -<p>Entwistle gave him no opening.</p> - -<p>"I say, my lad," he exclaimed, holding out a bright half-crown to the -astonished youth, "I gave you the wrong change when you handed in -that telegram from Grabnut & Plywrench. Here you are."</p> - -<p>The boy took the proffered coin eagerly. As Entwistle expected, he -devoted more attention to the coin than he did to the donor.</p> - -<p>"He won't recognise me again," mused the Secret Service man as he -hurried away, leaving the boy testing the bright half-crown in case -he had been "had."</p> - -<p>Swallowed up in the crowd, for Petergate was thronged, Entwistle -dived into a tobacconist's shop and made a small purchase, the while -keeping a sharp look-out upon the passers-by.</p> - -<p>Presently the lad, whistling blithely, hurried along. At a discreet -distance Entwistle followed, noting with satisfaction that the boy -lingered outside a cinema palace.</p> - -<p>"He would have spent that half-dollar had the place been open," he -theorised. "As it is, he'll go home to his dinner and he won't say a -word about the wrong change."</p> - -<p>Keeping within sight of his chase, Entwistle followed until the boy -turned down a narrow street close to Bootham Bar—one of the -still-existent gateways of mediaeval York. On the other hand the -roadway was bounded by the masonry of the city wall.</p> - -<p>Entwistle followed no further. He promptly ascended the steps of -Bootham Bar and gained the paved walk that runs along the top of the -walls. From his coign of vantage he watched, and saw the lad enter a -house—stopping, however, to glance up and down the cobbled street.</p> - -<p>"Good enough for the present," soliloquised Entwistle. "I feel fairly -satisfied with my morning's work. Until to-night there's nothing -doing, so I will have a little relaxation from duty. Philip, my -festive, you can be reckless: you can have a whole coupon's worth of -roast beef at the best restaurant in York."</p> - -<p>Having done ample justice to the inner man, Entwistle decided to put -in an hour or two at the railway station. Railway stations had a -peculiar fascination for him. Incidentally he had obtained a good -many clues while waiting on a platform, although he was bound to -admit that the almost general use of motor cars had robbed the -railway of a questionable record of affording quick transit to -fugitive criminals.</p> - -<p>As he entered the booking hall he ran against a familiar figure -wearing an unfamiliar garb—a thick-set, clean-shaven man of about -forty-seven or eight, in height about five feet ten. He was in R.A.F. -officer's uniform. Just beneath his cap his iron-grey closely-cropped -hair contrasted forcibly with his brown, almost reddish complexion.</p> - -<p>"B a r c r o f t !" exclaimed Entwistle. "What on earth are you doing -here? And in uniform, too. By Jove! I'm pleased to see you."</p> - -<p>"I'm here for fifteen and a half minutes more," replied Peter -Barcroft, consulting his wristlet watch. "That is, if the North -Eastern Company run their train punctually. That's question one -answered. I'm in uniform because I wanted to be, and didn't mean to -be out of the fun. What are you doing, might I ask?"</p> - -<p>"Same old thing—'the trivial round, the common task' sort of -business, you know," answered the Secret Service man.</p> - -<p>"But you've not explained: how comes it that you are in khaki?"</p> - -<p>"I suppose," replied Barcroft, "it's a case of 'following in father's -footsteps' reversed. I'm a mere 'second loot'; my son Billy is now a -major, so if I meet him in public I must salute him. This war's been -responsible for a lot of funny incidents and conditions, hasn't it?"</p> - -<p>"It has," agreed Entwistle. "We've been mixed up in a few together, -haven't we? But to get back to the point. I'm curious to know how you -managed to get a commission. You told me you were blind in one eye -and deaf in one ear. How did you pass the doctor?"</p> - -<p>"I passed, or was passed by, three," replied Barcroft proudly. -"Bluffed them absolutely. Merely a triumph of mind over matter. I -learnt the letters on the sight-testing card off by heart. Perfectly -simple, eh, what? I'm in the Marine Section, R.A.F., and incidentally -I'm the senior officer in the depot in point of age. I'm on my way to -Auldhaig to take some boats round to Sableridge—that's on the South -Coast."</p> - -<p>"Not X-lighters, by any chance?"</p> - -<p>Barcroft stared.</p> - -<p>"Yes," he admitted. "What do you know about them?"</p> - -<p>Entwistle laughed.</p> - -<p>"Bet you twopence you won't find them at Auldhaig," he said. "More -than that, you'll stand a chance of being arrested. There's been a -fellow on the same sort of game, and that's why I'm here—to nab him -on sight. By the by, how are Ponto and Nan?"</p> - -<p>"Going strong," replied Barcroft. "At the present moment they are -assisting my crowd of merry wreckers to digest railway buffet -sandwiches and bully beef. We'll go and find them."</p> - -<p>The two old chums walked down the platform. Just beyond the covered -part was a large truck piled high with a miscellaneous assortment of -kit-bags, blankets, sea-boots, oilskins, charts, and a pair of hand -semaphore flags. Mounting guard over the luggage were Barcroft's two -shaggy sheep-dogs.</p> - -<p>"They remember me," remarked Entwistle, as the animals began to wag -their stumpy tails.</p> - -<p>"Of course," replied the R.A.F. officer. "But you wouldn't dare to -lay a finger on that pile of kit."</p> - -<p>"I won't experiment," replied Entwistle. "Your dogs' teeth are just a -trifle too formidable. When do you think you'll get back to -Sableridge? I'm going down south in a fortnight or so, and I may run -across you."</p> - -<p>"Look me up, then," replied Barcroft. "With decent luck I ought to -get my five-knot convoy round in a fortnight, mines and contradictory -Air Ministry orders permitting. And if I knock up against Captain -Fennelburt I'll give him your chin-chin."</p> - -<p>"You won't," said Entwistle confidently—"at least, not under that -name. But I hope to deny you that pleasure by having him under lock -and key before many hours."</p> - -<p>The signal for the train's departure interrupted the conversation. -Barcroft, having seen his crew into the train and the baggage in the -van, entered a compartment followed by his two dogs—to bear the -responsibility of navigating two of His Majesty's vessels, together -with thousands of pounds worth of stores and a score of valuable -lives, over six or seven hundred miles of mined waters; for which a -grateful government paid him the magnificent sum of half a guinea a -day.</p> - -<p>"And how is Mrs. Barcroft?" inquired Entwistle. "I ought, of course, -to have inquired before."</p> - -<p>Peter Barcroft was lighting a cigarette.</p> - -<p>"Mrs. Barcroft is A1, thanks," he replied. "At present she is engaged -in keeping the home fires burning—with coal at fifty-five and six a -ton, but I have not the faintest doubt that she will carry on to my -utmost satisfaction. Well, cheerio, Entwistle! Glad to have met you -again."</p> - -<p>The train moved off, leaving Entwistle to "carry on" in his -particular line even as Barcroft Senior was "doing his bit" in a -different sphere.</p> - -<p>Leaving the station, the Secret Service man made his way to the -premises of Messrs. Grabnut & Plywrench. As he expected, a brief -interview with the manager elicited the information that no cablegram -had been sent by the firm to Holland. In fact, the Continental -transactions of Messrs. Grabnut & Plywrench had ceased early in 1915. -They had as much business in connection with Government contracts as -they could possibly tackle.</p> - -<p>At sunset Entwistle returned to his post of observation on the city -walls. Soon York, or as much of it as he could see from his lofty -perch, was in darkness. He could hear the crowds in the main -thoroughfares, the whirr of machinery in the workshops, the rumble of -heavily laden trains, and the "chough-chough" of motor barges on the -canal conveying raw material for the manufacturing centres of -Yorkshire and the coast. It was a hive of industry working under -cover of darkness.</p> - -<p>Cold work it was keeping the poverty-stricken tenement under -observation. Occasionally people would pass along the narrow path on -the walls. Entwistle would then lean on the lichen-grown parapet and -feign a deep interest in the darkness until their footsteps died -away; otherwise he hardly stirred during his prolonged vigil.</p> - -<p>"Great Peter" would have been tolling the hour of nine had it not -been that the world was at war, when Entwistle heard a street door -open. Straining his eyesight, he discerned a bent figure emerging -stealthily from the house he was keeping under observation.</p> - -<p>"H'm!" he soliloquised. "A man with a military bearing ought never to -trust to the disguise of decrepitude. Von Preussen, you've -overreached yourself, I fancy."</p> - -<p>Keeping under the shelter of the breast-high parapet, Entwistle moved -cautiously to the steps by the side of Bootham Bar. Gaining the -roadway, he pressed against the side of the Gothic archway. For the -present the thoroughfare was deserted. He could hear von Preussen's -boots shuffling on the cobbles. Nearer, nearer...</p> - -<p>With a sudden spring Entwistle hurled himself upon the spy. The -Secret Service agent had not mistaken his man. Almost before von -Preussen knew what had happened he found himself lying face downwards -on the pavement and his elbows being drawn together behind his back.</p> - -<p>"The game's up, Karl von Preussen," exclaimed Entwistle.</p> - -<p>"Yes," admitted the spy breathlessly. "You've scored this time. I'd -like to know how you traced me."</p> - -<p>"You will in due course," replied Entwistle grimly, as he jerked his -captive to his feet.</p> - -<p>The next instant a cloud of pungent, burning powder struck Entwistle -full in the face. The sudden, agonising pain as the grains filled his -eyes took the Secret Service agent completely off his guard. Gasping -for breath, and holding both hands to his face, he staggered blindly -against the wall. Even in his physical torment he could hear von -Preussen running swiftly.</p> - -<p>In the moment of his triumph a craven trick had robbed Entwistle of -his prey.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter25"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XXV</h3> - -<h4 align="center">TRAPPED</h4> - -<p><span class="smallcaps">Cold</span>, grey dawn was stealing over the North Sea. Hull down to the -east'ard, her cage-mast just showing above the horizon, lay the Hoorn -Reefs Lightship. Off the tail of the bank that fringes Denmark's -shores Hun submarines were in the habit of bringing up and receiving -wireless orders before venturing through the inner mine-fields either -to the mouth of the Elbe or northwards to the Baltic through the -Kattegat.</p> - -<p>Q 171 was moving slowly through the greyish-green water. Her triple -torpedo-tubes were ready with their deadly complements; her -quick-firers, trained fore and aft after the manner of U-boats -returning to their bases, were ready for action at a moment's notice. -The torpedo-men and gun crews, sheltering under the lee of the dummy -conning-tower, were keenly on the alert, watching their commanding -officer as he, in his turn, watched the broad expanse of sea over -which the rising sun would shortly throw its slanting rays.</p> - -<p>Supporting himself by the shaft of the periscope, which, like the -conning-tower, was a "dud," Morpeth again and again raised his -prism-binoculars to his eyes. Just below him stood Wakefield, -conscious of a peculiar sensation of mingled doubts and hopes. He, -too, shared with Morpeth the feeling that the climax was at hand. The -great stunt that was to deal a terrific blow to Germany's campaign of -unrestricted warfare was imminent. Would it succeed?</p> - -<p>The plan of operations was daring in its simplicity. According to -information obtained from a British Secret Service agent in Kiel, two -giant submarine-cruisers were leaving the German Baltic port, passing -through the Imperial Kiel Canal during the hours of darkness, and -leaving Brunsbuttel the following night for the Hoorn Reefs -rendezvous. Here they were to take on board two experienced U-boat -commanders from submarines expected to be homeward-bound from the -Irish Sea, and then proceed to the Atlantic seaboard of the United -States. Capable of keeping the sea for a period of sixty days without -having to re-fuel or re-provision, these submarine-cruisers were a -direct menace to the Allies in general and to Uncle Sam in -particular. Consequently, if Morpeth's plans were successful and he -were able to destroy both submarine-cruisers before the returning -U-boats arrived at the rendezvous, the moral effects of the -mysterious disappearance of two brand-new additions to Germany's -under-sea fleet would be more far-reaching than their actual loss.</p> - -<p>And the hour was approaching when the two submarine-cruisers would -arrive at the rendezvous—and then Q 171 would strike—swiftly and -with annihilating force.</p> - -<p>Right aft stood Meredith and Ainslie. The former was in charge of the -after quick-firer, while on the other sub-lieutenant rested the -responsibility of "dumping the ash-cans," or, in other words, -dropping the depth-charges, should they be required. He also had -charge of the hand-steerage flat, where, in the event of the -electrically-operated wheel becoming disabled, the work of steering -the Q-boat would be undertaken.</p> - -<p>"Fritz is late in keeping his appointment," remarked Meredith. -"Beastly uncivil of him on a cold morning like this."</p> - -<p>Ainslie swung his arms vigorously and stamped with his rubber boots -upon the metal deck.</p> - -<p>"We'll forgive him if he shows up," he remarked. "Wonder if there'll -be a chance of a scrap? By the by, you've your gasmask ready?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, old son," replied Meredith, producing a hideous-looking -contraption from the pocket of his oilskin coat. "We hadn't them -issued to us on the M.L.'s, for which many thanks. Gosh! What would -the old folks at home say if they could see their little Kenneth in -this?"</p> - -<p>"You do look a Hun," admitted Ainslie, as Meredith rather clumsily -clipped the antigas device to his nose. "What a dash you'd cut at a -kids' Christmas party! Got everything—pneumatic life-belt, first-aid -outfit, meat lozenges, spirit flask an' all, in case you fancy -rivalling a cross-Channel swimmer?"</p> - -<p>Meredith gravely assured his questioner that he had all the articles -named.</p> - -<p>"Right-o," rejoined Ainslie. "And just kick over the oiler. Here's a -link that wants a drop of oil pretty badly. Thanks, old thing."</p> - -<p>The Sub was about to attend to what appeared to be a stiff link in -the dummy deckgear release, when a cry came from for'ard:</p> - -<p>"Submarine two points on the starboard bow, sir!"</p> - -<p>At a distance of two miles in the direction indicated lay a U-boat -motionless, with her deck just awash. Telescopes and binoculars were -brought to bear upon her.</p> - -<p>"That's not the bird I want," declared Morpeth. "She's one of the -ordinary submarine mine-layers. We'll sheer off. No sprat to catch a -mackerel for me!"</p> - -<p>Q 171 turned eight points to port. Expecting at any moment to be -challenged by the U-boat, Morpeth gave a curt order to the signalman. -The latter toggled the <i>soi-disant</i> U 251's signal numbers to the -halliards and stood by.</p> - -<p>"They don't keep a sharp look-out," remarked Wakefield. "If we can -spot them lying awash, surely they've twigged us by now."</p> - -<p>"Just back from a cruise, I expect," surmised the R.N.R. officer. -"And jolly glad to be back out of it, so they're holding on to the -slack."</p> - -<p>"Where's the other one, then?" inquired Wakefield. "There were two -expected."</p> - -<p>"She's neither of 'em," explained Morpeth. "Sort of stray cat coming -home. The ones expected to meet the submarine-cruisers are big -ones—three hundred feet or thereabouts. This one's not more'n a -couple of hundred. I'd slip a tinfish into her with the greatest of -pleasure, only that would spoil the proper stunt. <i>Au revoir</i>, -Fritz!"</p> - -<p>"Seaplane, sir!" shouted one of the crew.</p> - -<p>"Confounded nuisance!" muttered "Tough Geordie." "Get our decorations -ready, lads, and look slippy about it."</p> - -<p>Two or three of the hands prepared to unroll a couple of square -pieces of canvas. These were Morpeth's "decorations," or, in other -words, the vessel's "aircraft distinction discs." On one side of the -canvas were painted red, white and blue concentric circles—the -British hall-mark for aerial efficiency. On the reverse were black -Maltese crosses on a white ground—the symbol adopted by Hun -aircraft. In both cases the same device showed on the deck of a ship -denoted her either as a friend or foe.</p> - -<p>"Hun, sir!" shouted three or four voices in unison, when the rapidly -approaching seaplane drew near enough for the crew of Q 171 to -distinguish the Black Crosses on her wings.</p> - -<p>"Up with 'em!" shouted Morpeth.</p> - -<p>Dexterously "Tough Geordie's" decorations were unfolded and -exhibited—one at the top of the conning-tower, the other just abaft -the for'ard gun.</p> - -<p>Right aft the gun-layer of the concealed anti-aircraft weapon kept -the sights trained on the approaching Hun, ready and eager at the -word of command to let fly with a novel type of shell that on -bursting would entail the immediate destruction of any aircraft -within a couple of hundred feet of the point of detonation.</p> - -<p>"'Nother seaplane right astern, sir!" roared a seaman in stentorian -tones.</p> - -<p>"Confound it!" ejaculated Morpeth. "What is their little game?"</p> - -<p>The anti-aircraft gun could have effectively silenced one seaplane, -but the other would have turned and flown off to give the alarm. So -impassively Q 171 held on, every man on board (except von Preugfeld -and von Loringhoven, who were ignorant of what was transpiring) -fervently hoping that the Hun airmen would take it for granted that -she was a U-boat.</p> - -<p>With a rush and a roar the first seaplane dived steeply, flattening -out and passing within fifty feet of the mystery ship's deck. -Meredith distinctly felt the rush of air from her wake and could make -out the goggled and helmeted heads of the observer and -machine-gunner. The pilot behind his triple glass screen was -invisible.</p> - -<p>The seaplane began climbing in vast circles, until it became a mere -dot in the now sunlit sky. The second Hun, content with hovering at -five hundred feet for nearly five minutes, also began climbing, and -finally both disappeared behind a stratum of high, fleecy clouds.</p> - -<p>"Hanged if I like that!" remarked Morpeth.</p> - -<p>"They've probably mistaken us for one of the returning U-boats," -suggested Wakefield. "In that case they've cleared off to report that -the submarine-cruisers can repair to the rendezvous."</p> - -<p>"Let's hope you're right," added Morpeth. "Once I bag those -submarine-cruisers, I'll take my chance with the seaplanes."</p> - -<p>He rapped out an order to the quartermaster.</p> - -<p>Round swung Q 171 until she steadied on a course that would bring her -once more within a short distance of the U-boat they had sighted soon -after dawn.</p> - -<p>She was practically in the same position, but had swung with the -change of tide—a fact which indicated that she was riding at anchor.</p> - -<p>For full half an hour Morpeth kept her under observation, but no sign -of life was visible on board.</p> - -<p>"Another mutiny?" queried Meredith.</p> - -<p>"Hardly," replied Wakefield. "Unless it were a general mutiny amongst -the submarine fleet, and this one were left behind. No, it's not -that."</p> - -<p>"Then what do you think?" asked the Sub.</p> - -<p>"A booby-trap, possibly. If so, then Morpeth's stunt is off. I'll see -what he says."</p> - -<p>The late skipper of M.L. 1071 went up to the R.N.R. officer and -saluted—as he always did when on deck.</p> - -<p>"Yes," admitted "Tough Geordie" gloomily. "I'm afraid that it's a -booby-trap. Those seaplanes, too, rather support the theory. And -there are no signs of the submarine-cruisers. If nothing turns up by -noon I'll torpedo that packet and leg it home at the rate of knots."</p> - -<p>"Any objection to my boarding her?" asked Wakefield.</p> - -<p>"None, as far as I am concerned," replied Morpeth, "provided, of -course, you take all reasonable precautions. I'll be ready in case of -an accident, but I must insist upon your taking a volunteer crew."</p> - -<p>A boarding-party was quickly forthcoming, consisting of Wakefield, -Meredith, an armourer's mate, and two bluejackets. Launching the -collapsible dinghy, they approached the U-boat, while Q 171, her -concealed torpedo-tubes bearing on the former's hull, was ready to -frustrate or at any rate to avenge any attempt upon the -boarding-party.</p> - -<p>A rope ladder trailed forlornly over the U-boat's bulging side. This -Wakefield studiously avoided, making for the after-part where the -long tapering stern dipped beneath the surface.</p> - -<p>He hailed in German. No reply came from the apparently deserted -craft, which was fretting at her cable in the now strong tideway.</p> - -<p>Wakefield motioned to the rowers to pull alongside. Followed by -Meredith and the armourer's mate, he gained the rusty deck.</p> - -<p>"Hatches are closed," he said, in a low voice.</p> - -<p>"Soon have them open, sir," declared the petty officer confidently.</p> - -<p>"I think not," replied Wakefield. "Not until we've looked round a -bit."</p> - -<p>The three men moved for'ard. There were signs that the boat had not -recently been in commission. Apparently she had been towed out of -harbour and moored in the isolated position off the Hoorn Reefs. Why? -If as a mark-boat to assist returning submarines to verify their -position, the fact of closed hatches was easily explained. Being -shut, they enabled her to ride out a spell of bad weather, otherwise -she would have foundered.</p> - -<p>"That's curious," exclaimed Meredith, pointing to the closed -fore-hatch.</p> - -<p>"What?" asked Wakefield.</p> - -<p>"This," replied the Sub, pointing to a small, almost unnoticeable -disc let in flush with the steel lid.</p> - -<p>"By Jove, rather!" agreed the lieutenant. "An ebonite plug with a -copper core! Yes; look here. There's a corresponding gadget on the -deck. The two would come in contact when the holding down bolts of -the hatch are released and the cover flies back. I fancy we were wise -not to meddle with those hatch covers, or our curiosity would have -landed us in a hole."</p> - -<p>"She's stuffed with explosives, then?"</p> - -<p>"Precisely," agreed Wakefield. "Once the circuit is completed by -opening any of these hatches, up she goes, and anyone on board with -her. We've seen enough. We'll clear out."</p> - -<p>"What's the reason?" inquired Meredith.</p> - -<p>"Ask Morpeth," was the reply. "He'll probably tell you that details -of his stunt have leaked out. Hello! Seaplanes coming back? Look -alive there!"</p> - -<p>The boarding-party hurried to the boat. Quickly the rowers gave way. -It was a race between a comparatively slow-moving boat and a pair of -swift seaplanes. The former had to cover about two hundred yards: the -latter a distance of from two to three miles.</p> - -<p>The aircraft would have won hands down had they not banked and -circled. As it was, there was time for Wakefield and his party to -regain the mystery ship.</p> - -<p>"Fritz has smelt a rat," reported the R.N.V.R. officer. "That -U-boat's chock-a-block with explosives."</p> - -<p>"Good enough!" declared Morpeth, ringing for "Easy ahead, both -engines." "See that the smoke-screen gear is ready, Wakefield. We may -want it, badly."</p> - -<p>Q 171 increased her distance from the booby-trap to a good two -cables' length, then she turned until she could bring her broadside -torpedo-tubes to bear upon the anchored U-boat.</p> - -<p>Diving steeply, the first seaplane swooped down to within three -hundred feet. From underneath her fuselage a black object dropped -swiftly—then another. Four seconds later the first missile struck -the water, exploding with a deafening report unpleasantly close to -the Q-boat's starboard quarter and deluging the after quick-firer's -crew with spray. The second bomb fell further away.</p> - -<p>Morpeth gave no signal to the anti-aircraft gun, although the -departing seaplane offered a tempting target. His cool and ready wit -saw an opening and he took it.</p> - -<p>Both Hun machines were now flying on a parallel course, the first one -manoeuvring to return to the attack. Incautiously they were -approaching the anchored U-boat.</p> - -<p>Like an arrow from a bow, a gleaming steel cylinder leapt from the -Q-boat's side. Striking the water with a shower of spray, it dived -obliquely and made straight for the Hun's booby-trap, its trail -clearly defined by the milky foam on the surface.</p> - -<p>Suddenly there was a lurid flash that seemed to outshine the light of -the sun. A roar so stupendous that it shook Q 171 from stem to stern -gave warning that the torpedo had reached its mark.</p> - -<p>The terrific crash was not merely the result of the torpedo -detonating. Laden with tons of powerful explosive, the decoy U-boat -was literally blown to fragments. Even at the intervening distance -pieces of molten metal hit Q 171 with great force. Fragments rattled -against her side and on her deck like hailstones upon a galvanised -iron shed.</p> - -<p>For a brief space officers and men were stupefied by the overpowering -concussion. Wakefield and three of the seamen were hit by flying -debris, although fortunately the wounds were nothing worse than skin -deep. In fact, Wakefield, in the excitement of it all, was unaware of -the fact until Meredith called his attention to a trickle of blood -down his cheek.</p> - -<p>The first seaplane, which at the moment of explosion was immediately -above the anchored U-boat, had vanished utterly in the irresistible -blast of fire. The other, with her wings and tail planes riddled and -rent, fluttered downwards like a wounded bird until, the drop -developing into a tail-spin, she crashed into the sea. Floats were -shattered under the impact, and almost before the foam had subsided -the wreck of the second seaplane had disappeared beneath the waves.</p> - -<p>"The stunt's a wash-out," declared Morpeth disappointedly. "It might -have been worse, though, if those seaplanes had brought a crowd of -their pals with them instead of being too sure off their own bat. -We'll have to leg it for home."</p> - -<p>"If we can," added Wakefield calmly. "Look!"</p> - -<p>He pointed with outstretched arm towards the south-west. Pelting -along at high speed, with their funnels belching out clouds of -oil-fed smoke, were seven German ocean-going torpedo boats. -Simultaneously, away to the nor'ard, three more columns of smoke -indicated pretty plainly that Fritz was doing his utmost to trap the -too daring Q-boat.</p> - -<p>"Tough Geordie" shrugged his massive shoulders.</p> - -<p>"Looks like a bit of a scrap after all," he remarked.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter26"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XXVI</h3> - -<h4 align="center">HER LAST BOLT</h4> - -<p><span class="smallcaps">It</span> was a formidable trap. Already there was less than seven miles -between the jaws of these rapidly closing pincers as the two -divisions of hostile torpedo-craft steamed towards each other. To -make matters more unpleasant a Zeppelin—a comparatively rare bird in -the latter stages of the Great War—appeared from the east'ard, -possibly from the airsheds at Tondern, and without venturing to make -a direct attack was evidently communicating by wireless with the -torpedo boats.</p> - -<p>"Hoist our Ensign!" ordered Morpeth. "That'll show 'em we aren't -going to take it lying down. We'll give them a run for their money."</p> - -<p>Up rose the White Ensign bravely in the breeze. Simultaneously came -the tell-tale bark of a torpedo. With a quick movement of her helm Q -171 avoided the missile, but even as she did so another torpedo came -hissing under the waves. To avoid the new menace by alteration of -course was impossible. The Q-boat carried too much way to reverse and -gather sternway in time. To Meredith, standing by the after -quick-firer, the sight of the approaching torpedo was a -nerve-thrilling one. Gripping the rail, he watched its approach as it -headed almost under that part of the deck on which he stood. -Mechanically he gripped the wire and waited. He could do nothing: not -even run a few paces in order to avoid, if possible, the direct -effect of the explosion. He felt much as the French aristocrats must -have felt when they lay strapped to the bed of the guillotine waiting -for the fatal knife to fall....</p> - -<p>"How much longer?" he thought. "How much——"</p> - -<p>"Stand by with the depth-charges," roared Morpeth, as Q 171 swung -round and made straight for the spot where the twin periscopes of a -U-boat were disappearing.</p> - -<p>The torpedo had been aimed truly, save in one respect. The commander -of the U-boat had gauged the draught of the mystery ship by that of -his own craft, forgetting that, although above water Q 171 resembled -a German submarine, her depth beneath the water-line was only seven -feet six inches. The missile had travelled harmlessly under her to -finish its run three miles beyond.</p> - -<p>Outboard toppled the two metal canisters. At the speed of an express -train the reel of wire ran out; then, with a detonation that -threatened to shake every rivet in the Q-boat's hull, the -depth-charges exploded simultaneously.</p> - -<p>There was no time to investigate whether the U-boat had been -destroyed, or whether, with buckled plates and gaping seams, she was -blowing her tanks in an attempt to reach the surface. In any case, -even if she did survive, her crew would be so shaken by the -concussion that they would be "down and out" as far as further -submarine work was concerned.</p> - -<p>The shrill whine of a 6-inch shell drew attention to the fact that -the destroyers were getting within range, and that a "registering -shot" had been fired to test the accuracy of their range-finder.</p> - -<p>Almost immediately after, and before a second flash came from the -nearmost torpedo boat, Q 171 liberated her smoke-screen; then, -answering rapidly to her helm, spun round and practically retraced -her course.</p> - -<p>There was a chance of escape—that of making for Danish waters—but -Morpeth scorned the idea. As he had remarked, he meant to give Fritz -a run for his money. He would go down with flying colours, biting -savagely till the last. And his men were with him. Discarding their -black oilskin coats, and tightening their belts, they spat upon their -hands after the manner of sailor-men and prepared to take their -gruelling.</p> - -<p>An artificial fog-screen cannot last indefinitely. Sooner or later Q -171 had to emerge from her concealment. When she did she was steering -almost due west, or towards the tail of the seven torpedo boats.</p> - -<p>Directly the movement was observed, the Huns turned sixteen degrees -to port, all firing as they swung round. At the same moment Q 171's -quick-firers replied for the first time.</p> - -<p>The bark of her own guns eased the tension amongst the crew. Although -outnumbered, they realised that there was some satisfaction in being -able to reply.</p> - -<p>The Q-boat took her punishment grimly—and it was punishment! -Several shells of varying calibre hit her in quick succession. The -dummy conning-tower had vanished, all but a few bent and twisted -steel girders. Acrid-smelling fumes swept down upon Meredith as he -assisted the last member of the after quick-firer to load and train -the weapon. Through the eddying vapour he could see men feverishly -working the other gun. He fancied he could distinguish Wakefield, but -he was not sure... And Morpeth: where was he?</p> - -<p>Suddenly Meredith felt his legs give way under him. The sensation was -akin to that of receiving an unexpected blow behind the knees. -Surprised and resentful, he tried to regain his feet. Some one was -lying across them. It was Ainslie—or rather all that was left of -Ainslie.</p> - -<p>For perhaps twenty seconds Meredith lay on the deck striving to -recollect where he was and how he came there. A red mist swam before -his eyes, then it cleared, and he saw Ainslie's body once more.</p> - -<p>There were rents on the deck. The whole fabric of the vessel was -throbbing under the continued concussions. Q 171 was turning in a -wide circle to starboard, exposing the whole of her broadside to the -hostile fire.</p> - -<p>With an effort Meredith freed his legs, and by the aid of the -shoulder-piece of the now silent after quick-firer regained his feet. -As he did so a man, grimy and blood-stained, lurched aft.</p> - -<p>"Cap'n's down, sir," he reported. "Steering-gear carried away.... -There's the hand-gear, sir."</p> - -<p>Heavens! Morpeth down, Ainslie killed, Wakefield nowhere to be seen. -The responsibility of fighting Q 171 to a finish had fallen upon the -supernumerary, Sub-lieutenant Kenneth Meredith.</p> - -<p>Staggering right aft, the Sub, assisted by the bluejacket who had -reported to him, contrived to unshackle the useless wires from the -heavy tiller. Then in answer to a powerful heave on the metal bar the -boat began to swing once more to port.</p> - -<p>Standing up, Meredith gave directions by gesture to the emergency -helmsman. It was impossible to be understood otherwise, so terrific -was the din, and, apart from that, Meredith's throat was so dry that -he was unable to utter a sound.</p> - -<p>Rapidly the Sub took in the situation. Morpeth's idea was to "cross -the tee" of the approaching line of torpedo boats, which had changed -their course so that the rearmost boat was now leading the flotilla. -The demolition of the steering-gear, and Morpeth being knocked out of -action, had temporarily thwarted the manoeuvre, but there was yet -time to mend matters. The steady pulsations of the motors showed that -below decks the badly battered vessel was still making good. For'ard -a solitary gun was barking at wide intervals, keeping up a sullen and -determined show of defiance. Otherwise the whole length of deck -resembled, as far as the eddying smoke permitted, a gaunt and hideous -charnel-house.</p> - -<p>"Fritz has got to have it in the neck," thought Meredith. "Here -goes!"</p> - -<p>Conning the still swiftly moving Q-boat, he made straight for the -leading German vessel. The latter held stubbornly on her course, at -the same time masking the fire of her consorts astern.</p> - -<p>It was a tense moment. Approaching at a speed of about sixty miles an -hour, the two vessels, British and German, were heading to mutual -destruction. With telescoped bows and interlocked framework, they -would assuredly founder together in a common and awe-inspiring -dissolution.</p> - -<p>But almost at the last moment the nerve of the German commander -failed. He ported his helm in a vain attempt to avoid the despairing -act of a mad Englishman. He was too late. Meredith held on.</p> - -<p>It was true that the kapitan-leutnant of the V 199 saved the bows of -his boat from being telescoped, but by giving the vessel starboard -helm he had neglected the important fact that the stern would swing -to starboard more rapidly than the bows would turn to port.</p> - -<p>Almost before he was aware of the fact, the bows of Q 171 bit deeply -into the German torpedo boat's quarter. The shock was lighter than -the Sub expected: it was the tortional wrench that hurled him -sideways against the disabled quick-firer.</p> - -<p>Then, swinging outwards under the way carried by her opponent, Q 171 -literally levered the partly severed stern away from the rest of the -rammed torpedo boat. With a gurgling sound, audible above the hiss of -steam from the flooding engine-room, the after-part of the Hun boat -sank, leaving two-thirds of the hull floating almost motionless and -kept afloat solely by the badly strained bulkheads.</p> - -<p>Freed from the interlocking embrace, Q 171 drifted clear, but she was -no longer under control. Both her propellers had fouled some of the -wreckage, and the bosses were stripped clear of their phosphor-bronze -blades.</p> - -<p>The gallant mystery ship, with the White Ensign flying from her -stumpy mast—how it withstood that tornado of hurtling metal was -little short of miraculous—was doomed.</p> - -<p>But the end was not yet. The second enemy torpedo boat, unable to -bring her guns to bear lest she should hit her disabled consort, was -manoeuvring to obtain a favourable position to deliver the <i>coup de -grâce</i>. It seemed an easy thing to do, for Q 171 was little better -than a floating scrap-heap.</p> - -<p>Suddenly, from what appeared to be a tangle of riddled steel-plating -and grotesquely twisted girders, a gleaming steel cylinder flashed in -the sunlight.</p> - -<p>Q 171 had shot her last bolt. One of the torpedo-tubes was still -intact, and a grievously wounded man had seized his chance.</p> - -<p>Fifteen seconds later the torpedo got home, literally blowing the Hun -in twain.</p> - -<p>Meredith saw the Q-boat's last blow. Defiantly, almost exultantly, he -drew himself to full height, then a blinding flash seemed to leap -from beneath his feet, and he toppled unconscious upon the deck.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter27"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XXVII</h3> - -<h4 align="center">BATTERED BUT UNDAUNTED</h4> - -<p>"<span class="smallcaps">Fore-control,</span> there! Anything to report?"</p> - -<p>It was ten and a half hours after the light-cruiser squadron had left -Auldhaig. At thirty knots the light cruisers were approaching the -rendezvous mentioned in their sealed orders—orders that were no -longer secret, since they were opened and communicated within one -hour of clearing harbour.</p> - -<p>On either side of the cruisers, which were steaming in double column -line ahead, were the destroyers—long, lean, and eager to be released -from the leash that held them to that comparatively modest thirty -knots.</p> - -<p>For the sixth time in the last hour the Commodore had asked the -question. His impatience was natural. Visibility was good, and from -the lofty eerie of the fore-control platform a wide expanse of -horizon lay revealed.</p> - -<p>Before the fore-control could reply, the navigating lieutenant, who -was standing by the Commodore on the bridge, threw back his head and -listened intently.</p> - -<p>Above the whine of the wind past the tautened wire shrouds and -sagging aerials came a long, low rumble.</p> - -<p>"Gunfire!" he announced laconically, yet there was keen anticipation -in his tone.</p> - -<p>"Quick-firers," added the gunnery lieutenant.</p> - -<p>"Suppose it's too much to expect—to find Fritz's battle fleet out?" -remarked the navigator. "We'd shake 'em up a bit, I reckon."</p> - -<p>The Commodore smiled at the subordinate's enthusiasm for a -"hussar-stroke" of the light, swiftly-moving vessels against the -heavily-armoured battleships of Germany.</p> - -<p>"We'll think ourselves more than lucky if their light cruisers are -out," he replied. "Lucky if there are only destroyers. If——"</p> - -<p>He broke off abruptly to receive a message through a voice-tube.</p> - -<p>"Good enough," he replied. "Increase speed to thirty-four," he -ordered. "Keep her as she is, Quartermaster."</p> - -<p>"Is it they, sir?" asked the gunnery lieutenant.</p> - -<p>"Look-out has reported a smoke-screen dead ahead," replied the -Commodore. "We'll be seeing the enemy ships above the horizon in a -few minutes."</p> - -<p>"Then my name's Johnny Walker, sir," said the gunnery officer -whimsically, as he hurried off to his post to superintend the firing -of the long-distance salvoes.</p> - -<p>A signal was hoisted to the signal-yard arm of the flagship. Hardly -had it appeared ere a similar hoist appeared "at the dip" on every -ship of the squadron—there to pause for a brief instant before being -hauled "close up."</p> - -<p>It was a signal well understood, although the opportunities for its -use were few and far between. It signified "Enemy in sight; prepare -to open fire."</p> - -<p>"Enemy torpedo boats beating east by north, sir," came the welcome -news. "Heavy firing from the leading boats." Then, fifty seconds -later: "One blown up, sir.... Another on fire."</p> - -<p>Moments of suspense followed. Would the Huns, intent upon battering -the vessel that the approaching flotillas were bent upon rescuing, -spot the presence of the British light cruisers and destroyers before -they drew within effective range?</p> - -<p>Up in the fire-control station the range-finding officer was calling -out the range, much like an intonation: "Twelve thousand yards... -eleven thousand yards... ten thousand——"</p> - -<p>A flash, immediately followed by a loud report, gave very audible -warning that the flagship had opened the ball. The officers and men -on the bridge could follow the flight of the spinning projectile, -until it was lost to sight in the blue atmosphere. But they knew it -was hurtling and climbing to an immense height, thence to drop, still -with terrific speed, until it burst where, according to the highest -efforts of ballistic science, and when it was intended to do—to the -detriment, physical and moral, of the King's enemies.</p> - -<p>Simultaneously the leading light cruiser of the port division opened -fire, the following vessel executing an echelon manoeuvre in order -that they too could join in the grim carnival of battle and sudden -death.</p> - -<p>The hitherto flanking destroyers were now, with two exceptions, far -ahead, one division steering east by south in order to cut off, if -possible, the enemy's retreat behind the Heligoland batteries; the -other was pelting east-north-east to frustrate Fritz's flight round -the northernmost point of Denmark. The exceptions were the T.B.D.'s -<i>Pylos</i> and <i>Polyxo</i>, on board of which their officers fumed in -impatient and excusable wrath while sweating engine-room artificers -were desperately striving to effect repairs to defective condensers.</p> - -<p>So at a modest fifteen, soon afterwards increased to twenty-two, -knots, the <i>Pylos</i> and <i>Polyxo</i> followed their more fortunate -competitors in the "Fritz Stakes." To all appearances they were "out -of it" and numbered amongst the "Also Rans." Yet they held on, hoping -like Mr. Wilkins Micawber that something might turn up.</p> - -<p>Already Fritz had turned tail. Under cover of a heavy smoke-screen -the remaining Hun torpedo boats were "legging it," steering zig-zag -courses in order to avoid, if possible, the long-range shells that -followed with uncanny accuracy. And they were steering neither for -the Bight nor for the Kattegat. The Zeppelin, that had been hovering -around throughout the operations, had given warning of the -outflanking British destroyers, and they were making for a place of -security which is recognised as such by the navies of the world save -that of Germany—the three-mile limit of a neutral seaboard.</p> - -<p>The light cruisers opened outwards to avoid the far-flung line of -artificially-created fog. It was unwise to penetrate that screen. A -Hun torpedo boat at bay might seize an opportunity to "slap a -tinfish" into an opponent at close range, or U-boats might be lurking -in the fringe of the pall to claim a victim.</p> - -<p>The <i>Pylos</i> and the <i>Polyxo</i>, jogging along, held straight on. By the -time they reached the fog-screen the smoke would have lifted, and -there was a chance that they might pick up some of the light -cruisers' leavings in the shape of a few Huns.</p> - -<p>It so happened that a sudden dispersal of a part of the smoke-screen -under the steady westerly breeze revealed to the <i>Polyxo</i> what -appeared to be an intact hostile torpedo boat with her engines broken -down. She was still flying the Black Cross Ensign.</p> - -<p>Gleefully the destroyer altered helm, let fly with her bow -quick-firer, and prepared to send Fritz to the bottom by means of a -torpedo.</p> - -<p>But Fritz objected. He had had no compunction at firing, together -with half a dozen of his kind, at a solitary British Q-boat; and he -had been considerably surprised when the Q-boat had chopped off -twenty or thirty feet of her stern. But when a destroyer suddenly -loomed out of the fog, the panic-stricken kapitan-leutnant promptly -gave orders to lower the Black Cross Ensign and substitute one that -was as blank and pale as his face.</p> - -<p>While the officers and men of the <i>Polyxo</i> were enjoying a -performance of the "Kamerad" order, the <i>Pylos</i>, slower than her -consort, butted up against what she took to be at first sight a Hun -submarine, down by the head and with practically all her top hamper -gone. From her mast-head hung a flag, tattered, torn and dun-coloured -by smoke and dust.</p> - -<p>"By Jove!" ejaculated the astonished lieutenant-commander of the -<i>Pylos</i>. "It's Q 171."</p> - -<p>Every officer and man on board the destroyer had been firmly -convinced that the mystery ship had been sunk. Indeed it seemed -incredible that the lightly-built vessel could have withstood a -hammering from half a dozen relatively heavily-armed ocean-going -torpedo boats, and yet remain afloat.</p> - -<p>On the Q-boat's deck were standing ten or twelve grimy men, stripped -to the waist, and for the most part wearing bandages. There were -others—some sitting with their heads supported by their hands, -others stretched motionless.</p> - -<p>"Pass the word for the surgeon," ordered the lieutenant-commander, as -he rang for "half-speed" and then "stop."</p> - -<p>Adroitly manoeuvred, the <i>Pylos</i> ran alongside the cruelly battered -Q-boat and made fast. A sub-lieutenant, the surgeon and a dozen hands -boarded the disabled boat.</p> - -<p>"Not an officer left standing, sir," reported a chief petty officer, -whose rank was indicated only by a battered peak cap set at a raking -angle on his head and partly counterbalanced by a stained bandage. -The rest of his attire consisted of a pair of trousers hanging in -shreds below the knees, and the remains of a singlet that failed to -conceal a lacerated wound on the man's broad chest. "And only a -handful of us—mostly engine-room ratings."</p> - -<p>Leaving the doctor and his assistants to deal with their grim and -stupendous task, the sub-lieutenant proceeded to investigate the -state of the ship. A decision had to be arrived at with the utmost -promptitude—whether she should be sunk or steps taken to tow her -back across the North Sea.</p> - -<p>Her bows were battered and the for'ard compartment flooded. Beyond -that she seemed fairly water-tight. Her engine-room was practically -intact, although there were several gaping holes just above the -water-line.</p> - -<p>"I think we can save her yet," decided the Sub—a lad of nineteen, -with the mature judgment of one who has seen three years of naval -warfare.</p> - -<p>He made his way aft, encountering the surgeon.</p> - -<p>"A hard case, Pills," he remarked. "How many casualties?"</p> - -<p>"Seventeen killed," was the reply. "Nine wounded. The disparity shows -that she must have had a gruelling. There are only eight men fit to -carry on, and most of them have scratches or are shaken up by the -concussion. There are three officers right aft—all badly knocked -about."</p> - -<p>Lying side by side, close to the disabled after quick-firer, were -Morpeth, Wakefield and Meredith. A short distance away was all that -was mortal of young Ainslie.</p> - -<p>Morpeth was unconscious, his left arm shattered below the elbow and -his skull laid bare by a fragment of shell. Wakefield, already under -the influence of morphia, was lying on his back, staring blankly at -the tattered White Ensign. Aware that something was wrong with him, -he was ignorant of the fact that four pieces of German shells were -finding a temporary lodging in his body. For the present, he was -serenely happy—not solely on account of the morphia injection, but -because he realised that he had "seen it through," and that Q 171 was -still flying the flag that symbolises the real Freedom of the Seas.</p> - -<p>Next to him was Kenneth Meredith, his bandaged head supported on a -coir fender. Seeing the destroyer's sub-lieutenant, he made an effort -to rise.</p> - -<p>"Now lie still, my lad," said the doctor kindly, but authoritatively. -"You can tell us all about it when we get you in the sick bay."</p> - -<p>He turned to his companion.</p> - -<p>"That youngster's got something on his chest that he wants to get rid -of," he remarked. "I can't make out what he wants. P'raps you can. It -will relieve his mind." The Sub of the <i>Pylos</i> knelt by Meredith's -side.</p> - -<p>"Well, what is it?" he asked.</p> - -<p>Kenneth moved his lips in a vain endeavour to speak.</p> - -<p>"This won't hurt him, I suppose?" inquired the sub-lieutenant, -producing a spirit flask.</p> - -<p>"Only a small nip," replied the doctor, as he busied himself with -another case.</p> - -<p>Kenneth drank the proffered brandy. The spirit put fresh life into -him. He raised himself and pointed below, but no words came from his -lips.</p> - -<p>The Sub of the <i>Pylos</i> looked puzzled.</p> - -<p>"It's all right," he replied soothingly. "She's as tight as a bottle. -We'll tow her in yet."</p> - -<p>Meredith shook his head.</p> - -<p>"I'm on the wrong tack evidently," thought the Sub. "I wonder if he -can write down what he wants."</p> - -<p>He handed Kenneth a pencil and notebook. The wounded officer took -them eagerly and, with trembling fingers feebly grasping the pencil, -he wrote:</p> - -<p>"Prisoners still below."</p> - -<p>"Good enough," exclaimed the other. "I'll see to that."</p> - -<p>Kenneth smiled, closed his eyes, and relapsed into unconsciousness.</p> - -<br> -<center>* * * * *</center> -<br> - -<p>Accompanied by a couple of hands, the sub-lieutenant of the <i>Pylos</i> -went below and hurried aft.</p> - -<p>Stretched at full length in the narrow alley-way was one of the -mystery ship's crew. He had been detailed at the commencement of the -action to mount guard outside the compartment in which von Preugfeld -and von Loringhoven had been placed. His orders were, in the event of -the ship beginning to sink, to liberate the prisoners and give them -an equal chance with their captors of saving their lives.</p> - -<p>Unknown to the rest of the crew, the sentry had been rendered -insensible, apparently by concussion only, for no marks of injury -were visible.</p> - -<p>They found the key of the compartment lying on the floor within a few -inches of the man's hand, but no amount of persuasion could shoot -back the wards of the lock. They had jammed possibly through the same -shock that had rendered the bluejacket unconscious.</p> - -<p>"Stand clear inside there!" shouted the Sub warningly; then, placing -the muzzle of his revolver a few inches off the door, he fired and -shattered the lock.</p> - -<p>The sight which met his eyes was an unexpected one. Ober-leutnant -Hans von Preugfeld was lying on his back with a ghastly wound in his -chest. Even in death his heavy Prussian features looked grim and -forbidding.</p> - -<p>In the far corner von Loringhoven was leaning against the bulkhead, -pale-faced and terror-stricken, with three fingers of his right hand -torn away.</p> - -<p>"You're all right, old bean!" exclaimed the sub-lieutenant of the -<i>Pylos</i>. "You'll enjoy the hospitality of Donnington Hall yet. Come -along and let's see what our doc. can do for you."</p> - -<p>In spite of every precaution that Morpeth had taken to safeguard his -prisoners, Nemesis in the shape of a German shell had overtaken von -Preugfeld. Placed for his protection as far below the water-line as -possible, the ober-leutnant had been slain by a three-pounder shell, -which, without exploding, had penetrated Q 171's side about two feet -above the water-line. Glancing from the underside of the metal base -of one of the triple torpedo-tubes, the missile had been deflected -downwards. Penetrating the roof of the prisoners' cell, the pointed -missile had gone completely through von Preugfeld's body and had -ended its career by pulverising von Loringhoven's fingers and jamming -the door.</p> - -<p>By the time the Sub returned to the deck the work of rendering first -aid to the wounded was accomplished. The <i>Polyxo</i>, having transferred -the German crew as prisoners from the torpedo boat that Q 171 had -rammed, was engaged in sending to the bottom the still floating -portion. Already the light cruisers were returning, having been -robbed of the fruits of complete victory by their foe taking shelter -in neutral waters.</p> - -<p>Twenty minutes later Q 171, taken in tow by the <i>Pylos</i>, was on her -way back to Britannia's shores.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter28"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XXVIII</h3> - -<h4 align="center">THE HOMECOMING</h4> - -<p>"<span class="smallcaps">It's</span> time those scallywags of ours put in an appearance, -Sparrowhawk," remarked Colonel Greyhouse of the Auldhaig Air Station. -"They reported from Leith two days ago. We're short-handed, and -there's a patrol needed to escort the light cruisers back."</p> - -<p>"Quite true, sir," agreed Major Sparrowhawk. "I'll 'phone through. -Because they had a joy-ride on a Q-boat is no excuse for kicking -their heels around Leith and Edinburgh."</p> - -<p>"And how's young Pyecroft?" inquired the C.O.</p> - -<p>"Reported for duty this morning, sir," replied the second-in-command. -"I asked him if he wanted sick leave and he declined."</p> - -<p>Colonel Greyhouse raised his eyebrows in surprise. Never before had -he known of a case of a junior officer refusing leave.</p> - -<p>"Wonder what his game is?" he remarked, as he gathered his cap, -gloves and stick from an untidy heap on the ante-room table.</p> - -<p>Before the second-in-command could think of a suitable reply, the -door was thrown open and the three absentees filed into the -room—Captain Cumberleigh leading, followed by Lieutenants Blenkinson -and Jefferson.</p> - -<p>"Detained at Area Headquarters, sir," reported Captain Cumberleigh.</p> - -<p>"All right," rejoined the C.O. drily. "As it happens, you're just in -time, Major Sparrowhawk will give you your orders."</p> - -<p>He went out, leaving the three returned officers exchanging inquiring -glances.</p> - -<p>"The light-cruiser squadron went out yesterday to give a leg-up to -your pals in Q 171," explained the major. "There are U-boats knocking -about off the north of the Dogger. The C.O. wants a couple of blimps -to go out and get in touch with the cruisers."</p> - -<p>"And Q 171: what of her, sir?" asked Blenkinson.</p> - -<p>The major shook his head.</p> - -<p>"No news has come through," he replied. "Apparently you fellows had -an exciting time."</p> - -<p>"Rather, sir," exclaimed Jefferson. "I suppose Pyecroft told you -everything up to the time we lost sight of him. Plucky blighter, -Pyecroft!"</p> - -<p>"There's one point I'd like to mention, sir," remarked Cumberleigh.</p> - -<p>"What's that?" asked Major Sparrowhawk.</p> - -<p>"You owe me a double whisky," said Cumberleigh solemnly.</p> - -<p>"By Jove, I do!" admitted the second-in-command. "You were right -about that Fennelburt fellow. They are on his track, but I've had no -news of his capture."</p> - -<p>"That's why we were detained," explained Cumberleigh. "There's a -'tec—Entwistle is his name—on the spy's track. Almost nabbed him at -York, but he managed to slip through the 'tec's fingers. This -Entwistle came to Leith to ask us certain questions. It appears that -Fennelburt's real name is Karl von Preussen, and he's a don hand at -the game."</p> - -<p>It was early on the following morning that the light-cruiser flotilla -came into Auldhaig Harbour. All had their funnels blistered and -stripped of paint, testifying to the efforts of the engine-room staff -to break all records in the matter of speed. After them came the -destroyers, a few showing signs of having been in action.</p> - -<p>In single column line ahead they stole on at reduced speed, their -passing greeted with resounding cheers from the crews of the vessels -at anchor and from dense crowds of spectators who lined the shore. -Silently, as if too modest to take unto themselves any credit for -what they had done, the cruisers went to their appointed -mooring-buoys and the destroyers disappeared from view within the -entrance to the large basin in Auldhaig Dockyard.</p> - -<p>But still the crowd refused to disperse.</p> - -<p>They expected something more. Even the bald official Admiralty -announcement—"One of our Light-Cruiser Squadrons, supported by -destroyers, sighted and engaged enemy forces in the North Sea. Three -enemy destroyers were sunk; the rest escaped, apparently heavily -damaged. Our casualties were light"—had failed to keep one of the -salient features of the action a secret. The inhabitants of Auldhaig -remained on the shore, expecting, and were not disappointed of, a -spectacle.</p> - -<p>Well in the rear of the flotilla came three vessels, one towing -another and the third steaming slowly a cable's length astern. -Overhead, their envelopes glistening in the sunlight, were three -coastal airships.</p> - -<p>As the expected vessels drew nearer telescopes and field-glasses were -levelled in a formidable battery by the throng.</p> - -<p>"That's the <i>Inattentive</i>, sure," declared a man who wore a silver -badge and had the appearance of a sailor despite the fact that one -coat-sleeve was empty and pinned across his breast. "She's got the -Q-boat in tow. Looks like the old <i>Pylos</i> coming up astern."</p> - -<p>"Looks like a U-boat in tow," remarked another spectator. "P'raps -they've captured her before her crew could sink her—dirty dogs!"</p> - -<p>The Silver Badge man handed his telescope to a boy and tapped the -second speaker on the shoulder.</p> - -<p>"Look here, my man!" he exclaimed. "She's flying a flag, isn't she? -What flag is it?"</p> - -<p>"White Ensign—half-mast high," replied the other.</p> - -<p>"Then what d'ye mean by saying she's a blinkin' U-boat?" demanded the -ex-bluejacket hotly. "If she were, you'd be seein' that White Ensign -flyin' over Fritz's rotten ensign. That, I tell you, is the Q-boat -our light cruisers went out to bring in. And they've jolly well done -it, too. Stand by, you chaps, an' give her a proper British cheer."</p> - -<p>Slowly, very slowly, the <i>Inattentive</i> passed the Outer Bar Buoy, and -turning close in shore followed the line of buoys marking the -approach channel to Auldhaig Harbour.</p> - -<p>The spectators wanted a sight. What they saw was a long hull, -battered and scarred. The deck was little more than a litter of torn -and riddled steelwork, but conspicuous among the debris was the -muzzle of a dismounted quick-firer that tilted at an acute angle to -the sky. Right aft a space had been cleared, and on it were rows of -motionless figures wrapped in canvas hammocks. Clustered round the -hastily repaired stanchion-rails were a few bandaged heroes whose -appearance resembled that of tramps rather than British bluejackets.</p> - -<p>Cheers? Not a sound. At the sight of the half-masted Ensign and the -gallant dead lying upon the deck of the ship that they had fought so -well, the desire to cheer was quelled. As if by a common impulse the -crowd stood silent and bareheaded, as a tribute to those who had laid -down their lives for King and Country.</p> - -<p>But "Tough Geordie," Wakefield and Meredith were ignorant of the -silent tribute. They were still unconscious.</p> - -<p>With those dishevelled but undaunted survivors of her crew standing -at attention, Q 171 glided past the port flagship, the towing hawser -was slipped, and the battered mystery ship, taken in charge of a -dockyard tug, was safely berthed alongside the jetty.</p> - -<p>Ambulances were already in attendance, and the work of transferring -the wounded to the naval hospital was immediately put in hand.</p> - -<p>Wakefield opened his eyes as he was being carried up the broad steps -into the building. Morpeth had a partial return to consciousness -almost at the same time.</p> - -<p>Looking round at the unfamiliar surroundings, he appeared to be -solving some perplexing problem. His last conscious vision as he lay -with a shattered arm upon the deck of the ship he had handled so -magnificently was that of a man scrambling through the smoke and -across a pile of debris to the triple torpedo-tubes. He watched the -unknown hero fumbling over the releasing levers until at last a "tin -fish" leapt from the only serviceable tube. Then in a swirl of -pungent smoke the vision grew blurred and faded into nothingness.</p> - -<p>"What I want to know is," he exclaimed with startling clearness, "who -the blue blazes fired that last torpedo? 'Tany rate, it got her -properly."</p> - -<p>And Wakefield smiled to himself and closed his eyes again. But -Kenneth Meredith was still in blissful ignorance of his surroundings.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter29"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XXIX</h3> - -<h4 align="center">WHO FIRED THAT TORPEDO?</h4> - -<p><span class="smallcaps">It</span> was close on eight o'clock on a clear October evening that Kenneth -Meredith, promoted to Lieutenant-Commander R.N.V.R., and having the -distinctive letters D.S.C. tacked on to his name, was pacing the -crowded departure platform at King's Cross.</p> - -<p>Six months was a big chunk out of a man's life—six months of -comparative idleness, spent partly in Haslar Hospital, partly in a -convalescent home on the South Coast, and latterly at his own home. -But carving fantastic-shaped pieces of shell—which, being German by -origin, showed decided tendencies to produce gangrene—out of a -patient and allowing the wounds to heal takes time, especially when -the fragments are lodged in close proximity to the spine. For some -weeks it was touch and go, but Meredith's record of clean living and -high vitality were in his favour. And now he found himself at King's -Cross, bound north to take command of M.L. 1497, attached to the -fleet at Scapa Flow.</p> - -<p>Only once since that memorable May evening when he travelled south in -a hospital train had Kenneth been in London. That was a fortnight -ago, when he had business at the Admiralty. Just outside the old -entrance he encountered a burly, bearded man with one arm in a sling -and the D.S.O. ribbon on his breast. It was Morpeth, very much down -in the mouth despite the fact that he had been decorated by his -Sovereign. The grievance was that "Tough Geordie's" sea-days were -over. Neither the Royal Navy nor the Mercantile Marine has a use for -a one-armed man. It was useless to remind My Lords that Nelson was -one-armed, besides possessing only one eye. <i>Autres temps, autres -moeurs</i>. So Morpeth was given a pension for wounds and sent out to -join the vast and ever-increasing throng of wounded heroes, to jog -along as best he might on a sum that, taking into consideration the -low purchasing power of a "Bradbury," was barely sufficient to keep -his head above water.</p> - -<p>Apart from that chance meeting, Meredith had heard from Morpeth but -twice. The R.N.R. officer was a bad correspondent at the best of -times, and now, hampered by physical disabilities, he simply could -not bring himself to put pen to paper.</p> - -<p>It was different as far as Wakefield was concerned. Wakefield, too, -had passed through some critical moments during his prolonged stay in -hospital, but from the first, even though he had to correspond -through the medium of a hospital nurse, he never failed to keep in -touch with his late subordinate and brother-in-arms. He had been -awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, and had been appointed to -M.L. 1499, also attached to the Scapa Flow Base.</p> - -<p>The two R.N.V.R. officers had arranged to travel north together; but -the hour fixed for the departure of the train was drawing nigh, and -Wakefield, who usually made a point of being half an hour too early -rather than half a minute too late, had not yet put in an appearance.</p> - -<p>Already Meredith had secured a doubleberth sleeping compartment and -had handed his compact kit over to the care of the guard. The -passengers were exclusively Naval, Military, or Air Force. -Bluejackets, holding their scanty kit in black silk scarves, were -conversing with khaki-clad Tommies equipped with rifles and bayonets, -"tin-hats" and other paraphernalia associated with that delectable -region known as "The Front." There were men, too, clad in tropical -uniform and wearing sun-helmets, whose appearance contrasted vividly -with a party of fur-clad Engineers about to leave for Northern -Russia. Amongst the officers, who for the most part had already -secured their seats and had bought evening papers from the -loud-yelling newsboys, could be seen every diversity of uniform. -Naval rig predominated, but there were khaki-clad infantry officers, -kilted Highlanders, R.A.F.'s in gorgeous if unserviceable light blue, -slouch-hatted Australians and Canadians, flat brim-hatted New -Zealanders, and a solitary subaltern of an Indian regiment wearing a -turban. One and all were going to be shed from the crowded train at -various stopping-places between King's Cross and Thurso, their -diverse ways governed by an all-absorbing factor—to break for ever -the menace of Prussian Kaiserism.</p> - -<p>Everywhere a cheerful spirit pervaded. The end was in sight. After -over four years of desperate fighting, in which there were dark -periods when it seemed as if Germany was having much her own way, -there were unmistakable signs that the Hun was "cracking up." On the -naval side things had been going steadily worse with her since the -glorious operations that resulted in the blocking of Zeebrugge and -Ostend. Almost from that time the submarine menace paled. Convoys of -merchantmen were continuously arriving unscathed at British ports; a -huge American army had been successfully transported across the -Atlantic, and the U-boats had been powerless to say them nay. -Rumours, that were subsequently confirmed, were in the air that the -Hun High Seas Fleet had been ordered out to commit <i>felo-de-se</i> under -the guns of the Grand Fleet, and that the crews had declined to -sacrifice their lives even to please the whim of the arch -cannon-fodder provider, the Emperor Wilhelm.</p> - -<p>And on land things were no better for the Hun. His stupendous attempt -to break through at Arras had failed. Another desperate effort -against Paris had resulted in his masses being thrown back dispirited -and disorganised. All along the line between the North Sea and the -Swiss Frontier the field-grey troops were being pushed back, while -elsewhere their allies—Turkish, Austrian, and Bulgarian—were -practically "down and out."</p> - -<p>Amongst the naval people the news was received phlegmatically. -Rumours of a German naval mutiny had been received before—perhaps it -was a move on Germany's part to throw us off our guard. It seemed -impossible to think otherwise but that the Hun High Seas Fleet would -put to sea as a forlorn hope. British naval officers generously tried -to credit the Germans with a sense of honour approaching their own; -hence they could not expect anything else but a big scrap before the -end. It would be a foregone conclusion, but it would give the Huns a -chance to vindicate themselves and the British to clinch the -opportunity that they had missed at Jutland.</p> - -<p>While his fellow passengers were discussing the world-wide situation -in general and the naval one in particular, Meredith was still -keeping watch for his chum Wakefield. Almost at the last minute -Wakefield hove in sight, cheery and smiling as of yore, having in tow -a bearded, greatcoated individual whom Meredith recognised as "Tough -Geordie Morpeth."</p> - -<p>"Let's get aboard," exclaimed Wakefield briskly. "We can kag -afterwards.... Yes; Morpeth's coming along, too.... Never mind about -a porter; we'll sling this gear into the corridor. In you hop, -Morpeth. My word! it was a narrow shave, eh, what?"</p> - -<p>The three edged along the corridor, making their way over handbags -and portmanteaux until they came to the compartment Meredith had -secured.</p> - -<p>"Leave your kit here," he remarked. "I'll find the attendant and get -you a berth, Morpeth. S'pose you're going beyond York?"</p> - -<p>He looked inquiringly at the bearded R.N.R. man, who wore a brand-new -uniform under his sea-stained greatcoat.</p> - -<p>"Yes, to Scapa, too," he replied. "I've got a shore berth there. -Goodness knows how. Someone put their oar in for me—must have done. -Anyhow, it's good money and a chance to get afloat occasionally, so I -jumped at it. 'Fraid it's only for the duration though."</p> - -<p>And he sighed deeply. Like many another man whose heart and soul are -wrapped up in his work, he both longed for and dreaded the time when -"Fritz chucked his hand in."</p> - -<p>Meredith helped him off with his coat.</p> - -<p>"Jolly strange," remarked Morpeth, "being one-armed; but I'm getting -used to it. Often I can feel my missing fingers—absolute fact."</p> - -<p>He sat down on an upturned suit-case and proceeded to fill his -well-blackened pipe with a dexterity that surprised his companions. -"That's a thing I've no use for now," he added, indicating a razor -that Wakefield was removing from a handbag. "Being single-handed, in -a manner of speaking, gives me an excuse for not shaving."</p> - -<p>Just then a short, thick-set man in the rig of a commander R.N.R. -thrust his head through the doorway.</p> - -<p>"Sorry," he exclaimed apologetically. "Thought there might be a -vacant berth. Why, dash my wigs, it's 'Tough Geordie'!"</p> - -<p>"Anderson, my lad, delighted! Squeeze in. We'll find a tot of -something. I've a flask in my bag. Wakefield, an old chum of mine. -And this is a young chum—Meredith by name."</p> - -<p>"Let me see," remarked the commander. "Weren't you in a Q-boat? Yes, -I thought so. Had many exciting stunts?"</p> - -<p>"A few," replied Morpeth modestly. "One of the rummiest was when -Wakefield tried to knock paint off my old hooker with his -six-pounders, and I sank his little M.L."</p> - -<p>"Accidents will happen," quoted Commander Anderson. "I nearly sank -one of our own submarines once.... But your missing arm.... and the -D.S.O. ribbon—what about that?"</p> - -<p>"A little scrap," explained Morpeth. "I don't know why they gave me -the D.S.O., although they said I torpedoed a Hun destroyer. For -details ask Wakefield; he's our torpedo expert."</p> - -<p>Wakefield flushed hotly.</p> - -<p>"I don't know what you mean," he expostulated.</p> - -<p>The conversation flowed into other channels, continuing briskly until -someone suggested turning in.</p> - -<p>Anderson said good-night, and resumed his interrupted search for -somewhere to lay his head. Morpeth was about to follow Meredith to -the berth the latter had secured for him, when Wakefield called the -R.N.R. man back.</p> - -<p>"Say," he remarked, lapsing into one of his Canadian-acquired -expressions, "what did you mean when you told the merchant I was a -torpedo expert?"</p> - -<p>"Tough Geordie's" face wrinkled more than usual, as he playfully -prodded Wakefield in the ribs with the fingers of his remaining hand.</p> - -<p>"You're a sly dog, Wakefield," he chuckled; "but you can't get to -wind'ard of Geordie Morpeth. Happened to meet one of my ship's -company at Waterloo this morning, and he told me something that's -been puzzling me for months past. You were the blighter who slapped -that torpedo into the Hun torpedo boat; and that's what got me this."</p> - -<p>And he touched the bit of ribbon on his coat.</p> - -<p>"Tut, tut!" expostulated Wakefield. "No; I can't deny it since you've -taxed me with it. But let the thing drop, Morpeth. If you don't, I'm -hanged if I'll take you for a joy-ride in my M.L. as long as I'm at -Scapa Flow. So put that in your pipe and smoke it, you dear old -thing!"</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter30"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XXX</h3> - -<h4 align="center">A NIGHT OF COINCIDENCES</h4> - -<p><span class="smallcaps">It</span> was late on the following day when Meredith and his companions, -together with close on six hundred naval ratings and a corresponding -quantity of kit and baggage, found themselves dumped down upon the -platform at Thurso. The long Highland night had fallen, bringing with -it wind and rain in plenty, and altogether things looked too desolate -for words. It was bitterly cold, too, and occasionally drifting -flakes of snow eddied in the howling wind.</p> - -<p>"Cheerful sort of show, this!" exclaimed Wakefield, as he buttoned the -storm-flap of his waterproof coat. "Can't say I like the idea of this -part as a cruising-ground. Auldhaig was bad enough at times, but -this!"</p> - -<p>"Wonder our fellows could stick it, summer and winter, for over four, -years," remarked Meredith. "Hark at the roar of the surf! And -Thurso's in a bay, isn't it?"</p> - -<p>For the most part the bluejackets were accepting the conditions with -the same equanimity as when they fall in on the lower deck for -dinner. Clad in glistening oilskins, and gripping their bundles, they -formed up and marched off to a long shed to partake of refreshment, -laughing and cutting jokes like overgrown schoolboys.</p> - -<p>The officers, too, were sorting themselves out and drifting away in -search of a repast. Their baggage was left to take care of itself. -Far from the Metropolis, and free from the inconveniences of being at -the mercy of opulent and independent porters, Thurso was run strictly -on Service lines. There was no necessity on the part of the owners to -worry about their luggage. Under the supervision of a "baggage -officer" a crowd of bluejackets threw themselves upon the weird -assortment of "officers' effects," and in due course the luggage, -marshalled and sorted, would be transferred to various tenders for -conveyance to the Fleet.</p> - -<p>Presently the refreshment-rooms disgorged their temporary occupants. -Voices in the night were heard shouting, "Men for <i>Furious</i> fall in." -"<i>Iron Dukes</i> to the right." "Ninth Destroyer Flotilla men, this -way"—until the hitherto jumbled crowd of humanity was formed up into -a distinct semblance of order.</p> - -<p>In fours the bluejackets marched along the pier to embark on various -tugs and harbour craft that were to take them to their respective -ships across the wild Pentland Firth, their movements regulated by a -bull-throated piermaster, whose capacity for organisation alone, -apart from the cap, greatcoat and sea-boots, would have proclaimed -him to be a naval officer.</p> - -<p>At frequent intervals he would be interrupted to answer questions by -harassed officers and men, yet with the ease of a Cook's courier he -would supply the necessary information and then revert to his main -task of supervising the embarkation.</p> - -<p>"M.L.'s?" he exclaimed, in answer to Wakefield's query. "Take -passage in <i>Growler</i>. She's lying at No. 3 berth.... What's that? -Beach-master at Skelda Holm? H'm! let me see. Yes! you'd better carry -on with the M.L. party. You'll find a duty boat at Scapa."</p> - -<p>"So we don't part company yet awhile," said Morpeth. "Lead on, -Wakefield, and let's get out of the rain. I can stick plenty of salt -spray, but I'm hanged if I like this."</p> - -<p>They found the <i>Growler</i>, a tubby twin-screw tug, grinding against -the pier, massive rope fenders notwithstanding. On board were half a -dozen R.N.V.R. officers and about fifty men. The former eyed the -newcomers keenly, as if expecting to find former acquaintances.</p> - -<p>"Give us your paw, laddie. I am delighted to see you," exclaimed a -hearty voice, as a big, muscular hand gripped Meredith's shoulder. -"Bless me, and Wakefield too!"</p> - -<p>"McIntosh!" ejaculated Meredith. "What are you doing here?"</p> - -<p>"I'll tell ye all in guid time," replied the R.N.V.R. officer, whose -shoulder-straps denoted that he was a Sub no longer but a full-blown -lieutenant. "But just tell me: where's that golf club of mine I gave -you to mend?"</p> - -<p>"'Fraid it's at the bottom of the North Sea," replied Meredith. "'All -goods left at owner's risk,' you know. But tell me when did you leave -Auldhaig?"</p> - -<p>"Last May," replied Jock gloomily. "After I lost that confounded -lighter my name was Mud. They gave me an M.L., but she's a swine. -She's known as the <i>Scapa Misfit</i>—an' she is," he added bitterly. -"There's been three fires in the galley—petrol stoves are a -curse—once I stove her bows in 'cause the rudder chains jammed, and -now she's laid up with a fractured cylinder. Hope she is still!"</p> - -<p>"Chuck it, you bloomin' pessimist!" exclaimed Wakefield boisterously. -"Say you re glad to see us——"</p> - -<p>"I did," declared McIntosh. "And my Sub! He's what you'd call a -knock-out. I'll swop with you, Meredith. P'raps you could make -something of him—give him poison, or muzzle him, or shanghai him."</p> - -<p>"What's he done?" asked Kenneth.</p> - -<p>Before Jock McIntosh could go very far into the reasons why -Sub-lieutenant Jasper Clinch was the bane of his existence, the -piermaster came hurrying along the jetty.</p> - -<p>"Too bad outside," he yelled, addressing the skipper of the tug. -"We've just got orders to transfer the men to Wick. It will be an -easier passage."</p> - -<p>The master of the <i>Growler</i> signified acquiescence. He gave a jerk at -the engine-room telegraph, shouted "Finished with the engines, -George!" and descended the bridge with the air of a man who has -suddenly come into a small fortune. In his case it was a stroke of -rattling good luck. Expecting a tempestuous trip across the swirling -"Swilkie"—one of the most dangerous "tidal races" round the British -Isles—he was greatly surprised and relieved to find that his orders -had been countermanded.</p> - -<p>One man's meat is another man's poison. This axiom was clearly -demonstrated when the order came for all officers and men to -disembark, entrain once more, and proceed to Wick—a railway journey -of about twenty miles, tedious enough when tacked on to long hours of -travelling.</p> - -<p>Upon arrival at Wick another surprise awaited Wakefield and Meredith, -for on the pier-head they encountered Jefferson and Pyecroft.</p> - -<p>"Cheerio!" exclaimed Jefferson. "So we are to be shipmates again! -Hope neither of us is a Jonah this trip. D'ye remember that old -lighter?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, rather," replied Meredith. "Coincidences are tumbling over one -another tonight. McIntosh, let me introduce you to Jefferson and -Pyecroft. They picked up the X-barge you lost."</p> - -<p>"They were welcome to her," remarked McIntosh. "So you fellows saw -the inside of a U-boat?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," admitted Jefferson. "I did. Pyecroft, here, preferred a swim -in the North Sea. By the by, Meredith, old Cumberleigh's knocking -around somewhere. He was on the pier five minutes ago. We're off to -Stenness Air Station—it's not far from Scapa—for aerial -observation duties. Hello! This our boat?"</p> - -<p>A large, two-funnelled vessel was approaching the jetty, her decks -deserted save for a few muffled and greatcoated passengers. Usually -she brought a full complement of liberty men from the Grand Fleet, -but now, in anticipation of a move on the part of the Hun Navy, all -leave had been stopped.</p> - -<p>"Better than crossing in a tug," commented Wakefield. "And we'll be -under the lee of the land till we clear Duncansbay Head. Hello! -here's Cumberleigh. Cheerio!"</p> - -<p>Greetings were exchanged between the R.A.F. captain and the R.N.V.R. -officers, while Morpeth came in for a fair share of congratulations.</p> - -<p>"Thank goodness I found my sea-legs aboard your old hooker, Morpeth," -remarked Cumberleigh. "My word, there's a swell running!"</p> - -<p>The steamer made fast. The wire hawsers were made fast and the -gangways run out.</p> - -<p>"Bless my soul," ejaculated McIntosh, pointing to a cloaked figure -descending the gangway, "'if that isn't my Sub! Wonder what he's -doing here?"</p> - -<p>He detached himself from the crowd and confronted Sub-lieutenant -Jasper Clinch.</p> - -<p>"Hello, Sub!" he exclaimed. "Got leave?"</p> - -<p>"No," was the reply. "No such luck. The S.N.O. ordered me to -Auldhaig. There's a Court of Inquiry about something. Has the train -left yet?"</p> - -<p>Jefferson nudged Cumberleigh in the ribs.</p> - -<p>"Good enough!" exclaimed the R.A.F. captain, and to the surprise of -everyone standing around, the two officers literally leapt at the -astounded Clinch.</p> - -<p>Before the latter had time to consider the situation he was lying on -his back on the wet and muddy jetty, with Cumberleigh sitting on his -chest and Jefferson gripping his ankles.</p> - -<p>"Find the A.P.M., somebody," exclaimed Cumberleigh in an exultant -tone; "or a picquet will answer the purpose. Now then, Captain -Fennelburt, or whatever you call yourself—no, don't wriggle, it's -bad form—there's no need to worry about the Auldhaig train. You'll -soon be in safe quarters, my festive!"</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter31"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XXXI</h3> - -<h4 align="center">THE GREAT SURRENDER</h4> - -<p>"<span class="smallcaps">Supposing</span> the Huns won't sign," remarked Wakefield, somewhat -wistfully.</p> - -<p>"They will," said Meredith reassuringly. "We've got them -cold—absolutely."</p> - -<p>"And the sooner the better," added Jock McIntosh. "It was a close -thing to say who would be fed up first—Fritz or us. Fritz did win -that, but by a short length."</p> - -<p>"You are speaking for yourself, my lad," said Wakefield. "You can -see your release in sight, but I'll bet you'll be wishing yourself -back again before you're out six months."</p> - -<p>It was the morning of the memorable 11th day of November. The three -M.L. skippers, just back from patrol, had foregathered in the -ward-room of No. 1497 during the period known as "stand easy."</p> - -<p>The M.L.'s were lying in a fairly sheltered creek—one of the -numerous indentations of Scapa Flow. Beyond a neck of rocky ground -could be discerned a forest of tripod masts and lofty funnels, -marking the war-time anchorage of the most powerful fleet that the -world has yet seen.</p> - -<p>"You are a bit far-seeing, my festive," remarked Meredith.</p> - -<p>"I am," admitted Wakefield. "After four years of it, are we going to -settle down to a humdrum life, rubbing shoulders with those blighters -who stayed at home and made pots of money out of the Empire's days of -supreme trial? Can you imagine yourself, Meredith, on the beach with -all your kit, demobbed and with nothing to do? It'll come to that. -The Government were jolly glad to get hold of us, and when the war is -over it'll be a case of 'Thank you and get out.' There will be -thousands of young fellows, used to command and innured to peril, who -will be literally on their beam ends, because they never had the -chance of completing their peace-time education."</p> - -<p>"There's the sea behind us," suggested Meredith.</p> - -<p>"Is there?" questioned Wakefield, "I doubt it, unless it's potting -around in private yachts and small sailing-boats. We've learnt to -handle M.L.'s pretty efficiently, but after the war you try for a -post as skipper of a trading steamer. Think you'll get it? You won't. -You'll be up against all the red tape of Board of Trade officialdom -and all that sort of thing. But Fritz hasn't accepted the terms of -the Armistice yet."</p> - -<p>"By the by," remarked Kenneth. "Have you heard any more news of -Cumberleigh's pal, Karl von Preussen?"</p> - -<p>"Now, how could I?" expostulated Wakefield. "Haven't we been on -patrol for umpteen hours? Just before we left we heard that he was -being sent under escort to London."</p> - -<p>"He's a plucky fellow, in any case," observed McIntosh.</p> - -<p>"Deucedly daring," corrected Wakefield.</p> - -<p>"I don't know," remarked Meredith. "It may be pluck or daring, or -both. Hanged if I should like the job! Yet both sides employ spies. -These fellows go about their work with the utmost certainty of -finding themselves up against a wall and looking down the muzzles of -a dozen rifles if they're caught."</p> - -<p>"Seems to me it's a despicable sort of job," said Wakefield, as he -relit his pipe. "Sort of stabbing-your-foeman-in-the-back business. -If, for instance, von Preussen hadn't been at Auldhaig the chances -are that Morpeth wouldn't have lost his arm, and a dozen or so Q -171's men wouldn't have been killed in action."</p> - -<p>"And yet, from von Preussen's point of view, his activities resulted -in two Hun submarine-cruisers being prevented from being sent to the -bottom," argued Meredith. "Put the boot on the other foot and imagine -von Preussen working for us, you'd say he was a dashed smart fellow. -Hello! here's Cumberleigh coming alongside."</p> - -<p>A dinghy had just brought the R.A.F. captain from the beach, and -Cumberleigh was looking down the ward-room ladder.</p> - -<p>"Come down," sung out Meredith, who, since the informal gathering was -held on his M.L., was master of the ceremonies. "We're discussing -your friend, von Preussen. We were debating whether he were plucky or -not."</p> - -<p>"He's slippery, at any rate," declared Cumberleigh, as he settled -himself in one comer of the settee and lit a cigarette. "You know I -was warned as a witness at the court-martial. Rotten job giving -evidence against a fellow. To my mind it's like murdering him in cold -blood. I was to have left for London this afternoon, but this morning -I had a wire postponing the most unpleasant duty. Then I learnt from -the adjutant that von Preussen was at liberty again."</p> - -<p>"Released?" asked Meredith and Wakefield in one voice.</p> - -<p>"After a fashion," replied Cumberleigh.</p> - -<p>"Details please?"</p> - -<p>"There are none—except that he managed to escape. However, I don't -fancy von Preussen will count after to-day. The Armistice——"</p> - -<p>"Has it been signed?" asked McIntosh.</p> - -<p>Before Cumberleigh could reply there came a low roar of distant -cheering, accompanied by the hooting of steam whistles and the -long-drawn boom of sirens.</p> - -<p>"By Jove!" exclaimed Wakefield.</p> - -<p>The four officers started to their feet and scrambled indecorously -for the ladder. Gaining the deck, they found the signalman of the -anchored M.L.'s taking in a message from the swiftly moving arms of a -shore semaphore.</p> - -<p>"What is it, Signalman?" inquired Meredith.</p> - -<p>"'Report rounds of quick-firing ammunition on board,' sir," was the -unexpected reply.</p> - -<p>But on the heels of the first came a second signal——</p> - -<p>"ARMISTICE SIGNED."</p> - -<p>The M.L. crews cheered lustily. Hostilities had ceased. Gone, for all -time presumably, were those long, tedious vigils on the grey North -Sea, those hazardous patrols through the mine-infested waters, those -anxious nights when, blow high or blow low, the frail little craft -had to put to sea on an apparently trivial errand.</p> - -<p>Germany had caved in. Without striking a blow, the powerful fleet -with which the Kaiser had hoped to wrest the trident from Britannia's -grasp was to pass into inglorious internment. The strangle-hold of -the British Navy had triumphed.</p> - -<p>More than that. The Freedom of the Seas was established more firmly -than before. In the subsequent words of Sir David Beatty, "The -surrender of the German Fleet has secured the Freedom of the Seas for -such as pass thereon upon their lawful occasions, and is a testimony -to the value of sea power which the people of the British Empire will -forget at their peril."</p> - -<p>A week later the vast anchorage of Scapa Flow was practically empty. -The Grand Fleet had left for the Firth of Forth to arrange the actual -surrender of the pick of Germany's battleships, cruisers and -destroyers. Of the U-boats the first batch of a total of 120 was due -to arrive at Harwich on the 20th, but "Beatty's Day" was fixed for -the 21st.</p> - -<p>"Here's luck, Meredith," exclaimed Wakefield. "Five of us are to -represent the M.L. flotillas, and have a joy-trip to meet Fritz. The -S.N.O.'s just drawn the names. You're one, and so am I, so pack up -and get ready. We're to be temporarily accommodated on board the -<i>Lion</i>."</p> - -<p>The Day dawned grey and misty as the mighty steel-clad battleships -steamed eastward to meet their surrendering foes. Grey predominated -everywhere, from the leaden-coloured skies to the leaden-hued water -churned by the propellers of a hundred grey-hulled warships. The -fluttering White Ensign and the Admirals' flags flying from the -leading ships of each division provided a fitting contrast to the -otherwise sombre yet soul-inspiring pageant of "Might and Right."</p> - -<p>"We're taking no risks," thought Meredith, as a bugle rang for -"Action Stations." "It only shows how low a Hun's honour is rated."</p> - -<p>Silently yet rapidly the battle-cruiser's ship's company fell in at -their appointed stations. The securing chains of the huge turrets -were cast off and the monster guns trained and elevated to test the -intricate mechanism. The quick-firers were manned and trained abeam, -ammunition was sent up from the magazines, torpedoes launched home -into the under-water tubes, fire hoses were coupled up and watertight -doors closed. Officers and men, with gas-masks ready to hand, were -keenly on the alert, those whose stations prevented them from seeing -what was going on without plying their more fortunate comrades with -eager questions.</p> - -<p>Kenneth and Wakefield were standing just under the fore-bridge. Above -them every tier of "Monkey Island" bore its quota of sightseers, all -looking steadily ahead into the grey mirk in a kind of competition as -to who should first discern the masts of the expected Hun ships.</p> - -<p>"Think they'll show up? If so, will they fight?" asked Wakefield.</p> - -<p>A naval officer standing by answered him.</p> - -<p>"They'll show up all right. As to fighting, it's a toss up. Judging -from our standpoint, I shouldn't be surprised if they did; but, by -Jove! they will be smashed in twenty rounds."</p> - -<p>The whirr of an aerial propeller sounded overhead, and a large -seaplane, literally skimming over the fore-topmast truck, raced -noisily eastward, and was lost to sight in the grey dawn. Another, -passing well to windward, followed, and then a huge airship, her -yellow gas-bag glinting in the pale light, sailed serenely overhead -at a great height. The scouts of the modern navy were at work.</p> - -<p>"They're coming, sir!" announced a messenger, as he flung himself at -the bridge ladder. "Airship's just wirelessed through."</p> - -<p>"Then that's done it—one way or the other," murmured the naval -officer. "I look like getting Christmas leave after all."</p> - -<p>Approaching rapidly, came the line of pale-grey Hun battle-cruisers, -led by the British light cruiser <i>Cardiff</i>. As far as could be seen, -they flew no ensigns. Either in fear or in shame they hesitated to -hoist the dishonoured Black Cross—the battle-cruisers had figured -prominently in the raid on Scarboro' and Hartlepool, and the Huns -were far from comfortable at the thought of their reception.</p> - -<p>The German vessels had rigorously carried out the conditions of -surrender. Their guns were trained fore and aft. The slightest -deviation from that position would invite a veritable tornado of -shells into the vitals of any ship that disregarded that command. -Their own supply of ammunition had been left ashore, together with -the war-heads of their torpedoes. The huge warships were like pythons -with their poisonous fangs removed—formidable in appearance yet -powerless to do harm.</p> - -<p>From the British flagship a string of bunting streamed in the wind. -With mathematical precision the two parallel columns turned sixteen -degrees in succession, so that the head of each line was parallel to -and on the same course as the leading German vessel.</p> - -<p>Simultaneously the Huns hoisted their colours. Surrounded by a galaxy -of White Ensigns, the Black Cross fleet was being shepherded into -captivity, while the British battle-cruisers, led by the <i>Lion</i>, -formed a supplementary column betwixt the Hun vessels and the British -battleships following the mighty <i>Queen Elizabeth</i>.</p> - -<p>The "Cat Squadron" had been within sight and within range of the -German battle-cruisers on more than one previous occasion, but for -the first time since the outbreak of war the former were almost -within hailing distance of the hitherto elusive but much-sought-after -<i>Seidlitz, Derfflinger, Moltke</i>, and <i>Von der Tann</i>.</p> - -<p>And so into the Firth of Forth passed the Hun Armada on the first -stage of the final journey to Scapa Flow. One signal did the gallant -Beatty make. It was brief, peremptory, and left in its exactitude no -possibility for doubt. It was sent to Admiral von Reuter, the -Commander-in-Chief of the surrendered fleet:</p> - -<p>"The German Flag is to be hauled down at 15.57 to-day, Thursday, and -is not to be hoisted again without permission."</p> - -<p>Precisely at sunset, the time mentioned in the signal, the Black -Cross Ensign fluttered down on every Hun ship—but von Reuter had his -tongue in his cheek.</p> - -<p>It was a fitting climax to the Bloodless Trafalgar of November 21, -1918.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter32"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XXXII</h3> - -<h4 align="center">A NAVY IMPOTENT</h4> - -<p><span class="smallcaps">Throughout</span> the winter and the following spring Kenneth Meredith still -carried on at Scapa. Wakefield, too, was temporarily retained, but -otherwise the band of R.N.V.R. officers and men of the M.L. patrol -was steadily and rapidly diminishing.</p> - -<p>Almost brand-new boats would steam out for the last time, bound south -to lie, neglected and forlorn, in a Hampshire river, where a tier, -four-deep and lengthening daily, was one of the many signs that the -Great War was practically over, even if Peace were not yet signed.</p> - -<p>Jock McIntosh was one of the first to be "demobbed." He went -smilingly, confident of the future, yet something about him seemed to -strike Meredith that his bright, almost jocular demeanour was a -little simulated.</p> - -<p>There were reductions amongst the Air Force people, too. Blenkinson -and Jefferson went almost at the same time, reluctantly, into an -unaccustomed world to start life afresh, as it were—Blenkinson into -an office, setting aside the "joy-stick" to take up the pen; -Jefferson into slightly more congenial surroundings—to wit, a large -motor business.</p> - -<p>Some months later Pyecroft went, via a demobilisation centre in the -south of England, to take up the almost forgotten threads of study at -an Engineering College.</p> - -<p>Of all the R.A.F. fellows who, by chance, had been Meredith's -comrades on board Q 171, only Cumberleigh remained, "carrying on" -until the order came for the Air Station to "pack up."</p> - -<p>During those months following the Armistice, Kenneth and Wakefield -saw a good deal of Cumberleigh. Although there was much work to be -done with the remaining M.L.'s, there was plenty of opportunity for -leisure, and it was not to be wondered at that after months of -strenuous and perilous occupation there was a decided tendency to -"slack." Joy-riding, both afloat and in the air, was freely indulged -in. For one thing, it "kept one's hand in," and it was better to make -use of both boat and machine than to allow them to rust and -deteriorate for want of use.</p> - -<p>Several times Meredith accompanied Cumberleigh on a flight in a blimp -over the interned German fleet. It was a novel sensation, driving -along at fifty miles an hour in a motor-propelled gas-bag above the -now impotent Hun navy and observing battleship, battle-cruiser, -cruiser and destroyer rusting at their respective moorings.</p> - -<p>"I can't imagine why we don't shunt those Huns," remarked -Cumberleigh, during one flight. The ignition of both motors had been -switched off and the blimp was floating almost motionless in the -still air. "They're supposed to be 'care and maintenance parties,' -but I'm hanged if I've ever seen them at work. The ships ought to -have been surrendered and prize crews put on board."</p> - -<p>"Wakefield and I were talking to a pukka commander on the very -subject," said Meredith. "He quite agreed that Fritz ought to be -shunted, but it appears that the Allied Council insists upon the -German ships being kept in a state of internment."</p> - -<p>"What for?" asked Cumberleigh.</p> - -<p>"Pending a decision as to their disposal," replied Meredith. -"Personally I think it's rather a good scheme towing the lot out to -sea and sinking them, as the Admiralty suggested."</p> - -<p>"Why?" asked the R.A.F. captain. "It would be a precious waste of -good material."</p> - -<p>"It would," agreed Kenneth; "but at the same time it would do away -with any danger of friction between the Allies as to the sharing-out -deal. Without a doubt it was the British Navy that brought about the -surrender. The Yanks, too, helped considerably. But neither we nor -the Americans want the ships. France, Italy and Japan might; but -there, you see, is a chance of squabbling. However, there they are, -and seem likely to remain until Peace is signed."</p> - -<p>"At the same time it's a risky business leaving Fritz on board," -declared Cumberleigh. "Everyone on the station is of the same -opinion, but, I hear, the Commander-in-Chief is helpless in the -matter. Virtually the ships are German territory, even though they -daren't hoist their dirty flags."</p> - -<p>"And we cannot board them to see what's going on," added Meredith. -"All we can do is to overhaul the weekly relief boat to see that she -carries no war material. There was a yarn knocking around that the -Huns were deliberately tampering with the big guns."</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Cumberleigh, "cutting deep grooves round the chases and -filling them in with putty and paint, so that if they were fired they -would burst and kill the guns' crews. That was authenticated, and -photographs printed showing Fritz's rotten trick."</p> - -<p>"The Hun relief boat's due to-morrow," observed Meredith. "Wakefield -and I have to meet her at the entrance to Pentland Firth. Like to -come along with us?"</p> - -<p>"Delighted," replied Cumberleigh, as he motioned to the mechanic to -"carry on." "Look there a minute," he added. "See that Hun just abaft -the after-turret?"</p> - -<p>Kenneth levelled his binoculars upon the deck of the ship -indicated—the giant <i>Hindenburg</i>. The blimp was barely five hundred -feet up, and at that height it seemed as if one could touch the -trucks of her mast with a fishing-rod.</p> - -<p>Standing on the quarter-deck was a burly German bluejacket. Others -were sitting or sprawling on the formerly almost sacred deck, where -no officer or man would step without saluting the Black Cross Ensign. -The fellow had his head thrown back and was gazing upwards at the -British coastal airship, the while making hideous grimaces and -shaking his fist, while his comrades were laughing at his antics and -doubtless applauding his expressions of anger.</p> - -<p>"Sort of thing you'd expect from a Hun," observed Cumberleigh. "He -knows we can't strafe him, so I suppose he thinks he's getting some -satisfaction in making faces at us."</p> - -<p>Meredith replaced his glasses.</p> - -<p>"Yes," he remarked. "Case of little things please little minds. Good -heavens! Can you imagine our fleet lying in captivity at Kiel? I -can't. And yet those fellows don't seem to realise their rotten -position in the slightest."</p> - -<p>"Well, we've seen all that there is to be seen," said Cumberleigh. -"Outwardly the Hun fleet seems <i>in statu quo</i>, but I'd like to know -what's going on 'tween decks."</p> - -<p>"And so would a good many people," added Meredith.</p> - -<p>The noise of the motors interrupted further conversation, as the -blimp, describing a graceful curve, headed for the distant sheds.</p> - -<p>The airship made a faultless descent. With plenty of hands available, -she was guided into her lofty stable, while Meredith, declining an -invitation to stay to lunch at the mess, bade Cumberleigh good-day.</p> - -<p>"And don't forget to-morrow," he added. "We are getting under way at -nine."</p> - -<p>At the landing-stage he encountered Morpeth.</p> - -<p>"Been up?" inquired "Tough Geordie." "I mean to have a trip aloft -before I finish here."</p> - -<p>"Find things a bit dull?" asked Kenneth.</p> - -<p>"A bit," admitted Morpeth. "Since the Grand Fleet pushed off there's -not much doing. A fellow gets sick of looking at a crowd of Hun ships -day after day and not knowing what's going on."</p> - -<p>"Eh?" inquired Kenneth curiously.</p> - -<p>"'Twouldn't have been my way with the brutes," explained Morpeth. -"Practically leaving them to their own devices. We made them come -out: why can't we put the stopper on them?"</p> - -<p>"What's the matter with your foot?" asked Meredith, noticing that his -"companion walked with a slight limp.</p> - -<p>"For over four years," he said, "I never had a chance to lay a Fritz -out. I don't call blowing a few dozen up the same thing. But I did -to-day. I was up beyond Stenness, where you know the Huns are allowed -the run of the show. Hanged if I didn't bear a woman yelling like -billy-o. So I ran up in double quick time and found three Huns -robbing her hen-roost. Took a fowl under her very nose, as cool as -brass. When they saw me they looked a bit scared, until they found -that I had only one arm and there was no one else about. Three of -them to a one-armed man is about their mark. They showed fight. So -did I. I forgot my missing arm and imagined I was handling Dagoes in -the old Foul Anchor Line. Biffed one right in the jaw, staggered -another on the solar plexus. The third hooked it."</p> - -<p>"And your foot?"</p> - -<p>"Travelled a little faster than the fellow who hooked it," replied -Morpeth grimly. "Three knots faster, I'll allow, but I forgot that I -was wearing thin shoes and not fat, solid sea-boots. By the way Fritz -yelled I reckon I hurt him more than he did me, and he won't go -robbing hen-roosts again in a hurry."</p> - -<p>"Have a trip to-morrow?" asked Meredith. "We're going out to look for -the Hun relief ship. Cumberleigh's coming."</p> - -<p>"Suppose I can manage it," replied Morpeth. "I'll fix it up with my -opposite number. Right-o. I'll be aboard by eight bells."</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter33"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XXXIII</h3> - -<h4 align="center">THE RELIEF VESSEL</h4> - -<p><span class="smallcaps">The</span> next day dawned bright and clear. Hardly a ripple disturbed the -placid surface of the Flow, although beyond the harbour the flood -tide was boiling and seething through the Pentland Firth, with a roar -that sounded like a continuous peal of thunder.</p> - -<p>M.L.'s 1497 and 1499 were ready to cast off when Cumberleigh stepped -on board the former—Meredith's command. Morpeth had forestalled the -R.A.F. officer by a good hour.</p> - -<p>"When do you pick her up?" inquired Cumberleigh, referring to the -German vessel bringing stores and relief crews to the fleet in -bondage. "I hope," he added anxiously, "that it won't be like that."</p> - -<p>He pointed to the turbulent tidal current. "We'll be miles outside -that," replied Meredith. "I expect to sight her fifteen or twenty -miles east of Duncansbay Head—off the Pentland Skerries, to be -exact. Hullo! Wakefield's moving."</p> - -<p>With much spluttering of exhausts, No. 1499 swung out, gathered way, -and headed for the open sea.</p> - -<p>"Let go for'ard... let go aft!" ordered Meredith.</p> - -<p>He invariably took the helm himself when leaving or approaching the -harbour. A true son of the sea, he delighted in feeling the kick of -the helm and the lift of the little craft to the curling waves. Yet, -sadly, he realised that the time was drawing near when no more would -he sail under the White Ensign and have the responsibility of -command. For the future he would either relegate to an amateur -yachtsman or go as a passenger on a pleasure steamer when he went -afloat. Vaguely he wondered whether it would be anything like holding -command. He thought not.</p> - -<p>He had had a letter from Pyecroft that morning. Pyecroft was -literally eating his heart out in Bournemouth, already utterly fed up -with civilian life.</p> - -<p>"I went up yesterday," he wrote. "They're running flights at two -guineas a head in a Handley-Page. Couldn't resist it; but, by Jove! -it was as dull as ditch-water having to watch another bloke at the -joystick. Just fancy paying two guineas, when I was paid twelve bob a -day in the Service for practically the same thing. And the price of -everything! I never realised it when I was in the R.A.F. I tell you, -it will knock the bottom out of my gratuity when I get it."</p> - -<p>"Sufficient is the day..." thought Meredith, and as the M.L. took -the first comber over her sharp bows and flung a shower of spray -completely over the fluttering pennant, he threw forebodings to the -winds.</p> - -<p>"Fine little boat, eh, what?" he exclaimed, addressing Morpeth, who -like an old war-dog was revelling in the sensation of being afloat -once more. "Take her, if you like."</p> - -<p>"Tough Geordie" did so with alacrity. To him it was a novel -sensation. Apart from the fact that he was no longer commander of a -vessel, and had perforce to spend his time superintending the -embarking and landing of bluejackets and naval stores, he had been -used to handling ships of large tonnage. To him No. 1497 appeared -like a swift skimming-dish, and required but little helm to make her -turn almost in her own length.</p> - -<p>"Fine little craft!" he declared enthusiastically. "Takes some -getting used to. I feel like a carter riding a Derby winner. Hello! -Destroyer on our starboard quarter."</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Meredith. "She stands by while we board—just a matter of -precaution, you know. We can run alongside a vessel; but if she took -on the boarding stunts he'd have to lower a boat."</p> - -<p>He gave orders for the M. L. to show her distinguishing number, then, -having received the acknowledgment from the destroyer, Meredith told -off one of the crew to take the helm.</p> - -<p>An hour and a half later the two M.L.'s arrived at the rendezvous. -There was no sign of the <i>Hohenhoorn</i>—the expected relief ship.</p> - -<p>"Another dirty trick of Fritz's to keep us barging about in a -seaway," bawled Wakefield through a megaphone. "Sorry I can't have -you fellows on board to lunch."</p> - -<p>"Don't want any, thanks," replied Cumberleigh feelingly. It was a far -different motion, running dead slow in an M.L., from that of the -heavily-ballasted Q 171. He was beginning to feel unpleasantly warm -in the region immediately below the buckle of his belt.</p> - -<p>"Nothing like a little rifle practice to buck a fellow up," shouted -Wakefield. "I'll tow a bottle astern. Bet you fifty cigarettes you -don't smash it in a dozen rounds."</p> - -<p>"Done," replied Cumberleigh; and the skipper of M.L. 1499 proceeded -to carry out his share of the programme.</p> - -<p>Even at a bare five knots the bottle was a difficult target as it -bobbed and zigzagged in the wake of the M.L. At the sixth shot -Cumberleigh began to lose his optimism; at the ninth he looked -positively glum; at the eleventh, that ricochetted clean over the -target, he turned to Meredith.</p> - -<p>"The barrel isn't leaded, is it?" he inquired. "I had the beastly -bottle dead on the sights every time."</p> - -<p>"One more to go," observed Kenneth.</p> - -<p>Cumberleigh raised the rifle to his shoulder, took careful aim, and -pressed the trigger. The bullet struck the water a couple of yards -beyond the untouched target.</p> - -<p>"You've won," shouted Cumberleigh.</p> - -<p>"Have you a pistol on board?" inquired Morpeth, who had been a silent -but interested spectator.</p> - -<p>"Yes," replied Kenneth.</p> - -<p>"I'll borrow it, then," continued Morpeth. "Ahoy, there! Will you -take me on the same terms?"</p> - -<p>"Right-o," replied Wakefield.</p> - -<p>"A hundred yards," commented "Tough Geordie," thrusting the weapon -under the stump of his left arm, and opening the breech to ascertain -that the chambers were loaded.</p> - -<p>Without any apparent effort, and with what appeared to be a careless -movement, Morpeth raised the weapon.</p> - -<p>"Bang! bang! bang!" it barked in quick succession.</p> - -<p>"A hit!" exclaimed Cumberleigh enthusiastically, as the bottle leapt -almost clear of the swirling wake.</p> - -<p>"No," replied Morpeth. "I've only cut the towline."</p> - -<p>Thrice more the heavy pistol barked. At the sixth shot the bottle, -smashed to fragments, disappeared from view.</p> - -<p>"Not bad," commented Morpeth modestly. "Considering the lively -platform, it wasn't a bad shot."</p> - -<p>"A capital shot, by Jove!" declared Kenneth.</p> - -<p>"S'pose I'm a bit out of practice," exclaimed the R.N.R. officer. "It -used to be a favourite pastime in the old Foul Anchor Line. You see, -if a Dago thought of using a knife, he'd consider twice when he knew -a fellow could shoot straight. For my own part, I'd as lief use my -fist in a close scrap, but you can't hit a periscope at two hundred -yards with your fist. One of our skippers shattered one at two -hundred—that was early in '15, when Fritz wasn't so careful as he -was later—and it wasn't all luck either. He was a good shot, and no -mistake."</p> - -<p>By this time Cumberleigh's threatened indisposition had passed away, -and when a little later the <i>Hohenhoorn</i> was sighted he had -completely regained his sea-legs.</p> - -<p>In answer to an International Code signal the German vessel slowed -down, and finally lost way within a couple of cables' lengths of -Meredith's command.</p> - -<p>"Coming aboard?" inquired Kenneth, as No. 1497 ran alongside the -towering hull of the Hun ship.</p> - -<p>Cumberleigh mentally measured the length of the wire rope ladder that -had been let down from the vessel's bulwarks. Many a time he had -clambered out of the fuselage of a blimp at anything up to five -thousand feet, but the swinging monkey ladder as it flogged the side -of the rolling ship was quite another proposition.</p> - -<p>He was on the point of declining the invitation when, looking up, he -caught sight of a German officer regarding him with a supercilious -smile.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I'm coming," he replied. "But one minute."</p> - -<p>Meredith paused in the act of making a cat-like spring, and stepped -back a couple of paces.</p> - -<p>"What is it?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"See that fellow? He's an old acquaintance—von Preussen, to be -exact."</p> - -<p>"Never," declared Meredith incredulously. "He wouldn't dare risk it."</p> - -<p>"He has, at any rate," said Cumberleigh. "More, he knows we can't -touch him. Logically he's on German soil, and in a German vessel -that's been given safe conduct."</p> - -<p>"I suppose you're right," admitted Kenneth regretfully. "All I can do -is to report to the S.N.O."</p> - -<p>"That may stop his little game—for he's up to some mischief, I'll be -bound," said Cumberleigh. "Right-o, I'll follow you!"</p> - -<p>The boarding-party, consisting of Meredith, Cumberleigh, a petty -officer and two bluejackets, negotiated the ladder with no casualty -beyond a few barked knuckles. Meredith, receiving and returning the -German captain's salute, asked for the ship's papers.</p> - -<p>"And what is Herr von Preussen doing on board?" he demanded abruptly.</p> - -<p>"It vos mein order," replied the skipper of the <i>Hohenhoorn</i>. "Dis -Zherman scheep."</p> - -<p>"Quite," agreed Meredith. "At the same time I warn you that von -Preussen's presence will be reported, and it would be well if he -refrained from any activities that will certainly lead to trouble. -Now, I'll look under hatches."</p> - -<p>A systematic search of the holds revealed nothing in the nature of -the cargo beyond what was stated in the official documents. -Everything, apparently, was in order.</p> - -<p>"Now I'll see what's aft," declared the boarding officer.</p> - -<p>Again there was nothing to elicit suspicion, but as Kenneth passed -along the main deck he saw something covered by a tarpaulin. Lifting -one comer, there was what appeared to be a huge pile of evergreens.</p> - -<p>"What's that for?" he inquired. "It's rather too early for -Christmas."</p> - -<p>"Ja, Herr Kapitan," agreed the German. "Dese are for—how you call -it?—Ach, I haf it: wreaths. It is a Zherman officer that vos died, -an' dese are tribute from der Vaderland."</p> - -<p>"Then he must be deeply lamented," thought Kenneth, as he moved on. -Then, filled with well-grounded suspicion, he stopped abruptly.</p> - -<p>"Just shift those things," he ordered, addressing the two members of -the M.L.'s crew. "It would be well to see if anything's underneath, -although Fritz would, I take it, choose a craftier hiding-place."</p> - -<p>The men obeyed, the German officer making no protest. They were -genuine evergreens, and on plucking a leaf Kenneth found that the sap -was still fresh.</p> - -<p>"All right. Put them back and carry on," he ordered.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, Karl von Preussen—spy, ex-officer of the Prussian Guards, -and now wearing a naval uniform—was holding Cumberleigh in -conversation.</p> - -<p>"Ah, good morning, Cumberleigh," he exclaimed with all the assurance -possible, and extended his right hand. "Delighted to see you again."</p> - -<p>"For what reason?" asked the R.A.F. captain, ignoring the Hun's hand.</p> - -<p>"It is good to meet old acquaintances," continued the unabashed -German. "Now the war is over we must be friends, and get back to our -old footing. I, for example, am looking forward to visiting London -again, but in a different capacity than on the last occasion."</p> - -<p>"Might I remind you that the war is not yet over," said Cumberleigh -coldly.</p> - -<p>"Practically so," protested von Preussen. "So let bygones be bygones. -I myself bear you no animosity for knocking me down on Wick pier. It -was an unfortunate mistake for me to have been there. I ought to have -known better. But on the other hand I thank you for your excellent -entertainment at the mess at Auldhaig. The lunch was splendid, but I -am afraid I cannot say the same for your entertainment of me on the -fishing expedition. It caused me a considerable amount of -inconvenience."</p> - -<p>"And more to me," added Cumberleigh. "By the by, what are you doing -on board?"</p> - -<p>"I am following a temporary post as assistant secretary to Admiral -von Reuter," explained von Preussen without hesitation. "It is mainly -on account of my knowledge of England and the English. I am sorry you -are so stand-offish, Captain Cumberleigh. It is hardly the way to -treat a man who has worn the same uniform as yourself. Remember me to -Jefferson, Pyecroft and Blenkinson, also other old acquaintances at -Auldhaig, if you should come across them. There is some one else I -should like to send a message to—a Mr. Entwistle. I believe you have -met him. Well, I see your friend has completed his examination of the -<i>Hohenhoorn</i>, so we must part. Until our next meeting!"</p> - -<p>"What has that poisonous blighter to say?" inquired Meredith, as the -boarding-party returned to the M.L.</p> - -<p>"A lot," replied Cumberleigh. "He's no fool, and in spite of his -assurances I firmly believe he's something up his sleeve. I'd like to -have him in irons as a matter of precaution."</p> - -<p>"Same here," rejoined Meredith. "But it can't be did, you know. He's -pinning his faith on the old saying, 'An Englishman's word is his -bond'; and there you are."</p> - -<p>"Precisely," admitted Cumberleigh.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter34"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XXXIV</h3> - -<h4 align="center">THE SCUTTLING</h4> - -<p>"<span class="smallcaps">I say</span>, old bean!" exclaimed Cumberleigh. "Can you give me a good -tip?"</p> - -<p>"For what?" inquired Meredith cautiously.</p> - -<p>"It's like this," explained the R.A.F. officer. "I've three days' -leave. Why I've been granted it is a mystery, as one doesn't get much -in the R.A.F. without asking for it. However, that is a digression. -The bald facts of the case are I have three days' leave, which means -that I have to report for duty on Monday. Now it's perfectly obvious -that I can't get home and back in the time; I haven't the cheek to -wire for an extension, so what can I do to spend the time?"</p> - -<p>"You miserable blighter!" exclaimed Kenneth laughing, "Do you mean to -tell me you didn't know we were running round to Aberdeen?"</p> - -<p>"Guilty, m'lud," confessed Cumberleigh. "I may as well admit that I -was fishing for an invite. More'n that, I've packed my kit-bag in -anticipation of a sea-trip for the benefit of my health."</p> - -<p>It was now summer. In the warm long-drawn days the Orkneys were at -their best. Forgotten almost were those strenuous periods of patrol -amidst the fierce winter gales and snowstorms—or at least time -mellowed the reminiscences, partly obliterating the dark phases and -keeping alive the pleasing episodes of the Long, Long Trick.</p> - -<p>M.L. 1497 had been ordered to convey a small bulk of naval stores to -Aberdeen—articles urgently required but not sufficient to warrant -the use of a naval storeship. The run was a short one—a little over -100 miles. It would give the crew a few hours ashore to see the -sights of The Granite City.</p> - -<p>"Wakefield's not coming along, I suppose?" asked Cumberleigh.</p> - -<p>"No; he's on Inner Patrol," replied Kenneth. "I'm short-handed, too; -had to land my Sub yesterday. Got mumps or some other cheerful -thing—no, don't look alarmed. It was my mistake. Toothache. I knew -it was something with a swollen face about it. In a way it's a -blessing in disguise. There's a bunk waiting for you."</p> - -<p>Almost without incident, the run to Aberdeen was accomplished in -record time. The motors ran without a hitch, and carrying a -favourable tide most of the way M.L. 1497 averaged 19 knots "over the -ground."</p> - -<p>"Enough for to-day," remarked Meredith as the M.L. was safely -berthed, and he was changing into shore-kit in the ward-room. "I'll -give general leave till eleven to-night. One man will have to remain -on board. Now, then, Cumberleigh, my dear old thing——"</p> - -<p>"Gentleman to see you, sir," called out one of the men.</p> - -<p>"Who the——" began Meredith wonderingly. He had no acquaintances in -Aberdeen as far as he knew. But the next instant he gave an -exclamation of pleasurable surprise as a well-known voice exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"Eh, laddie, I thought 'twas you I saw coming in past the North -Pier."</p> - -<p>"Jock McIntosh, by the powers!" ejaculated Meredith. "Come on down. -By Jove! This is great—absolutely."</p> - -<p>It was Jock, but not the Jock of yore. McIntosh was rigged out in -civilian clothes of distinctly post-war quality. He had lost the -alertness that he had acquired, despite his heavy build, during his -service afloat. He descended the steep ladder awkwardly, his heavy -boots clattering and slipping on the brass treads of the steps.</p> - -<p>"Eh, lad," he remarked, "but you were about right. I'm downright sorry -I'm out of it. Life ashore is a bit dour, and when I saw you bringing -the old packet into harbour I'd have given my last shilling to have -been in sea-rig again."</p> - -<p>"Cheer up," said Meredith. "We'll all be in the same boat before very -long. Demobbing is going strong just at present. What are you doing -in Aberdeen?"</p> - -<p>"Buying a boat," replied Jock simply.</p> - -<p>"What? Buying a boat?" exclaimed Kenneth. "What sort of boat? I -thought you'd had enough of the sea."</p> - -<p>"A good many of us thought that," said McIntosh soberly. "I was -mistaken. It's the call of the sea, d'ye ken? So half a dozen of us, -all out of the Motor-Boat crush, have pooled and bought a drifter. -There's money in it... and we'll be afloat. You must come along, see -the old boat, and be introduced to the lads."</p> - -<p>"Glad to," replied Meredith. "So you're going fishing?"</p> - -<p>Jock shook his head.</p> - -<p>"No; coastal trade," he replied. "Running up along to Peterhead, -Frazerburgh, Banff and perhaps Wick. The autumn we'll go south. Some -of the fellows were in the Dover Patrol and at Scilly. There's -freight always to be picked up."</p> - -<p>"That chap's on a sound scheme," remarked Cumberleigh, when McIntosh -had gone ashore.</p> - -<p>"Yes; and he was always talking of what he was going to do on the -beach when the War was over," said Kenneth. "There were dozens of -M.L. fellows who ran yachts before the war. Now there's a chance—a -good chance—to combine business with pleasure and go in for the -coasting trade. It's worth thinking over."</p> - -<p>Early next morning M.L. 1497 discharged her small but valuable -consignment of Government stores, filled up with petrol, and awaited -instructions. Somewhat to Meredith's disappointment, came telegraphic -orders:—</p> - -<p>"Proceed at once."</p> - -<p>"It means a night trip," observed Meredith. "Fortunately it's calm -and the nights are short. It will rather upset your leave, old man, -to find yourself back at Scapa to-morrow."</p> - -<p>"Anything wrong, I wonder?" asked Cumberleigh.</p> - -<p>"Don't suppose so," replied Kenneth. "Merely a brain wave on the part -of some shore-loafing minion in the S.N.O.'s office. However, 'a -norder's a norder; an' it's a nard life,' as I once overheard a -matloe remark."</p> - -<p>Apparently M.L. 1497 was in no hurry to return to her base, for -shortly after midnight her engines "konked." For some hours she -wallowed in the swell a few miles from the shores of Caithness, while -sweating mechanics struggled with sooted plugs and choked jets.</p> - -<p>It was broad daylight before the trouble was overcome, and the M.L. -was able to resume her interrupted return run.</p> - -<p>"I wonder what von Preussen is doing," remarked Cumberleigh, as the -rocky shores of the Orkneys appeared above the horizon. "Somehow I've -got the idea that he was up to some mischief when we spotted him -aboard the <i>Hohenhoorn</i>."</p> - -<p>"Shouldn't be surprised," agreed Meredith. "I reported the incident, -but nothing seems to have been done. Unfortunately our people are -hampered by the Allied Congress; otherwise the Huns wouldn't be on -board now—nearly six months after the Armistice."</p> - -<p>A quarter of an hour later Kenneth raised his binoculars.</p> - -<p>"Seems much the same old show," he observed. "Fritz is still -occupying the best berths in Scapa Flow. Wonder why we were recalled -so hurriedly? Hello! There's old Wakefield coming out to meet us."</p> - -<p>M.L. 1499 approached rapidly, then turning sixteen points to port, -drew within hailing distance.</p> - -<p>"What's wrong?" shouted Meredith through a megaphone.</p> - -<p>"Nothing, as far as I know," replied Wakefield. "Why are you back so -soon?"</p> - -<p>"Ask me another," rejoined Kenneth. "I was afraid we had orders to -pack up."</p> - -<p>"I've heard nothing more about demobilisation," said Wakefield. "So -it's not that."</p> - -<p>"Who said there was nothing wrong?" inquired Cumberleigh, pointing -with outstretched arm towards the German vessels. "They've hoisted -their ensigns."</p> - -<p>"So they have, by Jove!" exclaimed Meredith. "What does it mean? -Surely the Peace Conference blokes haven't restored the ships to -Germany? Wakefield, look! Germans have hoisted their colours."</p> - -<p>Somewhere in the grey distance came the report of a gun, followed by -another. A British destroyer was taking drastic measures to deal with -the flagrant breach of Beatty's peremptory order.</p> - -<p>"Whack her up!" ordered Meredith through the voice-tube. "All out."</p> - -<p>The motor mechanics responded smartly. M.L. 1497 simply tore through -the water.</p> - -<p>"They're sinking!" exclaimed Cumberleigh. "Every one of them. The -dirty dogs: they're scuttling the fleet!"</p> - -<p>There was no doubt about it. Already seven destroyers were awash. The -larger vessels were heeling with distinct rapidity. The giant -<i>Hindenburg</i> was practically on her beam ends, while her meagre crew, -prepared for the consequences of the dastardly act, had already taken -to the boats and were watching the mammoth vessel in her -death-throes.</p> - -<p>Close by, the <i>Seidlitz, Derfflinger</i> and other Hun battle-cruisers -were going down with flying colours, not gloriously in the heat of -battle but ignominiously scuttled by their crews. Further on the -<i>Bayern</i>, the most powerful battleship of the German navy, was -capsizing. With a loud crash her heavy guns in superimposed turrets -burst from their armoured bases. For a while the vessel's list was -checked, until, under the action of the terrific inrush of water -through her open sea-cocks, she lay completely over on her beam ends. -Then, still heeling, her barnacle-covered bottom and bilge-keel -showed above a smother of foam, like the back of an enormous whale. -The next instant she had disappeared.</p> - -<p>Already the crews of the M.L.'s 1497 and 1499 were at action -stations. On his part Kenneth Meredith realised that he could do -nothing to save the larger ships. There might be a chance of -preventing the foundering of some of the Hun destroyers, and he meant -to try.</p> - -<p>Passing astern of the line of sinking battle-cruisers, Kenneth made -straight for a large destroyer of the V-class that for some unknown -reason was settling down slower than her consorts.</p> - -<p>His course lay close to three or four boats manned by German officers -and bluejackets, who viewed the rapidly-moving M.L.'s with -considerable apprehension. Possibly they expected a few shells from -the patrol boats' quick-firers. Up went their hands above their -heads, and the now monotonous cry of "Kamerad!" rose from the craven -crews.</p> - -<p>Paying no heed to the boats, although the "wash" from the M.L. gave -the finishing touch to the "wind up" stunt, Kenneth brought his -command alongside the destroyer. Her crew were still on board, but -were preparing to take to the boats.</p> - -<p>With levelled revolver Kenneth climbed over the destroyer's rail and -covered the unter-leutnant in charge.</p> - -<p>"Have those sea-cocks closed instantly!" he ordered.</p> - -<p>For a moment the Hun hesitated, but the stern face and set jaw of the -Englishman gave him warning that delay meant trouble. He turned and -gave a hurried order to some of the men. They hurried below, while to -make sure that they would reclose the valves Kenneth ordered the -hatches to be secured until the work was properly done.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile two of the M.L.'s crew were at work for'ard, knocking out -the Senhouse slip, and thus freeing the vessel from her mooring.</p> - -<p>"All clear, sir!" shouted one of the hands.</p> - -<p>Returning to the M.L., Meredith ordered "Easy ahead, starboard -engine."</p> - -<p>Still lashed alongside, No. 1497 had a stiff task to tow the partly -flooded Hun, but gradually the two vessels gathered way. The nearest -shoal water was a bare two cables' length away, and great was -Meredith's delight when he heard the destroyer's forefoot grate on -the hard bottom.</p> - -<p>"She'll do: tide's falling," he observed. "Get those Huns out of it, -Cumberleigh. Order them to embark in their own boat and row ashore. -We may be in time to save another.... By Jove! I'll collar that -ensign as a souvenir."</p> - -<p>Although Cumberleigh boosted the Huns pretty severely, there was -considerable delay before M.L. 1497 could cast off. It was evident -that she had reached her limit in the salvage line. The Hun vessels -were nearly all gone. A few had been beached through the prompt -action of the British patrol and harbour service vessels. By the time -Meredith gave the order for "Easy astern," the vast anchorage, -crowded a brief half-hour previously, was now bare save for small -craft and boats laden with Germans, who, now that their act of -melodramatic bravado was accomplished, were wondering what the result -of their gross breach of faith would entail.</p> - -<p>There was flotsam everywhere. The water was covered with oil and -wreckage, and the M.L.'s and other craft had to exercise great -caution lest their propellers should foul the drifting planks and -spars as they cruised round, shepherding the Huns to a place of safe -custody.</p> - -<p>"By Jove! Look!" exclaimed Kenneth, calling Cumberleigh's attention -to a large circular mass of foliage.</p> - -<p>"Looks like a wreath," observed the R.A.F. officer.</p> - -<p>"Exactly," agreed Meredith. "There were dozens of them on board the -<i>Hohenhoorn</i>. The blighters said they were for an officer's -funeral—a ship's funeral, if you like. And there's another one."</p> - -<p>There were, in fact, scores, each wreath entwined with red, white and -black ribbons and bearing the name of the ship on which it had been -placed when the act of scuttling was performed—a circumstance which -tends to prove that the violation of the Armistice terms had been -connived at by the existing German government.</p> - -<p>"Who's that semaphoring?" asked Cumberleigh, indicating a steam -pinnace about three hundred yards away, in the stern-sheets of which -a bluejacket was waving a pair of hand-flags.</p> - -<p>Kenneth levelled his glasses. Simultaneously one of the M.L.'s crew -prepared to receive the message.</p> - -<p>"It's Geordie Morpeth," exclaimed Meredith. "His old packet's broken -down and he's getting his signalman to ask us for a tow."</p> - -<p>"Will—you—come—alongside?" read out the receiving signalman. "They -don't give a reason, sir," he added; "but it looks as if they've -fouled some wreckage."</p> - -<p>Very cautiously M.L. 1497 approached the apparently disabled steam -pinnace.</p> - -<p>"Ahoy, there!" shouted Kenneth. "What's wrong?"</p> - -<p>Morpeth swung his arm in the direction astern.</p> - -<p>"We've got some one in tow," he replied. "I knew Captain Cumberleigh -was aboard you, and he might be interested."</p> - -<p>Sitting on the engine-room casing were half a dozen Germans, -including an unter-leutnant, all dripping wet and looking thoroughly -dejected.</p> - -<p>"Just lugged 'em out of the ditch," remarked Morpeth, stating what -was an obvious fact. "But that's not what I hailed you for. Just look -aft."</p> - -<p>What had appeared to be at first sight a tangle of debris caught in -the steam pinnace's propeller was one of the German funeral wreaths. -In the centre was the body of a man, his feet secured to the -stern-sheets by means of a running bowline.</p> - -<p>"Good heavens!" exclaimed Cumberleigh. "It's von Preussen."</p> - -<p>"And as dead as a door-nail," added Morpeth. "I had an account to -settle with him, too; but it's wiped out now. No; it wasn't my -doings. One of their boats got swamped, so I went to the rescue. -There was von Preussen hanging on to a life-buoy and looking as -pleased as a dog with two tails—gloating over his share in the dirty -work, I suppose. We weren't more than twenty yards off when there was -an explosion—compressed air, you know. Up came a jagged plank and -heaved von Preussen almost clear of the water. Killed him in half a -shake. And then one of these wreaths came up and floated alongside of -him just as we were slipping a bowline round his feet."</p> - -<p>"Poor devil!" ejaculated Cumberleigh. "It's strange that he met his -fate that way. Sort of Nemesis."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps it was as well," added Meredith. "He would have been in a -pretty hole had he got ashore."</p> - -<p>"Rather," agreed Morpeth. "Every Fritz, officer and man, is being -shoved under arrest. Old von Reuter, the Admiral, is collared too. -There's one thing: the Allies can't squabble over the disposal of the -Hun Fleet now; so Fritz has unwittingly done us a good turn. Well, -cheerio. I'll run my little lot of Huns across to the beach. -Cheerful-looking cargo, eh?"</p> - -<p>Going dead slow, the steam pinnace headed towards the pier, the -corpse of the spy towing astern; while M.L. 1497 "carried on," -patrolling the land-locked waters upon which but a brief hour ago -floated the fleet by which the German Emperor had hoped, and hoped in -vain, to obtain the domination of the world.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter35"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XXXV</h3> - -<h4 align="center">WHAT THEY FOUGHT FOR</h4> - -<p>"<span class="smallcaps">Confound</span> it!" ejaculated Cumberleigh, ruefully contemplating a small -amount of silver in his palm. "Bang goes another Bradbury. At this -rate I'll be on the rocks before many days are over."</p> - -<p>"Cheer up, Mr. Cumberleigh," exclaimed Pyecroft, with a marked -emphasis on the "Mister." "You're only just beginning to feel your -feet."</p> - -<p>"You'll feel them in half a tick if you don't shut up," remarked the -ex-R.A.F. captain grimly. "Now, then, Meredith, how's that patch -setting? Or do we intend to stop here the night?"</p> - -<p>It was the month of August 1919. The four demobbed chums—Meredith, -Wakefield, Cumberleigh, and Pyecroft—were again tasting of the mixed -blessings of civil life, carrying out a long-promised vow that they -would celebrate their release from active service by going on a -motor-cycling tour through Glorious Devon and the Delectable Duchy of -Cornwall.</p> - -<p>Barely three days had elapsed since Meredith and Wakefield found -themselves "on the beach," with an accumulation of gear that they had -acquired during their service afloat—kit that for the most part -would be practically useless in the future.</p> - -<p>Meredith had dug out his old 1913 motor cycle, thanking his lucky -stars that he had not disposed of it when he first joined the -Motor-Boat Reserve. Wakefield, too, was fortunate in that respect, -although he quickly learnt the cost of accessories in the motor line -compared with the price of far superior and more readily accessible -articles of pre-war days.</p> - -<p>Pyecroft had been hard hit. On the strength of his as yet unpaid -gratuity he had just purchased a second-hand motor cycle, paying £20 -more than it had originally cost five years ago; and he was still -waiting hopefully for an advice from his R.A.F. bankers informing him -that his gratuity had been paid. Moreover, he had hopes that he would -be placed upon the "Unemployed List," with the rank of captain. With -the advantage of a hundred and twenty days' experience of civil life -he was the mentor and financial adviser of the party.</p> - -<p>It was a change with a vengeance. Accustomed to living well at a cost -of half a crown per diem for "messing," the demobbed ones were simply -astounded at the prices demanded for meals at hotels, while the cost -of petrol staggered them, especially when they had seen the volatile -spirit wasted like water while on service.</p> - -<p>"That's holding, I think," remarked Meredith, surveying the -reinflated back tyre. "Don't know so much about it, though," he added -doubtfully.</p> - -<p>"Risk it," suggested Wakefield. "We're only two miles from -Shaftesbury. You can get another tube there. This one looks as if it -were on its last legs."</p> - -<p>"That's the game," agreed Pyecroft. "Let's push on. We're expecting -letters at the Post Office, and they'll be closed before we get there -if we don't get a move on."</p> - -<p>Without further delays the four climbed the long ascent out of Semley -and dismounted at the old-world town of Shaftesbury, that has the -reputation of being one of the loftiest boroughs in England, being -nearly 800 feet above the sea.</p> - -<p>"I'll call at the Post Office," suggested Cumberleigh, when the party -had secured rooms at the hotel. "Don't worry about that tyre -to-night, Meredith. I'll be back in half a tick."</p> - -<p>"Tea won't be ready for half an hour," announced Wakefield, after the -two had shed their overalls and had removed the dust of the road from -their hands and faces. "Let's go for a stroll. I'll leave word with -the boots for Cumberleigh to pick us up. By Jove! I feel like a fish -out of water."</p> - -<p>"So did I," admitted Pyecroft. "Missed my batman as much as anything, -dear old soul!"</p> - -<p>"I bought some tobacco this morning," said Meredith. "First lot other -than Navy I've bought for months. And a shilling an ounce, too!"</p> - -<p>"I begin to wonder whether we have won the War," declared Wakefield. -"While we've been fighting the Huns the people who stayed at home -have become top-dog. They seem to have plenty of money to chuck -about, and don't seem to mind if a Bradbury is worth only nine -shillings. Because we licked Fritz is no reason why the price of -everything should go up after the War. Mind you, I'm not complaining -of the prices of things during the War. We had to grin and bear it. -But now, why?"</p> - -<p>"Reaction, I suppose," suggested Meredith. "Same's us, only certain -sections of the community go about it a different way—strike, and -all that sort of thing."</p> - -<p>"And meanwhile our sea-borne trade is being collared by the Yanks and -Japs," remarked Wakefield. "It's all very fine talking about the -superiority of British manufactured articles, but when, owing to -labour troubles, they can't be got, or, if they can, they are -prohibitive in price, where are you? Germany, our former serious -rival, is down and out, and instead of bucking to and capturing their -markets we play the fool and pay out unemployment doles. Hello'! -here's Cumberleigh."</p> - -<p>"Almost a wash-out," announced Cumberleigh. "Only one letter between -the four of us, and that's for Pyecroft. Marked Air Ministry, too. -Pyecroft, if that's your captaincy, it's fizz all round at dinner -to-night."</p> - -<p>The ex-lieutenant took the proffered envelope eagerly, and tore the -seal with feverish haste.</p> - -<p>"Bilkers!" he ejaculated savagely. "Listen to this: 'With reference -to Air Ministry orders, your pay should have been issued at B rates -instead of at the old Technical rates. It is therefore necessary to -recover the pay which has been over-issued to you, and upon your -gratuity being issuable the balance, <i>i.e.</i> £47 11<i>s.</i>, will be -deducted from your gratuity.' What do you think of that?"</p> - -<p>"That," replied Cumberleigh, "is Economy, spelt with a big E. -Retrenchment must begin somewhere, so they start on you, just to -remind you that the War is over and you're a back number, old son. -But, cheer up, you might have been under the daisies."</p> - -<p>"True," admitted Pyecroft. "Yes, we've seen life, and it's no use -grousing; but what did we fight for?"</p> - -<p>"This," said Meredith, giving a comprehensive sweep of his arm across -the wide valley three hundred feet below. "I don't want to pile it on -and spout and all that sort of thing, but just look. Those cottages -might have been in ruins like the homesteads of France and Belgium. -But they're not. Our country has been spared from the foot of the -victorious Hun. That's the main thing. Other considerations are -simply side-issues, 'if England to herself be true.'"</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<center>THE END</center> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<center class="fontsize60">PRINTED BY PURNELL AND SONS -<br>PAULTON (SOMERSET) AND LONDON</center> - -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<div class="notebox fontsize80"> - -Transcriber's Notes: - -<div class="indent02"> -<br> This book contains a number of misprints. -<br> The following misprints have been corrected: -<br> -<br> [Karl von Pruessen stood stiffly] —> -<br> [Karl von Preussen stood stiffly] -<br> [in geniune concern] —> [in genuine concern] -<br> [Cumberleigh——for that was the name] —> -<br> [Cumberleigh—for that was the name] -<br> [Cumbereigh shrugged] —> [Cumberleigh shrugged] -<br> [so much as winkin'. hopin'] —> [so much as winkin'. Hopin'] -<br> [imparting descipline with] —> [imparting discipline with] -<br> [you aan be reckless] —> [you can be reckless] -<br> [Some of the follows] —> [Some of the fellows] -<br> [unless its potting] —> [unless it's potting] -<br> -<br> A few cases of punctuation errors were corrected, but are not -<br> mentioned here. -</div> -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mystery Ship, by Percy F. 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