the English sailors?" asked one of the Germans. "They must be
dissatisfied. Here they are prisoners and will be kept under guard until
the end of the war. Certainly they should be willing to join us. It will
mean freedom and a share in the rich spoils."

"With which to retire when the war is over," put in another. "Why, we
can go to America and live at ease for years to come."

"Which is my plan exactly," declared Davis. "Yes, we must have a crew.
Hans, do you think you could approach these prisoners?"

"Leave that to me, sir," replied Hans with an evil wink. "I think I can
convince them, sir."

"Good; but in the meantime, do not talk this among yourselves. I believe
we had better wait until after the end of the expedition we are now on.
Vigilance, probably, will relax then. In the meantime, we must try and
show ourselves to be perfectly loyal to the Kaiser."

"Very well, sir."

"All right then," said Davis. "You fellows clear out now. I want to get
a little sleep."

Silently the three conspirators made their way from the traitor's cabin.
No one saw them go and the success of the plot seemed assured as the
U-16 continued on her journey, Lord Hastings, Frank, Jack and the other
British aboard unaware and unsuspecting.

Shortly after dusk of the night upon which the German under-sea fleet
expected to spring its coup, the U-16 lay upon the calm surface of the
water still some distance from the point set for the gathering of the
submarine flotilla at the midnight hour, and likewise a considerable
distance from Dover.

Explaining his reason for stopping here, Lord Hastings said: "There may
be British patrol boats about--probably are. I want you boys to remain
in charge here, while I take a boat and try to reach the British
authorities."

"One of us had better go along, sir," declared Frank.

Lord Hastings considered this a minute.

"I don't know but you are right," he finally said. "Frank shall go. Jack
will take command in my absence."

He addressed the latter. "Arm Edwards and our other men," he continued,
"though do it unknown to the Germans. I don't altogether trust this
Davis. Of course he is in the pay of the Germans; but once a traitor
always a traitor. Watch him closely."

"I'll watch him," said Jack quietly.

"Very well. Frank and I shall leave at once."

Lord Hastings ordered a small boat over the side, the two jumped into it
and rowed rapidly away, leaving Jack to pass the word among the crew