How many launches will Admiral Barkham put in service?" Admiral
Timworth inquired.

"Three, sir," responded Whyte.

"Who will be the ranking officer in your fleet of launches?"

"I believe I am to be, sir," Lieutenant Whyte replied, bowing.

"Very good," nodded Admiral Timworth. "It would not be courteous, in
British waters, Mr. Whyte, for me to appoint an officer who would
rank yourself, so I shall ask Captain Allen to designate Ensign Darrin
as ranking officer in our launch fleet. Ensign Dalzell will naturally
command another of the launches. Who will command the third, Captain?"

"Ensign Phillips," replied Captain Allen.

The courtesy of appointing an ensign to head the American launch fleet
lay in the fact that an ensign is one grade lower in the service than
a junior lieutenant. When naval forces of different nations act
together the ranking officer, no matter what country he represents, is
in command. Had Admiral Timworth put his launch fleet in charge of a
lieutenant commander, for instance, then the British launches, too,
would have been under the command of the American officer. As it was,
Lieutenant Whyte would be ranking and commanding officer in the
combined launch fleet. This was both right and courteous, as Malta is
an English possession, and the waters near by are British waters.

Plans were briefly discussed, yet with the thoroughness that is given
to all naval operations. Lieutenant Whyte departed, and Ensign
Phillips was sent for. Admiral Timworth and Captain Allen charged the
young officers with their duties, upon the successful performance of
which so much depended.

"Remember, gentlemen," was Captain Allen's final word, "that, in line
with what the Admiral has stated, you are merely to co-operate with,
and act under the orders of, the British ranking officer. Yet, if
occasion arise, you will display all needed initiative in attaining
the objective, which is the capture of the scoundrelly plotters and
the seizure of the submarine before it can work any mischief. You will
even sink the submarine by ramming, if no other course be open to stop
her wicked work."

Each of the flagship's launches was equipped with a searchlight. While
the council was going on in the Admiral's quarters the electricians of
the ship were busy overhauling these searchlights and making sure that
all were in perfect working order.

From the British flagship came a prearranged signal to the effect that
Lieutenant Whyt