eds of cases of dried fish. At random he
selected one of the cases, had it carried to the deck, and ordered that
it be opened. Its contents proved to be dried fish.

"There is something worse than that on board, or the skipper would not
have acted so much like a lunatic," Dave told himself.

Next inspecting the engine room and stoke hole he found these departments
in order, though the fires under the boilers would soon need attention.

Going above, Dave called the stokers and engineers out from among the
prisoners, told them that he intended to send them to their posts, and
asked them if they would pledge themselves to obey all orders and bridge
signals, and not attempt any treachery.

This promise was quickly given.

"I hope you will all keep your word," Dave added, firmly, "for, if any of
you attempts treachery, he will be shot down where he stands. I shall
post guards."

He posted two of his men in the engine-room, and four in the stoke-hole.

"Be vigilant, and don't stand any nonsense," he ordered.

Returning to deck he gave his final orders to Ensign Peters, who had come
on board and relieved the boatswain's mate.

"We are going to take this ship through to our base port," he informed
the ensign. "You will command, and will use the petty officers as you
need them. I shall require but three of the launch crew to take me back
to the 'Grigsby.' You have sufficient force here, Mr. Peters, but we
shall stand by and so be ready to give any assistance you may need. Keep
yourself informed as to the comfort and conduct of the women prisoners in
the dining cabin, and do not permit them to be annoyed by your men. They
must have no chance, though, to destroy or conceal any papers they may
have on their persons."

With that Darrin went over the side. The launch took him back to his own
craft.

Overhead the "blimp" moved slowly about. While her commander was sure he
could reach England safely he preferred to remain in company that could
rescue his crew and himself if it became necessary.

"Who can the women be?" Lieutenant Fernald wondered, when he had heard
Dave's account of the visit to the steamship.

"I don't know. But their conduct, like the skipper's, is the main cause
of their predicament. Had they behaved naturally I would have guessed
them to be passengers from a neutral port to England. All I can say is
that, though they speak English well, I am sure that they are not
Englishwomen."

"The younger woman