en."

"That's the way to talk, Mr. Hetherton," said Jack. "It shows the proper
spirit."

"And the men are imbued with the same spirit," declared Frank, "and yet
see how cool they are."

It was perfectly true. There was no confusion aboard the Essex in spite of
the fact that each member of the crew knew he was bent on a dangerous
mission. One shot from the submarine, they knew, if truly aimed and Jack
was unable to maneuver the vessel out of harm's way, would be the end.
However, like all British tars, they had absolute confidence in their
commander; for, according to their line of reasoning, if he were not a
capable officer and to be depended upon he would not be in command of the
ship.

Suddenly the radio operator appeared on deck and hurried toward the
bridge. Jack stepped forward to meet him. The lad took the message the
operator passed him and read:

"S.O.S. Pursued by submarine eighteen miles off Cape May light.
Am running south by west, but foe is gaining. Capt. Griswold,
Ventura."

"This," said Jack quietly, "means that there is still another U-Boat to be
reckoned with, but I had no idea they were operating so far out. We'll
have to get busy."

Jack looked at his officers with a slight smile on his face, then ordered:
"Shape your course due east, Frank. Full speed ahead."

CHAPTER XIV

THE U-87

As the Essex sped forward the radio operator from time to time picked up
other messages from the Ventura.

"She's headed directly toward us," Jack explained to Frank. "We should
sight her within the hour."

The Ventura was sighted in less, but under peculiar conditions.

"Ship on the starboard bow, sir," sang the lookout forward.

A moment later the officers on the bridge sighted the vessel through their
glasses.

"By George! She seems to be standing still," said Frank.

"So she does," Lieutenant Hetherton agreed, "Wonder what's the matter?"

"We'll find out fast enough," returned Jack quietly.

"Take the bridge, Mr. Chadwick," said Jack. "I'm going below to the radio
room."

"See if you can raise the Ventura," he instructed the radio operator, a
few moments later.

"Ventura! Ventura!" went the call through the air.

There was no response.

"Try it again," said Jack.

The operator obeyed. Still there was no reply from the Ventura.

"Something wrong," Jack muttered under his breath, "and still I saw no
sign of a submarine. Try 'em again, Wilkins."

Again the radio oper