were wafted to the ears of the British
as the boats drew closer.

"Submerge!" shouted a voice.

"Quick, or we shall be too late," Jack roared.

The men at the oars exerted themselves to further efforts. Then Jack
caught another cry from the submarine.

"We can't submerge. The tanks are still broken."

"Good!" said Jack to himself. "Now I see what the trouble is. Faster," he
cried to his men.

"Quick," came a voice from the submarine, "we cannot let the ship fall
into the hands of the accursed Yankees. The fuse, man."

Jack understood this well enough. He raised his voice in a shout:

"Cease rowing!"

Frank's voice repeated the command and the little flotilla advanced no
more.

"Put about and make for shore," shouted Jack. "Quick."

The order was obeyed without question, and it was well that it was. Hardly
had the boats reached the shore when there was a terrific explosion, and
the water kicked up an angry geyser.

"And that," said Jack calmly, "is the end of the submarine. They've blown
her up--and themselves with her!"

CHAPTER XXII

WASHINGTON AGAIN

Early the following morning the Essex slipped from her little harbor and
put to sea. Cutlip and his son, who had been put ashore shortly before the
departure, stood at the edge of the water and waved farewell. Following
the father's conversion, he and his son seemed to be closer than before,
and they went away happily together.

Jack descended to the radio room.

"Get the Dakota for me," he instructed the operator.

"Dakota! Dakota!" flashed the wireless.

Ten minutes later the answer came.

"Destroyer Essex," flashed the operator again, following Jack's direction.
"Submarine reported to me yesterday destroyed. Crew either killed or
captured."

"Fine work, Templeton," was the reply flashed back a few moments later.

"I'm awaiting instructions," Jack flashed.

"Proceed to Newport News," came the answer, "and report in person to
Secretary of the Navy."

"O.K." flashed the operator.

Jack went to the bridge, where Frank was on watch.

"Well, old fellow," said Jack, "I guess our present cruise is ended."

"How's that?" asked Frank.

"We're ordered back to Newport News, and I must report to Secretary
Daniels."

"And after that, England again, I suppose?"

"I suppose so."

"Too bad," said Frank, "I would like to have had time to go to New York
and Boston to see my father. He could have met me at either place."

"You'll see him