the return of the Essex to English waters, Jack reported at once
to Lord Hastings in Dover.

"I hear great things of you boys," said Lord Hastings. "Great things
indeed."

"We were a bit fortunate, sir," Jack admitted.

"It was more than good fortune," declared Lord Hastings. "But it's nothing
more than I expected of you both."

They conversed about various matters for some minutes. Then Jack asked:

"And what is in store for us now, sir?"

"You will report to Admiral Beatty," said Lord Hastings. "The Essex will
be assigned to duty with the Grand Fleet in the North Sea. Patrol work,
mostly. There is little likelihood that the Germans will make another
effort, but the sea must be patrolled, nevertheless."

"When do we report, sir?"

"At once. You will weigh anchor in the morning. Admiral Beatty's flagship
is somewhere off the coast of Belgium."

"Very well, sir," said Jack, and departed.

The next day the Essex left Dover. Fifty miles out, Jack picked up the
flagship by wireless and received his instructions.

Days lengthened into weeks now and weeks into months and the Essex was
still patrolling the North Sea with others of the Grand Fleet--composed
besides British vessels of an American squadron in command of Vice-Admiral
Sims. August passed and September came and still the Germans failed to
venture from their fortress of Helgoland and offer battle to the allies.

The work became monotonous. Occasionally, the Essex put back to port for
several days to replenish her bunkers and to take on provisions. At such
times Jack and Frank usually went ashore for short periods, and the crew,
portions at a time, were granted shore leave.

It was upon the last day of September that great news reached the
fleet--news that indicated that the war was nearing its end and that now,
if ever, the German fleet might venture from its hiding place and risk an
engagement.

Bulgaria had broken with Germany and sued for a separate peace.

Several days later came the news that an armistice had been signed and
that Bulgaria had ordered all German and Austrian troops to leave her
boundaries. King Ferdinand abdicated in favor of his eldest son, Boris,
who immediately ordered the demobilization of the Bulgarian armies.

"Turkey will come next, mark my words," declared Frank as he and Jack
stood on the bridge, looking off across the broad expanse of the North
Sea.

"Most likely," Jack agreed; "and after Turkey, Austria. That will l