nsacola,' and one phrasing 'Send in
pursuit.'"

"The open sea for us," said Jenkins, grimly, "until we can think out a
plan. Send one of those sogers to the wheel."

A "soger"--one who, so far, had done no work--relieved him, and he
mustered his men, all but two in the engine room, to a council
amidships. Briefly he stated the situation, as hinted at by Denman and
verified by the wireless messages. Every nation in the world would send
its cruisers after them, and no civilized country would receive them.

There was but one thing to do under the circumstances--make for the wild
coast of Africa, destroy the boat, and land, each man to work out his
future as he could.

After a little parley they assented, taking no thought of fuel or food,
and trusting to Jenkins' power to navigate. Then, it being broad
daylight, they raided the boat's stores for clothing, and discarded
their prison suits of brown for the blue of the navy--Jenkins, the
logical commander, donning the uniform of the captain, as large a man as
himself.

Next they chose their bunks in the forecastle, and, as they left it for
the deck, Jenkins picked up a bright object from the floor, and absently
put it in his trousers pocket.

CHAPTER IV

The boat was now charging due east at full speed, out into the broad
Atlantic, and, as the full light of the day spread over the sea, a few
specks and trails of smoke astern showed themselves; but whether or not
they were pursuing craft that had crept close in the darkness while they
were making steam could not be determined; for they soon sank beneath
the horizon.

Assured of immediate safety, Jenkins now stationed his crew. Forsythe
was a seaman; he and Hawkes, Davis, and Kelly, the gunner's mate, would
comprise the deck force. Riley, Sampson, King, and Dwyer, all
machinists, would attend to the engine and boilers. Casey and Munson,
the two wireless operators, would attend to their department, while
Daniels and Billings, the cook and steward, would cook and serve the
meals.

There would be no officers, Jenkins declared. All were to stand watch,
and work faithfully and amicably for the common good; and all disputes
were to be referred to him. To this they agreed, for, though many there
were of higher comparative rating in the navy, Jenkins had a strong
voice, a dominating personality, and a heavy fist.

But Jenkins had his limitations, as came out during the confab. He could
not navigate; he had been an exper