ain. "And what part will you play if that
comes?" he asked.

"No part, active or resistant, unless first released from parole. But if
I ask for that release, it will be at a time when I am in greater danger
than now, I promise you that."

"Very well, sir. Ask for it when you like." And Jenkins went forward.

The course to the southeast was resumed, but in half an hour two other
specks on the southern horizon resolved into scout cruisers heading
their way, and they turned to the east, still rushing at full speed.

They soon dropped the scouts, however, but were again driven to the
north by a second battle-ship that shelled their vicinity for an hour
before they got out of range.

It was somewhat discouraging; but, as darkness closed down, they once
more headed their course, and all night they charged along at forty
knots, with lights extinguished, but with every man's eyes searching the
darkened horizon for other lights. They dodged a few, but daylight
brought to view three cruisers ahead and to port that showed
unmistakable hostility in the shape of screaming shells and solid shot.

Again they charged to the north, and it was mid-day before the cruisers
were dropped. They were French, as all knew by their build.

Though there was no one navigating the boat, Denman, in view of future
need of it, took upon himself the winding of the chronometers; and the
days went on, Casey and Munson reporting messages sent from shore to
ship; battle-ships, cruisers, scouts, and destroyers appearing and
disappearing, and their craft racing around the Atlantic like a hunted
fox.

Jenkins did his best to keep track of the various courses; but, not
skilled at "traverse," grew bewildered at last, and frankly intimated
that he did not know where they were.

CHAPTER V

One morning there was a council of war amidships to which Denman was not
invited until it had adjourned as a council to become a committee of
ways and means. Then they came aft in a body, and asked him to navigate.

"No," said Denman, firmly, rising to his feet and facing them. "I will
not navigate unless you surrender this craft to me, and work her back to
Boston, where you will return to the prison."

"Well, we won't do that," shouted several, angrily.

"Wait, you fellows," said Jenkins, firmly, "and speak respectfully to an
officer, while he acts like one. Mr. Denman, your position need not be
changed for the worse. You can command this boat and all hands if