“Did you get her position?” demanded Jack of the wireless operator.

“No, sir.  The wireless failed before he could give it.”

“Don’t you think it may be the vessel ahead, sir?” asked Lieutenant Hetherton.

“Can’t tell,” was Jack’s reply.  “It may be, in which case there are probably more submarines about.  Clear ship for action, Mr. Chadwick.”

No sooner said than done.

Frank and others of the ship’s officers darted hither and yon, making sure that everything was in readiness.  At the guns, the gunners grinned cheerfully.  Frank approached the battery in the forward turret.

“All right?” he asked.

“O.K., sir,” replied the officer in command of the gun crew.  “Show us a submarine, that’s all we ask.”

“There are probably a dozen or so about here some place,” returned Frank.  “Keep your eyes peeled and don’t wait an order to fire if you see anything that looks like one.”

“Right, sir.”

The officer turned to his men with a sharp command.

Frank continued his inspection of the ship as the Brigadier dashed toward the vessel in distress, probably ten miles ahead.

Every man aboard the Brigadier was on the alert as the destroyer plowed swiftly through the water.  It was possible, of course, that the submarines had made off after attacking the vessel, but there was always the possibility that some were still lurking in the neighborhood.

“Can’t be too careful,” Jack told himself.

Fifteen minutes later, the lookout was able to make out more clearly the ship ahead of them.

“Steamer Hazelton,” he called to the quartermaster, who reported to Jack.

“Same vessel that sent the wireless, Frank,” was Jack’s comment.  “We will have to look sharp.  It’s more than an even bet that some of those undersea sharks are watching for a ship to come to the rescue so they can have a shot at her also.”

“We’re ready for ’em,” said Frank significantly.

“All right,” said Jack.  “In the meantime we’ll stand by the Hazelton and see if we can lend a hand.”

As the Brigadier drew closer those on deck could see signs of confusion aboard the Hazelton.  Then there arose a large cloud of smoke that for a moment hid the Hazelton from view.  This was followed by a loud explosion.

When the smoke cleared away, the water nearby was filled with struggling figures.

“Lower the boats,” shouted Jack.

Instantly men sprang to obey the command, while others of the British tars still stood quietly behind their guns, their eyes scanning the sea.

Aboard the Hazelton, the crew, or what remained of the crew, were attempting to lower lifeboats.  Directly one was lowered safely, and loaded to the guards with human freight.  A second and a third were lowered safely, and put off toward the Brigadier.

In the meantime, lifeboats from the destroyer had darted in among the struggling figures and willing hands were lifting the victims to safety.  Then these, in turn, started back to the destroyer.