The second officer obeyed and soon the deck was crowded.  The German commander became the center of an angry group.

“I’ve just called you all here,” said Jack, “that you may cast your eyes upon one of the kaiser’s paid murderers.  It is men like this who have made an outcast of Germany.  Not satisfied with killing in battle, they fire on helpless lifeboats, sending women and children as well as unarmed noncombatants to the bottom of the sea.  In fact, it is men like this, or a man like this, who so recently took a heavy toll in lives from the crew of the Hazelton, after the vessel had been put out of commission.”

There was an angry murmur among the crowd on deck.

“Hang him,” said a voice.

The German officer’s face turned a chalky white.

“I’d be pleased to do so,” said Jack, “were it not for the fact that I must retain him as a prisoner of war and turn him over to the proper authorities.  However, it wouldn’t surprise me a bit if he were tried for murder and hanged, and I’m not sure that even such a fate isn’t too good for him.”

“Hang him!” came a voice from the crowd again.

“No,” said Jack quietly, “it can’t be done.  Take him away.”

These last words were addressed to Lieutenant Hetherton, who stepped forward and took the German commander by the arm.

“Come on,” he said somewhat roughly.

The German commander was led below, where he was made secure.

The passengers and crew rescued from the Hazelton dispersed and Jack held a consultation with his officers.

“If we were not so far from land,” he said, “I would land those we have rescued.  As it stands, I am under rush orders, so I am afraid I shall have to take them to America.”

“That cannot be helped, sir,” said Lieutenant Hetherton.  “I am sure they will understand that, sir.”

“I think so, too,” agreed Frank.

“At all events,” said Jack, “there seems nothing else to do under the circumstances.  Ring for full speed ahead, Mr. Chadwick.”

Frank did so.

At that moment the radio operator again emerged from below and hurried to Jack.

“Admiralty orders, sir,” he said, passing a slip of paper to the commander of the Brigadier.

Jack read the paper quickly, then turned to Frank with a sharp command.

“Slow to half speed,” he said.  “Then come about and head for Dover.”

Frank asked no questions.  He knew that Jack would explain the reason for the change soon enough.  Besides, the matter was none of his business.  He gave the necessary orders.  Jack turned to the second officer.

“Will you take the bridge, Mr. Hetherton?  Mr. Chadwick, please come to my cabin.”

The lads went below together.

“Now,” said Frank, after he had taken a seat, “what’s it all about?”

“Well,” was Jack’s reply, “the admiralty wants the Brigadier back in Dover.  That’s all I know about it.  I’m instructed to report to Lord Hastings immediately on my return.”