“I understand she is in pretty bad shape,” he said.  “So you don’t think you can go now, eh?”

“I’m afraid not, sir.  A fellow can’t cross the ocean except in a ship.”

“True enough.  But why are you in Dover now?”

“Why, sir?” Jack exclaimed.  “Because we were instructed to report to you.”

“Exactly,” said Lord Hastings; “and in your pocket, I presume, you have the same packet of papers the admiralty wishes turned over to Secretary Daniels of the American navy department?”

Jack clapped a hand to his coat pocket.

“By George!  I had forgotten all about them,” he said.

“So I imagined.  But it is my guess that the navy department still wishes those papers delivered.”

“You’re right, sir.  Here, I’ll turn them over to you, sir.”

Lord Hastings waved the packet away.

“Keep them,” he said quietly.

“But—­” Jack began.

“Great Scott,” Frank put in at this juncture, “you must be getting denser every day, Jack.”

Jack wheeled on his chum.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“Why, can’t you see that you are still expected to deliver the papers?”

Jack sank suddenly into a chair.

“Now why didn’t I think of that?” he muttered.

“And I suppose, sir,” said Frank to Lord Hastings, “that another ship is to be put at Jack’s disposal?”

Lord Hastings nodded.

“Exactly,” he replied.

Jack was on his feet again immediately.

“What ship, sir?” he asked eagerly.

“The Essex, a sister ship of the Brigadier.”

“By George!  That’s fine, isn’t it?” exclaimed Jack.

“And do I go along, sir?” Frank wanted to know.

Again Lord Hastings nodded.

“You do,” he replied, “together with the officers and crew of the Brigadier who survived the recent engagement.  Your compliment will be filled from other vessels damaged in the raid.”

“And where is the Essex now, sir?” asked Jack.

“Here,” replied Lord Hastings, “in Dover.  You are to go aboard this evening.”

“I can’t get there too quickly to suit me,” declared Jack.

“Same here,” Frank agreed.

“Now, remember,” enjoined Lord Hastings, “that I still am desirous of your delivering to Secretary Daniels the document I gave you.”

“Is the Admiralty still unconvinced of the likelihood of submarines reaching American waters, sir?” asked Frank.

“It is, but you know my opinion has not changed.”

“I begin to agree with you, sir,” said Jack.  “At first I’ll admit I was skeptical, but the way you explain the matter it sounds reasonable.”

“Well,” said Frank, “I hope we get there in time to spoil their plans.”

“Amen to that, my boy,” said Lord Hastings.  “But, I’ll detain you no longer.  You both probably are anxious to get a look at your new vessel.”