The first sinking was reported on May 10.  In the week that followed, eighteen other vessels were sent to the bottom by German submarines off the American coast.  At the end of that time, however, the waters were being so well patrolled that it would have been suicide for a submarine to have showed itself.

Reports of sinkings ceased.  But, from time to time, word was received that submarines had been sighted farther south, first off the coast of the Carolinas and then off Florida.  No attacks were made in these waters, however, and the next that was heard of the submarines they were off the coast of South America.

During the activities of the enemy raiders, one submarine was sunk, and one was captured, both through the efforts of Jack and the crew and officers of the Essex.

After leaving Hampton Roads, the Essex steamed out beyond the Virginia Capes.  Immediately Jack sought to get into communication with Admiral Sellings by wireless.  And at last he raised the admiral’s flagship, the Dakota.

“What do you want?” came the query from the Dakota, after Jack’s flash had been picked up.

“British destroyer Essex, Captain Templeton, reporting to Admiral Sellings for orders at the request of Secretary Daniels,” was the message Jack sent back.

“One moment,” was the reply.

Jack waited in the radio room aboard the Essex.

“Essex!  Essex!” came the call five minutes later.

“Answer,” Jack directed the operator.

“Essex replying,” the operator flashed.

“Admiral Sellings orders Essex to proceed north and stand out to sea to protect inbound vessels.  Understand one submarine sighted five miles out five hours ago.  Repeat.”

The operator repeated the message to show that he had caught in correctly.

Jack went on deck and gave instructions necessary to putting the Essex out at sea.  Then, “Full speed ahead!” he signalled.

The British destroyer Essex stood out to sea magnificently.  Aboard, her crew stood to their posts, ready for action.  Jack, surrounded by his officers, held the bridge.

“We’ve got to keep a sharp eye out,” said Jack.

“Right,” Frank agreed.  “We’re likely to come upon one of the enemy any moment, and we can’t afford to let him see us first.”

“Very true, sir,” Lieutenant Hetherton agreed.  “Fortunately all our lookouts have sharp eyes.  I’ll venture to say a submarine won’t come to the surface very close to us without being seen.”

“That’s the way to talk, Mr. Hetherton,” said Jack.  “It shows the proper spirit.”

“And the men are imbued with the same spirit,” declared Frank, “and yet see how cool they are.”

It was perfectly true.  There was no confusion aboard the Essex in spite of the fact that each member of the crew knew he was bent on a dangerous mission.  One shot from the submarine, they knew, if truly aimed and Jack was unable to maneuver the vessel out of harm’s way, would be the end.  However, like all British tars, they had absolute confidence in their commander; for, according to their line of reasoning, if he were not a capable officer and to be depended upon he would not be in command of the ship.