“It was shortly after midnight when Jack was aroused by the third officer.

“Message from Admiral Beatty, sir,” said the third officer, and passed Jack a slip of paper.

Jack read the message, which had been hastily scribbled off by the radio operator.

“German squadron of six vessels reported to have left Helgoland and to be headed for the coast of Scotland,” the message read.  “Proceed to intercept them at full speed.  Other vessels being notified.”

Jack sprang into his clothes, meanwhile having Frank summoned from his cabin.  Frank dashed into Jack’s cabin, clothes in hand.

“What’s up?” he demanded.

“Germans headed for the Scottish coast,” replied Jack briefly, and dashed out of the door.

Frank followed him a few moments later.  Jack was standing on the bridge giving orders hastily.

“Have a look at the engine room, Frank,” said Jack, “and tell the engineer to crowd on all possible steam.  We’ll have need of speed this trip, or I miss my guess.”

Frank obeyed.

The Essex, which had been proceeding east by south at a leisurely pace, had come about now and was dashing due north at top speed.  Jack himself shaped the course and gave the necessary instructions to the helmsman.

Below in the radio room, the wireless began to clatter.  The operator, from time to time, was getting into touch with other vessels of the Grand Fleet ordered north to intercept the German raiders.

First he received a flash from the Lion; then the Brewster replied, and after her, the Tiger, Southampton, Falcon, White Hawk and Peerless.  Counting the Essex this made eight ships speeding northward to intercept the enemy.

“I take it,” said Jack, “that this is about the last blow the enemy will attempt to deliver.  The Germans, knowing they are beaten, are intent now only upon doing what damage they can while there is yet time.  This raid, I suppose, they figure will throw a scare into the coast cities, as similar raids did earlier in the war.  However, they’ll have a surprise this time, for all the coast ports are fortified now.  There will be guns there to stand them off until we get there.”

“Let’s hope we get there in time,” muttered Frank.  “I’d like one more crack at the enemy.  I’m afraid they are going to get off too easily when peace comes.”

“We’ve got to get there in time,” declared Jack.

From time to time the radio operator sent reports to Jack giving the positions of other vessels rushing to the defense of the coast ports.

“We’ll get there first, at this rate,” said Jack.  “We’re closer than the others.”

“But we’re no match for the enemy single-handed,” declared Frank.  “Chances are that the German squadron is composed mostly of battleships.”

“True enough,” Jack admitted, “but we’ll do what damage we can.  The Tiger, Lion, White Hawk, Falcon and Peerless are warships, you know.  They’ll be more than enough for the foe.”