The destroyer Essex, commanded by Jack, as has already been said, was at the extreme east of the long line of battleships.  Beyond it were the flagship of Admiral Beatty, flanked still farther east by three big war vessels, and Admiral Tyrwhitt’s flagship.

Jack and Frank were on the bridge of the destroyer.  Other officers were at their posts.  The crews stood to their guns.  Below, the engine room was the scene of activity.  A full head of steam was kept up, for there was no telling at what moment it might be needed.

Came a shrill whistle from the farthest advanced British vessel, followed by a cry from the lookout aboard the destroyer: 

“Here they come!”

As the red sun rose above the horizon the first submarine appeared in sight.  Soon after seven o’clock, twenty-seven German submarines were seen in line, accompanied by two destroyers.  These latter were the Tibania and the Serra Venta, which accompanied the flotilla to take the submarine crews back to Germany.

All submarines were on the surface, with their hatches open and their crews standing on deck.  They were flying no flags whatever, and their guns were trained fore and aft in accordance with previous instructions from Admiral Beatty.

Until the moment that they had sighted the first ship of the British fleet, the German flag had flown from the mastheads of the various undersea craft, but they had been hauled down at once when the allied war vessels came into view.

The leading destroyer, in response to a signal from Admiral Beatty on his flagship, altered her course slightly and headed toward the coast of England.

The wireless instrument aboard the destroyer Essex clattered and a few moments later the radio operator rushed to the bridge with a message for Jack.  The latter read it quickly, then said: 

“Send an O.K. to the admiral?’

“What’s up, Jack?” asked Frank.

“Lower half a dozen small boats, Mr. Hetherton,” instructed Jack before replying to Frank’s question, “and have them manned by a score of men each, fully armed.”

“Aye, aye, sir.”

Lieutenant Hetherton hurried away.

“What’s up, Jack?” asked Frank again.

“I have been ordered to inspect each submarine as it comes abreast of us,” Jack replied.  “Apparently the admiral still fears treachery.  I’ll remain aboard here, and leave the work to you and the other officers.”

This was done.  As each submarine drew up with the Essex she was boarded by a score of the Essex’s men.  Some stood guard at the hatches with weapons held ready, while an officer and the others of the crew went below for a hurried trip of inspection, searching them diligently for “booby traps,” and other signs of treachery.

This necessitated a slowing down in the speed of the German craft, but at length the work was accomplished and Frank and his men, and all others belonging aboard the Essex, returned to their ship.