“London,” was the reply.

“So?  But you were headed in the other direction.”

“So I was; but that was merely to avoid the German submarines.  I am doubling back now, having changed my course no sooner than I picked you up.”

“That is indeed fortunate for us,” declared Lord Hastings.  “We shall all be glad to get back to London.”

“And you shall be there shortly, unless we are unfortunate enough to encounter one of these under-sea murderers,” replied the captain.

Lord Hastings and Jack now excused themselves and the latter immediately made his way to the sick bay, where he asked permission to see his chum.  This was readily granted.

Frank had not awakened while being transferred from the small boat to the steamship, and again he was filled with curiosity.  Jack explained the transfer, and then asked: 

“How do you feel now, old man?”

“Better,” returned Frank briefly; “and by the way, how’s that injured arm of yours?”

“First rate,” laughed Jack.  “To tell the truth I had almost forgotten I had it, although in the battle it did interfere with my shooting somewhat—­and you know I’m not the best shot in the world, anyhow.”

“Say,” said Frank, “I’ve got something on my mind that I want to ask you and I can’t think what it is.”

“Don’t worry about it now, old man,” said Jack.  “Get a little more rest and then it will come to you.”

Frank chafed as he struggled with his thoughts.

“No use,” he said.  “I can’t think of it.”

“Well, you go to sleep,” said Jack.  “I’ll come back after a while.”

He turned and moved toward the door; and as he would have passed out, Frank hailed him.

“Hold on there!” he called.  “I’ve got it.”

“Got what?” demanded Jack.

“The question I want to ask you.”

“Well, let’s have it.”

“What happened to Davis?”

“Dead,” said Jack quietly.  “You proved the better man.”

He turned and left the room while Frank lay still, thinking.

And so we shall leave them for a brief time.  Their further adventures will be found in a succeeding volume, entitled: 

“THE BOY ALLIES IN THE BALTIC; or, Through the Ice to Aid the Czar.”