In the distance he made out a coast line, which, according to his calculations, should be the coast of Belgium.

“We should not be more than an hour’s run from Ostend,” he told the lads.  “We’ll continue on the surface.”

The submarine was brought clear of the water and continued on her way.

But there was to be no need of the submarine putting into Ostend.  Half an hour after the vessel had been brought to the surface, Frank, who was alone for the moment upon the bridge, made out a second submarine approaching.  Quickly he summoned Lord Hastings and Jack.

“Well,” said Lord Hastings, “here is where we have to do some tall talking, as the Americans would say.  He’s headed directly for us.”

It was true.  The submarines were approaching each other rapidly.

The enemy slowed down, and in response to Lord Hastings, the captured vessel did likewise.  A voice from a figure on the bridge of the second vessel came across the water.

“Who are you?”

“U-16,” answered Lord Hastings, who had gone through the former commander’s papers carefully, “Bernstorff, commanding.”

“Bernstorff,” came the surprised response.  “Where is Captain Tarlenhein?”

“If you will come aboard, I will explain,” shouted Lord Hastings.

“Very well.”

A few moments later a small boat left the side of the other vessel and came toward the U-16.

“Now, boys,” said Lord Hastings quietly, “keep a tight rein on yourselves and leave the talking to me.  Say nothing unless you are addressed.  It would not do for us to be tripped up.  We would all be put to death as spies.”

The boys nodded their understanding of this order.

“We’ll be as mum as a couple of oysters, sir,” declared Frank.

“I wouldn’t know what to say, anyhow,” agreed Jack.

“Sh-h-h,” whispered Lord Hastings.  “Here he comes.”

The small boat scraped the side of the U-16 at this juncture.  A man in the full uniform of a German lieutenant commander stepped aboard.  Lord Hastings advanced to meet him with extended hand.

Jack and Frank followed their commander closely.

CHAPTER XIV.

WITH THE ENEMY.

“I am Captain Bernstorff,” said Lord Hastings quietly, “and you?”

“Lieutenant Commander Von Rosten, sir,” replied the other, who could not have been more than twenty-five years of age.

“Von Rosten, to be sure,” replied Lord Hastings, affecting to recall the name.  “Allow me to present my friends, who are at present acting as my officers.”

He beckoned to Frank and Jack to approach.

“Lieutenant Papen,” he said, introducing Jack; “and Lieutenant Bohring,” indicating Frank.

The three acknowledged the introductions and then Lord Hastings continued: 

“I suppose you are wondering how I come to be in command of the U-16?”