“We haven’t come upon the enemy yet, and will not to-day.”

He returned to the bridge.

“I suppose,” said Lord Hastings, “the best thing we can do now is to go ashore and report.  Frank, you shall come with me.  Jack will remain behind.”

The lads nodded.

Half an hour later Jack was left aboard the U-16, while Lord Hastings and Frank were being rowed ashore.

Below, although Jack did not know it, trouble was brewing.  Davis and his three fellow-conspirators were plotting again.

“And what did this man Edwards say?” demanded Davis of one of the Germans.

“He said he would let me know some time to-day,” was the reply.  “Also, that he felt sure the others would follow his lead—­would do whatever he said.  He agreed with me that this was no war of ours, and added that as long as kings and emperors were using us to do their will, there was no reason why we shouldn’t confiscate the property of kings and emperors to gain a few advantages for ourselves.”

“By Jove!” exclaimed Davis.  “The fellow reasons well.  He may prove the very man for us.”  And he added to himself:  “It would be a good thing to have another Englishman with me, if he is of the right sort.”

The conversation continued for some moments, and then Davis said: 

“Say, one of you fellows, tell Edwards I want to see him now.”

One of the men departed, and returned a moment later, followed by Edwards.  Davis engaged him in conversation and the two talked in low tones for perhaps five minutes.  Then Davis turned to the others.

“I can see no reason why we should wait longer,” he said.  “Bernstorff and one of his officers is ashore.  There remains only one and the crew.  We can dispose of the one officer easily enough, and as for the crew, I am of the opinion that most of them will join us.”

“Then,” said Edwards, “if you will wait here until I return I will get my other men.”

“It would be better that way,” agreed Davis.  “There will be seven of us and that should be enough.  Hurry.”

Edwards withdrew.  First he made his way to where O’Brien and McDonald were asleep, and, rousing them, bade them follow him; but instead of returning to Davis’ quarters, he led the way rapidly to where Jack stood upon the bridge.

Edwards explained the situation in a few brief words and Jack was dumbfounded.

“And you say Davis is preparing to spring this coup to-night?” exclaimed Jack.

“Right now, sir,” returned Edwards quietly.  “That’s why I brought O’Brien and McDonald here.  We are all armed, sir.”

“Oh, we are more than a match for Davis and his trio of conspirators,” Jack agreed.  “The only thing that troubles me is that the others of the crew may join him.  We shall have to act quickly.  Follow me.”

He drew his revolver and led the way below.  There he hurried straight to Davis’ quarters and flung open the door.  Then he stopped in surprise.