“I have it!” exclaimed the German.  “You are the lad whom I captured from a British submarine in the Kiel Canal not so long ago.  I remember you well now.  You escaped.  So you are a British spy, eh?”

“I—­I——­” began Frank.

The German raised a hand.

“It will do you no good to deny it,” he said quietly.  “I cannot be mistaken.  Besides, I can plainly see now that you are no German; and this supposed-to-be German officer with you is also British.  I can see it now.  So is the other prisoner, though I cannot see what you should have been fighting about.”

Neither Frank nor Jack replied.  Each realized that there was no use in entering a denial.

“I’ll take my oath I’m sorry for this,” said the German.  “Of course, you know there is but one thing I can do?”

Frank nodded understandingly.

“You were found within our lines in German uniforms,” said the commander.  “Therefore you are spies and must be treated as such.  I myself shall call a court martial within the hour.  You must be shot.  The other man will be tried separately, but I have no doubt he will suffer the same fate.  Orderly!”

A second officer entered the room.

“Have these prisoners closely guarded and bring them here an hour from now,” he ordered.  “Then summon the commanders of the other vessels in the harbor.  They shall sit on a court martial here.  Hurry.”

Jack and Frank were led from the cabin and locked in another compartment at the far end of the ship where they sat in silence until they were conducted to the commander’s cabin.

And as they gazed about the cabin the eyes of both opened wide in surprise, though they made no sound.

For there, sitting with five other German officers about the table, was none other than Lord Hastings, still wearing his German uniform.  He was sitting on the trial board.

The German commander who had captured them presided.

“Bring in the other prisoner,” he commanded.

A moment later Davis was led in.  The lads saw a surprised expression flash over Lord Hastings’ face as his eyes rested on Davis; but he sat still.

Then, suddenly appearing to take a close look at Frank and Jack for the first time, he jumped to his feet and approached them.  After a careful scrutiny, he uttered a loud exclamation and turned to the other officers.

“Sirs,” he said quietly, “you have indeed made an important capture.  These men, although apparently young, are two of the most trusted of British spies.  I know them, for I have come in close contact with them,” and he glared at them angrily.  “So, we have you at last, eh?” addressing the boys, who shrank back in well-feigned alarm.

As for Davis, he said nothing.  He had been doing a lot of thinking and had come to the conclusion that it was better to postpone his fate by being rescued with Frank and Jack, if possible; for he had a pretty shrewd idea that Lord Hastings was there for some such purpose.