“And how are we to get him, unless we go after him, I’d like to know?” the lad demanded angrily.

“There must be some way,” was the reply.  “We’ll wait.”

He took Frank by the arm and led him away.

Lord Hastings immediately made his way to Jack’s side.

“Shape your course east now, Mr. Templeton,” he instructed, “and give the command to rise to the surface.”

Jack asked no questions and did as instructed.

“We’ll have to take a chance on being clear of the enemy when we go up,” Lord Hastings explained.  “But we’ve got to get Davis out of that engine room the first thing we do.”

“And how do you figure to do that, sir?” asked Frank.

“By giving him a clear path to the bridge,” replied Lord Hastings.  “I have no doubt that when he finds we are upon the surface he will leave his retreat and go on deck; then, if there is land in sight, he probably will leap overboard and swim for it.”

“But you will not permit him to get away, sir?”

“Not if I can help it.  However, I would rather have him escape than let him send us to the bottom; and I have no doubt he will reason along that line.  Now, when we reach the surface, we will go to my cabin and remain there until we hear him pass my door.”

A few moments later the U-6 emerged from the depths and the three immediately went to Lord Hastings’ cabin and closed the door behind them.  Lord Hastings gave an exclamation of dismay as he gazed about.

“You certainly did a good job with that hose,” he said to Frank.  “There is not a nook nor cranny of this cabin you didn’t touch.  Look at it, it won’t dry out in a month.”

“Hardly that long, sir,” said Jack with a grin.  “But tell me what all this is about, anyhow.”

Frank explained.  Then all grew silent, awaiting the sound of footsteps that they felt sure would herald Davis’ flight.  And a few moments later they came, creeping along silently.

Frank took a step forward, but Lord Hastings stayed him with a gesture.

“Let him alone,” he commanded.  “We don’t want him to find another hole.  We have had trouble enough with him.”

A few moments later footsteps sounded on deck.

“Well, he’s up there,” said Frank.  “Now what?”

“Guess we can go up after him now,” replied Lord Hastings.

He led the way.

“Careful, sir, when you go up,” warned Jack.  “He’s likely to be waiting for one of us to show a head.”

Lord Hastings paid no heed to this command, but sprang quickly up.  He gazed around rapidly.  There was not another soul on deck.

“Come on,” he cried to Frank and Jack.

The latter also sprang up and looked about.

“Where is he, sir?” asked Frank.

“Gone,” replied Lord Hastings.  “Must have jumped overboard.”

He swept the sea with his eyes, as did the others.

“What’s that over there, sir?” asked Jack suddenly.