CHAPTER XXXI.
ABOARD THE “SYLPH” AGAIN.
Jack sprang quickly to his feet and in a moment had divested himself of his coat and shoes. Then he dived headlong into the dark water. The searchlight of the little craft was playing upon the water, and Jack could plainly see his prisoner a short distance ahead.
Jack was a strong swimmer. At his home in the little African village he had spent many hours in the water; and now with great strokes he was overhauling his quarry.
“I’ll get him if I have to chase him all over Denmark,” the lad told himself grimly, as he swam along. “I should have watched him more closely.”
For at least ten minutes the chase continued. Then, finding that Jack was bound to catch him, Hardy turned to face him.
Now, Hardy was no coward, and he was a big man. On even terms he figured that the lad was no match for him. He was also an accomplished swimmer; but he underrated the prowess of the lad who was pursuing him, and his arm was also in bad shape.
Jack came up with his enemy and reached out a hand to take him by the throat; but, as he did so, Hardy dove and disappeared from view. A moment later he came up close to the spot where Jack had been, and struck out fiercely, thinking to take the lad by surprise and stun him before his presence was discovered.
But Jack was not to be caught in this manner. He was far too wary. The moment Hardy sank from sight, Jack had surmised his ruse and had shifted his position accordingly. As a result, when Hardy came up, Jack had him at a disadvantage. In his haste, however, to get his prisoner back to the launch, Jack failed to use his advantage and the blow he aimed at his adversary went wide. Whereupon Hardy immediately dove again.
Spurred to greater mental activity by his failure, Jack determined upon a bit of strategy. Believing that Hardy would remain under water this time as long as possible, in the meantime swimming for shore, Jack struck out for shore with all his might. Then, when he thought that Hardy must come to the surface, the lad made a sudden dive.
That Jack’s estimate was a good one was quickly proven. He had gauged the distance Hardy could swim with such accuracy that he found himself swimming directly under the fleeing man. This was his opportunity, and, rising close to the surface, Jack seized Hardy by one of his feet.
Hardy kicked out angrily, but to no avail. With a quick jerk Jack drew the traitor under the water. Then, rising, he struck out at his adversary and, taking a deep breath, dived again, grabbing Hardy by the throat as he went down.
Beneath the dark water of the ocean the fierce struggle went on. Jack found his opponent a hard customer, but soon the lad’s endurance began to tell. The long breath he had taken just before diving for the last time was what finally gave him the victory.
Hardy’s struggles became weaker and weaker, and finally there beneath the water he fell limp in the lad’s arms. Quickly Jack rose to the surface, bearing his prisoner with him. Taking a deep, refreshing breath, he struck out for the little launch, which had approached to within a short distance of him.
Willing hands lifted Hardy over the side and helped Jack aboard. The prisoner was laid on a seat, and, after he had been worked over for some minutes, regained consciousness. This time he was securely bound.
“Well, I guess you have got me at last,” he said to Jack, when he had observed his surroundings.
“Yes,” was the lad’s reply, “and you may be sure that you shall not escape again.”
The little launch was now headed at full speed for the spot where they had left the Sylph the night before, and after some hours the patience of those on board was rewarded. In the distance could be made out the faint gleam of a searchlight.
Rapidly the two vessels approached each other, until the launch at last scraped the side of the scout cruiser. A moment later Jack and his prisoner were safe on board.
Lord Hastings’ first thought was for Jack.
“Are you all right?” he demanded anxiously.
“Fit as a fiddle, sir, except that I could go to sleep right here on the deck.”
Frank approached and grasped his friend’s hand silently. The pressure of his hand was more significant than words, and Jack returned the grip with interest.
“You turn in immediately,” was Lord Hastings’ command to Jack. “I’ll look after the prisoner.”
“I’d like to see him safely ironed first, sir,” said Jack. “I had so much trouble getting him, that I would like to feel sure there is no chance of his escaping again.”
“Have your own way,” laughed Lord Hastings, and Jack went forward to see the job done.
Hardy safely in irons, Jack and Frank returned to their own quarters.
“Now tell me all about it, old fellow,” said Frank.
“I’ll tell you in the morning,” was Jack’s reply, as, completely exhausted, he fell over in his berth and into a deep sleep, while from above Frank heard the signal:
“Full speed ahead.”