CHAPTER XVIII
ASHORE
For two days the Essex had been cruising up and down the coast on patrol duty, looking for submarines. Several times the destroyer had been ordered farther out to sea to form an escort for an incoming steamer, but after her encounter with the U-87 she had sighted no more of the enemy.
Following the report of two vessels sunk off the coast on May 10, the day on which the presence of German raiders off the coast was first reported, the number of sinkings increased the following day, and the next. After that they fell off, however, and upon the fifth day only one ship—a small schooner—was sent to the bottom off the coast of Delaware.
The prisoners taken from the U-87 were stowed safely away below-decks on the Essex, after which Jack got in touch with Admiral Sellings, on the Dakota, by wireless. He reported the capture of the submarine and the fact that it was being towed into port by the Ventura. Admiral Sellings ordered Jack to continue his patrol of the coast until further notice.
Nevertheless, the Essex escorted the Ventura almost to port, before putting about and resuming her patrol duty.
All the remainder of that day and the two days that followed Jack kept his ship moving up and down the coast, but he caught no sight of an enemy vessel, nor were any of the sinkings reported in that time close enough to be considered within his territory.
On the fourth day came a message from Admiral Sellings.
"German submarine reported twenty miles north of Cape Charles," read the message. "Investigate."
Jack acknowledged receipt of the order and addressed Frank, who stood beside him on the bridge.
"Something definite to act on at last," he said, and read the admiral's message aloud, adding: "Shape your course accordingly, Mr. Chadwick."
Frank gave the necessary directions. The big ship came about and headed south again.
It was well along in the afternoon when the Essex reached the approximate point designated by Admiral Sellings. Jack ran the destroyer as close in-shore as he dared, and for several hours cruised about in the neighborhood. But he saw nothing to indicate the presence of a submarine.
"If there's a U-Boat here, it's keeping pretty well under cover," said Frank.
"So it is," replied Jack. "I don't know where the admiral got his information, but I've got my doubts of its authenticity."
Frank's eyes were caught at that moment by the sight of a small row boat putting off from the shore. He watched it idly for a moment, and then noted that it was headed directly for the Essex.
"Hello," he said, "here comes some one to visit us."
Directly the little boat scraped alongside the now stationary destroyer and the figure in the boat indicated that he wanted to come aboard.
"Don't know what he wants," muttered Jack, "but it'll be just as well to have him up and find out."
A few moments later the occupant stood before Jack and his officers on the bridge.
"My name," he said, "is Charles Cutlip, and I live back there." He waved a hand shoreward. "I suppose you are hunting for submarines, Captain?"
Jack nodded.
"That's what we're here for," he affirmed.
"I thought so," said young Cutlip—he was a little more than a boy. "Well, Captain, maybe I can help you."
Jack gave an exclamation of astonishment.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"I don't know exactly," replied the boy. "Yesterday afternoon, while I was in the house alone, three strange men appeared at the door. They wore the costume of an ordinary seafaring man, but when they asked me for food they had a strange manner of speech. They weren't Americans, I'm sure of that."
"And you think they were from a submarine, eh?" asked Jack.
"I'm sure of it, Captain. There were no other ships near, and they could not have come overland, for it is a long ways to the nearest village and they had neither horses nor automobile."
"And what did you say to them?" asked Frank.
"I gave them what food there was in the house, but they said it wasn't enough. About this time my father came in unexpectedly. The strangers drew revolvers and covered him. They told him they would be back to-night and that they required him to have a certain amount of food on hand. They threatened to kill him if he gave the alarm—and they threatened to kill me too."
"By George!" exclaimed Frank. "It looks as though we had come to the right spot, Jack."
"It certainly does," agreed Jack. "Now tell us the rest of your tale, son."
"That's about all," said the boy. "They devoured what food I gave them and then disappeared."
"And your father sent you for help, I suppose," added Frank.
"No," said the boy. "I came of my own accord. My father is badly frightened. He has gone to find the food for the strangers. I slipped away and ran toward the sea. Then I saw your ship, sir, and I hurried to tell you."
"You have done well," said Jack, laying a hand on the lad's shoulder. "And now you will be willing to help us further, will you not?"
"Of course I shall, sir."
"Very good. Now you look around the ship to your heart's content, while I hold a conference with my officers."
"Very well, sir."
The boy walked away. Jack held a consultation with his officers on the bridge.
"If the boy is telling the truth," he said, "and I have no doubt of it, we are in luck. It may be that we can capture this German crew ashore and then take possession of the submarine."
"But, sir," protested Lieutenant Hetherton, "if the submarine were to come to the surface now and catch sight of the Essex it would never come back again."
"I had thought of that," replied Jack, "and I have a plan that will offset it. You see that projecting reef there?" and Jack pointed to the north. The others signified that they did. "Well," Jack continued, "back of that is as cosy a little harbor as you would care to see. I noticed it as we came by. We'll take the Essex there, and she will be hidden well enough."
"Unless the submarine should chance to come to the surface there," was Frank's objection.
"We'll have to leave something to chance," declared Jack.
"In which event your plan is as good as any I can conceive," said Frank. "But after we get the Essex there, then what?"
"Why," said Jack, "I'll take a party of half a hundred men or so and surround the house of this Cutlip boy. When the Germans arrive we'll nab 'em. After that we can find the submarine."
"Hasn't it struck you, sir," Frank asked of Jack, "that maybe the men who accosted this boy and his father were merely bluffing? That they may not return to-night?"
"It has," Jack replied, "but at the same time there is a chance that they will. Therefore, in lieu of any other clue as to the whereabouts of the submarine, I deem it well to act on what information, we have."
"It won't hurt anything, that's sure, sir," was Lieutenant Hetherton's comment.
In this the other officers agreed.
"Very well then," said Jack. "It shall be as I suggested. Mr. Chadwick, will you shape your course for the point I have mentioned."
"But the boy, sir?" said Frank. "Shall we not put him over the side first?"
"No; we'll take him with us," Jack decided.
As the destroyer began to forge ahead, the Cutlip boy grew alarmed and hurried to Jack's side.
"You are not taking me away, are you, sir?" he asked fearfully.
"No," replied Jack, and outlined the situation as fully as he deemed wise.
Young Cutlip was plainly eager to help in the capture of the German submarine crew.
"And you feel sure they will come back to-night?" Jack questioned.
"Yes, sir. They must be very hungry. If you could have seen those three men devour what little food I gave them! They seemed to be half starved."
"Strange, too," Jack muttered, "considering the number of ships they have sunk in these waters recently. They should have replenished their stores."
"It may be that this was one of the less fortunate submarines," said Frank. "The sinkings may have been done by other U-Boats."
"That's true, too," said Jack. "I hadn't thought of that. I guess that must be the answer."
Less than an hour later, the Essex passed behind the shelter of the reef Jack had mentioned. There Jack ordered her stopped, and anchor dropped.
"We should be out of sight here," he said, "unless, as you suggested, Frank, the enemy should come to the surface at this point. And we'll have to trust to luck that they don't."
"And now what, sir?" asked Frank.
"I'll let you select a hundred men of the crew for shore duty," said Jack.
This task did not take long, and Frank had picked and armed his men within half an hour.
"Now," said Jack, "I'm going to put you in command of the party, Frank. Lieutenant Hetherton shall go along as your immediate subordinate. Two officers are enough. The rest of us will wait here. But if you have not returned soon after daylight, we'll start a search for you."
"I can see no reason why we should be longer," said Frank. "We'll do the best we can."
"Then I would suggest that you go ashore at once," said Jack. "You must reach the Cutlip home while it is yet daylight in order to lay your plans."
"Right, sir," said Frank, saluting. "We shall go ashore at once."
They put off over the side in small boats and rowed toward the shore, where they landed less than an hour after the Essex dropped anchor. Jack waved a hand to his chum from the bridge.
"Good luck!" he called.
Frank waved back at him, then addressed his men.
"By fours! Forward march!" he commanded.
The party, with young Cutlip in their midst, moved inland.
CHAPTER XIX
IN THE NIGHT
It was not a long march to the Cutlip home, and the Essex party reached there some time before nightfall. Young Cutlip now whispered a word of caution to Frank.
"My father will not like this," he said. "He is naturally a cautious man. If he thinks I have given the alarm—am responsible for your being here—it will go hard with me."
"Then he must not know it," said Frank decidedly. "Do you think he will be home now?"
"Yes, sir; most likely."
Frank considered.
"Then I'll call a halt here," he said. "You can return home and we will come later. In that way he will not know that you gave the alarm. But by the way, when he sees us is he not likely to try and warn the enemy?"
"He might, sir. He is terribly afraid of submarines and men who control them. He appears to think they are something supernatural. He believes the crews of the submarines can whip anyone, sir. That is why he is likely to tarry and give an alarm."
"In that case," said Frank, "we'll have to tie him up until the game is over."
"He's my father, sir, and I don't want you to hurt him," said young Cutlip, "but that would be the best way, sir."
"Very well," said Frank. "You run ahead, now; we'll wait here for an hour."
He called a halt. Young Cutlip ran on ahead. Frank explained the reason for the halt to Lieutenant Hetherton, who agreed that the lad had acted wisely.
"No use getting the boy in trouble if we can help, it, sir," he said.
An hour later Frank ordered the march resumed. Young Cutlip had given necessary directions and the party from the Essex reached the Cutlip home without trouble. As they drew near, a man came to the door of the little cabin that nestled in among a group of trees. Beside him, Frank made out the figure of the boy who had given notice of the visit of some of the submarine crew.
Frank motioned his men to halt some distance away, called Lieutenant Hetherton to follow him, and approached the cabin.
"How do you do, sir?" he asked civilly of the big man in the doorway.
"What do you want here?" was the growling response.
"We're from a British destroyer out there," said Frank, waving a hand in the general direction of the Atlantic, "and we are hunting for submarines that have sunk a dozen or more ships off the coast."
"You don't expect to find them here on land, do you?" demanded Cutlip.
"Not exactly," said Frank. "But I have reason to believe that the crew of one of the vessels has come ashore. Have you seen anything of them, sir?"
"I have not," replied Cutlip firmly.
"No one resembling a German, even?" persisted Frank.
"No."
"You are quite sure?"
"Quite sure."
"Think again, my man," said Frank.
"Look here," said Cutlip, "do you mean to insinuate that I'm lying?"
"I don't insinuate anything. I know you are lying. Hold up there!"
For Cutlip had taken a threatening step forward.
"A party of three German sailors from a submarine nearby were seen to come this way," Frank went on. "You must have seen them. Now, if you are not trying to shield them, tell me where they are."
"I don't know. I haven't seen them."
"Call a couple of men, Lieutenant," said Frank to Hetherton.
Hetherton raised a hand, and two sailors came forward.
"Once more," said Frank to Cutlip, "will you tell me what you know of those men?"
"I tell you I don't know anything," answered Cutlip doggedly.
"Tie him up, men," said Frank briefly.
The sailors sprang forward and laid rough hands on Cutlip. The latter protested vigorously with his mouth, but he offered only feeble resistance.
"Now," said Frank to Hetherton, "we can't leave him around here for if the Germans saw him they might take alarm. We'll have to have him sent back to the ship. I guess those two men are big enough to get him there."
"Plenty big enough, sir," said one of them with a grin.
"Good. Take him back, then, and come back when you have turned him over to Captain Templeton. Tell the captain to hold him until we return."
The man touched his cap.
"Aye, aye, sir," he said. Then to Cutlip in a rough voice: "March, now."
The three disappeared, Cutlip grumbling to himself and the sailors grinning.
Frank turned to young Cutlip, who had watched these proceedings with some disfavor.
"Now, my boy," he said, "we can get ready for business."
"They won't hurt him, will they?" asked the boy, pointing after his father.
"They will not," said Frank. "Only keep him safe until the trouble is over."
"All right. Then, I'll help you the best I can, sir."
"That's the way to talk, my boy. Now let me look around a bit."
Lieutenant Hetherton and young Cutlip accompanied Frank on his tour of inspection. The lad found that the cabin was cuddled securely in a miniature forest, or rather at one end of it. On both sides and in the rear were a profusion of dense trees. Only the approach from the front was in the clear.
"It's all right," Frank said. I'll throw my men around the house from three sides, and when the Germans have gone in we can surround it completely. If they come after dark, there is little doubt they will approach from the front."
"And what shall I do, sir?" asked young Cutlip.
Frank turned the matter over in his mind.
"I am afraid I shall have to ask you to play rather a dangerous part," he said at last. "You must be inside to receive them. If there were no one there they might take alarm and run. Now, we'll go inside and see if your father has complied with the enemy's demand."
The three entered the cabin. Inside, Frank made out several big sacks scattered about the floor. "Potatoes," he said, and looked further. There he also found an extraordinary amount of salt meats and a bountiful supply of vegetables.
"Looks like your good father had been very busy," he said to young Cutlip with a smile. "That's what the Germans will have the whole world doing for them if we don't lick 'em."
"You're right there, sir," agreed Lieutenant Hetherton.
"Well," said Frank, "we'll leave these things as they are. It will help divert suspicion from young Cutlip here when the Germans find his father is not on hand. But I guess there is nothing more we can do now. Come, we'll go outside."
Frank now saw to the disposition of his men. These, as he had decided, he stationed on three sides of the cabin. He himself took command of the men on the left, Lieutenant Hetherton commanding the right wing and a sailor named Hennessy the left. A short time later the sailors who had conducted Cutlip the elder to the Essex returned and took their places.
"Did he go along peaceably?" asked Frank of one of the newcomers.
"Well, he kicked once or twice," replied the man, "but he went along all the same, sir."
Frank grinned.
"Just so long as you got him there," he said.
"Oh, he's there, all right," grinned the sailor, "but when I left he was threatening to have the whole American navy down on us and hoping that these German submarines shoot us to little pieces."
"I think we'll do most of the shooting, if there is any to be done," said Frank dryly.
There was silence in the ranks after this, for it was now growing dark and it was possible that the Germans might appear at any moment. Every man strained his eyes as he peered through the trees.
Inside the cabin a faint light glowed. Young Cutlip was in there, playing a braver part than could his father, doing his best for his country as enemies threatened her existence. Frank smiled to himself.
"A nervy kid," he muttered; "yet, I wish I didn't have to use him. I shall take especial care that no harm comes to him."
He grew silent.
In the distance came the sound of tramping feet—many of them. Gradually they drew nearer and directly Frank could hear voices. Heavy, guttural voices they were and the tongue they spoke was German.
Up to that moment Frank had not been at all sure in his own mind that the Germans would return to the cabin, as they had told the Cutlips. Nevertheless, here they were, and the lad's heart leaped high.
"They must be pretty close to starvation to take such chances," the lad muttered to himself. "Wonder why they don't try a raid on one of the nearby towns? Guess they don't want to stir up any more trouble than possible, though. Well, we'll get 'em."
Frank peered from his hiding place. The Germans were in sight now, and approaching the house four abreast.
"Four, eight, twelve, sixteen, twenty-four," Frank counted.
"That's not so many. We can grab them easy enough."
But a moment later additional footsteps were heard. Again Frank counted moving figures to himself.
"Twenty more," he muttered. "Where on earth did they all come from? By George! They certainly are taking a long chance marching around like this. Well, the more we can get the better."
At the door of the cabin the Germans halted. Three of their number stepped forward and went inside. This was not at all in line with Frank's plans, and he realized now that the situation of young Cutlip, inside, was dangerous in the extreme. Something must be done to protect him.
As the Germans went inside the house, the others, meanwhile, standing guard, Frank gave the signal agreed upon, a soft whistle, like the call of a bird of the night. The British began to move from their hiding places and to draw closer to the Germans, standing there in the open.
"Well," Frank muttered to himself at last, "I guess the sooner we get busy the better."
He sprang to his feet and leaped forward.
CHAPTER XX
THE BATTLE
Meanwhile, inside the cabin young Cutlip was facing the Germans cooly enough. He rose to his feet as the door opened and the first German stuck his head inside. The latter surveyed the interior rapidly, and seeing a single figure there, advanced quickly, gun in hand.
"Oho! It's the boy," he said in clumsy English. "And where is your father?"
"I don't know," answered the boy. "He went away."
"But did he get the food?"
Cutlip motioned to the sacks of provisions on the floor.
"Good!" said the German, rubbing his hands.
He returned his revolver to his belt and motioned his two companions to enter. They closed the door behind them.
"You have told no one of our presence here?" asked the first German, as he stooped over to examine the sacks.
"No."
"How about your father?"
"He has told no one, either."
"It is well. For if you had, we would kill you now."
Young Cutlip said nothing, but he knew by the hard look in the man's eyes that he told the truth. In spite of the fact that the boy knew he was in grave peril, he was perfectly cool.
He sat down again as the Germans passed from sack to sack, examining the contents. At last the first man stood up and faced the boy.
"Your father, by chance, didn't say anything about pay for this food, did he?" he asked.
"No," returned Cutlip.
The German grinned.
"Guess he knew it wouldn't do much good," he said. "Well, men, let's roll this stuff outside."
Again the men bent over the sacks.
At that moment there came a shot from without, followed by a volley. On the instant young Cutlip leaped to his feet, rushed to the door, threw it open and dashed outside.
There he was right in the midst of the Germans. But the latter were too busy and too surprised to pay any attention to him at that moment. They had wheeled at the first volley from the woods, and had turned their own weapons against the trees on three sides of the cabin.
Two or three of their number had gone down at the first fire, and they were almost demoralized, so sudden and unexpected was the attack. Consequently, young Cutlip had time almost to get clear of the enemy. In fact, by quick dodging, he did get beyond them.
Out the door now rushed the three Germans in the cabin, apparently in command of the men without. One issued harsh orders, and the Germans dropped to the ground, thus making much smaller targets.
Frank, as he sprang forward from among the trees, saw young Cutlip throw open the door and dash out. Frank ran toward him despite the fact that he was charging the enemy almost single-handed. But he knew that the boy was in danger through no fault of the lad's own, and that he must be protected.
"Here, Cutlip!" he called.
The boy ran toward him.
Frank, a revolver in each hand, stopped and awaited the lad's approach.
Two Germans raised their rifles to shoot Cutlip down. Frank's eye caught the glint of the steel in the darkness. His revolvers spoke sharply twice, and Cutlip came on unharmed.
A bullet sang past Frank's right ear, another grazed his left. More bullets began to sing by him. Cutlip stumbled forward, and sheathing one revolver, Frank caught him by the hand.
"Run!" he cried.
Cutlip needed no further urging. Together he and Frank sped for the shelter of the woods, which they reached safely and threw themselves on the ground as a rain of bullets passed overhead.
"Close shave, son," said Frank.
Young Cutlip was trembling, but he was not afraid.
"Give me a gun," he cried. "I can pick off a few of 'em."
But Frank shook his head.
"You've done your part," he said. "Now you get away from here until we clean these fellows up."
Frank circled among the trees until he came into the midst of his own men again. These were still peppering away at the enemy from among the trees and the Germans, lying on the ground, were returning the fire.
"We're wasting too much time here," Frank told himself.
He looked across to where Lieutenant Hetherton and his men were also blazing away at the foe.
"Forward men!" cried Frank suddenly. "Charge!"
The British tars under Frank's command went forward with a wild yell. Seeing their companions dashing across the open, the forces commanded by Lieutenant Hetherton and the sailor Hennessy also broke from the trees and charged.
The Germans poured several sharp volleys into the attackers, then threw down their arms.
"Kamerad! Kamerad!" came the cry.
"Cease firing!" Frank shouted.
Silence reigned after the noise of the battle.
"Take charge of those men, Mr. Hetherton," said Frank quietly, "but be careful how you approach. I don't trust 'em. I'll keep 'em covered."
Lieutenant Hetherton ordered his men to make prisoners of the Germans.
There came a sudden interruption.
The three Germans who had been in the cabin, as though by a prearranged plan, suddenly dashed back into the little building and flung to the door before they could be stopped.
"Never mind," said Frank, "remove the others, Mr. Hetherton. We'll attend to the men inside later."
From the window of the cabin there came a sharp crack. A bullet zipped by Frank's ear, but the lad did not flinch. He moved his position and saw the German prisoners marched to the rear.
"Now," he said, "we'll have to get those fellows inside. First, however, we'll give them a chance."
He raised his voice in a shout.
"What do you want?" came the response from the cabin.
"You are outnumbered ten to one," said Frank. "Come out and surrender. We don't want to kill you."
"Come and take us," was the sneering response.
"Don't be fools," called Frank. "We're sure to get you."
"Well, I'll get you first," came a sharp cry.
Frank stepped back and none too quickly, for a bullet passed through the space where his head had been a moment before.
"If you must have it, all right," the lad muttered. He turned to his men. "I want ten volunteers to go with me," he said quietly.
Every man stepped forward.
Frank smiled.
"Sorry I can't use you all, men," he said. "But ten will be enough. Gregory, step forward."
A sailor a short distance away did so.
"Now, Gregory," said Frank, "you pick nine more men and bring them here."
This was the work of only a moment, and the men surrounded Frank. For a moment the lad surveyed the cabin. They were now out of the line of fire from the window on that side and consequently safe. It would be possible, Frank knew, to tire the Germans out, but he had no mind for such slow methods. He addressed his men.
"Two of you," he said, "break in the door with your rifle butts. We'll cover you from either side."
Two men stepped forward and the others stationed themselves on either side of the stout door. Frank called to Lieutenant Hetherton.
"Guard all the windows," he shouted. "Don't let them get away."
The door began to tremble under the blows of the two sailors. Directly there was a crash as it fell inward.
Now, although this had been no part of Frank's plans, the minute the door crashed in, the two sailors reversed their rifles and sprang over the threshold.
"Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!"
The rifles of the three Germans within and the two British sailors spoke almost as one. One of the tars crumpled up in the doorway, while one of the Germans also threw up his hands and slid to the floor.
With wild shouts of anger, the other sailors surged forward and poured through the door in spite of German bullets, which now flew so fast that accurate aim was impossible.
Frank dashed forward with the others. Down went the second German, leaving but one alive. Frank found himself face to face with the latter.
"Stand back, men," he called.
The sailors obeyed.
In one hand the German gripped a revolver, but Frank held this arm with his left hand and straightened it high above the German's head. Thus the German was unable to bring his revolver to bear on the lad.
Nevertheless, his left arm was still free, and he struck Frank a heavy blow in the stomach with his fist. The pain was severe and Frank loosened his hold on the man's revolver arm. With a cry of triumph, the German deliberately lowered his revolver.
Frank, having dropped one of his revolvers, was in a bad way. True, a second was in his belt, but it did not appear that he had time to draw and fire before the German's finger pressed the trigger.
But now came an action on the lad's part that proved his right to be called an expert with the revolver—an action that often had bewildered Jack and aroused his envy.
So quickly that the eye could not follow the movement, Frank dropped his hand to his belt, whipped out his revolver, and without taking aim, fired.
A fraction of a second later there was a second report, as the German, with Frank's bullet already in his shoulder, pressed the trigger, almost involuntarily. But ere he fired, Frank had dropped to the floor and the bullet passed harmlessly overhead.
Frank rose quietly.
"Bind him men," he said simply. "He's not badly hurt. He'll probably live to face the gallows. Where is young Cutlip? Has anyone seen the boy?"
"Here he is, sir," answered the boy himself, and came forward. "And will you release my father now, sir?"
"As soon as we return to the ship," replied Frank. "Come, men."
CHAPTER XXI
THE END OF THE SUBMARINE
Frank now took account of his casualties. Five men had been killed and twenty more or less seriously wounded. As many more nursed slight injuries.
The enemy's casualties, proportionately, had been more severe. Half of the original number were stretched on the ground. Hardly a man of the others but had been wounded.
Frank had his dead made ready for transportation back to the Essex, and litters were improvised for the wounded who were unable to walk. The grounded Germans also were carried—that is, those of them who were so severely hurt they could not walk. Those who could walk were surrounded by the British and marched on ahead.
The return trip was made without incident. The wounded were hurried aboard the ship where their injuries could be attended to. The unwounded prisoners were promptly locked up below with the other captives. Then Frank and Jack, accompanied by young Cutlip, went to Jack's cabin. The third officer held the bridge.
Frank gave an account of the events of the night as briefly as possible. When he had concluded, Cutlip again asked:
"Will you release my father now, sir?"
"Certainly," said Jack. "You have borne yourself right bravely, and we have much to thank you for, as has your country. It is too bad that your father is not of a different stripe."
The boy's face flushed.
"He's a good father in many ways, sir," he said, "but he seems to be scared to death of the Germans, especially of their submarine boats."
"We'll have him up here before we let him go," said Jack. "Mr. Hetherton, pass the word to have; Cutlip brought to my cabin."
Lieutenant Hetherton left the cabin. He returned a few moments later accompanied by two sailors, who walked on either side of the older Cutlip. The man was still bound.
"Remove his bonds," Jack instructed.
Cutlip's hands were released, and he rubbed them together as he eyed the group in the cabin. His eyes rested on his son.
"So!" he exclaimed, "I had an idea you were at the bottom of this."
"But, father—" began the boy.
"I'll attend to you later," said the father, "not that I'll have need to, probably, for the Germans will attend to both of us. What ails you, anyhow? Don't you know that the Germans eventually will be masters of the world? If we stand in with them, it may help."
"The Germans will never be masters of the world," said Jack. "You are laboring under a delusion, Cutlip. Your son is a brave boy. Not only did he warn us of the presence of a German submarine off the coast, but he rendered such other assistance that the entire crew has been either killed or captured."
Cutlip showed his surprise.
"You can't mean it!" he exclaimed. "Why, how could you overcome them. They are supermen. Ever since the war started I have been reading about them. They are wonderful fighters—marvelous."
"Your trouble, Cutlip," said Frank, "is that you have read too much about them. I know that the country has been flooded with German propaganda, but I'd no idea it had affected anyone like that."
"But—" Cutlip began.
Jack silenced him with a gesture.
"You'll have to change all your ideas now, Cutlip," he said. "You see that the German is not a superman. We have beaten them. Besides, your country is at war with Germany. Only a traitor, or a coward, would refuse to help his country."
Cutlip seemed a bit startled.
"I guess that's true," he said at last. "Yes, I guess you're right."
"You and your son had better remain aboard until morning," Jack continued. "We'll put you both ashore then."
"Jack," said Frank at this point, "don't you think we should make an effort to destroy the submarine before we go?"
"By George! We certainly should," declared Jack. "That had slipped my mind for the moment. We'll have one of the captured officers up and see if he will reveal its hiding place."
One of the Germans—a petty officer—entered the cabin a moment later in response to Jack's summons. Jack explained briefly what he wanted.
"Tell you? Of course I won't tell you," said the young officer. "Why should I? Do you think I am a traitor to my country, or a coward?"
Jack shrugged.
"I was just offering the opportunity," he said.
The officer was removed and one of the men brought in. Jack quizzed him with no better results. One after another the unwounded men were questioned, but none would reveal the location of the submarine.
"Looks like we would have to find it ourselves," said Jack at length. "There is no use questioning any of the others. They won't tell."
Assistance came from an unexpected source.
"Maybe I can help out a bit," said the elder Cutlip quietly.
Jack, Frank and Lieutenant Hetherton looked at him in surprise.
"You mean that you know and will tell?" asked Frank.
"I do. You have made my duty plain to me. No longer am I afraid of the Germans."
"How do you come to know this hiding place?" asked Jack.
"I discovered it to-day by accident. I was standing some distance back on shore when I saw the vessel lying on the water."
"How far from here?"
"Just the other side of the reef."
Jack whistled.
"By Jove! We came awfully close," he said.
"You did indeed," said Cutlip. "But for the reef you must have been discovered. Fortunately, it is very high."
"I suppose the U-Boat is on the surface at this moment," Frank interjected.
"Most likely," Hetherton agreed. "A small crew has probably been left on board, and they more than likely are awaiting the return of their comrades."
"Strange they didn't hear the firing," said Frank.
"Not at all," said Jack. "I heard none of it here."
"The wind was blowing the wrong way," Hetherton explained.
"That must be the answer," Frank admitted. "Well, Jack, what do you say? Shall we make an effort to get the boat to-night?" Jack hesitated.
"We may as well," he said at last. "Of course it will have to be taken from the land, for we can't work the destroyer around the reef in the darkness. Even if we got around safely, we should be discovered."
"Right," said Frank. "Then let's be moving. I take it, however, we will need boats to reach the submarine."
"Our prisoners probably have left all the boats we need," Jack returned.
"That's so," said Frank. "Funny I didn't think of that. Will you be our guide, Cutlip?"
"Glad to be," was the reply. "I want to redeem myself in some way."
"Let's be moving, then," said Frank, starting for the door.
"Hold on," said Jack "We've got to take a force with us, you know. Mr. Hetherton, I'm going to leave you in command of the ship this time. I shall command the shore party."
Lieutenant Hetherton's face fell, but all he said was:
"Very well, sir."
"In the meantime," said Jack, "pick fifty men and set them ashore. We'll be there directly."
Lieutenant Hetherton saluted and left the cabin.
Half an hour later Jack led his men around the reef. There, a scant hundred yards from shore, lay the submarine. The little party moved silently to the edge of the water, and as silently embarked in the half a dozen small boats they found there.
"Push off!" Jack commanded in a whisper.
Now young Cutlip had been left behind, but the father had elected to go with the men in the boats. So earnest was his plea that Jack did not have the heart to refuse him.
A dim light showed on the bow of the submarine as the little flotilla approached; and then so suddenly that the night appeared to be lighted up by magic, a flare of white made the boats approaching the submarine as plain as day.
The submarine's searchlight had been turned on them.
"Down men," cried Jack.
The men, or those of them who were not needed at the oars, dropped to the bottom of the boats. But the distance was so close that those on board were able to make out the fact that the boats approaching were not filled with their own men.
"Americans!" was the cry that carried across the water. "Man the forward gun there!"
"Fire, men!" cried Jack in a loud voice. "Sweep the deck with your rifles. Don't let 'em bring that gun to bear."
There was a crash of rifles as Jack's command was obeyed. Nevertheless the Germans succeeded in training their rapid-firer, and it crashed out a moment later. A veritable hail of bullets flew over Jack's men.
At a quick command from the lads, the boats drew farther apart, thus making the task of the enemy more difficult. Then they closed in on the submarine from both sides.
Harsh German cries and imprecations were wafted to the ears of the British as the boats drew closer.
"Submerge!" shouted a voice.
"Quick, or we shall be too late," Jack roared.
The men at the oars exerted themselves to further efforts. Then Jack caught another cry from the submarine.
"We can't submerge. The tanks are still broken."
"Good!" said Jack to himself. "Now I see what the trouble is. Faster," he cried to his men.
"Quick," came a voice from the submarine, "we cannot let the ship fall into the hands of the accursed Yankees. The fuse, man."
Jack understood this well enough. He raised his voice in a shout:
"Cease rowing!"
Frank's voice repeated the command and the little flotilla advanced no more.
"Put about and make for shore," shouted Jack. "Quick."
The order was obeyed without question, and it was well that it was. Hardly had the boats reached the shore when there was a terrific explosion, and the water kicked up an angry geyser.
"And that," said Jack calmly, "is the end of the submarine. They've blown her up—and themselves with her!"
CHAPTER XXII
WASHINGTON AGAIN
Early the following morning the Essex slipped from her little harbor and put to sea. Cutlip and his son, who had been put ashore shortly before the departure, stood at the edge of the water and waved farewell. Following the father's conversion, he and his son seemed to be closer than before, and they went away happily together.
Jack descended to the radio room.
"Get the Dakota for me," he instructed the operator.
"Dakota! Dakota!" flashed the wireless.
Ten minutes later the answer came.
"Destroyer Essex," flashed the operator again, following Jack's direction. "Submarine reported to me yesterday destroyed. Crew either killed or captured."
"Fine work, Templeton," was the reply flashed back a few moments later.
"I'm awaiting instructions," Jack flashed.
"Proceed to Newport News," came the answer, "and report in person to Secretary of the Navy."
"O.K." flashed the operator.
Jack went to the bridge, where Frank was on watch.
"Well, old fellow," said Jack, "I guess our present cruise is ended."
"How's that?" asked Frank.
"We're ordered back to Newport News, and I must report to Secretary Daniels."
"And after that, England again, I suppose?"
"I suppose so."
"Too bad," said Frank, "I would like to have had time to go to New York and Boston to see my father. He could have met me at either place."
"You'll see him when the war's over, I guess," said Jack, "and to my mind that will be before long now."
"Think so?" asked Frank. "Why?"
"Well, take for example the submarine raid off the American coast. It looks to me like the dying gasp of a conquered foe. They must be nearing the end of their rope to tackle such a problem."
"And still they have had some success," said Frank.
"True. But not much after all. What is the total tonnage destroyed in comparison with the tonnage still sailing the seas unharmed?"
"There's something in that," Frank agreed. "But I can't say that I'm of your opinion."
"Personally," declared Jack, "I believe that the war will be over before Christmas."
"I hope so. But I can't be as optimistic as you are."
The run to Newport News was made without incident and the Essex dropped anchor close to the spot where she had been stationed before.
She was greeted with wild cheers, for news of her success had preceded her to the little Virginia city. Jack and his officers and men were hailed with acclaim when they went ashore.
"Want to go to Washington with me, Frank?" asked Jack.
"That's a foolish question," was Frank's reply. "Of course I want to go."
"All right. Then we'll catch the ten o'clock train this morning. That will put us in the capital some time before five."
"Suits me," declared Frank.
This program was carried out. Arrived again in the capital of the nation, the lads went straight to the Raleigh hotel, where they got in touch with the British ambassador.
"I've been hearing good reports about you, Captain," said the ambassador's voice over the telephone.
"We were a bit lucky, sir, that is all," replied Jack deprecatingly.
"Nevertheless," said the ambassador, "Secretary Daniels wishes to thank you in person, as does the President. I shall call for you within the hour."
"Very well, sir."
Jack hung up the 'phone.
The ambassador was as good as his word. He arrived less than an hour later and the lads accompanied him to the Navy Department, where they were ushered into the presence of the Secretary of the Navy at once.
Secretary Daniels shook hands with both of the lads.
"You deserve the thanks of the whole nation for your gallant work," he said. "I am instructed to take you to the President."
Jack and Frank flushed with pleasure, but there was nothing either could say. From the Navy Department, the lads were escorted to the White House immediately across the street, where President Wilson was found in his office. The President was reached with little ceremony, and Secretary Daniels himself made the introduction.
"So," said the President, "these are the young officers who commanded the British destroyer Essex, which accounted for two of the enemy's submarines? They look rather young for such important posts." He gazed closely at Frank. "Surely," he said finally, "surely you are an American."
"Yes, sir," said Frank. "Born in Massachusetts, sir."
"Chadwick," mused the President. "Not, by any chance, related to Dr. Chadwick, of Woburn."
"He is my father, sir."
The President seemed surprised.
"But I didn't know my old friend Chadwick had a son of your age," he said.
"Well, he has, sir," replied Frank with a smile.
"But how do you happen to be in the British service?"
Frank explained briefly.
"You have certainly seen excitement," said the President. "I am glad to have seen you. Give my regards to your father when you see him. I am glad to have met you, too, Captain," and the President shook hands with Jack. "I hope to have the pleasure of meeting you both again some day."
The lads understood by this that the interview was ended. They followed Secretary Daniels and the British ambassador back to the former's office, where the latter handed Jack a paper.
"Cable from the British Admiral, I judge," he said.
Jack read the message.
"You are right, sir," he said. "We are ordered to home waters whenever you are through with us, sir."
"I judged as much," said the Secretary, "which is the reason I had Admiral Sellings order you to report to me. You are at liberty to return whenever you please, sir. But first let me thank you for your services in the name of the American people."
"Thank you, sir," said Jack, and saluted stiffly.
The lads now took their leave. The ambassador insisted on their going home with him to dinner.
"But we should get back to our ship at once, sir," Jack demurred.
"Never mind," said the ambassador, "I'll take the responsibility of holding you over an extra day."
So Jack and Frank dined with the ambassador, and took a late train to Richmond, where they changed early in the morning for Newport News. When they boarded the Essex later in the day they found in Jack's cabin the commandant of Fortress Monroe, who, having learned that the Essex would soon depart for home, had come to pay his respects while he yet had time.
"I want to tell you," he said to Jack, "that the Essex has made quite a name for herself among my men."
"I'm glad to hear that, sir," declared Jack.
"The men are only sorry, and naturally," continued the commandant, "that she was not manned by an American crew."
"Naturally, as you say, sir," Jack agreed. "Yet my first officer is an American."
The Commandant glanced at Frank.
"Can that be true?" he asked.
Frank smiled.
"It's true enough, sir," he said. "Yes, I'm a native of the Bay state and am in the British service merely as the result of an accident."
He explained.
"Well," said the Commandant, 'I'm glad of it. I'll have something to tell my officers and men that will make them proud. I hope that the next time either of you find yourselves in these parts you will look me up."
"Thank you, sir. We certainly shall," said Jack.
The Commandant took his departure.
"And now," said Jack, "for England."
First, Jack made a personal tour of inspection of the destroyer. Finding everything ship-shape, the crew was piped to quarters and Jack rang for half speed ahead.
A crowd had gathered at the water's edge and the Essex was speeded on her way by cheering and waving thousands. It was a touching scene, and Jack was very proud.
"A great country," he confided to Frank, as the vessel moved slowly out into the Roads. "A great country. I am glad to have seen it again, and I hope to come back some day."
"Oh, you'll come back," said Frank. "You'll come back when the war's over, to visit me."
"I certainly will," Jack declared.
The fortifications of Fortress Monroe now loomed ahead.
"I suppose the Commandant is somewhere about to wish us God-speed," Frank remarked.
The lad was right. And he did it in imposing manner.
The boom of a great gun was heard. This was followed by the roar of many more; and the rumble continued as the Essex drew near, was louder as she breasted the fort and continued as the ship passed on. Jack ordered a reply to the salute from the forward guns, and for the space of several minutes, the very sea seemed to tremble.
Then the Essex gathered speed and plowed ahead.
"Quite an ovation," said Frank, as he and Jack descended to the latter's cabin, leaving Lieutenant Hetherton on the bridge.
"It was, indeed. Yes, as I said before, it's a great country. You should be proud to be a native of it."
"I am," said Frank simply.
CHAPTER XXIII
BACK IN ENGLAND
Following the return of the Essex to English waters, Jack reported at once to Lord Hastings in Dover.
"I hear great things of you boys," said Lord Hastings. "Great things indeed."
"We were a bit fortunate, sir," Jack admitted.
"It was more than good fortune," declared Lord Hastings. "But it's nothing more than I expected of you both."
They conversed about various matters for some minutes. Then Jack asked:
"And what is in store for us now, sir?"
"You will report to Admiral Beatty," said Lord Hastings. "The Essex will be assigned to duty with the Grand Fleet in the North Sea. Patrol work, mostly. There is little likelihood that the Germans will make another effort, but the sea must be patrolled, nevertheless."
"When do we report, sir?"
"At once. You will weigh anchor in the morning. Admiral Beatty's flagship is somewhere off the coast of Belgium."
"Very well, sir," said Jack, and departed.
The next day the Essex left Dover. Fifty miles out, Jack picked up the flagship by wireless and received his instructions.
Days lengthened into weeks now and weeks into months and the Essex was still patrolling the North Sea with others of the Grand Fleet—composed besides British vessels of an American squadron in command of Vice-Admiral Sims. August passed and September came and still the Germans failed to venture from their fortress of Helgoland and offer battle to the allies.
The work became monotonous. Occasionally, the Essex put back to port for several days to replenish her bunkers and to take on provisions. At such times Jack and Frank usually went ashore for short periods, and the crew, portions at a time, were granted shore leave.
It was upon the last day of September that great news reached the fleet—news that indicated that the war was nearing its end and that now, if ever, the German fleet might venture from its hiding place and risk an engagement.
Bulgaria had broken with Germany and sued for a separate peace.
Several days later came the news that an armistice had been signed and that Bulgaria had ordered all German and Austrian troops to leave her boundaries. King Ferdinand abdicated in favor of his eldest son, Boris, who immediately ordered the demobilization of the Bulgarian armies.
"Turkey will come next, mark my words," declared Frank as he and Jack stood on the bridge, looking off across the broad expanse of the North Sea.
"Most likely," Jack agreed; "and after Turkey, Austria. That will leave Germany to fight the world by herself."
"She'll never attempt that," Frank declared. "The minute she sees her last chance gone, she'll squeal for help, the same as a hog. It's not in a German to take a licking, you know. He begins to show, yellow when the game goes against him."
"Perfectly true," said Jack, with a nod. "Now, it strikes me that Germany, facing the problem of fighting it out alone—for she must see that Bulgaria's action will soon be followed by her other allies—may send out her fleet for a grand blow."
Frank shook his head.
"Not a chance," he said.
"But," said Jack, "it has been the opinion of war critics and experts right along that Germany was saving her fleet for the final effort when all other means had failed."
"I don't care what the experts think," declared Frank, "I don't think the Germans will dare risk an engagement. In the first place, it would be suicidal—she would have everything to lose and nothing to gain. Don't fret. The German naval authorities know just as well as we do what would happen to the German fleet should it issue from Helgoland."
"Maybe you're right," said Jack, "but in the enemy's place, I wouldn't give up without a final effort."
"That's just it," Frank explained. "You wouldn't, and neither would I. Neither, for that matter, would any British or American officer, nor French. But the German is of different caliber. He doesn't fight half as well when he knows the odds are against him. No, I believe that the German fleet will be virtually intact when the war ends."
"Then we'll take it away from them," declared Jack.
"I'm sure I hope so. It would be dangerous to the future peace of the world to allow the Germans to keep their vessels."
"Well," said Jack, "you can talk all you please, but you can't convince me our work is over—not until peace has been declared—or an armistice signed, or something."
"I agree with you there. There will be plenty of work for us right up to the last minute."
As it developed the lads were right.
"It was shortly after midnight when Jack was aroused by the third officer.
"Message from Admiral Beatty, sir," said the third officer, and passed Jack a slip of paper.
Jack read the message, which had been hastily scribbled off by the radio operator.
"German squadron of six vessels reported to have left Helgoland and to be headed for the coast of Scotland," the message read. "Proceed to intercept them at full speed. Other vessels being notified."
Jack sprang into his clothes, meanwhile having Frank summoned from his cabin. Frank dashed into Jack's cabin, clothes in hand.
"What's up?" he demanded.
"Germans headed for the Scottish coast," replied Jack briefly, and dashed out of the door.
Frank followed him a few moments later. Jack was standing on the bridge giving orders hastily.
"Have a look at the engine room, Frank," said Jack, "and tell the engineer to crowd on all possible steam. We'll have need of speed this trip, or I miss my guess."
Frank obeyed.
The Essex, which had been proceeding east by south at a leisurely pace, had come about now and was dashing due north at top speed. Jack himself shaped the course and gave the necessary instructions to the helmsman.
Below in the radio room, the wireless began to clatter. The operator, from time to time, was getting into touch with other vessels of the Grand Fleet ordered north to intercept the German raiders.
First he received a flash from the Lion; then the Brewster replied, and after her, the Tiger, Southampton, Falcon, White Hawk and Peerless. Counting the Essex this made eight ships speeding northward to intercept the enemy.
"I take it," said Jack, "that this is about the last blow the enemy will attempt to deliver. The Germans, knowing they are beaten, are intent now only upon doing what damage they can while there is yet time. This raid, I suppose, they figure will throw a scare into the coast cities, as similar raids did earlier in the war. However, they'll have a surprise this time, for all the coast ports are fortified now. There will be guns there to stand them off until we get there."
"Let's hope we get there in time," muttered Frank. "I'd like one more crack at the enemy. I'm afraid they are going to get off too easily when peace comes."
"We've got to get there in time," declared Jack.
From time to time the radio operator sent reports to Jack giving the positions of other vessels rushing to the defense of the coast ports.
"We'll get there first, at this rate," said Jack. "We're closer than the others."
"But we're no match for the enemy single-handed," declared Frank. "Chances are that the German squadron is composed mostly of battleships."
"True enough," Jack admitted, "but we'll do what damage we can. The Tiger, Lion, White Hawk, Falcon and Peerless are warships, you know. They'll be more than enough for the foe."
"Yes; but we may be at the bottom of the sea by that time."
"Don't worry. We'll hold our own until assistance arrives."
Jack made a rapid calculation.
"If we had any idea of the approximate position of the enemy at this time, we would know better how to go about our work," he said.
"You might call the enemy and find out?" said Frank with a grin.
"Don't be funny, Frank," said Jack severely. "This is no time for levity."
Came a cry from the lookout.
"Battle squadron off the port bow, sir!"
Jack clapped his glass to his eye.
The ships were too far distant and the night was too dark, however, to permit him to ascertain the identity of the approaching vessels.
"May be the enemy, Jack," said Frank.
"Right," Jack agreed.
A shrill whistle rang out on the Essex.
This was the answer to Jack's order to pipe the crew to quarters.
"Clear ship for action!" was Jack's next command.
"If it is the enemy," he confided to Frank, "we'll try and keep him engaged until reinforcements arrive."
"It may not be so hard, after all," Frank said "They may turn and beat a retreat when they find they are discovered."
"Not if there is only one of us," said Jack. "Pass the word to the forward lookout to sing out as soon as he can identify the enemy. I'll flash my light on them. He may be able to make them out."
The huge searchlight of the Essex flashed forth across the water, and played upon the approaching ships.
"Germans!" came the cry from the lookout.
"I thought so," said Jack. "Frank, go to the radio room and find out how close our nearest support is."
Frank was back in a few minutes.
"Lion says to engage," he reported. "Says she'll be with us in less than an hour. Tiger says she will arrive not more than fifteen minutes later. Falcon and Hawk report they are less than an hour and a half away."
"Right," said Jack. "Trouble is those fellows are likely to out-range us, in which event we'll have to retire slowly, trying to draw them after us. In that way reinforcements may arrive sooner. Hello! There she goes!"
The roar of a great gun came across the water.