"So do I. The trouble is, our ships are scattered so far apart that they may not be able to assemble quick enough in sufficient strength to beat off the enemy." "Don't worry; they won't get very far," said Jack, confidently. "Oh, I know that. But if they should happen to come upon a small portion of our fleet we are likely to get the worst of it." "Well, there is no reason why they should be able to do that now. We know their plans." "That's true, too. And they won't, unless it is decided to engage them in spite of their numbers, trusting reinforcements will arrive in time." And, though the lad had no idea he was making a prophecy, that is just what actually occurred. The hydroplane now was less than a quarter of a mile from the _Queen Mary_ and Frank reduced its speed abruptly. Whether this sudden slowing down had anything to do with what followed it is hard to tell; but, no sooner had Frank reduced the speed of the craft, than the plane wabbled crazily. "Look out, Jack!" shouted Frank. "She's going down!" Jack had not realized that there was anything wrong and now he did not grasp the full significance of Frank's words. What Jack thought Frank meant was that he was going to glide down to the deck of the battleship. Frank, however, knew that there was something seriously wrong with the craft. His first thought had been to jump after crying out to Jack, but seeing that his friend had not understood, Frank stuck to his post, trying as well as he knew how to bring the plane to the sea as gently as possible. For a moment it seemed that he would succeed, for, as it neared the water, the plane righted itself. Frank drew a breath of relief. But his relief was short-lived. After remaining upon a level keel for one single instant, the hydroplane turned turtle. There came a cry of warning from aboard the _Queen Mary_, and even before the falling boys struck water, boats were lowered over the side, manned, and dashed to the rescue. Although Frank had been unable to maintain the plane on an even keel, his efforts had done some good; for the distance was not so great from the water when the plane capsized as it would have been but for his strenuous efforts. Jack uttered a cry of alarm as he felt himself being hurled into space, for he had not realized what was about to happen. Frank, on the other hand, had realized his position full well and no sound escaped him as he was thrown into the water. In falling, Jack was thrown clear of the machine, which struck the water with a great splash. Not so Frank, who, held in by the wheel, was carried down with the plane. The lad was very close to death at that moment and he knew it. He had caught a deep breath as he was drawn under, however, and this stood him in good stead. Calmly the lad reached for the large pocketknife he always carried, and with this, under water as he was, proceeded quietly to cut the sides of the craft sufficiently to allow him to escape. And in this he was successful.