"That's not the reason I did it," was the reply. "Say, we're a couple of fine officers for King George, aren't we? We're always in trouble of some kind. The first thing you know, he'll be asking for our resignations." "Oh, I guess not," said Lord Hastings, who had overheard this remark. "However, I am greatly afraid that I am going to lose you both." "Going to lose us?" repeated Jack in surprise. "What do you mean, sir?" demanded Frank anxiously. "Why," said Lord Hastings, "I shall have to report your conduct to His Majesty, King George, and when I do----" "I told you," broke in Jack. "His Majesty will ask us to resign." "By George! I hope not," exclaimed Frank. "And when I do," continued Lord Hastings, not heeding the interruptions, "I shall probably lose you both, for His Majesty probably will take you away from me." "What for, sir?" demanded Jack. "Why," was the reply, "His Majesty will realize, as I have long ago, that you are too valuable officers to be fooling around as lieutenants. You will probably get the promotions you both deserve." Jack and Frank fell suddenly silent. They had thought of nothing like this. But after some moments Frank said: "Well, sir, if there is any danger of such a catastrophe, I hope that you will be kind enough to say nothing to the king." "Frank is right, sir," agreed Jack. "It would indeed be a catastrophe." "It would be a catastrophe for me if I were to lose you," said Lord Hastings very quietly. * * * * * As the days passed the injuries of both lads healed rapidly. At the end of a week both were feeling perfectly fit and each expressed his earnest desire to put to sea again. "Not until you are absolutely fit," was Lord Hastings' decision. "You must remember that we face a dangerous task passing through the Kiel Canal on the way home and I want you both to be absolutely in ship-shape before I attempt it." "We've gone through three times now," said Jack quietly. "I guess we can manage it once more." "And going back," said Lord Hastings, "we shall go as we came this last time--with no stops and no thought of engaging a single one of the enemy." "But, sir----" began Frank. "There are no 'buts' in this case," declared Lord Hastings with finality. "I'm the commander of the D-17, and what I say goes, if I have to put you both in irons to keep you quiet." When Lord Hastings took this tone, both lads knew there was no use of arguing the matter; and while both felt they would like to strike another blow at the German fleet on their homeward journey, they were forced to accept Lord Hastings' dictum. At length the day for leaving came; but before they could go aboard the D-17, at the Czar's command, they needs must dine with him. This they did, and in the presence of the many notables who sat down to table, the Czar, following the feast, arose and complimented each lad separately and highly. And he closed with this injunction: