Slowly the circle of British emerged from the forest and closed in on them. The German officer delivered his sword to Frank without a word; then, at the lad's command, the British surrounded the prisoners and started on their return journey to Boak, where they arrived after a three hours' forced march, and were greeted with acclaim by the sailors who had been left behind. Not a single sailor had been killed in the short but decisive battle, though two had been wounded. Captain Marcus, and the commander of the Dwarf also, complimented the lads highly upon the quick success of their expedition. The village had been thoroughly searched for arms and ammunition during their absence, and all was now ready for a quick departure. "Get the prisoners into the boats, and we will start down the river at once," ordered Captain Marcus. This was soon accomplished, and the little flotilla was on its way back toward Duala. At Duala a second search was made for arms, ammunition and other munitions of war. This done, the commander of the Cumberland turned to Frank. "You will go aboard that German merchantman in the harbor," he said, "and take her to London. You are in command, and Mr. Templeton shall be your first officer. The others you may select yourself. A prize crew will be put aboard immediately." Frank was somewhat taken aback at this good fortune. "But I am not a navigator," he said in some confusion, wishing now that he was. "That makes it different," was Captain Marcus' reply. "But I am, sir," Jack interrupted. "I have studied navigation for years." "Good then!" said Captain Marcus. "In that event, I shall appoint you to take command and your friend as first officer." "But--" Jack started to protest, when Frank interrupted him. "I shall be glad to serve under him," he said. So it was arranged, and several hours later the two lads found themselves aboard the German steamer Lena. For the first time in his life Jack trod the bridge of his own ship, and he could not but be proud of that moment; Frank, too, was elated at his good fortune. With this parting injunction, Captain Marcus dropped over the side of the Lena: "Make straight for London. Although you carry some guns, if attacked do not fight back unless absolutely necessary. Show the enemy your heels, if possible. However, if you do have to fight, fight as the true sons of Great Britain." "We shall, sir," replied both lads grimly, and Captain Marcus realized that he could not have put the ship in better hands. From among the crew Jack now selected a sailor named Jennings for second officer, and another by the name of Johnson for third officer. There was a hissing of steam from below, slowly the cable was loosened, and the Lena put off down the river. The two British commanders followed in small boats. At the entrance of the river the steamer slowed down, and the boys watched the two commanders go aboard their respective cruisers.