"Well, you are wrong," was Lord Hastings' reply. "From what I have heard by wireless, our vessel attacked, but was sent to the bottom by the Emden before she could do much damage to the German." "What was the name of the British ship?" asked Frank. "I haven't heard," replied Lord Hastings; "but the action was fought in the Indian Ocean." "It seems to me," said Jack vehemently, "that it is about time this German terror of the sea was sent to the bottom." "So it is," declared Lord Hastings; "and mark my words, she will be when one of our big ships comes up with her." "May it be soon!" ejaculated Frank. But it was not to be soon. For almost another month the German terror prowled about the seas, causing great havoc to British and French merchantmen. For three days the Sylph continued on her way without interruption, and then turned about suddenly and headed for home. Under full speed she ran for days, until the boys knew they were once more in the North Sea, where they had so recently participated in their one great battle. "Will you tell us why we have come back so suddenly, sir?" asked Frank of Lord Hastings. "Why," said His Lordship, "the Germans seem to be growing extremely active in the North Sea. Only three days ago, a German submarine, after apparently running the blockade, sank the cruiser Hawke off the coast of Scotland. "What?" cried both boys in one voice. "Exactly," said Lord Hastings grimly, "and it is for the purpose of attempting to discover some of these under-the-sea fighters, or other German warships, that we have come back. The whole North Sea is being patrolled, and we are bound to come upon some of the Germans eventually." "Well, I hope we don't have to wait long," said Frank. "And so do I," agreed Jack. "I hope that every German ship afloat will be swept from the seas." The Sylph did not go within sight of the English coast, but for two days cruised back and forth, east, west, north and south, without the sight of the enemy. This inaction soon began to pall upon the two lads, to whom a fight was as the breath of life itself. "I wish we had continued on our way, wherever we were going, and not have come back here," said Jack to Frank one afternoon. "This is about the limit," agreed Frank. "I believe we would have done better to have joined the army. At least we would have seen some fighting." But the boys desire for action was to be soon fulfilled. The very next day some smoke and dots appeared on the horizon. Quickly they grew until they could be identified as enemy ships. The captain of the Sylph set out a wireless message requesting help from any units in the area: "Have sighted enemy; four vessels: approaching rapidly," and the exact position of the Sylph. In a moment came the answer: "Head north, slowly. We will intercept the enemy when actively engaged. Remember the Hawke!" Lord Hastings sent another message: "How many are you?"