Softly and silently Jack led the way to the deck of the enemy, which, it was now plain, was a small Austrian cruiser. Frank and the French sailors followed close at his heels. As Jack's head came even with the rail, he paused to look about. And it was well that he did so. For not ten paces from him stood an Austrian sailor. His eyes were turned in the opposite direction, and so stealthily did Jack now lower himself to the deck that he was not heard. "I hate to do this," he muttered to himself, "but--" A moment later his revolver butt crashed down on the Austrian's skull. The man dropped like a log. Hastily the lad led the way to the bridge, where, by quick action, the man on watch was overcome without the sound of a struggle. Then half of the French turned their attention to the commander's cabin, while the others hastened to see that all means of egress from below were barred. With drawn revolver Jack entered the cabin first. His eyes fell upon two officers playing checkers, one evidently the commander of the cruiser. So quietly did the lad enter the room that his presence was not discovered until he spoke. "Hands up!" he commanded. The officers leaped to their feet with a single movement, and the hand of the commander fell upon his revolver, while the other, unarmed though he was, dashed straight at Jack. Jack's revolver spoke sharply once, and the second Austrian officer tumbled in a heap to the deck. Before the commander could draw his weapon Jack had him covered. "None of that," he said sharply, as the commander made another move as though to draw. The Austrian commander evidently thought better of his act, for his hands flew above his head. Jack advanced quickly and relieved him of his weapons. Then he marched him to the bridge. "Now," said Jack calmly, "you will signal the engine-room for half-speed ahead." The officer started to protest, but at the sight of Jack's revolver, leveled right at his head, he reconsidered and did as ordered. Jack now motioned Frank to stand guard over the Austrian commander, and himself took the wheel. Slowly the Austrian cruiser, her head describing a wide circle, gathered speed and turned in the direction of the allied fleet. Evidently those below had no idea that anything was wrong, for not a sound reached the ears of those on deck. Now, at Jack's command, the commander signaled the engine-room for full speed ahead, and the pace of the cruiser increased. Swiftly she dashed along in the night, but was suddenly checked in her flight by a hail from across the water: "What ship is that?" Jack recognized the voice of Captain Dreyfuss, and called back: "Captured Austrian cruiser, sir. This is Templeton. What shall I do with her?" "Take her on to the fleet," came the reply. "Good work! I shall not wait for you to return but will continue immediately."