"And do you mean to tell me," demanded the captain, "that you two lads were in the machines that dived head first into the enemy?" "It was Jack who conceived the idea and made the first attack," replied Frank. Captain Dreyfuss turned to Lord Hastings. "And these are the two lads you are asking me to give up to you, eh?" he said severely. "Well," replied Lord Hastings, "I certainly should like to have them back again. But, of course, if you do not give your consent--" Captain Dreyfuss interrupted him with a wave of the hand, and turned to the boys. "And what do you say, sirs?" he demanded. "Have you not been treated well aboard my ship?" "Yes, sir," replied Jack, "but--" Frank's heart fell. From the captain's tone, it was apparent that he did not intend to let them go. "And you, sir?" demanded the captain of Frank. "We have no cause to complain," replied Frank. "But Lord Hastings--" "Enough!" interrupted Captain Dreyfuss. "It shall be as you say." He turned to Lord Hastings. "Take them," he said, "and I am sure you will never find two braver lads." "Thank you, sir," said both boys. The commander of the Marie Theresa arose to his feet, signifying that the interview was over, and extended a hand to each lad. "Good luck," he said simply. "You may go now. I have some matters to discuss with your new commander." The boys saluted and went on deck, where they awaited Lord Hastings. It was several hours later before they returned aboard the Sylph. No sooner were they aboard, however, than Lord Hastings ordered that the vessel be put under way immediately. "I have wasted time enough here," he told the lads. "I must get on the trail of the Emden at once." The lads were given quarters corresponding to the ones they had had on the old Sylph. The vessel was built along the same lines as the Sylph I, and had been fitted out just as luxuriously and comfortably. It was, in times of peace, well adapted for a pleasure yacht. The Sylph II carried a goodly array of fighting material, however, and a crew of 150 men. It was while dining that night that Lord Hastings gave the boys the surprise of their lives. "I presume you know," he said quietly, "that as the two surviving officers of the Sylph, you now move into the vacancies left by the death of my first and second officer?" "What!" exclaimed both lads in the greatest surprise. "Oh, you heard me," replied Lord Hastings. "But which of you is to be which?" "But how about your present officers?" demanded Jack. "They will understand when I explain to them," replied Lord Hastings. "Now, which is to be my first officer?" "Jack, sir," said Frank. "Frank, sir," said Jack. "Come," said His Lordship, "I have a way to decide." He took two toothpicks, and broke one off a little shorter than the other. He put them behind his back for a moment, and then held his hand out in front of him. "Whoever draws the shortest stick," he said, "shall be my first officer. Draw!"