"We'll leave the big fellows to settle with the German cruisers," said Lord Hastings calmly. "We'll try our luck with the torpedo boats." Jack and Frank nodded that they understood and approved of the plan. "I guess the big fellows can take care of them all right," replied Frank dryly. "They always have been able to," agreed Jack. When, finally, Lord Hastings judged that they must be in close proximity to the German torpedo flotilla, he ordered that the D-16 rise until her periscope showed them their surroundings. Then, as he viewed the scene about him, he stepped quickly back and ordered: "Submerge!" Instantly the D-16 dived, and Lord Hastings turned to the two lads. "I didn't calculate just right," he told them. "We went up right in the midst of the enemy." "Did they see us?" asked Jack anxiously. "I don't know. However, I have the range. Have the men stand by the torpedoes." The men sprang quickly to their posts at Jack's command, and then Lord Hastings gave the order to rise slowly. Slowly the water was forced from the tanks once more, and gradually the submarine arose, until her periscope once more protruded just above the water. "No. 2 torpedo!" ordered Lord Hastings. "Ready?" "Aye, aye, sir," came the reply of the man, who stood almost at his commander's elbow, and therefore could plainly hear the command. For the others, further away, it would be necessary to use the signal board. "Fire!" cried Lord Hastings. A sharp metallic click was the only answer, and all on board stood quiet. Lord Hastings kept his eye glued to the periscope. Then those on board saw him throw up his hand with a gesture of satisfaction, and none needed to be told that the torpedo had gone true. Now the attention of all was given to the signal board, at Lord Hastings' side. The men stood at their posts, as did Frank and Jack, awaiting the signal that would mean the firing of another torpedo. There was not a sound to break the stillness other than the purr of the engine. But the stillness could only be termed such because there were no regular noises. In spite of this a voice could be heard but a few feet away, because of the heavy pressure of the water above. Suddenly the signal board flashed red. The men read: "No. 3 torpedo! No. 4 torpedo!" Lord Hastings had decided upon a bold stroke. He had determined to deliver a double blow to the enemy before he was forced to submerge, to escape the fire of the enemy. He gauged the range for each torpedo, and this was flashed upon the signal board. Then came the next command: "Attention!" Eagerly, though quietly, the men awaited the next command. There was not a nervous hand aboard. All bore themselves with the easy nonchalance that has been the character of the British sailor through all the ages; but their fingers twitched with impatience. And then the signal board again glowed in burning letters: "Fire!" "Click! Click!"