The German made a move as though to refuse, but Jack's revolver covered him and he did as commanded. The men, unarmed, filed up to the bridge. "You next, captain," said Lord Hastings, politely, stepping aside. The German made a move as though to draw a revolver, and Jack was at his side in an instant. "I'll relieve you of your weapons," he said quietly. The German commander was forced to submit while the lad searched him and took his guns. Then, at another command from Lord Hastings, he followed his men on deck. "Now," said Lord Hastings, "you will instruct your men to lower that small boat and put off. Is this all your crew, sir?" "Yes," replied the German shortly. "Good. For their sakes I hope you are telling the truth. For as soon as we are all safe, I intend to sink this vessel. Now order your men over the side." The German commander did as commanded, and soon the crew of the Teuton vessel were pulling away in the launch. "Now, captain," said Lord Hastings, "you will accompany me aboard my own ship." The German stepped into the D-16's launch without a word, and the trio were soon aboard. "Now," said Lord Hastings, "if you wish, you shall have the pleasure of seeing me sink your vessel; or you may, if you would spare yourself that sight, go below." "I will go below if you please," said the German. Lord Hastings nodded his assent and Captain Bretog disappeared below as Lord Hastings turned to Jack. "You may sink this German submarine immediately, Mr. Templeton," he said quietly. "Very good, sir," replied Jack. He saluted, turned on his heel and went below. CHAPTER X. IN THE KIEL CANAL. Five minutes later and the D-16 was once more on her way, while behind her the ruins of a German submarine strewed the sea. Immediately the D-16 had again submerged, Lord Hastings summoned Jack, Frank and the captured German officer to his quarters. Here, after motioning all to seats, he addressed the German commander. "Captain," he said quietly, "you are now aboard a British submarine that is about to attempt a passage of the Kiel canal." "What!" exclaimed the German officer, jumping to his feet. "It is impossible!" "You are mistaken, sir," replied Lord Hastings calmly. "With your help, I should say that it would be a matter of little moment." "With my help?" inquired the German officer. "Exactly. You shall give us your assistance." "But, sir----" began the German. Lord Hastings interrupted him with a wave of his hand. "Protests will do no good," he said quietly. "I take it that you are familiar with the locations of the mines and other danger points in and guarding the entrance to the canal. Am I right?" The German officer bowed his head in assent. "Then," said Lord Hastings, "I fail to see why we should have much difficulty getting through." "You mean," said the German slowly, "that you expect me to pilot your vessel through the canal?"