Without a word they sped along as fast as their legs would carry them. In the darkness Lord Hastings would have passed the spot where they had hidden the launch had not Jack's keen eyes recognized it as he flashed by. "Wait!" he called, stopping so suddenly that Frank, who was directly behind him, bumped him and almost knocked him off his feet. Lord Hastings also stopped. "What's the matter?" he demanded. "You have gone too far," cried Jack. "Here!" He stepped in under the trees and laid a hand upon the launch. Frank and Lord Hastings lent a helping hand, and soon the little boat was floating upon the water. "Quick! In with you!" cried Jack, as he fairly pushed his two companions into the boat. Then he gave it a hard shove and scrambled in himself. At that moment, from behind, came the sound of running footsteps and a hoarse voice of command: "Fire!" There was a deafening crash and a hail of bullets sped over the little boat, for at the command fire Jack had cried out: "Down!" All three lay flat in the bottom of the boat, Jack, with one hand behind him, doing the steering from that position. A second and a third hail of bullets from behind passed without harming them, and then no more came. The three sat up in the boat. "Pretty close, if you ask me," said Jack. "I should say so," replied Frank. "We---- Hello!" "Now what's the matter?" demanded Lord Hastings. "Listen!" whispered Frank. All three listened intently. From astern came a choking "Chug chug." "We are followed!" exclaimed Frank. "We shall have to hurry. Is this as fast as this thing can move?" Jack was tinkering with the motor. "I guess it is," he said at last. "However, we have quite a start, and with luck should be able to reach our vessel before they can overtake us." As swiftly as she could go the launch made for the spot where the submarine, still submerged, awaited them. Brennan, whom Lord Hastings had left in command, was fully alive to his responsibility. Steadfastly he remained at his post, peering intently through the periscope. For hours he had been there, and now his patience was rewarded. In the distance he could make out a small boat dashing madly toward him. Quickly he gave the signal to rise, and when the submarine again floated upon the surface of the water, he ascended to the bridge. As the boat drew nearer he recognized its occupants; and then, for the first time, he realized that they were followed. Prompt action would be required when they were on board and he knew it. With a hoarse bellow he called the crew to their places, and advanced to the side of the vessel to lend a hand to the officers when they should arrive. At last they reached the side, under a volley from the pursuing German launch. Lord Hastings clambered aboard and Frank and Jack followed in rapid succession. As they set foot on deck the latter shouted: "Below! Quick!"