"One moment," said Lord Hastings, raising a hand. "First it would be well if you were to allow me to inform the officer in command of my submarine what has happened, for when we fail to go back, he is likely to believe that you are a German and sink you." "We escaped your torpedoes before, we can do it again," said the Russian. "I have told you," said Lord Hastings calmly, "that we are not the same submarine that pursued you. You don't believe it. Very well. However, you will learn that you cannot run away from us as you did the other." "We shall see," said the Russian. "Oh, you'll see, all right," said Lord Hastings. "However, we are here and that's all there is about it. Now, if you will not have us confined, we promise to make no attempt to escape." The Russian considered this proposal for some minutes. "Very well," he said at last. "I shall accept your paroles. See that you do not attempt to break them." He turned and went on deck. Five minutes later and the Russian cruiser had come about and was heading east once more. Gradually she gathered headway, until she was traveling at full speed. The Russian kept close watch on the D-16, which now lay to the rear. And as the cruiser began to draw away, the D-16, which had been lying idle, also came to life, and started in pursuit. Frank, aboard the submarine, was greatly puzzled when the cruiser came about and started off toward the east. "Wonder what on earth the reason is?" he muttered to himself. "Well, I suppose we had better go along also." He gave the signal and the D-16 started in pursuit. Frank held a consultation with the German prisoner. "I believe," said the latter, "that the Russian has refused to accept your commander's explanation and has had him and his first officer placed under arrest." "By Jove!" said Frank. "I hadn't thought of that. I wouldn't be surprised if you are right." He gave the order for full speed ahead, and gradually the submarine began to overhaul the Russian cruiser. As he came nearer, Frank perceived signs of action aboard the larger vessel, and then he was hailed across the water. "Sheer off, or we shall fire into you." "Don't you try it," cried Frank, angrily. "Where is my commander?" "He is a prisoner," came back the reply, "and has given his parole not to escape." "Let me speak to him," demanded Frank. When this command was taken to the Russian commander, he hesitated. But at length he decided to allow Lord Hastings to hail the D-16. "What's the matter, sir?" asked Frank, when his commander's voice reached him across the water. Lord Hastings explained. "But what shall I do, sir?" asked Frank. "Just follow us. That's the best thing that can be done under the circumstances," replied Lord Hastings. "All right," said Frank, and the conversation ended. The Russian commander, who had listened to this conversation, still was unconvinced, and he said to Lord Hastings: