"There will be unless the Germans perceive our ships soon enough to give them a chance to escape," returned Lord Hastings. "Another hour undiscovered, however, and we'll get them sure, for if I am not mistaken, the leading British ships are the _Lion_ and the _Tiger_--the fastest cruisers afloat today. Also their guns are greatly superior to those of the enemy." "But what are we going to do?" asked Frank, somewhat impatiently. "We are not going to stand by and look on, are we?" Lord Hastings smiled. "Don't you worry," he said quietly. "We'll take our part, whatever it may be. We'll go below now." The three descended. The conning tower and bridge were closed behind them, and soon the tanks were opened. The D-16 submerged until the top of her periscope barely protruded above the edge of the water. Lord Hastings, Frank and Jack took turns watching the approach of the two fleets, now that they were in range of the periscope; and it was while the latter was at the instrument that sudden signs of commotion became noticeable on the German vessels. At the same instant Jack perceived that the British ships had increased their stride, and were making directly for the Germans. "They have sighted each other, sir," he cried, turning to Lord Hastings in great excitement. Lord Hastings sprang to the periscope. "And the Germans are turning to run," he said, after a quick glance. It was true. The German commander, realizing that he was probably no match for the powerful British squadron, had no mind to give battle when the odds were as nearly even as they were now. Evidently he had more confidence in the power of his enemy than he had in his own. Therefore, immediately the British fleet was sighted, he gave the command to come about and make for the protection of the mined area about Heligoland at full speed. But the time lost in coming about was to prove a severe blow to the Germans. The British fleet, led by the _Tiger_, Admiral Beatty's flagship, had sighted its prey, and was making after it at full speed. "Guess we might as well take a hand in this," remarked Lord Hastings coolly. "Submerge another five fathoms, Mr. Templeton." More water was let into the tanks and the D-16 dropped rapidly lower into the sea. "Full speed ahead, Mr. Templeton," came the next command. The D-16 seemed to leap forward like a live thing, as she dashed in pursuit of the fleeing German fleet. "More notches for the table, I guess," said Frank to Jack. "We'll see," was the latter's reply. "I hope so." CHAPTER III. THE ENGAGEMENT. Meanwhile the British fleet, consisting of five first-class battle cruisers, together with a flotilla of perhaps twenty torpedo boat destroyers, was steaming rapidly in pursuit of the fleeing enemy.