The draw came again to Lord Hastings and the ace of spades was still hidden in the deck. The silence was even more pronounced as Lord Hastings drew his second card and slowly held it up so that all might see. It was the king of spades. "Pretty close," he said quietly. "But not close enough," said Jack with a laugh. "I believe I can do better myself." Quickly he stretched forth a steady hand and drew a card, which he threw down upon the table, face up. A gasp went round the circle of faces. The card was the ace of spades. Jack turned to Lord Hastings with a faint smile. "You see," he said steadily. "I was sure I could beat you." When Jack drew the fatal card, Frank stared at it as though dumbfounded, and for a moment was unable to speak. Then he rushed upon his friend, and threw his arms about him. "But I won't let you stay alone," he cried. Jack pushed him gently away. "Remember our agreement," he said quietly. Lord Hastings approached and laid his hand on Frank's shoulder. "Jack is right," he said. "An agreement between gentlemen is not to be set aside for any reason. Be sure that I feel just as deeply as you, but I am older and not so much given to showing my feelings." He walked over to Jack, and held out a hand. "I am sorry it was not me," he said quietly. "And still," said Jack, taking the hand, "it won't be so awfully bad, will it, to be the one who fires the last shot of the British Submarine D-16?" "We should now be directly beneath the British fleet," said Lord Hastings, after a glance at his watch. "Good," said Jack. "Then we may as well stop the engines." This was the work of an instant. "How deep are we?" asked Jack. "Quarter of a mile," replied Lord Hastings briefly. "Then the pressure will not be so bad for you fellows," said Jack. He stepped to No. 1 torpedo tube and examined it. "All right," he said. "The only trouble you may have is that you will not be seen when you reach the surface. However, that is the chance you will have to take. Just keep your senses, and when you reach the surface swim until you are picked up. How does the barometer read?" "Clearing," replied Frank, after a quick glance. "Good! I was afraid it might be stormy above." He paused and looked around. All was in readiness. "Now," he said, "the longer you stay here the more danger. The sooner we get it over with the better. You first, Lord Hastings." "No," replied Lord Hastings. "I shall be the last to go." Jack bowed. "Very well," he said. He turned to Frank. "Come, Frank," he said. "You first." "Not me," Frank protested. "I'll wait until the rest have gone." "Have your own way," said Jack. He turned to the German prisoner. "You first, then, sir," he said calmly. The German bowed. "It might as well be me as another," he said. He stepped to the torpedo tube and crawled in. "Lucky I am not too big," he said cheerfully. "Ready?" asked Jack. "Ready," came the reply. "Click!"