Just this faint metallic sound and the human torpedo sped on its upward journey like a catapult. Jack turned to Grigsby. "You next," he said. Grigsby crawled into the tube. "Ready?" asked Jack. "Ready, sir," came the reply. Again the click and the second human torpedo sped on its way to safety. And so on down the line, until there remained, besides Jack, only Frank, his chum, and Lord Hastings, his commander. Jack turned to Frank. "It's your turn, Frank," he said. Frank hung back. "Let Lord Hastings go first," he protested. Lord Hastings raised a hand. "I am still your commander," he said severely. "You will crawl into the tube, sir." Frank looked long at him, and again started to protest. Lord Hastings' face was inflexible. Frank drew himself up to attention. "Very well, sir," he said quietly. He approached Jack and held out his hand, which the latter grasped with vise-like fingers and squeezed. "Goodbye, Frank," he said softly. "Remember that I am glad to do this for you. I have no one in the world, while you still have a father and friends at home. Take my advice and return to your own country. Our war is none of your quarrel." Tears came into Frank's eyes as he gripped his chum's hand. A lump came into his throat. "Goodbye, Jack," he said with an effort. He staggered toward the tube, and Lord Hastings helped him in. "Get it over quickly," he exclaimed. "Ready?" asked Jack. "Ready," replied Frank in a choking voice. "Click!" Frank went hurtling on his way to safety. Jack turned to Lord Hastings. "I am glad you stayed until last," he said very quietly. "I feared that Frank would make a scene. Thank you." "I did it for your sake," was the low response. "Well, now it is your turn," said Jack. "Come, sir. Let's have it over with." "Cannot I prevail upon you to let me take your place?" asked Lord Hastings earnestly. "You are so young, while I, well I am old, and it will make no difference." "You have Lady Hastings to think of," replied Jack, "and I have no one at all." "But----" began Lord Hastings. "Come, sir," said Jack, "don't shake my resolution now. I lost. It is up to me to pay. Remember our agreement." "True," said Lord Hastings. He held out his hand and Jack grasped it. "I wish to say," said Lord Hastings, "that it has never been my pleasure to know a braver and more courageous lad. I am proud to know you." "And I," said Jack, "am proud of having had the chance to serve under you, sir." They gripped hands tenderly for the space of a few seconds; then, without another word, Lord Hastings relaxed his pressure and stepped to the tube. Jack assisted him, and then called out: "Ready?" "Ready," came the reply. "Goodbye, Jack." The last words were lost in the click of the torpedo and Jack was left alone. He walked to his own cabin and sat down upon his bed. Then, rising, he approached the table and ran his fingers over its edge, counting the notches.