In spite of every precaution that Morpeth had taken to safeguard his prisoners, Nemesis in the shape of a German shell had overtaken von Preugfeld. Placed for his protection as far below the water-line as possible, the ober-leutnant had been slain by a three-pounder shell, which, without exploding, had penetrated Q 171's side about two feet above the water-line. Glancing from the underside of the metal base of one of the triple torpedo-tubes, the missile had been deflected downwards. Penetrating the roof of the prisoners' cell, the pointed missile had gone completely through von Preugfeld's body and had ended its career by pulverising von Loringhoven's fingers and jamming the door. By the time the Sub returned to the deck the work of rendering first aid to the wounded was accomplished. The _Polyxo_, having transferred the German crew as prisoners from the torpedo boat that Q 171 had rammed, was engaged in sending to the bottom the still floating portion. Already the light cruisers were returning, having been robbed of the fruits of complete victory by their foe taking shelter in neutral waters. Twenty minutes later Q 171, taken in tow by the _Pylos_, was on her way back to Britannia's shores. CHAPTER XXVIII THE HOMECOMING "IT'S time those scallywags of ours put in an appearance, Sparrowhawk," remarked Colonel Greyhouse of the Auldhaig Air Station. "They reported from Leith two days ago. We're short-handed, and there's a patrol needed to escort the light cruisers back." "Quite true, sir," agreed Major Sparrowhawk. "I'll 'phone through. Because they had a joy-ride on a Q-boat is no excuse for kicking their heels around Leith and Edinburgh." "And how's young Pyecroft?" inquired the C.O. "Reported for duty this morning, sir," replied the second-in-command. "I asked him if he wanted sick leave and he declined." Colonel Greyhouse raised his eyebrows in surprise. Never before had he known of a case of a junior officer refusing leave. "Wonder what his game is?" he remarked, as he gathered his cap, gloves and stick from an untidy heap on the ante-room table. Before the second-in-command could think of a suitable reply, the door was thrown open and the three absentees filed into the room--Captain Cumberleigh leading, followed by Lieutenants Blenkinson and Jefferson. "Detained at Area Headquarters, sir," reported Captain Cumberleigh. "All right," rejoined the C.O. drily. "As it happens, you're just in time, Major Sparrowhawk will give you your orders." He went out, leaving the three returned officers exchanging inquiring glances. "The light-cruiser squadron went out yesterday to give a leg-up to your pals in Q 171," explained the major. "There are U-boats knocking about off the north of the Dogger. The C.O. wants a couple of blimps to go out and get in touch with the cruisers." "And Q 171: what of her, sir?" asked Blenkinson. The major shook his head.