And even while Tregarthen was thus expressing himself, Captain Brookes, with the coolest audacity imaginable, had hoisted the white ensign to the gaff as the _Olive Branch_ glided rapidly away from the outraged German ship. [Illustration: (_To be continued_)] [Illustration: third instalment] BY PERCY F. WESTERMAN Author of "A Lad of Grit," etc. _ILLUSTRATED BY E. S. HODGSON_ *Synopsis* GERALD TREGARTHEN, sub-lieutenant of H.M.S. _Calder_, being on leave, sails from Poole with his old school chum Jack Stockton on board the latter's yacht _Playmate_. In mid-Channel the yacht is run down; the two friends are rescued, and find themselves on board a mysterious cruiser--the _Olive Branch_--commanded by Captain Brookes. Finding that Tregarthen is a British naval officer, Captain Brookes announces his intention of keeping him on board, and, after due deliberation, Gerald decides to fall in with the captain's plans, as far as his sense of loyalty will permit. Tregarthen is initiated into the secrets of the _Olive Branch_, including that of the deadly ZZ-rays--an irresistible charge of electricity whereby the destruction of a hostile ship can be effected at will. Captain Brookes also explains that by the power at his command he hopes to make war so terrible that no nation will venture to declare war; thus universal peace will be assured. During the voyage south Schneider, the ship's scientist, deserts, taking with him some important plans. He is found on board a German "tramp," and is brought back to the _Olive Branch_, whereby an act of piracy is committed. [Illustration: chapter X] CHAPTER X CLEARED FOR ACTION IT was six bells in the forenoon watch. The _Olive Branch_, her speed reduced to a bare ten knots, slipped noiselessly through the oily waters, the tropical sun beating down fiercely upon the awning that had been spread over the quarter-deck. Seated upon chairs abaft the after-turret were the ship's officers, while on either hand were mustered as many of the crew as could be spared from their duties. There was an air of sternness about the assembly, for Taylor, the scientist, was about to be tried on a charge of desertion and treachery. "Bring in the prisoner!" ordered the captain, and escorted by two armed seamen the culprit was marched on deck and directed to take up a position facing his judges. "Mark Taylor," exclaimed Lieutenant Palmer, who appeared as prosecutor, "you are accused upon direct evidence of having broken out of this vessel and having sought to obtain a refuge on board the German ship _Afrika_. That in itself is a serious charge; but not content with that breach of discipline you wittingly informed the master of the aforesaid _Afrika_ of the secrets appertaining to the ordnance of this cruiser, the _Olive Branch_. Do you plead guilty or not guilty?" "Not guilty," replied the accused man, with a forced tone of defiance. "I----"