“Ready for action at any moment,” said Lord Hastings.
“So they are,” agreed Frank. “Great Scott! It doesn’t seem possible that so many of these great craft could be afraid to venture forth to give battle.”
“No, it doesn’t,” declared Jack. “But at the same time, you must remember there are more and still more formidable craft waiting for them to come out and try it.”
“That’s true, too,” admitted Frank. “I wish they would try it, though. I don’t believe many of them would get back.”
“Evidently the Germans have the same belief—which is the reason they haven’t tried it,” said Lord Hastings, smiling in the darkness.
“Silence, now,” he cautioned them, after a moment. “We are close to the shore. Let all further talk be in German.”
Five minutes later the motor-boat came to a long pier, which extended far into the water.
“Here we are,” said Lord Hastings in German. He glanced around. “Other boats tied up here. Guess we might as well do the same,” he said. “We may need it. Fortunately, at my suggestion, none of the D-17’s boats bear a mark of identification. Guess it won’t be bothered.”
The three climbed up on the pier and the boat was made fast.
“Which way now, sir?” asked Frank.