“Why, Taylor is disposed of for the time being. He will not dare to leave his quarters, and in the meantime we can go about our plans without fear of interruption. We can get rid of Hardy without arousing his suspicions.”
“Then I am not to be punished, sir?” asked Frank.
“Not this time,” was the reply. “But don’t let it happen again.”
“I won’t, sir,” Frank promised.
“By the way,” said Lord Hastings, as the lads turned to leave the cabin. “It may interest you to know that to-morrow we shall join the fleet off Helgoland. I have already been in communication with Admiral Jellicoe, and he approves of our plan. It must be carried out to-day.”
“Good!” exclaimed Frank and Jack.
“Yes,” continued Lord Hastings. He extended a slip of paper to Frank. “Give this to the wireless operator,” and he added, with a smile: “Then make sure there is no one near the wireless room—except Hardy. He must overhear this message, you know.”
The boys saluted and left the cabin. Frank glanced at the message.
“What does it say?” demanded Jack eagerly.
Frank read aloud: