“Just a word of warning,” he said to Miss Beulow, as she at last said good-by and made ready to leave the launch. “Beware of Taylor.”
The girl smiled brightly at him, and with another word of farewell was gone. Lieutenant Taylor, in accordance with his instructions, followed her aboard the cruiser.
Hardly had the lieutenant set foot on the deck of the cruiser, when Frank ordered his men to put back to the Sylph. As the little launch got under way, Frank heard a shout, and, looking over his shoulder, saw Lieutenant Taylor angrily beckoning him to come back.
“Wait for me,” cried the lieutenant.
Frank paid no heed to this command and the launch continued on its way. Aboard the Sylph once more, Frank immediately made his way to Lord Hastings to report. Almost at the same moment the wireless operator rushed up and passed the commander a slip of paper.
Lord Hastings read the message and then turned to Lieutenant Edwards.
“Full speed ahead!” he commanded. “We are ordered to feel the way for the advance of the British fleet against the Germans to-night. It means we shall go into action.”
“Hurrah!” shouted Frank, unable to restrain his enthusiasm.
“Hurrah!” cried Jack, who approached just in time to catch Lord Hastings’ words.
A few moments more and the Sylph was again dashing madly through the water. But hardly was the vessel under way when the wireless operator, his face flushed and his manner manifesting the greatest excitement, rushed up to Lord Hastings.