“Very well,” he said at length. “Do the best you can.”
He turned on his heel, and made his way to his cabin. Frank followed him.
“But what will happen to Miss Beulow, sir?” he asked.
“I am afraid,” was the reply, “that she is in great danger of being shot!”
“Shot!” Frank stood aghast at the word.
“Yes,” was the reply, “as she has been arrested, she will probably be tried by an impromptu court-martial at once. If convicted, she will be sentenced to die.”
“But we can save her,” cried Frank. “The Sylph is fast; she can overtake the cruiser. Shall I give the order at once, sir?”
“I am sorry,” replied Lord Hastings slowly, “but it cannot be done.”
“Cannot be done? Why?”
“We have been ordered into action. We must obey. One life cannot be allowed to stand in the way.”