“But—but——” Frank stammered.
Lord Hastings did not reply, but instead arose and summoned Lieutenant Edwards.
“Arrest the sailor Hardy immediately and have him confined in irons!” he commanded.
Lieutenant Edwards saluted and withdrew. Then Lord Hastings turned to Frank.
“I am sorry, my boy,” he said kindly, “but there is nothing we can do. However, the case may not be as bad as we fear. The fact that I instructed Captain Johnson to keep Taylor away from the girl may arouse some suspicion in his mind and delay a court-martial.”
“But there is nothing sure about it!” cried Frank. “To think of a girl dying like that, when we are able to save her!”
Lord Hastings did not reply, but turned and went on deck. Frank followed him, still imploring that the Sylph be put about and return to the cruiser.
Looking over the water Frank could see that, for some reason, the cruiser was stationary. She had not continued on her course.
“See,” he said to Lord Hastings, pointing, “we could reach her in almost no time. It would not delay us long. Will you not put about, sir?”
“We have hardly time now to reach the fleet,” was the reply.