Hardy safely in irons, Jack and Frank returned to their own quarters.
“Now tell me all about it, old fellow,” said Frank.
“I’ll tell you in the morning,” was Jack’s reply, as, completely exhausted, he fell over in his berth and into a deep sleep, while from above Frank heard the signal:
“Full speed ahead.”
CHAPTER XXXII.
THE REWARD OF BRAVERY.
Steadily the Sylph continued her homeward journey. She passed several vessels, all flying the British flag, and, in lieu of wireless, her ensigns many times were dipped in passing salute.
At length the little scout cruiser docked in the exact spot where the boys had gone aboard her the night they put forth for the North Sea. Upon Lord Hastings’ request, which was almost in the nature of a command, Frank and Jack, as well as Alice Beulow, agreed to go with the British nobleman to his beautiful and spacious dwelling.
“My home is yours,” Lord Hastings told them. “You shall stay there always when in London.”
Arrived in London, Lord Hastings’ large automobile was telephoned for, and several hours later Frank and Jack found themselves once more installed in the pretentious quarters where they had first talked over their plans of going to war.
Lord Hastings, still somewhat feeble because of his illness, was immediately ordered to bed by his physician, who prescribed rest and plenty of it.