“Second Lieutenant Taylor, sir!”
“What!” exclaimed Lord Hastings, jumping to his feet in great excitement. “Lieutenant Taylor?”
“Yes, sir,” said Jack. “We overheard the two of them plotting last night.”
Lord Hastings paced back and forth for several moments. Then he sat down again.
“Tell me what you heard,” he commanded at length.
Frank related, almost word for word, the conversation the boys had overheard between Lieutenant Taylor and the sailor, Hardy, the night before.
For a long time after Frank had finished Lord Hastings sat wrapped in thought.
“It seems incredible,” he muttered at length; “but I am forced to believe that your words are true.” Then suddenly to Jack: “Mr. Templeton!”
“Sir!” and the midshipman’s hand came to a salute.
“Summon Lieutenant Edwards and Lieutenant Taylor. Then have the word passed for Hardy.