Jack hurried away. First he returned to the other craft and assisted Edwards aboard The Hawk. Then he went to the engine, Frank took the wheel and they headed for Bantry Bay at full speed.
It was still before noon when they entered the bay and came to anchor in the midst of the motorboat fleet. The lads had Lord Hastings removed ashore immediately and listened to the diagnosis of the surgeon with bated breath.
"Nothing serious," said the surgeon, much to the lads' relief. "He's been knocked unconscious in some way. Something must have struck him a hard blow across the head. All he needs is perfect quiet for a week."
"He'll get it," declared Jack, "if I have to sit on him for that length of time."
"And if I have to help you hold him down," Frank agreed.
For the next week the boys gave their undivided attention to caring for their wounded commander. Each day, after the first, Lord Hastings grew stronger. On the third day he wanted to get up, but the surgeon would not hear of it.
"Seven days in bed," he declared. "Not a second less; and two more days before you can move about much."
"Yes, but look here, Doc," said Lord Hastings. "I've work to do. I've got to get back into harness."
"And two weeks exactly before you can get back in harness," declared the man of medicine.
From this ultimatum he would not swerve.