"Exactly. It appears that passengers have been warned not to take passage on the Glasgow. A warning has been circulated through the newspapers, the same as was done before the Lusitania sailed and was sunk. This naturally leads to the belief that the Germans are planning to torpedo the Glasgow. We are to be on hand to see that this does not happen."
"I see, sir," replied Frank. "Is it just The Hawk, sir?"
"Well, no," replied Lord Hastings. "The Hawk and nine other motorboats."
"A regular fleet," remarked Jack. "I suppose the idea is for us to trail in behind the Glasgow?"
"Exactly. You see the submarine, nine times out of ten, lying in wait for its victim, will come to the surface a short distance ahead of the steamer. Now, in view of the furore that the sinking of the Lusitania caused in neutral countries, it is hardly to be expected the Glasgow will be torpedoed without warning."
"But just how do we get at the enemy, sir?" demanded Frank.
"I'm coming to that. When the submarine comes to the surface and gives warning for passengers and crew to leave the ship, we shall sneak out from behind at full speed. Before the submarine can submerge, we shall be close enough to get her. That's why we carry such heavy guns. One of us is bound to get her."
"I see," said Frank. "Of course if the submarine could submerge in a moment, it wouldn't be possible."
"Exactly," agreed Lord Hastings.
He led the way to the rail.