"Well, I can't guess the answer," said Jack. "But certainly there is no other German here."
They returned and reported to Lord Hastings.
"Very well," said their commander. "Then the best thing we can do is to try and work this submarine back to port. It is an important capture."
"If you please, sir," said Jack. "I believe I can suggest a better plan than that."
"And that is——" prompted Lord Hastings.
"To assume the identities of these German officers, sir. Or not necessarily to assume their identities, but just to take charge of the vessel as if we had been duly commissioned by the German government. Then we can seek out the enemy's naval base and perhaps gain information of importance."
Lord Hastings looked at the lad in amusement for some moments before he replied:
"By Jove! You and Frank here do turn up some of the most remarkable ideas I have ever heard!"
"Then you don't think much of the plan, sir?"
"I think so much of it," replied Lord Hastings, "that I shall act upon it at once."