Frank gave the hail from the bridge. A moment later Lord Hastings emerged from the little conning tower. For several moments he gazed searchingly across the water through his glass.
"Britisher," he said finally. "Guess we had better submerge."
"Why, sir?" demanded Frank. "Surely we have nothing to fear from one of our own vessels."
"You seem to forget about this German flag we carry," said Lord Hastings; "also, that, so far as we know, there are no British submarines in these waters."
"That's so, sir. I had forgotten just who we are supposed to be."
"We'll go below," said Lord Hastings.
He moved toward the conning tower, but even as he would have descended below, Frank gave a sudden cry.
"Submarine approaching the steamer, sir."
Lord Hastings immediately turned his gaze toward the vessel again. Frank had spoken truly. Halfway between the steamship and the U-16 a second submarine had suddenly appeared. Even from where he stood, Lord Hastings could see that the steamer had been ordered to halt.
"By Jove!" he exclaimed. "They're going to sink her!"