One of the Germans was now called to take the wheel, and, leaving Lord Hastings in the latter's cabin, Jack and Frank made their way aft. Here, as they passed the compartment in which the crew bunked, they heard a commotion.
The two lads entered quickly. There, in the middle of the floor, surrounded by half a dozen of the German sailors, stood Davis, and confronting him was the British sailor, O'Brien. The latter was speaking.
"Yes, I called you a contemptible traitor," he said, thrusting his face forward and speaking in German. "What are you going to do about it?"
"I'll show you," replied Davis.
He raised an arm suddenly, and, taking O'Brien off his guard, sent him to the floor with a blow to the point of the chin. The man lay still.
Frank's blood boiled.
"Guess I'll take a hand in this myself," he said through his teeth. "I've been wanting to get at him for some time now."
In vain Jack sought to stay his chum. The latter shook off the detaining hand and sprang forward. Before Davis noticed his presence the lad was upon him.
There was a resounding smack as Frank struck Davis lightly across the face with his open palm.
"You big coward," he said, "to taunt a prisoner. I'll teach you a little lesson. Take off your coat."