"So that's what was wrong," he ejaculated. "We came up directly beneath her, sir."
Lord Hastings nodded.
"And it seems to me we did a pretty good job," he declared. "Now——"
The appearance of one of the crew on deck cut short his sentence. The man approached and saluted.
"Well, sir?" questioned Lord Hastings.
"Boat leaking, sir," was the reply. "Two feet of water in the hold now, sir. We can't stop it. We shall have to take to the boats, sir."
Lord Hastings looked at the man in dismay for the space of several moments. Then he said quietly:
"All right, Jackson. Get out the boats and order the men on deck."
Again the man took the time to salute and then disappeared below. A few moments later the full crew of the U-6 appeared on deck and the boats were quickly gotten out.
"Rifles and revolvers for each man," ordered Lord Hastings.