"Well, we've got to do something," declared Lord Hastings. "Can any of you suggest anything?"
"I believe I have a plan, sir," declared Frank.
"Let's have it quick," said Lord Hastings.
"Well, sir, I should say that if you would stand by the gun, Jack and I can slip over the side in one of the small boats. We'll make a slight detour, to get out of the blinding glare, then row toward the enemy. Without the light in our eyes, we should be able to pick off a couple of the enemy with rifles. Then he'll have to shift his light to hunt new foes. You can be ready and sink him the moment he does so."
"That's not a half bad idea," declared Lord Hastings. "It shall be done. Over with you, lads."
Quickly Frank and Jack got a little boat over the side, procured a rifle apiece, and rowed away.
In spite of the fact that the glare of the enemy's searchlight was squarely upon them, they could not be seen because of the light aboard The Hawk playing upon the eyes of the foe. So, though they rowed rapidly, they knew they were safe enough.
Out of the glare of the searchlight, they shaped their course toward the enemy, whose bulk they could now see looming up in the darkness.
"By Jove! It's another motorboat," Frank whispered.
Jack nodded his head in the darkness, but did not reply.