"Well, you are wrong," was Lord Hastings' reply. "From what I have heard by wireless, our vessel attacked, but was sent to the bottom by the Emden before she could do much damage to the German."
"What was the name of the British ship?" asked Frank.
"I haven't heard," replied Lord Hastings; "but the action was fought in the Indian Ocean."
"It seems to me," said Jack vehemently, "that it is about time this German terror of the sea was sent to the bottom."
"So it is," declared Lord Hastings; "and mark my words, she will be when one of our big ships comes up with her."
"May it be soon!" ejaculated Frank.
But it was not to be soon. For almost another month the German terror prowled about the seas, causing great havoc to British and French merchantmen.
For three days the Sylph continued on her way without interruption, and then turned about suddenly and headed for home. Under full speed she ran for days, until the boys knew they were once more in the North Sea, where they had so recently participated in their one great battle.
"Will you tell us why we have come back so suddenly, sir?" asked
Frank of Lord Hastings.
"Why," said His Lordship, "the Germans seem to be growing extremely active in the North Sea. Only three days ago, a German submarine, after apparently running the blockade, sank the cruiser Hawke off the coast of Scotland.