The Sylph had been quickly stripped for action, for Lord Hastings had determined to give battle should the submarine prove to be an enemy. All available guns were turned upon the spot where the submarine was rising.
But hardly had the under-sea craft come to the surface than a
British ensign was run up.
Lord Hastings breathed easier.
"Good!" he exclaimed. "I wouldn't care much to encounter a submarine."
The commander of the submarine, Captain Nicholson, came aboard the Sylph to pay his respects to Lord Hastings.
"I suppose you are aware," he said during the course of the conversation, "that Turkey has declared war on England, France and Russia?"
"What!" cried Lord Hastings. "Turkey has declared war! I hadn't heard of it."
"Well, it's true, nevertheless," replied Captain Nicholson.
Lord Hastings smiled grimly.
"I guess it will be 'The Sick Man of Europe's' last illness," he said pointedly.