"And how did the two lads behave themselves?" questioned Lord
Hastings.
"Admirably," was Captain Nicholson's reply. "We were in a pretty ticklish situation for a moment, but they never lost their nerve."
The lads blushed at this praise.
"Well," said Captain Nicholson, after some further talk, "I guess
I shall have to say good-bye."
He shook hands all around, and was soon on his way back to his own vessel. Immediately the Sylph was got under way, and proceeded on her course westward. But she had gone hardly a mile when the wireless operator rushed up to Lord Hastings, and handed him a message.
"Relayed by the Gloucester and Terror, Sir," he said.
Lord Hastings read the message:
"Strong German squadron somewhere off coast of South America.
British fleet on watch. Get in touch."
The message was signed by Winston Spencer Churchill, first Lord of the Admiralty.
Lord Hastings pursed his lips and whistled expressively.