The D-16 rose swiftly, but not as swiftly as the torpedo had sped on its way. For when the submarine reached the surface the torpedo had already done its work, and the German cruiser was helpless. Men were jumping into the sea on all sides and swimming away.
Jack was struck with a sudden idea. He turned to Lord Hastings.
“If we could pick up one of those fellows,” he said, pointing, “perhaps we could find out what has happened to Frank.”
“Good,” replied Lord Hastings, “it shall be done.”
Upon his command the submarine forged ahead slowly directly toward the doomed German cruiser. Heads of men swimming began to bob up and down on both sides. Jack, leaning over the side, which was almost level with the water, suddenly stretched forth a hand and dragged a German petty officer aboard.
Frightened almost out of his wits, for he had not perceived the dark outline of the submarine, the German struggled fiercely; but he was no match for Jack, who soon subdued him.
The man was dragged below, and upon Jack’s request, the submarine was again submerged.
When the prisoner learned that he was aboard the British submarine he braced up, and when he found that he was not to be harmed, he proved willing to talk.
“Where is the English prisoner whom you captured yesterday?” Lord Hastings asked him.
“He has been sent ashore,” was the reply. “He was to have been taken to Berlin today, to be held as a prisoner of war; but I understand that for some reason it was put off till tomorrow.”