“What’s the matter, sir?” asked Frank, when his commander’s voice reached him across the water.
Lord Hastings explained.
“But what shall I do, sir?” asked Frank.
“Just follow us. That’s the best thing that can be done under the circumstances,” replied Lord Hastings.
“All right,” said Frank, and the conversation ended.
The Russian commander, who had listened to this conversation, still was unconvinced, and he said to Lord Hastings:
“I would advise that you have the submarine keep away, for if she comes too close we shall sink her.”
Lord Hastings made no reply.
All the afternoon the Russian cruiser continued her eastward journey, the D-16 trailing behind at a considerable distance.
It was five o’clock.