When Frank and Jack learned that there was work ahead of them, both at once became very enthusiastic and could hardly wait to be on their way.
“We may as well submerge right here and then advance,” said Lord Hastings.
The order was given and the D-16 disappeared from the sight of the other ships. Then she moved forward slowly.
Frank, at his place in the lookout compartment, kept his eyes wide open for the sign of an enemy, or of the enemy’s mines.
Suddenly a dark object appeared directly ahead of him and, swerving quickly, dashed by before he could give the alarm.
Immediately he informed Lord Hastings and the D-16 was brought about quickly and headed after the object.
“I don’t know whether it is an enemy or not,” said Lord Hastings, “but we can afford to take no chances. We’ll have to go after it.”
The D-16 dashed on, but after half an hour saw no sign of what all believed to have been an Austrian submarine.
“Might as well go up and take a look about,” said Lord Hastings. “We should be among the French fleet again.”
And among the French fleet they were, as they learned as soon as they bobbed up on the surface.