Arrived opposite the point where the submarine waited, they plunged into the water and swam back.
“We’ll try the other side now,” said Lord Hastings.
The submarine was guided close to the opposite bank, and once more the two plunged into the water and were soon ashore.
Again they proceeded for perhaps an hour, and again Lord Hastings discovered the effects of the Queen Elizabeth’s shells. As he deemed it unnecessary to go further, they turned and once more retraced their steps.
They had almost reached the point off which the submarine waited when several figures loomed suddenly up in the darkness ahead of them. They were so close at this moment that it was impossible to avoid a collision. Jack, realizing this, and also knowing that the figures ahead must be enemies, did not wait for the latter to strike the first blow.
As he bumped into the man nearest him, he struck out heavily with his right. There was a fierce muttered Oriental imprecation and the man went to the ground.
Lord Hastings performed a similar operation upon the man nearest him, and he also toppled over. The rest drew back, and sent up a cry of rage. Realizing that their opponents would receive reinforcements in a minute, Lord Hastings and Jack sprang into the midst of them.
Striking out right and left, Jack disposed of two more of the enemy, and Lord Hastings a third; but at that moment Lord Hastings felt a sharp pain in his side and fell to the ground.
Warding off the blows of the one remaining assailant, Jack stooped over his commander.
“Hurt badly, sir?” he asked anxiously.