“At the same time,” interrupted Lord Hastings, “saying that ‘our losses were insignificant.’”
“Well,” said Frank, “I don’t suppose the government can afford to let the people know just how serious their predicament is.”
“That’s about the size of it,” agreed Lord Hastings.
The speed of the D-16, once she was beyond the German mine field, was increased to 20 knots, and she headed directly for the entrance to the Kiel canal. Frank and Jack both turned in.
With the coming of morning the D-16 was but a few miles from her goal, and Lord Hastings accordingly ordered the speed slackened that a close watch might be kept for mines.
At eight o’clock Lord Hastings checked the speed of the vessel and ordered that it be brought to the surface.
“But surely we are not through the canal yet?” protested Jack.
“No,” was the reply, “but we are almost at the entrance, and I want to take a look about.”
Jack did not protest further, and when the submarine again floated on the surface of the sea he followed his commander to the bridge.
There a startling sight met their gaze, for not a hundred yards away, riding gently with the even swell of the sea, lay a second submarine and she flew the Red, White and Black of Germany.