But soon the German boat drew so close to Frank, that the men in the D-16’s launch were afraid to fire at the Germans for fear a chance shot might hit the lad. The Germans, however, were not thus handicapped, and continued pouring lead in the direction of Lord Hastings and his men.
As the German boat came alongside Frank, a man reached out to grab him. Frank took a long breath and dived, the fingers of his foe just touching his shoulder.
When he came to the surface for a fresh breath, the German boat was several yards away and Frank breathed easier.
“If I can keep that up,” he told himself, “I may get away yet.”
Again the boat drew near and again Frank dived.
The German officer in command had had enough of this game of hide and seek, however, and he immediately ordered two of his men overboard after the lad.
Frank, of course, knew nothing of this move and when he came to the surface once more, he was surprised to find rough hands laid upon him from both sides. In vain did he strike out with both feet and hands. Struggle as he would he could not shake off his foes; and all three sank together.
The German boat came closer, and the sailors leaned over the side, ready to pull in the struggling trio when they came to the surface again.
Sputtering and gasping for breath, the three heads finally showed above the water. There was not much fight left in any of them, and therefore Frank was drawn over the side without much trouble. Then the German officer ordered the launch brought about, and put off for the German cruiser at full speed.
As they fled, a running battle with the men in the D-16’s launch ensued. One German toppled over into the water, but the boat was not stopped to pick him up. One British sailor was struck in the arm by a German bullet; but outside of these two no one was wounded.