“When it comes to that,” said Jack, “we might as well be here as any place else. I should say that there is considerable work we could do hereabouts, and if we can avoid the enemy we can make it pretty warm for them.”
“You are right,” replied Lord Hastings, “but we shall have to be very careful, for, knowing we are here, they will undoubtedly have every ship in these waters looking for us.”
“Well,” said Jack, “why should we wait for them to act? Why can’t we strike the first blow?”
Lord Hastings looked at him quizzically.
“Just what do you mean by that?” he asked.
“Why,” said Jack, “torpedo one of them right now.”
“I am afraid you are a little hot headed yourself,” said his commander with a faint smile. “I should say that that is just what they expect us to do, and for that reason I am opposed to such action. Never do the expected, is my motto. It is the unexpected that counts.”
“Perhaps you are right,” agreed Jack; “still I would like to get at a few of them.”
“Don’t fret,” said Lord Hastings, “you shall have your chance.”
Meanwhile, what of Frank?