Now, for the first time, Jack realized his danger. But it was too late to draw back, and it is doubtful if he would have done so anyway.
"I'm going to get that fellow," he gritted between his teeth, referring to the German commander.
One of the German sailors struck at the lad with a knife. Jack caught the man's arm with his left hand and twisted sharply. There was a snap, and the knife dropped into the water. The sailor uttered a cry of pain and turning, struck out for the submarine with his good arm.
Two sailors now beset Jack on either side, and the German commander turned to renew the struggle.
"Kill him!" he cried angrily.
One of the sailors raised himself high in the water, and a knife flashed above him.
"Crack!"
A revolver spoke sharply and the knife dropped from limp fingers.
Frank, standing erect in the Essex's launch, had fired. Now, as has been said, Frank was a crack shot, and in spite of the pitching of the small boat, his aim had been true. The bullet had struck the German sailor's arm just below the elbow, shattering the nerve.
Perceiving the approach of reinforcements, at an order from their commander, the Germans turned and swam rapidly toward the submarine. The sailors reached the vessel and climbed aboard. Their commander did likewise.