Frank was abashed.
"Your warnings don't seem to do much good, I'll admit, sir. Nevertheless, I'll try to do better."
"See that you do," returned Lord Hastings gravely. "Nothing was ever gained by too great impatience. Remember that."
"I'll try, sir."
"Very well. Then I shall acquaint you with the nature of the work in hand."
The boys listened intently to Lord Hastings' next words.
"As you know," His Lordship began, "the seas have virtually been cleared of all enemy ships. All German merchant vessels have been captured or sunk. What few raiders that preyed on our commerce for a time have been put out of business."
"Yes, sir," said Jack. "Our merchant vessels no longer have anything to fear from the foe."
"They shouldn't, that's true enough," replied Lord Hastings.
"You mean they have, sir?" asked Jack, incredulously.