Frank shook his head.
"Not a chance," he said.
"But," said Jack, "it has been the opinion of war critics and experts right along that Germany was saving her fleet for the final effort when all other means had failed."
"I don't care what the experts think," declared Frank, "I don't think the Germans will dare risk an engagement. In the first place, it would be suicidal—she would have everything to lose and nothing to gain. Don't fret. The German naval authorities know just as well as we do what would happen to the German fleet should it issue from Helgoland."
"Maybe you're right," said Jack, "but in the enemy's place, I wouldn't give up without a final effort."
"That's just it," Frank explained. "You wouldn't, and neither would I. Neither, for that matter, would any British or American officer, nor French. But the German is of different caliber. He doesn't fight half as well when he knows the odds are against him. No, I believe that the German fleet will be virtually intact when the war ends."
"Then we'll take it away from them," declared Jack.
"I'm sure I hope so. It would be dangerous to the future peace of the world to allow the Germans to keep their vessels."
"Well," said Jack, "you can talk all you please, but you can't convince me our work is over—not until peace has been declared—or an armistice signed, or something."
"I agree with you there. There will be plenty of work for us right up to the last minute."