"Then be off with you," said Lord Hastings, rising. "You can go aboard your ship to-night. Here is the message I wish delivered to the American secretary of the navy," and he passed a second paper to Jack. "The admiralty message you are to take will probably reach you some time in the morning, together with your sailing orders."
Lord Hastings extended his hand.
"Good-bye and good luck," he said.
Jack and Frank shook hands with him and took their departure.
"I'll be glad to get back to America if only for a short time," said Frank, as they walked toward the water front.
"I won't mind another look at the United States myself," Jack declared. "It looks like a pretty good country to me, from what I saw of it last trip. Almost as good as England, I guess."
"Almost?" repeated Frank. "Say, let me tell you something. The United States is the greatest country under the sun and don't you forget it. You Johnny Bulls seem to think that England is the only spot on the map."
"Well," returned Jack with a smile, "it strikes me that you boast considerably about your own land."
Frank's face reddened a trifle.
"Maybe I do," he admitted, "but it's worth it."