"That's so, by George!" Frank exclaimed.
"It stands to reason," said Lord Hastings, "that those submarines which were not bottled up in the harbors have been warned not to return. Now, it wouldn't surprise me a bit if they headed directly for America."
Jack grew thoughtful.
"It's too bad," he said at last, "that the Brigadier was so crippled that we cannot resume our interrupted voyage."
Lord Hastings smiled.
"I understand she is in pretty bad shape," he said. "So you don't think you can go now, eh?"
"I'm afraid not, sir. A fellow can't cross the ocean except in a ship."
"True enough. But why are you in Dover now?"
"Why, sir?" Jack exclaimed. "Because we were instructed to report to you."
"Exactly," said Lord Hastings; "and in your pocket, I presume, you have the same packet of papers the admiralty wishes turned over to Secretary Daniels of the American navy department?"