"What's up?" demanded Frank.
He arose and peered over his chum's shoulder. What he read was this:
"Offer your services and the services of the Essex to the U.S. Navy Department at once."
"Fine!" cried Frank. "Let's get busy."
It was the work of half an hour, however, to get Secretary Daniels on the telephone. He had been aroused at the first news of the sinkings off the coast and had been kept on the jump ever since. But he took time to talk to Jack.
"I am authorized by the British Admiralty, sir," said Jack over the 'phone, "to offer the services of my ship to the American government."
"Accepted with thanks," snapped Secretary Daniels. "You will proceed immediately to your vessel in Newport News, after which you will join the American vessels on patrol duty off the coast of Virginia. I shall inform Admiral Sellings that you will report to him for instructions."
Without awaiting a reply, Secretary Daniels hung up.
"By George!" said Jack. "He's a man of action when he gets to moving."
"What did he say?" demanded Frank.