"One minute," he said. The others paused.

"Who are you?" the lad demanded.

The other smiled.

"Why, I'm Captain Jack," he said quietly.

"I see," said Frank. "And your ship—a submarine, I note—a war vessel, it can be plainly seen. What flag does she fly?"

"The black flag," was the smiling reply; "the jolly Roger."

"As I thought," said Frank. "A pirate!"

His hands dropped to his guns.

CHAPTER XVII

A FIGHT