"That's a nasty one," remarked Tressidar. "Barcroft's evidently blaming us for getting in his way when he kippered U 254. I remember——"
"Look, sir," interrupted Holcombe. "The old 'Tantalus' is going."
Levelling his glasses in the direction of the stricken cruiser, Tressidar realised that her end was nigh. Apparently a bulkhead had given way, admitting an enormous quantity of water, for the vessel was heeling to an angle of forty-five degrees, while her stern was lifting until the blades of the remaining propeller were churning the water into cauldrons of foam.
While the "Antipas" was hurrying to the assistance of the foundering "Tantalus" the lieutenant of the destroyer mounted the bridge.
"Here's a curious bit of documentary evidence to find on the person of a Hun, sir," he remarked, tendering Tressidar a folded piece of paper. "While we were examining the pirate chief's belongings I came across this. It was in his pocket-book."
"H'm!" commented Tressidar. "This will want some explanation. A bill for a dinner for two at the Imperial Hotel, Trebalda. That's somewhere in North Cornwall, I believe. Let me see, what's the date? By Jove! The consummate cheek of the fellow. He was evidently ashore a little more than forty-eight hours ago."
"Up to some underhand mischief, I'll be bound, sir," remarked the lieutenant.
"Looks like it, Mr. Palmer," agreed the lieutenant-commander. "If you have no objection, I'll take charge of this scrap of paper. Meanwhile we have more urgent work in hand."
And he indicated the stricken cruiser, still battling gamely in her attempt to reach shallow water.