Hardly had the echoes of the three ringing cheers that greeted the hoisting of the ensign died away than the distant throbbing of an airship's motors was heard. Just appearing over the knoll was the "Pride of Rhodesia."
"Hope they won't start dropping bombs on us," exclaimed Polglaze.
"No fear of that," said Captain Restronguet reassuringly. "They've seen our ensign. They're dipping theirs, by smoke!"
Slowly the Blue Ensign at the stern of the air-ship was lowered and as slowly rehoisted. Unable to "dip" in the orthodox way the green and white flag was lowered staff and all.
Then majestically the huge yellow enveloped craft eased up till just holding her own against the light breeze, sank gently towards the earth, alighting on the sun-baked ground within twenty yards of the captured submarine.
"The best man has won, sir," exclaimed Captain Jones, raising his white cap. "I heartily congratulate you."
"More by good luck than anything else," returned Captain Restronguet modestly. "If I hadn't sent a sick man ashore we might never have spotted her stowed away so snugly behind the hill. I suppose you've seen nothing of the crew?"
"Her crew?" repeated the Captain of the "Pride of Rhodesia." "Why, haven't you bagged the whole crowd of rascals?"
"Only one," replied Captain Restronguet. "Much to my sorrow and regret."
"Never say die," was the cheerful response. "Now you've captured the 'Vorwartz' what are you going to do with her?"