Part 21 (2/2)

”Very well. Report to me instantly a message is received.”

Frank saluted and took his departure. Jack stood at attention in Captain Raleigh's cabin as the commander of the _Queen Mary_ again plunged into a ma.s.s of charts.

Captain Raleigh sprang to his feet and opened his watch.

”Four o'clock,” he said. ”We won't reach Skagerak until well after six.

I am in hopes the Germans will not try to pa.s.s through before early morning. We shall be ready for them then.”

”How big a fleet have we there now, sir?” asked Jack.

”None, to speak of. Two or three cruisers and a couple of torpedo boats. I believe we have a submarine or two there also, though I cannot be sure of that.”

”We'll lick 'em, sir,” said Jack, enthusiastically.

Captain Raleigh smiled.

”I hope so,” he said quietly.

At that moment the first officer called from the bridge.

”Battles.h.i.+p overhauling us fast, sir.”

”Probably the _Indefatigable_,” said Captain Raleigh.

He went on deck. Jack followed him.

CHAPTER XIV

CHANGED ORDERS

At the same moment Frank came running up.

”_Indefatigable_ reports she has sighted us, sir!”

”Good!” exclaimed Captain Raleigh. ”I felt sure it was the _Indefatigable_. Tell her we shall steam slowly until she comes up with us.”

Frank saluted and returned to the wireless room.

Now Captain Raleigh gave an order to the first officer.

”Have all hands piped to quarters, Mr. MacDonald.”

Instantly, all became bustle aboard the _Queen Mary._ Men rushed hither and thither; but in a moment order was restored out of the seeming confusion.

Followed by Jack, his first and second officers, Captain Raleigh made an inspection of the giant battles.h.i.+p.

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