effectively as to preclude further danger to British shipping. And it
was in this work that Jack and Frank were soon to play a prominent part.




CHAPTER II.

ON ACTIVE SERVICE AGAIN.


For some reason unknown to Jack and Frank, when morning came, Lord
Hastings announced that the start would not be made until after
nightfall, at which both lads showed keen disappointment.

"I'll tell you what you can do," said Lord Hastings. "I'll give you an
order for my motorboat and you can go to Gravesend during the day if you
care to. I'll meet you there at the Lion Inn to-night at 10 o'clock."

Frank was delighted.

"That's better than hanging around here all day, waiting for night to
come," he said. "What do you say, Jack?"

"Anything to humor you," replied the latter with a smile.

"Take all your things with you," said Lord Hastings; "and, above all,
hang on to that motorboat. Don't let anybody get it away from you."

"We'll hang on to it, never fear," replied Frank. "Come on, Jack."