"We caught these fellows scooting down the Thames in a high-power
motorboat, sir," was the reply. "They were unable to give a satisfactory
account of themselves and one of them took a shot at us. So we brought
them here."

"Do you know who they are?" asked Lord Hastings, smiling a bit to
himself.

"No, sir; but I would take them for a couple of German spies, sir."

"H-m-m," muttered Lord Hastings. He stroked his chin a moment and then
asked: "And what do you intend to do with them?"

"Turn them over to Colonel Masterson, sir, who will return about
midnight. He is stopping here, sir."

Lord Hastings seemed to consider the matter a few moments, and then,
with a gesture, he turned on his heel, remarking:

"Well, I can't see that it is any of my business."

"Very good, sir," said the boys' captor.

Frank and Jack had remained quiet up to this time, but now the former
took a step after his commander, exclaiming:

"Aren't you going to get us out of this, sir? You can explain that we
have done no wrong."

Lord Hastings turned toward him.