"Oh, it's true enough," replied Lord Hastings. "Perhaps a hundred of
them have disappeared."

"And where are they, sir?" asked Frank. "At the bottom?"

"That," said Lord Hastings with a slow smile, "is the mystery the German
government would like to solve."

"But surely you know, sir."

"If I did, I would not repeat it within these four walls," declared Lord
Hastings. "Walls have ears, you know, as is proven by the fact that Jack
overheard my conversation with Mr. Churchill."

"I didn't mean to listen, sir," interrupted Jack.

"Oh, I know that," replied Lord Hastings. "But now take my advice, and
keep what you know locked close within you."

"We shall, sir," replied both lads.

"Good! Now I have a piece of news for you."

The two lads stepped forward eagerly.

"Are we to go on active service again, sir?" asked Frank anxiously.

"It's about time we did," mumbled Jack, half to himself.