"It can be done, though," declared Frank.

"What? The Germans capture Gibraltar?"

"No, I mean the British can take Heligoland. Wait until Uncle Sam gets
in the war, he'll show you a few things."

"Maybe so," said Jack, "but what's all this talk I hear about the
United States declaring war on Germany?"

"It's only talk, so far," said Frank, "but it seems certain to come.
In fact, the war resolution already has passed the house and is being
debated in the senate. It wouldn't surprise me if the senate passed it
today. Then all that is needed is the signature of President Wilson."

"Well, let's hope there is no hitch," said Jack fervently.

"I don't think there will be. Come, let's go to our room and wait for
Lord Hastings."

The two boys went upstairs, and while they are awaiting the arrival of
Lord Hastings, a few words will be necessary to introduce them more
fully.

Frank Chadwick was an American lad of possibly nineteen.

He had been in Italy when the great European war broke out, and through
a misfortune had been shanghaied aboard a sailing vessel. After some
adventures he fell in with Jack Templeton, a young Englishman, who had