"They've tried hard enough," said Lord Hastings. "Trouble is this
raider seems to have the heels of all ships of war. She simply runs
away from them. However, the activities of the raider have become so
serious that the government has decided she must be captured at all
hazards."

"Which is where we come in," guessed Frank.

Lord Hastings gazed at the lad sternly.

"Frank," he said, "it's a wonder to me that your tongue hasn't got you
into trouble long ago. Now, if you'll listen, I'll proceed."

Frank sat back abashed.

"Excuse me, sir," he said. "It won't happen again."

"All right, then," said Lord Hastings. "As I say, it seems impossible
to come up with this raider by speed, so she must be captured or sunk
by strategy. Now, I'll explain the plans to you, that you may know
what to do and what will be expected of you."

Lord Hastings talked slowly for several hours, and the lads listened
with unflagging interest. When His Lordship had finished it was almost
midnight.

"Now, are you sure you understand?" he asked, getting to his feet.

"Perfectly, sir," was the reply.