"What was the name of the British ship?" asked Frank.

"I haven't heard," replied Lord Hastings; "but the action was
fought in the Indian Ocean."

"It seems to me," said Jack vehemently, "that it is about time
this German terror of the sea was sent to the bottom."

"So it is," declared Lord Hastings; "and mark my words, she will
be when one of our big ships comes up with her."

"May it be soon!" ejaculated Frank.

But it was not to be soon. For almost another month the German
terror prowled about the seas, causing great havoc to British and
French merchantmen.

For three days the Sylph continued on her way without
interruption, and then turned about suddenly and headed for home.
Under full speed she ran for days, until the boys knew they were
once more in the North Sea, where they had so recently
participated in their one great battle.

"Will you tell us why we have come back so suddenly, sir?" asked
Frank of Lord Hastings.

"Why," said His Lordship, "the Germans seem to be growing
extremely active in the North Sea. Only three days ago, a German
submarine, after apparently running the blockade, sank the