ABOARD THE "SYLPH" AGAIN.
Jack sprang quickly to his feet and in a moment had divested himself of
his coat and shoes. Then he dived headlong into the dark water. The
searchlight of the little craft was playing upon the water, and Jack
could plainly see his prisoner a short distance ahead.
Jack was a strong swimmer. At his home in the little African village he
had spent many hours in the water; and now with great strokes he was
overhauling his quarry.
"I'll get him if I have to chase him all over Denmark," the lad told
himself grimly, as he swam along. "I should have watched him more
closely."
For at least ten minutes the chase continued. Then, finding that Jack
was bound to catch him, Hardy turned to face him.
Now, Hardy was no coward, and he was a big man. On even terms he figured
that the lad was no match for him. He was also an accomplished swimmer;
but he underrated the prowess of the lad who was pursuing him, and his
arm was also in bad shape.
Jack came up with his enemy and reached out a hand to take him by the
throat; but, as he did so, Hardy dove and disappeared from view. A
moment later he came up close to the spot where Jack had been, and
struck out fiercely, thinking to take the lad by surprise and stun him
before his presence was discovered.
But Jack was not to be caught in this manner. He was far too wary. The
moment Hardy sank from sight, Jack had surmised his ruse and had shifted
his position accordingly. As a result, when Hardy came up, Jack had him
at a disadvantage. In his haste, however, to get his prisoner back to
the launch, Jack failed to use his advantage and the blow he aimed at
his adversary went wide. Whereupon Hardy immediately dove again.
Spurred to greater mental activity by his failure, Jack determined upon
a bit of strategy. Believing that Hardy would remain under water this
time as long as possible, in the meantime swimming for shore, Jack
struck out for shore with all his might. Then, when he thought that
Hardy must come to the surface, the lad made a sudden dive.
That Jack's estimate was a good one was quickly proven. He had gauged
the distance Hardy could swim with such accuracy that he found himself
swimming directly under the fleeing man. This was his opportunity, and,
rising close to the surface, Jack seized Hardy by one of his feet.
Hardy kicked out angrily, but to no avail. With a quick jerk Jack drew
the traitor under the water. Then, rising, he struck out at his
adversary and, taking a deep breath, dived again, grabbing Hardy by the
throat as he went down.
Beneath the dark water of the ocean the fierce struggle went on. Jack
found his opponent a hard customer, but soon the lad's endurance began
to tell. The long breath he had taken just before diving for the last
time was what finally gave him the victory.
Hardy's struggles became weaker and weaker, and finally there beneath
the water he fell limp in the lad's arms. Quickly Jack rose to the
surface, bearing his prisoner with him. Taking a deep, refreshing
breath, he struck out for the little launch, which had approached to
within a short distance of him.
Willing hands lifted Hardy over the side and helped Jack aboard. The
prisoner was laid on a seat, and, after he had been worked over for some
minutes, regained consciousness. This time he was securely bound.
"Well, I guess you have got me at last," he said to Jack, when he had
observed his surroundings.
"Yes," was the lad's reply, "and you may be sure that you shall not
escape again."
The little launch was now headed at full speed for the spot where they
had left the _Sylph_ the night before, and after some hours the patience
of those on board was rewarded. In the distance could be made out the
faint gleam of a searchlight.
Rapidly the two vessels approached each other, until the launch at last
scraped the side of the scout cruiser. A moment later Jack and his
prisoner were safe on board.
Lord Hastings' first thought was for Jack.
"Are you all right?" he demanded anxiously.
"Fit as a fiddle, sir, except that I could go to sleep right here on the
deck."
Frank approached and grasped his friend's hand silently. The pressure of
his hand was more significant than words, and Jack returned the grip
with interest.
"You turn in immediately," was Lord Hastings' command to Jack. "I'll
look after the prisoner."
"I'd like to see him safely ironed first, sir," said Jack. "I had so
much trouble getting him, that I would like to feel sure there is no
chance of his escaping again."
"Have your own way," laughed Lord Hastings, and Jack went forward to see
the job done.
Hardy safely in irons, Jack and Frank returned to their own quarters.
"Now tell me all about it, old fellow," said Frank.
"I'll tell you in the morning," was Jack's reply, as, completely
exhausted, he fell over in his berth and into a deep sleep, while from
above Frank heard the signal:
"Full speed ahead."