The Spectator., 1916-03-24

than half of that where we lie now we cannot be more than forty miles from him this minute"
 Easily within that, excellency. The stuff comes awfully strong-they are close, that is sure."
 Send the captain at once," ordered the official.
 The captain came and learned this news also. At once the bow of the yacht was headed toward this call, which came down out of the stars i'm ploringly. urging speed.
 That was what the night called out with it's mysterious voice. The quick wit of Count Frederick had availed in this emergency in which he found him. self. He knew that the Adelina would be in commission. He hoped that someone might be found to take com mand. He knew that any aid which came, must come soon.
 The Adelina now swung in full speed, her engines purring softly in a continuous roll as she took up her top gait, and held it steadily. Always the call came, "S. o. S.-Gretzhoffen-S O. S.-Gretzhoffen.' For, as matter of fact, although left long since in his own den on the upper deck, the operator Or the Princess had dutifully done what he had been bidden to do.
 They plowed on into the starry night for some time. At length an ex- clamation came from the captain to the official who stood at his side on the bridge.
 T see her!" said he. Dead ahead, and coming on at good clip herself. Screaming bloody murder. Well, well, we will see in a couple of jiffies what it is all about She's not sinking she's not on tire-what's wrong there?"
 Meantime, on board the Princess such confusion reigned that at the time none saw the swift approach of the Adelina. The owner of the Prin- cess was busy with his late pris- assailed when he attempted to leave the wireless room-where, as has been said, the operator still held to his task, wholly ignorant, naturally, that his call to GretZhoffen had been answered thus swiftly. Indeed, Frederick and Kitty both found themselves in des- perate plight enough, for one of them was outnumbered, and the other over. powered.
 But now there came the calling of men on deck, and the rush of feet as they ran here and there. Even Wynd- hectoring the weak girl who covered helpless and terrified in his own room. at length left her and came on deck.
 By this time Frederick had once more broken free of the men who had attacked him, and had himself reached a place on deck whence he could see the outline of the oncoming boat. The searchlight of the Adelina swept the decks of the Princess. Back of it could be seen little except the loom of her rigging. But now came the flash of shot and its plunge into the sea T
 Good bless us!" exclaimed Wynd- ham, almost sobered now at this. They are firing on us-firing on the British flag. It's not done. you know!"
 But it is done, sir," said the ex- ecutive officer at his elbow. when a second shot carried away part of the bowsprit of the Princess. Round to, or she will sink us.
 They are damned pirates!" said Wyndham. I'll not have it."
 Pirates or not, sir" said the execu- tive officer, they will sink us if we don't round to-"
 The next instant he took the matter into his own hands. The engine bells changed below. The ship slackened speed, stopped, and lay rolling in the sea. By this time the boats of the Adelina were putting out. well packed with marines. They swarmed aboard now without invitation, and appeared eminently ready for any business that might be offered.
 Who are you?" demanded Wynd- ham. What do you mean by boarding my boat?"
 What do you mean by sending a wireless, sir?" demanded the officer of marines. You called us, and we are here. What is wrong?"
 'I will tell you what is wrong" broke in Count Frederick here, push ing his way forward. We are two prisoners here-a young lady and my self. We have been mishandled, both of us, by this ruffian here. He or dered me in irons for no reason in the world except to give him better his own way with this young lady. He is neither officer nor gentleman. Having no means of reckoning with him, l, myself, ordered the wireless sent out to Gretzhoffen. l called you on my own responsibility. We needed help, and we thank God you have come"
 The master of the Princess now stood crestfallen, much of his bravado gone. T meant nothing" said he.
 q will forget it all, captain. if you