



Produced by Sean Pobuda









THE BOY ALLIES WITH UNCLE SAM'S CRUISERS

By Ensign Robert L. Drake




CHAPTER I

JACK'S ADVENTURE


Frank Chadwick jumped from a chair in the front window and ran toward
the door.  A form had swung from the sidewalk along the drive that
marked the entrance to Lord Hasting's London home and at sight of it
Frank had uttered an exclamation.  Now, as the figure climbed the
steps, Frank flung open the door.

"Jack!" he exclaimed with outstretched hand.  "I feared something had
happened, you have been gone so long and we had heard nothing of you."

"I'm perfectly whole," laughed Jack, grasping his friend's hand.  "Why,
I've been gone less than two weeks."

"But you expected to be gone only a day or two."

"That's true, but a fellow can't tell what is going to happen, you
know.  I wasn't sure I should find you here when I returned, though."

"You probably wouldn't had you come a day later," returned Frank.

"How's that?"

"We sail tomorrow night," said Frank.

"By George!  Then I'm back just in time," declared Jack.  "Where bound
this time?"

"I don't know exactly, but personally I believe to America."

"Why?"

"The United States, I understand, is about to declare war on Germany.  I
have heard it said that immediately thereafter American troops will be
sent to Europe."

"What's that got to do with our voyage?"

"I'm coming to that.  There will be need, of convoys for the American
transports.  I believe that is the work in which we will be engaged."

"That will be first rate, for a change," said Jack.

"But come," said Frank, leading the way into the house.  "Where have
you been?  Tell me about yourself."

"Wait, until I get a breath," laughed Jack, making himself comfortable
in a big armchair.  "By the way, where is Lord Hastings?"

"He is in conference with the admiralty."

"And Lady Hastings?"

"Shopping, I believe.  However, both will be back before long.  Now
let's have an account of your adventures."

"Well, they didn't amount to much," said Jack.

"Where've you been?"

"Pretty close to Heligoland."

"What!  Again?"

"Exactly.