midnight
I want to get a little sleep . '' Silently the three conspirators made their way from the traitor 's cabin . No one saw them go and the success of the plot seemed assured as the U-16 continued on her journey , Lord Hastings , Frank , Jack and the other British aboard unaware and unsuspecting . Shortly after dusk of the night upon which the German under-sea fleet expected to spring its coup , the U-16 lay upon the calm surface of the water still some distance from the point set for the gathering of the submarine flotilla at the midnight hour , and likewise a considerable distance from Dover . Explaining his reason for stopping here , Lord Hastings said : `` There may be British patrol boats about -- probably are . I want you boys to remain in charge here , while I take a boat and try to reach the British authorities . '' `` One of us had better go along , sir , '' declared Frank .