“I wonder what weather the old ‘U-13’ is making of it about now?” said Frank, as the boys grouped themselves about the little table.
“She’s in smoother water than this, I’ll venture to say,” put in Jimmie, clutching the edge of the table in an effort to support himself.
“If they are not in better water than this,” remarked Harry, “they’re getting shaken up some! I’d like to be under water right now!”
“Why, Harry,” spoke up Ned, “you shouldn’t say that!”
“I mean in a tight little submarine!” explained Harry.
“I wish we had the Sea Lion over here!” cried Jimmie. “We could have more fun than we had when we tried to rescue the papers out of that ship in the Gulf of Tong King with Moore and his nosey son butting in!”
“That was sure some fine boat!” declared Ned. “Just as easy to ride in as a rocking chair. And it was always smooth and—”
The boy’s speech was cut short by a violent roll of the vessel. All the lads were thrown in a heap to the cabin floor. Directly the schooner righted herself, but began pitching with a violent motion. From the sounds the boys knew that the captain had hove to, bringing the vessel into the wind. Apparently he intended riding out the storm.
Waves were breaking over the bows, falling with tremendous blows upon the forward deck. The scuppers were not able to release the flood.
Suddenly a terrific crash sounded directly beneath the cabin floor. The stern seemed to lift bodily into the air. A shudder ran through the fabric. Again the boys fell to the deck.
CHAPTER X
SHIPWRECK AND RESCUE
Above the noises of the tempest and the straining timbers sounded cries from the deck that told of confusion amongst the crew. Von Kluck’s hoarse voice was bawling out orders mixed with great sea oaths. He was driving the men to some duty.
The tramping of feet above the boys sounded for a moment, then ceased. Judging from the sounds they thought the men had gathered in the waist of the vessel. Puzzled, they looked at each other in fear.
“What’s up?” inquired Jimmie, attempting to rise to his feet.
Ned steadied himself at the table as he tried to peer out of the little skylight overhead. He could see nothing.
“We just about struck something!” declared Jimmie.
“Maybe we hit another vessel,” ventured Harry.
“Or a rock, perhaps,” continued Jack. “We surely struck something solid. I hope we don’t hit it again like that first crack!”
“Look here, boys!” cried Ned in alarm. “The motion of this ship is much less than it was a minute ago! Notice it?”
“It surely is!” agreed Jack. “Is the wind going down?”
“We are getting into some sort of shelter,” guessed Harry. “Probably von Kluck has navigated the schooner behind a breakwater.”
“Boys, the ship is sinking!” shouted Ned. “See the water coming into this cabin! We’ve struck a floating mine!”
In alarm the boys sprang to their feet. As Ned had said, the motion was lessening rapidly. They found little difficulty now in keeping their footing without support. With one accord they made a break for the companionway, crowding out in a body.
The sight that met their gaze brought consternation to every heart. The schooner lay head to the wind. The mainsail had been set with a double reef, to help keep the vessel in that position. The seas seemed alarmingly higher than when they had been last on deck.
This was due, of course, to the difference in perspective, owing to the fact that they were fast settling into the water.
Above the stern clung traces of heavy, black smoke. A disagreeable odor pervaded the atmosphere in spite of the strong wind.
“There goes von Kluck and the crew!” shouted Harry, pointing to leeward. “They’re scared to death. That mine settled them!”
A short distance away the boys could see the larger of the two boats that had been carried by the schooner. In it were the members of the crew, accompanied by the captain and the mate.
Tossed about by the angry waters the little shell seemed about to be engulfed at any moment. However, skillful hands were at the oars. Rising and falling, now on top of a wave, now out of sight, the boat soon put considerable distance between the two parties.
“Well, Great Frozen Hot Boxes!” exclaimed Jimmie in disgust. “What do you know about that? They’ve gone and left us!”
“And the ship is settling fast!” cried Ned, in alarm. “We’d better get busy if we don’t want to go down with it!”
“What can we do?” asked Harry. “The boat’s gone!”
“Suppose we try to patch up the leak,” suggested Jimmie. “Maybe we could keep the old tub afloat until the storm dies down!”
“No chance!” decided Ned. “Von Kluck and his crew would have done that if they could. We’d better get busy!”
“What’s the matter with using the small boat at the stern?”
“That’s a good idea unless it is broken too badly. Let’s have a look at it anyway,” replied Ned, hastening toward the stern.
A brief examination of the small boat indicated that it would be more seaworthy than the hull upon which they were standing. No time was lost in preparations for launching the craft.
“When folks get shipwrecked,” suggested Jimmie, “don’t they take water and food with them if they have it?”
“They surely do, little man!” cried Ned. “Hustle about and see what you can get. Try to find something in which to carry fresh water.”
Jimmie dashed back into the cabin to raid the pantry. There he found the water gaining rapidly. It was almost knee deep.
Splashing his way about with the aid of the swinging lamp the boy found several loaves of the hard, black bread with which the vessel was provisioned. These he wrapped in an oilskin coat from the captain’s room. He tucked the parcel under one arm. With his free hand he seized a huge piece of the captain’s beloved cheese.
Hastening quickly to the deck he deposited his burden in the boat. Another trip to the cabin failed to locate any vessel in which fresh water could be carried. The boy then dashed forward to the galley.
There he found a huge kettle used by the cook for boiling beef. This Jimmie filled with water from the barrel on deck. The cover of the kettle was provided with a clever device for fastening it in place. This Jimmie secured, then staggered toward the stern with his burden.
Working with desperate speed the four boys had succeeded in launching the small boat. It now hung bobbing about to a short length of painter under the schooner’s stern. It was not far below the taffrail.
Ned and Harry made a hurried trip to the cabin to secure the kits, returning just as Jimmie succeeded in placing his kettle of water aboard.
“Hurry up, Ned,” cautioned Jack. “The little wagon is just about to say ‘Goodby’! We’ll have to go some to escape the suction!”
“All aboard!” replied Ned, tossing his kit into the boat.
Harry pitched the luggage he was carrying to waiting hands. Both boys then watched for an opportune moment when the small boat swung close to the sinking stern. A quick leap carried them safely aboard.
“Oh, I forgot!” cried Ned. “I was going to bring the compass!”
“Never mind the compass now, Ned!” cried Jimmie, seizing an oar.
“No,” put in Frank, “we don’t know where we are at anyhow, and the compass wouldn’t be of any use to us in such a case as this!”
“Goodby, Lena Garlic!” shouted Jimmie a moment later as he pulled manfully at the oar. “Goodby and good luck!”
The others turned to see the schooner now with decks awash. A loud detonation marked the blowing off of the hatches by the compressed air in the hold. That incident seemed to mark the passage of the vessel.
Gradually settling by the stern the schooner quietly slipped backward, settling deeper and deeper, until a large wave overwhelmed the craft, leaving only the masts projecting above water. In another instant these, too, had disappeared, leaving but a few floating pieces of wreckage to mark the spot where the boys had only a short time before been standing.
“And goodby, Grey Eagle!” almost sobbed Ned. “No more flying in that little airship! I wish we could have saved the machine!”
This seemed to be the sentiment of all, but they knew that their sturdy aeroplane was now gone forever.
“The Germans needn’t think we’ll ever trouble them again in that airship!” declared Jimmie. “We can’t be pinched for that!”
For a moment the disappointment of their recent experiences sat heavily on all the lads. At length, however, Ned roused himself and tried to cheer his comrades. He knew that nothing could be gained by bemoaning the fate that had happened to them.
“We can’t be far from land,” the lad stated presently. “Von Kluck and his crew seemed to be heading the same way we are. They evidently knew about where they were and have made for the nearest port.”
“Let’s keep right on after them, then,” suggested Frank.
“Second the motion!” panted Jimmie, straining at his oar. “But this is hot work! Wish I had a drink of water!”
“You’ll have to go slow on the water, boys,” cautioned Ned. “That kettle holds only about three gallons, and we can’t drink sea water.”
“Let me take the oar a while, Jimmie,” volunteered Harry. “I guess you’ve worked about hard enough, anyway. You rest a bit.”
Cautiously the boys changed places. What with their kits, the bundle of bread and the cheese the little boat was carrying all that could be conveniently stowed. They were glad that no more had remained to accompany them. Soon all had settled themselves quite comfortably.
“Now,” spoke up Jack, presently, “all we’ve got to do is to let this wind blow us along. We’ll just keep the boat straightened into the seas and take it easy. We can’t do a thing to help matters.”
“Right you are, Scout!” agreed Jimmie. “I think it’s getting gray over there,” the lad continued, pointing toward the east. “Morning will be along shortly and we can see what time it is.”
“Maybe we’ll meet some ship that will pick us up,” ventured Harry, hopefully. “There are plenty of vessels in these parts.”
“I see a smoke astern of us now, I think!” declared Frank. “It seems to be from a vessel low in the water.”
“Let me take a look,” cried Ned, standing and balancing himself by clinging to Jimmie’s shoulder. “Yes, I can see it, too! It seems to be overhauling us quite rapidly,” he added. “Maybe they’ll help us!”
Ceasing their efforts to propel the boat the boys handled the oars only enough to keep their tiny craft properly riding the seas.
“It looks to me like a tug!” stated Jimmie, presently.
“A tug wouldn’t come smashing along at that rate!” objected Ned.
“Well, then, what can it be?” queried the other. “It is too low in the water for a battleship and no freight steamer ever made such good time as they are clipping off! They’re coming up fast!”
The boys were not long left in doubt. Rapidly overhauling them the strange vessel did, indeed, seem to be at first glance a tug tearing along through the waves at a great rate. The bow was lost in a smother of foam and spray. But a tiny speck of deck house was visible. The stacks were low. Great billows of black smoke vomited forth from the short funnels came drifting down the wind.
In a short time the vessel approached near enough so that the boys could distinguish a small gun mounted at the bow.
“I know what that ship is!” announced Jimmie, directly. “That’s what they call a torpedo boat destroyer or despatch boat!”
“I believe you’re right, Jimmie,” decided Ned. “They certainly have got the speed!” he added admiringly as the craft approached.
“Get ready to hail ’em!” cried Frank. “Get out a flag!”
“Haven’t got a flag aboard this wagon!” scorned Jimmie. “What do you think this is—a dreadnaught with full equipment?”
“Then take off your shirt and wave that at ’em!”
“Just the idea!” agreed Jimmie, proceeding to follow the advice.
Bracing himself against a thwart amidships Jimmie waved the improvised distress signal. His efforts were not unavailing.
“They see you, Jimmie!” shouted Jack, presently. “There’s a man on the bridge looking at you with glasses. They’re shifting the helm!”
“I can see two or three men standing on the bridge!” announced Ned. “They are examining us pretty closely. Wonder who they are?”
The boys were not long left in doubt. Way was checked on the stranger. As the vessel drew close to the small boat a churning of foam at the stern told the lads that the engines were reversed in an effort to stop. Presently the stranger ranged alongside. A line was flung to the boys. They were towed beside the other under bare steerageway.
Fending their craft off the larger vessel Ned explained their plight to an officer. They were invited aboard the steamer. Their boat was hoisted aboard, where it was carefully stowed.
The lads found themselves upon the steel deck of a peculiarly long and narrow vessel. Guns were mounted forward and aft. Only a cursory examination was necessary to determine that they were quick firers.
“Now, boys,” said the officer who had invited them aboard, “I shall ask you to step to the cabin. The commander will hear your story.”
As the boys entered the cabin in response to the other’s request they saw a familiar face. Beside the commander seated at the table was none other than their one time acquaintance, Mackinder.
CHAPTER XI
A FLEET OF SUBMARINES
Upon seeing Mackinder’s face, Ned halted in amazement.
A smile spread over the other’s countenance as he noted Ned’s look of wonder. But beneath the appearance of amused indifference the lad’s quick eye detected a look of care. He was not the same Mackinder.
For a brief moment nothing was said. Then the officer saluted the commander, who recognized the act. The boys were presented.
“So, my friends,” the commander began, “you were adrift on the North Sea in an open boat? Have you suffered greatly?”
“No, thank you,” replied Ned, acting as spokesman. “We have not been adrift very long. The vessel on which we were riding struck something which we took to be a floating mine. The crew got away quickly in one of the boats, while we left a little later in another.”
The shrewd eyes of the commander narrowed perceptibly.
“And what was the name and rig of the vessel?”
“The Lena Knobloch, a schooner, of Amsterdam,” replied Ned.
“And the name of her captain?” continued the commander.
“Von Kluck,” the boy answered.
“Ah, a Hollander! I believe he is a peaceful trader in small cargoes. He is what the English call a ‘tramp’ of the sea.”
“May I ask what boat this is and where you are bound?” asked Ned. “We would like to get to the United States, you know,” he added.
“Yes,” smiled the commander. “But you are far from that country now and we think your company delightful. This vessel is the Sturmvogel, a destroyer of the German navy. We have been doing some small tasks upon the high seas and are returning to a base of supplies.”
“Can you put us in touch with some means whereby we can secure passage on a vessel leaving for the United States?” asked Ned.
“I am afraid that is impossible for the present,” slowly replied the other, with apparent reluctance. “We like your company, you see. We also are favored with the presence of one of your countrymen,” here he indicated Mackinder, “who has consented to pay us a brief visit.”
“Pardon me, sir!” stated Mackinder, half rising. “These are not countryman of mine! I must disclaim that honor!”
“So-o-o?” drawled the other. “Then you do not know them?”
“No!” stated Mackinder positively. “They are strangers to me!”
“Then you did not mean what you said a few moments ago?”
“I was mistaken!” replied the other, briefly.
“As you please,” responded the commander with a wave of his hand. “Perhaps I misunderstood your statements concerning them!”
An order was given to the officer who had conducted the boys to the cabin. The German language was used. Saluting the officer approached Mackinder. Without a word that gentleman rose and stepped from the room.
As Mackinder was conducted from the apartment the commander motioned the boys to seats about the table. He smiled at them kindly.
“Do you know what von Kluck’s cargo consisted of?” he asked.
“Mostly cheeses,” replied Ned. “Also an airship!” he added.
“An airship?” was the questioning response. “An airship?”
Ned smiled a trifle regretfully as he related briefly the adventures of the four lads with those who have read the previous volume of this series are already familiar. He concluded by saying:
“We were trying to get ourselves and the airship back to the United States, when this man Mackinder seemed bound to delay us on some flimsy pretext. Unfortunately our Grey Eagle went down with the schooner.”
“Yes. And now you are headed directly away from your desired destination. For you, at least, the situation is unfortunate!”
“We think we are lucky to be afloat!” declared Ned.
“Yes. You are indeed fortunate in that respect. But I wish to make some inquiries,” went on the commander.
“We shall be pleased to give you any information possible,” answered the lad heartily. “We highly appreciate your kindness to us!”
“Perhaps my act of picking you up was not altogether prompted by such a noble sentiment,” smiled the other. “I want some information.”
“I hope we can help you out,” replied the boy.
“What I want to know is this: What did you do with the package?”
“What package?” puzzled Ned, unable to grasp the other’s meaning.
“The package so much desired by your friend Mackinder!”
Instantly the boys comprehended the statement. They were unable to understand how this man should know anything of the mysterious package unless Mackinder had told him. They glanced at each other in apprehension.
“Haven’t we got clear of that thing yet?” spoke up Jimmie.
“If you please, sir,” said Ned, “we don’t really know anything about the package. A package was found in our baggage when we were searched at the border between Belgium and Holland. It was stolen by some person whom we believe to be this man Mackinder, who has since been trying to get us to deliver it to him, although we have not had it.”
“I presume that you understand him to be an officer in the British army?” inquired the commander kindly.
“We heard so from von Kluck,” replied the boy.
“Do you know what was in the package?”
“No. We had not seen it until the time it was taken from our kits by the soldiers who were searching them. All we know is that it was marked ‘U-13’ on the outside. We have seen it but that once.”
“I cannot understand why Mackinder should be trying to take the package out of the possession of his own countrymen!”
“But I beg to say that we are not countrymen of his!” declared Ned. “We are citizens of the United States. Here are our passports!”
“I beg your pardon!” apologized the commander. “Circumstances seemed to indicate that you were Englishmen. The mistake is mine!”
“I admit that the mistake was natural,” said Ned. “But can you tell me if there is any connection between the package marked ‘U-13’ and the submarine vessel of the same name? If there is, why should Mackinder, an Englishman, have anything to do with the package?”
A smile greeted this query. Clearly the officer was amused.
“If, as I suspect,” he stated presently, “the package contained information valuable for the ‘U-13’ do you not understand why Mackinder would be glad to get possession of it? The ‘U-13’ is a German craft!”
“Oh, yes,” cried Ned. “And the two countries are at war!”
“And you will also understand why, under the circumstances, we must feel honored by your presence, as well as that of Mackinder, for a little time. Just now we should hate to see you go!”
“Then we are going to be prisoners?” asked Jimmie.
“Oh, no! Nothing so harsh as that!” reassured the other. “We will call it simply guests for the time being. That sounds better!”
“Would you mind telling us what Mackinder had to say about us?” inquired Ned. “We would like very much to know that!”
“Consider,” temporized the officer, “how little time there has been since we first sighted you for conversation of any sort!”
“Yes,” agreed the lad, “but he has told you something!”
“Nothing of importance!” declared the other, rising to indicate that the interview was at an end. “You will be given quarters forward, where you will receive every consideration until we reach our destination.”
“Where are you bound, Captain?” asked Jimmie.
“Our destination just now is a lonely island in the North Sea,” answered the other. “It is heavily guarded, so you will be in no danger.”
“Does Mackinder go ashore, too?” Jimmie continued.
“That has not been decided yet,” replied the commander. He touched a button, summoning an orderly. “Take these young gentlemen forward and see that they want no comfort. They are our guests!” he ordered.
In a few minutes the boys were seated at a table in the forecastle, where they were provided with a great profusion of well-cooked food from the sailors’ mess. With sharpened appetites they fell to eagerly.
Since none of the members of the crew with whom they came in contact seemed able to speak English the boys were forced to content themselves with speculating on their destination.
They knew that the torpedo boat destroyer had been headed nearly northeast when it overhauled and picked them up. They also knew that in this direction lay the entrance to the river Elbe and the Kiel ship canal, but whether the boat was making for some port in that vicinity they were unable to learn.
Keenly as the lads regretted their lack of definite information they were not inclined to become despondent. They found it possible by using signs to carry on a sort of desultory conversation with the members of the crew, who had gathered out of curiosity in their vicinity.
At length Frank jumped from his seat with an exclamation.
“I’ll bet I know where we’re going!” he announced, gleefully.
“So do I!” stated Jimmie in a nonchalant manner.
“Where?” asked Frank, somewhat crestfallen. “Aw, you don’t either!” he declared, after searching his comrade’s face intently.
“All right,” admitted Jimmie, laughing. “I just wanted to take some of that overconfidence out of your system, that’s all!”
“Where do you think we are bound for, Frank?” inquired Ned.
Frank placed a finger on his lips, glancing about to make sure that no one was close enough to overhear his whispered words.
“Helgoland!” he said, cautiously.
Instantly the others jumped to their feet, slapping Frank’s shoulders, shaking his hands and otherwise showing their appreciation of his shrewdness. Their enthusiasm could scarcely be restrained.
“Sherlock Shaw, The Scout Sleuth!” shouted Jimmie.
“Frank, you’re the real, old-fashioned guesser!” declared Jack.
“How did you do it, Frank?” asked Harry, admiringly.
“Well, the commander said we were destined for a lonely island in the North Sea that was heavily guarded. I guess Helgoland fits that description right enough. Besides, as I remember the geography of these parts, that’s about the first land we’d strike going on this course.”
“But I understand that is a sort of naval base,” put in Harry. “Isn’t that the island where the Germans are fitting out so many of their Zeppelins? Seems to me I read something about that in a paper.”
“That’s the very place!” put in Ned. “The paper said it was a lonely, rocky island, difficult of approach and quite well fortified.”
“And book agents, canvassers, peddlers and rag men are not allowed there at all!” asserted Jimmie, gravely.
“Take his pie away!” shouted Jack. “He’s raving again!”
“And you have to deliver all goods in the rear,” added Jimmie, as Jack reached for the plate containing the lad’s breakfast.
“Hurry up, let’s finish this food and get out on deck, where we will be able to see something,” suggested Harry. “This is interesting!”
Directly the boys were standing in the lee of a deck house eagerly scanning the horizon for some sign of the island where they expected to be landed as prisoners of war.
The gale gave no hint of abating. Indeed, the motion of the waves was much more noticeable. Jack attributed this partly to the build of the craft, whose lines were sharper than those of the Lena Knobloch. The sharp prow cut the water like a knife, while the slender, tapering stern slipped through the seas without making a roller of large proportions.
Presently, just as Jack declared he could see a blue smudge in the distance, indicating the presence of land, the lads were joined by Mackinder. He glanced at the group without speaking.
Speedily the vessel approached the object that had been sighted.
An officer drew near. He conducted Mackinder toward the stern.
As the craft slowed slightly to enter a harbor Jimmie grasped Ned’s arm. He pointed eagerly toward several large objects on land.
“There is a whole flock of Zeppelins,” he declared. “And as I live,” he continued, “I see a bunch of submarines at that dock over there!”
“There must be a dozen or more!” gasped Frank, in amazement.
CHAPTER XII
A NEW “U-13” APPEARS
Eagerly the lads gazed at the strange sights before them. On their right rose several huge buildings; evidently workshops. On the left they could see a field devoted to the erection and testing of several gigantic dirigibles. Everywhere they saw bustling activity on the part of the numerous workmen. Sentries paced about with arms in readiness.
“That fleet of submarines looks to me as if Germany were preparing to destroy every ship in the world!” stated Jack presently, as the destroyer on which they stood passed the undersea craft.
“The workmen seem to be fitting out some of the divers, too!” ventured Jimmie. “See them carrying packages aboard that outside one!”
“Maybe the grocer is coming to deliver the goods in the rear!” laughed Ned. “Those packages look like groceries in disguise!”
“I’ll bet Mackinder would like to see those submarines!” Harry said. “He’d give his eyes almost for one good long look at them!”
“Mackinder won’t see enough to carry any news back home from this place!” declared Frank. “Didn’t you see the officer take him below?”
“Yes, I did! I also saw the black look he gave us as he was being taken away from this deck house. He likes us a lot—nit!”
“I believe the commander of this craft is favorably disposed toward us,” put in Ned. “He probably realizes that we want to be neutral and that our presence in this neighborhood is due to our misfortune and not to our fault. I do wish, though,” the lad added, “that we could leave!”
“How much would you give to get away?” questioned Jimmie.
“I’d give a good deal!” replied Ned. “I don’t like the idea of remaining on this island a prisoner for any length of time!”
“Well, if you’ll make it worth while,” Jimmie offered, “I’ll take you along as a passenger. You must behave, though!”
“Ah!” smiled Ned, thinking Jimmie was indulging in another of his jokes. “May I ask when your ship leaves?”
“I’m thinking of leaving about midnight or a little after,” stated Jimmie, gravely. “It will depend somewhat on the wind and weather. If it comes on to blow and the sea is rough I believe we’ll get out on time. However, if this breeze should die away, we may not go!”
“You’re rather reversing the order of things,” commented Ned. “Most captains want clear weather and smooth seas for their departure!”
“Well, if it remains stormy, as it has every prospect of doing and you want a swift ride, you just keep watch of your uncle!”
“Thanks!” laughed Ned. “You may surely count on me!”
“May we go along, too, Jimmie?” asked Harry.
“Sure, you may all go!” answered the lad. “But I warn you right now,” he added, “that you’ll have to work your passage!”
“That suits me!” returned Harry, greatly amused at carrying on what he considered as a pleasant joke to while away the time.
But to Jimmie, at least, the matter was not by any means to be regarded as anything but a serious proposition. The lad had quickly formulated a plan of escape. The very daring of his intended action was its best guarantee of success. Failure meant disaster, but Jimmie was prepared to risk all in the attempt.
For a time the lad said no more. His tightly shut jaws showed the determination that possessed him. The others became absorbed in observing and discussing the monster Zeppelin dirigibles, hence they said nothing more upon the subject. There was much to attract their attention.
Directly they were summoned before the commander. As they entered the cabin the Sturmvogel drew up alongside a dock.
“Young men,” the officer began as the lads entered the cabin, “I regret keenly the circumstances that seem to make it necessary for us to detain you. I understand how anxious you must be to reach your homes, but it is not possible to permit you to depart at this time. You will be given every consideration during your stay at this place.”
“Can’t we go with you when you leave here?” asked Frank.
“No, that is impossible!” the other replied, shaking his head.
“Then maybe some other vessel will call and we can get passage on it? We are not particular about the class of accommodations!”
“You forget that for some distance in every direction the sea is mined. No vessels approach this island unless they know the channels.”
“Then I guess we’ll have to be contented,” sighed the lad.
“Is Mackinder going to remain here also?” questioned Ned.
“I am very sure of it!” smiled the commander. “I believe that several members of the guard are quite prepared to insist upon his staying here until the knowledge he now possesses would be of no use to his own country. Yes,” he added, “Mackinder will remain!”
“I hope matters will be arranged so that we shall soon be able to leave for home,” stated Ned. “We are not anxious to leave good company, but we would like to get away from the scene of so much trouble. We want to remain strictly neutral, and think the best place for that is at home!”
“I haven’t a doubt of your neutrality!” declared the officer heartily. “You may be assured that I shall do everything to help you. I believe I can arrange so that certain privileges will be granted. It will not be necessary, I am sure, to confine you to one of the buildings.”
“Thank you!” replied Ned, gratefully. “You are most kind.”
“And now, if you please, we will go ashore to meet the officer in charge of this place,” stated the other. “You will like him, I’m sure.”
Congratulating themselves on the kindness shown in their behalf the boys prepared to leave the Sturmvogel. They collected the kits of the four who had left Amsterdam on the Lena Knobloch. As they gained the dock they found the small boat in which they had left the schooner. It was evidently being preserved as evidence of the circumstance of the rescue.
Already the work of provisioning and fitting the vessel was in progress. The wireless had been busily used during the last few hours of their voyage to the end that just the supplies needed were waiting at the wharf. A huge coal barge fitted with a “whirlie” had drawn up alongside. Great buckets of coal were pouring into the bunkers, while porters carried all sorts of stores and supplies aboard. Cases of ammunition were being hoisted aboard and stowed in their proper compartments.
Stepping along the dock, dodging wagons loaded with fresh provisions and stores, the boys kept pace with their friend, the commander.
Presently they reached one of the buildings given over to the use of offices. Here they were admitted into a room, where they found the officer in command of the island.
A short conversation in German served to inform this gentleman of the situation so far as the commander of the destroyer could report. At the end of the recital the boys were addressed by the one they had been brought to visit, who had been introduced as General Gruenwold.
“I understand that you young gentlemen lost an airship when the schooner sank?” he inquired of Ned, motioning the boys to chairs.
“Yes, sir!” replied Ned. “It was, of course, a complete loss.”
“Then you understand machinery pretty well?”
“We have always thought so,” was the modest reply.
“And electricity?”
“Yes, sir. We understand wireless, also.”
“Then I am fortunate. Perhaps you would consent to assist us in some difficult technical tasks we have on hand.”
“We shall be glad to do what we may to reimburse you for our keep if you will be good enough to assist us to return to the United States!”
“Let us discuss that at another time, if you please,” replied Gruenwold. “Just now we are short of practical electricians. If you will offer your services in that direction we shall be very grateful. You may be sure that we shall not be forgetful when it is possible to reciprocate.”
“Thank you,” replied Ned in acknowledgment of the indirect promise. “Now, if you will show us what you want done we shall be most happy to proceed. I believe we have nothing else to do.”
“Here are some plans,” stated the other, opening a cabinet at one side of the room. “In these compartments are plans of certain vessels. You will observe on these sheets marked ‘elek.’ complete diagrams of the plan of wiring. Take this one, for instance. Do you think you could understand what is meant by these tracings?”
Ned studied the diagram for a few moments. The other boys leaned over his shoulder. Presently, after conferring with his friends, the lad announced that he understood the drawings perfectly, even though he was unable to read the explanations which were in the German language.
A smile lighted the face of Gruenwold as this statement was made. Evidently the need for completing the work was urgent.
“In that case, we will ask you to accompany this orderly on board the vessel and proceed with the work. I will write an order directing the ones in charge of the vessel to admit you and render such aid as may be necessary. Later I will send a man who can speak English.”
While the general was writing the necessary order to the ones in charge of the vessel to which he had referred the boys were busy communicating with each other by means of the mute language, in which they were quite adept. By supreme efforts they were able to suppress the excitement under which they were laboring.
“What a piece of luck!” rapidly signalled Jimmie to Ned.
“Keep cool!” cautioned Ned in reply. “Don’t give it away!”
“Insist that we stay together on the job,” returned Jimmie.
“You may be sure I shall do that!” came the answer instantly.
“I hope the storm increases!” was Jack’s contribution.
“Now, gentlemen,” announced the general, “if you are ready to proceed you may accompany this man. He will direct you to the work.”
Ned bowed in acknowledgment and the party turned to accompany the orderly, who appeared in answer to the summons of his superior.
They were led away from the dock at which the Sturmvogel lay. In a short time they had traversed a goodly distance toward the mouth of the harbor. Their destination proved to be the building adjacent to the group of submarine vessels. By inquiries both direct and indirect Ned and his companions decided that the orderly was unable to comprehend English, but for the sake of absolute safety they continued to use the sign language largely in their conversation as they proceeded.
In a short time they had been admitted to the outermost craft, which lay moored to its fellows. Communication had been established between the vessels by means of a row of planks laid from deck to deck.
Once inside the submarine the boys made a hurried yet thorough examination of every part, taking a complete inventory of the exact state of affairs. Frank and Jimmie managed to overhaul the stores. Harry and Jack looked over the mechanical equipment. Ned, with the plans in his hands, went carefully over every detail of the electric system.
“I say, fellows,” announced Ned at length, as all the lads met beneath the hatch, “this wagon is nearly complete. It looks a lot like the ‘U-13’!”
“That’s what it does!” agreed Jimmie. “What more is needed?”
“A few pieces of wire and about an hour’s work for me.”
“Frank and I have found enough food to last a couple of months if we can count hard-tack, sausage, and the supply of canned goods.”
“Jack and I,” announced Harry, “have found the engines and pumps apparently ready for duty in a moment. My idea is that they are trying to get this vessel ready for a cruise at the first possible moment.”
“It looks as if they are expecting a crew from some place and want the boat ready for duty as soon as the crew arrives!” stated Ned.
Further conversation was cut short by the arrival of the orderly.
“Essen?” he inquired, pointing at his mouth and rubbing his belt.
“Don’t say it twice!” cried Jimmie. “We heard you the first time!”
The boys prepared to follow the orderly, who evidently intended to escort them to the mess hall, where they would secure dinner.
As they turned toward the iron ladder leading to the hatch Jimmie, who had followed close upon the orderly’s heels, cried out:
“Hello, Mackinder, where you from?”
CHAPTER XIII
A THREATENING SITUATION
“Who’s there, Jimmie?” asked Ned, pressing forward.
“Nobody now,” answered the other. “I thought I saw our friend Mackinder looking down the hatchway, but possibly I was mistaken. At any rate he’s gone now and we’d better hurry on for dinner.”
“Mackinder’s a prisoner here,” stated Ned, positively.
“Maybe he broke loose,” suggested Harry.
“All right, I’m going up to the deck and look about,” said Ned.
As the boys reached the narrow confines of the small deck at the top of the conning tower they saw a figure hastening along the foot planks that led from vessel to vessel. The fleeing person was now almost at the building on the wharf. In a moment the shelter of this structure had been gained. The figure dodged out of sight.
“Now, that’s a funny thing to do!” mused Ned. “I wonder just what the fellow wanted. Are you sure it was Mackinder, Jimmie?”
“No, I’m not,” admitted the lad. “Of course, the face was in shadow as he looked down the hatch. I’m not positive, but thought it was he.”
“Well, let’s not bother about it any more,” said Ned, apparently dismissing the subject. “We’re too hungry for any more mysteries!”
As only hungry boys can the five attacked the ample dinner provided for them. The dishes were strange but appetizing. Jimmie declared that he intended to remain in that location for some time in order to become acquainted with the chef. He said that he would be the envy of the entire Wolf Patrol if he could cook in German style.
After dinner the boys gathered in the lee of a small building, where they would be protected from the chilling blasts. Puffy squalls, bearing dashes of snow, sleet or rain, came threshing out of the west. It appeared to the lads that the weather was growing decidedly worse.
In spite of the inclement weather a number of the hardy workmen were indulging in out of door sports during their rest hour.
For some time the lads watched the games as the hardy men relaxed their work-tensed muscles. The sullen booming of surf on the rocky coast constantly sounded in their ears.
“There goes our late rescuer!” announced Jimmie presently.
“Where?” asked Frank. “Whom do you mean?”
“The Sturmvogel!” answered Jimmie, pointing toward the harbor, where could be seen the speedy destroyer slipping quietly out to sea.
“Here’s hoping you have a good voyage, friend!” said Frank.
“Yes,” added Jimmie, “we’ll see you a little later!”
“That reminds me,” put in Ned, “we might as well get back to the ‘U-13’ and begin work. There’s no use delaying the game!”
“That’s right,” agreed Harry. “These fellows are probably in a hurry for that submarine. We might as well be decent.”
“Wait a minute,” suggested Jimmie. “You’ve given me an idea! Your mention of the name of a certain undersea craft started a train of thought in my alleged brain. Take it easy for a moment!”
“Yes,” cried Jack, in mock sympathy, “stand back! Give him air! If Jimmie is really going to think, let’s give him lots of room!”
“Aw, you go on!” scorned Jimmie. “I’ve got a right to think if I want to, haven’t I? I guess that’s my privilege!”
“Not unless you have a union card!” protested Jack, laughing.
“That’s all right,” retorted Jimmie with a grin as he wrinkled a freckled nose at the other. “I was going to think about a scab, anyhow, so I don’t need a card. Besides, this is on overtime!”
“All right, you win!” declared Jack, submissively. “Go ahead!”
“If you’ll promise to never, never tell, I’ll let you in on the scheme!” whispered Jimmie, glancing about to make sure that no strangers were within earshot. “Do you solemnly promise?”
“I do!” answered the boys in chorus, anxious to receive the news.
“Then here it is: If we could paint the name ‘U-13’ on that tub there’s nothing to prevent our getting away in it!”
“Hush, Jimmie!” cautioned Ned, in a startled tone.
“Hush nothing!” declared the other boldly. “It’s now or never! The destroyer’s gone—everything’s gone that could chase us. Mackinder’s loose on this island. He’ll make us trouble if we stay. If we go now we are safe from pursuit until another German boat comes in unless they flash the news by wireless. In that case, we have an even chance of getting away. If we don’t go now tell me when we can get home?”
“I guess you’re right, Jimmie, but how are you going to work it?”
“Simply putter along this afternoon,” explained the lad, “fixing the wiring and so on. If necessary, rip out some and replace it. We can get in one another’s way enough to kill a lot of time. After supper we’ll manage to slip back to the submarine, paint ‘U-13’ on the side, every man to his post, let go lines easy and skedaddle for the open sea.”
“It sounds easy enough,” assented Harry.
“Yes, unless you happen to get caught!” agreed Ned.
“What is there to catch us?” asked Jimmie, bristling at this hint of opposition. “The guards are all wise to the fact that the channel is mined. They will be sleepy and lazy. They know that the torpedoes are not aboard yet and believe it impossible for the submarine to leave without a crew. The weather looks as if it were going to be rough. What more can you want? It looks to me as if we’d never have another chance like it!”
“Right you are, Mr. Wolf!” declared Frank. “I, for one, am willing to take a chance. I’ll go with you to the limit!”
“Here, too!” heartily agreed Ned. “How about it, boys?”
Eagerly the others signified their willingness to undertake the task suggested. They felt no compunction over the seizure of the boat.
“Now, we’ll have to do some tall thinking before night comes!” stated Jimmie. “Each of us’ll have his station and we must know just what to do at the proper time. I had this in mind ever since we came up the harbor past those boats. I noticed particularly the buoys marking the safe channel leading into this harbor.”
“Good for you!” cried Ned, administering an affectionate slap upon Jimmie’s shoulder. “I knew you had something up your sleeve!”
“So did I!” added Jack. “I couldn’t guess what it was, though!”
“It was my arm!” declared Jimmie, with mock gravity. “Now, let’s go back to this ‘Untervasserbootschiff’ and stall around a while.”
“Correct!” cried Harry. “We’ll rehearse for this evening. We shall depend on Jimmie to be the pilot, though!”
“Leave it to me!” declared the younger lad. “I know where the buoys are! I have them all located in my head!”
“But we must be mighty careful,” declared Ned. “We don’t know how much English these fellows understand. They must not suspect!”
“Mum’s the word!” put in Frank. “Everybody mum!”
First visiting the warehouse at the wharf, where they procured a quantity of supplies, such as might be needed to carry out the work which they were supposed to be doing, the lads proceeded aboard the submarine.
Upon their arrival they found a painter at work inscribing the vessel with identifying marks. He had proceeded so far as to place “U-1—” on each side of the vessel. Jimmie joyfully declared that fortune was playing into their hands in this respect, and that if something would compel the man to quit work for a while the disguise could be quickly made.
At Ned’s request Harry began fitting wires from the storage batteries to the motors used for propelling the vessel. The boys were startled to hear him utter an exclamation of dismay. They found upon inquiry that he had endeavored to strip the insulation from a wire by using his pocket knife and had cut a finger badly.
“Pooh, pooh!” stated Jimmie, upon discovering the wound. “Don’t make so much fuss over a little thing like that. We’ll soon have you fixed up. Here, just hold the wound closed with your other hand while I hunt up some bandages. You’ll be all right in a minute!”
But Harry declared that the wound pained excessively. He refused to treat the matter lightly, but gathered up the tools with which he had been working. These he deposited in a canvas bag in which they had been brought aboard the vessel.
Presently Jimmie located a first aid kit among the stores. He was not long in cleansing and bandaging the wound.
“There you are!” he stated. “Just as good as new! Now go lie down for a little while. I’ll finish this job if I know enough.”
Chatting together in a somewhat nervous manner the boys anxiously awaited the approach of evening. As the time wore on their restlessness increased. Again and again they carefully went over each detail of their proposed plan for escape in the submarine.
It was decided that Jimmie should take the wheel while Harry stood watch at the engines. The others were assigned to various other duties at favorable positions. Nothing remained except to wait for night.
A short time before darkness settled an orderly visited the craft. He was able to converse slightly in English.
“How are you getting along, boys?” he asked, as he stepped down the iron ladder. “Can we put the torpedoes aboard tomorrow?”
“Yes, I think you will be able to place the torpedoes after tomorrow morning,” replied Ned. “We will have our work all done then.”
“That is good!” was the other’s comment. “Where is Mackinder?” was his next question. “He will have to come ashore now!” he added.
“Mackinder?” was Ned’s startled response. “He’s not here.”
“But he was here!” firmly declared the orderly. “He was seen by one of the sentries to come aboard this vessel, and has not since been noticed going ashore, although a close watch has been kept!”
“We haven’t seen him at all!” stated Ned, just as firmly.
“We shall have to search the vessel!” affirmed the orderly. “You will please remain aboard for a short time.”
Quickly ascending the ladder the man summoned another soldier from the shore. Together the two made a hasty examination of the boat.
Unable to discover any trace of the missing prisoner they shook their heads as if greatly puzzled. Now and again they glanced at the boys, exchanging at the same time comments in German.
“Come with us,” finally said the first visitor.
Obediently the lads followed ashore. They were conducted to the office building, where they were shown into the presence of General Gruenwold at once. In a few words the orderly stated the case.
“This looks serious, boys,” commented the General. “Can you not explain the whereabouts of Mackinder? He is a prisoner, you know!”
“We know nothing of the man!” declared Ned, earnestly. “We don’t like him and surely would not think of assisting him to escape!”
“If you please, sir,” began the orderly, “it is the opinion of my comrade and myself that the boys have done away with Mackinder!”
“What!” almost shouted Gruenwold, rising from his chair.
“Yes, sir,” continued the man. “There was found in the boat much blood. A hammer in their tool kit was also blood-stained. We think they possibly made away with him and might have dropped his body into the harbor very quietly without being seen from shore!”
“This is serious, indeed!” gasped Gruenwold. “We shall investigate this in the morning. Meanwhile, search the vessel again. The boys will be put in the guardhouse until tomorrow.”
Protests on the part of the lads were unavailing. Gruenwold was determined in his decision. Ned’s explanation of the presence of the blood in the vessel was listened to, but without influencing the general.
Directly the lads found themselves in a room used for the accommodation of such prisoners as might need confinement for a time. The island boasted no regular prison, but a house not far from the water had been utilized for the purpose. A guard paced a beat in the vicinity.
Disappointed and angry at the turn of affairs the lads made but a poor supper of the food that was brought to them. Presently, they composed themselves to sleep on the floor.
A tapping at the window attracted their attention.