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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Boy Scouts in the North Sea, by G. Harvey
+Ralphson
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Boy Scouts in the North Sea
+       The Mystery of a Sub
+
+
+Author: G. Harvey Ralphson
+
+
+
+Release Date: June 15, 2008  [eBook #25798]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOY SCOUTS IN THE NORTH SEA***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Roger Frank and the Project Gutenberg Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustration.
+      See 25798-h.htm or 25798-h.zip:
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/5/7/9/25798/25798-h/25798-h.htm)
+      or
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/5/7/9/25798/25798-h.zip)
+
+
+
+
+
+BOY SCOUTS IN THE NORTH SEA
+
+Or
+
+"The Mystery of a Sub"
+
+by
+
+G. HARVEY RALPHSON
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: The young divers went below and attached their
+chains to sunken U-13.]
+
+
+
+Made in U. S. A
+
+M. A. Donohue & Company
+Chicago :: New York
+
+Copyright, 1915,
+By
+M. A. Donohue & Co., Chicago
+
+Made in U. S. A.
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+CHAPTER                             PAGE
+      I  A Package Vanishes            7
+     II  Difficulties And Dangers     18
+    III  The Man With The Scar        30
+     IV  the Lena Knobloch            42
+      V  Two Mysterious Changes       54
+     VI  A Difficult Departure        65
+    VII  A Warning From The Sea       76
+   VIII  More About The "U-13"        87
+     IX  A Strange Visit              98
+      X  Shipwreck And Rescue        109
+     XI  A Fleet Of Submarines       120
+    XII  A New "U-13" Appears        131
+   XIII  A Threatening Situation     142
+    XIV  Helped By An Enemy          153
+     XV  Mistaken Identity           165
+    XVI  A Strange Discovery         176
+   XVII  Alone And Helpless          187
+  XVIII  Help From A Stranger        198
+    XIX  Mackinder Again             209
+     XX  A Mysterious Craft          221
+    XXI  A Mystery Explained         232
+   XXII  More Mystery                240
+  XXIII  The Mystery Of The "U-13"   246
+
+
+
+
+
+
+BOY SCOUTS IN THE NORTH SEA;
+or,
+"THE MYSTERY OF A SUB"
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+A PACKAGE VANISHES
+
+
+"Good night!" exclaimed a lad of about eighteen peering from the window
+in a railway coach. "This train's running on a regular lake!"
+
+"What's that, Jimmie?" asked a companion approaching the first speaker.
+"Are we on a ferry? I still feel the wheels hit the rail joints."
+
+"Oh, yes, now and again we crawl along a rail's length or two," admitted
+the boy, "but it's mighty slow work! I'm getting tired!"
+
+"What place is this, anyway?" inquired a third boy coming to the window.
+"It looks as if we're going out into the ocean!"
+
+"We can't be headed for Holland at this rate!"
+
+"We surely are!" assured the one addressed as Jimmie. "I'll bet I can
+tell you what that is! The Belgians cut their dikes and flooded the
+country to drive out the Germans. My dream book says that's it!"
+
+A general laugh greeted this assertion. Moving about in the limits of the
+none too commodious compartment of a European railway carriage four boys
+dressed in the well-known khaki uniforms of the Boy Scouts of America
+endeavored to observe the scenery through the windows.
+
+To those of our readers who have followed the adventures of this group of
+boys as related in the previous volumes of this series no introduction is
+necessary. However, for the benefit of those who have not been so
+fortunate, a word of explanation may not be out of place at this time.
+The lads had very recently been engaged in a man hunt that led through
+parts of France and Belgium. They had visited the trenches of both the
+French and German forces and had several times faced death.
+
+Just now they were practically prisoners, having been accorded passage
+from the German lines to a neutral port in Holland, where they expected
+to take ship for their home town of New York.
+
+Ned Nestor, a fine, manly lad, was the Leader of the Wolf Patrol of New
+York City, Boy Scouts of America. He had been often selected for
+difficult work by the Chief of the United States Secret Service because
+of his aptitude for the work. His coolness and sound judgment had carried
+himself and his companions through many difficulties. It was a mission of
+this character upon which the boys had recently engaged and from which
+they were now returning.
+
+Jimmie McGraw, freckle-faced and red-headed, was a member of the Wolf
+Patrol of which Ned was leader. He was an ardent adherent of Ned's.
+Brought up a newsboy on the Bowery of New York the boy had come under the
+observation of the older lad, who had found him indeed worthy of all the
+care which had been bestowed.
+
+Jack Bosworth, the son of a prominent corporation attorney, and Harry
+Stevens, whose father was a well-known automobile manufacturer, were the
+other members of the group. These latter two were members of the Black
+Bear Patrol of New York. All the lads appeared to be about eighteen years
+old. Their tidy uniforms, their well-knit frames and their alert
+attitudes bespoke the constant training of their leader.
+
+As they looked from the windows of the car in which they now found
+themselves they discovered that the situation was even as Jimmie had
+stated. The country was flooded with water released from the dikes.
+
+"Tell you what," declared Jack Bosworth, after a prolonged inspection of
+the landscape, if it may be so called, "this is some wet!"
+
+"You win the argument," announced Jimmie, wrinkling his freckled nose at
+his companion. "I always said you were the wise little fox!"
+
+Jack's answer to this pleasantry was an attempt to box the younger lad's
+ears. Jimmie's resentment of the procedure drew the others into a
+friendly scuffle that terminated only when the contestants paused for
+breath.
+
+"I wish they'd hurry up and let us get onto dry land again!" said Jimmie,
+when he next found himself able to draw a long breath.
+
+"You won't find much dry land when it rains like it's going to right
+now!" stated Harry, pointing out of the window. "Watch it come down!"
+
+"I hope they don't get to the border while it rains like this," answered
+Ned, with an involuntary shiver. "I don't fancy standing out in such a
+drizzle as this appears to be. We'd be wet through in no time!"
+
+"Why, do they make us get out?" queried Harry.
+
+"Yes, I understand from what the officer said back there at the old
+castle that we'll be searched body, boots and baggage."
+
+"And what if they find something they don't like?"
+
+"Perhaps they'll put us in jail for a few months or until the war has
+ceased," replied Ned. "I'm sure I don't know what they'll do."
+
+"Br-r-rh!" shivered Jimmie. "I wouldn't turn our old friend The Rat out
+into a rain like this! That would be cruelty to animals!"
+
+"Small chance anyone'll have to turn him out now!" spoke up Jack. "That
+dynamite fixed him so he won't be turned out for some time!"
+
+"Don't speak of it, boys," protested Ned. "I see him yet!"
+
+"Let's change the subject," proposed Jimmie, out of consideration for his
+chum's feelings. "I think I see some land. Can we be coming to the border
+I wonder? I hope we are and that we can soon be starting home!"
+
+"Train's slackening speed," announced Harry. "They're stopping!"
+
+It was even as the boy had said. With many a bump and groan of grinding
+brakes the train crawled to a standstill beside a hut built upon a rise
+of ground. Here was stationed a force of soldiers detailed to the work of
+searching and examining all who attempted to pass from Belgium to
+Holland. Those who were not certified as refugees or in other ways vested
+with proper authority to pass were promptly rejected and turned back.
+
+A guard came running along the foot board opening doors. He shouted
+instructions to the inmates of the carriages, who promptly began
+scrambling out of the uncomfortable cars. All baggage was placed along
+the track to facilitate examination. The train itself was searched.
+
+Gesticulating and conversing rapidly two soldiers approached the little
+group of Boy Scouts. Apparently an argument of some sort was in progress,
+but the boys could not determine the nature of it.
+
+One of the men pointed to the uniforms and to the medals upon the sleeves
+of the boys' jackets. Gradually his companion seemed to be convinced by
+the flow of words. At length he nodded his head, as if surrendering his
+last doubts. The two men fell to examining the luggage.
+
+"Go as far as you like, Old Scout!" scorned Jimmie, as he observed the
+rough manner in which his belongings were being tossed about. "I'll bet
+I'd punch your dome a little, though, if you could talk English!"
+
+"Ah, ha!" cried one of the soldiers, tapping his comrade on the shoulder,
+as if his argument had been conclusively supported. "Anglaise!"
+
+A torrent of words from the other seemed to meet a receptive ear. The
+first speaker nodded energetically. His satisfaction was all too evident.
+From his appearance he was expecting nothing short of a medal.
+
+"Judging from their motions," Jimmie remarked, "these two fellows are
+about to fight a duel. I'll bet on the shorter one!"
+
+"Not much!" declared Harry. "They're merely telling one another what a
+nice day it was yesterday and how fine the weather'll be when it clears
+up. They are using the sign language, that's all!"
+
+"Don't you kid yourself!" protested Jimmie, uneasily. "I smell Old Man
+Trouble coming around the corner right now!"
+
+"Go on, Jimmie!" scorned Jack. "You're dreaming again!"
+
+"I know I am!" replied the younger lad. "Last night I dreamed of eating
+salt mackerel and my dream book says that means trouble!"
+
+"Here they come now!" cautioned Ned. "Hush a minute, boys!"
+
+Addressing the boys in German the soldier was evidently asking some
+question which demanded an answer. Ned as spokesman shook his head. The
+other soldier spoke rapidly in the French language.
+
+"Excuse me, gentlemen," Ned said, lifting a protesting hand, "we cannot
+understand the language you are using. We speak only English!"
+
+"Ah, ha! Anglaise!" cried the soldier, gesticulating.
+
+"There, you put your foot in it!" declared Jimmie. "Why didn't you say:
+'Come across with some good old United States, Bo'?"
+
+"They probably don't understand your slang, Jimmie!" replied Ned.
+
+"So-o-o," exclaimed one of the men in poor English, "you speak English,
+do you? And from what part of England do you come?"
+
+"We are not from England at all," explained Ned, "but from the United
+States. We are being sent home by the kindness of a German officer, who
+has been most considerate. See, here are our passports!"
+
+"Bah!" scornfully protested the man. "Passports are most easily forged.
+And information may be carried still more easily!"
+
+"But I assure you," continued Ned, "we are speaking the truth!"
+
+"So say all spies!" replied the other. "We shall see for ourselves just
+what information you have in your possessions!"
+
+"Go as far as you like," replied Ned, somewhat nettled at the soldier's
+insolence. "You won't find a thing that shouldn't be there!"
+
+One of the men was already bending over the bags containing such articles
+as the boys had deemed necessary for their trip. Without regard for the
+owners' rights he was rapidly taking out every piece separately. After
+carefully examining it he threw the article on the ground. He was
+evidently annoyed at not finding something incriminating.
+
+Submitting to the search with poorly concealed dislike of the man and his
+methods, the boys waited with what patience they could muster until the
+ordeal should be ended. Ned endeavored to distract their thoughts by
+commenting on the others, who were meeting similar treatment.
+
+He was interrupted by an exclamation of delight from the searcher.
+
+"Ah!" cried that worthy, standing upright. "Nothing contraband! Nothing
+to be concealed! No information! These are not spies!"
+
+He held in his hand a flat packet wrapped in heavy oiled silk, tied with
+many wrappings of stout twine and sealed carefully with wax.
+
+"Gather your possessions quickly and follow me!" commanded the soldier
+triumphantly, drawing a revolver. "We shall visit the commander!"
+
+"What is that thing and where did it come from?" questioned Ned.
+
+"Search me!" declared Jimmie, excitedly. "Maybe this gink had it up his
+little sleeve and dropped it in there at the right minute!"
+
+"He looks equal to it!" stated Jack stoutly. "He's a villain!"
+
+"Better be careful what you say!" cautioned Ned. "We are not out of the
+woods, and these fellows understand English pretty well!"
+
+"I wish I had my automatic and about ten yards start!" stormed Jimmie,
+gathering up wearing apparel and jamming it into his kit. "I could beat
+that slow-footed camel in a straightaway without half trying!"
+
+"Better wait and see it out," advised Ned, replacing his own belongings.
+"It's only a mistake and can surely be explained."
+
+"Maybe we can be examined and go ahead on this same train," offered Jack
+consolingly. "Anyhow, we won't gain anything by arguing with these
+fellows. They have no sense of humor and don't want one!"
+
+Following their two captors the lads trudged down the track toward the
+hut. Carefully they picked their way between groups of genuine refugees
+rearranging their meagre possessions in the coaches.
+
+In a short time the boys were duly presented before a gray-haired officer
+seated at a table placed against the wall of the hut. It was darker in
+the room than out of doors. A single oil lamp served to dispel the
+gathering gloom of the early twilight.
+
+Reporting volubly in German, with many gesticulations, the soldier
+presented the four boys. At the conclusion of his recital he laid the
+parcel upon the table. Drawing himself to his full height and assuming a
+tragic air he surveyed his captives with complacency.
+
+"Look at that mark!" whispered Jimmie hoarsely. "What is it?"
+
+"It says 'U-13' as plainly as the freckles on your nose," replied Harry,
+who stood nearest the table. "I don't know what it means!"
+
+A challenge from the sentry at the door drew the attention of those
+within the hut. For a moment every eye turned toward the entrance.
+
+Ever on the alert, Jimmie saw a hand thrust through the open window. It
+seized the package and noiselessly disappeared.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+DIFFICULTIES AND DANGERS
+
+
+Finding that the disturbance had been caused by the approach of one of
+the refugees, who demanded an audience with the commander, but who had
+quickly been satisfied by the explanation of the sentry, the officer
+again gave his attention to the group before him.
+
+"Proceed!" he ordered. "You may speak English for the benefit of these
+young gentlemen. Let us have the story, now!"
+
+"Myself and my comrade searched the baggage of these fellows," began the
+soldier, directing a contemptuous glance at the boys. "When we reached
+the kit of that one there," here he pointed at Ned, "we discovered what
+seemed to us to be suspicious goods. Here it is--!"
+
+A gasp of astonishment terminated the triumphant recital.
+
+"Go on!" ordered the officer without emotion.
+
+"But a moment ago the package was lying on your table!" almost shouted
+the soldier. "Now it is gone!"
+
+"So I perceive!" replied the officer. "If you have evidence, please
+produce it. Otherwise I shall examine the passports of the young
+gentlemen, and if they are found correct I shall permit them to depart."
+
+He reached out a hand for the passports, which were quickly presented.
+After a minute scrutiny and careful comparison of descriptions he
+returned them to the lads. Again he turned to the soldier.
+
+"Have you any evidence of their guilt?" he inquired.
+
+"I believe they have stolen the package!" stormed the soldier.
+
+"Search them!" commanded the officer. "With respect!" he added.
+
+During the hasty but thorough search of the lads' clothing Jimmie grinned
+maliciously into the faces of the soldiers. His delight knew no bounds.
+Their discomfiture upon failing to find the package was exceeded only by
+the delight of the lad, who prudently held his own counsel.
+
+"There must have been a mistake!" at length declared the officer
+impatiently. "We cannot delay the train longer. Permit them to proceed!"
+
+"But I swear I discovered in their luggage a suspicious parcel!"
+
+"It is not here! The young gentlemen do not seem to have it! In the face
+of their apparently correct passports and this courteous request from
+their friend, von Moltke, I am not justified in holding them longer!
+Young men, you may resume your journey!"
+
+Thanking the officer in grateful acknowledgment of his courtesy the lads
+again found their compartment. Scarcely had they regained their former
+position before the train again began to move.
+
+"Now, Ned," began Harry, as the wheels once more clicked over the rail
+joints, "produce! Let's have the secret!"
+
+"Produce nothing!" declared Ned. "I have nothing to produce!"
+
+"The package, man, the mysterious package of contraband spy literature!"
+demanded Harry in a serious tone. "What secrets are you carrying out of
+this country to help the English?"
+
+"I tell you I have nothing at all! I don't know what that package
+contained, nor do I know where it came from!"
+
+"That's all right, too!" declared Jack. "But where did it go to so
+suddenly? That's the interesting part! What did you do with it?"
+
+"Honestly, boys," protested Ned, "I haven't got it. I saw that fellow
+fish it out of my kit. I saw him put it on the table. When I turned back
+after glancing at the door the package was gone!"
+
+"We know that!" continued Harry. "Now, who took it?"
+
+"I'd give a good deal to know that myself!" declared Ned.
+
+"Just how much would you give?" queried Jimmie from his seat in a corner
+from whence he had been listening. "I'd like to make a stake!"
+
+"Jimmie pinched it!" cried Harry, pouncing upon his comrade.
+
+"Deliver that package!" shouted Jack, going to the assistance of his
+chum. "Search him, Ned!" he continued, as Jimmie was dragged to his feet.
+"Go through him carefully while we hold him."
+
+"Go as far as you like," grinned Jimmie teasingly. "It's not here!"
+
+"Where is it, Jimmie?" questioned Ned, seriously, "let's have it!"
+
+"I tell you I haven't got it!" declared Jimmie, still grinning. "But I
+saw it when it disappeared and I know where it went!"
+
+"Hurry up!" shouted Jack, impatiently. "Say something!"
+
+"It went out of the window of the shanty!" declared Jimmie.
+
+"Aw, go on!" scorned Harry. "Just jumped up and flew away!"
+
+With a laugh Jimmie then related what he had seen at the moment when all
+the other occupants of the hut had been giving their attention to the
+disturbance at the front door. The tale astonished his chums.
+
+"I saw the hand as plainly as I see my own!" declared Jimmie, holding his
+hand up to the light of the single oil lamp. "It was the hand of a
+gentleman, I should say. I mean by that, it was soft and well kept--not
+hard and calloused. The peculiar mark by which I shall know it again if I
+see it was a scar extending clear across the back. I somehow connected
+that scar with a saber or sword cut. It was an ugly wound."
+
+"Did you see anything of the man?" asked Ned, eagerly.
+
+"No, I wasn't turned far enough and I didn't dare move," replied Jimmie.
+"All at once I seemed to comprehend that the thief was saving us a lot of
+troublesome delay, and I just let him make his getaway without raising a
+holler! I thought he was helping us as well as himself!"
+
+"I think we ought to vote Jimmie a credit mark!" declared Ned.
+
+"He certainly exercised wonderful self-control in not making a noise at a
+critical time," added Jack. "I wonder, now, if the chap at the door made
+the disturbance to assist the other fellow in grabbing the parcel. It
+would almost seem as if they were working together!"
+
+"It does seem like that!" stated Ned, thoughtfully. "But what puzzles me
+most is the fact that the package was in our baggage!"
+
+"I wonder what on earth could have been in the old 'U-13'!"
+
+But ponder and speculate as they might the lads were unable to arrive at
+a solution of the mysterious presence and disappearance of the package
+bearing the curious mark. Weary with the exertion of attempting to solve
+the problem the boys at length composed themselves for sleep.
+
+Mile after mile the train bumped jerkily along the uneven track.
+Occasionally a guard opened the door to scrutinize the compartment, but
+upon finding the little party at rest he again proceeded to his duties.
+
+Gradually the train drew away from the inundated section. To the
+southward, whence they had come, the boys were leaving the scene of the
+mighty conflict, the like of which history had never seen. Behind them
+were the trenches filled with soldiers--some happy and gay even in the
+presence of death, others disheartened and downcast. There, too, they
+were leaving the great cannon with their roaring, screaming shells, the
+vicious crack of rifles and the wasp-like singing of bullets.
+
+Before them in fancy they saw a great ship upon which they would take
+passage to the peace and quietness of their own country. Their dreams
+were filled with scenes of New York and their beloved club room, hung
+with trophies of the prowess of the members of their patrol.
+
+At Amsterdam they would embark speedily, and after a week or ten days of
+ocean travel would see again the Goddess of Liberty holding up to the
+world a beacon to guide their ships into a haven of peace and plenty.
+
+Could the boys have pierced the veil and looked upon the scenes through
+which they were soon to pass their rest that night might not have been so
+tranquil, their dreams would perhaps have been less pleasant.
+
+Thanks to the consideration extended them at the instance of their
+friend, von Moltke, the German officer in whose charge they had been
+placed during the last exciting scenes of their stay in the war zone, the
+lads had been accorded the privilege of a whole compartment. Due to this
+fact they found room in which to stretch out as they slept. This
+exceptional advantage was fully appreciated.
+
+Toward morning the boys were awakened by the bustle surrounding the
+arrival of the train at Utrecht. At this point another passenger was
+thrust unceremoniously into the compartment. After performing this duty
+the guard hastened away to perform similar services for others.
+
+"Good morning, gentlemen," said the newcomer pleasantly.
+
+"Top of the morning to you!" smiled Jimmie, rising and endeavoring to
+smooth out the wrinkles in his uniform. "How's the weather outside?"
+
+"Clearing rapidly, but there's promise of some wind," replied the
+newcomer. "May I ask how far you are going?"
+
+"New York!" declared Jimmie with a grin. "That is," his added, "if this
+old ark holds together until we get to Amsterdam and we can find a ship
+there. It would be just our luck to find the last canal boat gone!"
+
+"Been having tough luck?" inquired the other solicitously.
+
+"Rotten!" stated the boy. "How far do you go?" he asked.
+
+"Amsterdam is my present destination," was the reply. "My name's
+Mackinder--Robert Mackinder, and I'm trying to get out of this forsaken
+country, don't you know. I'm in hopes I'll be able to find some craft
+destined to a point where I'll be able to get home."
+
+Introductions of the four lads followed. Mackinder proved himself an
+entertaining talker. Listening to his tales of adventure in various lands
+the boys were soon at ease. The man apparently had traveled over the
+whole world for he seemed familiar with all lands.
+
+"I say," declared Jimmie, as their new found friend concluded a tale of
+privation through which he had passed in South Africa, "that story of
+starvation reminds me that I am hungry. I haven't eaten in a week!"
+
+"Jimmie, Jimmie!" cautioned Ned. "Get down to recent dates!"
+
+"Well, it feels that way, anyhow," persisted the boy.
+
+"Can you tell us where we'll be able to find a lunch counter?" asked Ned.
+"We have nothing in our kits except some hard tack."
+
+"There is no place short of Amsterdam where one can get anything like a
+decent meal," replied Mackinder. "There I can show you the way to a
+restaurant that is all right. It is not far from the docks."
+
+"Then we'll get one good, solid, square meal!" shouted Jimmie.
+
+"And after breakfast," put in Harry, "we'll go aboard the steamer and let
+'em sail as soon as they like! What shall we eat?"
+
+"I want a limburger cheese sandwich," announced Jimmie. "I'd like it to
+be on rye bread with plenty of mustard. Then with a couple of cups of
+real old Dutch coffee I guess I'd last until noon."
+
+"By noon we'll be out on the North Sea, I hope," stated Harry.
+
+"You don't get onto the North Sea direct from Amsterdam!" scorned Jack.
+"You have to go through some sort of lake or bay first!"
+
+"Leave it to Mr. Mackinder here!" protested Harry.
+
+"Your friend is right, Harry," smiled Mackinder, thus appealed to.
+"Amsterdam is on the Zuider Zee. If we get a vessel at that place we will
+pass northward through that water, thence between some of the Friesian
+Islands into the North Sea. From that point it is but a short distance to
+my destination. Any port in England will be suitable for my purpose."
+
+"Nix on England for mine!" declared Jimmie. "I'm for the little old
+United States every time. We are neutral there without having to think
+about it. I'm about done with war. I've seen enough!"
+
+"Too much is plenty, as the Dutchman says," put in Harry. "But about this
+Amsterdam place, now. Do you know the town, Mr. Mackinder?"
+
+"Indeed I do!" was the reply. "I have been there many times."
+
+"Then perhaps you'd be good enough to give us a little help. You see,
+we're strangers there and since we've lost our airship we're almost
+helpless. We're not accustomed to finding our way about where the
+inhabitants don't speak English. Besides, we're not provided with a map."
+
+"I shall be delighted to help you in any way possible," continued the
+man. "I think that if you follow me you'll have little trouble."
+
+The lads gladly availed themselves of this offer, and shortly after their
+arrival at the city they found themselves in a room plainly but
+comfortably furnished. From their windows they could see the shipping in
+the harbor. Before them a busy street teemed with traffic.
+
+Watching the strange sights below the boys were startled to hear:
+
+"I'll trouble you now for the 'U-13' package!"
+
+Wheeling quickly they were frightened to observe that Mackinder had them
+covered with a revolver. His look was stern and determined.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE MAN WITH THE SCAR
+
+
+"What package is it you want?" inquired Ned in amazement as he saw that
+Mackinder evidently intended to enforce his demand at all costs.
+
+"I shall countenance no delay!" spoke the man sharply. "You may step to
+your luggage there and produce that package instantly. If you refuse I
+shall summon assistance and it will be taken forcibly."
+
+"You have the wrong pig by the ear this time, partner!" put in Jimmie.
+"Just put up your little cannon. It won't do you any good here."
+
+"Enough!" snapped Mackinder. "You will gain nothing by attempting such
+methods. I am not to be balked by trivialities!"
+
+"Well, Boss," smiled Jimmie, "we haven't got any 'U-13' package and we
+haven't got any of those other things, either!"
+
+"I warn you," went on Mackinder in a menacing tone, "it has become known
+to the authorities that you have this package. I have been commissioned
+to secure it. If you surrender it before leaving this country you will
+lose nothing. If you refuse it will be taken by force. In that case you
+need not expect to receive any degree of clemency in the matter!"
+
+"Mr. Mackinder," began Ned with dignity, "we don't understand what you
+mean. If you intend to infer that we have some mysterious package that we
+should not have you are not fair to us. Perhaps you would like to examine
+our luggage and be sure it is not there."
+
+"Very well," stated Mackinder grimly. "If you insist."
+
+Keeping the revolver leveled in the direction of the group the man
+stepped to the side of the room. He grasped the old-fashioned bell-pull.
+In answer to his summons steps were heard approaching the door.
+
+"Ah, there you are, Norton," sighed Mackinder in a relieved tone as a man
+in uniform appeared. "Just keep an eye on these chaps, will you. I'm
+going through their luggage. Look sharp, now!"
+
+From Norton's appearance the boys judged that the task was much to his
+liking. He fingered a wicked looking revolver, as if anticipating trouble
+and hoping that would come quickly. His manner was that of an eager
+hunting dog scenting game and only waiting a command to attack.
+
+Thinking it best to offer no resistance and understanding that arguments
+would not avail under the present circumstances Ned seated himself in a
+convenient chair. He began to divert the minds of his comrades by talking
+of the shipping and the traffic which they could see.
+
+Hastily Mackinder tossed the luggage about in his efforts to locate the
+article he sought. Finally he turned to Ned.
+
+"Where have you concealed it?" he asked with some display of anger.
+
+"Concealed what?" asked Ned impatiently. "I tell you, Mr. Mackinder, I
+don't like this idea of your holding us up in this manner without
+apparent authority. You are imposing on good nature!"
+
+"Perhaps I have been a little hasty," stated Mackinder, "but I have been
+commissioned to secure a certain package which is alleged to contain
+information vital to two countries. It may possibly concern more. You are
+said to have had possession of this package at the time you left the
+castle in Flanders. Where is it now?"
+
+"Do you mean the flat package the soldier found in our baggage at the
+frontier where we were searched?" inquired Jimmie.
+
+"No doubt it is the same one," stated Mackinder.
+
+"Then," declared the boy, pointing at Mackinder's hand, "I have every
+reason to believe that you know more about the whereabouts of that
+package than do we. I recognize that peculiar scar on your hand!"
+
+Quick glances of inquiry were directed by the boys at the hand toward
+which Jimmie was pointing. It bore a scar running clear across the
+back--an ugly, jagged scar that they had heard Jimmie describe.
+
+"What did you mean by coming here and trying to throw a bluff into us
+about the package still being in our kits when you yourself took it from
+the table in the hut?" demanded Jimmie aggressively.
+
+"You're mistaken, boys, I don't know what you're talking about!"
+
+"Then you've got a mighty poor memory!" declared the lad.
+
+"Mr. Mackinder," Ned said in a low tone vibrant with indignation, "if
+you've quite satisfied yourself that we have not got the package you seem
+to be seeking we'll excuse you. We don't want your company any more, and
+we shall try to proceed upon our journey alone."
+
+"But, see here, boys--" Mackinder attempted to explain.
+
+"Not another word!" cried Ned rising. "There is the door and you are at
+liberty to use it quickly. You are welcome to the package!"
+
+"You will find out later on," Mackinder said, as he started to leave the
+room in company with Norton, "that I've been trying to help you out of
+mighty suspicious circumstances. You are ungrateful!"
+
+"Good-bye!" called out Jimmie. "Don't slam the door!"
+
+For a moment the boys gazed at one another in amazement after the two men
+had left the room. They were excited and puzzled.
+
+"Well, this is a stunner!" declared Ned at length.
+
+"Who is this Mackinder, who is Norton, what is in this 'U-13' package
+that he wants, how did it get into our baggage, why was it put there,
+where are we going, when do we eat!" demanded Jimmie in a breath.
+
+"That's the way to talk, Jimmie!" cried Harry, laughing in spite of the
+situation that the boys all felt to be a serious one.
+
+"The last question is the most important!" stated Jack. "I'm in favor of
+the eats part and that without further delay."
+
+"Come on, boys," suggested Ned. "Let's eat first and talk things over
+afterward. I'm nearly famished myself, and Jimmie is hungry, too!"
+
+In a short time the lads were seated in a quaint restaurant ordering
+strange dishes. They were hungry, as only healthy, active boys can be.
+The food was well cooked and appetizing. They ate heartily.
+
+"Now, I'm in favor of getting to the docks as quick as possible,"
+announced Jimmie, pushing his plate away. "Let's get our passage
+settled."
+
+All were in favor of this arrangement. After paying for their breakfast
+the lads set out in search of a ship upon which they might secure passage
+to the United States. But they were not to secure this easily.
+
+Extended inquiry during the forenoon elicited the information that there
+was no vessel clearing from the port of Amsterdam for any place in
+America. Although they made every effort to find a steamer which would
+afford them the accommodations they sought none was found.
+
+Inquiry at the railway station disclosed the fact that their airship, the
+Grey Eagle, now dismantled and packed in boxes, was at the freight sheds
+waiting a claimant. Until they could find a vessel to carry it home the
+boys preferred to let it remain in its present location.
+
+After dinner they continued their inquiries for a vessel. At length they
+learned of a full-rigged three-masted ship that was to clear in a few
+days for New York. Regretting even this short delay the lads decided to
+attempt to secure passage, although the journey would be a long one.
+
+Ned secured the services of a boatman, who offered to row them out to the
+ship, which lay at anchor in the harbor. The man charged them what the
+boys considered an extraordinary price for the service, but explained
+that the weather was unfavorable and that at any moment a storm might
+break. To this the boys could but agree. A glance at the sky convinced
+them that a storm of rather unusual violence was gathering.
+
+"Take him up, anyhow, Ned!" urged Harry. "We want to get home!"
+
+"All right, then, here goes!" declared Ned, stepping aboard the
+waterman's craft. "Pull away, my friend, we're all aboard."
+
+In a short time the man was threading his way amongst the shipping in the
+harbor. From their position so low upon the water the masts and spars of
+the vessels looked to be of extraordinary height to the boys, who viewed
+every object with keen interest.
+
+A hail from the boatman was answered by a man from the deck of the ship.
+He thrust his head over the rail inquiringly.
+
+"Where's your captain?" asked Ned, as the man appeared.
+
+"What do you want of the captain?" asked the man in a surly voice.
+
+"We want to talk with him," replied Ned. "We'll explain to him."
+
+"He's busy now and don't want to be disturbed. Tell me what you want and
+I'll give him your message. Maybe he'll see you!"
+
+"We want to arrange passage on your ship to the United States."
+
+"I'll see what he's got to say," replied the man, moving away.
+
+While he was gone the boys examined the vessel closely. Jimmie pronounced
+the vessel very much to his liking. He admired the lines and pointed with
+pride to the modeling of the stern.
+
+"Hello!" the boy cried excitedly, his arm extended still in the act of
+indicating the ship, "there goes our friend Mackinder in a launch!"
+
+"Where?" asked Ned eagerly, turning about in his seat.
+
+"Right astern of us!" replied Jimmie. "I wonder what he was doing aboard
+this ship. He seems to be in a hurry to get ashore."
+
+"Maybe he wasn't on this ship at all," was Harry's objection. "He might
+have been out on the harbor for a pleasure ride."
+
+"Sure, he's just the chap to take a pleasure ride on the harbor with a
+storm brewing! I've got a picture of that chap joy-riding!"
+
+"I hope he doesn't see us," declared Jack. "He might have enough
+influence with the captain to prevent our securing passage on this ship."
+
+The conversation was interrupted by the advent of the captain, who looked
+over the rail at the little craft riding alongside.
+
+"What do you want?" he inquired in a business-like tone.
+
+"We want to arrange passage on your ship to New York, Captain," stated
+Ned respectfully. "We understand you are to sail soon. We are citizens of
+the United States homeward bound. Can you help us out?"
+
+"Not this trip!" decided the captain instantly.
+
+"We are able to pay well for our accommodations," continued the boy. "It
+is rather important that we get home as quickly as possible."
+
+"Possibly," returned the captain shortly.
+
+Nonplussed, Ned was at a loss to find words with which to urge his
+request further. The captain's distant manner gave him no encouragement.
+
+"We'll not be the slightest trouble, Captain," the lad presently
+continued. "We understand you'll be loaded in a few days and will sail
+for New York direct. Cannot you arrange to accommodate us?"
+
+"This isn't a passenger vessel," stated the captain.
+
+"Well, then, couldn't we sign articles and work our way over? We'd be
+willing to pay whatever you think is right for that privilege."
+
+"You want to get me into trouble with the authorities, don't you?"
+replied the other, preparing to move away.
+
+"But, Captain, just think a moment. There must be some way in which you
+can arrange it. Don't leave us in a foreign country!"
+
+"You seem to have done pretty well in foreign countries as it is! If you
+can pull off the stunts you have just done I guess you'll get over to New
+York all right--if that's where you want to go!"
+
+"What do you mean? I don't understand you!"
+
+"Oh, you don't, eh? Well, to put it plainly, this is a peaceable, neutral
+ship doing honest trading. I carry freight, not spies!"
+
+With these words the captain disappeared. The boys gasped in astonishment
+at the words and looked at each other speechless.
+
+Ned motioned to the boatman to return to the dock. His puzzled frown
+showed plainly that the boy was at a loss to understand the situation.
+
+"I've got it!" almost shouted Jimmie, as the lads were once more on land.
+"I know what the answer is! I've been reading my little dream book!"
+
+"All right, wise man, let's have it! Don't keep it bottled up!"
+
+"Mackinder!" declared Jimmie impressively.
+
+"You don't mean to say that he beat us to the ship and managed to get the
+captain to refuse us passage on his vessel?" asked Ned.
+
+"I believe I'm right at that!" maintained Jimmie, stoutly.
+
+"Then the only thing we can do is to try to find some coasting vessel to
+carry us out of the Zuider Zee into the North Sea and make a port in
+England. We can then go overland to Liverpool and get a ship from there
+home. Suppose we try that?" offered Ned.
+
+The boys were passing along a covered dock at the moment. As they turned
+a corner they saw Mackinder standing near. A smile of triumph lighted his
+face.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE LENA KNOBLOCH
+
+
+"What did I tell you?" inquired Jimmie, as the boys passed the man.
+"There he stands with his arms folded and grins like a cream stealing
+cat! I wish I had a half a brick! We'll have to watch out for him!"
+
+"It surely looks as if you were right, Jimmie!" assented Ned.
+
+"But what gets me," put in Harry, "is why he should be after us! What
+have we done? He seems to have information that we're criminals!"
+
+"It looks mighty strange that he should have stolen the package out of
+that hut and then continue to insist that we have it," remarked Ned. "Are
+you sure he's the same fellow, Jimmie?"
+
+"It's the very same hand," declared the lad, "and that hand is a dead
+give away! I wonder he didn't wear a glove or bandage!"
+
+"Maybe he didn't have time when he got the package," explained Jack. "Can
+anyone tell me how the thing got into our kits?"
+
+This question was unanswerable by any of the lads. Puzzling over the
+strange adventures they had recently encountered the lads proceeded to
+their hotel, where they spent some time in freshening both themselves and
+their uniforms and in rearranging their baggage.
+
+At supper time they were tired and very hungry. At the first opportunity
+they proceeded to the restaurant where they had formerly eaten.
+
+Jimmie's spirits revived as food was set before them. In a moment he was
+laughing and chatting away without a care in the world. His good humor
+was infectious. Soon all four boys were in a merry mood.
+
+"I wish we could get a civilized paper," declared Jack at length. "I'd
+really like to see what's going on in the world."
+
+"Maybe we can get one at the desk. Or possibly the cashier can tell us
+where they will have English papers for sale," suggested Harry.
+
+"Here comes a man who looks as if he were a native," spoke up Jimmie.
+"I'll bet he can tell us a whole lot of things we want to know!"
+
+The boys glanced up to observe a man approaching their table. He was
+evidently a seafaring man. His dress and manner betokened the deep sea
+mariner. A decided air of the ocean marked him to the boys' eyes.
+
+"Goot efening, Chentlemen!" the stranger said as he approached.
+
+"Howdy!" replied Jimmie, with a wave of his hand. "What'll you have?"
+
+"Vell," replied the visitor, "schnapps vas goot, but you couldn't get 'em
+here. Dis isn't no blace for dot! No, sir!"
+
+"I wasn't inviting you to have a drink," snapped Jimmie somewhat
+confusedly, "I meant to ask you what's on your mind."
+
+"So-o-o-o!" exclaimed the newcomer with a long drawn expression of
+surprise. His shaggy eyebrows raised as he extended his chin and shrugged
+his shoulders, pantomiming an apology. "So, dot's it, eh?"
+
+"Sure thing!" answered Jimmie, regaining his composure in a measure but
+with his face still flushed. "We want to know what you're after."
+
+"Vell," went on the visitor, "my name's Captain Johannes von Kluck. Don'd
+forgot dot 'Captain' part, eider. Und I haf learned dot you chentlemans
+vas lookin' for a fine, fast ship. Und I have chust dot!"
+
+As he made this announcement Captain von Kluck smiled a wide look of
+friendship at the entire party. It was a wonderful smile, beginning at
+the tiny wrinkles surrounding the corners of his eyes. From there it
+spread all over his face, gradually distorting the features until, as
+Jimmie afterward declared, the boys were forced to smile in spite of
+themselves.
+
+"And where does your fine ship go, Captain von Kluck?" asked Ned.
+
+"Chust vherefer you vant to go!" declared the captain solemnly. "Me, I am
+a goot navigator, und mine mate he is, too, a goot von!"
+
+"We want to go to New York," continued Ned. "If you can arrange to
+furnish us passage to that port, we'll pay you well."
+
+To this the captain answered by spreading his hands and shrugging his
+shoulders until they nearly reached his ears. Over his beaming face
+spread a look of despair. He slowly shook his head.
+
+"To New York I cannot go!" he answered dolefully. "Bud I vill put you
+ashore in England, und from dere you can easy get a ship!"
+
+"Well, that's better than nothing at all!" admitted Ned.
+
+"Sure!" declared Jimmie. "Anything to get out of this place!"
+
+"When can you be ready to sail, Captain?" inquired Ned.
+
+"Who, me?" questioned the captain in a tone of surprise.
+
+"Nobody else but you, your crew and we boys!" laughed Ned.
+
+"Sure! Dot's all ridt!" nodded von Kluck. "Vhell, I'm ready now. Yet I
+haf some cheeses on board to put, und some odder tings!"
+
+"Can you accommodate the boxes containing our airship?" asked Jimmie. "We
+have the Grey Eagle over here at the railroad station and don't want to
+leave it behind us when we leave the country."
+
+"Maybe it vould on de schip go!" consented von Kluck.
+
+"Hurrah!" exultantly cried the lads. "That's fine!"
+
+"How big is your ship, Captain?" asked Ned, "and what's her name?"
+
+"Mine schip is der Lena Knobloch!" smiled the captain. "Dot's vot you
+English beoples call garlic. Und id vas a goot schip alreaty!"
+
+"Well, then," suggested Ned, "suppose the captain takes supper here as
+our guest. Two of us will remain with him to arrange details while the
+other two hasten away and get a truck to take the boxes to the dock. Can
+you give us directions for reaching the vessel, Captain?"
+
+"Sure," assented the captain, seating himself. "Und I know a man vot
+vould haul your goots, too. I get him," he added.
+
+"In that case, we'll all go over together," proposed Jack. "I don't like
+the idea of separating while we're in a strange town."
+
+"Perhaps the captain can tell us where we can get some English papers,"
+ventured Jimmie. "We'd like to get the latest news."
+
+Wheeling in his chair the captain bawled out an order in Dutch. A waiter
+came bustling up with an air of deference. Evidently he knew the captain
+and understood that no delay would be tolerated.
+
+A few words were rapidly spoken, whereupon the waiter hastened away to
+return presently with several newspapers. These were spread upon the
+table before the boys, who began a perusal of their contents.
+
+"Gee whiz!" exclaimed Jimmie, glancing at the headlines of the paper
+which had fallen to his lot. "Listen to this--three vessels sunk in the
+mouth of the Mersey river by a German submarine identified as the 'U-13.'
+Then there's been two vessels sunk at the mouth of the Thames!"
+
+"What sunk them?" inquired Harry.
+
+"It says here that they were sunk by a German submarine. In each case the
+diver has been identified as the 'U-13' by the crews of the ill-fated
+vessels. Now, that's going some!"
+
+"Let's see," pondered Harry, "the Thames is the river leading to London,
+while the Mersey is the river leading to Liverpool."
+
+"Right you are, Old Scout, go to the head of the class!"
+
+"Hush, Jimmie, no nonsense!" cautioned Ned.
+
+"What I was thinking about," continued Harry, "is the distance a boat
+would have to travel to get from one place to the other. It must be all
+of seven hundred miles around Land's End. A boat would have to be speedy
+to cover that distance so quickly!"
+
+"How quickly?" demanded Jimmie. "The paper says the three ships were sunk
+at the Mersey on Wednesday morning. Those at the Thames, or rather 'off
+Margate,' as the article states, were sunk Thursday afternoon. That
+wouldn't be such an impossible feat after all!"
+
+"Twenty miles an hour sustained speed for about twenty-eight hours is
+running along at a pretty good clip, just the same!"
+
+"Well, the vessel did it!" declared Jimmie. "The paper says that about
+six o'clock Wednesday morning the Wanderer, a vessel laden with
+foodstuffs from Australia, was hailed by the crew of a submarine. They
+were permitted to take to the small boats and then the Wanderer was
+torpedoed, going down at once. The submarine was positively identified as
+the 'U-13.' Then the other paragraph says that at about eight o'clock on
+Thursday evening the steamer Adventure from Buenos Ayres with a cargo of
+flour for London was treated in the same manner off Margate by the
+'U-13'!"
+
+"Isn't it a little strange that the submarine should have attacked a
+peaceful merchant vessel?" inquired Jack. "That isn't war!"
+
+"Evidently it is the intention to blockade all English ports and shut off
+the food supply of the nation," ventured Ned. "You see the article
+relates that all the ships were loaded with food and destined to English
+ports. It must be a blockade movement!"
+
+"Here's an account," announced Harry, "that says a steamer was hailed by
+a submarine a few miles off the Lizard Head. It escaped by its superior
+speed, but only by a narrow margin, for the submarine launched a torpedo
+that barely missed striking the after portion of the ship!"
+
+"Maybe it was the same little old 'U-13,'" suggested Jimmie.
+
+"Oh, you 'U-13'!" laughed Jack. "You're some boat, all right!"
+
+"Say!" shouted Jimmie, jumping quickly to his feet. The boy glanced about
+the group with startled looks. "What about that 'U-13' package? Do you
+suppose it was intended for the submarine?"
+
+The boys exchanged puzzled looks. Perplexity was expressed in every face.
+A look of worry began to appear on Ned's countenance.
+
+"I wonder who Mackinder is and what he has to do with that package," the
+lad said presently. "Boys, we're surely stumbling into a mess of
+something. We'll have to be careful!"
+
+"Captain," demanded Jimmie, turning to von Kluck, "what do you know about
+this 'U-13' business? What is the 'U-13'?"
+
+Leaning back in his chair the captain drew a long breath. He filled a
+great pipe from a capacious pouch. Gravely he packed the tobacco into the
+immense bowl, accompanying the procedure with sundry shakes of his head.
+Not until the pipe was drawing freely did he reply.
+
+"Ach, id vas vot der Deutsch say it 'Unterseeboot'! You English say it
+submarine! Und dot liddle schip goes 'Boom'! und down goes der big schips
+under der vasser! Und dey stay, too!" he concluded.
+
+"Yes, we know that," assented Jimmie, punctuating his statement with a
+poke at the paragraph he had just read, "but who owns it?"
+
+"Vhell, der Chermans dey claim to haf a big share in id!"
+
+"Then if we start out for England in this Lena Knobloch of yours how do
+we know that the 'U-13' won't come along and take a poke at us just out
+of pure spite?" questioned the lad.
+
+"Vhell, maybe she vill," agreed von Kluck, between puffs. "Bud if you
+vhas like me, you iss willing to took a chance. I go, und das Lena goes,
+und by und by maybe we make blenty money und go ashore to shtay."
+
+"You take it easy, I must say!" returned Jimmie, somewhat amused.
+
+"Are you going out just the same, Captain?" inquired Jack.
+
+"Sure!" proclaimed the captain, in no uncertain tones.
+
+"Then let's be getting that truck and take the Grey Eagle boxes aboard
+the Lena Knobloch!" cried Jack. "The sooner it's over the easier I'll
+feel. I'm beginning to get nervous about all this 'U-13' business!"
+
+After paying their bill the boys set out in company with the captain to
+find the trucker. That individual put up a strong protest at taking out
+his horses at the unseemly hour, but a piece of coin slipped into his
+hand at the opportune moment by Ned soon changed his mind.
+
+Another piece of money changing hands at the proper moment secured the
+consent of the official in charge of the freight sheds to the delivery of
+the boxes containing the precious Grey Eagle.
+
+Making the affair a pleasure jaunt the lads lost no time in loading the
+cases aboard the truck. Merrily they set off for the dock.
+
+Upon arriving in the vicinity of his vessel the captain shed his jovial
+air like an overcoat. He bawled out orders to his crew, emphasizing his
+commands with sundry fistic punctuations. The men evidently knew with
+whom they had to deal, for they fell to the work with a will.
+
+The boys turned back to the hotel to secure their hand baggage.
+
+A small cart drawn by two huge dogs was approaching. In the vehicle were
+some milk cans. The figure of a woman guided the strange team.
+
+"This is rather early for the milklady!" laughed Jimmie.
+
+"That's no woman!" declared Jack. "Look at that walk!"
+
+"That's Mackinder!" Jimmie cried. "See the scar on his hand!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+TWO MYSTERIOUS CHANGES
+
+
+"Hey, you!" shouted Jimmie, dashing across the street in the direction of
+the queer outfit. "Come here! I want to see you!"
+
+The pseudo milk vendor gave a quick glance at the approaching boy. A
+street lamp cast a flickering glare upon the automatic which Jimmie had
+drawn from his pocket. Without waiting to explain or ask questions the
+person addressed deserted the dog team instantly.
+
+With but a single look over its shoulder the figure darted toward a
+building at the head of the quay. Boots clattered on the pavement, while
+the long stride clearly indicated to the boys that Jimmie and Jack had
+been correct in their surmise that the garb of a woman milk vendor had
+been assumed as a disguise.
+
+Although Jimmie's speed was great, the lad's sprint was not sufficient to
+permit him to overtake his quarry.
+
+"He'll never make it!" declared Jack, tugging away at his own automatic
+and preparing to follow his comrade.
+
+"Come on, fellows, let's get a move on!" suggested Harry. "That fellow
+will just about get into a corner somewhere and knock Jimmie over the
+head. He's capable of worse than that, I believe!"
+
+All three lads hastened after the fleeing figure of their red-headed chum
+and the one whom he was pursuing.
+
+An open door in the building indicated that the race had turned in that
+direction. Producing an electric searchlight Ned urged caution. Directly
+the lads heard the sound of a falling body. This was at once followed by
+an exclamation of surprise and disgust. They recognized the tones as
+those of their companion.
+
+"Are you there, Jimmie?" called Ned, swinging the beam from his
+searchlight about the interior, lighting up a collection of merchandise
+piled in the warehouse. Jimmie was nowhere to be seen.
+
+"Where could he have gone so suddenly?" queried Harry.
+
+"Maybe Mackinder hit him over the head!" ventured Jack.
+
+"Mackinder better be careful how he monkeys with this crew!" was Harry's
+belligerent comment. "Maybe that guy'll get all that's coming to him and
+get it right in the neck!"
+
+For a moment the boys stood listening intently for some indication of the
+presence of their comrade. Once Ned thought he heard a soft footfall. He
+put out his hand to touch Jack on the arm.
+
+"Ss-s-sh!" he hissed. "What was that?"
+
+"Rat, maybe!" suggested Jack. "Turn your searchlight this way a minute. I
+want to see where this passage leads."
+
+Ned swung the searchlight in the direction indicated. Its lance of flame
+pierced the gloom, revealing tiers of boxes and piles of bags and bales
+heaped up in orderly array. Sufficient space had been left between the
+heaps of merchandise to provide passageway.
+
+"Come on," cried Jack, "we're losing time standing here!"
+
+Scarcely had the boy uttered the words ere an object came hurtling
+through the air. It struck the searchlight fairly upon the lens. There
+was a quick cry of distress from Ned, a rattle of broken glass, the
+tinkle of the falling searchlight. For a moment complete silence reigned.
+The next instant there was a rush of a heavy body.
+
+Taken by surprise the boys were not prepared for the onslaught. They went
+down like ten pins. Harry received a blow on the jaw that nearly put him
+out for the count. Jack declared afterwards that his stomach would never
+cease aching from the punch that landed there.
+
+Ned had been bringing up the rear of the little party, hence suffered
+least. He felt about quickly for the searchlight as he lay on the floor.
+Before he could recover it the boys heard the outer door slam and knew
+that someone had passed out of the building after the sudden attack. Who
+it might have been they could only conjecture.
+
+"Oh, my poor jaw!" groaned Harry. "I'm knocked out!"
+
+"No, you're not!" protested Ned. "That only shook you up!"
+
+"Sure!" agreed Jack. "Shook us all up so we'll get a little more 'pep'.
+Let's hurry up and follow that guy!"
+
+"Wait a minute," objected Ned. "We want to find Jimmie first!"
+
+"Right-O!" agreed Harry. "I think my jaw is better now. Where are we
+going, anyway? Do you suppose that was Jimmie that floored us just now?
+Maybe he thought Mackinder had pals coming in!"
+
+"I don't believe it," stated Ned. "Jimmie must have known that Mackinder
+was alone with the milk wagon. He also knew that we would follow him
+here. Possibly the lad is farther along in the warehouse, lost amongst
+this merchandise. That must have been Mackinder!"
+
+"You're right, Ned!" declared Jack. "He probably misled Jimmie in here
+and then dashed out as we came in!"
+
+"But where is Jimmie now?" queried Harry. "I don't hear him!"
+
+"Oh, Jimmie!" called Ned in a loud tone.
+
+To this hail there was no answer. Complete silence reigned.
+
+"That's mighty funny!" puzzled Harry. "Get your searchlight and let's
+hunt him up. He can't have gotten far away."
+
+A short search by all three boys resulted in the recovery of the
+searchlight. Beyond the damaged lens the instrument had suffered no
+injury. It was still serviceable and cast a strong beam of light.
+
+By its aid the lads followed the passage, stepping rapidly forward. They
+were becoming alarmed over the failure of their chum to respond to their
+calls. All feared that Mackinder might have done the lad harm.
+Momentarily their anxiety increased.
+
+"Here's a side passage!" declared Harry, who brought up the rear of the
+little procession. "Where does this go?"
+
+"Wait a minute with that searchlight, Ned!" called Jack, who followed Ned
+closely. "Throw it back here a minute for Harry!"
+
+Before the light could be brought into service Harry had taken a step
+into the passage he had just discovered. A sharp cry of surprise brought
+Jack and Ned to his side in an instant.
+
+The lads saw Harry bending over the form of their missing chum. Jimmie
+lay in a heap, blocking the passageway.
+
+Fearful that their first suspicions had been correct, the boys scarcely
+dared investigate. Jack began growling out uncomplimentary remarks
+concerning Mackinder. Ned quickly forced his way to Harry's side.
+
+"Here, let me see him!" Ned cried, throwing the flame of his searchlight
+on the recumbent form. "Why, he's all huddled up!"
+
+"All in a bunch!" agreed Harry. "I wonder if he's hurt!"
+
+"Roll him over," directed Ned. "Let's get him out of here!"
+
+"Why, he's tied!" cried Harry, in a startled voice.
+
+"Tied?" questioned Jack, pushing forward. "Who tied him?"
+
+"And gagged!" went on Harry, his voice vibrating with indignation.
+"Mackinder will pay for this!" the lad continued. "We'll get him!"
+
+Without the loss of a moment Harry was swiftly relieving Jimmie of the
+object which prevented speech. A small block of wood had been forced
+between Jimmie's teeth. This had been secured in place by tying a
+handkerchief over his face. The gag had been extremely effective, even
+though it was uncomfortable and crude.
+
+As the gag was removed Jimmie wagged his jaw a few times to relieve the
+strained muscles. He nodded his appreciation.
+
+"How are you feeling, Jimmie?" was Ned's solicitous inquiry.
+
+"All right," replied the lad. "Untie my hands, will you?"
+
+"Gee, but you're an artist, Jimmie!" cried Jack. "We'll get you a job as
+'Tricko, The Handcuff King'! I want to say right now," the boy went on in
+mock seriousness, "there are very few people who can tie themselves up so
+completely and so quickly as this job has been done!"
+
+"You win the argument!" decided Jimmie, ironically. "If I get my tutor
+where I can lay hands on him I'll show him a trick or two that wasn't in
+the first chapter. He's in for some instruction all right!"
+
+"What happened, Jimmie?" asked Ned, carefully passing his knife through
+the bonds that confined the other's hands and feet.
+
+"Well, when I came slamming along into the warehouse I was only a few
+feet behind the milk maid!" began Jimmie. "I at once crept in on tiptoe,
+because I reasoned that he would be slugging along, making considerable
+noise. I didn't know that there were goods in here.
+
+"I couldn't see him anywhere. From that I concluded that he had either
+stopped or had taken to tiptoeing, too. I had my 'gat' ready and started
+in. I felt along the bales and boxes a ways. Just as I heard you fellows
+come into the door something tripped me and down I went.
+
+"Before I could say a word he had shoved that thing into my mouth, pulled
+a handkerchief out of my pocket, tied it around my face and then tied my
+hands together under my knees. Say," the lad continued earnestly, "that
+guy never got his knowledge out of a correspondence course! He's been
+there and helped skin 'em! He's smooth!"
+
+"Where's your automatic?" asked Harry.
+
+"I don't know," replied Jimmie. "Let's have the bug a minute. I'm sure I
+heard it fall, but I can't say whether Mackinder got it or not!"
+
+"Mackinder?" questioned Ned. "How do you know it was he?"
+
+"Because as he was tying my hands together I had a chance to feel of the
+back of his right hand. I could feel the scar as plainly as could be. It
+was the same scar I saw before he started to run and the same scar I saw
+when the 'U-13' package was pinched!"
+
+"I'd like to take a poke at him just for luck!" declared Jack.
+
+"I don't know about that," stated Jimmie. "I can't help but admire a
+fellow as capable as he is. He tied me up so quickly and cleverly and yet
+so effectively. I'd like to take lessons of him!"
+
+"Here's your gun!" joyously announced Harry. "And here's the milkmaid's
+dress he shed in here after he trussed you up."
+
+"Now, then," began Ned, as the party was again complete and ready for
+action, "let's get out of here and get our baggage."
+
+"Let's get Mackinder first," proposed Jack.
+
+"I vote 'No' on that question, Mr. Chairman!" declared Jimmie.
+
+"Why?" questioned Jack, with surprise. "What's the matter?"
+
+"Well, there are several matters!" declared Jimmie. "I don't feel that
+we'd gain anything by chasing him. The 'U-13' package is not in our
+possession and he knows it. Besides, he's a clever guy and we might get
+the worst of it if we step out of our way to go after him."
+
+"I agree with Jimmie," announced Ned. "Let's get aboard the Lena Garlic
+and get started on our way as soon as possible."
+
+"You mean Lena Knobloch!" corrected Harry.
+
+"It's the same thing!" declared Ned. "Knobloch means garlic!"
+
+"All right, then, let's get going!" agreed Jack.
+
+The boys lost little time in proceeding to their hotel, where they went
+directly to their room. Here a scene of confusion awaited them. Their
+possessions lay scattered around in disorder.
+
+"Well, Great Frozen Hot Boxes!" cried Jimmie. "What's this?"
+
+"Mackinder and Norton again, I'll bet my head!" said Jack.
+
+"Weren't satisfied with their first search," agreed Jimmie.
+
+"Came back here and went through everything. Then I'll bet Mackinder
+grabbed that milk cart and dogs, slipped on an old lady's dress and
+chased down to the dock to see if he could stop us!" put in Jack. "When
+he found we were armed he just cut it and ran away!"
+
+"Boys, we will do well to pack up and get aboard that vessel as quickly
+as possible!" declared Ned. "Through a mistake we're under suspicion, and
+it won't pay us to remain here another minute!"
+
+Replacing their belongings in the bags with skill and despatch the lads
+were soon ready. They at once proceeded to the dock.
+
+Tramping aboard they proceeded to the cabin at the after end of the
+vessel. Entering they discovered Captain von Kluck seated at the little
+table. Before him was a bottle and a glass.
+
+"Well, Captain," began Ned, "we're here and ready to go!"
+
+"So-o-o?" queried von Kluck. "Vhell, if you're reatty to go, vhy go! But
+you don'd go on dis schip. Vhe don'd carry bassengers!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+A DIFFICULT DEPARTURE
+
+
+Astounded at the statement of the captain, whom they had begun to regard
+as a friend but whose present manner indicated anything but friendship,
+the boys glanced at each other in some degree of alarm.
+
+"Just what do you mean by that, Captain?" inquired Ned. "I thought it was
+understood that we were to have passage on your boat!"
+
+"Vhell, den I forgot dot vhe don'd carry bassengers!"
+
+"And I suppose it took Mackinder to refresh your memory!" snapped Jimmie,
+stepping forward with an outward thrust of his chin.
+
+At the mention of Mackinder's name the captain gave a quick start. His
+glance at Jimmie was one of uneasiness and alarm.
+
+"Vot do you know about Mackinter?" he inquired.
+
+"I know this," stated Jimmie, angrily. "He's a fake and if you know when
+you're well off you'll let go your lines right now!"
+
+"Yes, Captain," added Ned, "we found Mackinder trying to detain us
+because he fancies we have done something wrong or because he thinks we
+have something he wants. Who he may be we don't know!"
+
+"I know!" stated the captain, stoutly. "I know dot feller is a officer in
+der British army, und vhen he says shtay, den I shtay!"
+
+"An officer in the British army!" gasped Jimmie.
+
+"I think I see now why he wants that package!" declared Ned. "He thinks
+that we are bringing some instructions or something to the submarine
+named 'U-13' and he's trying to intercept the despatches!"
+
+"Well, he's welcome to the 'U-13' package as far as we're concerned!"
+maintained Jimmie. "What we want is to get home to the little old U. S.
+A., and that right quick. So, Captain, we'll go now, if you please!"
+
+"No!" decided the captain bluntly. "Vhe don'd go!"
+
+"But you may listen to reason!" said Jimmie, drawing his automatic. "I
+don't like to hold you up, but you're going to get out of town right now
+and we're going with you!"
+
+"Put dot gun oop!" cried the captain, starting from his seat.
+
+"I will on one condition!" declared the boy. "If you get under way at
+once without any more monkey business I'll keep it in my pocket. If you
+don't I'll use it! We are neutral and we're going to remain neutral if we
+have to fight to do so!"
+
+"Vhell, I guess dere's no real goot reason vhy vhe shouldn't go, anyhow!"
+decided the captain. "Mackinter don'd got no license to shtop us. Aber he
+don'd like id, he couldt lump id!"
+
+"Now you're talking sense!" declared Jimmie. "But, remember! No tricks,
+or we'll feel like starting something ourselves!"
+
+"All right!" consented von Kluck, secretly anxious to help the boys.
+"Chust come along und make me leaf port. Dot let's me ouid!"
+
+Upon von Kluck's appearing at the companionway the crew immediately
+assumed an air of attention. Some were grouped about the capstan, where
+they were watching the sky and speculating on the character of the
+approaching storm. Others were occupied at various duties about the
+vessel. Every man seemed to stand in fear of the captain.
+
+Bawling out a hoarse order, von Kluck at once assumed command of the
+deck. Lines were thrown down from the belaying pins. A group of men
+tailed onto the halyards, hoisting the foresail, staysail and jib.
+
+The Lena Knobloch was a schooner-rigged vessel with two masts. The boys
+noted with a considerable degree of satisfaction that she was built along
+clipper lines, vastly different from the round-bowed type of vessel
+commonly seen in those waters.
+
+Under jib, staysail and foresail the vessel swung around as the dock
+lines were let go. Gathering speed with the force of a favorable wind the
+little vessel plunged ahead. Von Kluck was evidently planning on leaving
+the harbor without the use of a tug--a somewhat difficult, if not
+dangerous, experiment.
+
+Urged by the vociferous driving of the mate men were already hauling on
+the halyards of the mainsail. With the added press of sail the Lena
+Knobloch heeled over until her lee rail was nearly awash.
+
+A strong wind was coming out of the northwest, favoring the maneuver of
+von Kluck, but kicking up considerable commotion on the harbor. Waves
+were running so high as to make navigation of small craft exceedingly
+difficult if not dangerous.
+
+Carrying full staysail, jib, foresail and mainsail the schooner plunged
+into the waves, sending cascades of water over her forecastle with every
+leap. She was loaded deeply and the boys could see that she would prove
+to be what the sailors term a "wet ship."
+
+Every moment the speed was increasing. The mate had trimmed the sheets to
+the exact point for greatest efficiency.
+
+Suddenly all hands were startled by a hail from a point on the starboard
+bow. They saw a small motor boat riding dizzily upon the crest of a wave
+one moment to be dropped out of sight in the trough the next.
+
+"Ahoy, the Knobloch!" came a cry.
+
+"Ahoy, the launch!" bawled out the mate in a voice of thunder. "What do
+you want? Stand off or we'll run you down!"
+
+"We want those passengers of yours!" was the reply.
+
+"All right, come on and get 'em!" yelled the mate above the noise of
+singing wind in the rigging. "We can't stop now!"
+
+"If you don't heave to I'll fire!" was the answer.
+
+"Good night!" cried Jimmie from a position near the lee rail, where he
+could look out beneath the main boom. "That's Mackinder!"
+
+A revolver shot sounded amidst the tumult of rushing waters and singing
+rigging. The echo was quickly bitten off by the rising wind. The shot
+sounded dully above the humming and roaring.
+
+Before Ned could detain him Jimmie fired. Faintly the boys heard a crash
+aboard the motor boat. The green starboard sidelight of the launch
+disappeared. Urged on by the tremendous press of wind in her sails the
+Lena Knobloch was fast dropping the launch astern.
+
+No other shots were fired at the schooner. Scrambling from his position
+at the starboard rail Jimmie made his way aft to a point beside the
+helmsman. Here he peered eagerly into the darkness astern.
+
+"I can't see them at all!" he announced, turning presently to his
+companions, who were grouped about the little skylight.
+
+"Perhaps we've shaken them off for keeps!" ventured Jack. "Did you see
+who that was with Mackinder?"
+
+"I thought," said Harry, "that it was his pal, Norton!"
+
+"Well, they're safely out of reach now!" declared Ned. "I'm glad of it,
+too! If we can hold on at this gait we'll soon reach a port in England,
+where we can transship the Grey Eagle and get home."
+
+"I only hope the real 'U-13' doesn't come along and demand that package
+from us!" laughed Harry. "They might take a notion to send us to the
+bottom if we don't deliver it on demand!"
+
+"Let us hope they're busy on the west coast of England by this time!"
+suggested Jack. "I don't want any more 'U-13' in mine!"
+
+"Vhat's dot about der 'U-13'?" inquired von Kluck, coming up to the
+little group. "Is id der 'U-13' dot you're skipping?"
+
+In a few words Ned related the important details of their experience with
+the 'U-13' package and with Mackinder.
+
+"And so," the boy concluded, "we were just hoping that the real 'U-13'
+wouldn't show up and claim the package that we haven't got!"
+
+"No danger!" reassured von Kluck. "Dis vindt keeps dose fellers under
+vasser deep! Dey like rough vedder not at all!"
+
+"Hurrah!" joyfully cried Jimmie. "Blow, winds; blow hard!" the lad
+continued, stretching his hands to windward in an appealing attitude.
+"Blow hard enough to keep the submarines submarooned!"
+
+A laugh went round as the boys listened to Jimmie's coined word. They
+were all heartily in sympathy with the expressed wish that the wind would
+blow hard enough to keep the submarines from the surface.
+
+"But, den," continued von Kluck, with a frown that wrinkled his heavy
+brows, "dot's not all. Dere's mines floatin' round der Nord Sea dot dem
+verdom Deutsches blanted. Maybe vhe hit one of dem und if vhe do--"
+
+Here the captain shrugged his shoulders, spreading his hands palm upward
+and extending them with a final toss aloft to indicate the hopelessness
+of a situation such as he intimated might befall them.
+
+"Can't we dodge a mine?" queried Jimmie.
+
+"Sure, if vhe can see id!" declared von Kluck.
+
+"That's the trouble," explained Ned. "These mines float deep and before a
+ship can know of its danger--Bang!"
+
+"Well, Ned," announced Jimmie with a grin, as he wrinkled his freckled
+nose, "I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll bet you my old hat that if we do
+hit a mine and get blown up I go higher than you do!"
+
+"All right," agreed Ned, laughing in spite of the seriousness of the
+situation. "We'll ask von Kluck to be the judge."
+
+"Von Kluck don't seem to be very much worried over the prospect of
+hitting a mine!" declared Jimmie. "I guess we're all right!"
+
+"Und now," announced the captain, "come to der cabin und eat!"
+
+The boys needed no second invitation. They were soon seated about the
+little table, where they found great slabs of cheese set out on a plate.
+Loaves of hard, black bread were placed upon the table by the steward,
+who withdrew to presently reappear bearing a great pot of steaming
+coffee. Von Kluck refreshed himself with a glass of his beloved
+"schnapps," then fell to heartily upon the bread and cheese, motioning to
+the boys to do likewise.
+
+With considerable relish the lads made a good lunch off the bread and
+cheese and coffee. Hard and dark, but possessing considerable nutriment,
+the bread was not at all unpleasant to the taste. It had been plentifully
+seasoned with small seeds, which lent an appetizing flavor.
+
+Shortly after finishing their lunch the boys again gained the deck, to
+find the mate actively driving the men in their various duties. The wind
+still came out of the northwest with a stinging snap. Ned declared that
+he could feel rain approaching.
+
+"Feels to me more like snow!" stated Jimmie, sniffing to windward. "We'll
+be getting outside the Friesian Islands soon and then we'll find out
+what's coming. We're somewhat protected here."
+
+"How long will it be before we pass into the North Sea, Captain von
+Kluck?" asked Ned of the captain, who approached.
+
+"Vhe might make id by morning," stated the captain. "I vish I make a
+swift voyage dis time. If Mackinter gets news to England ahead of me,
+maybe he makes droubles by das Lena Knobloch."
+
+"So you're carrying all the canvas you dare?" asked Harry.
+
+"Chust now, yes! Maybe vhen vhe come about und head up into der vindt vhe
+get oop der tops'ls und put oop uuder vun chib. I reach off a goot vays
+und leaf Amsterdam und der vest coast of der Zuider Zee, den I make vun
+straight reach und run ouid by Eijerlandsche Gut."
+
+"Then I'm going below to try for a little sleep!" declared Jimmie. "I'm
+not needed on deck and this wind is too cold for comfort!"
+
+"I'll go with you and keep you company," volunteered Jack.
+
+"We'll all go," added Harry. "Come on, Ned."
+
+Clinging to hand rails the lads scrambled below. The deck leaned at an
+angle that made walking almost impossible. Every plunge sent shivers
+through the little vessel. Tons of water broke over the bows and dashed
+along the planks to rush hissing through the scuppers.
+
+In the cabin a lamp swung wildly from a beam overhead, throwing weird,
+dancing shadows on the bulkheads. Here the noises of the wind were
+hushed. Only a moaning from the taut rigging reached the ears of the four
+lads. But the cabin was full of eerie sounds of creaking timbers and
+straining planks. For some time the boys lay on lockers listening to the
+confusion of noises. Presently they fell asleep.
+
+They were wakened by the sound of tramping feet on deck, and knew that
+some maneuver was about to be executed. Coils of rigging were flung on
+deck. The stentorian voice of the mate bawled out orders.
+
+"Stand by to come about!" roared you Kluck over their heads.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+A WARNING FROM THE SEA
+
+
+Springing from their resting places the four boys staggered up the
+unsteady companionway. As they gained the deck they were assailed by
+terrific gusts of wind carrying sleet and snow. During their stay below
+the weather had turned colder, bringing fitful dashes of sleet out of the
+north. The schooner presently rode easier.
+
+A hoarse order from forward was followed by a clanking of the cable
+through the hawse pipes. The sails rattled with great slapping noises as
+the Lena Knobloch rode to her anchor.
+
+Men were instantly aloft securing the lighter topsails. With a run the
+foresail and mainsail were lowered and furled. The staysail and jib had
+but a moment before been lowered as the schooner was headed into the
+wind. Under bare poles they rode on gentler swells.
+
+"Where are we?" asked Harry, throwing up an arm to protect his face.
+"Have we reached England yet? Where is the captain?"
+
+"Vhell, how do you like id now?" roared the voice of von Kluck almost at
+Harry's elbow. "Vhat you tink of dis for some shtorm?"
+
+"This is fierce!" replied the lad, bracing himself against the wind.
+"Where are we now, Captain von Kluck?"
+
+"Under der lee of one of der Friesian Islands," replied the captain. "I
+see some rocks aheadt und dere is a big shteamer in drouble oop to
+vindvard. I hope she makes id into safety, bud I don'd know!"
+
+Shaking his head doubtfully the captain went away forward. Presently he
+returned, still shaking his head. The crew except the captain and the
+mate were gathered forward round the capstan.
+
+"Dere's rocks dere--lots of dem!" announced von Kluck. "Dot wessel looks
+like she's lost her rutter, und if she gets off dem rocks dot captain
+needs a medal. I tink he's a goner, sure!"
+
+It did, indeed, appear as if von Kluck was right. A big cargo steamer,
+now dimly discernible to the boys, was rolling in the trough of a heavy
+sea, urged on by a vicious wind from the northwest. Her range lights
+showed clearly at the mast heads. A gleam of red indicated that the
+vessel was showing her port side. With every roll great masses of water
+boarded the weather rail, sweeping the decks of every movable object.
+
+"Look!" cried the mate, excitedly pointing toward the steamer.
+
+There was no need of explanation. A great mass of rock directly in the
+path upon which the steamer was drifting sent gigantic columns of water
+into the air with every wave. Although the eastern sky showed a tinge of
+gray the blackness upon the water was intense. It was lightened
+momentarily by the white smother of spray and foam cast upward as wave
+after wave broke upon the black and threatening menace lying immediately
+before the apparently doomed vessel.
+
+"Py golly, he's all right!" yelled von Kluck in a moment. "He's lost dot
+rutter und he's backing on his enchines! He'll make id!"
+
+Surely enough the steamer's captain was executing the very maneuver at
+which von Kluck had guessed. By backing on his engines he succeeded in
+drawing the vessel so far to one side of the dangerous rock that it was
+passed. Only a margin extremely narrow intervened.
+
+But the danger had not passed. Another rock threatened to tear to pieces
+the all but helpless vessel. With straining eyes and beating hearts the
+lads watched anxiously as this danger was also cleared.
+
+They clung to the weather shrouds in spite of the whip-like sting of
+sleet and spray, watching the struggle against wind, wave and rock.
+
+At length the vessel won through the dangerous places. It was now so
+close that the boys could make out the details of the rigging. Ned
+procured a pair of binoculars and spelled out the name.
+
+"That steamer is the Anne of Melbourne," he announced. "I wonder if it
+isn't an Australian vessel. They have had a hard time of it."
+
+"She's close to us now," cried Harry. "I wonder what they'll do."
+
+"If they're wise they'll let go an anchor and ride it out," answered
+Jimmie. "If I had sense enough to bring a vessel through a tight place
+like that I'd get a hook overboard as soon as I could."
+
+"That's just what they are doing!" announced Ned. "There's a group of men
+at the forward end preparing to get the anchor over."
+
+Directly the boys heard the rattle of the cable in the steamer's hawse
+pipes, followed instantly by a great splash at the bow that told as
+plainly as words that the ground tackle was out.
+
+Still feeling the heave of waves surging around the head of the island
+the steamer slowly swung to her cable. The range lights shifted their
+position. The red side light disappeared.
+
+"She's safe now!" cried Ned, in a tone of relief. "I'm glad they made it
+all right. I wonder how they got crippled."
+
+"Let me take the glasses a minute, Ned," requested Harry.
+
+"Can you see what's the matter with her?" queried Jimmie.
+
+"Yes," replied the boy, with the glasses to his eye. "Von Kluck was
+right. It looks as if the rudder stock is twisted and bent badly out of
+shape. As the stern lifts I can see the blades of the propeller all
+right, but the rudder seems to be missing."
+
+"The Anne of Melbourne," mused Ned. "I wonder now what that vessel is
+doing away off up here. If they had a cargo destined for an English port
+they should have been much farther south."
+
+"You don't suppose the captain lost his reckoning and got this far out of
+his course, do you?" suggested Jimmie.
+
+"I don't know," replied Ned. Then turning to Captain von Kluck the lad
+continued: "Captain, what do you think about it?"
+
+"Mit der var doing so many tings, I don'd know what to tink!"
+
+"I can see men moving about on deck now, apparently clearing up the
+recent damage," stated Harry. "And I see a Boy Scout, too!"
+
+"No!" objected Jimmie. "Don't say that! I don't want any more Boy Scouts
+mixed up in this! It isn't fair!"
+
+"Just the same, he's there!" laughed Harry.
+
+"Well, then," stated Jimmie, with a sigh of resignation, "we are in for
+another siege of it. I never knew it to fail! Just as quickly as we get
+going somewhere and a Boy Scout shows up there's trouble ahead and lots
+of it! Why can't they stay home?"
+
+"Now, Jimmie," cautioned Ned, "you know we've never in all our adventures
+found a Boy Scout that really brought us ill luck. Sometimes they've
+caused us a lot of trouble, but usually they help!"
+
+"That's true, too, but I wish we could get home to the little old U. S.
+A. without mixing up in this 'U-13' business with the Boy Scouts!"
+
+"Maybe it'll come out all right after all," soothed Ned.
+
+"Maybe," reluctantly agreed Jimmie. "I say, Harry," he continued, "let me
+take those glasses. I want to see what that fellow's like."
+
+Long and eagerly the lad peered through the binoculars.
+
+"I see him!" he cried, presently. "He's going up the foreshrouds! I'll
+bet he's working his passage on that steamer!"
+
+"What's he doing on the foreshrouds?" asked Ned.
+
+"It looks as if something had fouled at the fore top," replied Jimmie.
+"He's going up to clear it, I guess. Oh, look!" the boy shouted. "He's
+falling! He's broken one of the ratlines and is falling!"
+
+"I see him!" cried Ned. "I can see him!"
+
+"Oh, good!" exclaimed Jimmie, the next moment. "He hit the shrouds and
+the steamer rolled at the right minute, throwing him clear of the deck.
+See that splash in the water?"
+
+"I see it!" answered the others, together.
+
+"Are they trying to help him?" asked Harry.
+
+"Yes, they are," stated Jimmie. "They've thrown him a ring buoy!"
+
+"Can you see him now?" asked Ned.
+
+"Yes, and he's swimming. There must be a current in here that's dragging
+him away from the steamer. The buoy fell short and he's swimming directly
+away from the steamer. He's coming towards us!"
+
+Intently the lad watched the one in the water. He swam a good stroke
+resting easily, even though somewhat impeded by his clothing.
+
+Now and again as the crest of a wave approached the swimmer his head was
+submerged, only to reappear again in the yeasty froth following the
+racing monster. Eagerly his progress was noted by all on board the
+schooner. They were at a loss to understand why he had left his own
+vessel to swim toward a strange craft.
+
+Presently, however, as he approached the Lena Knobloch the lad's strokes
+became more feeble. He was evidently tiring rapidly.
+
+"Captain, what do you say to getting a boat over?" asked Ned.
+
+"Vhait!" grunted von Kluck. "Id's lots of vork to do id!"
+
+"But the lad may need help!" urged Ned, eagerly.
+
+"Vhell, if he needs id, I put him ofer. Nod before!"
+
+Jimmie ran forward into the very eyes of the schooner. In his hands he
+grasped a ring buoy, to which was attached a goodly length of line. This
+he coiled ready to heave the buoy to the one in the water as soon as he
+should come within reach.
+
+Just as Jimmie was measuring with his eye the distance separating the
+swimmer from his goal and preparing for a mighty throw of the buoy he
+noted that the other's stroke was fast weakening.
+
+With a jerk the Wolf unfastened and kicked loose a shoe. In an instant
+the other followed. A rapid movement loosened his jacket. A backward
+twist of his shoulders helped him slip from the garment.
+
+One look over the rail showed that the swimmer was losing control of his
+muscles. Both hands went up into the air only to disappear beneath the
+crest of an oncoming wave. The boy stayed under.
+
+"Stand by to get me, boys!" shouted Jimmie.
+
+A splash told that he had gone overboard. His companions crowded eagerly
+to the rail, watching for his reappearance. In a moment they were
+relieved to see his red head come up close to the spot where the other
+had sunk. Emptying his lungs of the pent up air with a loud "Whoosh!" the
+boy instantly refilled them to plunge again under water.
+
+To the intense satisfaction of those on board the schooner he again came
+quickly to the surface, this time dragging by the hair the boy to whose
+rescue he had gone. Swimming on his back, using but one hand, Jimmie
+slowly brought the other lad to a position where he could reach the buoy
+flung to him by Ned's strong arm.
+
+Harry had already made a bowline in a bight at the end of a line. This he
+passed over the side to Jimmie, who succeeded without difficulty in
+getting the loop over the shoulders of the rescued lad.
+
+Soon both were on deck, where they received the attentions of all hands.
+Captain von Kluck insisted upon giving the newcomer a draught of
+"schnapps" to assist in the reviving process. As the fiery liquor burned
+its way down his throat the lad coughed violently.
+
+Choking and spitting the lad clawed at his burning mouth and throat.
+Evidently he thought the cure worse than the disease.
+
+"Let's get into the cabin," suggested Jimmie. "I'm freezing!"
+
+"Sure enough!" cried Ned. "How thoughtless of us! Captain," he added,
+"can you have the steward bring us some coffee?"
+
+Roaring for the steward to perform this service, the captain picked up
+the nearly drowned lad in his strong arms. He deposited the boy on a
+locker in the cabin, then stood aside to permit his passengers to
+administer such assistance as they might.
+
+Ned stepped forward to begin operations. With a cry he bent over the boy.
+Wonderingly the others crowded forward.
+
+"Frank!" cried Ned, seizing the lad by the shoulders. "Frank! Speak to
+me! Frank, how did you get here?"
+
+"Who is it?" asked Jimmie, elbowing his way into the group to a position
+where he could see the recumbent figure. "Why," continued the boy in a
+tone of amazement, "if it ain't old Frank Shaw of New York!"
+
+A cup of steaming coffee at this moment brought by the steward was
+offered to the newcomer, who drank eagerly. He glanced about the group
+with a faint smile in answer to their puzzled looks.
+
+"Look out for the 'U-13', boys!" he said.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+MORE ABOUT THE "U-13"
+
+
+"Frank Shaw!" cried Jimmie, crowding close to the lad lying on the
+locker. "What's that you're saying about the 'U-13'?"
+
+"I say 'Look out for it,' that's all!"
+
+"No, it isn't all!" protested the boy. "Take another drink of this coffee
+and then brace up and tell us what you know! How did you get here and
+what and who and where and why is this 'U-13'?"
+
+Frank smiled as he struggled to a sitting posture.
+
+"If you'll rub the cramp out of that leg, boys, I'll 'fess up'
+everything," he began. "That leg feels as if some one were trying to pull
+some teeth out of it by the roots. A cramp is fierce."
+
+Two lads began massaging the offending member.
+
+"If I'd known it was you swimming to us, I'd have lowered a boat myself
+and come to your assistance!" declared Jimmie.
+
+"And if I'd known you were on board this schooner," replied Frank, "I'd
+have left that ship long before I did!"
+
+"Why, what's the matter on that ship, Frank?" asked Ned.
+
+"Oh, nothing, only it's one of these 'work-houses' just exactly like we
+have read of. The captain is a hard nut and the mates are both of the
+'bucko' type. There isn't a man aboard who hasn't got a mark from one or
+the other of the mates. They're a tough crowd!"
+
+"I'll bet you didn't just fall overboard, then!" shrewdly guessed Jimmie.
+"You missed your footing purposely! You know you did!"
+
+"How do you know?" grinned Frank, nursing his cramped leg.
+
+"I was watching through the binoculars," answered Jimmie. "But go ahead
+and tell us something. We're dying from curiosity!"
+
+"Well," began Frank, "you know I wasn't quite satisfied to be left behind
+when you four lads left in chase of the fellow who had stolen the Panama
+plans. I wanted to go along in the Grey Eagle."
+
+"We know that, and we're sorry we didn't take you!" cried Ned.
+
+"I went to see Mr. Bosworth about following you," continued young Shaw.
+"He was opposed to that plan, but you know I usually get my own way
+somehow. I put together a kit and started out. I had little difficulty in
+securing passage on a ship loaded with miscellaneous cargo for England.
+The vessel was a British tramp--a 'bucko' ship.
+
+"We got close to Land's End after a rather uneventful voyage across the
+Atlantic. I was dreaming of getting ashore in a short time and then
+hiking across the channel into France to hunt you up.
+
+"One fine morning we were all startled to hear a hail from the lookout
+informing the deck that a submarine was approaching. We hove to at the
+command of the submarine people. They commanded our captain to get his
+crew into the boats as quickly as possible, for in five minutes they
+intended torpedoing the ship. They wouldn't take 'No' for an answer."
+
+"That was going some, I must say!" put in Jimmie.
+
+"You needn't be told, of course," went on Frank, "that we lost little
+time making preparations. One of the sailors disputed my right to take my
+kit into the small boat. I objected and he cracked me on the jaw. When I
+recovered I was alone on the vessel. The boats were at some little
+distance away, with the crew pulling like racers.
+
+"For a moment I was quite desperate, not knowing how to escape. I thought
+of trying to signal the submarine, but could see the vessel just
+launching a torpedo. Seemingly the whole after end of the ship was
+shattered by the explosion. As soon as I could I tried to signal the
+enemy, but they were just turning about to leave the spot.
+
+"Maybe I didn't hustle about some. The ship was already filling rapidly.
+The stern was settling fast. All the boats were gone. I could see nothing
+to serve as a float. Desperately I seized a capstan bar and knocked the
+wedges and battens off a hatch cover. Then I got a small piece of line. I
+passed it through a ring bolt and made fast. I figured that when the ship
+went down the cover would float free for a raft on which I could keep up.
+Before I was fully ready the compressed air blew the cover off with a
+'boom'. It landed close to the rail.
+
+"Just as the hull took a last slant I jumped overboard. After swimming
+quite a distance away I saw the ship go down. I turned back. There was my
+hatch cover floating just as I expected."
+
+Here Frank paused to extend his hand for another cup of coffee.
+
+"You're the wise little Scout!" declared Jimmie, admiringly.
+
+"Sure!" agreed Frank. "Then," he continued, "I floated around for the
+rest of the day on that hatch cover. Toward evening I saw a smoke off to
+the southwest. It was just out of the glare of the sun. When it got
+nearer I knew it was a steamer bound for England or some nearby place. It
+was the Anne of Melbourne. So here I am!"
+
+"But what about this 'U-13'?" inquired Harry, eagerly.
+
+"Oh, yes, I nearly forgot," said Frank. "The submarine that torpedoed the
+ship was marked 'U-13' on the side!"
+
+"They've been doing a lot of that, according to the newspapers!" stated
+Ned. "But why do you warn us to look out for her?" he asked.
+
+"When I told the captain of the Anne of my experience," went on Frank,
+"he decided to head north, intending to go to the westward of Ireland,
+around between Scotland and the Shetland Island into the North Sea, in
+the hopes of dodging the submarine, which seemed to be working the waters
+of the English Channel. Yesterday morning we were hailed by a submarine.
+I could see that it was the same old 'U-13'!"
+
+"How did it get way up here?" questioned Ned, incredulously.
+
+"Search me!" replied Frank. "They ordered us to heave to, but that
+captain is a daredevil. He cracked on all steam full speed ahead,
+declaring that if they took him they'd have to catch him.
+
+"The submarine launched a torpedo at us, but it only smashed our rudder.
+We had good headway on. That, of course, put us in a mighty bad fix, as
+the submarine could then have easily sent a torpedo into us, but for some
+unknown reason they turned and left us.
+
+"The captain was nearly crazy when he discovered what damage had been
+done. The vessel had been bad enough before, but it became ten times
+worse. I got a crack or two with a rope's end that sting yet!"
+
+"How could they navigate?" asked Jimmie.
+
+"They couldn't!" answered Frank. "We just lay in the trough of the seas
+and let the old tub roll. They even put preventer stays on the masts and
+on the boilers to keep them from rolling out of the crazy old wagon. You
+never saw such a place as that ship was!"
+
+"And then when the captain got her under the lee of this land and you saw
+this schooner you just concluded that you'd jump the ship?"
+
+"Exactly!" agreed Frank. "I had lost my kit when the sailing vessel went
+down, so I left nothing on the steamer."
+
+"I'm awful glad you got here safely," stated Ned, grasping Frank's hand
+in a hearty clasp that spoke eloquently of the friendship between the two
+boys. "But you're too late to help capture the Panama Canal plan thief.
+He's out of his misery quite a while ago!"
+
+"But he's just in time to get mixed up in this 'U-13' business!" urged
+Jimmie. "He's right in the midst of the excitement!"
+
+"But since you don't want any more Boy Scouts along we'll pitch Frank
+overboard again!" declared Harry, with mock gravity.
+
+"Aw, you go on!" scorned Jimmie. "I didn't know it was Frank!"
+
+Laughing at Jimmie's confusion the boys related to their chum the salient
+points of their experience up to the time of their strange meeting. Frank
+was greatly puzzled over the circumstances of the strange package, for
+the presence of which in their kits the boys could not account.
+
+For some time the lads remained in the cabin, drying the uniforms of the
+swimmers and exchanging experiences. It was the opinion of all that they
+would be adopting a wise course to return at once to New York.
+
+Captain von Kluck was greatly interested in his strange passengers. He
+listened eagerly to Frank's account of the doings of the strange
+submarine. At the conclusion of the recital he paced the deck nervously.
+
+Not until midafternoon did the wind decrease sufficiently to permit the
+Lena Knobloch to venture forth from her position of shelter.
+
+Through the binoculars the boys made long examinations of the steamer
+lying to windward of their position. They determined that preparations
+were being made to send a boat's crew to some port for assistance in
+towing the crippled vessel to a harbor.
+
+At one bell, or half past four o'clock, Captain von Kluck came from his
+cabin. He stepped to the rail, sniffing at the wind. Presently he turned
+to join the mate in his walk across the deck.
+
+For some minutes the two conversed in low tones. Directly the mate
+stepped forward, bawling out orders to his men.
+
+At once all was commotion on the Knobloch's decks. Men tumbled eagerly
+about, hauling a line here, letting go another there, until they had set
+the double reefed mainsail, foresail and a mere rag of jib.
+
+When this had been accomplished all hands seized capstan bars. To the
+tune of a Dutch sailors' "chanty" the links of the cable slowly clanked
+inboard. With a lurch the Lena Knobloch swung as the anchor broke ground.
+Like a storm driven bird she was off in the wings of a northwester, lying
+far over even under the greatly reduced sail.
+
+"Where to now, Captain?" asked Ned as von Kluck stepped along the deck
+with head bent forward. By his manner of nervous intentness Ned guessed
+that the captain was carrying a load on his mind.
+
+Von Kluck's only response was a growl as he passed the boys.
+
+"Captain's grouchy!" declared Jimmie. "Leave him alone, Ned!"
+
+"Sure, don't bother him!" added Frank. "He's worried enough!"
+
+"Just the same, I don't like his looks!" stated Ned with some degree of
+apprehension. "He seems to have soured after hearing about the 'U-13.'
+Didn't you fellows notice how he listened to Frank's story?"
+
+"Sure we did," Jimmie replied, "but then, it's only natural that he
+should be worried over the possibility of losing his vessel!"
+
+"Well, his getting under way in this weather shows that he intends to be
+square and land us in an English port as he agreed!"
+
+"I guess von Kluck is a pretty good sort of a chap, after all!" ventured
+Harry. "He has tried to treat us as right as he could!"
+
+"I think you're right. We can't blame him for feeling somewhat worried
+under the circumstances. We'd be grouchy, too!"
+
+Under a port helm the Lena Knobloch swung to starboard leaping forward
+into the waves as if glad to again be battling with the sea.
+
+Ned and his companions felt that they could be of no service in handling
+the schooner. They, therefore, retired to the shelter of the cabin, where
+they were protected from the stinging blasts of sleet and snow that came
+screaming out of the northwest.
+
+Scarcely had the schooner won clear of the jagged ledges when the full
+force of the tumbling waves was felt. It seemed to the boys that the
+stern of the little vessel was hurled to an unbelievable height only to
+drop so far they feared nothing could save them.
+
+But Captain von Kluck and his mate were expert navigators. They had
+sailed the ocean since large enough to handle a line. They knew the Lena
+Knobloch's ability to withstand the buffeting of the elements.
+
+As night drew on the boys expected to witness a cessation of the storm.
+Their prediction was fulfilled. Gradually the gale blew itself out,
+leaving but a strong sailing breeze, although the water still continued
+rough. Captain von Kluck took advantage of this change to shake out the
+reefs in his canvas and to spread more sail.
+
+Just as the moon showed in the east between masses of cloud the lookout
+reported a ship in sight off the port bow. In a short time the two
+vessels had approached within about two miles of each other.
+
+"They're apparently heaving to!" cried Ned who had been using the
+binoculars. "It looks as if they're getting the boats over!"
+
+From the waist of the other vessel the boys saw a great cloud of dark
+smoke appear. The small boats had scarcely gone a ship's length away from
+the scene. The crew were rowing with the greatest haste.
+
+"I see the conning tower of a submarine!" cried Ned.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+A STRANGE VISIT
+
+
+Clearly visible to the members of the crew on the Lena Knobloch the great
+cloud of smoke slowly spread over the vessel.
+
+Directly a sullen "Boom" reached their ears. As the smoke spread away the
+lads could see a great rent in the side through which water was rushing.
+Already the ship was listing heavily.
+
+Two small boats were being pulled away from the vicinity by the crew of
+the doomed vessel. The small craft were handled in a seamanlike manner.
+They made good progress in spite of the still heavy sea.
+
+"By golly!" ejaculated Von Kluck, drawing a long breath. "Maybe vhe get
+id next, vhat? Dere ain'd no vay of tellin'!"
+
+"Why do you think that, Captain?" questioned Ned.
+
+"Dot verdom 'U-13'!" grunted Von Kluck. "Vhe'll pe lucky,"--here his
+excitement grew so intense that he delivered himself of several great
+sailor's oaths--"if vhe make a port in England alretty!"
+
+"Keep a sharp lookout, boys," said Ned. "Maybe we can get a sight of the
+'U-13' if it's still in this neighborhood."
+
+Scarcely had the boy uttered the words before the lookout hailed the
+deck. His voice vibrated with excitement and fear.
+
+"Vot is, aloft, dere?" roared Von Kluck.
+
+Excitedly jabbering in his intense emotion the lookout frantically
+pointed in the direction of the sinking ship. Without waiting for orders
+he came sliding down the halliards. As he landed on deck he turned an
+ashen face toward the captain. Again he pointed seaward.
+
+"The 'U-13'!" he gasped in an agony of terror.
+
+A glance in the direction indicated showed the boys an object like a spar
+buoy apparently standing upright in the water. The next moment a swell
+rolled over something beneath the upright object.
+
+The next wave disclosed a long, rounded steel hull. In the center the
+conning tower showed plainly. A moment later the outlines of the dreaded
+submarine were distinguishable as the craft was propelled to the surface.
+Each wave broke clear over the arched back of this terror of the seas
+leaving the black hull gleaming in the faint light. Only the upper
+portion of the conning tower escaped a ducking.
+
+Presently the hatch was opened. A man in uniform stepped out onto the
+narrow confines of the small deck. His attention was directed toward the
+schooner. After what seemed to the boys to be an almost endless
+examination of their vessel the man turned to address a remark to some
+one evidently close to the hatch but out of their vision.
+
+"What is he saying?" Ned asked von Kluck.
+
+"He iss telling dot odder feller dot vhe iss das Lena Knobloch!"
+
+"What next, I wonder?" speculated Jimmie aloud.
+
+"Next?" almost screamed von Kluck. "Next, vhe iss ordered to get by our
+boats into und row far enough avhay so dey couldt blow up us!"
+
+In his intense agitation the captain began pacing up and down the deck.
+The submarine drew close alongside the schooner easily keeping pace with
+the sailing vessel at the rate they were progressing.
+
+"Von Kluck is certainly worked up about it," remarked Harry as he noted
+the captain's distracted manner. "He's almost bughouse!"
+
+"Well, so would you be, too, if all you had were about to be sent to the
+bottom of the ocean!" declared Ned. "It's tough luck!"
+
+"Maybe we'd better be getting our kits in shape," suggested Jack moving
+toward the cabin. "I don't want to leave everything!"
+
+"I had to leave everything," put in Frank, "when they sunk the ship I was
+on. I felt lucky to get away with my life!"
+
+"Let's make a try for it, anyway," continued Jack.
+
+"Wait a minute!" cried Ned, "let's see what they're going to do. The man
+is going below again! Why don't he hail us?"
+
+Strangely enough the officer was descending the hatchway without speaking
+a word to those on board the schooner.
+
+This procedure puzzled von Kluck, but did not serve to reduce in any
+degree the excitement under which he was laboring.
+
+"Lay aft a couble of handts und make reaty der boats!" he shouted. "Come
+on, hurry oop! Lifely, now, men!"
+
+In obedience to this command two members of the crew sprang towards the
+stern of the schooner to make preparations for launching the boat lashed
+at the stern. Two others frantically loosened the lashings of the
+upturned boat lying amidships.
+
+A clanking sound indicating that the hatchway of the "U-13" had been
+closed attracted the attention of the boys in that direction.
+
+"What are they going to do now?" questioned Jimmie eagerly.
+
+"I fancy they are going to pull away a little so as to launch a torpedo
+at us," stated Ned. "It don't look as if they're going to be kind enough
+to let us get off the vessel before they blow it up!"
+
+"Then it isn't the same crew I met!" declared Frank firmly. "They treated
+the men fine! While I must admit that I don't admire their way of sinking
+merchant ships, I will have to say that they gave the people a chance to
+get out of danger!"
+
+"Well, is it the same submarine you saw?" asked Ned.
+
+"It looks exactly like it. Besides," the boy continued, "I see the
+figures 'U-13' painted on the side of this one, too. I believe it is the
+very same vessel. Maybe they won't sink us!"
+
+With hatch closed the submarine was preparing to execute some maneuver.
+Gathering speed the craft plunged ahead quickly leaving the schooner
+alone. Scarcely had the bow of the sailing vessel been passed ere the
+submarine was so far beneath the water as to show only the periscope. In
+a moment there was but a swirl to indicate where that had been. Presently
+it, too, disappeared. The "U-13" was gone.
+
+For some time the boys stood at the rail eagerly scanning the water to
+discover evidence of the submarine's return. Their search was fruitless.
+Nothing was found to indicate the presence of their late visitor. The
+waves rose and fell without hint of its location.
+
+"Oh, Captain von Kluck!" Ned called. "They have gone!"
+
+"Vhat?" asked the captain in a tone expressing doubt.
+
+"Yes," continued the boy. "They have slipped back into the ocean again
+and have left us. Possibly they think we're too small for them to waste a
+torpedo on. Torpedoes cost a lot of money, you know!"
+
+"Vhell, dot's lucky!" answered the captain, much relieved.
+
+"Sure is!" assented Jimmie, throwing out his chest. "You see, Captain,
+we're mascots for you. We've brought you good luck!"
+
+Joining in the laugh that greeted this remark the captain ordered the men
+who had been at work upon the boats to cease their operations. A hand was
+again posted aloft to act as lookout.
+
+After a short consultation between von Kluck and the mate it was decided
+to proceed on the course traveled by the steamer from which Frank Shaw
+had recently escaped. They intended to pass between the Shetland islands
+and the coast of Scotland in an attempt to make a port on the west side
+of England, believing that there would be less danger in this procedure.
+Accordingly all sail possible was made.
+
+As if understanding the necessity for haste the vessel leaned far over
+under the press of canvas and sprang forward with increased speed.
+
+"We ought to make the west coast of England in a short time, Captain, at
+this rate," said Ned as he noted with satisfaction the rate at which the
+Lena Knobloch was traveling through the water.
+
+"I don'd know!" declared von Kluck. "Dere's nasty vedder oop dere!" he
+added, pointing to the western sky. "I don'd like id!"
+
+"It can't very well blow hard enough to stop us, can it?"
+
+"Don'd you tink it can't blow hard in dese vatters! Ask me--I know!"
+replied the captain sagely wagging his head.
+
+With eager looks the boys watched the gathering clouds to westward. The
+captain's prediction seemed about to be verified.
+
+An uncommonly strong puff of wind struck the schooner heeling her far
+over to starboard. The blast bore a chill as of ice.
+
+"Oh, boys," cried Jimmie turning his head away from the biting blast,
+"look up to windward and see how smooth the ocean is getting!"
+
+"That's wind coming!" shouted Ned.
+
+An order was roared out by von Kluck. Men sprang to the lines. The sails
+were stowed with a speed that seemed scarcely credible. Heeling round on
+a port helm the Lena Knobloch turned from the approaching blast.
+
+Leaving only the shortened jib von Kluck and the mate stood on the after
+deck peering anxiously at the violent disturbance overtaking the little
+vessel. Now and again the mate glanced apprehensively at the schooner's
+masts or along the decks.
+
+With a shriek the storm struck. For a moment the very weight of wind
+seemed to settle the schooner farther into the water. The next instant
+they were tearing along with the speed of a race horse.
+
+Flattened by the pressure of the wind the waves no longer gave her
+motion. By reason of her being headed directly away from the blast the
+schooner rode on an even keel. Every line, every shroud hummed like the
+strings of a gigantic harp. The noise was terrific.
+
+A glance at the compass in the binnacle showed Ned that they were headed
+nearly northeast. They were fast leaving England astern.
+
+Conversation was almost impossible in the howling gale that tore and
+fretted at the vessel. Yet Ned managed to shout to the captain:
+
+"How much sea room have we got in this direction?"
+
+A shrug of the shoulders indicated the captain's doubt. He accompanied
+this movement with a wagging of the head.
+
+"Vhe'll get into der lee of somedings bretty soon," he replied.
+
+"I surely hope so!" declared Ned, cupping his hands to carry his voice to
+the other's ear. "I'd hate to hit anything at this rate!"
+
+Nodding an acknowledgment to this assertion the captain by signs
+indicated to the mate that he desired a hand sent aloft as lookout.
+
+In a short time it seemed to the boys that the terrific force of the gale
+had somewhat spent itself. Waves began to toss the vessel at an alarming
+rate. Each mountain of water appeared about to board the schooner at the
+stern, threatening to crush the craft by its weight.
+
+Anxious for the safety of the vessel and for their own welfare the lads,
+nevertheless, understood that they could do little good on deck. They,
+therefore, made their way into the cabin, where they sat on lockers.
+
+Here the noises of the tempest were somewhat stilled, but the creaking
+and groaning of the timbers was far more noticeable. It seemed to the
+lads that the vessel was being torn asunder by every billow.
+
+"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_
+countrymen 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 hardtack, 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.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+HELPED BY AN ENEMY
+
+
+"What's that?" inquired Ned, startled at the unexpected sound.
+
+"Loose board, I guess," replied Jimmie, rather disgruntled at the turn
+affairs had taken. "The wind's ripping everything loose!"
+
+Again the tapping was repeated in an insistent manner.
+
+"I'm going to see what's going on here!" declared Ned, rising from his
+position. "Some one is trying to communicate with us!"
+
+"Some bloomin' Dutchman's tryin' to ask us whether we want sausage with
+our pancakes for breakfast!" growled Jimmie. "Let 'em alone!"
+
+Disregarding this statement the older lad proceeded toward the window,
+where fitful gusts of sleet beat. Outside the darkness covered
+everything. Only an occasional point of light indicated a sentry hut.
+
+"Who's there?" demanded Ned in a low tone.
+
+"Sh-h-h!" came a hiss from the darkness. "Open the window!"
+
+Ned fumbled a moment at the fastening. Presently he found the catch
+sliding the sash back in its channel. An exclamation escaped him as he
+did so. The face of the visitor was none other than that of their missing
+acquaintance, Mackinder. Ned was astounded.
+
+"Thought you were dead!" he cried in amazement.
+
+"Hush!" cautioned the other. "Not so loud. Now, if you lads want to get
+out of here this is your time. Everybody's busy or asleep!"
+
+"How do you know we want to get out of here?" demanded Jimmie in a low
+tone as he approached the opening.
+
+"Don't you suppose I have eyes? I saw what you were up to!"
+
+"Oh, you did, eh? Then what do you want us to do?"
+
+"If you want to get away from this place according to your plan, now is
+the time to take action," replied Mackinder in a whisper. "If you prefer
+to wait until tomorrow and stand trial for an offense of which you are
+innocent I cannot offer any objection of course."
+
+"Ned, I think we'd better make our getaway while the going's good!"
+
+"Second the motion!" declared Harry, who had softly approached the
+window. "Let's make a noise like a drum!"
+
+"I'm with you!" stated Frank, raising a foot to the window sill.
+
+"Easy there!" cautioned Jimmie. "Mind your step!"
+
+Frank was through the window in an instant. He landed on the earth with
+Mackinder's assistance without noise. Quickly the others followed. Ned
+took the precaution to slide the window shut.
+
+Cautiously the little group of six made their way in the direction of the
+wharf where the submarines were moored. Mackinder took the lead as if
+familiar with the ground. Once he paused, extending a warning hand to
+Jimmie, who was directly behind him. The lad performed a similar service
+for those in the rear. A sentry was approaching.
+
+Mackinder sank upon the ground. Although the night was too dark for the
+lads to see this action they were close enough to be aware of the
+movement. Instantly all followed suit.
+
+In a moment they breathed more freely. The sentry had passed within a few
+paces of their position. Evidently his feeling of security in the
+isolation of the island had made him somewhat negligent of his duties. He
+proceeded against the storm with head bent low.
+
+Again Mackinder rose to his feet. Cautiously he crept forward.
+
+On tiptoe the party gained the shelter of the warehouse.
+
+"Gee!" declared Jimmie as the edge of the wharf was gained, "I clean
+forgot my kit! What shall we do?"
+
+"Hush!" warned Ned. "Don't even dare think of your kit!"
+
+"I should say not!" put in Harry. "Think of your head instead!"
+
+"And the mines at the harbor entrance," added Frank.
+
+"All right!" submissively agreed Jimmie. "I'll keep quiet!"
+
+The wind had risen to such an extent that walking on the narrow planking
+was not only uncertain but extremely dangerous. Mackinder solved the
+problem by dropping to all fours. The boys followed suit.
+
+Directly they gained the submarine, the hatch was placed quietly in
+position for prompt closing and the lines which held the boat were let
+go.
+
+Owing to the movement of the boats caused by the roughened surface of the
+harbor creakings and groanings of the fenders had served to drown any
+noise the party had made in crossing the narrow bridge of planks.
+
+Jimmie held the wheel as Ned gave the signal for casting off the lines. A
+touch of Harry's hand on the lever started the engines. The submarine
+began to move. Suddenly a loud splash alongside attracted the attention
+of all. Frank came scuttling down the ladder.
+
+"Now I've done it!" he gasped. "I forgot to shove the plank back onto the
+next boat and it fell into the water as we started!"
+
+"Wonder if the guard has heard it!" speculated Ned. "Let me up!"
+
+Under protests from his companions the lad mounted the iron ladder and
+thrust his head through the hatch.
+
+"I hear someone running along the dock!" he announced presently. "I'll
+bet they have heard that noise! I see a light!" he added.
+
+"What are they doing?" inquired Jimmie, holding the boat directly in the
+center of the channel as he peered anxiously ahead.
+
+"A fellow with a lantern is running out along the planks," replied Ned.
+"They've got to the outside boat now. Now they're turning back."
+
+"Better get that hatch closed so we can dive," admonished Jimmie. "This
+is our time for getting out of sight in a hurry!"
+
+"There goes their searchlight!" shouted Frank, who had crowded up the
+ladder close beside Ned. "They're going to spot us in a hurry!"
+
+"Ah," cried Ned as a sullen roar came to their ears. "They're taking a
+chance shot at us from that cannon on the hill. Let's dive!"
+
+Quickly the two boys adjusted the hatch. As they signaled to their
+companions that this task was completed Harry and Jack turned the
+deflecting rudders. The half-manned submarine slowly began to descend.
+
+"Get some water into the tanks quick, Harry!" called Jimmie.
+
+"Pump's going right now!" declared the other. "We're going down!"
+
+"Take a look through the periscope, Ned," requested the pilot, "and let
+me know what you can make out. Can you see any buoys ahead?"
+
+"Try to see if they've located us with their searchlight," suggested
+Mackinder. "Maybe they are getting our range with that gun!"
+
+"Never mind about that searchlight," snapped Jimmie. "I want to find out
+what's ahead, not what's behind us. We'll run this boat!"
+
+"I simply wanted to know," objected Mackinder somewhat ruffled at the
+lad's peremptory manner. "No objection, is there?"
+
+"All the objection in the world!" declared Jimmie. "You're quite welcome
+aboard as a passenger, but we'll navigate the vessel, please!"
+
+Scarcely knowing whether to be amused or defiant at this attitude
+Mackinder chose the wiser course and refrained from further comment.
+
+Although the boys could not be sure that the persons on the island were
+making efforts to hinder their escape they felt the better course was to
+remain beneath the surface until well out of the harbor.
+
+Directly Jimmie called the attention of his comrades to an object in the
+water at no great distance ahead. The rays of the searchlight with which
+the submarine was provided indistinctly revealed a huge bulk slightly
+above the level at which they were traveling.
+
+"What is that, a ship?" asked Harry wonderingly.
+
+"I'll bet a cookie that's a mine!" declared Jimmie positively. "I'm going
+to give it a little more leeway, anyhow. It pays to be safe!"
+
+Ned was working the periscope in an effort to locate the buoys as
+directed by Jimmie. Occasionally he turned the glass toward the group of
+buildings they had just left.
+
+"They're shooting at us, I guess!" he stated presently. "I can see the
+flash of that cannon. It seems to be pointed this way!"
+
+"Let 'em shoot, they can't see anything but the periscope and they'd have
+an awful time hitting that!" boasted Jimmie.
+
+Scarcely had the lad spoken before the vessel was shaken by the force of
+a mighty concussion. A gigantic wave tossed the craft up and forward with
+a heave that threw the boys off their feet.
+
+"What was that?" gasped Jimmie glancing at his companions with a
+terrified face. "Has one of the fuel tanks blown up?"
+
+"Nothing doing!" replied Harry. "I think that cannon hit the mine we just
+passed. I'm glad we were no closer!"
+
+"We'll soon be out of their range!" stated Jimmie. "Shut up your
+periscope and we'll go deeper. Give us a little more speed, Harry!"
+
+In an hour Jimmie declared that they should be out of sight of the island
+altogether. The engines had been working at full speed ahead. Harry
+nursed the machinery constantly, knowing that it was new and would,
+therefore, require considerable care. Their urgent need for speed induced
+the lads to crowd the machinery to the limit, and Harry was gratified to
+note that every part responded properly to its task.
+
+"Well, Mackinder," stated Ned as the tension on their nerves began to
+relax with the increasing distance traveled, "we're surely grateful to
+you for suggesting that we get away as you did!"
+
+"My motive was largely a selfish one, I must confess," returned
+Mackinder. "I wanted very badly to get away from that island."
+
+"How did they ever get hold of you, anyhow?" questioned Jack.
+
+"I left Amsterdam the same evening you did. After the Lena Knobloch went
+past us as she did I knew there was little use trying to delay you.
+Therefore, my aide and myself left at once on a train for Rotterdam.
+There we found a fishing boat which we thought would answer our purpose.
+We induced the captain to take us aboard, intending to cross to England.
+After traveling some distance the storm overtook us. We were blown far
+out of our course. The vessel was badly battered. The crew left in a
+panic, leaving me on board. Just in time the German destroyer came along
+and took me off. That's it in a nutshell."
+
+"Yes, and then when you discovered us in our little boat you went and
+told the captain of the destroyer a lot of nonsense, didn't you?"
+questioned Jimmie in a somewhat aggressive manner. "Why did you do it?"
+
+"I only told him that you had at one time a package that belonged to me.
+I wanted the package badly. I thought he would assist me."
+
+"That wasn't a very nice way to go about it," declared Jimmie with
+emphasis. "After searching our baggage twice, and after we had told you
+how the package was in our kits without our knowledge, also that it had
+been stolen away from our possession, why didn't you believe us?"
+
+"There is an old saying that all is fair in love and war!" replied
+Mackinder. "You know that my country and Germany are at war. As an
+officer in the British army, it is my duty to do everything possible to
+assist my country. I believe that package contains information that my
+country could use. That is my justification for my acts, and I hope you
+boys are fair-minded enough to hold no resentment."
+
+"I'm just fair-minded enough to be neutral," declared Jimmie, "if I have
+to fight for the right to remain that way. I'm just a little sore at you
+for supposing that four boys who are citizens of a neutral country would
+be carrying information around for another country at war!"
+
+"I'm sorry you feel that way," said Mackinder. "I assure you there was
+nothing personal in my acts. I simply tried to do my best!"
+
+"Well, you did a lot, at that!" returned the lad.
+
+"All right, folks, let's drop the subject," spoke up Ned. "I feel that
+the air in here is getting bad. Suppose we go to the surface."
+
+"Right you are," agreed Harry. "Let's rise and fill the tanks!"
+
+Jimmie, in compliance with this wish, steered the craft upward.
+
+At the surface the boys found the water much smoother than they had
+expected would be the case. Jimmie declared that he intended painting the
+balance of the name "U-13" on the vessel while the other lads were
+occupied in airing out the vessel and refilling the compressed air tanks.
+
+Slung in a boatswain's chair over the sloping deck the lad soon completed
+this task. Feeling a considerable degree of elation at the success of his
+undertaking Jimmie returned with his brush and paint.
+
+"If you're ready now we'll dive again and proceed!"
+
+"Wait a minute, Mackinder's still on deck!" stated Jack.
+
+"He wasn't there when I came below!" protested Jimmie.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+MISTAKEN IDENTITY
+
+
+Ned looked at Jimmie in astonishment. He could scarcely credit his
+senses. He began ascending the iron ladder leading to the deck.
+
+Eagerly the lad glanced about the upper portion of the submarine which
+now showed black and gleaming above the surface of the water.
+
+"Harry," he called down the hatchway, "didn't Mackinder say he was coming
+on deck to see if he could be of service to Jimmie?"
+
+"He certainly did!" answered Harry. "Then we went on working at the
+pumps. I was busy with the starboard pump because it wasn't working just
+as it should. I saw him start up the ladder!"
+
+"And I saw him when he was about half way up!" put in Jack.
+
+"I'm equally certain he didn't return, but it may be well enough to stop
+a minute to search the interior. Perhaps he came back."
+
+In a moment all five boys were busily going over every corner of the
+craft. From stem to stern they ransacked every place where it would have
+been at all possible for their guest to have hidden.
+
+At length they met in the space directly below the hatchway.
+
+"Find anything?" queried Ned glancing about the group.
+
+"Not a hint of anything at all resembling an Englishman!" stated Jimmie.
+"Perhaps it would be a good idea to put an ad. in the paper."
+
+"Yes," scorned Jack. "Like this: 'Lost--one perfectly good Englishman.
+Finder please return to the "U-13" and receive reward'!"
+
+"Sure!" agreed Jimmie. "Have them charge it, please!"
+
+"Hush this nonsense, boys!" cried Ned. "This may be serious!"
+
+"Well, where is he?" protested Jimmie. "We haven't got him!"
+
+"Maybe he fell overboard!" suggested Ned. "Let's have a look."
+
+Again the lad mounted the ladder. As he reached the small deck he peered
+anxiously about the vessel seeking what he hoped he might not find.
+
+The others came crowding after their chum, filling the space.
+
+"There he goes!" cried Jimmie pointing away to the north.
+
+"Where?" inquired Ned looking in the direction indicated. "Oh, I see
+him," the lad went on. "He's swimming a good stroke, too!"
+
+"Is he crazy or just disgusted with the company on board the 'U-13'?"
+
+"Perhaps he thinks he'll be picked up by that boat!" stated Jimmie again
+directing the attention of his comrades to a small fishing craft. "They
+seem to be heading a course that will reach Mackinder."
+
+"He was wise enough to take one of the life preservers," said Harry
+indicating a space from which a buoy was missing.
+
+"Sure enough!" agreed Ned. "He's no fool at any rate!"
+
+"Let's wait a while to see if they pick him up," suggested Jimmie.
+
+"If they don't get him, we'll chase over there and take him aboard again.
+What do you say?" asked Ned of the others.
+
+There was no dissenting voice raised to this suggestion. Eagerly the lads
+watched the boat momentarily drawing nearer the swimmer.
+
+In a short time the boat rounded to, losing her way in the water. A sharp
+skiff was quickly launched over the side. Into this tumbled two men. They
+soon covered the distance between their vessel and the swimmer. Without
+difficulty they succeeded in assisting Mackinder into the skiff, then put
+quickly back to the sailing vessel.
+
+"Ah, he's safe at any rate!" gladly stated Ned. "Now we can go on and
+finish our voyage in peace! I'm glad he's gone!"
+
+"So am I!" declared Jimmie. "He's a good fellow as one might say, but
+he's too awfully stuck on getting some information for that bloomin'
+Hinglish Harmy, don't you know!"
+
+"That's hardly fair, Jimmie!" laughed Ned. "He didn't drop his 'H's' and
+he did only what he considered his duty."
+
+"He will probably get that fisherman to set him ashore on English soil as
+soon as possible," conjectured Jack. "Suppose we follow them."
+
+"What for?" asked Harry. "Why should we chase after those chaps?"
+
+"Unless we do something of the sort, we'll have to go at it blindly!"
+urged Jack. "We don't really know where we are!"
+
+"That's so," admitted Harry reluctantly. "We haven't a chart nor a
+course. We don't know how far we are from anywhere at all!"
+
+"We might keep on steering just as we started," stated Frank. "I believe
+southeast was the course we used coming away from Helgoland."
+
+"That course would surely bring us up somewhere," put in Ned, "but it
+would be much better if we could find out exactly where we are. Then we
+could steer a course with intelligence."
+
+"Aw, what do we need of a chart?" scorned Jimmie. "We know that England
+lies to the southwest of us. It's big enough so we can't miss it. If we
+blunder into the coast we can just cruise along a ways until we come to
+some place or other and then head in."
+
+"That's a good idea, too," agreed Frank. "When we get to a port we can
+turn the submarine over to the English authorities as a prize of war.
+They'll probably be glad enough to get the machine."
+
+"Then we'll head for the little old U. S. A.!" cried Jimmie.
+
+"You're right we will. When we get there, we'll chase ourselves out to
+Long Island. The first thing I'll do will be to get the factory started
+on another engine like the Grey Eagle's!" declared Harry.
+
+"Good enough! Now let's be 'wenting'!" added Jimmie.
+
+"But, boys," objected Ned, "this hit or miss fashion of navigating is not
+correct. Something may happen to change our course. If we don't know what
+we are doing, we might get into lots of trouble!"
+
+"Maybe you're right, Ned!" assented Frank. "What shall we do?"
+
+"I think we'd better cruise carefully along on the surface until we see a
+ship. We can ask them for our latitude and longitude. From that we'll be
+able to lay a course to any point."
+
+"Maybe they'll give us a chart, too!" put in Harry.
+
+"All right, then, here goes!" shouted Jimmie preparing to slide down the
+ladder. "Somebody'll have to keep on deck."
+
+Harry at once followed Jimmie into the interior. The engines responded to
+his touch. The new "U-13" sprang forward half submerged.
+
+"We've got plenty of gas in the tanks, Harry," stated Jimmie to his chum
+as the latter moved about the interior looking after the machinery.
+"We're making only about fifteen miles now by this log."
+
+"I'll give them another touch," responded Harry. "The sooner we get
+there, the quicker we'll arrive, so here goes!"
+
+The increased speed of the engines urged the submarine ahead at a goodly
+rate. Jimmie presently declared that the log indicator showed a good
+twenty-five miles an hour. Those on the little deck above the conning
+tower found the increased speed uncomfortable by reason of the dashing
+spray, but all felt that this was not unendurable.
+
+"Sail, ho!" Ned presently called down the hatchway.
+
+"Where away?" asked Harry, looking up at his comrade.
+
+"Almost dead ahead!" replied Ned. "We're overhauling them fast. It looks
+to be a three masted ship as nearly as I can make out!"
+
+"Hold your course, Jimmie!" directed Jack. "We'll come up close enough to
+hail them in a little while just as we are heading!"
+
+In a few minutes the ship was so close that all could make out the
+details of her rigging. It was a large three masted square-rigged vessel
+evidently in ballast for the hull was high out of water.
+
+"I believe they see us!" announced Frank, using a pair of binoculars he
+had found among the fittings of the submarine.
+
+"Can you make out the flag at the peak?" asked Jack.
+
+"Yes, I think so. I believe it is the British flag."
+
+"Then, they'll be glad to help us out, especially if they find that we
+intend to turn the 'U-13' over to their government!"
+
+"I don't know about that!" doubted Frank. "I see men running aloft. It
+looks as if they're rigging out studding sail booms on the main yards.
+And I see others on the topsail yards," declared the boy.
+
+"Why, in that case, they're trying to get away from us!"
+
+"It certainly looks that way. Now I can see men setting the studding
+sails on the booms. They are putting on every rag the old hooker will
+carry!" cried the lad excitedly.
+
+"I know why," stated Harry. "They think we're a German submarine chasing
+them and they're trying to get away!"
+
+"Let's run up a white flag, then," urged Ned. "They ought to know what
+that means. They'll stop for that!"
+
+In response to this suggestion the lads quickly overhauled the flag
+locker finding just what they sought. The white flag was at once brought
+to the deck where it was bent on to the halliards. It fluttered gaily at
+the top of the short flagstaff. Some difficulty was experienced in
+securing the staff because of an improperly fitting socket.
+
+"Do they seem to be making any change?" inquired Harry presently.
+
+"Yes," answered Ned. "They're crowding on more sail!"
+
+"Then we might as well give it up!" stated the other. "They'll never stop
+for us. Our only hope is to dive and come up close to some vessel so they
+can't get away before we ask the questions."
+
+"Maybe that would be a good idea," admitted Ned. "Anyhow, we'll have to
+take down this flag. The signal staff don't fit!"
+
+Disappointed because their efforts had been unavailing, the lads
+regretfully folded the flag. It was restored to its proper place.
+
+Harry, however, continued to urge the engines forward in the hope of
+eventually overhauling the ship. This seemed to be within the range of
+possibilities, but the boys all knew the maxim concerning a stern chase,
+and were somewhat discouraged. Knowing that their intentions were of the
+best, they felt slightly aggrieved that the other did not stop.
+
+"I see a smoke away ahead of the ship!" announced Frank after a few
+moments. "I can't tell which way they are headed, though!"
+
+"At this rate of traveling, we'll soon find out!" declared Jack.
+
+Evidently the smoke had been discovered by those aboard the sailing
+vessel, for the course was altered slightly in that direction.
+
+This change was noted by the boys. Jimmie shifted the helm slightly in
+order to keep the submarine directly in the track of the ship.
+
+"I wonder what that other vessel can be," puzzled Ned. "Let me take the
+glasses a moment, Frank. I wish we were higher in the water," he added,
+"then we could get a better range of vision."
+
+Long and earnestly the boy inspected the strange vessel. Presently he
+returned the glasses to Frank with a sigh.
+
+"What is it?" asked Jack with keen interest.
+
+"I believe it is a warship of some sort!" replied Ned.
+
+"Then they'll capture us and take us to port mighty quick!"
+
+"I guess they'll capture us all right!" put in Frank. "I can see the
+sailing vessel making signals. They've got a string of flags flying from
+the foretopmast head. I don't know what they mean, but they're calls for
+help, or I'll miss my guess! They are something like the U. S. flags!"
+
+Those on board the steamer had evidently seen the string of flags or else
+by the peculiar actions of the sailing vessel guessed that something was
+wrong, for the boys saw that their course was at once altered. From the
+clouds of dense black smoke pouring from the funnels they knew that the
+stokers were being urged to their best efforts.
+
+In a short space of time the combined speeds of the two vessels brought
+them close together. As the other approached, Harry shut off the power of
+the engines, checking them to little more than steerageway.
+
+As the steamer passed the ship Ned could see that some communication had
+been made between the two. The steamer came quickly on.
+
+"Pass me up that white flag again, Harry," requested Ned. "I think
+they're coming up to speak to us, and I'd just as soon have that handy.
+Maybe these fellows might misunderstand our motives, too!"
+
+"I wish now I hadn't painted that 'U-13' quite so plainly on the sides!"
+grumbled Jimmie. "I'll bet they've seen that!"
+
+"Of course, they've seen it, but if we show a white flag they won't do
+anything to us. They'll let us ask questions!"
+
+In answer to this statement, a shot echoed across the water. A ball
+striking the crest of a wave sent a cloud of spray over the "U-13."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+A STRANGE DISCOVERY
+
+
+"Get down that hatchway!" ordered Ned, wiping the spray from his face.
+"Those fellows see the name 'U-13'!"
+
+"Won't they observe the white flag if we put it up?" asked Jack.
+
+"I don't believe they will!" Ned stated. "Better get below!"
+
+As if to emphasize the boy's opinion another report echoed over the space
+of water separating the battleship from the new "U-13."
+
+This time the shell had been aimed a trifle too high. It went directly
+over the lads on the diminutive deck. Instinctively they all ducked their
+heads as the missile screamed wickedly in its useless flight.
+
+If anything was needed to decide the matter, this last offering seemed to
+serve the purpose. All three lads hastened down the ladder without
+further parley. Ned lingered a moment to close the hatch.
+
+"Hang onto your hats!" cried Jimmie the next instant.
+
+"Let's get down quick!" urged Jack. "Those fellows up there seem to mean
+business. My stars!" he added breathlessly, "that last one was certainly
+a beauty! They are getting the range, too!"
+
+Already Harry had started the pumps, filling the ballast tanks with water
+to assist the "U-13" in the evolution of the dive. The rudders were
+deflected to their extreme range. With decks inclined to an alarming
+angle, the submarine fled toward the bottom like a hunted creature. Until
+the gauges showed a depth of twelve fathoms, Jimmie held the levers in
+position. Then he brought the craft to an even keel.
+
+"It's plain to be seen that we'll not get much help from any ship on the
+North Sea!" declared Jack at length, as the ballast tanks were found to
+trim the vessel. "They're scared of us, I believe!"
+
+"They haven't any reason to be scared of us!" stoutly protested Jimmie.
+"We have never done a thing to them. We're absolutely neutral!"
+
+"It seems to be one thing to be neutral," laughed Ned, "and quite another
+thing to convince other folks of the fact!"
+
+"They might at least have given us a chance to explain!" grumbled Jimmie.
+"We had a white flag flying for them to see!"
+
+"Yes," argued Ned, "but did you stop to think that we were showing
+ourselves in a bad light? Remember the newspaper accounts of all the
+damage done by a submarine? I'm not surprised they ran away."
+
+"And then we come along in a submarine! Of course, we couldn't expect
+them to wait for a German undersea craft to come popping out of the ocean
+and waltz up alongside so they could say: 'Good morning, Mr. Dutchman!
+Won't you please accept this fine ship?'" added Jack.
+
+"Well, I'm it!" declared Jimmie, joining in the laugh that followed
+Jack's facetious remark. "The joke's on me, all right! If I hadn't
+painted that figure 'three' in the name, we would have been on our way to
+England by this time! Oh, well," the boy added, "we'll get to England
+before long, anyhow, so I should worry!"
+
+"It all shows, boys," spoke up Ned, "that we've got to be mighty careful
+about our appearance and the company we keep. We have gotten into this
+scrape largely because we were found in possession of goods we had no
+business to have. This last incident came about because we pretended to
+be something we were not!"
+
+"I think that ought to be a good lesson to us," stated Jimmie. "It will
+be for me, I know! I'm sure I'll take it to heart!"
+
+"I'm mighty glad we're away from that inquisitive gunboat!" put in Frank.
+"Now, what's the next thing for us to do?"
+
+"I move that we keep below the surface for a while. If we hold on a
+general southeasterly course, as has been suggested, we can't fail to
+bring up somewhere on the English coast."
+
+"That sounds like the most reasonable plan," agreed Frank. "I propose
+that we put on speed and hurry along. Let's get somewhere!"
+
+"Here we go!" cried Harry, increasing the speed with a touch on the
+levers. "Let's keep a sharp lookout, though!"
+
+About half past three o'clock the boys decided to rise to the surface for
+the necessary airing of the vessel and storing of another supply of fresh
+air in the tanks provided for that purpose.
+
+In furtherance of this plan, the rudders were shifted while Harry slowed
+the engines. Directly the craft ascended. The gauges indicated a depth of
+about eight fathoms when Jimmie, who was at the helm, requested that the
+rudders be again deflected.
+
+"What's the matter?" questioned Ned, stepping forward.
+
+"I can see the light reflected down through the water, and there's a big
+shadow up there!" declared Jimmie.
+
+"What do you think it can be?" asked Ned wonderingly.
+
+"Probably it's a big vessel of some sort. It may be a war ship, or it may
+be only a cargo carrier. In either event I don't want to get tangled up
+in the propellers. Let's sheer off a bit."
+
+"All right," agreed Ned. "I'll go to the periscope. Maybe I can find out
+something as we rise slowly to the surface."
+
+Cautiously creeping nearer the surface, the lads put the periscope into
+action. By its aid Ned made out that the craft was an armed vessel. The
+new "U-13" lay just submerged about a ship's length to starboard of the
+stranger. They maintained about the same speed.
+
+Ned declared that he could make out the British flag at the stern of the
+other vessel. He stated that he could also notice a number of people
+aboard the steamer.
+
+"Can you see what they look like?" asked Jimmie.
+
+"They are regular sailors and marines," answered Ned. "Why," went on the
+lad excitedly, "that looks like Mackinder at the rail!"
+
+Curiously the others crowded about the object glass of the periscope.
+Each declared in turn that they recognized Mackinder.
+
+"Now, I wonder what he's doing aboard that vessel!" mused Jack.
+
+"Quite likely this ship met the fishing boat and took him off so as to
+save the other the trouble of going clear back to England!"
+
+"No doubt that's it," agreed Jack. "But look!" he continued, "he's
+discovered us! See him pointing toward us!"
+
+"Better get ready to dive, then," cautioned Harry. "If he's able, he'll
+get them to shoot at us. If they hit the 'U-13' it'll be a long way to
+Tipperary for us! We don't know how thick this armor is!"
+
+"Down we go!" shouted Jimmie, seizing the wheel. "Lively, now!"
+
+Even as the boy spoke, a muffled roar was distinctly heard by the lads in
+the submarine. A crash that reverberated through every portion of the
+vessel told that they had been hit by a projectile.
+
+With a quick, startled glance at his companions, Ned hastened aft to
+examine the possible damage. He could discover no leak.
+
+"I guess we're lucky, after all!" he stated presently. "We're not taking
+in water, so I'm sure they didn't do very much damage."
+
+"It might have been more serious, though!" commented Jack.
+
+"Maybe the shot just carried away some of the light work like railings
+and so on around the deck. I don't think the shot struck the hull, or
+we'd have heard more racket," went on Ned.
+
+"Let's keep below the surface for a while. Maybe we can get away from
+those fellows far enough to be out of their sight while we change air.
+They're not the least bit sociable!"
+
+"Full speed ahead, Harry!" cried Frank. "Let's hurry on!"
+
+"Better take it easy," cautioned Jimmie. "We may not be out of the woods
+yet. Let's just go along slowly for a while."
+
+"Aw, go on!" scorned Frank. "What's there out here to bother?"
+
+"Sure!" chimed in Jack. "We're away out in the North Sea where we can
+find nothing but warships and sailing vessels and such!"
+
+"Maybe we might run into the real 'U-13'," countered Jimmie. "Then, what
+would you do if you should meet that fellow?"
+
+"Why, put on steam and run away from him, of course!"
+
+"All right, go ahead if you want to," submitted Jimmie unwillingly, "but
+I don't think it wise. It's taking considerable risk!"
+
+Since the majority seemed to be in favor of more speed, the engines were
+again urged to greater effort. Suddenly all were startled by a cry from
+Jimmie. The boat swerved sharply to starboard, rolling until the deck was
+at an acute angle. Harry reached for the levers, prepared to stand by the
+engines for orders from the pilot.
+
+Directly Jimmie rang a stop bell. The vessel came again to an even keel.
+The boys were once more able to stand upright.
+
+"What's the matter, Jimmie?" cried Ned, as he scrambled to his feet. "Is
+it a whale, or did you nearly have a collision?"
+
+"Collision is exactly the word!" declared the other. "I saw the masts of
+a ship standing right in our path. I got this little craft turned just in
+time! That's what we get for blundering along so fast!"
+
+"What kind of a ship is it?" asked Frank, peering from one porthole after
+another. "Are you sure it was the mast of a vessel?"
+
+"Why, certainly, I am sure!" was Jimmie's decisive answer. "Don't I know
+a ship's masts? I surely do!" the lad answered his own question.
+
+"Let's swing around and see what it was," proposed Frank.
+
+"All right, turn the deflecting rudders and down we go!"
+
+Swinging in a broad circle, the submarine was directed downward to a
+level equal with that of the hull of the ship, whose masts had so nearly
+proven disastrous to the boys. As the craft sank deeper the crew watched
+with a great deal of curiosity from the thick glasses over the portholes.
+Carefully they studied every detail of rig.
+
+Although the sunshine penetrated to some distance below the surface, they
+found that at the depth where the hull lay a semi-twilight prevailed. The
+upper portions of the masts had been clearly visible, but the decks lay
+in a haze that prevented their seeing well.
+
+"Looks like the ship is almost new!" stated Frank.
+
+"Possibly it has been sunk only a short time," ventured Jack.
+
+"Can you make out what ship it is?" asked Ned.
+
+"Wait a minute until we pass the stern again," said Frank.
+
+"I can see it!" declared Harry in a moment. "It's the Wanderer of Sydney!
+That will be an Australian vessel!"
+
+"And that great gap in the port side indicates that the sinking was the
+work of our namesake!" stated Ned. "This is another victim of the German
+'U-13'. Probably it is only one of many!"
+
+"No wonder the other fellows don't seem inclined to be any too sociable!"
+said Jack. "They really cannot be blamed!"
+
+"Right you are, Jack," responded Ned. "When anyone hits at the pocketbook
+we're apt to consider everybody under suspicion."
+
+"Let's get closer and examine the damage done by the torpedo," suggested
+Frank. "I'd like to observe the effects of the attack."
+
+Shortly the misnamed "U-13" was creeping alongside the hull of the sunken
+vessel. Jimmie handled the wheel dexterously, ever alert for possible
+danger. Harry stood by the engines, ready at a moment's notice to assist
+in executing any maneuver desired.
+
+"Looks as if the whole side of the ship had been torn away," stated Ned,
+as the submarine crept slowly past the jagged wound.
+
+"Those torpedoes surely are powerful," agreed Frank. "I hope everybody
+got away from the ship before the explosion took place."
+
+"They probably gave the crew plenty of time to escape if this is the work
+of the 'U-13'," commented Ned. "You say they gave the crew on your vessel
+ample time to get safely away?"
+
+"Yes, but the men let themselves become panic-stricken. They lost their
+heads and consumed a good deal of time. Besides that, they forgot they
+were civilized. One of them hit me an awful clip."
+
+"And pretty nearly left you on board to be drowned!"
+
+"These fellows did the same thing!" announced Jack, peering out.
+
+"Did what?" queried Ned, wondering what the other meant.
+
+"Left a man aboard when the ship sank," stated Jack, pointing through the
+little port hole. "There he is, walking about!"
+
+Clearly the boys saw a figure apparently crossing the deck.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+ALONE AND HELPLESS
+
+
+"Good night!" almost shrieked Frank. "That's uncanny! Whoever heard of a
+man walking about at the bottom of the ocean?"
+
+"Where did he come from, Jack?" asked Ned.
+
+"I saw that figure come out of the companionway," stated Jack. "I thought
+I was mistaken at first, because of the dim light. I looked again as you
+boys were talking. Then I saw that it was the figure of a man,
+apparently. He seems to be carrying something in his arms!"
+
+"There he goes over the side of the vessel!" whispered Harry in an
+awestruck voice. "What sort of deal is this, anyway?"
+
+"Did you notice the knapsack thing he was wearing on his back?" asked
+Frank. "If I was superstitious, I'd say it was the ghost of a soldier who
+had been drowned and was seeking his way back home!"
+
+"We don't take any stock in that ghost business!" declared Ned stoutly.
+"Some things may look supernatural because we don't understand them, but
+there's always an explanation if we seek it!"
+
+"What is your explanation of this thing, Ned?" questioned Jack.
+
+"Probably some mass of seaweed or some other substance got caught in a
+current and lodged against the cabin on the Wanderer. When we circled
+about the wreck we set up counter currents that may have released this
+mass. It then floated along in the current to finally sink on the other
+side of this submerged hull. That's all there is to it!"
+
+"I wonder what sort of a current is bringing the bloomin' thing back
+again!" announced Jack as Ned concluded his explanation. "It's moving its
+lower edges most remarkably like a man walking!"
+
+Ned's look of bewilderment increased. Clearly the boy was puzzled. Even
+he, himself, was not quite satisfied with the explanation of the strange
+sight which had greeted the boys.
+
+Slowly forging ahead, the submarine passed toward the stern of the
+Wanderer, shutting the strange figure out of sight.
+
+"Turn around the stern again, Jimmie," requested Ned. "Go easy on the
+engines, and we'll have a look from a new angle. This is getting rather
+spooky, I must say. I want to examine into it!"
+
+Again the false "U-13" rounded the stern of the wreck. Slowly the craft
+nosed along the port side to a point abreast the mizzen chains. Directly
+at a signal from the pilot, Harry shut off power altogether.
+
+The strange magnetism that seems to exist in all objects at sea slowly
+drew the submarine toward the ship. Its drift had been sufficient to
+bring the vessel to a point abreast the main rigging before it stopped.
+
+By this time the craft had approached close to the wreck. A very slight
+jar told the boys that their vessel had touched the other. Eagerly all
+watched from the portholes, now but a short space above the level of the
+rail across which they looked. Directly all was still. At this depth, no
+movement of water was discernible.
+
+Feeling awed by the strangeness of the situation, the boys refrained from
+speech. They watched for the reappearance of the strange figure.
+
+Soon Jimmie hissed a warning. He reached out a hand to turn the switch
+controlling the lights. The boat lay in utter darkness.
+
+A figure stepped out of the Wanderer's companionway.
+
+It appeared to be that of a person of medium build. The boys could now
+see that it was clothed in what seemed to be a diver's suit. The helmet,
+however, was not connected to any air pipe. Neither was there a line
+leading upward to indicate the presence of assistance. A hump on the
+shoulders, giving the impression of a knapsack, afforded much wonderment
+and increased the mysterious look of the newcomer.
+
+"Sh-h-h!" warned Ned in a sibilant hiss, as the figure came directly
+toward their position. "Keep quiet!" he whispered.
+
+A few steps carried the stranger to the rail. The boys saw him give a
+start of amazement as he prepared to go over the side of the ship.
+Clearly the strange diver was surprised to see the craft in that
+position. He stepped back a pace, then came gingerly forward.
+
+Evidently the man was astonished to observe the "U-13". He climbed slowly
+into the main shrouds. From that position he surveyed the craft more
+completely. Again he returned to the deck.
+
+During this examination the lads had remained quietly at their posts, not
+caring to make their presence known until they were sure of the identity
+of the other. They still remained with their faces at the portholes,
+where they observed, so far as possible, every move of the stranger.
+
+Directly they observed the diver pick up the burden he had brought from
+the cabin. He hastened to the rail of the wreck. In a moment he had
+clambered overboard, letting himself down by means of a line secured to a
+belaying pin at the mainmast.
+
+"That's funny!" observed Ned, as the other disappeared from view. "What
+do you suppose made him scuttle out of sight so hurriedly?"
+
+"Maybe he, like the warship, saw our name--'U-13'--on the side of the
+vessel!" ventured Jimmie. "They all run away from that!"
+
+"It surely doesn't make us many friends!" declared Ned.
+
+"You're right!" answered the other. "It's the original killjoy!"
+
+"Let's dive a little deeper," suggested Jack. "Perhaps we can find out
+where this new chap is going with those bundles."
+
+"Perhaps we'll find out how he got here!" added Frank.
+
+"And while you fellows are 'perhapsing'," put in Jimmie, "I'll say that
+perhaps we'd better stick out! Perhaps he doesn't want us nosing around
+his property, and perhaps he'll touch off a bomb!"
+
+"What's the matter with you lately?" inquired Frank. "You're getting to
+be a regular little 'fraid-cat'! You never used to be so timid about
+sticking your nose into other people's business!"
+
+"I'm not afraid to go looking into things now, only I've got a hunch that
+we'd better not do it, that's all!" answered the lad. "Just because I
+happen to want to leave a fellow alone is no sign I'm a 'fraid-cat'. If
+you lads want to go anywhere, you tell me the name of the place. I'm game
+to stick with you until they turn out the lights!"
+
+"Spoken like a man, Jimmie!" declared Frank. "That sounds like the old
+Jimmie we used to know. Now, let's go down a ways."
+
+Harry sprang to the levers. A few shifts of the control brought the
+storage batteries to work operating the pumps. With the additional water
+admitted by this process, the false "U-13" sank until far below the level
+of the rail of the wreck. Still deeper and deeper it settled.
+
+Presently the boys at the port holes could discover the bends of the
+sides, indicating that they were nearly to the ocean floor. In another
+moment a slight bump told them that the craft rested on bottom.
+
+"I saw a flash of light just now!" stated Jimmie.
+
+"Where did it come from?" asked Ned, stepping forward.
+
+"Just ahead of us on this side of the ship. The shadow lies heavily
+there, so I can't make out what's located in that place!"
+
+The boys had not long to wait, however, to discover the cause of the
+flash which Jimmie had seen. Almost following the boy's words came a
+dazzling beam of light, piercing the dark shadow like an arrow. For a
+moment the boys were blinded as the searchlight's flame played on the
+forward part of their vessel.
+
+Presently the light shifted. It was turned against the side of the sunken
+Wanderer. Up and down the light traveled, revealing the rugged sides of
+the hull, with its covering of barnacles below what had been the water
+line. Outward the beam went, showing nothing but ocean floor. Fishes were
+illuminated and dazzled by the strong ray.
+
+Finally the light returned to the false "U-13", where it settled for a
+moment. Directly the light was turned off.
+
+Jimmie had been shading his eyes with a protecting hand. He was,
+therefore, not so much blinded by the glare as the others had been.
+
+"There they go!" he cried, as the light was removed from the port hole
+through which it had been shining. "They're rising!"
+
+"Who can it be, I wonder?" questioned Ned.
+
+"I'll never tell you!" declared Jimmie. "Oh, yes, I will, too!" he
+amended his statement. "If you want to know, it's the 'U-13'!"
+
+"The 'U-13'?" questioned the lads in chorus.
+
+"The 'U-13'!" positively stated Jimmie. "Here," he cried, turning a
+switch leading to the searchlight. "Take a look!"
+
+The powerful storage batteries on the vessel occupied by the boys
+generated a ray of light that pierced the darkness of the undersea world
+with ease. Sharply outlined in the circle of flame the lads clearly saw
+the form of a submarine vessel similar in many respects to their own.
+There was the same sharp prow, the same tapering stern with conning
+tower, keel, port lights, and every essential feature of the vessel upon
+which they were located.
+
+Outlined upon the side, in letters fully the same size as those upon
+their own vessel, the lads saw distinctly the mark "U-13."
+
+"What do you know about that?" gasped Frank. "That's fierce!"
+
+"Is it the same vessel you saw off Land's End, Frank?" asked Ned.
+
+"I'm sure I can't say," returned the other. "I think it is! Of course,
+we're somewhat below it. Besides the difference in perspective from this
+angle the water has a great deal to do with changing the appearance of
+everything. The general outlines appear similar, however."
+
+"Then we're in a ticklish position!" declared Ned. "Suppose those fellows
+take it into their head to torpedo us?"
+
+"If they do," stated Frank decisively, "they'll play havoc!"
+
+"They're going over the wreck!" stated Jimmie in a whisper.
+
+"Let's rise a little and see which way they head for," proposed Frank.
+"We can then go in the opposite direction for a while."
+
+"I think we'd better slide right along to the southwest," stated Jimmie.
+"I know I'm meeting a good deal of opposition, but I've a hunch that
+we'll be better off if we get right away from this spot!"
+
+"Been reading that dream book again, little man?" asked Ned, with a
+laugh. "Sorry, Jimmie, but the majority seems to be against you!"
+
+"All right, Boss!" returned Jimmie with a smile. "I'm game to stick with
+the bunch! You'll find me right here smiling all the while!"
+
+"Jimmie," gravely stated Ned, "I wish we could all get some of that sunny
+disposition of yours. We need a lot of your optimism."
+
+"Thanks!" was Jimmie's reply, delivered with an excess of politeness.
+"Now, I'm at the wheel, Captain. Where to, sir?"
+
+"Let's rise first and see what the other is doing!"
+
+"Ding, ding!" cried Jimmie. "Touch up the mule, Harry!"
+
+Harry's manipulations of the levers brought the false "U-13" rapidly to a
+level with the Wanderer's deck. Through the port lights the boys could
+see the other submarine across the sunken ship. It seemed to be gradually
+descending toward the bottom.
+
+"Let's follow them and see where they go!" proposed Jack.
+
+"At your service, sir!" cried Jimmie, saluting. "We'll proceed to
+proceed!" he added with a grin. "Here goes after the real 'U-13'!"
+
+"Go ahead slowly, Harry," cautioned Ned. "We don't want to overtake them
+yet. We're in the shadow here, so they probably won't see us if we hang
+back a little. Just give the wheel a little kick."
+
+Slowly the vessel carried the boys over the sunken Australian. They were
+passing between the main and mizzen rigging at a level slightly lower
+than that of the main yard.
+
+"What's that just ahead of us?" queried Jack, at the porthole.
+
+"I don't see anything," replied Ned. "What and where is it?"
+
+"Right here," declared Jack, pointing. "No, you're too late! I thought it
+looked like a snake in the water at first, but I see it was only a piece
+of rope hanging from the rigging. It's all right!"
+
+"Possibly it has been hanging down all the time but the current caused by
+the passage of the other vessel swung it outward," ventured Ned. "It will
+no doubt slip past in a moment!"
+
+But this prediction was not fulfilled. With a sudden lurch, the stern of
+the false "U-13" rose, tilting the deck sharply forward.
+
+With a groan the propellers stopped.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+HELP FROM A STRANGER
+
+
+Harry uttered a sharp cry as he stumbled forward along the steep incline
+of the floor. It seemed as if some huge power had grasped the stern of
+the craft, raising it until the vessel tilted forward at an angle which
+rendered walking impossible.
+
+All the boys were thrown toward the forward end of the vessel, where
+Jimmie was located. Ned and Jack lost their footing. They rolled
+awkwardly to the forward bulkhead. Harry and Frank managed to remain
+upright by hurriedly grasping at parts of the machinery or at stanchions.
+Their progress was undignified as well as sudden.
+
+"What's up?" sharply questioned Jimmie, regaining his feet.
+
+"The stern's up!" facetiously replied Jack, also struggling to a standing
+position. "Is anybody hurt?" the boy continued.
+
+A brief examination disclosed the fact that beyond a few minor bruises
+none of the boys had been seriously injured. Their first care was for
+each other. All were glad to find no one badly hurt.
+
+"What on earth can have happened to us?" asked Ned, peering from a port
+light on the starboard side. "Did we collide with something?"
+
+"I don't believe we did," returned Harry. "There wasn't any bump as if
+we'd run into another object. We just stopped!"
+
+"And then the stern went up into the air and stayed there!" put in Jack.
+"Something's got us by the stern and won't let go!"
+
+"I think I know what it is!" announced Frank. "What is it they call these
+fishermen with a big net dragging around?"
+
+"Fishermen!" answered Jimmie, with a grin.
+
+"Stop your nonsense!" ordered Frank, administering a friendly punch to
+his red-headed comrade. "I mean the fellows with a big drag net!"
+
+"Trawlers is the word you want, Frank!" said Jimmie.
+
+"That's it!" agreed Frank. "I'll bet we're tangled in one of their nets.
+Maybe we can't get loose again, either," he added.
+
+"Don't you believe it!" scorned Jimmie. "If it was a fisherman had hold
+of us, we'd be yanked around pretty lively. I think it is that rope we
+saw hanging in front of the port light!"
+
+"I believe you're right, Jimmie!" Ned put in as he gazed through the
+heavy glass on the port side. "I can see that we're swinging close to the
+mainmast. There is no motion to the boat, so that makes me think your
+solution is about right. Now to get loose!"
+
+"Yes, I agree with you!" stated Harry. "But how? If your assumption is
+correct, we've got a big piece of line wound around the outboard end of
+the shaft. It is probably more or less tangled up in the propeller also.
+We can't turn the engines over!"
+
+"Maybe we could throw out the clutch and turn the shaft backwards enough
+to unwind the line!" suggested Frank.
+
+"I'm in favor of rising to the surface if the slack of line will permit,"
+offered Jack. "We could then open the hatchway. It would be easy enough
+from there to clear the line from the screw."
+
+"That's probably the best way out of it," commented Ned. "Suppose we try
+that. Harry, can we rise as Jack suggests?"
+
+"I don't know," came Harry's hesitating reply. "I'll try!"
+
+Accordingly the boy clambered from his position near the forward bulkhead
+to the compartment amidships, where the pumps were located. A shift of
+valves followed by a touch on the levers connecting the storage batteries
+with the electric pumps started the process of emptying the ballast
+tanks.
+
+Almost instantly the forward end of the craft began to rise. Very shortly
+the deck was in a level position. Then, as Harry continued to empty the
+water ballast, Frank and Ned, assisted by Jimmie and Jack, threw the
+clutch on the propeller shaft out of contact in order to permit the tail
+shaft to turn without moving the engines.
+
+They then endeavored to turn the portion of the shaft which projected
+through the stern bearing in the back up motion to free the propeller.
+They hoped thus to release the rope which they believed to be wound
+around the outboard portion of the shaft.
+
+Strive as they might, however, the shaft stubbornly refused to move.
+Their utmost efforts were unavailing.
+
+At length, out of breath and exhausted, Ned sank back upon a locker. He
+looked at his companions with a curious expression.
+
+"What's the matter, Ned?" inquired Jack anxiously. "Are you ill?"
+
+"I feel badly, boys," replied Ned. "Unless we can devise some means to
+free that line from the shaft, we are in a pretty tight fix!"
+
+"How near the surface can you bring the boat, Harry?" asked Frank.
+
+"The gauges show that we're about two and a half fathoms down at
+present," replied Harry. "I have pumped a lot more water out than would
+ordinarily be required to bring us to the surface."
+
+"Then we must be held by that line!" declared Ned.
+
+"Let's try some other maneuver with the ship before we give up!" put in
+Jack. "We're not half though our experiments yet!"
+
+"All right, what'll you try?" asked Ned in a despairing tone.
+
+"I don't know," was the answer. "But we're going to do something to help
+get us out of this fix. How would it do to fill the tanks to sink us as
+far as we can go? Then we could empty them in a hurry, which would make
+the boat rise swiftly. The jounce would perhaps break the line and let us
+up so we could get some fresh air."
+
+"If we don't get some fresh air pretty soon, we'll have to do something
+desperate. The reserve tank is nearly exhausted!"
+
+In compliance with Jack's suggestion, the ballast tanks were again
+filled. Gradually the "U-13" descended to the bottom. As the deck began
+to tilt forward, as it had done when the craft was first stopped, Harry
+threw into operation every pump that could be used to empty the water
+from the ballast tanks. The boat rose rapidly.
+
+With a jerk that nearly threw the boys off their feet, the "U-13" came to
+a rest. The gauges still showed the same depth as before.
+
+Ned's face turned ashen as he sank upon a locker. The others gathered
+around him, expressing sympathy. The boy was clearly distressed.
+
+"Never mind, Ned!" spoke up Frank. "We're coming out all right! The only
+trouble is that we haven't tried the right thing yet!"
+
+"But I can't seem to think of a thing to do in this case," protested the
+other. "I'm all out of ideas! I'm sorry that we tried to follow that
+other submarine. I wish we had taken Jimmie's advice!"
+
+"Never mind that now, Ned. We're close to the surface. If it becomes
+necessary, I will volunteer to be shot out of the torpedo tube. I can
+rise to the surface, swim about until I get my wind again, and then dive
+and cut the rope. That will release the whole ship!"
+
+"Jimmie, that's awfully good of you to offer that, but I feel that I
+should be the one to do it," was Ned's reply.
+
+"No, sir!" declared Jimmie promptly. "You're in no condition to attempt
+anything like that. You're worried, and your heart action is not right
+just now. My mind is a blank, and my heart is as sound as a bullet! I'm
+just the one for the job!"
+
+As if the matter were understood, Jimmie began divesting himself of his
+clothing. He deposited his jacket on the locker beside Ned.
+
+"Harry," he said, turning to his chum, "will you see that the torpedo
+tube is connected up and in working order? You might try a discharge for
+practice. We can spare a little of this air!"
+
+By the time Jimmie had stripped and secured a knife to a belt about his
+waist, Harry pronounced the tube ready for operation.
+
+"Now, fellows," said Jimmie, shaking hands with his chums, "there's about
+one chance in a million that I won't get through this all right. If you
+are not up to the surface in five minutes, you may know that I've failed.
+Then you'd better send out another lad!"
+
+"Me next!" shouted Jack, beginning to remove his shoes.
+
+Harry was peering from the heavy glass protecting the forward porthole.
+As Jimmie stepped forward to enter the torpedo tube, Harry held up a
+warning hand. He turned an anxious face to his friends.
+
+"There's something outside here!" he announced in an anxious tone. "I saw
+it once, but didn't get a clear view!"
+
+"What did it look like?" asked Jimmie. "Is it alive?"
+
+"I'm not sure, but I think it's another submarine!"
+
+"Probably the real 'U-13' come up to look us over. Never mind those
+fellows. I'm going ahead and cut this wagon loose!"
+
+"Wait a minute!" cried Ned. "I see the craft over here to starboard. It's
+a peculiar vessel, too! I think I see a man!"
+
+"I see him, too!" declared Frank from a porthole a short distance aft.
+"Do you suppose he's trying to get us to descend again?"
+
+"Maybe that's it! Let's try it, anyway!" offered Harry.
+
+"Go ahead!" agreed Ned in a tone that showed he was again taking heart.
+"Let's act on the suggestion. We can try our scheme later!"
+
+Harry's hand had already found the levers. In a moment the ballast tanks
+were being filled with water. Gradually the vessel sank.
+
+As the light grew more dim at the increased depth, Jimmie declared he
+could see the other vessel descending at about the same speed.
+
+Presently the two craft were at the limit of their travel. The visitor
+rested on the deck of the Wanderer, while the 'U-13', in which the boys
+were imprisoned, hung again at an angle from the line.
+
+Directly the lads saw the figure that had formerly attracted their
+attention. It was climbing the main shrouds of the wrecked ship. When the
+man reached a position level with their craft he began making signs and
+motions. In his hand he flourished a knife.
+
+"Looks rather bad for us!" commented Jack.
+
+"Don't you get him?" asked Jimmie impatiently. "He understands our
+predicament and intends to help us! He motioned out that he is going to
+climb the rigging until he can find the rope. Then he'll slide down it
+until he lands on our stern. If we'll agree not to start the engines
+while he's there, he'll cut the rope. But we must be ready at the ballast
+tanks to let the vessel settle slowly to the deck of the ship, so he can
+get off and clear the line from the propeller!"
+
+"I don't believe it!" stated Jack. "I think he meant to cut the line as
+soon as he gets to it and let us settle down slowly. What would be the
+sense of his riding around the ocean seated on the stern of a disabled
+submarine? He's got too much sense for that!"
+
+"Maybe you're right!" admitted Jimmie. "Let's float the boat on an even
+keel and see. I'm going to dress again!"
+
+Even as the lad hastened to put on his clothes the boys felt a sudden dip
+made by the submarine. Gradually they descended.
+
+"Hurrah, he did it!" exultantly cried Ned. "Now, where has he gone? I do
+hope he'll free the propeller wheel at once!"
+
+"We could rise to the surface even if the propeller is stuck!" declared
+Harry. "I can pump the ballast all out of the tanks!"
+
+"But if we do that we'll have to dive overboard to clear the wheel!"
+protested Frank. "I know that water is good and cold!"
+
+"Wait a minute, boys, and see what the fellow does," cautioned Ned.
+"Maybe he wants to help us, so it wouldn't be nice to run away!"
+
+"Here he is, now!" cried Jack from his position near a porthole. "He's
+looking through the glass, and making motions again!"
+
+"I know what he wants!" declared Harry. "He's making motions for us to
+unscrew a pipe! He wants us to let in a lot of the ocean!"
+
+"Wait a minute, Harry!" put in Ned. "He's walking toward his own boat.
+Let's see what he's going to do!"
+
+In a short time their rescuer had reached the side of his own vessel. He
+stepped into an open door in the side and disappeared.
+
+"An air lock!" cried Ned. "Did you see that, boys?"
+
+"Just like the little old Sea Lion we used in the China Sea!"
+
+"Here he comes again with a line!" announced Harry. "Now what?"
+
+The boys heard a hammering and thumping near one of the sea cocks.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+MACKINDER AGAIN
+
+
+Even as the five boys glanced at each other with startled and wondering
+looks, the thumping ceased abruptly. In a short space it was resumed.
+Instinctively the boys gathered near the spot.
+
+While they stood there trying to determine the cause for the strange
+procedure, the noise ceased. They heard a tapping at one of the
+portholes. Jimmie rushed across the compartment to investigate.
+
+"Hey, fellows, come over here a minute!" he called out.
+
+"What have you found now?" questioned Ned, obeying the request.
+
+"Here's this chap, and he's making all sorts of signals!"
+
+"That's funny!" puzzled Ned. "Can you make out what he wants?"
+
+"He's making his hands go in the strangest way! I'm sure I can't
+interpret such motions unless he wants us to turn around while he places
+a bomb or something close enough to blow us out of the water."
+
+"I know what he wants!" shouted Harry, who had been closely observing the
+stranger's repetition of the strange motions. "He wants us to open the
+valve leading from that sea cock where he has been working!"
+
+"Fine business!" scorned Jimmie. "Open up the sea cock and let the ocean
+come running all over our nice carpets! I guess not!"
+
+"I'm going to try it, anyway!" declared Harry. "If a little water does
+come in, the pumps will take care of it before it becomes dangerous. At
+least, it's well worth trying!"
+
+"Go ahead, then, but don't blame me if anything happens!"
+
+Harry moved to the vicinity of the spot where the stranger had been
+occupied but a few moments before. Jimmie was at the porthole.
+
+A turn of the valve resulted in a sudden short inrush of water.
+
+This ceased abruptly, bringing forth an exultant cry from Harry, while
+the other boys crowded around, speculating on the cause.
+
+"I've got it!" cried Harry, dancing about the compartment. "I know what
+he's going to do. Go to the porthole, Jimmie, and see where our friend is
+now. Tell me just what he's doing. I'm going to stand guard over this
+valve here for a while in case something happens."
+
+"He's going back into his little cage!" stated Jimmie from his position.
+"He's just shutting the outer door."
+
+"Stand by to see something happen now, boys!" announced Harry.
+
+"What's going to happen, Harry?" asked Jack.
+
+Before Harry could answer, a sputter of water and air was observed at the
+open valve. A small quantity of water was blown out of the pipe.
+Following this came a rush of sweet, pure air that was very grateful to
+the boys after they had been using the vitiated atmosphere of their
+craft.
+
+In fact, the lads were much nearer the complete exhaustion of their
+supply of usable atmosphere than they really comprehended.
+
+"Um-m-m!" exclaimed Jimmie, inhaling great draughts of the incoming
+current. "Smell that, will you? It's just like a posy bed!"
+
+"That's quite remarkable!" declared Ned, as he, too, sniffed the new
+atmosphere. "It does really seem to carry the odor of flowers!"
+
+"Maybe it's a sort of gas that he's unloading on us to render us
+unconscious, so he can capture the whole outfit!" conjectured Jack.
+
+"I don't believe it!" protested Ned. "I'm quite convinced that this is
+pure air. He seems to have quite a lot of it stored up!"
+
+"Let's pump out some of this foul air and change with the new!"
+
+"Go ahead!" consented Ned. "It's a good move, I'm sure!"
+
+In a short time the boys began to feel the effects of the inflow of
+vitalized atmosphere. They were livelier, with less depression.
+
+Directly their attention was attracted to the porthole again by a
+tapping. The stranger was once more trying to convey some information by
+signs. He repeated the motions of a short time before.
+
+"I got you!" cried Harry, holding up a hand as a sign of understanding.
+"He wants us to shut the valve off. Perhaps he's given us all the nice
+fresh air that he feels it possible to spare!"
+
+"Shut the valve, then," directed Ned.
+
+"What's next?" spoke up Jimmie, listening to a slight hammering outside
+of the hull. "He's disconnecting the pipe now!"
+
+"Better wait a bit and see what he wants us to do," cautioned Ned. "Maybe
+he's going to cut the line out of our propeller."
+
+The lad's prediction was correct. In a very few moments they could hear
+the stranger working away at the encumbering line which held their
+propeller in a vise-like grip.
+
+Not many minutes passed before the stranger again appeared at the
+porthole. Making a few signals easily comprehended by all, he repaired to
+his own craft, entering and closing the door of the air lock.
+
+Almost immediately the other craft began to ascend perpendicularly.
+
+"Guess we may as well make a mooch!" stated Jimmie, as he watched the
+other submarine rise out of their range of vision. "We're done here!"
+
+"All right, let's get going!" agreed Harry, stepping toward the levers
+and preparing to start the motors at the pilot's command.
+
+At once Jimmie sprang to the wheel. He gave a pull at the bell cord,
+jangling out a "go ahead" signal to Harry. As the latter touched the
+levers a startling crash at the stern of the craft was heard.
+
+The motors spun the shaft around futilely without making headway.
+
+With blanched faces the lads glanced about the craft. Harry's hand
+instinctively sought the levers again to turn off the current.
+
+"What's the matter?" called Jimmie from his position.
+
+"I don't know!" declared Harry. "It sounded as if that fellow had tied a
+can to us and we'd set it going! What did he do?"
+
+"Let's pump the ballast out and rise straight to the surface," suggested
+Ned. "I noticed that he did that. Maybe there's a reason!"
+
+Harry lost no time in acting on this suggestion. The electric pumps were
+not long in emptying the ballast tanks. With this weight removed, the
+boat quickly shot upward to the surface.
+
+As the conning tower portholes rose above the surface, the boys noticed
+that the afternoon was far spent. Darkness already was gathering.
+
+Ned was working frantically at the clamps securing the hatch cover. With
+a cry of delight he swung the cover out of position, admitting a cool
+breeze. The wind had died down, leaving the surface of the ocean
+comparatively smooth. Sufficient breeze was moving, however, to serve the
+purpose of airing out the interior of the craft without putting the great
+fans into commission. All the boys came to the tiny deck.
+
+Lying but a few fathoms from their port side they discerned the other
+submarine. Clearly distinguishable on the sides were the great letters
+"U-13" painted in almost exact duplicate of those on their own boat.
+
+"What do you know about that?" was Jimmie's surprised exclamation. "If
+that fellow isn't a dead ringer for this ship, I'm a Dutchman!"
+
+"He surely does look a whole lot like us!" agreed Ned.
+
+"I say, Frank," put in Harry eagerly, "is that the fellow that sank the
+ship you were on? Can you identify it now?"
+
+Frank shook his head hesitatingly before he answered slowly: "Boys, I
+hate to say it, but it looks as like the other as two peas. I would not
+like to make an affidavit, but I'm willing to say that it bears a most
+remarkable resemblance to that other one, if it is 'other'!"
+
+"Then, I guess we're done for!" despaired Jack. "If that's a German
+craft, we may as well hoist the white flag now and surrender!"
+
+"Think they'll take us back to Germany?" asked Ned quizzically.
+
+"I'm sure of it!" declared the boy. "And we won't stand much show,
+either, when they find that we've stolen this ship away from Helgoland!"
+
+"Goodness!" exclaimed Ned suddenly. "I declare I'd actually forgotten
+that we were on board a stolen submarine. That does make it look rather
+dubious for us. We are in a pretty mess!" he added.
+
+"Here comes someone now!" announced Jimmie. "Watch the hatch!"
+
+A movement of the hatch cover on the other vessel indicated that someone
+was about to appear on deck. Slowly a figure stepped forth.
+
+The stranger was of medium build, and wore a suit of blue with a round
+hat to match. He was carefully dressed. After taking a long survey of the
+group on the deck of the false "U-13," he waved a hand in welcome.
+
+"He wants us to come over and pay him a visit!" stated Jimmie.
+
+"Why don't you accept, then?" inquired Ned. "We're into it now and may as
+well be sociable. Being balky won't help matters any!"
+
+"I would if we had a boat," announced the other.
+
+"Maybe the real 'U-13' there has a boat they'd spare," suggested Jack.
+"Why don't you hail and ask him if he won't send a boat?"
+
+"Hail him yourself if you want to! Maybe he don't talk English!"
+
+"Try him on United States then!" laughed Jack. "I would!"
+
+"Help yourself!" said Jimmie, leaning back against the rail.
+
+"Ahoy the submarine!" shouted Jack in response to this suggestion. "We
+haven't a boat or we'd come over. Can you send a boat to us?"
+
+Waving an arm as if comprehending the lad's statement and inquiry the
+figure on the other vessel clambered quickly to the after deck. After a
+moment's fumbling at what appeared to be a lock, he lifted a cover. In a
+short time the boys saw him drag from its place a small, light, steel
+boat.
+
+This was at once launched over the side. Running out upon a light iron
+ladder the man dropped into the rowboat. He sculled the small craft
+quickly over the intervening distance and was soon alongside.
+
+"Come aboard, sir," invited Ned, reaching out a hand to assist.
+
+"Good night!" ejaculated Jimmie. "How did you ever get here so quickly,
+Mackinder? We thought you were aboard that warship!"
+
+"I've been here a long time!" laughed the other, looking at the lad.
+
+"You've made a quick trip, all right!" returned Jimmie.
+
+The others crowded forward with eager, questioning looks. Upon the face
+of each was to be seen amazement, wonder and perplexity.
+
+"Come aboard, Mackinder," invited Ned. "We'd like to hear an explanation
+of the strange goings on hereabouts. Can you help us?"
+
+"First, I'd like to hear your explanations," stated the newcomer. "But
+before you start your story, please tell me why you call me Mackinder."
+
+"Isn't that your name?" asked Jimmie. "Tell us that!"
+
+"Yes, that's my name, you know!" replied the stranger, smilingly. "But
+how did you happen to know it? I'm rather puzzled, you know!"
+
+"Why, you told us yourself on the train running into Amsterdam!" stated
+Jimmie, with rising indignation. "Then we called you by that name while
+you were trying to delay our start. Also Captain von Kluck used that name
+when he referred to you. I guess it's your name all right!"
+
+"I don't deny that!" stated the newcomer. "What puzzles me is how you
+chaps know it so quickly, don't you know."
+
+"It don't make much difference how we know the name so quickly," went on
+Jimmie. "We'd know you anywhere we saw you. We'd especially recognize
+that hand with the scar! That's a dead giveaway!"
+
+The newcomer glanced quickly at his right hand, which Jimmie had
+indicated. As he brought it up to view, the boys could see a jagged scar
+running clear across the back. They had seen such a scar before.
+
+With an accusing finger pointing at the disfigurement, Jimmie snapped out
+in crisp accents that indicated plainly his excitement:
+
+"That's the same hand that tied and gagged me in the warehouse in
+Amsterdam, and the same hand that I saw shoved into the window of the
+frontier hut to get the 'U-13' package. Deny it if you can!"
+
+"I am not going to deny anything, you know!" returned the other coolly.
+"You seem so positive about it there's little use denying!"
+
+"You bet there's no use denying anything like that!" declared Jimmie with
+some heat. "You can't deny that you tried to sic the German torpedo boat
+destroyer onto us, either. You can't deny that you sneaked away from this
+very submarine when I was painting the name on the bow. You'd better not
+try to deny that you showed us to the British gunboat a while ago and got
+them to fire at us. If you start denying anything," the boy went on, "I'm
+going to deny that I'm neutral!"
+
+With a laugh the newcomer threw back his head in amused fashion.
+
+"Have your own way about it, you know," he replied, "but I'm going to
+tell you one thing. I'm not Mackinder!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+A MYSTERIOUS CRAFT
+
+
+The surprise of the lads at this declaration of their visitor was
+profound. They stared at the stranger who bore such a striking
+resemblance to Mackinder and who had just declared that he was not that
+person. Speechless at the apparent untruth, they could only stare.
+
+Seeing their looks of astonishment at his declaration, the man laughed
+loudly, apparently enjoying hugely the joke that the boys could not see.
+Supporting himself against the rail, he gave vent to peals of merriment
+at the expense of the five young lads.
+
+"So you don't believe me, eh?" he inquired at length, controlling himself
+with an effort. "I can't blame you, don't you know!"
+
+"Say, Mackinder, you ought to be in vaudeville!" declared Jimmie in
+reply. "For a lightning change artist, you're decidedly it!"
+
+"Thank you!" acknowledged Mackinder, choosing to accept the boy's words
+as a compliment. "You're almost too kind, don't you know!"
+
+"And then," the boy went on, "as a monologue artist, you'd certainly have
+them all backed off the boards. I know a place in New York where you
+could draw down your two fifty per without half trying!"
+
+"An engagement, do you mean?" queried the man, with interest.
+
+"Just that!" stated Jimmie. "And then, there's another place up the
+Hudson a ways where you ought to be making little ones out of big ones.
+They give a fellow a long engagement there and supply costumes!"
+
+"All of which means that you're spoofing me a bit, don't you know!"
+returned their visitor without resentment. He was apparently enjoying the
+situation hugely, and meant to make the most of it.
+
+Seeing that his words failed to arouse or draw out the other, Jimmie
+turned disgustedly away to lean over the rail.
+
+Ned began to question their guest, but was interrupted by Jimmie, who
+announced that he saw a steamer's smoke on the horizon.
+
+"This water is quite thickly sprinkled with vessels of all sorts," said
+the alleged Mackinder. "Perhaps we'd better get out, you know!"
+
+"What do you make that vessel out to be?" asked Ned.
+
+"It doesn't make any difference what it is," replied the other, "we shall
+be better off if they don't find us! We don't need them!"
+
+"Very well," put in Jimmie, "then we'll get up steam on this wagon and
+slide along. I'm going to say this to you, though, that Mackinder or no
+Mackinder, we're very grateful for your help. If we get an opportunity to
+reciprocate, we'll be only too glad to do it!"
+
+With this, the boy turned and offered his hand to the man. It was grasped
+with a hearty grip that conveyed a sense of friendliness.
+
+"You can help me right now," was the response. "Come aboard my vessel and
+give me a hand on a little project I have under way."
+
+"I don't think we'd better do that right now," stated Jimmie. "You see,
+we're neutral, and we don't want to take sides either way!"
+
+"So am I neutral! I care nothing for this awful war except to see it
+stop. I shall do nothing for either side, so rest easy on that score. But
+your propellor is broken by having that line jammed in it. You cannot
+navigate your vessel, and would better come aboard mine!"
+
+Doubting this statement, Jimmie clambered into the small boat and sculled
+toward the stern of the false "U-13". There he could look into the water
+to a depth sufficient to confirm the other's statement.
+
+"It's no use, boys," he declared, returning to the conning tower. "The
+blades of the propellor are damaged beyond use. We might as well go!"
+
+Securing a line to the bow of the false "U-13" the man proposed to tow it
+to a safe place where it could be anchored to await repairs. Two trips
+were necessary to transfer the boys to the craft which had been of such
+signal service in their hour of extreme need.
+
+Led by their recent guest, who was now their host, the lads descended
+into the interior of the vessel. Here a strange sight met their gaze. In
+cages canaries were twittering gaily while all about the bulkheads had
+been fastened pots of plants, some of which were in bloom.
+
+"Now I understand why the air you so kindly pumped into our vessel had
+the odor of flowers and growing things!" declared Ned as he turned to
+their host. "You have things fixed pretty cozy here!"
+
+"Just a touch now and again to make it look home-like!" said the man. "I
+prefer the sight of a flower to that of a cold steel bulkhead. Besides,
+it's more healthful to have a few plants about."
+
+Harry was lost in admiration of the machinery which he declared to be far
+superior to that of the vessel they had lately abandoned.
+
+With a touch their strange host sent the craft forward at a good speed.
+He explained to the lads a gyroscope arrangement by which he controlled
+the steering gear that kept the vessel on any chosen course and at any
+desired depth after once being adjusted.
+
+"And now, if you please, Mr. Mackinder," questioned Jimmie at length,
+"will you be so good as to tell us what your mission may be?"
+
+"Certainly!" replied the other frankly. "I see the steamer is not
+following us so I will take plenty of time to give you details."
+
+"Thanks!" drily responded the lad. "We'll appreciate it!"
+
+With a laugh the man seated himself on a locker and motioned the lads to
+do likewise. They listened intently as he proceeded:
+
+"You perhaps all realize that the possession of wealth is the desire of
+almost every human being. I am not different from the rest in that
+respect at least. Owing to some family trouble which I shall not at this
+time detail, I was not given the advantages that accrue ordinarily to
+heirs. I think you will understand what I mean?"
+
+"You were left out in the cold when they passed the dough?" asked Jimmie
+with a knowing look. "Just shoved one side?"
+
+"That's about it!" replied the man. "But I resolved to get some money,
+nevertheless. I had a fertile imagination, some education and a very
+small amount of money. I did not want to take so cheap a way as to rob or
+cheat my fellow men. I was not shrewd enough to enter the business world.
+Therefore, I turned my attention to lost or buried treasure."
+
+Jimmie delivered a broad wink toward Ned. It was not lost by their
+observant entertainer, who laughed much to the boy's confusion.
+
+"Amongst other inventions that were in my brain was an instrument for
+detecting the presence of gold similar to the instrument called a
+compass. In this instance electricity had nothing to do with its action.
+
+"To make a long story short, you know, I finally succeeded in perfecting
+the arrangement. It was an amusing circumstance that I had a very hard
+struggle preserving my last gold piece with which to test the device," he
+went on with a laugh at the recollection of his trials.
+
+"At last, I thought I had my instrument perfected. I next needed only
+something on which to practice. With my precious treasure carefully
+guarded I succeeded in reaching the Gulf of Mexico, where it is said so
+much pirate gold has been buried. Wonderful to relate, I actually located
+and recovered a small amount. It was not large but helped me to fit out a
+vessel in which to make other cruises."
+
+"And it really worked?" inquired Jimmie in a tone of unbelief.
+
+"How well I shall presently demonstrate, you know," was the reply. "But I
+found that the crew was tricky. They helped me get a treasure aboard then
+calmly turned pirates themselves and ran away with the treasure. For
+nearly a year I had hard luck. Then I succeeded in locating a large sum
+of gold that had been buried by a man's grandfather.
+
+"My past experiences had taught me that I could not trust anyone.
+Therefore I determined to prosecute my search in other channels.
+
+"Piece by piece in different shops I had this vessel constructed after my
+own designs. The pieces were assembled in a part of the Gulf of Mexico
+little frequented. There I tried out the undersea boat, named it the
+'U-13'--the 'U' standing for Undersea and the '13' in defiance of the
+popular superstition. But I found a new difficulty.
+
+"The instrument, although working perfectly on land, was not reliable
+under the ocean, for as you know there is a large amount of suspended
+gold in sea water. That made the instrument unreliable."
+
+"What did you want to go under water for, anyway?" asked Ned.
+
+"Gold!" was the curt reply. "So I had to construct another device that
+would neutralize the local attraction of the sea water just on the same
+principle that the mariner has the two iron balls near his compass to
+overcome the local attraction on his vessel.
+
+"Then I was prepared to pursue my quest for treasure undisturbed. My
+first venture was the recovery of a large sum from a sunken ship in
+Havana harbor. This provided me sufficient funds so that I put stores
+aboard and came across to seek for the vessels of the Spanish Armada."
+
+"How did you get across the Atlantic?" asked Jimmie incredulously.
+
+"In this vessel!" was the reply. "And most of the way under water, too,
+you know! I didn't want anyone to see me!"
+
+"But you had to come up once in a while to get air!"
+
+"Oh, no! Here is a contrivance," indicating a huge box-like affair, "with
+which I separate the oxygen from the hydrogen by electricity. Water, as
+you know, is composed of two gases--oxygen and hydrogen. Two atoms of
+hydrogen combined with one atom of oxygen and make a tiny bit of water.
+By the aid of this special device I segregate the two gases, use the
+oxygen and discharge the hydrogen overboard."
+
+"I'm going to take my hat off to you!" declared Jimmie. "But you had to
+have some means to prevent discomfort from the storage batteries!"
+
+"Not with these!" smiled the other. "I'm using, without permission, of
+course, a new storage battery that does away with the lead-sulphuric acid
+type of battery. The inventor is a man whose name is familiar to you all.
+He uses a nickel, iron oxide and steel combination in a solution of
+potash. This battery, instead of causing inflammation or even proving
+deadly as is the case with the old type, is actually a benefit to a
+person. It is exactly opposite in its effect to the old style."
+
+"And you manage to make a cruise of days and days under water?"
+
+"Surely!" smiled their host. "There's nothing to prevent it!"
+
+"That's going some!" declared Jimmie. "But I don't believe you managed to
+dig up a lot of gold from the bottom of the ocean!"
+
+"What is there to hinder?" questioned the other.
+
+"Everything!" declared Jimmie. "In the first place there is all the water
+about. Then, too, it would be easier to take this instrument into the
+regions where gold is usually discovered on land. You could prospect with
+it in almost the positive knowledge that you would locate a vein. Digging
+then would be easy."
+
+"Yes, but I don't like to dig!" laughed the other. "Perhaps I'm too lazy
+to do that sort of thing!"
+
+"There's something queer here that I don't quite get," stated Jimmie.
+"Can't you explain a little more in detail?"
+
+"Why, certainly, I'll be glad to elucidate!" was the answer. "You have in
+mind the securing of free gold in nuggets and dust. I go about it in
+quite another way. My purpose is to recover the minted coins that have
+been placed aboard ships. When the ships sink, no diver yet has been able
+to reach those in deep water. Therefore, most of the gold that has been
+carried to the bottom in sunken vessels is forever lost. I intend to
+recover a great deal of it!"
+
+"Then when you know approximately where the vessel was wrecked or sunk,"
+put in Ned, "you go to that neighborhood. Your instrument indicates the
+presence of gold and you follow its directions until the exact spot is
+reached. Then you step out and carry the money aboard your own craft. Is
+that the correct explanation?"
+
+"You have it exactly. And I have done pretty well so far!"
+
+"I don't believe it!" declared Jimmie flatly. "The whole thing sounds
+mighty fishy--not meaning any disrespect," he added addressing the man
+who sat leaning back against a bulkhead.
+
+"But I assure you that what I have said is absolutely true!"
+
+"I'm from Missouri!" stated Jimmie in a tone of doubt.
+
+Their host stepped to a locker which he opened.
+
+"Great Frozen Hot Boxes!" cried Jimmie.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+A MYSTERY EXPLAINED
+
+
+"Why, boys, look at this!" cried Jimmie, his voice rising to a shriek
+then trailing off into a whisper. "Did you ever see the like?"
+
+"Let's see!" put in Frank, crowding forward. "What is it?"
+
+Eagerly the boys gathered around the open compartment. They heard
+distinctly the tinkle of coins as Jimmie seized a handful and let them
+slip one by one back into place. Again and again the boy dived his hands
+into the yellow mass of metal. He raised handfuls of coin to look at them
+a moment, then let them drop from his grasp.
+
+"Good Night!" he ejaculated at length, turning a round-eyed face to the
+man who stood smiling beside the group. "Why, you must have enough here
+to buy a farm and build a fence clear around it!"
+
+"Quite likely I have!" declared the other quietly. "But there are two or
+three other wrecked vessels that I wish to visit before I stop. I have
+the exact locations charted and have examined the interiors."
+
+"Why didn't you take the gold away with you, then?"
+
+"For the very simple reason that I found one pair of hands not enough to
+perform the task. I could have taken the gold away from the sunken
+wrecks, but the matter of getting it ashore was another thing!"
+
+"Why, what's to prevent?" asked Ned wonderingly.
+
+"Several things!" declared the other. "In the first place the peculiar
+phase of human nature that makes every man mad when he sees a lot of
+money would operate against my plan of taking the gold ashore. Who could
+I hire to move the heavy stuff with any assurance of their honesty if
+they once found out what might be in the packages?"
+
+"That's so!" admitted Ned thoughtfully. "Human nature is crooked!"
+
+"My plan has been to find some one who needs the money and who would work
+on a percentage basis--share and share alike. We can then get the money
+ashore, negotiate the older coins that possess more than their face
+value, bank the current coins and be prepared to use the wealth exactly
+as we see fit. So long as it remains under water it is safe."
+
+"But I can't understand how you get it aboard!" declared Jimmie.
+
+"I have a tank of compressed air fixed to the back of a special diving
+suit," explained the man. "There's also a search light and a small
+storage battery provided. In this suit I step out through the air lock
+onto the wreck. The rest is easy. I return with the load of gold the same
+way I went out. The submarine is anchored. The whole thing is simple!"
+
+"Sure enough!" exclaimed Jimmie. "Why didn't I remember our arrangement
+on the Sea Lion? And then, too, we saw you walking about on the decks of
+the Wanderer! I guess I'm going daffy!"
+
+"What do you say, boys, will you join the expedition?"
+
+"We don't stand much chance of getting home right away," stated Ned. "I
+guess we might as well--" what he would say was cut short by the sound of
+a cannon shot booming through the gathering darkness.
+
+"What's that?" inquired Jack anxiously, jumping to his feet.
+
+"I'll bet it's that bloomin' steamer we saw!" cried Jimmie. "That must be
+another of those gun boats and they're chasing us!"
+
+"I'll go up to the deck and see!" offered Ned.
+
+"Be careful, don't let them get you!" warned Jack.
+
+"I'll watch out for that," laughed Ned, mounting the iron ladder.
+
+Directly the little group at the foot of the ladder were startled to hear
+their companion's voice. A note of anxiety vibrated through his words.
+
+"Boys," Ned cried, "there's a gunboat out there, and I think I see
+another submarine. It looks to be like the 'U-13' for all the world. What
+shall we do?"
+
+"Here," urged Jimmie, "take the glasses and have a good look. If it is
+that Dutchman, I'm for beating it out of here mighty quick!"
+
+For a tense moment Ned gazed through the glasses at the strange vessels.
+At length he lowered the binoculars and turned toward his companions.
+With a shake of his head and a quick indrawing of breath, he said:
+
+"It's the 'U-13' as sure as can be!"
+
+"Let's go!" was Jimmie's only comment as he turned toward the switchboard
+with outstretched hand.
+
+"I'm with you!" declared Ned, quickly descending the ladder to join the
+group. "Go ahead slow, though. Don't break the hawser, or we'd lose the
+other vessel."
+
+"Perhaps we would do better to abandon your vessel," Mackinder suggested
+as he prepared to go on deck. "Let me have the glasses, if you please.
+I'll look them over."
+
+Jimmie paused, with his hand on the starting switch.
+
+Suddenly all were startled by a cry from their host.
+
+"Go ahead! go ahead!" he shouted down the hatchway. "That other fellow
+has launched a torpedo at us!"
+
+"Let go the line, then!" urged Ned. "We'll have to run for it! Full
+speed, Jimmie!" he added.
+
+Mackinder was casting off the hawser with rapid motions. Jimmie, in
+response to Ned's command, threw the switch over. The "U-13" began to
+gather headway.
+
+All were startled to hear the report of a cannon shot. This was followed
+almost instantly by a shriek from the man on deck.
+
+"Mackinder's hit!" gasped Ned, turning a blanched face to his chums.
+"What shall we do?"
+
+As if in answer to his query, the voice of Mackinder reached the ears of
+the lads.
+
+"Bring an axe!" he shouted. "I'm fast in the bight!"
+
+Wrenching an axe from its pocket on the bulkhead, Ned sprang up the
+ladder at his best speed. On deck he found Mackinder caught in a bight of
+the hawser by which the other vessel had been towed. His leg was jammed
+against the fairleader. Only one glance was required to show the boy that
+serious injury had been done.
+
+Without waiting for words, the lad stepped to the side of the fallen man.
+Swinging his axe quickly, he struck at the taut bond of hemp. A shower of
+sparks followed the ringing thud of the axe upon the steel deck.
+
+Mackinder dropped back upon the deck, limp and helpless, as the singing
+of the parted line told of his release.
+
+With tender solicitude the boys mounted the ladder to assist their
+injured friend to the room below. Scarcely had the boys gained the deck
+when they were startled by a terrific explosion. As Ned afterward
+declared, it seemed as if they had been caught in a volcano of water.
+
+"What has happened?" queried Jack, releasing his hold upon Mackinder.
+
+A flood of sea water descending upon the little deck prevented an answer
+to his question. In a moment the lads were able to look about.
+
+"Where's our 'U-13'?" asked Harry.
+
+"Gone!" stated Ned, his voice trembling. "I'll bet that German torpedoed
+it! I'm glad we are on this 'U-13'!"
+
+Echoing this sentiment, the lads hastily proceeded to lower Mackinder
+through the hatchway. This done, the injured man was deposited on a
+couch, the hatch was closed, and Ned began first-aid ministrations.
+
+"What course shall I hold?" asked Jimmie.
+
+"Better head on a southwest course," stated Ned, briefly glancing up from
+his work over Mackinder's leg.
+
+"I can do that all right," responded Jimmie. "The gunboat and the
+submarine can fight it out alone."
+
+"We've got a clear field, Jimmie, so shove the little wagon along for all
+she's worth," put in Jack.
+
+Mackinder had been exercising wonderful command of himself, but in spite
+of his best efforts a groan now and again escaped. The injured leg was
+proving a painful matter.
+
+"We'll do all we can for you, Mackinder," Ned offered, "but we need
+better skill than is available here. Would it not be best to make at once
+for some port where we can secure the services of a surgeon?"
+
+Mackinder's only reply was a nod. His teeth were closed tightly to
+suppress the cry of anguish from his hurt.
+
+"Keep on the surface, boys," urged Ned as he went about making the man
+comfortable with such simple means as were at hand. "I believe we are not
+far from the coast."
+
+Surrendering the wheel to Frank, and with Jack at the engines, Jimmie
+insisted upon mounting to the deck again to look about them.
+
+Cool and sweet the air gushed down the little open hatchway upon the
+injured man. Under its influence and aided by the ministrations of Ned,
+the proprietor of the third "U-13" rapidly gained control of himself.
+
+"Head west southwest," he instructed Ned. "We'll be mighty apt to find
+the mouth of the Thames on that course. There are many places I'd rather
+go, but you are right--we must have a surgeon!"
+
+Giving the course to Harry, Ned proceeded to do everything in his power
+to ease the hurt of their friend.
+
+"On deck, there!" announced Jimmie presently, his face at the hatchway.
+
+"Hello!" answered Ned. "What is it?"
+
+"I see a light about a point off the port bow!"
+
+"What do you make it out to be?"
+
+"I think it is a lighthouse!" declared Jimmie.
+
+"Margate!" murmured Mackinder. "We are safe enough now, but be careful
+about the money, boys!"
+
+"Sail ho!" rang out Jimmie's voice again.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+MORE MYSTERY
+
+
+"What do you see now, Jimmie?" asked Ned anxiously, stepping to the foot
+of the ladder.
+
+"There's a small steamer coming up rapidly from the starboard side,"
+replied the lookout.
+
+"Perhaps we'd better dive again," suggested Ned.
+
+"Aw, go on!" protested Jimmie. "What's the use of diving every time
+anything comes along? We're neutral!"
+
+"We are, yes," agreed Ned, "but this 'U-13' name is not neutral, and if
+the steamer is an English vessel they'll probably not stop to ask
+questions."
+
+"Why not swing a white light at 'em, then?"
+
+"That's a good idea, too!" agreed Ned. "If they seem to be heading toward
+us, just get a white flag going."
+
+"They are not showing any light at all," announced Jimmie. "They're just
+sneaking along like an express train."
+
+"Let us know at once if anything happens," Ned responded, turning back to
+his patient.
+
+The boys had not long to wait.
+
+Out of the gathering darkness Jimmie saw a burst of flame which lighted
+up a portion of the approaching steamer. A bright flash in a wave some
+distance in advance of the "U-13" next attracted his attention. The sharp
+roar of a cannon came to the ears of all.
+
+"Are they shooting at us?" asked Ned, again approaching the ladder.
+
+"Don't know!" Jimmie replied briefly. "I saw the flash and heard the
+noise. There was a splash some distance ahead of us in the water. Maybe
+they can't aim straight."
+
+Ned mounted the rungs of the ladder without further delay. He closed his
+eyes as he did so, the better to accommodate his vision to the change
+from the light below to the darkness outside. In a moment he was peering
+in the direction indicated by Jimmie.
+
+"Can you make her out?"
+
+"Yes," replied Ned. "I can just see a sort of thick place in the
+darkness. My eyes will be all right soon."
+
+"I don't believe they were shooting at us at all!" commented Jimmie,
+musingly. "They can't see us!"
+
+As if to disprove this statement, another flash lighted up the forward
+portion of the other vessel.
+
+Ned grasped Jimmie's arm and pointed straight ahead.
+
+Skipping from wave to wave, throwing up a fountain of spray from each,
+the shot from the steamer plowed its way across the path of the "U-13,"
+passing so close that the boys were struck by the flying drops of water.
+
+"That means that we are to stop!" declared Ned. "Next time they'll shoot
+_at_ us!"
+
+"And hit us, too!" excitedly put in the other.
+
+Without waiting for orders from Ned, the lad leaned over the coaming of
+the little hatch.
+
+"Shut her off, Jack!" he cried. "Back on your engines. That guy thinks we
+are Germans!"
+
+Jack at once complied with the request, and soon the "U-13" was gently
+rolling in the trough of the sea.
+
+Frank sprang from the wheel to the ladder, mounting to the deck just as a
+beam of flame from a powerful searchlight aboard the steamer swept the
+"U-13" from end to end.
+
+In the glare of the light the three boys stood plainly visible. They
+could not, however, distinguish the details of the other vessel because
+of the flaming eye regarding them with unwinking stare.
+
+For a few moments they stood close to each other, uncertain what to do.
+At length a voice hailed them.
+
+"Submarine, ahoy! What vessel is that?"
+
+"Shall I tell them our name?" asked Ned anxiously.
+
+"No," urged Jimmie. "Don't say 'U-13'!"
+
+"They've seen it on the side, anyhow!" scorned Frank.
+
+"Don't let them think we're Germans. Don't you see they're English?"
+queried Jimmie.
+
+"It doesn't signify they're English, even if they do speak the language,"
+returned Ned. "Can't you answer?"
+
+"Ahoy, there!" came an impatient voice.
+
+"Steamer, ahoy!" replied Ned. "We're a peaceful submarine manned by
+neutral noncombatants!"
+
+"A likely yarn, indeed!" laughed the stranger. "Stand by to receive a
+boat. I shall send an officer aboard to investigate."
+
+"All right, Captain," consented Ned. "Glad to meet you!"
+
+Still standing under the unwinking eye of the searchlight, the little
+group waited expectantly for the arrival of the boarding party.
+
+A splash of oars preceded the boat which soon shot out of the darkness.
+
+In another moment an officer in uniform had mounted the little deck.
+Wonderingly he glanced about the group, now augmented by the arrival of
+Jack and Harry.
+
+"Where is your commander?" he inquired somewhat stiffly, addressing no
+one in particular.
+
+Indicating Ned, the boys silently waited.
+
+"Are you in charge of this vessel?" asked the officer, with just a trace
+of amusement.
+
+"I am and I am not," replied Ned, with dignity.
+
+"That's very enlightening, I'm sure," returned the other. "But time is
+short, and I must see the person who is in charge, and that at once."
+
+"The owner is lying in the cabin with a broken leg which he received as
+we were escaping from a German submarine," explained Ned. "We boys are
+trying to get to some port where we can secure the services of a
+surgeon."
+
+"Oh," exclaimed the officer, "escaping from a German?"
+
+"Yes, sir. They torpedoed another submarine that we were towing, and in
+casting off the towing line the gentleman below was caught in the line.
+His leg is badly broken."
+
+"Who is this other person?"
+
+"He gave us the name of Mackinder."
+
+A frown settled over the face of their questioner. Stepping forward, with
+flashing eyes he addressed Ned in a low voice vibrant with emotion.
+
+"Now, if you have all the lies out of your system," he gritted, "we'll
+listen to the real story."
+
+"That is the real story!" protested Ned. "Step below, if you don't
+believe me, and you may see for yourself."
+
+"We have already seen enough to discredit such a wild yarn as that!"
+declared the other. "Too many of our brave sailors have been killed and
+set adrift by the 'U-13.' Besides, the man you mention is certainly not
+in the cabin. I can swear to that. Now, will you tell me the truth?"
+
+"I say, Mister," put in Jimmie, "suppose you go fifty-fifty with us. Who
+are you, and what right have you to stop us?"
+
+A short laugh was the man's only answer. He turned to hail the vessel
+from which he had just come.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+THE MYSTERY OF THE "U-13"
+
+
+"Ahoy!" his hail rang out over the waters. "Send another boat aboard us.
+I will transfer the crew of this vessel!"
+
+"Yes, you will!" scornfully replied Jimmie. "You'll do a lot, you will.
+We have something to say about that!"
+
+"I am more astonished than I can say," the officer replied as he gazed at
+the lad. "I had supposed that Boy Scouts would not under any
+circumstances lend themselves to a project of an unworthy character."
+
+"Well, who has done all that?" bristled Jimmie, wrinkling a freckled nose
+at the man. "You're taking a lot for granted, I must say! Who are you,
+anyhow?"
+
+"You'll find out quickly enough!" was the answer.
+
+Turning at the sound of approaching oars, the officer quickly issued a
+few short commands.
+
+In obedience to his orders, the boys were required to enter the small
+boat without even an opportunity of going below.
+
+"Dodson," ordered the officer, "take a couple of men and search the
+vessel for others. We were informed there were but five, but they may
+have confederates."
+
+Wonderingly the lads sat in the boat as they were rowed across the
+intervening distance to the steamer. Scarcely had they set foot on deck
+before a line was passed to the submarine and the vessel was under way,
+towing their recent habitation.
+
+An orderly conducted the lads directly to the cabin, where they were
+greeted by an officer seated at the head of a table. He arose as they
+entered and extended a hand to each.
+
+Motioning to seats, the officer again busied himself with some papers on
+the table. For some time the boys glanced expectantly at each other,
+waiting for the officer to open the anticipated conversation.
+
+Impatiently the boys waited, listening to the regular throbbing of the
+steamer's propellers that told they were again under way.
+
+At length the silence was broken by the arrival of an orderly. Saluting,
+he reported briefly to the officer. A nod dismissed him.
+
+"Boys," began the officer in a kindly tone, "we find ourselves rather
+puzzled by some mysterious circumstances which we hope you can explain.
+Will you assist us?"
+
+"I assume from the looks of things aboard that you are English," answered
+Ned. "Am I correct?"
+
+"You are. This is a scout vessel doing patrol duty along the coast. In
+common with others, we have been on the sharp lookout for a submarine
+named 'U-13,' which has been doing considerable damage to our shipping.
+We capture it without difficulty, to find it manned by Boy Scouts instead
+of Germans, as we had expected. Can you explain that?"
+
+"Yes!" laughed Ned. "That is easy. The boat you have captured is owned by
+a private individual named Mackinder, who has been amusing himself in a
+perfectly innocent pastime. He, like ourselves, is neutral, but
+unfortunately has gotten into rather compromising situations."
+
+"Mackinder?" repeated the officer, wonderingly.
+
+"Yes, sir," continued Ned. "He rescued us from our disabled submarine. He
+is now aboard his vessel with a broken leg."
+
+"We had him brought aboard this vessel, and find that his leg is really
+broken," explained the officer. "But," he continued, "you have not quite
+explained your presence on a submarine."
+
+"That is easy--" began Ned. He was interrupted by a sign from the
+officer.
+
+"Just a moment," the other said. "We will have Mackinder in here, and
+perhaps he can explain a little of the mystery himself."
+
+At a command from the man two orderlies approached. In a few moments the
+boys observed four sailors bearing a mattress upon which lay their late
+host.
+
+At the same moment a group approached from the after part of the cabin.
+Glancing from one group to the other, the boys rose to their feet with
+exclamations of surprise.
+
+"Well, Great Frozen Hot Boxes!" cried Jimmie. "How did you get here,
+Mackinder?"
+
+A man from the small group behind the officer stepped forward, smiling.
+
+"I was picked up by the fishing boat you probably saw when I swam away
+from the submarine you captured. They transferred me to this craft. We
+have since been looking for you."
+
+"Well, I'm glad to see you, anyway," returned the lad. "But you couldn't
+prevent our leaving Holland, even if you did try good and hard. Have you
+found that package yet?"
+
+The smile quickly faded from the face of the other.
+
+"No, I haven't," he answered in a low voice. "I find that you boys have
+gotten me into a lot of trouble, too."
+
+"Trouble?" puzzled Ned. "How have we done that?"
+
+"By secreting that package," explained Mackinder. "You see, I was
+detailed to duty on the Holland frontier. When I saw that package, and
+knew that you had recently come from the German lines, I assumed, of
+course, that it contained information for the German submarine that has
+been causing so much havoc amongst the English shipping. Without waiting
+for orders, I tried to follow you and gain possession of the object. Now
+it seems I am disobeying regulations by absenting myself from my post of
+duty without leave. Further, I was seen aboard or coming from a German
+vessel. Hence circumstances look bad for me. I'm due for a court martial
+as soon as we land at Margate, which must be close aboard by now."
+
+All were startled to hear a groan escape the man lying upon the mattress.
+He had raised himself upon one elbow.
+
+"Oh, Robert!" he cried. "Not that!"
+
+"Tom!" gasped Mackinder. Soon the two men were shaking hands at a great
+rate, tears in their eyes.
+
+"Boys," Mackinder announced at length, "I must introduce my brother Tom."
+
+"We have had the pleasure of meeting the gentleman," stated Ned. "In
+fact, we owe our lives to his kindness."
+
+"But, see here," demanded Jimmie, stepping forward, "this needs an
+explanation. Which one of you fellows was at the little cabin on the
+Holland border?"
+
+Tom Mackinder smiled, in spite of the pain of his crushed leg. He turned
+his glance toward his brother, whose hand he held.
+
+"We both were there, Jimmie," he said. "I took the package from the
+window. You see," he continued, "it contained plans of my submarine, with
+which you are familiar. I tried to sell the plans to Germany, but found
+they had beaten me. So upon my return trip I slipped the package into
+your baggage, thinking to escape search and detention at the border. I
+have it here now."
+
+As he ceased speaking he drew from his pocket the same flat package the
+boys had seen before.
+
+"Hurrah!" cried Jimmie. "Now we can explain how your brother came to be
+captured by the Germans, and how under his direction we stole the other
+'U-13' and escaped from Helgoland."
+
+"If what you say is true, young man," put in the officer, "the
+anticipated court martial may never convene."
+
+"We can prove it!" protested Jimmie vigorously.
+
+"Then we have solved the Mystery of the 'U-13'!" declared the officer,
+with evident relief.
+
+"And now we'll head for the little old U. S. A. and peaceful neutrality!"
+was Jimmie's joyful comment.
+
+"But you'll first arrange to care for your share of the cargo aboard my
+boat," interposed the injured Mackinder.
+
+He would not entertain any of the objections raised by the boys, but
+insisted that they share in the treasure which had been recovered from
+the ocean's grasp.
+
+A few days later as the boys watched the chalk cliffs of Dover slip away
+into the eastern horizon Jimmie turned from the rail of the steamer upon
+which they had taken passage.
+
+"Good by, England, and good by the Mackinders," he said. "I'm glad we are
+out of the war zone at last and that we solved the Mystery of the
+'U-13'."
+
+THE END
+
+
+      *      *      *      *      *
+
+
+The Aeroplane Series
+By John Luther Langworthy
+
+1. The Aeroplane Boys; or, The Young Pilots First Air Voyage
+2. The Aeroplane Boys on the Wing; or, Aeroplane Chums in the Tropics
+3. The Aeroplane Boys Among the Clouds; or, Young Aviators in a Wreck
+4. The Aeroplane Boys' Flights; or, A Hydroplane Round-up
+5. The Aeroplane Boys on a Cattle Ranch
+
+The Girl Aviator Series
+By Margaret Burnham
+
+Just the type of books that delight and fascinate the wide awake girls of
+the present day who are between the ages of eight and fourteen years. The
+great author of these books regards them as the best products of her pen.
+Printed from large clear type on a superior quality of paper; attractive
+multi-color jacket wrapper around each book. Bound in cloth.
+
+1. The Girl Aviators and the Phantom Airship
+2. The Girl Aviators on Golden Wings
+3. The Girl Aviators' Sky Cruise
+4. The Girl Aviators' Motor Butterfly
+
+For sale by all book-sellers or sent postpaid on receipt of 75c.
+
+M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+701-733 S. DEARBORN STREET    ::    CHICAGO
+
+      *      *      *      *      *
+
+SELECT
+READING SERIES
+
+Only the most popular of children's books are included in this series.
+Each title is complete and unabridged. Printed from large, clear type.
+Each wrapped in a colored jacket.
+
+ 1. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland     _Carroll_
+ 2. Andersen's Fairy Tales              _Andersen_
+ 3. Black Beauty                          _Sewell_
+ 4. Dog of Flanders                        _Ouida_
+ 5. Elsie Dinsmore                        _Finley_
+ 6. Grimms Fairy Tales                    _Grimms_
+ 7. Hans Brinker                           _Dodge_
+ 8. Heidi                                  _Spyri_
+ 9. Helen's Babies                     _Habberton_
+10. Little Lame Prince                   _Mulock_
+11. Pinocchio                            _Collodi_
+12. Treasure Island                    _Stevenson_
+
+For sale by all book-sellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 40 cents.
+
+M · A · DONOHUE · & · COMPANY
+711 · SOUTH · DEARBORN · STREET  · ·  CHICAGO
+
+      *      *      *      *      *
+
+Boy Inventors' Series
+
+The author knows these subjects from a practical standpoint. Each book is
+printed from new plates on a good quality of paper and bound in cloth.
+Each book wrapped in a jacket printed in colors.
+
+_Price 60c each_
+
+1....Boy Inventors' Wireless Triumph
+2....Boy Inventors and the Vanishing Sun
+3....Boy Inventors' Diving Torpedo Set
+4....Boy Inventors' Flying Ship
+5....Boy Inventors' Electric Ship
+6....Boy Inventors' Radio Telephone
+
+The "How-to-do-it" Books
+
+These books teach the use of tools; how to sharpen them; to design and
+layout work. Printed from new plates and bound in cloth. Profusely
+illustrated. Each book is wrapped in a printed jacket.
+
+_Price $1.00 each_
+
+1....Carpentry for Boys
+2....Electricity for Boys
+3....Practical Mechanics for Boys
+
+For Sale by all Book-sellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of
+the above price.
+
+M · A · DONOHUE · & · COMPANY
+711 · SOUTH · DEARBORN · STREET  · ·  CHICAGO
+
+      *      *      *      *      *
+
+BOY SCOUT SERIES
+By
+G. HARVEY RALPHSON
+
+Just the type of books that delight and fascinate the wide awake boys of
+today. Clean, wholesome and interesting; full of mystery and adventure.
+Each title is complete and unabridged. Printed on a good quality of paper
+from large, clear type and bound in cloth. Each book is wrapped in a
+special multi-colored jacket.
+
+ 1....Boy Scouts in Mexico; or, On Guard with Uncle Sam
+ 2....Boy Scouts in the Canal Zone; or, the Plot against Uncle Sam
+ 3....Boy Scouts in the Philippines; or, the Key to the Treaty Box
+ 4....Boy Scouts in the Northwest; or, Fighting Forest Fires
+ 5....Boy Scouts in a Motor Boat; or Adventures on Columbia River
+ 6....Boy Scouts in an Airship; or, the Warning from the Sky
+ 7....Boy Scouts in a Submarine; or, Searching an Ocean Floor
+ 8....Boy Scouts on Motorcycles; or, With the Flying Squadron
+ 9....Boy Scouts beyond the Arctic Circle; or, the Lost Expedition
+10....Boy Scout Camera Club; or, the Confessions of a Photograph
+11....Boy Scout Electricians; or, the Hidden Dynamo
+12....Boy Scouts in California; or, the Flag on the Cliff
+13....Boy Scouts on Hudson Bay; or, the Disappearing Fleet
+14....Boy Scouts in Death Valley; or, the City in the Sky
+15....Boy Scouts on Open Plains; or, the Round-up not Ordered
+16....Boy Scouts in Southern Waters; or the Spanish Treasure Chest
+17....Boy Scouts in Belgium; or, Imperiled in a Trap
+18....Boy Scouts in the North Sea; or, the Mystery of a Sub
+19....Boy Scouts Mysterious Signal or Perils of the Black Bear Patrol
+20....Boy Scouts with the Cossacks; or, a Guilty Secret
+
+For Sale by all Book-sellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 60 cents
+
+M · A · DONOHUE · & · COMPANY
+711 · SOUTH · DEARBORN · STREET  · ·  CHICAGO
+
+      *      *      *      *      *
+
+BOYS
+PRIZE LIBRARY
+
+A desirable assortment of boys' books. All books in this series are
+copyrighted. Printed on a good quality of paper from large clear type.
+Cloth bound. Jacket printed in colors.
+
+1. At Whispering Pine Lodge              Leslie
+2. Boy Inventors' Diving Torpedo Boat    Bonner
+3. Boy Inventors' Flying Ship            Bonner
+4. Chums of the Campfire                 Leslie
+5. Jack Winter's Campmates              Overton
+6. Jack Winter's Gridiron Chums         Overton
+7. Motor Boat Boys Mississippi Cruise   Arundel
+8. Phil Bradley's Winning Way             Boone
+9. Radio Boy's Cronies                  Whipple
+10. Rivals of the Trail                  Leslie
+11. Young Oarsman of Lake View         Bonehill
+12. Young Hunters in Porto Rico        Bonehill
+
+For Sale by all Book-sellers, or sent postpaid on
+receipt of 40 cents.
+
+M · A · DONOHUE · & · COMPANY
+711 · SOUTH · DEARBORN · STREET  · ·  CHICAGO
+
+      *      *      *      *      *
+
+VICTORY
+ALGER SERIES
+
+A select assortment of books by Horatio Alger, Jr. Printed on a good
+quality of paper and bound in cloth. Each book wrapped in a decorative
+jacket printed in colors.
+
+1. Adrift in New York; or, Tom and Florence Braving the World
+2. Andy Grant's Pluck and How He Won Out
+3. Driven from Home; or, Carl Crawford's Experience
+4. In a New World; or, Among the Gold Fields of Australia
+5. Jed, the Poorhouse Boy; or, From Poverty to Title
+6. Luke Walton; or, the Chicago Newsboy
+7. Risen from the Ranks; or, Harry Walton's Success
+8. Shifting for Himself; or, Gilbert Greyson's Fortune
+9. Sink or Swim; or, Harry Raymond's Resolve
+10. Store Boy; or, the Fortunes of Ben Barclay
+11. Tony, the Tramp, or, Right is Might
+12. Young Explorer; or, Among the Sierras
+
+For sale by all book-sellers or sent postpaid on receipt of 40c
+
+M · A · DONOHUE · & · COMPANY
+711 · SOUTH · DEARBORN · STREET  ·  CHICAGO
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOY SCOUTS IN THE NORTH SEA***
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diff --git a/25798-8.zip b/25798-8.zip
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+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
+<head>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" />
+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Boy Scouts in the North Sea, by G. Harvey Ralphson</title>
+<style type="text/css">
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+<body>
+<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, Boy Scouts in the North Sea, by G. Harvey
+Ralphson</h1>
+<pre>
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre>
+<p>Title: Boy Scouts in the North Sea</p>
+<p>       The Mystery of a Sub</p>
+<p>Author: G. Harvey Ralphson</p>
+<p>Release Date: June 15, 2008  [eBook #25798]</p>
+<p>Language: English</p>
+<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p>
+<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOY SCOUTS IN THE NORTH SEA***</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h3 class="pg">E-text prepared by Roger Frank<br />
+    and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br />
+    (http://www.pgdp.net)</h3>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="pg" />
+
+<div class='figcenter'>
+<img src='images/illus-fpc.jpg' alt='' title='' /><br />
+<span class='caption'>
+The young divers went below and attached their chains to sunken U-13.
+<br />
+</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr class='silver' />
+
+<div class='ce'>
+<p style=' font-size:1.8em; margin-top:1em;'>BOY SCOUTS</p>
+<p style=' font-size:1.8em; margin-bottom:1em;'>IN THE NORTH SEA</p>
+<p style=' font-size:1em;'>OR</p>
+<p style=' font-size:1.6em; margin-bottom:2em;'>&#8220;The Mystery of a Sub&#8221;</p>
+<p style=' font-size:1em;'>BY</p>
+<p style=' font-size:1.4em; margin-bottom:1em;'>G. HARVEY RALPHSON</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class='figcenter'>
+<img src='images/illus-emb.png' alt='' title='' /><br />
+<span class='caption'>
+MADE IN U. S. A
+<br />
+</span>
+</div>
+
+<div class='ce'>
+<p style=' font-size:1.2em;'>M. A. DONOHUE &amp; COMPANY</p>
+<p style=' font-size:1em; margin-bottom:1em;'>CHICAGO&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NEW YORK</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class='silver' />
+
+<div class='ce' style=' font-size:smaller; font-variant:small-caps;'>
+<p>Copyright, 1915,</p>
+<p>BY</p>
+<p style=' margin-bottom:1em;'>M. A. Donohue &amp; Co., Chicago</p>
+<div style='margin-top:1em'></div>
+<p>Made in U. S. A.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class='silver' />
+
+<div class='ce'>
+<p style=' font-size:1.4em; margin-bottom:1em;'>Contents</p>
+</div>
+
+<table border='0' cellpadding='2' cellspacing='0' summary='Contents' style='margin:1em auto;'>
+<tr>
+  <td align='right'><span style='font-size:small;'>CHAPTER</span></td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align='right'><span style='font-size:small;'>PAGE</span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td valign='top' align='right'>I&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='top' align='left'><span style='font-variant: small-caps'>A Package Vanishes</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='bottom' align='right'><a href='#I_A_PACKAGE_VANISHES'>7</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td valign='top' align='right'>II&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='top' align='left'><span style='font-variant: small-caps'>Difficulties And Dangers</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='bottom' align='right'><a href='#II_DIFFICULTIES_AND_DANGERS'>18</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td valign='top' align='right'>III&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='top' align='left'><span style='font-variant: small-caps'>The Man With The Scar</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='bottom' align='right'><a href='#III_THE_MAN_WITH_THE_SCAR'>30</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td valign='top' align='right'>IV&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='top' align='left'><span style='font-variant: small-caps'>the Lena Knobloch</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='bottom' align='right'><a href='#IV_THE_LENA_KNOBLOCH'>42</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td valign='top' align='right'>V&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='top' align='left'><span style='font-variant: small-caps'>Two Mysterious Changes</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='bottom' align='right'><a href='#V_TWO_MYSTERIOUS_CHANGES'>54</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td valign='top' align='right'>VI&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='top' align='left'><span style='font-variant: small-caps'>A Difficult Departure</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='bottom' align='right'><a href='#VI_A_DIFFICULT_DEPARTURE'>65</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td valign='top' align='right'>VII&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='top' align='left'><span style='font-variant: small-caps'>A Warning From The Sea</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='bottom' align='right'><a href='#VII_A_WARNING_FROM_THE_SEA'>76</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td valign='top' align='right'>VIII&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='top' align='left'><span style='font-variant: small-caps'>More About The &#8220;U-13&#8221;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='bottom' align='right'><a href='#VIII_MORE_ABOUT_THE__U13'>87</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td valign='top' align='right'>IX&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='top' align='left'><span style='font-variant: small-caps'>A Strange Visit</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='bottom' align='right'><a href='#IX_A_STRANGE_VISIT'>98</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td valign='top' align='right'>X&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='top' align='left'><span style='font-variant: small-caps'>Shipwreck And Rescue</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='bottom' align='right'><a href='#X_SHIPWRECK_AND_RESCUE'>109</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td valign='top' align='right'>XI&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='top' align='left'><span style='font-variant: small-caps'>A Fleet Of Submarines</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='bottom' align='right'><a href='#XI_A_FLEET_OF_SUBMARINES'>120</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td valign='top' align='right'>XII&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='top' align='left'><span style='font-variant: small-caps'>A New &#8220;U-13&#8221; Appears</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='bottom' align='right'><a href='#XII_A_NEW__U13__APPEARS'>131</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td valign='top' align='right'>XIII&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='top' align='left'><span style='font-variant: small-caps'>A Threatening Situation</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='bottom' align='right'><a href='#XIII_A_THREATENING_SITUATION'>142</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td valign='top' align='right'>XIV&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='top' align='left'><span style='font-variant: small-caps'>Helped By An Enemy</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='bottom' align='right'><a href='#XIV_HELPED_BY_AN_ENEMY'>153</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td valign='top' align='right'>XV&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='top' align='left'><span style='font-variant: small-caps'>Mistaken Identity</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='bottom' align='right'><a href='#XV_MISTAKEN_IDENTITY'>165</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td valign='top' align='right'>XVI&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='top' align='left'><span style='font-variant: small-caps'>A Strange Discovery</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='bottom' align='right'><a href='#XVI_A_STRANGE_DISCOVERY'>176</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td valign='top' align='right'>XVII&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='top' align='left'><span style='font-variant: small-caps'>Alone And Helpless</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='bottom' align='right'><a href='#XVII_ALONE_AND_HELPLESS'>187</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td valign='top' align='right'>XVIII&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='top' align='left'><span style='font-variant: small-caps'>Help From A Stranger</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='bottom' align='right'><a href='#XVIII_HELP_FROM_A_STRANGER'>198</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td valign='top' align='right'>XIX&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='top' align='left'><span style='font-variant: small-caps'>Mackinder Again</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='bottom' align='right'><a href='#XIX_MACKINDER_AGAIN'>209</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td valign='top' align='right'>XX&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='top' align='left'><span style='font-variant: small-caps'>A Mysterious Craft</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='bottom' align='right'><a href='#XX_A_MYSTERIOUS_CRAFT'>221</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td valign='top' align='right'>XXI&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='top' align='left'><span style='font-variant: small-caps'>A Mystery Explained</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='bottom' align='right'><a href='#XXI_A_MYSTERY_EXPLAINED'>232</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td valign='top' align='right'>XXII&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='top' align='left'><span style='font-variant: small-caps'>More Mystery</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='bottom' align='right'><a href='#XXII_MORE_MYSTERY'>240</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td valign='top' align='right'>XXIII&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='top' align='left'><span style='font-variant: small-caps'>The Mystery Of The &#8220;U-13&#8221;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+  <td valign='bottom' align='right'><a href='#XXIII_THE_MYSTERY_OF_THE__U13'>246</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<hr class='silver' />
+
+<div><span class='pagenum'><a id='page_7' name='page_7'></a>7</span></div>
+<div class='ce'>
+<p style=' font-size:1.6em;'>Boy Scouts in the North Sea;</p>
+<p style=' font-size:1.2em;'>or,</p>
+<p style=' font-size:1.4em;'>&#8220;The Mystery of a Sub&#8221;</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class='minor' />
+
+<div style='margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 0em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='I_A_PACKAGE_VANISHES' id='I_A_PACKAGE_VANISHES'></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER I</h2>
+<h3>A PACKAGE VANISHES</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good night!&#8221; exclaimed a lad of about
+eighteen peering from the window in a railway
+coach. &#8220;This train&#8217;s running on a regular
+lake!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s that, Jimmie?&#8221; asked a companion
+approaching the first speaker. &#8220;Are
+we on a ferry? I still feel the wheels hit the
+rail joints.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Oh, yes, now and again we crawl along a
+rail&#8217;s length or two,&#8221; admitted the boy, &#8220;but
+it&#8217;s mighty slow work! I&#8217;m getting tired!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What place is this, anyway?&#8221; inquired a
+third boy coming to the window. &#8220;It looks as
+if we&#8217;re going out into the ocean!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We can&#8217;t be headed for Holland at this
+rate!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We surely are!&#8221; assured the one addressed
+as Jimmie. &#8220;I&#8217;ll bet I can tell you what that
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_8' name='page_8'></a>8</span>
+is! The Belgians cut their dikes and flooded
+the country to drive out the Germans. My
+dream book says that&#8217;s it!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>A general laugh greeted this assertion.
+Moving about in the limits of the none too
+commodious compartment of a European railway
+carriage four boys dressed in the well-known
+khaki uniforms of the Boy Scouts of
+America endeavored to observe the scenery
+through the windows.
+</p>
+<p>To those of our readers who have followed
+the adventures of this group of boys as related
+in the previous volumes of this series no
+introduction is necessary. However, for the
+benefit of those who have not been so fortunate,
+a word of explanation may not be out
+of place at this time. The lads had very recently
+been engaged in a man hunt that led
+through parts of France and Belgium. They
+had visited the trenches of both the French
+and German forces and had several times
+faced death.
+</p>
+<p>Just now they were practically prisoners,
+having been accorded passage from the German
+lines to a neutral port in Holland, where
+they expected to take ship for their home town
+of New York.
+</p>
+<p>Ned Nestor, a fine, manly lad, was the
+Leader of the Wolf Patrol of New York City,
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_9' name='page_9'></a>9</span>
+Boy Scouts of America. He had been often
+selected for difficult work by the Chief of the
+United States Secret Service because of his
+aptitude for the work. His coolness and
+sound judgment had carried himself and his
+companions through many difficulties. It was
+a mission of this character upon which the
+boys had recently engaged and from which
+they were now returning.
+</p>
+<p>Jimmie McGraw, freckle-faced and red-headed,
+was a member of the Wolf Patrol of
+which Ned was leader. He was an ardent
+adherent of Ned&#8217;s. Brought up a newsboy
+on the Bowery of New York the boy had come
+under the observation of the older lad, who
+had found him indeed worthy of all the care
+which had been bestowed.
+</p>
+<p>Jack Bosworth, the son of a prominent corporation
+attorney, and Harry Stevens, whose
+father was a well-known automobile manufacturer,
+were the other members of the group.
+These latter two were members of the Black
+Bear Patrol of New York. All the lads appeared
+to be about eighteen years old. Their
+tidy uniforms, their well-knit frames and their
+alert attitudes bespoke the constant training
+of their leader.
+</p>
+<p>As they looked from the windows of the
+car in which they now found themselves they
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_10' name='page_10'></a>10</span>
+discovered that the situation was even as Jimmie
+had stated. The country was flooded with
+water released from the dikes.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Tell you what,&#8221; declared Jack Bosworth,
+after a prolonged inspection of the landscape,
+if it may be so called, &#8220;this is some wet!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You win the argument,&#8221; announced Jimmie,
+wrinkling his freckled nose at his companion.
+&#8220;I always said you were the wise little
+fox!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Jack&#8217;s answer to this pleasantry was an
+attempt to box the younger lad&#8217;s ears. Jimmie&#8217;s
+resentment of the procedure drew the
+others into a friendly scuffle that terminated
+only when the contestants paused for breath.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I wish they&#8217;d hurry up and let us get onto
+dry land again!&#8221; said Jimmie, when he next
+found himself able to draw a long breath.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You won&#8217;t find much dry land when it
+rains like it&#8217;s going to right now!&#8221; stated
+Harry, pointing out of the window. &#8220;Watch
+it come down!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I hope they don&#8217;t get to the border while it
+rains like this,&#8221; answered Ned, with an involuntary
+shiver. &#8220;I don&#8217;t fancy standing out
+in such a drizzle as this appears to be. We&#8217;d
+be wet through in no time!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Why, do they make us get out?&#8221; queried
+Harry.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_11' name='page_11'></a>11</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes, I understand from what the officer
+said back there at the old castle that we&#8217;ll be
+searched body, boots and baggage.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And what if they find something they don&#8217;t
+like?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps they&#8217;ll put us in jail for a few
+months or until the war has ceased,&#8221; replied
+Ned. &#8220;I&#8217;m sure I don&#8217;t know what they&#8217;ll
+do.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Br-r-rh!&#8221; shivered Jimmie. &#8220;I wouldn&#8217;t
+turn our old friend The Rat out into a rain
+like this! That would be cruelty to animals!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Small chance anyone&#8217;ll have to turn him
+out now!&#8221; spoke up Jack. &#8220;That dynamite
+fixed him so he won&#8217;t be turned out for some
+time!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t speak of it, boys,&#8221; protested Ned.
+&#8220;I see him yet!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s change the subject,&#8221; proposed
+Jimmie, out of consideration for his chum&#8217;s
+feelings. &#8220;I think I see some land. Can
+we be coming to the border I wonder? I
+hope we are and that we can soon be starting
+home!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Train&#8217;s slackening speed,&#8221; announced
+Harry. &#8220;They&#8217;re stopping!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>It was even as the boy had said. With many
+a bump and groan of grinding brakes the train
+crawled to a standstill beside a hut built upon
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_12' name='page_12'></a>12</span>
+a rise of ground. Here was stationed a force
+of soldiers detailed to the work of searching
+and examining all who attempted to pass from
+Belgium to Holland. Those who were not certified
+as refugees or in other ways vested with
+proper authority to pass were promptly rejected
+and turned back.
+</p>
+<p>A guard came running along the foot board
+opening doors. He shouted instructions to
+the inmates of the carriages, who promptly
+began scrambling out of the uncomfortable
+cars. All baggage was placed along the track
+to facilitate examination. The train itself was
+searched.
+</p>
+<p>Gesticulating and conversing rapidly two
+soldiers approached the little group of Boy
+Scouts. Apparently an argument of some sort
+was in progress, but the boys could not determine
+the nature of it.
+</p>
+<p>One of the men pointed to the uniforms and
+to the medals upon the sleeves of the boys&#8217;
+jackets. Gradually his companion seemed to
+be convinced by the flow of words. At length
+he nodded his head, as if surrendering his last
+doubts. The two men fell to examining the
+luggage.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Go as far as you like, Old Scout!&#8221; scorned
+Jimmie, as he observed the rough manner in
+which his belongings were being tossed about.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_13' name='page_13'></a>13</span>
+&#8220;I&#8217;ll bet I&#8217;d punch your dome a little, though,
+if you could talk English!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Ah, ha!&#8221; cried one of the soldiers, tapping
+his comrade on the shoulder, as if his argument
+had been conclusively supported. &#8220;Anglaise!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>A torrent of words from the other seemed to
+meet a receptive ear. The first speaker nodded
+energetically. His satisfaction was all too evident.
+From his appearance he was expecting
+nothing short of a medal.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Judging from their motions,&#8221; Jimmie remarked,
+&#8220;these two fellows are about to fight
+a duel. I&#8217;ll bet on the shorter one!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Not much!&#8221; declared Harry. &#8220;They&#8217;re
+merely telling one another what a nice day it
+was yesterday and how fine the weather&#8217;ll be
+when it clears up. They are using the sign
+language, that&#8217;s all!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t you kid yourself!&#8221; protested Jimmie,
+uneasily. &#8220;I smell Old Man Trouble
+coming around the corner right now!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Go on, Jimmie!&#8221; scorned Jack. &#8220;You&#8217;re
+dreaming again!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I know I am!&#8221; replied the younger lad.
+&#8220;Last night I dreamed of eating salt mackerel
+and my dream book says that means trouble!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Here they come now!&#8221; cautioned Ned.
+&#8220;Hush a minute, boys!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_14' name='page_14'></a>14</span></p>
+<p>Addressing the boys in German the soldier
+was evidently asking some question which demanded
+an answer. Ned as spokesman shook
+his head. The other soldier spoke rapidly in
+the French language.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Excuse me, gentlemen,&#8221; Ned said, lifting
+a protesting hand, &#8220;we cannot understand the
+language you are using. We speak only English!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Ah, ha! Anglaise!&#8221; cried the soldier, gesticulating.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;There, you put your foot in it!&#8221; declared
+Jimmie. &#8220;Why didn&#8217;t you say: &#8216;Come across
+with some good old United States, Bo&#8217;?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;They probably don&#8217;t understand your
+slang, Jimmie!&#8221; replied Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;So-o-o,&#8221; exclaimed one of the men in poor
+English, &#8220;you speak English, do you? And
+from what part of England do you come?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We are not from England at all,&#8221; explained
+Ned, &#8220;but from the United States.
+We are being sent home by the kindness of a
+German officer, who has been most considerate.
+See, here are our passports!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Bah!&#8221; scornfully protested the man.
+&#8220;Passports are most easily forged. And information
+may be carried still more easily!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But I assure you,&#8221; continued Ned, &#8220;we
+are speaking the truth!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_15' name='page_15'></a>15</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;So say all spies!&#8221; replied the other. &#8220;We
+shall see for ourselves just what information
+you have in your possessions!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Go as far as you like,&#8221; replied Ned, somewhat
+nettled at the soldier&#8217;s insolence. &#8220;You
+won&#8217;t find a thing that shouldn&#8217;t be there!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>One of the men was already bending over
+the bags containing such articles as the boys
+had deemed necessary for their trip. Without
+regard for the owners&#8217; rights he was
+rapidly taking out every piece separately.
+After carefully examining it he threw the
+article on the ground. He was evidently annoyed
+at not finding something incriminating.
+</p>
+<p>Submitting to the search with poorly concealed
+dislike of the man and his methods, the
+boys waited with what patience they could
+muster until the ordeal should be ended. Ned
+endeavored to distract their thoughts by commenting
+on the others, who were meeting similar
+treatment.
+</p>
+<p>He was interrupted by an exclamation of
+delight from the searcher.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Ah!&#8221; cried that worthy, standing upright.
+&#8220;Nothing contraband! Nothing to be concealed!
+No information! These are not
+spies!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>He held in his hand a flat packet wrapped
+in heavy oiled silk, tied with many wrappings
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_16' name='page_16'></a>16</span>
+of stout twine and sealed carefully
+with wax.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Gather your possessions quickly and follow
+me!&#8221; commanded the soldier triumphantly,
+drawing a revolver. &#8220;We shall visit
+the commander!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What is that thing and where did it come
+from?&#8221; questioned Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Search me!&#8221; declared Jimmie, excitedly.
+&#8220;Maybe this gink had it up his little sleeve
+and dropped it in there at the right minute!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;He looks equal to it!&#8221; stated Jack stoutly.
+&#8220;He&#8217;s a villain!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Better be careful what you say!&#8221; cautioned
+Ned. &#8220;We are not out of the woods, and these
+fellows understand English pretty well!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I wish I had my automatic and about ten
+yards start!&#8221; stormed Jimmie, gathering up
+wearing apparel and jamming it into his kit.
+&#8220;I could beat that slow-footed camel in a
+straightaway without half trying!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Better wait and see it out,&#8221; advised Ned,
+replacing his own belongings. &#8220;It&#8217;s only a
+mistake and can surely be explained.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe we can be examined and go ahead
+on this same train,&#8221; offered Jack consolingly.
+&#8220;Anyhow, we won&#8217;t gain anything by arguing
+with these fellows. They have no sense of
+humor and don&#8217;t want one!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_17' name='page_17'></a>17</span></p>
+<p>Following their two captors the lads trudged
+down the track toward the hut. Carefully
+they picked their way between groups of
+genuine refugees rearranging their meagre
+possessions in the coaches.
+</p>
+<p>In a short time the boys were duly presented
+before a gray-haired officer seated at a
+table placed against the wall of the hut. It
+was darker in the room than out of doors. A
+single oil lamp served to dispel the gathering
+gloom of the early twilight.
+</p>
+<p>Reporting volubly in German, with many
+gesticulations, the soldier presented the four
+boys. At the conclusion of his recital he laid
+the parcel upon the table. Drawing himself
+to his full height and assuming a tragic air
+he surveyed his captives with complacency.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Look at that mark!&#8221; whispered Jimmie
+hoarsely. &#8220;What is it?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It says &#8216;U-13&#8217; as plainly as the freckles on
+your nose,&#8221; replied Harry, who stood nearest
+the table. &#8220;I don&#8217;t know what it means!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>A challenge from the sentry at the door
+drew the attention of those within the hut.
+For a moment every eye turned toward the
+entrance.
+</p>
+<p>Ever on the alert, Jimmie saw a hand thrust
+through the open window. It seized the package
+and noiselessly disappeared.
+</p>
+<hr class='major' />
+<div style='margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 2em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='II_DIFFICULTIES_AND_DANGERS' id='II_DIFFICULTIES_AND_DANGERS'></a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_18' name='page_18'></a>18</span>
+<h2>CHAPTER II</h2>
+<h3>DIFFICULTIES AND DANGERS</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Finding that the disturbance had been
+caused by the approach of one of the refugees,
+who demanded an audience with the commander,
+but who had quickly been satisfied by
+the explanation of the sentry, the officer again
+gave his attention to the group before him.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Proceed!&#8221; he ordered. &#8220;You may speak
+English for the benefit of these young gentlemen.
+Let us have the story, now!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Myself and my comrade searched the baggage
+of these fellows,&#8221; began the soldier, directing
+a contemptuous glance at the boys.
+&#8220;When we reached the kit of that one there,&#8221;
+here he pointed at Ned, &#8220;we discovered what
+seemed to us to be suspicious goods. Here
+it is&mdash;!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>A gasp of astonishment terminated the
+triumphant recital.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Go on!&#8221; ordered the officer without emotion.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But a moment ago the package was lying
+on your table!&#8221; almost shouted the soldier.
+&#8220;Now it is gone!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_19' name='page_19'></a>19</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;So I perceive!&#8221; replied the officer. &#8220;If
+you have evidence, please produce it. Otherwise
+I shall examine the passports of the
+young gentlemen, and if they are found correct
+I shall permit them to depart.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>He reached out a hand for the passports,
+which were quickly presented. After a minute
+scrutiny and careful comparison of descriptions
+he returned them to the lads. Again he
+turned to the soldier.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Have you any evidence of their guilt?&#8221; he
+inquired.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I believe they have stolen the package!&#8221;
+stormed the soldier.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Search them!&#8221; commanded the officer.
+&#8220;With respect!&#8221; he added.
+</p>
+<p>During the hasty but thorough search of the
+lads&#8217; clothing Jimmie grinned maliciously into
+the faces of the soldiers. His delight knew no
+bounds. Their discomfiture upon failing to
+find the package was exceeded only by the delight
+of the lad, who prudently held his own
+counsel.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;There must have been a mistake!&#8221; at
+length declared the officer impatiently. &#8220;We
+cannot delay the train longer. Permit them to
+proceed!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But I swear I discovered in their luggage a
+suspicious parcel!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_20' name='page_20'></a>20</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;It is not here! The young gentlemen do
+not seem to have it! In the face of their apparently
+correct passports and this courteous
+request from their friend, von Moltke, I am
+not justified in holding them longer! Young
+men, you may resume your journey!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Thanking the officer in grateful acknowledgment
+of his courtesy the lads again found
+their compartment. Scarcely had they regained
+their former position before the train
+again began to move.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Now, Ned,&#8221; began Harry, as the wheels
+once more clicked over the rail joints, &#8220;produce!
+Let&#8217;s have the secret!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Produce nothing!&#8221; declared Ned. &#8220;I have
+nothing to produce!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The package, man, the mysterious package
+of contraband spy literature!&#8221; demanded
+Harry in a serious tone. &#8220;What secrets are
+you carrying out of this country to help the
+English?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I tell you I have nothing at all! I don&#8217;t
+know what that package contained, nor do I
+know where it came from!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s all right, too!&#8221; declared Jack. &#8220;But
+where did it go to so suddenly? That&#8217;s the
+interesting part! What did you do with it?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Honestly, boys,&#8221; protested Ned, &#8220;I
+haven&#8217;t got it. I saw that fellow fish it out of
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_21' name='page_21'></a>21</span>
+my kit. I saw him put it on the table. When
+I turned back after glancing at the door the
+package was gone!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We know that!&#8221; continued Harry. &#8220;Now,
+who took it?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;d give a good deal to know that myself!&#8221;
+declared Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Just how much would you give?&#8221; queried
+Jimmie from his seat in a corner from whence
+he had been listening. &#8220;I&#8217;d like to make a
+stake!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Jimmie pinched it!&#8221; cried Harry, pouncing
+upon his comrade.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Deliver that package!&#8221; shouted Jack, going
+to the assistance of his chum. &#8220;Search
+him, Ned!&#8221; he continued, as Jimmie was
+dragged to his feet. &#8220;Go through him carefully
+while we hold him.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Go as far as you like,&#8221; grinned Jimmie
+teasingly. &#8220;It&#8217;s not here!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Where is it, Jimmie?&#8221; questioned Ned,
+seriously, &#8220;let&#8217;s have it!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I tell you I haven&#8217;t got it!&#8221; declared Jimmie,
+still grinning. &#8220;But I saw it when it
+disappeared and I know where it went!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Hurry up!&#8221; shouted Jack, impatiently.
+&#8220;Say something!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It went out of the window of the shanty!&#8221;
+declared Jimmie.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_22' name='page_22'></a>22</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Aw, go on!&#8221; scorned Harry. &#8220;Just
+jumped up and flew away!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>With a laugh Jimmie then related what he
+had seen at the moment when all the other
+occupants of the hut had been giving their
+attention to the disturbance at the front door.
+The tale astonished his chums.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I saw the hand as plainly as I see my
+own!&#8221; declared Jimmie, holding his hand up
+to the light of the single oil lamp. &#8220;It was
+the hand of a gentleman, I should say. I mean
+by that, it was soft and well kept&mdash;not hard
+and calloused. The peculiar mark by which I
+shall know it again if I see it was a scar extending
+clear across the back. I somehow
+connected that scar with a saber or sword cut.
+It was an ugly wound.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Did you see anything of the man?&#8221; asked
+Ned, eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;No, I wasn&#8217;t turned far enough and I
+didn&#8217;t dare move,&#8221; replied Jimmie. &#8220;All at
+once I seemed to comprehend that the thief
+was saving us a lot of troublesome delay, and
+I just let him make his getaway without raising
+a holler! I thought he was helping us as
+well as himself!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I think we ought to vote Jimmie a credit
+mark!&#8221; declared Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;He certainly exercised wonderful self-control
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_23' name='page_23'></a>23</span>
+in not making a noise at a critical time,&#8221;
+added Jack. &#8220;I wonder, now, if the chap at
+the door made the disturbance to assist the
+other fellow in grabbing the parcel. It would
+almost seem as if they were working together!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It does seem like that!&#8221; stated Ned,
+thoughtfully. &#8220;But what puzzles me most is
+the fact that the package was in our baggage!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I wonder what on earth could have been
+in the old &#8216;U-13&#8217;!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>But ponder and speculate as they might the
+lads were unable to arrive at a solution of the
+mysterious presence and disappearance of the
+package bearing the curious mark. Weary
+with the exertion of attempting to solve the
+problem the boys at length composed themselves
+for sleep.
+</p>
+<p>Mile after mile the train bumped jerkily
+along the uneven track. Occasionally a guard
+opened the door to scrutinize the compartment,
+but upon finding the little party at rest
+he again proceeded to his duties.
+</p>
+<p>Gradually the train drew away from the
+inundated section. To the southward, whence
+they had come, the boys were leaving the scene
+of the mighty conflict, the like of which history
+had never seen. Behind them were the
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_24' name='page_24'></a>24</span>
+trenches filled with soldiers&mdash;some happy and
+gay even in the presence of death, others disheartened
+and downcast. There, too, they
+were leaving the great cannon with their roaring,
+screaming shells, the vicious crack of
+rifles and the wasp-like singing of bullets.
+</p>
+<p>Before them in fancy they saw a great ship
+upon which they would take passage to the
+peace and quietness of their own country.
+Their dreams were filled with scenes of New
+York and their beloved club room, hung with
+trophies of the prowess of the members of
+their patrol.
+</p>
+<p>At Amsterdam they would embark speedily,
+and after a week or ten days of ocean travel
+would see again the Goddess of Liberty holding
+up to the world a beacon to guide their
+ships into a haven of peace and plenty.
+</p>
+<p>Could the boys have pierced the veil and
+looked upon the scenes through which they
+were soon to pass their rest that night might
+not have been so tranquil, their dreams would
+perhaps have been less pleasant.
+</p>
+<p>Thanks to the consideration extended them
+at the instance of their friend, von Moltke,
+the German officer in whose charge they had
+been placed during the last exciting scenes of
+their stay in the war zone, the lads had been
+accorded the privilege of a whole compartment.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_25' name='page_25'></a>25</span>
+Due to this fact they found room in
+which to stretch out as they slept. This exceptional
+advantage was fully appreciated.
+</p>
+<p>Toward morning the boys were awakened
+by the bustle surrounding the arrival of the
+train at Utrecht. At this point another passenger
+was thrust unceremoniously into the
+compartment. After performing this duty
+the guard hastened away to perform similar
+services for others.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Good morning, gentlemen,&#8221; said the newcomer
+pleasantly.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Top of the morning to you!&#8221; smiled Jimmie,
+rising and endeavoring to smooth out the
+wrinkles in his uniform. &#8220;How&#8217;s the weather
+outside?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Clearing rapidly, but there&#8217;s promise of
+some wind,&#8221; replied the newcomer. &#8220;May I
+ask how far you are going?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;New York!&#8221; declared Jimmie with a grin.
+&#8220;That is,&#8221; his added, &#8220;if this old ark holds
+together until we get to Amsterdam and we
+can find a ship there. It would be just our
+luck to find the last canal boat gone!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Been having tough luck?&#8221; inquired the
+other solicitously.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Rotten!&#8221; stated the boy. &#8220;How far do
+you go?&#8221; he asked.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Amsterdam is my present destination,&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_26' name='page_26'></a>26</span>
+was the reply. &#8220;My name&#8217;s Mackinder&mdash;Robert
+Mackinder, and I&#8217;m trying to get out of
+this forsaken country, don&#8217;t you know. I&#8217;m
+in hopes I&#8217;ll be able to find some craft destined
+to a point where I&#8217;ll be able to get home.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Introductions of the four lads followed.
+Mackinder proved himself an entertaining
+talker. Listening to his tales of adventure
+in various lands the boys were soon at ease.
+The man apparently had traveled over the
+whole world for he seemed familiar with all
+lands.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I say,&#8221; declared Jimmie, as their new
+found friend concluded a tale of privation
+through which he had passed in South Africa,
+&#8220;that story of starvation reminds me that I
+am hungry. I haven&#8217;t eaten in a week!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Jimmie, Jimmie!&#8221; cautioned Ned. &#8220;Get
+down to recent dates!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, it feels that way, anyhow,&#8221; persisted
+the boy.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Can you tell us where we&#8217;ll be able to find
+a lunch counter?&#8221; asked Ned. &#8220;We have
+nothing in our kits except some hard tack.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;There is no place short of Amsterdam
+where one can get anything like a decent
+meal,&#8221; replied Mackinder. &#8220;There I can
+show you the way to a restaurant that is all
+right. It is not far from the docks.&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_27' name='page_27'></a>27</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Then we&#8217;ll get one good, solid, square
+meal!&#8221; shouted Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And after breakfast,&#8221; put in Harry, &#8220;we&#8217;ll
+go aboard the steamer and let &#8217;em sail as soon
+as they like! What shall we eat?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I want a limburger cheese sandwich,&#8221; announced
+Jimmie. &#8220;I&#8217;d like it to be on rye
+bread with plenty of mustard. Then with a
+couple of cups of real old Dutch coffee I guess
+I&#8217;d last until noon.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;By noon we&#8217;ll be out on the North Sea, I
+hope,&#8221; stated Harry.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You don&#8217;t get onto the North Sea direct
+from Amsterdam!&#8221; scorned Jack. &#8220;You have
+to go through some sort of lake or bay first!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Leave it to Mr. Mackinder here!&#8221; protested
+Harry.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Your friend is right, Harry,&#8221; smiled
+Mackinder, thus appealed to. &#8220;Amsterdam
+is on the Zuider Zee. If we get a vessel at
+that place we will pass northward through
+that water, thence between some of the Friesian
+Islands into the North Sea. From that
+point it is but a short distance to my destination.
+Any port in England will be suitable
+for my purpose.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Nix on England for mine!&#8221; declared Jimmie.
+&#8220;I&#8217;m for the little old United States
+every time. We are neutral there without
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_28' name='page_28'></a>28</span>
+having to think about it. I&#8217;m about done with
+war. I&#8217;ve seen enough!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Too much is plenty, as the Dutchman
+says,&#8221; put in Harry. &#8220;But about this Amsterdam
+place, now. Do you know the town,
+Mr. Mackinder?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Indeed I do!&#8221; was the reply. &#8220;I have
+been there many times.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Then perhaps you&#8217;d be good enough to
+give us a little help. You see, we&#8217;re strangers
+there and since we&#8217;ve lost our airship we&#8217;re
+almost helpless. We&#8217;re not accustomed to
+finding our way about where the inhabitants
+don&#8217;t speak English. Besides, we&#8217;re not provided
+with a map.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I shall be delighted to help you in any way
+possible,&#8221; continued the man. &#8220;I think that
+if you follow me you&#8217;ll have little trouble.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>The lads gladly availed themselves of this
+offer, and shortly after their arrival at the
+city they found themselves in a room plainly
+but comfortably furnished. From their windows
+they could see the shipping in the harbor.
+Before them a busy street teemed with
+traffic.
+</p>
+<p>Watching the strange sights below the boys
+were startled to hear:
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll trouble you now for the &#8216;U-13&#8217; package!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_29' name='page_29'></a>29</span></p>
+<p>Wheeling quickly they were frightened to
+observe that Mackinder had them covered
+with a revolver. His look was stern and determined.
+</p>
+<hr class='major' />
+<div style='margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 2em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='III_THE_MAN_WITH_THE_SCAR' id='III_THE_MAN_WITH_THE_SCAR'></a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_30' name='page_30'></a>30</span>
+<h2>CHAPTER III</h2>
+<h3>THE MAN WITH THE SCAR</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;What package is it you want?&#8221; inquired
+Ned in amazement as he saw that Mackinder
+evidently intended to enforce his demand at
+all costs.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I shall countenance no delay!&#8221; spoke the
+man sharply. &#8220;You may step to your luggage
+there and produce that package instantly. If
+you refuse I shall summon assistance and it
+will be taken forcibly.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You have the wrong pig by the ear this
+time, partner!&#8221; put in Jimmie. &#8220;Just put up
+your little cannon. It won&#8217;t do you any good
+here.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Enough!&#8221; snapped Mackinder. &#8220;You will
+gain nothing by attempting such methods. I
+am not to be balked by trivialities!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, Boss,&#8221; smiled Jimmie, &#8220;we haven&#8217;t
+got any &#8216;U-13&#8217; package and we haven&#8217;t got
+any of those other things, either!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I warn you,&#8221; went on Mackinder in a
+menacing tone, &#8220;it has become known to the
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_31' name='page_31'></a>31</span>
+authorities that you have this package. I have
+been commissioned to secure it. If you surrender
+it before leaving this country you will
+lose nothing. If you refuse it will be taken
+by force. In that case you need not expect to
+receive any degree of clemency in the matter!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Mr. Mackinder,&#8221; began Ned with dignity,
+&#8220;we don&#8217;t understand what you mean. If you
+intend to infer that we have some mysterious
+package that we should not have you are not
+fair to us. Perhaps you would like to examine
+our luggage and be sure it is not there.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Very well,&#8221; stated Mackinder grimly. &#8220;If
+you insist.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Keeping the revolver leveled in the direction
+of the group the man stepped to the side
+of the room. He grasped the old-fashioned
+bell-pull. In answer to his summons steps
+were heard approaching the door.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Ah, there you are, Norton,&#8221; sighed
+Mackinder in a relieved tone as a man in uniform
+appeared. &#8220;Just keep an eye on these
+chaps, will you. I&#8217;m going through their luggage.
+Look sharp, now!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>From Norton&#8217;s appearance the boys judged
+that the task was much to his liking. He fingered
+a wicked looking revolver, as if anticipating
+trouble and hoping that would come
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_32' name='page_32'></a>32</span>
+quickly. His manner was that of an eager
+hunting dog scenting game and only waiting
+a command to attack.
+</p>
+<p>Thinking it best to offer no resistance and
+understanding that arguments would not avail
+under the present circumstances Ned seated
+himself in a convenient chair. He began to
+divert the minds of his comrades by talking
+of the shipping and the traffic which they
+could see.
+</p>
+<p>Hastily Mackinder tossed the luggage about
+in his efforts to locate the article he sought.
+Finally he turned to Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Where have you concealed it?&#8221; he asked
+with some display of anger.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Concealed what?&#8221; asked Ned impatiently.
+&#8220;I tell you, Mr. Mackinder, I don&#8217;t like this
+idea of your holding us up in this manner
+without apparent authority. You are imposing
+on good nature!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps I have been a little hasty,&#8221; stated
+Mackinder, &#8220;but I have been commissioned
+to secure a certain package which is alleged to
+contain information vital to two countries. It
+may possibly concern more. You are said to
+have had possession of this package at the
+time you left the castle in Flanders. Where
+is it now?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Do you mean the flat package the soldier
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_33' name='page_33'></a>33</span>
+found in our baggage at the frontier where
+we were searched?&#8221; inquired Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;No doubt it is the same one,&#8221; stated
+Mackinder.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Then,&#8221; declared the boy, pointing at
+Mackinder&#8217;s hand, &#8220;I have every reason to
+believe that you know more about the whereabouts
+of that package than do we. I recognize
+that peculiar scar on your hand!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Quick glances of inquiry were directed by
+the boys at the hand toward which Jimmie
+was pointing. It bore a scar running clear
+across the back&mdash;an ugly, jagged scar that
+they had heard Jimmie describe.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What did you mean by coming here and
+trying to throw a bluff into us about the package
+still being in our kits when you yourself
+took it from the table in the hut?&#8221; demanded
+Jimmie aggressively.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You&#8217;re mistaken, boys, I don&#8217;t know what
+you&#8217;re talking about!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Then you&#8217;ve got a mighty poor memory!&#8221;
+declared the lad.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Mr. Mackinder,&#8221; Ned said in a low tone
+vibrant with indignation, &#8220;if you&#8217;ve quite satisfied
+yourself that we have not got the package
+you seem to be seeking we&#8217;ll excuse you.
+We don&#8217;t want your company any more, and
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_34' name='page_34'></a>34</span>
+we shall try to proceed upon our journey
+alone.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But, see here, boys&mdash;&#8221; Mackinder attempted
+to explain.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Not another word!&#8221; cried Ned rising.
+&#8220;There is the door and you are at liberty to
+use it quickly. You are welcome to the package!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You will find out later on,&#8221; Mackinder
+said, as he started to leave the room in company
+with Norton, &#8220;that I&#8217;ve been trying to
+help you out of mighty suspicious circumstances.
+You are ungrateful!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Good-bye!&#8221; called out Jimmie. &#8220;Don&#8217;t
+slam the door!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>For a moment the boys gazed at one another
+in amazement after the two men had left the
+room. They were excited and puzzled.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, this is a stunner!&#8221; declared Ned at
+length.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Who is this Mackinder, who is Norton,
+what is in this &#8216;U-13&#8217; package that he wants,
+how did it get into our baggage, why was it
+put there, where are we going, when do we
+eat!&#8221; demanded Jimmie in a breath.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s the way to talk, Jimmie!&#8221; cried
+Harry, laughing in spite of the situation that
+the boys all felt to be a serious one.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The last question is the most important!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_35' name='page_35'></a>35</span>
+stated Jack. &#8220;I&#8217;m in favor of the eats part
+and that without further delay.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Come on, boys,&#8221; suggested Ned. &#8220;Let&#8217;s
+eat first and talk things over afterward. I&#8217;m
+nearly famished myself, and Jimmie is hungry,
+too!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>In a short time the lads were seated in a
+quaint restaurant ordering strange dishes.
+They were hungry, as only healthy, active
+boys can be. The food was well cooked and
+appetizing. They ate heartily.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Now, I&#8217;m in favor of getting to the docks
+as quick as possible,&#8221; announced Jimmie,
+pushing his plate away. &#8220;Let&#8217;s get our passage
+settled.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>All were in favor of this arrangement.
+After paying for their breakfast the lads set
+out in search of a ship upon which they might
+secure passage to the United States. But they
+were not to secure this easily.
+</p>
+<p>Extended inquiry during the forenoon
+elicited the information that there was no vessel
+clearing from the port of Amsterdam for
+any place in America. Although they made
+every effort to find a steamer which would
+afford them the accommodations they sought
+none was found.
+</p>
+<p>Inquiry at the railway station disclosed the
+fact that their airship, the Grey Eagle, now
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_36' name='page_36'></a>36</span>
+dismantled and packed in boxes, was at the
+freight sheds waiting a claimant. Until they
+could find a vessel to carry it home the boys
+preferred to let it remain in its present location.
+</p>
+<p>After dinner they continued their inquiries
+for a vessel. At length they learned of a full-rigged
+three-masted ship that was to clear in
+a few days for New York. Regretting even
+this short delay the lads decided to attempt to
+secure passage, although the journey would
+be a long one.
+</p>
+<p>Ned secured the services of a boatman, who
+offered to row them out to the ship, which lay
+at anchor in the harbor. The man charged
+them what the boys considered an extraordinary
+price for the service, but explained
+that the weather was unfavorable and that at
+any moment a storm might break. To this
+the boys could but agree. A glance at the sky
+convinced them that a storm of rather unusual
+violence was gathering.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Take him up, anyhow, Ned!&#8221; urged Harry.
+&#8220;We want to get home!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;All right, then, here goes!&#8221; declared Ned,
+stepping aboard the waterman&#8217;s craft. &#8220;Pull
+away, my friend, we&#8217;re all aboard.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>In a short time the man was threading his
+way amongst the shipping in the harbor.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_37' name='page_37'></a>37</span>
+From their position so low upon the water the
+masts and spars of the vessels looked to be of
+extraordinary height to the boys, who viewed
+every object with keen interest.
+</p>
+<p>A hail from the boatman was answered by
+a man from the deck of the ship. He thrust
+his head over the rail inquiringly.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Where&#8217;s your captain?&#8221; asked Ned, as the
+man appeared.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What do you want of the captain?&#8221; asked
+the man in a surly voice.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We want to talk with him,&#8221; replied Ned.
+&#8220;We&#8217;ll explain to him.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;He&#8217;s busy now and don&#8217;t want to be disturbed.
+Tell me what you want and I&#8217;ll give
+him your message. Maybe he&#8217;ll see you!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We want to arrange passage on your ship
+to the United States.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll see what he&#8217;s got to say,&#8221; replied the
+man, moving away.
+</p>
+<p>While he was gone the boys examined the
+vessel closely. Jimmie pronounced the vessel
+very much to his liking. He admired the lines
+and pointed with pride to the modeling of the
+stern.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Hello!&#8221; the boy cried excitedly, his arm
+extended still in the act of indicating the ship,
+&#8220;there goes our friend Mackinder in a
+launch!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_38' name='page_38'></a>38</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Where?&#8221; asked Ned eagerly, turning
+about in his seat.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Right astern of us!&#8221; replied Jimmie. &#8220;I
+wonder what he was doing aboard this ship.
+He seems to be in a hurry to get ashore.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe he wasn&#8217;t on this ship at all,&#8221; was
+Harry&#8217;s objection. &#8220;He might have been out
+on the harbor for a pleasure ride.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sure, he&#8217;s just the chap to take a pleasure
+ride on the harbor with a storm brewing! I&#8217;ve
+got a picture of that chap joy-riding!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I hope he doesn&#8217;t see us,&#8221; declared Jack.
+&#8220;He might have enough influence with the
+captain to prevent our securing passage on
+this ship.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>The conversation was interrupted by the
+advent of the captain, who looked over the rail
+at the little craft riding alongside.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What do you want?&#8221; he inquired in a business-like
+tone.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We want to arrange passage on your ship
+to New York, Captain,&#8221; stated Ned respectfully.
+&#8220;We understand you are to sail soon.
+We are citizens of the United States homeward
+bound. Can you help us out?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Not this trip!&#8221; decided the captain instantly.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We are able to pay well for our accommodations,&#8221;
+continued the boy. &#8220;It is rather important
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_39' name='page_39'></a>39</span>
+that we get home as quickly as possible.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Possibly,&#8221; returned the captain shortly.
+</p>
+<p>Nonplussed, Ned was at a loss to find words
+with which to urge his request further. The
+captain&#8217;s distant manner gave him no encouragement.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ll not be the slightest trouble, Captain,&#8221;
+the lad presently continued. &#8220;We understand
+you&#8217;ll be loaded in a few days and
+will sail for New York direct. Cannot you
+arrange to accommodate us?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;This isn&#8217;t a passenger vessel,&#8221; stated the
+captain.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, then, couldn&#8217;t we sign articles and
+work our way over? We&#8217;d be willing to pay
+whatever you think is right for that privilege.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You want to get me into trouble with the
+authorities, don&#8217;t you?&#8221; replied the other, preparing
+to move away.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But, Captain, just think a moment. There
+must be some way in which you can arrange
+it. Don&#8217;t leave us in a foreign country!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You seem to have done pretty well in foreign
+countries as it is! If you can pull off the
+stunts you have just done I guess you&#8217;ll get
+over to New York all right&mdash;if that&#8217;s where
+you want to go!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_40' name='page_40'></a>40</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;What do you mean? I don&#8217;t understand
+you!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Oh, you don&#8217;t, eh? Well, to put it plainly,
+this is a peaceable, neutral ship doing honest
+trading. I carry freight, not spies!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>With these words the captain disappeared.
+The boys gasped in astonishment at the words
+and looked at each other speechless.
+</p>
+<p>Ned motioned to the boatman to return to
+the dock. His puzzled frown showed plainly
+that the boy was at a loss to understand the
+situation.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve got it!&#8221; almost shouted Jimmie, as
+the lads were once more on land. &#8220;I know
+what the answer is! I&#8217;ve been reading my little
+dream book!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;All right, wise man, let&#8217;s have it! Don&#8217;t
+keep it bottled up!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Mackinder!&#8221; declared Jimmie impressively.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You don&#8217;t mean to say that he beat us to
+the ship and managed to get the captain to
+refuse us passage on his vessel?&#8221; asked Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I believe I&#8217;m right at that!&#8221; maintained
+Jimmie, stoutly.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Then the only thing we can do is to try to
+find some coasting vessel to carry us out of the
+Zuider Zee into the North Sea and make a
+port in England. We can then go overland to
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_41' name='page_41'></a>41</span>
+Liverpool and get a ship from there home.
+Suppose we try that?&#8221; offered Ned.
+</p>
+<p>The boys were passing along a covered dock
+at the moment. As they turned a corner they
+saw Mackinder standing near. A smile of
+triumph lighted his face.
+</p>
+<hr class='major' />
+<div style='margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 2em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='IV_THE_LENA_KNOBLOCH' id='IV_THE_LENA_KNOBLOCH'></a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_42' name='page_42'></a>42</span>
+<h2>CHAPTER IV</h2>
+<h3>THE LENA KNOBLOCH</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;What did I tell you?&#8221; inquired Jimmie, as
+the boys passed the man. &#8220;There he stands
+with his arms folded and grins like a cream
+stealing cat! I wish I had a half a brick!
+We&#8217;ll have to watch out for him!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It surely looks as if you were right, Jimmie!&#8221;
+assented Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But what gets me,&#8221; put in Harry, &#8220;is why
+he should be after us! What have we done?
+He seems to have information that we&#8217;re criminals!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It looks mighty strange that he should
+have stolen the package out of that hut and
+then continue to insist that we have it,&#8221; remarked
+Ned. &#8220;Are you sure he&#8217;s the same
+fellow, Jimmie?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s the very same hand,&#8221; declared the lad,
+&#8220;and that hand is a dead give away! I wonder
+he didn&#8217;t wear a glove or bandage!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe he didn&#8217;t have time when he got
+the package,&#8221; explained Jack. &#8220;Can anyone
+tell me how the thing got into our kits?&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_43' name='page_43'></a>43</span></p>
+<p>This question was unanswerable by any of
+the lads. Puzzling over the strange adventures
+they had recently encountered the lads
+proceeded to their hotel, where they spent
+some time in freshening both themselves and
+their uniforms and in rearranging their baggage.
+</p>
+<p>At supper time they were tired and very
+hungry. At the first opportunity they proceeded
+to the restaurant where they had formerly
+eaten.
+</p>
+<p>Jimmie&#8217;s spirits revived as food was set before
+them. In a moment he was laughing and
+chatting away without a care in the world.
+His good humor was infectious. Soon all four
+boys were in a merry mood.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I wish we could get a civilized paper,&#8221; declared
+Jack at length. &#8220;I&#8217;d really like to see
+what&#8217;s going on in the world.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe we can get one at the desk. Or possibly
+the cashier can tell us where they will
+have English papers for sale,&#8221; suggested
+Harry.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Here comes a man who looks as if he were
+a native,&#8221; spoke up Jimmie. &#8220;I&#8217;ll bet he can
+tell us a whole lot of things we want to
+know!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>The boys glanced up to observe a man approaching
+their table. He was evidently a seafaring
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_44' name='page_44'></a>44</span>
+man. His dress and manner betokened
+the deep sea mariner. A decided air of the
+ocean marked him to the boys&#8217; eyes.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Goot efening, Chentlemen!&#8221; the stranger
+said as he approached.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Howdy!&#8221; replied Jimmie, with a wave of
+his hand. &#8220;What&#8217;ll you have?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Vell,&#8221; replied the visitor, &#8220;schnapps vas
+goot, but you couldn&#8217;t get &#8217;em here. Dis isn&#8217;t
+no blace for dot! No, sir!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I wasn&#8217;t inviting you to have a drink,&#8221;
+snapped Jimmie somewhat confusedly, &#8220;I
+meant to ask you what&#8217;s on your mind.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;So-o-o-o!&#8221; exclaimed the newcomer with
+a long drawn expression of surprise. His
+shaggy eyebrows raised as he extended his
+chin and shrugged his shoulders, pantomiming
+an apology. &#8220;So, dot&#8217;s it, eh?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sure thing!&#8221; answered Jimmie, regaining
+his composure in a measure but with his face
+still flushed. &#8220;We want to know what you&#8217;re
+after.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Vell,&#8221; went on the visitor, &#8220;my name&#8217;s
+Captain Johannes von Kluck. Don&#8217;d forgot
+dot &#8216;Captain&#8217; part, eider. Und I haf learned
+dot you chentlemans vas lookin&#8217; for a fine, fast
+ship. Und I have chust dot!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>As he made this announcement Captain von
+Kluck smiled a wide look of friendship at the
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_45' name='page_45'></a>45</span>
+entire party. It was a wonderful smile, beginning
+at the tiny wrinkles surrounding the
+corners of his eyes. From there it spread all
+over his face, gradually distorting the features
+until, as Jimmie afterward declared, the
+boys were forced to smile in spite of themselves.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And where does your fine ship go, Captain
+von Kluck?&#8221; asked Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Chust vherefer you vant to go!&#8221; declared
+the captain solemnly. &#8220;Me, I am a goot navigator,
+und mine mate he is, too, a goot von!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We want to go to New York,&#8221; continued
+Ned. &#8220;If you can arrange to furnish us passage
+to that port, we&#8217;ll pay you well.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>To this the captain answered by spreading
+his hands and shrugging his shoulders until
+they nearly reached his ears. Over his beaming
+face spread a look of despair. He slowly
+shook his head.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;To New York I cannot go!&#8221; he answered
+dolefully. &#8220;Bud I vill put you ashore in England,
+und from dere you can easy get a ship!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, that&#8217;s better than nothing at all!&#8221;
+admitted Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sure!&#8221; declared Jimmie. &#8220;Anything to
+get out of this place!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;When can you be ready to sail, Captain?&#8221;
+inquired Ned.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_46' name='page_46'></a>46</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Who, me?&#8221; questioned the captain in a
+tone of surprise.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Nobody else but you, your crew and we
+boys!&#8221; laughed Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sure! Dot&#8217;s all ridt!&#8221; nodded von Kluck.
+&#8220;Vhell, I&#8217;m ready now. Yet I haf some
+cheeses on board to put, und some odder
+tings!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Can you accommodate the boxes containing
+our airship?&#8221; asked Jimmie. &#8220;We have
+the Grey Eagle over here at the railroad station
+and don&#8217;t want to leave it behind us when
+we leave the country.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe it vould on de schip go!&#8221; consented
+von Kluck.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Hurrah!&#8221; exultantly cried the lads.
+&#8220;That&#8217;s fine!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;How big is your ship, Captain?&#8221; asked
+Ned, &#8220;and what&#8217;s her name?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Mine schip is der Lena Knobloch!&#8221; smiled
+the captain. &#8220;Dot&#8217;s vot you English beoples
+call garlic. Und id vas a goot schip alreaty!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, then,&#8221; suggested Ned, &#8220;suppose the
+captain takes supper here as our guest. Two
+of us will remain with him to arrange details
+while the other two hasten away and get a
+truck to take the boxes to the dock. Can you
+give us directions for reaching the vessel, Captain?&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_47' name='page_47'></a>47</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Sure,&#8221; assented the captain, seating himself.
+&#8220;Und I know a man vot vould haul your
+goots, too. I get him,&#8221; he added.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;In that case, we&#8217;ll all go over together,&#8221;
+proposed Jack. &#8220;I don&#8217;t like the idea of separating
+while we&#8217;re in a strange town.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps the captain can tell us where we
+can get some English papers,&#8221; ventured Jimmie.
+&#8220;We&#8217;d like to get the latest news.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Wheeling in his chair the captain bawled
+out an order in Dutch. A waiter came bustling
+up with an air of deference. Evidently he
+knew the captain and understood that no delay
+would be tolerated.
+</p>
+<p>A few words were rapidly spoken, whereupon
+the waiter hastened away to return presently
+with several newspapers. These were
+spread upon the table before the boys, who
+began a perusal of their contents.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Gee whiz!&#8221; exclaimed Jimmie, glancing at
+the headlines of the paper which had fallen
+to his lot. &#8220;Listen to this&mdash;three vessels sunk
+in the mouth of the Mersey river by a German
+submarine identified as the &#8216;U-13.&#8217; Then
+there&#8217;s been two vessels sunk at the mouth
+of the Thames!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What sunk them?&#8221; inquired Harry.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It says here that they were sunk by a German
+submarine. In each case the diver has
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_48' name='page_48'></a>48</span>
+been identified as the &#8216;U-13&#8217; by the crews of
+the ill-fated vessels. Now, that&#8217;s going
+some!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s see,&#8221; pondered Harry, &#8220;the Thames
+is the river leading to London, while the
+Mersey is the river leading to Liverpool.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Right you are, Old Scout, go to the head
+of the class!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Hush, Jimmie, no nonsense!&#8221; cautioned
+Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What I was thinking about,&#8221; continued
+Harry, &#8220;is the distance a boat would have to
+travel to get from one place to the other. It
+must be all of seven hundred miles around
+Land&#8217;s End. A boat would have to be speedy
+to cover that distance so quickly!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;How quickly?&#8221; demanded Jimmie. &#8220;The
+paper says the three ships were sunk at the
+Mersey on Wednesday morning. Those at the
+Thames, or rather &#8216;off Margate,&#8217; as the article
+states, were sunk Thursday afternoon. That
+wouldn&#8217;t be such an impossible feat after
+all!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Twenty miles an hour sustained speed for
+about twenty-eight hours is running along at
+a pretty good clip, just the same!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, the vessel did it!&#8221; declared Jimmie.
+&#8220;The paper says that about six o&#8217;clock
+Wednesday morning the Wanderer, a vessel
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_49' name='page_49'></a>49</span>
+laden with foodstuffs from Australia, was
+hailed by the crew of a submarine. They were
+permitted to take to the small boats and then
+the Wanderer was torpedoed, going down at
+once. The submarine was positively identified
+as the &#8216;U-13.&#8217; Then the other paragraph
+says that at about eight o&#8217;clock on Thursday
+evening the steamer Adventure from Buenos
+Ayres with a cargo of flour for London was
+treated in the same manner off Margate by
+the &#8216;U-13&#8217;!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Isn&#8217;t it a little strange that the submarine
+should have attacked a peaceful merchant vessel?&#8221;
+inquired Jack. &#8220;That isn&#8217;t war!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Evidently it is the intention to blockade
+all English ports and shut off the food supply
+of the nation,&#8221; ventured Ned. &#8220;You see the
+article relates that all the ships were loaded
+with food and destined to English ports. It
+must be a blockade movement!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Here&#8217;s an account,&#8221; announced Harry,
+&#8220;that says a steamer was hailed by a submarine
+a few miles off the Lizard Head. It
+escaped by its superior speed, but only by a
+narrow margin, for the submarine launched
+a torpedo that barely missed striking the after
+portion of the ship!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe it was the same little old &#8216;U-13,&#8217;&#8221;
+suggested Jimmie.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_50' name='page_50'></a>50</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Oh, you &#8216;U-13&#8217;!&#8221; laughed Jack. &#8220;You&#8217;re
+some boat, all right!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Say!&#8221; shouted Jimmie, jumping quickly
+to his feet. The boy glanced about the group
+with startled looks. &#8220;What about that &#8216;U-13&#8217;
+package? Do you suppose it was intended for
+the submarine?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>The boys exchanged puzzled looks. Perplexity
+was expressed in every face. A look
+of worry began to appear on Ned&#8217;s countenance.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I wonder who Mackinder is and what he
+has to do with that package,&#8221; the lad said
+presently. &#8220;Boys, we&#8217;re surely stumbling
+into a mess of something. We&#8217;ll have to be
+careful!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Captain,&#8221; demanded Jimmie, turning to
+von Kluck, &#8220;what do you know about this
+&#8216;U-13&#8217; business? What is the &#8216;U-13&#8217;?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Leaning back in his chair the captain drew
+a long breath. He filled a great pipe from a
+capacious pouch. Gravely he packed the tobacco
+into the immense bowl, accompanying
+the procedure with sundry shakes of his head.
+Not until the pipe was drawing freely did he
+reply.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Ach, id vas vot der Deutsch say it &#8216;Unterseeboot&#8217;!
+You English say it submarine!
+Und dot liddle schip goes &#8216;Boom&#8217;! und down
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_51' name='page_51'></a>51</span>
+goes der big schips under der vasser! Und
+dey stay, too!&#8221; he concluded.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes, we know that,&#8221; assented Jimmie,
+punctuating his statement with a poke at the
+paragraph he had just read, &#8220;but who owns it?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Vhell, der Chermans dey claim to haf a
+big share in id!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Then if we start out for England in this
+Lena Knobloch of yours how do we know that
+the &#8216;U-13&#8217; won&#8217;t come along and take a poke
+at us just out of pure spite?&#8221; questioned the
+lad.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Vhell, maybe she vill,&#8221; agreed von Kluck,
+between puffs. &#8220;Bud if you vhas like me, you
+iss willing to took a chance. I go, und das
+Lena goes, und by und by maybe we make
+blenty money und go ashore to shtay.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You take it easy, I must say!&#8221; returned
+Jimmie, somewhat amused.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Are you going out just the same, Captain?&#8221;
+inquired Jack.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sure!&#8221; proclaimed the captain, in no uncertain
+tones.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Then let&#8217;s be getting that truck and take
+the Grey Eagle boxes aboard the Lena Knobloch!&#8221;
+cried Jack. &#8220;The sooner it&#8217;s over the
+easier I&#8217;ll feel. I&#8217;m beginning to get nervous
+about all this &#8216;U-13&#8217; business!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_52' name='page_52'></a>52</span></p>
+<p>After paying their bill the boys set out in
+company with the captain to find the trucker.
+That individual put up a strong protest at taking
+out his horses at the unseemly hour, but
+a piece of coin slipped into his hand at the
+opportune moment by Ned soon changed his
+mind.
+</p>
+<p>Another piece of money changing hands at
+the proper moment secured the consent of the
+official in charge of the freight sheds to the delivery
+of the boxes containing the precious
+Grey Eagle.
+</p>
+<p>Making the affair a pleasure jaunt the lads
+lost no time in loading the cases aboard the
+truck. Merrily they set off for the dock.
+</p>
+<p>Upon arriving in the vicinity of his vessel
+the captain shed his jovial air like an overcoat.
+He bawled out orders to his crew, emphasizing
+his commands with sundry fistic punctuations.
+The men evidently knew with whom they had
+to deal, for they fell to the work with a will.
+</p>
+<p>The boys turned back to the hotel to secure
+their hand baggage.
+</p>
+<p>A small cart drawn by two huge dogs was
+approaching. In the vehicle were some milk
+cans. The figure of a woman guided the
+strange team.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;This is rather early for the milklady!&#8221;
+laughed Jimmie.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_53' name='page_53'></a>53</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s no woman!&#8221; declared Jack. &#8220;Look
+at that walk!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s Mackinder!&#8221; Jimmie cried. &#8220;See
+the scar on his hand!&#8221;
+</p>
+<hr class='major' />
+<div style='margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 2em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='V_TWO_MYSTERIOUS_CHANGES' id='V_TWO_MYSTERIOUS_CHANGES'></a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_54' name='page_54'></a>54</span>
+<h2>CHAPTER V</h2>
+<h3>TWO MYSTERIOUS CHANGES</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hey, you!&#8221; shouted Jimmie, dashing
+across the street in the direction of the queer
+outfit. &#8220;Come here! I want to see you!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>The pseudo milk vendor gave a quick glance
+at the approaching boy. A street lamp cast a
+flickering glare upon the automatic which Jimmie
+had drawn from his pocket. Without
+waiting to explain or ask questions the person
+addressed deserted the dog team instantly.
+</p>
+<p>With but a single look over its shoulder the
+figure darted toward a building at the head of
+the quay. Boots clattered on the pavement,
+while the long stride clearly indicated to the
+boys that Jimmie and Jack had been correct
+in their surmise that the garb of a woman milk
+vendor had been assumed as a disguise.
+</p>
+<p>Although Jimmie&#8217;s speed was great, the
+lad&#8217;s sprint was not sufficient to permit him to
+overtake his quarry.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;He&#8217;ll never make it!&#8221; declared Jack, tugging
+away at his own automatic and preparing
+to follow his comrade.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_55' name='page_55'></a>55</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Come on, fellows, let&#8217;s get a move on!&#8221;
+suggested Harry. &#8220;That fellow will just
+about get into a corner somewhere and knock
+Jimmie over the head. He&#8217;s capable of worse
+than that, I believe!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>All three lads hastened after the fleeing figure
+of their red-headed chum and the one
+whom he was pursuing.
+</p>
+<p>An open door in the building indicated that
+the race had turned in that direction. Producing
+an electric searchlight Ned urged caution.
+Directly the lads heard the sound of a
+falling body. This was at once followed by
+an exclamation of surprise and disgust. They
+recognized the tones as those of their companion.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Are you there, Jimmie?&#8221; called Ned,
+swinging the beam from his searchlight about
+the interior, lighting up a collection of merchandise
+piled in the warehouse. Jimmie was
+nowhere to be seen.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Where could he have gone so suddenly?&#8221;
+queried Harry.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe Mackinder hit him over the head!&#8221;
+ventured Jack.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Mackinder better be careful how he monkeys
+with this crew!&#8221; was Harry&#8217;s belligerent
+comment. &#8220;Maybe that guy&#8217;ll get all that&#8217;s
+coming to him and get it right in the neck!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_56' name='page_56'></a>56</span></p>
+<p>For a moment the boys stood listening intently
+for some indication of the presence of
+their comrade. Once Ned thought he heard a
+soft footfall. He put out his hand to touch
+Jack on the arm.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Ss-s-sh!&#8221; he hissed. &#8220;What was that?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Rat, maybe!&#8221; suggested Jack. &#8220;Turn
+your searchlight this way a minute. I want
+to see where this passage leads.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Ned swung the searchlight in the direction
+indicated. Its lance of flame pierced the
+gloom, revealing tiers of boxes and piles of
+bags and bales heaped up in orderly array.
+Sufficient space had been left between the
+heaps of merchandise to provide passageway.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Come on,&#8221; cried Jack, &#8220;we&#8217;re losing time
+standing here!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Scarcely had the boy uttered the words ere
+an object came hurtling through the air. It
+struck the searchlight fairly upon the lens.
+There was a quick cry of distress from Ned,
+a rattle of broken glass, the tinkle of the falling
+searchlight. For a moment complete
+silence reigned. The next instant there was a
+rush of a heavy body.
+</p>
+<p>Taken by surprise the boys were not prepared
+for the onslaught. They went down
+like ten pins. Harry received a blow on the
+jaw that nearly put him out for the count.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_57' name='page_57'></a>57</span>
+Jack declared afterwards that his stomach
+would never cease aching from the punch that
+landed there.
+</p>
+<p>Ned had been bringing up the rear of the
+little party, hence suffered least. He felt
+about quickly for the searchlight as he lay on
+the floor. Before he could recover it the boys
+heard the outer door slam and knew that someone
+had passed out of the building after the
+sudden attack. Who it might have been they
+could only conjecture.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Oh, my poor jaw!&#8221; groaned Harry. &#8220;I&#8217;m
+knocked out!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;No, you&#8217;re not!&#8221; protested Ned. &#8220;That
+only shook you up!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sure!&#8221; agreed Jack. &#8220;Shook us all up so
+we&#8217;ll get a little more &#8216;pep&#8217;. Let&#8217;s hurry up
+and follow that guy!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Wait a minute,&#8221; objected Ned. &#8220;We want
+to find Jimmie first!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Right-O!&#8221; agreed Harry. &#8220;I think my jaw
+is better now. Where are we going, anyway?
+Do you suppose that was Jimmie that floored
+us just now? Maybe he thought Mackinder
+had pals coming in!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t believe it,&#8221; stated Ned. &#8220;Jimmie
+must have known that Mackinder was alone
+with the milk wagon. He also knew that we
+would follow him here. Possibly the lad is
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_58' name='page_58'></a>58</span>
+farther along in the warehouse, lost amongst
+this merchandise. That must have been
+Mackinder!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You&#8217;re right, Ned!&#8221; declared Jack. &#8220;He
+probably misled Jimmie in here and then
+dashed out as we came in!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But where is Jimmie now?&#8221; queried
+Harry. &#8220;I don&#8217;t hear him!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Oh, Jimmie!&#8221; called Ned in a loud tone.
+</p>
+<p>To this hail there was no answer. Complete
+silence reigned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s mighty funny!&#8221; puzzled Harry.
+&#8220;Get your searchlight and let&#8217;s hunt him up.
+He can&#8217;t have gotten far away.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>A short search by all three boys resulted in
+the recovery of the searchlight. Beyond the
+damaged lens the instrument had suffered no
+injury. It was still serviceable and cast a
+strong beam of light.
+</p>
+<p>By its aid the lads followed the passage,
+stepping rapidly forward. They were becoming
+alarmed over the failure of their chum to
+respond to their calls. All feared that
+Mackinder might have done the lad harm.
+Momentarily their anxiety increased.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Here&#8217;s a side passage!&#8221; declared Harry,
+who brought up the rear of the little procession.
+&#8220;Where does this go?&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_59' name='page_59'></a>59</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Wait a minute with that searchlight,
+Ned!&#8221; called Jack, who followed Ned closely.
+&#8220;Throw it back here a minute for Harry!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Before the light could be brought into service
+Harry had taken a step into the passage
+he had just discovered. A sharp cry of surprise
+brought Jack and Ned to his side in an
+instant.
+</p>
+<p>The lads saw Harry bending over the form
+of their missing chum. Jimmie lay in a heap,
+blocking the passageway.
+</p>
+<p>Fearful that their first suspicions had been
+correct, the boys scarcely dared investigate.
+Jack began growling out uncomplimentary
+remarks concerning Mackinder. Ned quickly
+forced his way to Harry&#8217;s side.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Here, let me see him!&#8221; Ned cried, throwing
+the flame of his searchlight on the recumbent
+form. &#8220;Why, he&#8217;s all huddled up!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;All in a bunch!&#8221; agreed Harry. &#8220;I wonder
+if he&#8217;s hurt!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Roll him over,&#8221; directed Ned. &#8220;Let&#8217;s get
+him out of here!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Why, he&#8217;s tied!&#8221; cried Harry, in a startled
+voice.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Tied?&#8221; questioned Jack, pushing forward.
+&#8220;Who tied him?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And gagged!&#8221; went on Harry, his voice
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_60' name='page_60'></a>60</span>
+vibrating with indignation. &#8220;Mackinder will
+pay for this!&#8221; the lad continued. &#8220;We&#8217;ll get
+him!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Without the loss of a moment Harry was
+swiftly relieving Jimmie of the object which
+prevented speech. A small block of wood had
+been forced between Jimmie&#8217;s teeth. This had
+been secured in place by tying a handkerchief
+over his face. The gag had been extremely
+effective, even though it was uncomfortable
+and crude.
+</p>
+<p>As the gag was removed Jimmie wagged his
+jaw a few times to relieve the strained muscles.
+He nodded his appreciation.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;How are you feeling, Jimmie?&#8221; was Ned&#8217;s
+solicitous inquiry.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;All right,&#8221; replied the lad. &#8220;Untie my
+hands, will you?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Gee, but you&#8217;re an artist, Jimmie!&#8221; cried
+Jack. &#8220;We&#8217;ll get you a job as &#8216;Tricko, The
+Handcuff King&#8217;! I want to say right now,&#8221;
+the boy went on in mock seriousness, &#8220;there
+are very few people who can tie themselves up
+so completely and so quickly as this job has
+been done!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You win the argument!&#8221; decided Jimmie,
+ironically. &#8220;If I get my tutor where I can lay
+hands on him I&#8217;ll show him a trick or two that
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_61' name='page_61'></a>61</span>
+wasn&#8217;t in the first chapter. He&#8217;s in for some
+instruction all right!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What happened, Jimmie?&#8221; asked Ned,
+carefully passing his knife through the bonds
+that confined the other&#8217;s hands and feet.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, when I came slamming along into
+the warehouse I was only a few feet behind
+the milk maid!&#8221; began Jimmie. &#8220;I at once
+crept in on tiptoe, because I reasoned that he
+would be slugging along, making considerable
+noise. I didn&#8217;t know that there were goods
+in here.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I couldn&#8217;t see him anywhere. From that I
+concluded that he had either stopped or had
+taken to tiptoeing, too. I had my &#8216;gat&#8217; ready
+and started in. I felt along the bales and
+boxes a ways. Just as I heard you fellows
+come into the door something tripped me and
+down I went.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Before I could say a word he had shoved
+that thing into my mouth, pulled a handkerchief
+out of my pocket, tied it around my face
+and then tied my hands together under my
+knees. Say,&#8221; the lad continued earnestly,
+&#8220;that guy never got his knowledge out of a
+correspondence course! He&#8217;s been there and
+helped skin &#8217;em! He&#8217;s smooth!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Where&#8217;s your automatic?&#8221; asked Harry.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; replied Jimmie. &#8220;Let&#8217;s
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_62' name='page_62'></a>62</span>
+have the bug a minute. I&#8217;m sure I heard it
+fall, but I can&#8217;t say whether Mackinder got
+it or not!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Mackinder?&#8221; questioned Ned. &#8220;How do
+you know it was he?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Because as he was tying my hands together
+I had a chance to feel of the back of
+his right hand. I could feel the scar as plainly
+as could be. It was the same scar I saw before
+he started to run and the same scar I
+saw when the &#8216;U-13&#8217; package was pinched!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;d like to take a poke at him just for
+luck!&#8221; declared Jack.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know about that,&#8221; stated Jimmie.
+&#8220;I can&#8217;t help but admire a fellow as capable
+as he is. He tied me up so quickly and cleverly
+and yet so effectively. I&#8217;d like to take
+lessons of him!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Here&#8217;s your gun!&#8221; joyously announced
+Harry. &#8220;And here&#8217;s the milkmaid&#8217;s dress he
+shed in here after he trussed you up.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Now, then,&#8221; began Ned, as the party was
+again complete and ready for action, &#8220;let&#8217;s get
+out of here and get our baggage.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s get Mackinder first,&#8221; proposed Jack.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I vote &#8216;No&#8217; on that question, Mr. Chairman!&#8221;
+declared Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Why?&#8221; questioned Jack, with surprise.
+&#8220;What&#8217;s the matter?&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_63' name='page_63'></a>63</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, there are several matters!&#8221; declared
+Jimmie. &#8220;I don&#8217;t feel that we&#8217;d gain anything
+by chasing him. The &#8216;U-13&#8217; package is
+not in our possession and he knows it. Besides,
+he&#8217;s a clever guy and we might get the
+worst of it if we step out of our way to go after
+him.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I agree with Jimmie,&#8221; announced Ned.
+&#8220;Let&#8217;s get aboard the Lena Garlic and get
+started on our way as soon as possible.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You mean Lena Knobloch!&#8221; corrected
+Harry.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s the same thing!&#8221; declared Ned.
+&#8220;Knobloch means garlic!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;All right, then, let&#8217;s get going!&#8221; agreed
+Jack.
+</p>
+<p>The boys lost little time in proceeding to
+their hotel, where they went directly to their
+room. Here a scene of confusion awaited
+them. Their possessions lay scattered around
+in disorder.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, Great Frozen Hot Boxes!&#8221; cried
+Jimmie. &#8220;What&#8217;s this?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Mackinder and Norton again, I&#8217;ll bet my
+head!&#8221; said Jack.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Weren&#8217;t satisfied with their first search,&#8221;
+agreed Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Came back here and went through everything.
+Then I&#8217;ll bet Mackinder grabbed that
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_64' name='page_64'></a>64</span>
+milk cart and dogs, slipped on an old lady&#8217;s
+dress and chased down to the dock to see if
+he could stop us!&#8221; put in Jack. &#8220;When he
+found we were armed he just cut it and ran
+away!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Boys, we will do well to pack up and get
+aboard that vessel as quickly as possible!&#8221; declared
+Ned. &#8220;Through a mistake we&#8217;re under
+suspicion, and it won&#8217;t pay us to remain here
+another minute!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Replacing their belongings in the bags with
+skill and despatch the lads were soon ready.
+They at once proceeded to the dock.
+</p>
+<p>Tramping aboard they proceeded to the
+cabin at the after end of the vessel. Entering
+they discovered Captain von Kluck seated at
+the little table. Before him was a bottle and
+a glass.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, Captain,&#8221; began Ned, &#8220;we&#8217;re here
+and ready to go!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;So-o-o?&#8221; queried von Kluck. &#8220;Vhell, if
+you&#8217;re reatty to go, vhy go! But you don&#8217;d go
+on dis schip. Vhe don&#8217;d carry bassengers!&#8221;
+</p>
+<hr class='major' />
+<div style='margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 2em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='VI_A_DIFFICULT_DEPARTURE' id='VI_A_DIFFICULT_DEPARTURE'></a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_65' name='page_65'></a>65</span>
+<h2>CHAPTER VI</h2>
+<h3>A DIFFICULT DEPARTURE</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Astounded at the statement of the captain,
+whom they had begun to regard as a friend
+but whose present manner indicated anything
+but friendship, the boys glanced at each other
+in some degree of alarm.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Just what do you mean by that, Captain?&#8221;
+inquired Ned. &#8220;I thought it was understood
+that we were to have passage on your boat!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Vhell, den I forgot dot vhe don&#8217;d carry
+bassengers!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And I suppose it took Mackinder to refresh
+your memory!&#8221; snapped Jimmie, stepping
+forward with an outward thrust of his
+chin.
+</p>
+<p>At the mention of Mackinder&#8217;s name the
+captain gave a quick start. His glance at Jimmie
+was one of uneasiness and alarm.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Vot do you know about Mackinter?&#8221; he
+inquired.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I know this,&#8221; stated Jimmie, angrily.
+&#8220;He&#8217;s a fake and if you know when you&#8217;re
+well off you&#8217;ll let go your lines right now!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes, Captain,&#8221; added Ned, &#8220;we found
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_66' name='page_66'></a>66</span>
+Mackinder trying to detain us because he fancies
+we have done something wrong or because
+he thinks we have something he wants. Who
+he may be we don&#8217;t know!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I know!&#8221; stated the captain, stoutly. &#8220;I
+know dot feller is a officer in der British army,
+und vhen he says shtay, den I shtay!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;An officer in the British army!&#8221; gasped
+Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I think I see now why he wants that package!&#8221;
+declared Ned. &#8220;He thinks that we are
+bringing some instructions or something to
+the submarine named &#8216;U-13&#8217; and he&#8217;s trying
+to intercept the despatches!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, he&#8217;s welcome to the &#8216;U-13&#8217; package
+as far as we&#8217;re concerned!&#8221; maintained Jimmie.
+&#8220;What we want is to get home to the
+little old U. S. A., and that right quick. So,
+Captain, we&#8217;ll go now, if you please!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;No!&#8221; decided the captain bluntly. &#8220;Vhe
+don&#8217;d go!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But you may listen to reason!&#8221; said Jimmie,
+drawing his automatic. &#8220;I don&#8217;t like to
+hold you up, but you&#8217;re going to get out of
+town right now and we&#8217;re going with you!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Put dot gun oop!&#8221; cried the captain, starting
+from his seat.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I will on one condition!&#8221; declared the boy.
+&#8220;If you get under way at once without any
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_67' name='page_67'></a>67</span>
+more monkey business I&#8217;ll keep it in my
+pocket. If you don&#8217;t I&#8217;ll use it! We are neutral
+and we&#8217;re going to remain neutral if we
+have to fight to do so!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Vhell, I guess dere&#8217;s no real goot reason
+vhy vhe shouldn&#8217;t go, anyhow!&#8221; decided the
+captain. &#8220;Mackinter don&#8217;d got no license to
+shtop us. Aber he don&#8217;d like id, he couldt
+lump id!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Now you&#8217;re talking sense!&#8221; declared Jimmie.
+&#8220;But, remember! No tricks, or we&#8217;ll
+feel like starting something ourselves!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;All right!&#8221; consented von Kluck, secretly
+anxious to help the boys. &#8220;Chust come along
+und make me leaf port. Dot let&#8217;s me ouid!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Upon von Kluck&#8217;s appearing at the companionway
+the crew immediately assumed an air
+of attention. Some were grouped about the
+capstan, where they were watching the sky
+and speculating on the character of the approaching
+storm. Others were occupied at
+various duties about the vessel. Every man
+seemed to stand in fear of the captain.
+</p>
+<p>Bawling out a hoarse order, von Kluck at
+once assumed command of the deck. Lines
+were thrown down from the belaying pins. A
+group of men tailed onto the halyards, hoisting
+the foresail, staysail and jib.
+</p>
+<p>The Lena Knobloch was a schooner-rigged
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_68' name='page_68'></a>68</span>
+vessel with two masts. The boys noted with a
+considerable degree of satisfaction that she
+was built along clipper lines, vastly different
+from the round-bowed type of vessel commonly
+seen in those waters.
+</p>
+<p>Under jib, staysail and foresail the vessel
+swung around as the dock lines were let go.
+Gathering speed with the force of a favorable
+wind the little vessel plunged ahead. Von
+Kluck was evidently planning on leaving the
+harbor without the use of a tug&mdash;a somewhat
+difficult, if not dangerous, experiment.
+</p>
+<p>Urged by the vociferous driving of the mate
+men were already hauling on the halyards of
+the mainsail. With the added press of sail the
+Lena Knobloch heeled over until her lee rail
+was nearly awash.
+</p>
+<p>A strong wind was coming out of the northwest,
+favoring the maneuver of von Kluck, but
+kicking up considerable commotion on the
+harbor. Waves were running so high as to
+make navigation of small craft exceedingly
+difficult if not dangerous.
+</p>
+<p>Carrying full staysail, jib, foresail and
+mainsail the schooner plunged into the waves,
+sending cascades of water over her forecastle
+with every leap. She was loaded deeply and
+the boys could see that she would prove to be
+what the sailors term a &#8220;wet ship.&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_69' name='page_69'></a>69</span></p>
+<p>Every moment the speed was increasing.
+The mate had trimmed the sheets to the exact
+point for greatest efficiency.
+</p>
+<p>Suddenly all hands were startled by a hail
+from a point on the starboard bow. They saw
+a small motor boat riding dizzily upon the
+crest of a wave one moment to be dropped out
+of sight in the trough the next.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Ahoy, the Knobloch!&#8221; came a cry.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Ahoy, the launch!&#8221; bawled out the mate in
+a voice of thunder. &#8220;What do you want?
+Stand off or we&#8217;ll run you down!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We want those passengers of yours!&#8221; was
+the reply.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;All right, come on and get &#8217;em!&#8221; yelled the
+mate above the noise of singing wind in the
+rigging. &#8220;We can&#8217;t stop now!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;If you don&#8217;t heave to I&#8217;ll fire!&#8221; was the
+answer.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Good night!&#8221; cried Jimmie from a position
+near the lee rail, where he could look out beneath
+the main boom. &#8220;That&#8217;s Mackinder!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>A revolver shot sounded amidst the tumult
+of rushing waters and singing rigging. The
+echo was quickly bitten off by the rising wind.
+The shot sounded dully above the humming
+and roaring.
+</p>
+<p>Before Ned could detain him Jimmie fired.
+Faintly the boys heard a crash aboard the
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_70' name='page_70'></a>70</span>
+motor boat. The green starboard sidelight of
+the launch disappeared. Urged on by the
+tremendous press of wind in her sails the
+Lena Knobloch was fast dropping the launch
+astern.
+</p>
+<p>No other shots were fired at the schooner.
+Scrambling from his position at the starboard
+rail Jimmie made his way aft to a point beside
+the helmsman. Here he peered eagerly into
+the darkness astern.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I can&#8217;t see them at all!&#8221; he announced,
+turning presently to his companions, who were
+grouped about the little skylight.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps we&#8217;ve shaken them off for
+keeps!&#8221; ventured Jack. &#8220;Did you see who
+that was with Mackinder?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I thought,&#8221; said Harry, &#8220;that it was his
+pal, Norton!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, they&#8217;re safely out of reach now!&#8221;
+declared Ned. &#8220;I&#8217;m glad of it, too! If we
+can hold on at this gait we&#8217;ll soon reach a port
+in England, where we can transship the Grey
+Eagle and get home.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I only hope the real &#8216;U-13&#8217; doesn&#8217;t come
+along and demand that package from us!&#8221;
+laughed Harry. &#8220;They might take a notion to
+send us to the bottom if we don&#8217;t deliver it
+on demand!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let us hope they&#8217;re busy on the west coast
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_71' name='page_71'></a>71</span>
+of England by this time!&#8221; suggested Jack. &#8220;I
+don&#8217;t want any more &#8216;U-13&#8217; in mine!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Vhat&#8217;s dot about der &#8216;U-13&#8217;?&#8221; inquired
+von Kluck, coming up to the little group. &#8220;Is
+id der &#8216;U-13&#8217; dot you&#8217;re skipping?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>In a few words Ned related the important
+details of their experience with the &#8216;U-13&#8217;
+package and with Mackinder.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And so,&#8221; the boy concluded, &#8220;we were just
+hoping that the real &#8216;U-13&#8217; wouldn&#8217;t show up
+and claim the package that we haven&#8217;t got!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;No danger!&#8221; reassured von Kluck. &#8220;Dis
+vindt keeps dose fellers under vasser deep!
+Dey like rough vedder not at all!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Hurrah!&#8221; joyfully cried Jimmie. &#8220;Blow,
+winds; blow hard!&#8221; the lad continued, stretching
+his hands to windward in an appealing
+attitude. &#8220;Blow hard enough to keep the submarines
+submarooned!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>A laugh went round as the boys listened to
+Jimmie&#8217;s coined word. They were all heartily
+in sympathy with the expressed wish that the
+wind would blow hard enough to keep the submarines
+from the surface.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But, den,&#8221; continued von Kluck, with a
+frown that wrinkled his heavy brows, &#8220;dot&#8217;s
+not all. Dere&#8217;s mines floatin&#8217; round der Nord
+Sea dot dem verdom Deutsches blanted. Maybe
+vhe hit one of dem und if vhe do&mdash;&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_72' name='page_72'></a>72</span></p>
+<p>Here the captain shrugged his shoulders,
+spreading his hands palm upward and extending
+them with a final toss aloft to indicate the
+hopelessness of a situation such as he intimated
+might befall them.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Can&#8217;t we dodge a mine?&#8221; queried Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sure, if vhe can see id!&#8221; declared von
+Kluck.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s the trouble,&#8221; explained Ned.
+&#8220;These mines float deep and before a ship can
+know of its danger&mdash;Bang!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, Ned,&#8221; announced Jimmie with a
+grin, as he wrinkled his freckled nose, &#8220;I&#8217;ll
+tell you what I&#8217;ll do. I&#8217;ll bet you my old hat
+that if we do hit a mine and get blown up I
+go higher than you do!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;All right,&#8221; agreed Ned, laughing in spite
+of the seriousness of the situation. &#8220;We&#8217;ll
+ask von Kluck to be the judge.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Von Kluck don&#8217;t seem to be very much
+worried over the prospect of hitting a mine!&#8221;
+declared Jimmie. &#8220;I guess we&#8217;re all right!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Und now,&#8221; announced the captain, &#8220;come
+to der cabin und eat!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>The boys needed no second invitation.
+They were soon seated about the little table,
+where they found great slabs of cheese set out
+on a plate. Loaves of hard, black bread were
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_73' name='page_73'></a>73</span>
+placed upon the table by the steward, who
+withdrew to presently reappear bearing a
+great pot of steaming coffee. Von Kluck refreshed
+himself with a glass of his beloved
+&#8220;schnapps,&#8221; then fell to heartily upon the
+bread and cheese, motioning to the boys to do
+likewise.
+</p>
+<p>With considerable relish the lads made a
+good lunch off the bread and cheese and coffee.
+Hard and dark, but possessing considerable
+nutriment, the bread was not at all unpleasant
+to the taste. It had been plentifully
+seasoned with small seeds, which lent an appetizing
+flavor.
+</p>
+<p>Shortly after finishing their lunch the boys
+again gained the deck, to find the mate actively
+driving the men in their various duties. The
+wind still came out of the northwest with a
+stinging snap. Ned declared that he could
+feel rain approaching.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Feels to me more like snow!&#8221; stated Jimmie,
+sniffing to windward. &#8220;We&#8217;ll be getting
+outside the Friesian Islands soon and then
+we&#8217;ll find out what&#8217;s coming. We&#8217;re somewhat
+protected here.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;How long will it be before we pass into
+the North Sea, Captain von Kluck?&#8221; asked
+Ned of the captain, who approached.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Vhe might make id by morning,&#8221; stated
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_74' name='page_74'></a>74</span>
+the captain. &#8220;I vish I make a swift voyage
+dis time. If Mackinter gets news to England
+ahead of me, maybe he makes droubles by das
+Lena Knobloch.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;So you&#8217;re carrying all the canvas you
+dare?&#8221; asked Harry.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Chust now, yes! Maybe vhen vhe come
+about und head up into der vindt vhe get oop
+der tops&#8217;ls und put oop uuder vun chib. I
+reach off a goot vays und leaf Amsterdam und
+der vest coast of der Zuider Zee, den I make
+vun straight reach und run ouid by Eijerlandsche
+Gut.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Then I&#8217;m going below to try for a little
+sleep!&#8221; declared Jimmie. &#8220;I&#8217;m not needed on
+deck and this wind is too cold for comfort!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll go with you and keep you company,&#8221;
+volunteered Jack.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ll all go,&#8221; added Harry. &#8220;Come on,
+Ned.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Clinging to hand rails the lads scrambled
+below. The deck leaned at an angle that made
+walking almost impossible. Every plunge
+sent shivers through the little vessel. Tons
+of water broke over the bows and dashed along
+the planks to rush hissing through the scuppers.
+</p>
+<p>In the cabin a lamp swung wildly from a
+beam overhead, throwing weird, dancing
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_75' name='page_75'></a>75</span>
+shadows on the bulkheads. Here the noises
+of the wind were hushed. Only a moaning
+from the taut rigging reached the ears of the
+four lads. But the cabin was full of eerie
+sounds of creaking timbers and straining
+planks. For some time the boys lay on lockers
+listening to the confusion of noises.
+Presently they fell asleep.
+</p>
+<p>They were wakened by the sound of tramping
+feet on deck, and knew that some
+maneuver was about to be executed. Coils of
+rigging were flung on deck. The stentorian
+voice of the mate bawled out orders.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Stand by to come about!&#8221; roared you
+Kluck over their heads.
+</p>
+<hr class='major' />
+<div style='margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 2em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='VII_A_WARNING_FROM_THE_SEA' id='VII_A_WARNING_FROM_THE_SEA'></a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_76' name='page_76'></a>76</span>
+<h2>CHAPTER VII</h2>
+<h3>A WARNING FROM THE SEA</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Springing from their resting places the four
+boys staggered up the unsteady companionway.
+As they gained the deck they were assailed
+by terrific gusts of wind carrying sleet
+and snow. During their stay below the
+weather had turned colder, bringing fitful
+dashes of sleet out of the north. The schooner
+presently rode easier.
+</p>
+<p>A hoarse order from forward was followed
+by a clanking of the cable through the hawse
+pipes. The sails rattled with great slapping
+noises as the Lena Knobloch rode to her
+anchor.
+</p>
+<p>Men were instantly aloft securing the
+lighter topsails. With a run the foresail and
+mainsail were lowered and furled. The staysail
+and jib had but a moment before been
+lowered as the schooner was headed into the
+wind. Under bare poles they rode on gentler
+swells.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Where are we?&#8221; asked Harry, throwing
+up an arm to protect his face. &#8220;Have we
+reached England yet? Where is the captain?&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_77' name='page_77'></a>77</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Vhell, how do you like id now?&#8221; roared
+the voice of von Kluck almost at Harry&#8217;s
+elbow. &#8220;Vhat you tink of dis for some
+shtorm?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;This is fierce!&#8221; replied the lad, bracing
+himself against the wind. &#8220;Where are we
+now, Captain von Kluck?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Under der lee of one of der Friesian
+Islands,&#8221; replied the captain. &#8220;I see some
+rocks aheadt und dere is a big shteamer in
+drouble oop to vindvard. I hope she makes id
+into safety, bud I don&#8217;d know!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Shaking his head doubtfully the captain
+went away forward. Presently he returned,
+still shaking his head. The crew except the
+captain and the mate were gathered forward
+round the capstan.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Dere&#8217;s rocks dere&mdash;lots of dem!&#8221; announced
+von Kluck. &#8220;Dot wessel looks like
+she&#8217;s lost her rutter, und if she gets off dem
+rocks dot captain needs a medal. I tink he&#8217;s a
+goner, sure!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>It did, indeed, appear as if von Kluck was
+right. A big cargo steamer, now dimly discernible
+to the boys, was rolling in the trough
+of a heavy sea, urged on by a vicious wind
+from the northwest. Her range lights showed
+clearly at the mast heads. A gleam of red
+indicated that the vessel was showing her port
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_78' name='page_78'></a>78</span>
+side. With every roll great masses of water
+boarded the weather rail, sweeping the decks
+of every movable object.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Look!&#8221; cried the mate, excitedly pointing
+toward the steamer.
+</p>
+<p>There was no need of explanation. A great
+mass of rock directly in the path upon which
+the steamer was drifting sent gigantic columns
+of water into the air with every wave.
+Although the eastern sky showed a tinge of
+gray the blackness upon the water was intense.
+It was lightened momentarily by the
+white smother of spray and foam cast upward
+as wave after wave broke upon the black and
+threatening menace lying immediately before
+the apparently doomed vessel.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Py golly, he&#8217;s all right!&#8221; yelled von Kluck
+in a moment. &#8220;He&#8217;s lost dot rutter und he&#8217;s
+backing on his enchines! He&#8217;ll make id!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Surely enough the steamer&#8217;s captain was
+executing the very maneuver at which von
+Kluck had guessed. By backing on his engines
+he succeeded in drawing the vessel so
+far to one side of the dangerous rock that it
+was passed. Only a margin extremely narrow
+intervened.
+</p>
+<p>But the danger had not passed. Another
+rock threatened to tear to pieces the all but
+helpless vessel. With straining eyes and beating
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_79' name='page_79'></a>79</span>
+hearts the lads watched anxiously as this
+danger was also cleared.
+</p>
+<p>They clung to the weather shrouds in spite
+of the whip-like sting of sleet and spray,
+watching the struggle against wind, wave and
+rock.
+</p>
+<p>At length the vessel won through the dangerous
+places. It was now so close that the
+boys could make out the details of the rigging.
+Ned procured a pair of binoculars and spelled
+out the name.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That steamer is the Anne of Melbourne,&#8221;
+he announced. &#8220;I wonder if it isn&#8217;t an Australian
+vessel. They have had a hard time
+of it.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;She&#8217;s close to us now,&#8221; cried Harry. &#8220;I
+wonder what they&#8217;ll do.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;If they&#8217;re wise they&#8217;ll let go an anchor and
+ride it out,&#8221; answered Jimmie. &#8220;If I had
+sense enough to bring a vessel through a tight
+place like that I&#8217;d get a hook overboard as
+soon as I could.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s just what they are doing!&#8221; announced
+Ned. &#8220;There&#8217;s a group of men at
+the forward end preparing to get the anchor
+over.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Directly the boys heard the rattle of the
+cable in the steamer&#8217;s hawse pipes, followed
+instantly by a great splash at the bow that
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_80' name='page_80'></a>80</span>
+told as plainly as words that the ground tackle
+was out.
+</p>
+<p>Still feeling the heave of waves surging
+around the head of the island the steamer
+slowly swung to her cable. The range lights
+shifted their position. The red side light disappeared.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;She&#8217;s safe now!&#8221; cried Ned, in a tone of
+relief. &#8220;I&#8217;m glad they made it all right. I
+wonder how they got crippled.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let me take the glasses a minute, Ned,&#8221;
+requested Harry.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Can you see what&#8217;s the matter with her?&#8221;
+queried Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; replied the boy, with the glasses to
+his eye. &#8220;Von Kluck was right. It looks as
+if the rudder stock is twisted and bent badly
+out of shape. As the stern lifts I can see the
+blades of the propeller all right, but the rudder
+seems to be missing.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The Anne of Melbourne,&#8221; mused Ned. &#8220;I
+wonder now what that vessel is doing away
+off up here. If they had a cargo destined for
+an English port they should have been much
+farther south.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You don&#8217;t suppose the captain lost his
+reckoning and got this far out of his course,
+do you?&#8221; suggested Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; replied Ned. Then turning
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_81' name='page_81'></a>81</span>
+to Captain von Kluck the lad continued:
+&#8220;Captain, what do you think about it?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Mit der var doing so many tings, I don&#8217;d
+know what to tink!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I can see men moving about on deck now,
+apparently clearing up the recent damage,&#8221;
+stated Harry. &#8220;And I see a Boy Scout, too!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;No!&#8221; objected Jimmie. &#8220;Don&#8217;t say that!
+I don&#8217;t want any more Boy Scouts mixed up
+in this! It isn&#8217;t fair!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Just the same, he&#8217;s there!&#8221; laughed Harry.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, then,&#8221; stated Jimmie, with a sigh
+of resignation, &#8220;we are in for another siege
+of it. I never knew it to fail! Just as quickly
+as we get going somewhere and a Boy Scout
+shows up there&#8217;s trouble ahead and lots of it!
+Why can&#8217;t they stay home?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Now, Jimmie,&#8221; cautioned Ned, &#8220;you know
+we&#8217;ve never in all our adventures found a Boy
+Scout that really brought us ill luck. Sometimes
+they&#8217;ve caused us a lot of trouble, but
+usually they help!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s true, too, but I wish we could get
+home to the little old U. S. A. without mixing
+up in this &#8216;U-13&#8217; business with the Boy
+Scouts!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe it&#8217;ll come out all right after all,&#8221;
+soothed Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe,&#8221; reluctantly agreed Jimmie. &#8220;I
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_82' name='page_82'></a>82</span>
+say, Harry,&#8221; he continued, &#8220;let me take those
+glasses. I want to see what that fellow&#8217;s
+like.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Long and eagerly the lad peered through
+the binoculars.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I see him!&#8221; he cried, presently. &#8220;He&#8217;s going
+up the foreshrouds! I&#8217;ll bet he&#8217;s working
+his passage on that steamer!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s he doing on the foreshrouds?&#8221;
+asked Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It looks as if something had fouled at the
+fore top,&#8221; replied Jimmie. &#8220;He&#8217;s going up
+to clear it, I guess. Oh, look!&#8221; the boy
+shouted. &#8220;He&#8217;s falling! He&#8217;s broken one of
+the ratlines and is falling!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I see him!&#8221; cried Ned. &#8220;I can see him!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Oh, good!&#8221; exclaimed Jimmie, the next
+moment. &#8220;He hit the shrouds and the steamer
+rolled at the right minute, throwing him clear
+of the deck. See that splash in the water?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I see it!&#8221; answered the others, together.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Are they trying to help him?&#8221; asked
+Harry.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes, they are,&#8221; stated Jimmie. &#8220;They&#8217;ve
+thrown him a ring buoy!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Can you see him now?&#8221; asked Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes, and he&#8217;s swimming. There must be a
+current in here that&#8217;s dragging him away from
+the steamer. The buoy fell short and he&#8217;s
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_83' name='page_83'></a>83</span>
+swimming directly away from the steamer.
+He&#8217;s coming towards us!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Intently the lad watched the one in the
+water. He swam a good stroke resting easily,
+even though somewhat impeded by his clothing.
+</p>
+<p>Now and again as the crest of a wave approached
+the swimmer his head was submerged,
+only to reappear again in the yeasty
+froth following the racing monster. Eagerly
+his progress was noted by all on board the
+schooner. They were at a loss to understand
+why he had left his own vessel to swim toward
+a strange craft.
+</p>
+<p>Presently, however, as he approached the
+Lena Knobloch the lad&#8217;s strokes became more
+feeble. He was evidently tiring rapidly.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Captain, what do you say to getting a boat
+over?&#8221; asked Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Vhait!&#8221; grunted von Kluck. &#8220;Id&#8217;s lots of
+vork to do id!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But the lad may need help!&#8221; urged Ned,
+eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Vhell, if he needs id, I put him ofer. Nod
+before!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Jimmie ran forward into the very eyes of
+the schooner. In his hands he grasped a ring
+buoy, to which was attached a goodly length
+of line. This he coiled ready to heave the
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_84' name='page_84'></a>84</span>
+buoy to the one in the water as soon as he
+should come within reach.
+</p>
+<p>Just as Jimmie was measuring with his eye
+the distance separating the swimmer from his
+goal and preparing for a mighty throw of the
+buoy he noted that the other&#8217;s stroke was fast
+weakening.
+</p>
+<p>With a jerk the Wolf unfastened and kicked
+loose a shoe. In an instant the other followed.
+A rapid movement loosened his jacket. A
+backward twist of his shoulders helped him
+slip from the garment.
+</p>
+<p>One look over the rail showed that the swimmer
+was losing control of his muscles. Both
+hands went up into the air only to disappear
+beneath the crest of an oncoming wave. The
+boy stayed under.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Stand by to get me, boys!&#8221; shouted Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>A splash told that he had gone overboard.
+His companions crowded eagerly to the rail,
+watching for his reappearance. In a moment
+they were relieved to see his red head come up
+close to the spot where the other had sunk.
+Emptying his lungs of the pent up air with a
+loud &#8220;Whoosh!&#8221; the boy instantly refilled
+them to plunge again under water.
+</p>
+<p>To the intense satisfaction of those on board
+the schooner he again came quickly to the surface,
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_85' name='page_85'></a>85</span>
+this time dragging by the hair the boy
+to whose rescue he had gone. Swimming on
+his back, using but one hand, Jimmie slowly
+brought the other lad to a position where he
+could reach the buoy flung to him by Ned&#8217;s
+strong arm.
+</p>
+<p>Harry had already made a bowline in a bight
+at the end of a line. This he passed over the
+side to Jimmie, who succeeded without difficulty
+in getting the loop over the shoulders of
+the rescued lad.
+</p>
+<p>Soon both were on deck, where they received
+the attentions of all hands. Captain
+von Kluck insisted upon giving the newcomer
+a draught of &#8220;schnapps&#8221; to assist in the reviving
+process. As the fiery liquor burned its
+way down his throat the lad coughed violently.
+</p>
+<p>Choking and spitting the lad clawed at his
+burning mouth and throat. Evidently he
+thought the cure worse than the disease.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s get into the cabin,&#8221; suggested Jimmie.
+&#8220;I&#8217;m freezing!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sure enough!&#8221; cried Ned. &#8220;How thoughtless
+of us! Captain,&#8221; he added, &#8220;can you have
+the steward bring us some coffee?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Roaring for the steward to perform this
+service, the captain picked up the nearly
+drowned lad in his strong arms. He deposited
+the boy on a locker in the cabin, then stood
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_86' name='page_86'></a>86</span>
+aside to permit his passengers to administer
+such assistance as they might.
+</p>
+<p>Ned stepped forward to begin operations.
+With a cry he bent over the boy. Wonderingly
+the others crowded forward.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Frank!&#8221; cried Ned, seizing the lad by the
+shoulders. &#8220;Frank! Speak to me! Frank,
+how did you get here?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Who is it?&#8221; asked Jimmie, elbowing his
+way into the group to a position where he
+could see the recumbent figure. &#8220;Why,&#8221; continued
+the boy in a tone of amazement, &#8220;if it
+ain&#8217;t old Frank Shaw of New York!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>A cup of steaming coffee at this moment
+brought by the steward was offered to the
+newcomer, who drank eagerly. He glanced
+about the group with a faint smile in answer
+to their puzzled looks.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Look out for the &#8216;U-13&#8217;, boys!&#8221; he said.
+</p>
+<hr class='major' />
+<div style='margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 2em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='VIII_MORE_ABOUT_THE__U13' id='VIII_MORE_ABOUT_THE__U13'></a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_87' name='page_87'></a>87</span>
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2>
+<h3>MORE ABOUT THE &#8220;U-13&#8221;</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Frank Shaw!&#8221; cried Jimmie, crowding
+close to the lad lying on the locker. &#8220;What&#8217;s
+that you&#8217;re saying about the &#8216;U-13&#8217;?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I say &#8216;Look out for it,&#8217; that&#8217;s all!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;No, it isn&#8217;t all!&#8221; protested the boy. &#8220;Take
+another drink of this coffee and then brace
+up and tell us what you know! How did you
+get here and what and who and where and
+why is this &#8216;U-13&#8217;?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Frank smiled as he struggled to a sitting
+posture.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;If you&#8217;ll rub the cramp out of that leg,
+boys, I&#8217;ll &#8216;fess up&#8217; everything,&#8221; he began.
+&#8220;That leg feels as if some one were trying to
+pull some teeth out of it by the roots. A
+cramp is fierce.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Two lads began massaging the offending
+member.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;If I&#8217;d known it was you swimming to us,
+I&#8217;d have lowered a boat myself and come to
+your assistance!&#8221; declared Jimmie.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_88' name='page_88'></a>88</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;And if I&#8217;d known you were on board this
+schooner,&#8221; replied Frank, &#8220;I&#8217;d have left that
+ship long before I did!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Why, what&#8217;s the matter on that ship,
+Frank?&#8221; asked Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Oh, nothing, only it&#8217;s one of these &#8216;work-houses&#8217;
+just exactly like we have read of.
+The captain is a hard nut and the mates are
+both of the &#8216;bucko&#8217; type. There isn&#8217;t a man
+aboard who hasn&#8217;t got a mark from one or
+the other of the mates. They&#8217;re a tough
+crowd!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll bet you didn&#8217;t just fall overboard,
+then!&#8221; shrewdly guessed Jimmie. &#8220;You
+missed your footing purposely! You know
+you did!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;How do you know?&#8221; grinned Frank, nursing
+his cramped leg.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I was watching through the binoculars,&#8221;
+answered Jimmie. &#8220;But go ahead and tell us
+something. We&#8217;re dying from curiosity!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; began Frank, &#8220;you know I wasn&#8217;t
+quite satisfied to be left behind when you four
+lads left in chase of the fellow who had stolen
+the Panama plans. I wanted to go along in
+the Grey Eagle.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We know that, and we&#8217;re sorry we didn&#8217;t
+take you!&#8221; cried Ned.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_89' name='page_89'></a>89</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;I went to see Mr. Bosworth about following
+you,&#8221; continued young Shaw. &#8220;He was
+opposed to that plan, but you know I usually
+get my own way somehow. I put together a
+kit and started out. I had little difficulty in
+securing passage on a ship loaded with miscellaneous
+cargo for England. The vessel was
+a British tramp&mdash;a &#8216;bucko&#8217; ship.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We got close to Land&#8217;s End after a rather
+uneventful voyage across the Atlantic. I was
+dreaming of getting ashore in a short time
+and then hiking across the channel into France
+to hunt you up.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;One fine morning we were all startled to
+hear a hail from the lookout informing the
+deck that a submarine was approaching. We
+hove to at the command of the submarine people.
+They commanded our captain to get his
+crew into the boats as quickly as possible, for
+in five minutes they intended torpedoing the
+ship. They wouldn&#8217;t take &#8216;No&#8217; for an answer.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That was going some, I must say!&#8221; put in
+Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You needn&#8217;t be told, of course,&#8221; went on
+Frank, &#8220;that we lost little time making preparations.
+One of the sailors disputed my right
+to take my kit into the small boat. I objected
+and he cracked me on the jaw. When I recovered
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_90' name='page_90'></a>90</span>
+I was alone on the vessel. The boats
+were at some little distance away, with the
+crew pulling like racers.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;For a moment I was quite desperate, not
+knowing how to escape. I thought of trying
+to signal the submarine, but could see the vessel
+just launching a torpedo. Seemingly the
+whole after end of the ship was shattered by
+the explosion. As soon as I could I tried to
+signal the enemy, but they were just turning
+about to leave the spot.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe I didn&#8217;t hustle about some. The
+ship was already filling rapidly. The stern
+was settling fast. All the boats were gone. I
+could see nothing to serve as a float. Desperately
+I seized a capstan bar and knocked
+the wedges and battens off a hatch cover.
+Then I got a small piece of line. I passed it
+through a ring bolt and made fast. I figured
+that when the ship went down the cover would
+float free for a raft on which I could keep up.
+Before I was fully ready the compressed air
+blew the cover off with a &#8216;boom&#8217;. It landed
+close to the rail.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Just as the hull took a last slant I jumped
+overboard. After swimming quite a distance
+away I saw the ship go down. I turned back.
+There was my hatch cover floating just as I
+expected.&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_91' name='page_91'></a>91</span></p>
+<p>Here Frank paused to extend his hand for
+another cup of coffee.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You&#8217;re the wise little Scout!&#8221; declared
+Jimmie, admiringly.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sure!&#8221; agreed Frank. &#8220;Then,&#8221; he continued,
+&#8220;I floated around for the rest of the
+day on that hatch cover. Toward evening I
+saw a smoke off to the southwest. It was just
+out of the glare of the sun. When it got
+nearer I knew it was a steamer bound for
+England or some nearby place. It was the
+Anne of Melbourne. So here I am!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But what about this &#8216;U-13&#8217;?&#8221; inquired
+Harry, eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Oh, yes, I nearly forgot,&#8221; said Frank.
+&#8220;The submarine that torpedoed the ship was
+marked &#8216;U-13&#8217; on the side!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;They&#8217;ve been doing a lot of that, according
+to the newspapers!&#8221; stated Ned. &#8220;But
+why do you warn us to look out for her?&#8221; he
+asked.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;When I told the captain of the Anne of
+my experience,&#8221; went on Frank, &#8220;he decided
+to head north, intending to go to the westward
+of Ireland, around between Scotland and the
+Shetland Island into the North Sea, in the
+hopes of dodging the submarine, which seemed
+to be working the waters of the English Channel.
+Yesterday morning we were hailed by a
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_92' name='page_92'></a>92</span>
+submarine. I could see that it was the same
+old &#8216;U-13&#8217;!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;How did it get way up here?&#8221; questioned
+Ned, incredulously.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Search me!&#8221; replied Frank. &#8220;They ordered
+us to heave to, but that captain is a daredevil.
+He cracked on all steam full speed
+ahead, declaring that if they took him they&#8217;d
+have to catch him.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The submarine launched a torpedo at us,
+but it only smashed our rudder. We had good
+headway on. That, of course, put us in a
+mighty bad fix, as the submarine could then
+have easily sent a torpedo into us, but for some
+unknown reason they turned and left us.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The captain was nearly crazy when he discovered
+what damage had been done. The
+vessel had been bad enough before, but it became
+ten times worse. I got a crack or two
+with a rope&#8217;s end that sting yet!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;How could they navigate?&#8221; asked Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;They couldn&#8217;t!&#8221; answered Frank. &#8220;We
+just lay in the trough of the seas and let the
+old tub roll. They even put preventer stays
+on the masts and on the boilers to keep them
+from rolling out of the crazy old wagon. You
+never saw such a place as that ship was!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And then when the captain got her under
+the lee of this land and you saw this schooner
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_93' name='page_93'></a>93</span>
+you just concluded that you&#8217;d jump the
+ship?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Exactly!&#8221; agreed Frank. &#8220;I had lost my
+kit when the sailing vessel went down, so I
+left nothing on the steamer.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m awful glad you got here safely,&#8221; stated
+Ned, grasping Frank&#8217;s hand in a hearty clasp
+that spoke eloquently of the friendship between
+the two boys. &#8220;But you&#8217;re too late to
+help capture the Panama Canal plan thief.
+He&#8217;s out of his misery quite a while ago!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But he&#8217;s just in time to get mixed up in
+this &#8216;U-13&#8217; business!&#8221; urged Jimmie. &#8220;He&#8217;s
+right in the midst of the excitement!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But since you don&#8217;t want any more Boy
+Scouts along we&#8217;ll pitch Frank overboard
+again!&#8221; declared Harry, with mock gravity.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Aw, you go on!&#8221; scorned Jimmie. &#8220;I
+didn&#8217;t know it was Frank!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Laughing at Jimmie&#8217;s confusion the boys
+related to their chum the salient points of
+their experience up to the time of their
+strange meeting. Frank was greatly puzzled
+over the circumstances of the strange package,
+for the presence of which in their kits the boys
+could not account.
+</p>
+<p>For some time the lads remained in the
+cabin, drying the uniforms of the swimmers
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_94' name='page_94'></a>94</span>
+and exchanging experiences. It was the
+opinion of all that they would be adopting a
+wise course to return at once to New York.
+</p>
+<p>Captain von Kluck was greatly interested
+in his strange passengers. He listened eagerly
+to Frank&#8217;s account of the doings of the strange
+submarine. At the conclusion of the recital
+he paced the deck nervously.
+</p>
+<p>Not until midafternoon did the wind decrease
+sufficiently to permit the Lena Knobloch
+to venture forth from her position of
+shelter.
+</p>
+<p>Through the binoculars the boys made long
+examinations of the steamer lying to windward
+of their position. They determined that
+preparations were being made to send a boat&#8217;s
+crew to some port for assistance in towing the
+crippled vessel to a harbor.
+</p>
+<p>At one bell, or half past four o&#8217;clock, Captain
+von Kluck came from his cabin. He
+stepped to the rail, sniffing at the wind. Presently
+he turned to join the mate in his walk
+across the deck.
+</p>
+<p>For some minutes the two conversed in low
+tones. Directly the mate stepped forward,
+bawling out orders to his men.
+</p>
+<p>At once all was commotion on the Knobloch&#8217;s
+decks. Men tumbled eagerly about,
+hauling a line here, letting go another there,
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_95' name='page_95'></a>95</span>
+until they had set the double reefed mainsail,
+foresail and a mere rag of jib.
+</p>
+<p>When this had been accomplished all hands
+seized capstan bars. To the tune of a Dutch
+sailors&#8217; &#8220;chanty&#8221; the links of the cable slowly
+clanked inboard. With a lurch the Lena
+Knobloch swung as the anchor broke ground.
+Like a storm driven bird she was off in the
+wings of a northwester, lying far over even
+under the greatly reduced sail.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Where to now, Captain?&#8221; asked Ned as
+von Kluck stepped along the deck with head
+bent forward. By his manner of nervous intentness
+Ned guessed that the captain was
+carrying a load on his mind.
+</p>
+<p>Von Kluck&#8217;s only response was a growl as
+he passed the boys.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Captain&#8217;s grouchy!&#8221; declared Jimmie.
+&#8220;Leave him alone, Ned!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sure, don&#8217;t bother him!&#8221; added Frank.
+&#8220;He&#8217;s worried enough!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Just the same, I don&#8217;t like his looks!&#8221;
+stated Ned with some degree of apprehension.
+&#8220;He seems to have soured after hearing about
+the &#8216;U-13.&#8217; Didn&#8217;t you fellows notice how he
+listened to Frank&#8217;s story?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sure we did,&#8221; Jimmie replied, &#8220;but then,
+it&#8217;s only natural that he should be worried
+over the possibility of losing his vessel!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_96' name='page_96'></a>96</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, his getting under way in this
+weather shows that he intends to be square
+and land us in an English port as he agreed!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I guess von Kluck is a pretty good sort of
+a chap, after all!&#8221; ventured Harry. &#8220;He has
+tried to treat us as right as he could!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I think you&#8217;re right. We can&#8217;t blame him
+for feeling somewhat worried under the circumstances.
+We&#8217;d be grouchy, too!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Under a port helm the Lena Knobloch
+swung to starboard leaping forward into the
+waves as if glad to again be battling with the
+sea.
+</p>
+<p>Ned and his companions felt that they could
+be of no service in handling the schooner.
+They, therefore, retired to the shelter of the
+cabin, where they were protected from the
+stinging blasts of sleet and snow that came
+screaming out of the northwest.
+</p>
+<p>Scarcely had the schooner won clear of the
+jagged ledges when the full force of the tumbling
+waves was felt. It seemed to the boys
+that the stern of the little vessel was hurled
+to an unbelievable height only to drop so far
+they feared nothing could save them.
+</p>
+<p>But Captain von Kluck and his mate were
+expert navigators. They had sailed the ocean
+since large enough to handle a line. They
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_97' name='page_97'></a>97</span>
+knew the Lena Knobloch&#8217;s ability to withstand
+the buffeting of the elements.
+</p>
+<p>As night drew on the boys expected to witness
+a cessation of the storm. Their prediction
+was fulfilled. Gradually the gale blew
+itself out, leaving but a strong sailing breeze,
+although the water still continued rough.
+Captain von Kluck took advantage of this
+change to shake out the reefs in his canvas
+and to spread more sail.
+</p>
+<p>Just as the moon showed in the east between
+masses of cloud the lookout reported a
+ship in sight off the port bow. In a short time
+the two vessels had approached within about
+two miles of each other.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;They&#8217;re apparently heaving to!&#8221; cried
+Ned who had been using the binoculars. &#8220;It
+looks as if they&#8217;re getting the boats over!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>From the waist of the other vessel the boys
+saw a great cloud of dark smoke appear. The
+small boats had scarcely gone a ship&#8217;s length
+away from the scene. The crew were rowing
+with the greatest haste.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I see the conning tower of a submarine!&#8221;
+cried Ned.
+</p>
+<hr class='major' />
+<div style='margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 2em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='IX_A_STRANGE_VISIT' id='IX_A_STRANGE_VISIT'></a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_98' name='page_98'></a>98</span>
+<h2>CHAPTER IX</h2>
+<h3>A STRANGE VISIT</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Clearly visible to the members of the crew
+on the Lena Knobloch the great cloud of
+smoke slowly spread over the vessel.
+</p>
+<p>Directly a sullen &#8220;Boom&#8221; reached their
+ears. As the smoke spread away the lads
+could see a great rent in the side through
+which water was rushing. Already the ship
+was listing heavily.
+</p>
+<p>Two small boats were being pulled away
+from the vicinity by the crew of the doomed
+vessel. The small craft were handled in a
+seamanlike manner. They made good progress
+in spite of the still heavy sea.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;By golly!&#8221; ejaculated Von Kluck, drawing
+a long breath. &#8220;Maybe vhe get id next,
+vhat? Dere ain&#8217;d no vay of tellin&#8217;!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Why do you think that, Captain?&#8221; questioned
+Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Dot verdom &#8216;U-13&#8217;!&#8221; grunted Von Kluck.
+&#8220;Vhe&#8217;ll pe lucky,&#8221;&mdash;here his excitement
+grew so intense that he delivered himself of
+several great sailor&#8217;s oaths&mdash;&#8220;if vhe make a
+port in England alretty!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_99' name='page_99'></a>99</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Keep a sharp lookout, boys,&#8221; said Ned.
+&#8220;Maybe we can get a sight of the &#8216;U-13&#8217; if it&#8217;s
+still in this neighborhood.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Scarcely had the boy uttered the words before
+the lookout hailed the deck. His voice
+vibrated with excitement and fear.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Vot is, aloft, dere?&#8221; roared Von Kluck.
+</p>
+<p>Excitedly jabbering in his intense emotion
+the lookout frantically pointed in the direction
+of the sinking ship. Without waiting for
+orders he came sliding down the halliards.
+As he landed on deck he turned an ashen face
+toward the captain. Again he pointed seaward.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The &#8216;U-13&#8217;!&#8221; he gasped in an agony of
+terror.
+</p>
+<p>A glance in the direction indicated showed
+the boys an object like a spar buoy apparently
+standing upright in the water. The next
+moment a swell rolled over something beneath
+the upright object.
+</p>
+<p>The next wave disclosed a long, rounded
+steel hull. In the center the conning tower
+showed plainly. A moment later the outlines
+of the dreaded submarine were distinguishable
+as the craft was propelled to the surface.
+Each wave broke clear over the arched back
+of this terror of the seas leaving the black hull
+gleaming in the faint light. Only the upper
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_100' name='page_100'></a>100</span>
+portion of the conning tower escaped a ducking.
+</p>
+<p>Presently the hatch was opened. A man in
+uniform stepped out onto the narrow confines
+of the small deck. His attention was directed
+toward the schooner. After what seemed to
+the boys to be an almost endless examination
+of their vessel the man turned to address a
+remark to some one evidently close to the
+hatch but out of their vision.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What is he saying?&#8221; Ned asked von
+Kluck.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;He iss telling dot odder feller dot vhe iss
+das Lena Knobloch!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What next, I wonder?&#8221; speculated Jimmie
+aloud.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Next?&#8221; almost screamed von Kluck.
+&#8220;Next, vhe iss ordered to get by our boats
+into und row far enough avhay so dey couldt
+blow up us!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>In his intense agitation the captain began
+pacing up and down the deck. The submarine
+drew close alongside the schooner easily
+keeping pace with the sailing vessel at the
+rate they were progressing.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Von Kluck is certainly worked up about
+it,&#8221; remarked Harry as he noted the captain&#8217;s
+distracted manner. &#8220;He&#8217;s almost bughouse!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, so would you be, too, if all you had
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_101' name='page_101'></a>101</span>
+were about to be sent to the bottom of the
+ocean!&#8221; declared Ned. &#8220;It&#8217;s tough luck!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe we&#8217;d better be getting our kits in
+shape,&#8221; suggested Jack moving toward the
+cabin. &#8220;I don&#8217;t want to leave everything!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I had to leave everything,&#8221; put in Frank,
+&#8220;when they sunk the ship I was on. I felt
+lucky to get away with my life!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s make a try for it, anyway,&#8221; continued
+Jack.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Wait a minute!&#8221; cried Ned, &#8220;let&#8217;s see
+what they&#8217;re going to do. The man is going
+below again! Why don&#8217;t he hail us?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Strangely enough the officer was descending
+the hatchway without speaking a word to
+those on board the schooner.
+</p>
+<p>This procedure puzzled von Kluck, but did
+not serve to reduce in any degree the excitement
+under which he was laboring.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Lay aft a couble of handts und make reaty
+der boats!&#8221; he shouted. &#8220;Come on, hurry
+oop! Lifely, now, men!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>In obedience to this command two members
+of the crew sprang towards the stern of the
+schooner to make preparations for launching
+the boat lashed at the stern. Two others
+frantically loosened the lashings of the upturned
+boat lying amidships.
+</p>
+<p>A clanking sound indicating that the hatchway
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_102' name='page_102'></a>102</span>
+of the &#8220;U-13&#8221; had been closed attracted
+the attention of the boys in that direction.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What are they going to do now?&#8221; questioned
+Jimmie eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I fancy they are going to pull away a little
+so as to launch a torpedo at us,&#8221; stated Ned.
+&#8220;It don&#8217;t look as if they&#8217;re going to be kind
+enough to let us get off the vessel before they
+blow it up!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Then it isn&#8217;t the same crew I met!&#8221; declared
+Frank firmly. &#8220;They treated the men
+fine! While I must admit that I don&#8217;t admire
+their way of sinking merchant ships, I will
+have to say that they gave the people a chance
+to get out of danger!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, is it the same submarine you saw?&#8221;
+asked Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It looks exactly like it. Besides,&#8221; the
+boy continued, &#8220;I see the figures &#8216;U-13&#8217;
+painted on the side of this one, too. I believe
+it is the very same vessel. Maybe they won&#8217;t
+sink us!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>With hatch closed the submarine was preparing
+to execute some maneuver. Gathering
+speed the craft plunged ahead quickly
+leaving the schooner alone. Scarcely had the
+bow of the sailing vessel been passed ere the
+submarine was so far beneath the water as to
+show only the periscope. In a moment there
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_103' name='page_103'></a>103</span>
+was but a swirl to indicate where that had
+been. Presently it, too, disappeared. The
+&#8220;U-13&#8221; was gone.
+</p>
+<p>For some time the boys stood at the rail
+eagerly scanning the water to discover evidence
+of the submarine&#8217;s return. Their
+search was fruitless. Nothing was found to
+indicate the presence of their late visitor.
+The waves rose and fell without hint of its
+location.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Oh, Captain von Kluck!&#8221; Ned called.
+&#8220;They have gone!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Vhat?&#8221; asked the captain in a tone expressing
+doubt.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; continued the boy. &#8220;They have
+slipped back into the ocean again and have
+left us. Possibly they think we&#8217;re too small
+for them to waste a torpedo on. Torpedoes
+cost a lot of money, you know!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Vhell, dot&#8217;s lucky!&#8221; answered the captain,
+much relieved.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sure is!&#8221; assented Jimmie, throwing out
+his chest. &#8220;You see, Captain, we&#8217;re mascots
+for you. We&#8217;ve brought you good luck!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Joining in the laugh that greeted this remark
+the captain ordered the men who had
+been at work upon the boats to cease their
+operations. A hand was again posted aloft to
+act as lookout.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_104' name='page_104'></a>104</span></p>
+<p>After a short consultation between von
+Kluck and the mate it was decided to proceed
+on the course traveled by the steamer from
+which Frank Shaw had recently escaped.
+They intended to pass between the Shetland
+islands and the coast of Scotland in an attempt
+to make a port on the west side of
+England, believing that there would be less
+danger in this procedure. Accordingly all
+sail possible was made.
+</p>
+<p>As if understanding the necessity for haste
+the vessel leaned far over under the press of
+canvas and sprang forward with increased
+speed.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We ought to make the west coast of England
+in a short time, Captain, at this rate,&#8221;
+said Ned as he noted with satisfaction the rate
+at which the Lena Knobloch was traveling
+through the water.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;d know!&#8221; declared von Kluck.
+&#8220;Dere&#8217;s nasty vedder oop dere!&#8221; he added,
+pointing to the western sky. &#8220;I don&#8217;d like
+id!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It can&#8217;t very well blow hard enough to
+stop us, can it?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;d you tink it can&#8217;t blow hard in dese
+vatters! Ask me&mdash;I know!&#8221; replied the captain
+sagely wagging his head.
+</p>
+<p>With eager looks the boys watched the
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_105' name='page_105'></a>105</span>
+gathering clouds to westward. The captain&#8217;s
+prediction seemed about to be verified.
+</p>
+<p>An uncommonly strong puff of wind struck
+the schooner heeling her far over to starboard.
+The blast bore a chill as of ice.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Oh, boys,&#8221; cried Jimmie turning his head
+away from the biting blast, &#8220;look up to windward
+and see how smooth the ocean is getting!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s wind coming!&#8221; shouted Ned.
+</p>
+<p>An order was roared out by von Kluck.
+Men sprang to the lines. The sails were
+stowed with a speed that seemed scarcely credible.
+Heeling round on a port helm the Lena
+Knobloch turned from the approaching blast.
+</p>
+<p>Leaving only the shortened jib von Kluck
+and the mate stood on the after deck peering
+anxiously at the violent disturbance overtaking
+the little vessel. Now and again the mate
+glanced apprehensively at the schooner&#8217;s
+masts or along the decks.
+</p>
+<p>With a shriek the storm struck. For a
+moment the very weight of wind seemed to
+settle the schooner farther into the water.
+The next instant they were tearing along with
+the speed of a race horse.
+</p>
+<p>Flattened by the pressure of the wind the
+waves no longer gave her motion. By reason
+of her being headed directly away from the
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_106' name='page_106'></a>106</span>
+blast the schooner rode on an even keel.
+Every line, every shroud hummed like the
+strings of a gigantic harp. The noise was
+terrific.
+</p>
+<p>A glance at the compass in the binnacle
+showed Ned that they were headed nearly
+northeast. They were fast leaving England
+astern.
+</p>
+<p>Conversation was almost impossible in the
+howling gale that tore and fretted at the vessel.
+Yet Ned managed to shout to the captain:
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;How much sea room have we got in this
+direction?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>A shrug of the shoulders indicated the captain&#8217;s
+doubt. He accompanied this movement
+with a wagging of the head.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Vhe&#8217;ll get into der lee of somedings bretty
+soon,&#8221; he replied.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I surely hope so!&#8221; declared Ned, cupping
+his hands to carry his voice to the other&#8217;s ear.
+&#8220;I&#8217;d hate to hit anything at this rate!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Nodding an acknowledgment to this assertion
+the captain by signs indicated to the mate
+that he desired a hand sent aloft as lookout.
+</p>
+<p>In a short time it seemed to the boys that the
+terrific force of the gale had somewhat spent
+itself. Waves began to toss the vessel at an
+alarming rate. Each mountain of water appeared
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_107' name='page_107'></a>107</span>
+about to board the schooner at the
+stern, threatening to crush the craft by its
+weight.
+</p>
+<p>Anxious for the safety of the vessel and for
+their own welfare the lads, nevertheless, understood
+that they could do little good on deck.
+They, therefore, made their way into the cabin,
+where they sat on lockers.
+</p>
+<p>Here the noises of the tempest were somewhat
+stilled, but the creaking and groaning of
+the timbers was far more noticeable. It
+seemed to the lads that the vessel was being
+torn asunder by every billow.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I wonder what weather the old &#8216;U-13&#8217; is
+making of it about now?&#8221; said Frank, as the
+boys grouped themselves about the little table.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;She&#8217;s in smoother water than this, I&#8217;ll venture
+to say,&#8221; put in Jimmie, clutching the edge
+of the table in an effort to support himself.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;If they are not in better water than this,&#8221;
+remarked Harry, &#8220;they&#8217;re getting shaken up
+some! I&#8217;d like to be under water right now!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Why, Harry,&#8221; spoke up Ned, &#8220;you
+shouldn&#8217;t say that!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I mean in a tight little submarine!&#8221; explained
+Harry.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I wish we had the Sea Lion over here!&#8221;
+cried Jimmie. &#8220;We could have more fun than
+we had when we tried to rescue the papers
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_108' name='page_108'></a>108</span>
+out of that ship in the Gulf of Tong King with
+Moore and his nosey son butting in!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That was sure some fine boat!&#8221; declared
+Ned. &#8220;Just as easy to ride in as a rocking
+chair. And it was always smooth and&mdash;&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>The boy&#8217;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.
+</p>
+<p>Waves were breaking over the bows, falling
+with tremendous blows upon the forward deck.
+The scuppers were not able to release the
+flood.
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<hr class='major' />
+<div style='margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 2em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='X_SHIPWRECK_AND_RESCUE' id='X_SHIPWRECK_AND_RESCUE'></a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_109' name='page_109'></a>109</span>
+<h2>CHAPTER X</h2>
+<h3>SHIPWRECK AND RESCUE</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Above the noises of the tempest and the
+straining timbers sounded cries from the deck
+that told of confusion amongst the crew. Von
+Kluck&#8217;s hoarse voice was bawling out orders
+mixed with great sea oaths. He was driving
+the men to some duty.
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s up?&#8221; inquired Jimmie, attempting
+to rise to his feet.
+</p>
+<p>Ned steadied himself at the table as he tried
+to peer out of the little skylight overhead. He
+could see nothing.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We just about struck something!&#8221; declared
+Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe we hit another vessel,&#8221; ventured
+Harry.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Or a rock, perhaps,&#8221; continued Jack. &#8220;We
+surely struck something solid. I hope we
+don&#8217;t hit it again like that first crack!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_110' name='page_110'></a>110</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Look here, boys!&#8221; cried Ned in alarm.
+&#8220;The motion of this ship is much less than it
+was a minute ago! Notice it?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It surely is!&#8221; agreed Jack. &#8220;Is the wind
+going down?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We are getting into some sort of shelter,&#8221;
+guessed Harry. &#8220;Probably von Kluck has
+navigated the schooner behind a breakwater.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Boys, the ship is sinking!&#8221; shouted Ned.
+&#8220;See the water coming into this cabin! We&#8217;ve
+struck a floating mine!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>This was due, of course, to the difference in
+perspective, owing to the fact that they were
+fast settling into the water.
+</p>
+<p>Above the stern clung traces of heavy, black
+smoke. A disagreeable odor pervaded the
+atmosphere in spite of the strong wind.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_111' name='page_111'></a>111</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;There goes von Kluck and the crew!&#8221;
+shouted Harry, pointing to leeward. &#8220;They&#8217;re
+scared to death. That mine settled them!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, Great Frozen Hot Boxes!&#8221; exclaimed
+Jimmie in disgust. &#8220;What do you
+know about that? They&#8217;ve gone and left us!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And the ship is settling fast!&#8221; cried Ned,
+in alarm. &#8220;We&#8217;d better get busy if we don&#8217;t
+want to go down with it!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What can we do?&#8221; asked Harry. &#8220;The
+boat&#8217;s gone!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Suppose we try to patch up the leak,&#8221; suggested
+Jimmie. &#8220;Maybe we could keep the old
+tub afloat until the storm dies down!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;No chance!&#8221; decided Ned. &#8220;Von Kluck
+and his crew would have done that if they
+could. We&#8217;d better get busy!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_112' name='page_112'></a>112</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s the matter with using the small
+boat at the stern?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s a good idea unless it is broken too
+badly. Let&#8217;s have a look at it anyway,&#8221; replied
+Ned, hastening toward the stern.
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;When folks get shipwrecked,&#8221; suggested
+Jimmie, &#8220;don&#8217;t they take water and food with
+them if they have it?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;They surely do, little man!&#8221; cried Ned.
+&#8220;Hustle about and see what you can get. Try
+to find something in which to carry fresh
+water.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Jimmie dashed back into the cabin to raid
+the pantry. There he found the water gaining
+rapidly. It was almost knee deep.
+</p>
+<p>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&#8217;s room. He tucked
+the parcel under one arm. With his free hand
+he seized a huge piece of the captain&#8217;s beloved
+cheese.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_113' name='page_113'></a>113</span></p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>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&#8217;s stern. It was not
+far below the taffrail.
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Hurry up, Ned,&#8221; cautioned Jack. &#8220;The
+little wagon is just about to say &#8216;Goodby&#8217;!
+We&#8217;ll have to go some to escape the suction!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;All aboard!&#8221; replied Ned, tossing his kit
+into the boat.
+</p>
+<p>Harry pitched the luggage he was carrying
+to waiting hands. Both boys then watched for
+an opportune moment when the small boat
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_114' name='page_114'></a>114</span>
+swung close to the sinking stern. A quick leap
+carried them safely aboard.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Oh, I forgot!&#8221; cried Ned. &#8220;I was going to
+bring the compass!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Never mind the compass now, Ned!&#8221; cried
+Jimmie, seizing an oar.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; put in Frank, &#8220;we don&#8217;t know where
+we are at anyhow, and the compass wouldn&#8217;t
+be of any use to us in such a case as this!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Goodby, Lena Garlic!&#8221; shouted Jimmie a
+moment later as he pulled manfully at the oar.
+&#8220;Goodby and good luck!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And goodby, Grey Eagle!&#8221; almost sobbed
+Ned. &#8220;No more flying in that little airship!
+I wish we could have saved the machine!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>This seemed to be the sentiment of all, but
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_115' name='page_115'></a>115</span>
+they knew that their sturdy aeroplane was
+now gone forever.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The Germans needn&#8217;t think we&#8217;ll ever
+trouble them again in that airship!&#8221; declared
+Jimmie. &#8220;We can&#8217;t be pinched for that!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We can&#8217;t be far from land,&#8221; the lad stated
+presently. &#8220;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.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s keep right on after them, then,&#8221; suggested
+Frank.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Second the motion!&#8221; panted Jimmie,
+straining at his oar. &#8220;But this is hot work!
+Wish I had a drink of water!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You&#8217;ll have to go slow on the water, boys,&#8221;
+cautioned Ned. &#8220;That kettle holds only about
+three gallons, and we can&#8217;t drink sea water.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let me take the oar a while, Jimmie,&#8221; volunteered
+Harry. &#8220;I guess you&#8217;ve worked
+about hard enough, anyway. You rest a bit.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Cautiously the boys changed places. What
+with their kits, the bundle of bread and the
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_116' name='page_116'></a>116</span>
+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.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Now,&#8221; spoke up Jack, presently, &#8220;all
+we&#8217;ve got to do is to let this wind blow us
+along. We&#8217;ll just keep the boat straightened
+into the seas and take it easy. We can&#8217;t do a
+thing to help matters.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Right you are, Scout!&#8221; agreed Jimmie. &#8220;I
+think it&#8217;s getting gray over there,&#8221; the lad
+continued, pointing toward the east. &#8220;Morning
+will be along shortly and we can see what
+time it is.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe we&#8217;ll meet some ship that will pick
+us up,&#8221; ventured Harry, hopefully. &#8220;There
+are plenty of vessels in these parts.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I see a smoke astern of us now, I think!&#8221;
+declared Frank. &#8220;It seems to be from a vessel
+low in the water.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let me take a look,&#8221; cried Ned, standing
+and balancing himself by clinging to Jimmie&#8217;s
+shoulder. &#8220;Yes, I can see it, too! It seems to
+be overhauling us quite rapidly,&#8221; he added.
+&#8220;Maybe they&#8217;ll help us!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Ceasing their efforts to propel the boat the
+boys handled the oars only enough to keep
+their tiny craft properly riding the seas.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_117' name='page_117'></a>117</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;It looks to me like a tug!&#8221; stated Jimmie,
+presently.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;A tug wouldn&#8217;t come smashing along at
+that rate!&#8221; objected Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, then, what can it be?&#8221; queried the
+other. &#8220;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&#8217;re
+coming up fast!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>In a short time the vessel approached near
+enough so that the boys could distinguish a
+small gun mounted at the bow.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I know what that ship is!&#8221; announced Jimmie,
+directly. &#8220;That&#8217;s what they call a torpedo
+boat destroyer or despatch boat!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I believe you&#8217;re right, Jimmie,&#8221; decided
+Ned. &#8220;They certainly have got the speed!&#8221;
+he added admiringly as the craft approached.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Get ready to hail &#8217;em!&#8221; cried Frank. &#8220;Get
+out a flag!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_118' name='page_118'></a>118</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Haven&#8217;t got a flag aboard this wagon!&#8221;
+scorned Jimmie. &#8220;What do you think this is&mdash;a
+dreadnaught with full equipment?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Then take off your shirt and wave that at
+&#8217;em!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Just the idea!&#8221; agreed Jimmie, proceeding
+to follow the advice.
+</p>
+<p>Bracing himself against a thwart amidships
+Jimmie waved the improvised distress signal.
+His efforts were not unavailing.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;They see you, Jimmie!&#8221; shouted Jack,
+presently. &#8220;There&#8217;s a man on the bridge looking
+at you with glasses. They&#8217;re shifting the
+helm!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I can see two or three men standing on
+the bridge!&#8221; announced Ned. &#8220;They are examining
+us pretty closely. Wonder who they
+are?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>Fending their craft off the larger vessel Ned
+explained their plight to an officer. They
+were invited aboard the steamer. Their boat
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_119' name='page_119'></a>119</span>
+was hoisted aboard, where it was carefully
+stowed.
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Now, boys,&#8221; said the officer who had invited
+them aboard, &#8220;I shall ask you to step to
+the cabin. The commander will hear your
+story.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>As the boys entered the cabin in response to
+the other&#8217;s request they saw a familiar face.
+Beside the commander seated at the table was
+none other than their one time acquaintance,
+Mackinder.
+</p>
+<hr class='major' />
+<div style='margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 2em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='XI_A_FLEET_OF_SUBMARINES' id='XI_A_FLEET_OF_SUBMARINES'></a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_120' name='page_120'></a>120</span>
+<h2>CHAPTER XI</h2>
+<h3>A FLEET OF SUBMARINES</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Upon seeing Mackinder&#8217;s face, Ned halted
+in amazement.
+</p>
+<p>A smile spread over the other&#8217;s countenance
+as he noted Ned&#8217;s look of wonder. But beneath
+the appearance of amused indifference
+the lad&#8217;s quick eye detected a look of care. He
+was not the same Mackinder.
+</p>
+<p>For a brief moment nothing was said. Then
+the officer saluted the commander, who recognized
+the act. The boys were presented.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;So, my friends,&#8221; the commander began,
+&#8220;you were adrift on the North Sea in an open
+boat? Have you suffered greatly?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;No, thank you,&#8221; replied Ned, acting as
+spokesman. &#8220;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.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>The shrewd eyes of the commander narrowed
+perceptibly.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And what was the name and rig of the
+vessel?&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_121' name='page_121'></a>121</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;The Lena Knobloch, a schooner, of Amsterdam,&#8221;
+replied Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And the name of her captain?&#8221; continued
+the commander.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Von Kluck,&#8221; the boy answered.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Ah, a Hollander! I believe he is a peaceful
+trader in small cargoes. He is what the
+English call a &#8216;tramp&#8217; of the sea.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;May I ask what boat this is and where you
+are bound?&#8221; asked Ned. &#8220;We would like to
+get to the United States, you know,&#8221; he added.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; smiled the commander. &#8220;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.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Can you put us in touch with some means
+whereby we can secure passage on a vessel
+leaving for the United States?&#8221; asked Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I am afraid that is impossible for the present,&#8221;
+slowly replied the other, with apparent
+reluctance. &#8220;We like your company, you see.
+We also are favored with the presence of one
+of your countrymen,&#8221; here he indicated
+Mackinder, &#8220;who has consented to pay us a
+brief visit.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Pardon me, sir!&#8221; stated Mackinder, half
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_122' name='page_122'></a>122</span>
+rising. &#8220;These are <i>not</i> countrymen of mine!
+I must disclaim that honor!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;So-o-o?&#8221; drawled the other. &#8220;Then you
+do not know them?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;No!&#8221; stated Mackinder positively. &#8220;They
+are strangers to me!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Then you did not mean what you said a
+few moments ago?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I was mistaken!&#8221; replied the other, briefly.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;As you please,&#8221; responded the commander
+with a wave of his hand. &#8220;Perhaps I misunderstood
+your statements concerning them!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>As Mackinder was conducted from the
+apartment the commander motioned the boys
+to seats about the table. He smiled at them
+kindly.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Do you know what von Kluck&#8217;s cargo consisted
+of?&#8221; he asked.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Mostly cheeses,&#8221; replied Ned. &#8220;Also an
+airship!&#8221; he added.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;An airship?&#8221; was the questioning response.
+&#8220;An airship?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Ned smiled a trifle regretfully as he related
+briefly the adventures of the four lads with
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_123' name='page_123'></a>123</span>
+those who have read the previous volume of
+this series are already familiar. He concluded
+by saying:
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;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.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes. And now you are headed directly
+away from your desired destination. For you,
+at least, the situation is unfortunate!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We think we are lucky to be afloat!&#8221; declared
+Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes. You are indeed fortunate in that respect.
+But I wish to make some inquiries,&#8221;
+went on the commander.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We shall be pleased to give you any information
+possible,&#8221; answered the lad heartily.
+&#8220;We highly appreciate your kindness to us!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps my act of picking you up was not
+altogether prompted by such a noble sentiment,&#8221;
+smiled the other. &#8220;I want some information.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I hope we can help you out,&#8221; replied the
+boy.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What I want to know is this: What did
+you do with the package?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What package?&#8221; puzzled Ned, unable to
+grasp the other&#8217;s meaning.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_124' name='page_124'></a>124</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;The package so much desired by your
+friend Mackinder!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Haven&#8217;t we got clear of that thing yet?&#8221;
+spoke up Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;If you please, sir,&#8221; said Ned, &#8220;we don&#8217;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.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I presume that you understand him to be
+an officer in the British army?&#8221; inquired the
+commander kindly.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We heard so from von Kluck,&#8221; replied the
+boy.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Do you know what was in the package?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;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 &#8216;U-13&#8217; on the outside. We have
+seen it but that once.&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_125' name='page_125'></a>125</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;I cannot understand why Mackinder
+should be trying to take the package out of
+the possession of his own countrymen!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But I beg to say that we are not countrymen
+of his!&#8221; declared Ned. &#8220;We are citizens
+of the United States. Here are our passports!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I beg your pardon!&#8221; apologized the commander.
+&#8220;Circumstances seemed to indicate
+that you were Englishmen. The mistake is
+mine!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I admit that the mistake was natural,&#8221;
+said Ned. &#8220;But can you tell me if there is any
+connection between the package marked
+&#8216;U-13&#8217; and the submarine vessel of the same
+name? If there is, why should Mackinder,
+an Englishman, have anything to do with the
+package?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>A smile greeted this query. Clearly the
+officer was amused.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;If, as I suspect,&#8221; he stated presently, &#8220;the
+package contained information valuable for
+the &#8216;U-13&#8217; do you not understand why Mackinder
+would be glad to get possession of it?
+The &#8216;U-13&#8217; is a German craft!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Oh, yes,&#8221; cried Ned. &#8220;And the two countries
+are at war!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And you will also understand why, under
+the circumstances, we must feel honored by
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_126' name='page_126'></a>126</span>
+your presence, as well as that of Mackinder,
+for a little time. Just now we should hate to
+see you go!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Then we are going to be prisoners?&#8221; asked
+Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Oh, no! Nothing so harsh as that!&#8221; reassured
+the other. &#8220;We will call it simply
+guests for the time being. That sounds better!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Would you mind telling us what Mackinder
+had to say about us?&#8221; inquired Ned. &#8220;We
+would like very much to know that!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Consider,&#8221; temporized the officer, &#8220;how
+little time there has been since we first sighted
+you for conversation of any sort!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; agreed the lad, &#8220;but he has told you
+something!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Nothing of importance!&#8221; declared the
+other, rising to indicate that the interview was
+at an end. &#8220;You will be given quarters forward,
+where you will receive every consideration
+until we reach our destination.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Where are you bound, Captain?&#8221; asked
+Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Our destination just now is a lonely island
+in the North Sea,&#8221; answered the other. &#8220;It is
+heavily guarded, so you will be in no danger.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Does Mackinder go ashore, too?&#8221; Jimmie
+continued.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_127' name='page_127'></a>127</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;That has not been decided yet,&#8221; replied the
+commander. He touched a button, summoning
+an orderly. &#8220;Take these young gentlemen
+forward and see that they want no comfort.
+They are our guests!&#8221; he ordered.
+</p>
+<p>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&#8217; mess. With sharpened
+appetites they fell to eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>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.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_128' name='page_128'></a>128</span></p>
+<p>At length Frank jumped from his seat with
+an exclamation.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll bet I know where we&#8217;re going!&#8221; he announced,
+gleefully.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;So do I!&#8221; stated Jimmie in a nonchalant
+manner.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Where?&#8221; asked Frank, somewhat crestfallen.
+&#8220;Aw, you don&#8217;t either!&#8221; he declared,
+after searching his comrade&#8217;s face intently.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;All right,&#8221; admitted Jimmie, laughing. &#8220;I
+just wanted to take some of that overconfidence
+out of your system, that&#8217;s all!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Where do you think we are bound for,
+Frank?&#8221; inquired Ned.
+</p>
+<p>Frank placed a finger on his lips, glancing
+about to make sure that no one was close
+enough to overhear his whispered words.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Helgoland!&#8221; he said, cautiously.
+</p>
+<p>Instantly the others jumped to their feet,
+slapping Frank&#8217;s shoulders, shaking his hands
+and otherwise showing their appreciation of
+his shrewdness. Their enthusiasm could
+scarcely be restrained.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sherlock Shaw, The Scout Sleuth!&#8221;
+shouted Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Frank, you&#8217;re the real, old-fashioned
+guesser!&#8221; declared Jack.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;How did you do it, Frank?&#8221; asked Harry,
+admiringly.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_129' name='page_129'></a>129</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;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&#8217;s
+about the first land we&#8217;d strike going on this
+course.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But I understand that is a sort of naval
+base,&#8221; put in Harry. &#8220;Isn&#8217;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.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s the very place!&#8221; put in Ned. &#8220;The
+paper said it was a lonely, rocky island, difficult
+of approach and quite well fortified.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And book agents, canvassers, peddlers and
+rag men are not allowed there at all!&#8221; asserted
+Jimmie, gravely.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Take his pie away!&#8221; shouted Jack. &#8220;He&#8217;s
+raving again!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And you have to deliver all goods in the
+rear,&#8221; added Jimmie, as Jack reached for the
+plate containing the lad&#8217;s breakfast.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Hurry up, let&#8217;s finish this food and get out
+on deck, where we will be able to see something,&#8221;
+suggested Harry. &#8220;This is interesting!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Directly the boys were standing in the lee
+of a deck house eagerly scanning the horizon
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_130' name='page_130'></a>130</span>
+for some sign of the island where they expected
+to be landed as prisoners of war.
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>Speedily the vessel approached the object
+that had been sighted.
+</p>
+<p>An officer drew near. He conducted Mackinder
+toward the stern.
+</p>
+<p>As the craft slowed slightly to enter a harbor
+Jimmie grasped Ned&#8217;s arm. He pointed
+eagerly toward several large objects on land.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;There is a whole flock of Zeppelins,&#8221; he
+declared. &#8220;And as I live,&#8221; he continued, &#8220;I
+see a bunch of submarines at that dock over
+there!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;There must be a dozen or more!&#8221; gasped
+Frank, in amazement.
+</p>
+<hr class='major' />
+<div style='margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 2em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='XII_A_NEW__U13__APPEARS' id='XII_A_NEW__U13__APPEARS'></a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_131' name='page_131'></a>131</span>
+<h2>CHAPTER XII</h2>
+<h3>A NEW &#8220;U-13&#8221; APPEARS</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That fleet of submarines looks to me as if
+Germany were preparing to destroy every ship
+in the world!&#8221; stated Jack presently, as the
+destroyer on which they stood passed the undersea
+craft.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The workmen seem to be fitting out some
+of the divers, too!&#8221; ventured Jimmie. &#8220;See
+them carrying packages aboard that outside
+one!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe the grocer is coming to deliver the
+goods in the rear!&#8221; laughed Ned. &#8220;Those
+packages look like groceries in disguise!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll bet Mackinder would like to see those
+submarines!&#8221; Harry said. &#8220;He&#8217;d give his
+eyes almost for one good long look at them!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_132' name='page_132'></a>132</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Mackinder won&#8217;t see enough to carry any
+news back home from this place!&#8221; declared
+Frank. &#8220;Didn&#8217;t you see the officer take him
+below?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;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&mdash;nit!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I believe the commander of this craft is
+favorably disposed toward us,&#8221; put in Ned.
+&#8220;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,&#8221; the lad added, &#8220;that
+we could leave!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;How much would you give to get away?&#8221;
+questioned Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;d give a good deal!&#8221; replied Ned. &#8220;I
+don&#8217;t like the idea of remaining on this island
+a prisoner for any length of time!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, if you&#8217;ll make it worth while,&#8221; Jimmie
+offered, &#8220;I&#8217;ll take you along as a passenger.
+You must behave, though!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Ah!&#8221; smiled Ned, thinking Jimmie was indulging
+in another of his jokes. &#8220;May I ask
+when your ship leaves?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m thinking of leaving about midnight or
+a little after,&#8221; stated Jimmie, gravely. &#8220;It
+will depend somewhat on the wind and
+weather. If it comes on to blow and the sea is
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_133' name='page_133'></a>133</span>
+rough I believe we&#8217;ll get out on time. However,
+if this breeze should die away, we may
+not go!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You&#8217;re rather reversing the order of
+things,&#8221; commented Ned. &#8220;Most captains
+want clear weather and smooth seas for their
+departure!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;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!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Thanks!&#8221; laughed Ned. &#8220;You may surely
+count on me!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;May we go along, too, Jimmie?&#8221; asked
+Harry.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sure, you may all go!&#8221; answered the lad.
+&#8220;But I warn you right now,&#8221; he added, &#8220;that
+you&#8217;ll have to work your passage!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That suits me!&#8221; returned Harry, greatly
+amused at carrying on what he considered as
+a pleasant joke to while away the time.
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>For a time the lad said no more. His tightly
+shut jaws showed the determination that possessed
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_134' name='page_134'></a>134</span>
+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.
+</p>
+<p>Directly they were summoned before the
+commander. As they entered the cabin the
+Sturmvogel drew up alongside a dock.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Young men,&#8221; the officer began as the lads
+entered the cabin, &#8220;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.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Can&#8217;t we go with you when you leave
+here?&#8221; asked Frank.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;No, that is impossible!&#8221; the other replied,
+shaking his head.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Then maybe some other vessel will call and
+we can get passage on it? We are not particular
+about the class of accommodations!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You forget that for some distance in every
+direction the sea is mined. No vessels approach
+this island unless they know the channels.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Then I guess we&#8217;ll have to be contented,&#8221;
+sighed the lad.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_135' name='page_135'></a>135</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Is Mackinder going to remain here also?&#8221;
+questioned Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I am very sure of it!&#8221; smiled the commander.
+&#8220;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,&#8221; he added, &#8220;Mackinder will remain!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I hope matters will be arranged so that we
+shall soon be able to leave for home,&#8221; stated
+Ned. &#8220;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!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I haven&#8217;t a doubt of your neutrality!&#8221; declared
+the officer heartily. &#8220;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.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Thank you!&#8221; replied Ned, gratefully.
+&#8220;You are most kind.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And now, if you please, we will go ashore
+to meet the officer in charge of this place,&#8221;
+stated the other. &#8220;You will like him, I&#8217;m
+sure.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Congratulating themselves on the kindness
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_136' name='page_136'></a>136</span>
+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.
+</p>
+<p>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 &#8220;whirlie&#8221; 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.
+</p>
+<p>Stepping along the dock, dodging wagons
+loaded with fresh provisions and stores, the
+boys kept pace with their friend, the commander.
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>A short conversation in German served to
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_137' name='page_137'></a>137</span>
+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.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I understand that you young gentlemen
+lost an airship when the schooner sank?&#8221; he
+inquired of Ned, motioning the boys to chairs.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes, sir!&#8221; replied Ned. &#8220;It was, of course,
+a complete loss.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Then you understand machinery pretty
+well?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We have always thought so,&#8221; was the modest
+reply.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And electricity?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes, sir. We understand wireless, also.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Then I am fortunate. Perhaps you would
+consent to assist us in some difficult technical
+tasks we have on hand.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;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!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let us discuss that at another time, if you
+please,&#8221; replied Gruenwold. &#8220;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
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_138' name='page_138'></a>138</span>
+shall not be forgetful when it is possible to
+reciprocate.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Thank you,&#8221; replied Ned in acknowledgment
+of the indirect promise. &#8220;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.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Here are some plans,&#8221; stated the other,
+opening a cabinet at one side of the room. &#8220;In
+these compartments are plans of certain vessels.
+You will observe on these sheets marked
+&#8216;elek.&#8217; complete diagrams of the plan of wiring.
+Take this one, for instance. Do you
+think you could understand what is meant by
+these tracings?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>A smile lighted the face of Gruenwold as
+this statement was made. Evidently the need
+for completing the work was urgent.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;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
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_139' name='page_139'></a>139</span>
+and render such aid as may be necessary.
+Later I will send a man who can speak
+English.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What a piece of luck!&#8221; rapidly signalled
+Jimmie to Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Keep cool!&#8221; cautioned Ned in reply.
+&#8220;Don&#8217;t give it away!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Insist that we stay together on the job,&#8221;
+returned Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You may be sure I shall do that!&#8221; came the
+answer instantly.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I hope the storm increases!&#8221; was Jack&#8217;s
+contribution.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Now, gentlemen,&#8221; announced the general,
+&#8220;if you are ready to proceed you may accompany
+this man. He will direct you to the
+work.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Ned bowed in acknowledgment and the
+party turned to accompany the orderly, who
+appeared in answer to the summons of his
+superior.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_140' name='page_140'></a>140</span></p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I say, fellows,&#8221; announced Ned at length,
+as all the lads met beneath the hatch, &#8220;this
+wagon is nearly complete. It looks a lot like
+the &#8216;U-13&#8217;!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_141' name='page_141'></a>141</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s what it does!&#8221; agreed Jimmie.
+&#8220;What more is needed?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;A few pieces of wire and about an hour&#8217;s
+work for me.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Frank and I have found enough food to
+last a couple of months if we can count hardtack,
+sausage, and the supply of canned
+goods.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Jack and I,&#8221; announced Harry, &#8220;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.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;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!&#8221; stated Ned.
+</p>
+<p>Further conversation was cut short by the
+arrival of the orderly.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Essen?&#8221; he inquired, pointing at his mouth
+and rubbing his belt.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t say it twice!&#8221; cried Jimmie. &#8220;We
+heard you the first time!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>The boys prepared to follow the orderly,
+who evidently intended to escort them to the
+mess hall, where they would secure dinner.
+</p>
+<p>As they turned toward the iron ladder leading
+to the hatch Jimmie, who had followed
+close upon the orderly&#8217;s heels, cried out:
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Hello, Mackinder, where you from?&#8221;
+</p>
+<hr class='major' />
+<div style='margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 2em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='XIII_A_THREATENING_SITUATION' id='XIII_A_THREATENING_SITUATION'></a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_142' name='page_142'></a>142</span>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIII</h2>
+<h3>A THREATENING SITUATION</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who&#8217;s there, Jimmie?&#8221; asked Ned, pressing
+forward.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Nobody now,&#8221; answered the other. &#8220;I
+thought I saw our friend Mackinder looking
+down the hatchway, but possibly I was mistaken.
+At any rate he&#8217;s gone now and we&#8217;d
+better hurry on for dinner.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Mackinder&#8217;s a prisoner here,&#8221; stated Ned,
+positively.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe he broke loose,&#8221; suggested Harry.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;All right, I&#8217;m going up to the deck and
+look about,&#8221; said Ned.
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Now, that&#8217;s a funny thing to do!&#8221; mused
+Ned. &#8220;I wonder just what the fellow wanted.
+Are you sure it was Mackinder, Jimmie?&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_143' name='page_143'></a>143</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;No, I&#8217;m not,&#8221; admitted the lad. &#8220;Of
+course, the face was in shadow as he looked
+down the hatch. I&#8217;m not positive, but thought
+it was he.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, let&#8217;s not bother about it any more,&#8221;
+said Ned, apparently dismissing the subject.
+&#8220;We&#8217;re too hungry for any more mysteries!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>In spite of the inclement weather a number
+of the hardy workmen were indulging in out
+of door sports during their rest hour.
+</p>
+<p>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.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_144' name='page_144'></a>144</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;There goes our late rescuer!&#8221; announced
+Jimmie presently.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Where?&#8221; asked Frank. &#8220;Whom do you
+mean?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The Sturmvogel!&#8221; answered Jimmie,
+pointing toward the harbor, where could be
+seen the speedy destroyer slipping quietly out
+to sea.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Here&#8217;s hoping you have a good voyage,
+friend!&#8221; said Frank.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; added Jimmie, &#8220;we&#8217;ll see you a little
+later!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That reminds me,&#8221; put in Ned, &#8220;we might
+as well get back to the &#8216;U-13&#8217; and begin work.
+There&#8217;s no use delaying the game!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s right,&#8221; agreed Harry. &#8220;These fellows
+are probably in a hurry for that submarine.
+We might as well be decent.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Wait a minute,&#8221; suggested Jimmie.
+&#8220;You&#8217;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!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; cried Jack, in mock sympathy,
+&#8220;stand back! Give him air! If Jimmie is
+really going to think, let&#8217;s give him lots of
+room!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Aw, you go on!&#8221; scorned Jimmie. &#8220;I&#8217;ve
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_145' name='page_145'></a>145</span>
+got a right to think if I want to, haven&#8217;t I? I
+guess that&#8217;s my privilege!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Not unless you have a union card!&#8221; protested
+Jack, laughing.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s all right,&#8221; retorted Jimmie with a
+grin as he wrinkled a freckled nose at the
+other. &#8220;I was going to think about a scab,
+anyhow, so I don&#8217;t need a card. Besides, this
+is on overtime!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;All right, you win!&#8221; declared Jack, submissively.
+&#8220;Go ahead!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;If you&#8217;ll promise to never, never tell, I&#8217;ll
+let you in on the scheme!&#8221; whispered Jimmie,
+glancing about to make sure that no strangers
+were within earshot. &#8220;Do you solemnly
+promise?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I do!&#8221; answered the boys in chorus, anxious
+to receive the news.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Then here it is: If we could paint the
+name &#8216;U-13&#8217; on that tub there&#8217;s nothing to
+prevent our getting away in it!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Hush, Jimmie!&#8221; cautioned Ned, in a
+startled tone.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Hush nothing!&#8221; declared the other boldly.
+&#8220;It&#8217;s now or never! The destroyer&#8217;s gone&mdash;everything&#8217;s
+gone that could chase us. Mackinder&#8217;s
+loose on this island. He&#8217;ll make us
+trouble if we stay. If we go now we are safe
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_146' name='page_146'></a>146</span>
+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&#8217;t go now tell me when we can
+get home?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I guess you&#8217;re right, Jimmie, but how are
+you going to work it?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Simply putter along this afternoon,&#8221; explained
+the lad, &#8220;fixing the wiring and so on.
+If necessary, rip out some and replace it. We
+can get in one another&#8217;s way enough to kill a
+lot of time. After supper we&#8217;ll manage to slip
+back to the submarine, paint &#8216;U-13&#8217; on the
+side, every man to his post, let go lines easy
+and skedaddle for the open sea.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It sounds easy enough,&#8221; assented Harry.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes, unless you happen to get caught!&#8221;
+agreed Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What is there to catch us?&#8221; asked Jimmie,
+bristling at this hint of opposition. &#8220;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&#8217;d never
+have another chance like it!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Right you are, Mr. Wolf!&#8221; declared Frank.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_147' name='page_147'></a>147</span>
+&#8220;I, for one, am willing to take a chance. I&#8217;ll
+go with you to the limit!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Here, too!&#8221; heartily agreed Ned. &#8220;How
+about it, boys?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Eagerly the others signified their willingness
+to undertake the task suggested. They
+felt no compunction over the seizure of the
+boat.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Now, we&#8217;ll have to do some tall thinking
+before night comes!&#8221; stated Jimmie. &#8220;Each
+of us&#8217;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.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Good for you!&#8221; cried Ned, administering
+an affectionate slap upon Jimmie&#8217;s shoulder.
+&#8220;I knew you had something up your sleeve!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;So did I!&#8221; added Jack. &#8220;I couldn&#8217;t guess
+what it was, though!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It was my arm!&#8221; declared Jimmie, with
+mock gravity. &#8220;Now, let&#8217;s go back to this
+&#8216;Untervasserbootschiff&#8217; and stall around a
+while.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Correct!&#8221; cried Harry. &#8220;We&#8217;ll rehearse
+for this evening. We shall depend on Jimmie
+to be the pilot, though!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_148' name='page_148'></a>148</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Leave it to me!&#8221; declared the younger lad.
+&#8220;I know where the buoys are! I have them
+all located in my head!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But we must be mighty careful,&#8221; declared
+Ned. &#8220;We don&#8217;t know how much English
+these fellows understand. They must not suspect!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Mum&#8217;s the word!&#8221; put in Frank. &#8220;Everybody
+mum!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>Upon their arrival they found a painter at
+work inscribing the vessel with identifying
+marks. He had proceeded so far as to place
+&#8220;U-1&mdash;&#8221; 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.
+</p>
+<p>At Ned&#8217;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
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_149' name='page_149'></a>149</span>
+wire by using his pocket knife and had cut a
+finger badly.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Pooh, pooh!&#8221; stated Jimmie, upon discovering
+the wound. &#8220;Don&#8217;t make so much fuss
+over a little thing like that. We&#8217;ll soon have
+you fixed up. Here, just hold the wound
+closed with your other hand while I hunt up
+some bandages. You&#8217;ll be all right in a minute!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>Presently Jimmie located a first aid kit
+among the stores. He was not long in cleansing
+and bandaging the wound.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;There you are!&#8221; he stated. &#8220;Just as good
+as new! Now go lie down for a little while.
+I&#8217;ll finish this job if I know enough.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>It was decided that Jimmie should take the
+wheel while Harry stood watch at the engines.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_150' name='page_150'></a>150</span>
+The others were assigned to various other
+duties at favorable positions. Nothing remained
+except to wait for night.
+</p>
+<p>A short time before darkness settled an orderly
+visited the craft. He was able to converse
+slightly in English.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;How are you getting along, boys?&#8221; he
+asked, as he stepped down the iron ladder.
+&#8220;Can we put the torpedoes aboard tomorrow?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes, I think you will be able to place the
+torpedoes after tomorrow morning,&#8221; replied
+Ned. &#8220;We will have our work all done then.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That is good!&#8221; was the other&#8217;s comment.
+&#8220;Where is Mackinder?&#8221; was his next question.
+&#8220;He will have to come ashore now!&#8221; he
+added.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Mackinder?&#8221; was Ned&#8217;s startled response.
+&#8220;He&#8217;s not here.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But he was here!&#8221; firmly declared the orderly.
+&#8220;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!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We haven&#8217;t seen him at all!&#8221; stated Ned,
+just as firmly.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We shall have to search the vessel!&#8221;
+affirmed the orderly. &#8220;You will please remain
+aboard for a short time.&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_151' name='page_151'></a>151</span></p>
+<p>Quickly ascending the ladder the man summoned
+another soldier from the shore. Together
+the two made a hasty examination of
+the boat.
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Come with us,&#8221; finally said the first visitor.
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;This looks serious, boys,&#8221; commented the
+General. &#8220;Can you not explain the whereabouts
+of Mackinder? He is a prisoner, you
+know!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We know nothing of the man!&#8221; declared
+Ned, earnestly. &#8220;We don&#8217;t like him and
+surely would not think of assisting him to
+escape!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;If you please, sir,&#8221; began the orderly, &#8220;it
+is the opinion of my comrade and myself that
+the boys have done away with Mackinder!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What!&#8221; almost shouted Gruenwold, rising
+from his chair.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_152' name='page_152'></a>152</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes, sir,&#8221; continued the man. &#8220;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!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;This is serious, indeed!&#8221; gasped Gruenwold.
+&#8220;We shall investigate this in the morning.
+Meanwhile, search the vessel again. The
+boys will be put in the guardhouse until tomorrow.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Protests on the part of the lads were unavailing.
+Gruenwold was determined in his decision.
+Ned&#8217;s explanation of the presence of
+the blood in the vessel was listened to, but
+without influencing the general.
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>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.
+</p>
+<p>A tapping at the window attracted their attention.
+</p>
+<hr class='major' />
+<div style='margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 2em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='XIV_HELPED_BY_AN_ENEMY' id='XIV_HELPED_BY_AN_ENEMY'></a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_153' name='page_153'></a>153</span>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIV</h2>
+<h3>HELPED BY AN ENEMY</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s that?&#8221; inquired Ned, startled at
+the unexpected sound.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Loose board, I guess,&#8221; replied Jimmie,
+rather disgruntled at the turn affairs had
+taken. &#8220;The wind&#8217;s ripping everything
+loose!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Again the tapping was repeated in an insistent
+manner.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m going to see what&#8217;s going on here!&#8221;
+declared Ned, rising from his position. &#8220;Some
+one is trying to communicate with us!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Some bloomin&#8217; Dutchman&#8217;s tryin&#8217; to ask
+us whether we want sausage with our pancakes
+for breakfast!&#8221; growled Jimmie. &#8220;Let
+&#8217;em alone!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Disregarding this statement the older lad
+proceeded toward the window, where fitful
+gusts of sleet beat. Outside the darkness covered
+everything. Only an occasional point of
+light indicated a sentry hut.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Who&#8217;s there?&#8221; demanded Ned in a low
+tone.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_154' name='page_154'></a>154</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Sh-h-h!&#8221; came a hiss from the darkness.
+&#8220;Open the window!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Ned fumbled a moment at the fastening.
+Presently he found the catch sliding the sash
+back in its channel. An exclamation escaped
+him as he did so. The face of the visitor was
+none other than that of their missing acquaintance,
+Mackinder. Ned was astounded.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Thought you were dead!&#8221; he cried in
+amazement.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Hush!&#8221; cautioned the other. &#8220;Not so
+loud. Now, if you lads want to get out of here
+this is your time. Everybody&#8217;s busy or
+asleep!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;How do you know we want to get out of
+here?&#8221; demanded Jimmie in a low tone as he
+approached the opening.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t you suppose I have eyes? I saw
+what you were up to!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Oh, you did, eh? Then what do you want
+us to do?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;If you want to get away from this place
+according to your plan, now is the time to take
+action,&#8221; replied Mackinder in a whisper. &#8220;If
+you prefer to wait until tomorrow and stand
+trial for an offense of which you are innocent
+I cannot offer any objection of course.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Ned, I think we&#8217;d better make our getaway
+while the going&#8217;s good!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_155' name='page_155'></a>155</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Second the motion!&#8221; declared Harry, who
+had softly approached the window. &#8220;Let&#8217;s
+make a noise like a drum!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m with you!&#8221; stated Frank, raising a
+foot to the window sill.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Easy there!&#8221; cautioned Jimmie. &#8220;Mind
+your step!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Frank was through the window in an instant.
+He landed on the earth with Mackinder&#8217;s
+assistance without noise. Quickly the
+others followed. Ned took the precaution to
+slide the window shut.
+</p>
+<p>Cautiously the little group of six made their
+way in the direction of the wharf where the
+submarines were moored. Mackinder took the
+lead as if familiar with the ground. Once he
+paused, extending a warning hand to Jimmie,
+who was directly behind him. The lad performed
+a similar service for those in the rear.
+A sentry was approaching.
+</p>
+<p>Mackinder sank upon the ground. Although
+the night was too dark for the lads to see this
+action they were close enough to be aware of
+the movement. Instantly all followed suit.
+</p>
+<p>In a moment they breathed more freely. The
+sentry had passed within a few paces of their
+position. Evidently his feeling of security in
+the isolation of the island had made him somewhat
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_156' name='page_156'></a>156</span>
+negligent of his duties. He proceeded
+against the storm with head bent low.
+</p>
+<p>Again Mackinder rose to his feet. Cautiously
+he crept forward.
+</p>
+<p>On tiptoe the party gained the shelter of the
+warehouse.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Gee!&#8221; declared Jimmie as the edge of the
+wharf was gained, &#8220;I clean forgot my kit!
+What shall we do?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Hush!&#8221; warned Ned. &#8220;Don&#8217;t even dare
+think of your kit!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I should say not!&#8221; put in Harry. &#8220;Think
+of your head instead!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And the mines at the harbor entrance,&#8221;
+added Frank.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;All right!&#8221; submissively agreed Jimmie.
+&#8220;I&#8217;ll keep quiet!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>The wind had risen to such an extent that
+walking on the narrow planking was not only
+uncertain but extremely dangerous. Mackinder
+solved the problem by dropping to all
+fours. The boys followed suit.
+</p>
+<p>Directly they gained the submarine, the
+hatch was placed quietly in position for
+prompt closing and the lines which held the
+boat were let go.
+</p>
+<p>Owing to the movement of the boats caused
+by the roughened surface of the harbor creakings
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_157' name='page_157'></a>157</span>
+and groanings of the fenders had served
+to drown any noise the party had made in
+crossing the narrow bridge of planks.
+</p>
+<p>Jimmie held the wheel as Ned gave the signal
+for casting off the lines. A touch of Harry&#8217;s
+hand on the lever started the engines. The
+submarine began to move. Suddenly a loud
+splash alongside attracted the attention of all.
+Frank came scuttling down the ladder.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Now I&#8217;ve done it!&#8221; he gasped. &#8220;I forgot
+to shove the plank back onto the next boat
+and it fell into the water as we started!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Wonder if the guard has heard it!&#8221; speculated
+Ned. &#8220;Let me up!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Under protests from his companions the lad
+mounted the iron ladder and thrust his head
+through the hatch.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I hear someone running along the dock!&#8221;
+he announced presently. &#8220;I&#8217;ll bet they have
+heard that noise! I see a light!&#8221; he added.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What are they doing?&#8221; inquired Jimmie,
+holding the boat directly in the center of the
+channel as he peered anxiously ahead.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;A fellow with a lantern is running out
+along the planks,&#8221; replied Ned. &#8220;They&#8217;ve got
+to the outside boat now. Now they&#8217;re turning
+back.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Better get that hatch closed so we can
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_158' name='page_158'></a>158</span>
+dive,&#8221; admonished Jimmie. &#8220;This is our time
+for getting out of sight in a hurry!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;There goes their searchlight!&#8221; shouted
+Frank, who had crowded up the ladder close
+beside Ned. &#8220;They&#8217;re going to spot us in a
+hurry!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Ah,&#8221; cried Ned as a sullen roar came to
+their ears. &#8220;They&#8217;re taking a chance shot at
+us from that cannon on the hill. Let&#8217;s dive!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Quickly the two boys adjusted the hatch.
+As they signaled to their companions that this
+task was completed Harry and Jack turned
+the deflecting rudders. The half-manned submarine
+slowly began to descend.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Get some water into the tanks quick,
+Harry!&#8221; called Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Pump&#8217;s going right now!&#8221; declared the
+other. &#8220;We&#8217;re going down!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Take a look through the periscope, Ned,&#8221;
+requested the pilot, &#8220;and let me know what
+you can make out. Can you see any buoys
+ahead?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Try to see if they&#8217;ve located us with their
+searchlight,&#8221; suggested Mackinder. &#8220;Maybe
+they are getting our range with that gun!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Never mind about that searchlight,&#8221;
+snapped Jimmie. &#8220;I want to find out what&#8217;s
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_159' name='page_159'></a>159</span>
+ahead, not what&#8217;s behind us. We&#8217;ll run this
+boat!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I simply wanted to know,&#8221; objected Mackinder
+somewhat ruffled at the lad&#8217;s peremptory
+manner. &#8220;No objection, is there?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;All the objection in the world!&#8221; declared
+Jimmie. &#8220;You&#8217;re quite welcome aboard as a
+passenger, but we&#8217;ll navigate the vessel,
+please!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Scarcely knowing whether to be amused or
+defiant at this attitude Mackinder chose the
+wiser course and refrained from further comment.
+</p>
+<p>Although the boys could not be sure that the
+persons on the island were making efforts to
+hinder their escape they felt the better course
+was to remain beneath the surface until well
+out of the harbor.
+</p>
+<p>Directly Jimmie called the attention of his
+comrades to an object in the water at no great
+distance ahead. The rays of the searchlight
+with which the submarine was provided indistinctly
+revealed a huge bulk slightly above the
+level at which they were traveling.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What is that, a ship?&#8221; asked Harry wonderingly.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll bet a cookie that&#8217;s a mine!&#8221; declared
+Jimmie positively. &#8220;I&#8217;m going to give it a
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_160' name='page_160'></a>160</span>
+little more leeway, anyhow. It pays to be
+safe!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Ned was working the periscope in an effort
+to locate the buoys as directed by Jimmie.
+Occasionally he turned the glass toward the
+group of buildings they had just left.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;They&#8217;re shooting at us, I guess!&#8221; he stated
+presently. &#8220;I can see the flash of that cannon.
+It seems to be pointed this way!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let &#8217;em shoot, they can&#8217;t see anything but
+the periscope and they&#8217;d have an awful time
+hitting that!&#8221; boasted Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>Scarcely had the lad spoken before the vessel
+was shaken by the force of a mighty concussion.
+A gigantic wave tossed the craft up
+and forward with a heave that threw the boys
+off their feet.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What was that?&#8221; gasped Jimmie glancing
+at his companions with a terrified face. &#8220;Has
+one of the fuel tanks blown up?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Nothing doing!&#8221; replied Harry. &#8220;I think
+that cannon hit the mine we just passed. I&#8217;m
+glad we were no closer!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ll soon be out of their range!&#8221; stated
+Jimmie. &#8220;Shut up your periscope and we&#8217;ll
+go deeper. Give us a little more speed,
+Harry!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>In an hour Jimmie declared that they
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_161' name='page_161'></a>161</span>
+should be out of sight of the island altogether.
+The engines had been working at full speed
+ahead. Harry nursed the machinery constantly,
+knowing that it was new and would,
+therefore, require considerable care. Their
+urgent need for speed induced the lads to
+crowd the machinery to the limit, and Harry
+was gratified to note that every part responded
+properly to its task.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, Mackinder,&#8221; stated Ned as the tension
+on their nerves began to relax with the
+increasing distance traveled, &#8220;we&#8217;re surely
+grateful to you for suggesting that we get
+away as you did!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;My motive was largely a selfish one, I must
+confess,&#8221; returned Mackinder. &#8220;I wanted very
+badly to get away from that island.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;How did they ever get hold of you, anyhow?&#8221;
+questioned Jack.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I left Amsterdam the same evening you
+did. After the Lena Knobloch went past us
+as she did I knew there was little use trying
+to delay you. Therefore, my aide and myself
+left at once on a train for Rotterdam. There
+we found a fishing boat which we thought
+would answer our purpose. We induced the
+captain to take us aboard, intending to cross
+to England. After traveling some distance the
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_162' name='page_162'></a>162</span>
+storm overtook us. We were blown far out of
+our course. The vessel was badly battered.
+The crew left in a panic, leaving me on board.
+Just in time the German destroyer came along
+and took me off. That&#8217;s it in a nutshell.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes, and then when you discovered us in
+our little boat you went and told the captain
+of the destroyer a lot of nonsense, didn&#8217;t you?&#8221;
+questioned Jimmie in a somewhat aggressive
+manner. &#8220;Why did you do it?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I only told him that you had at one time a
+package that belonged to me. I wanted
+the package badly. I thought he would assist
+me.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That wasn&#8217;t a very nice way to go about
+it,&#8221; declared Jimmie with emphasis. &#8220;After
+searching our baggage twice, and after we had
+told you how the package was in our kits
+without our knowledge, also that it had been
+stolen away from our possession, why didn&#8217;t
+you believe us?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;There is an old saying that all is fair in
+love and war!&#8221; replied Mackinder. &#8220;You
+know that my country and Germany are at
+war. As an officer in the British army, it is
+my duty to do everything possible to assist
+my country. I believe that package contains
+information that my country could use. That
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_163' name='page_163'></a>163</span>
+is my justification for my acts, and I hope you
+boys are fair-minded enough to hold no resentment.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m just fair-minded enough to be neutral,&#8221;
+declared Jimmie, &#8220;if I have to fight for
+the right to remain that way. I&#8217;m just a little
+sore at you for supposing that four boys who
+are citizens of a neutral country would be carrying
+information around for another country
+at war!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m sorry you feel that way,&#8221; said Mackinder.
+&#8220;I assure you there was nothing personal
+in my acts. I simply tried to do my
+best!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, you did a lot, at that!&#8221; returned the
+lad.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;All right, folks, let&#8217;s drop the subject,&#8221;
+spoke up Ned. &#8220;I feel that the air in here is
+getting bad. Suppose we go to the surface.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Right you are,&#8221; agreed Harry. &#8220;Let&#8217;s rise
+and fill the tanks!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Jimmie, in compliance with this wish,
+steered the craft upward.
+</p>
+<p>At the surface the boys found the water
+much smoother than they had expected would
+be the case. Jimmie declared that he intended
+painting the balance of the name &#8220;U-13&#8221; on
+the vessel while the other lads were occupied
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_164' name='page_164'></a>164</span>
+in airing out the vessel and refilling the compressed
+air tanks.
+</p>
+<p>Slung in a boatswain&#8217;s chair over the sloping
+deck the lad soon completed this task.
+Feeling a considerable degree of elation at the
+success of his undertaking Jimmie returned
+with his brush and paint.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;If you&#8217;re ready now we&#8217;ll dive again and
+proceed!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Wait a minute, Mackinder&#8217;s still on deck!&#8221;
+stated Jack.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;He wasn&#8217;t there when I came below!&#8221; protested
+Jimmie.
+</p>
+<hr class='major' />
+<div style='margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 2em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='XV_MISTAKEN_IDENTITY' id='XV_MISTAKEN_IDENTITY'></a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_165' name='page_165'></a>165</span>
+<h2>CHAPTER XV</h2>
+<h3>MISTAKEN IDENTITY</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Ned looked at Jimmie in astonishment. He
+could scarcely credit his senses. He began ascending
+the iron ladder leading to the deck.
+</p>
+<p>Eagerly the lad glanced about the upper
+portion of the submarine which now showed
+black and gleaming above the surface of the
+water.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Harry,&#8221; he called down the hatchway,
+&#8220;didn&#8217;t Mackinder say he was coming on deck
+to see if he could be of service to Jimmie?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;He certainly did!&#8221; answered Harry.
+&#8220;Then we went on working at the pumps. I
+was busy with the starboard pump because it
+wasn&#8217;t working just as it should. I saw him
+start up the ladder!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And I saw him when he was about half
+way up!&#8221; put in Jack.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m equally certain he didn&#8217;t return, but
+it may be well enough to stop a minute to
+search the interior. Perhaps he came back.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>In a moment all five boys were busily going
+over every corner of the craft. From stem to
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_166' name='page_166'></a>166</span>
+stern they ransacked every place where it
+would have been at all possible for their guest
+to have hidden.
+</p>
+<p>At length they met in the space directly
+below the hatchway.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Find anything?&#8221; queried Ned glancing
+about the group.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Not a hint of anything at all resembling an
+Englishman!&#8221; stated Jimmie. &#8220;Perhaps it
+would be a good idea to put an ad. in the
+paper.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; scorned Jack. &#8220;Like this: &#8216;Lost&mdash;one
+perfectly good Englishman. Finder please
+return to the &#8220;U-13&#8221; and receive reward&#8217;!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sure!&#8221; agreed Jimmie. &#8220;Have them
+charge it, please!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Hush this nonsense, boys!&#8221; cried Ned.
+&#8220;This may be serious!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, where is he?&#8221; protested Jimmie.
+&#8220;We haven&#8217;t got him!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe he fell overboard!&#8221; suggested Ned.
+&#8220;Let&#8217;s have a look.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Again the lad mounted the ladder. As he
+reached the small deck he peered anxiously
+about the vessel seeking what he hoped he
+might not find.
+</p>
+<p>The others came crowding after their chum,
+filling the space.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_167' name='page_167'></a>167</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;There he goes!&#8221; cried Jimmie pointing
+away to the north.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Where?&#8221; inquired Ned looking in the direction
+indicated. &#8220;Oh, I see him,&#8221; the lad
+went on. &#8220;He&#8217;s swimming a good stroke,
+too!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Is he crazy or just disgusted with the company
+on board the &#8216;U-13&#8217;?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps he thinks he&#8217;ll be picked up by
+that boat!&#8221; stated Jimmie again directing the
+attention of his comrades to a small fishing
+craft. &#8220;They seem to be heading a course
+that will reach Mackinder.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;He was wise enough to take one of the
+life preservers,&#8221; said Harry indicating a space
+from which a buoy was missing.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sure enough!&#8221; agreed Ned. &#8220;He&#8217;s no fool
+at any rate!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s wait a while to see if they pick him
+up,&#8221; suggested Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;If they don&#8217;t get him, we&#8217;ll chase over
+there and take him aboard again. What do
+you say?&#8221; asked Ned of the others.
+</p>
+<p>There was no dissenting voice raised to this
+suggestion. Eagerly the lads watched the
+boat momentarily drawing nearer the
+swimmer.
+</p>
+<p>In a short time the boat rounded to, losing
+her way in the water. A sharp skiff was
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_168' name='page_168'></a>168</span>
+quickly launched over the side. Into this
+tumbled two men. They soon covered the distance
+between their vessel and the swimmer.
+Without difficulty they succeeded in assisting
+Mackinder into the skiff, then put quickly
+back to the sailing vessel.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Ah, he&#8217;s safe at any rate!&#8221; gladly stated
+Ned. &#8220;Now we can go on and finish our voyage
+in peace! I&#8217;m glad he&#8217;s gone!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;So am I!&#8221; declared Jimmie. &#8220;He&#8217;s a
+good fellow as one might say, but he&#8217;s too
+awfully stuck on getting some information
+for that bloomin&#8217; Hinglish Harmy, don&#8217;t you
+know!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s hardly fair, Jimmie!&#8221; laughed Ned.
+&#8220;He didn&#8217;t drop his &#8216;H&#8217;s&#8217; and he did only
+what he considered his duty.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;He will probably get that fisherman to set
+him ashore on English soil as soon as possible,&#8221;
+conjectured Jack. &#8220;Suppose we follow
+them.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What for?&#8221; asked Harry. &#8220;Why should
+we chase after those chaps?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Unless we do something of the sort, we&#8217;ll
+have to go at it blindly!&#8221; urged Jack. &#8220;We
+don&#8217;t really know where we are!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s so,&#8221; admitted Harry reluctantly.
+&#8220;We haven&#8217;t a chart nor a course. We don&#8217;t
+know how far we are from anywhere at all!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_169' name='page_169'></a>169</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;We might keep on steering just as we
+started,&#8221; stated Frank. &#8220;I believe southeast
+was the course we used coming away from
+Helgoland.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That course would surely bring us up
+somewhere,&#8221; put in Ned, &#8220;but it would be
+much better if we could find out exactly where
+we are. Then we could steer a course with
+intelligence.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Aw, what do we need of a chart?&#8221; scorned
+Jimmie. &#8220;We know that England lies to the
+southwest of us. It&#8217;s big enough so we can&#8217;t
+miss it. If we blunder into the coast we can
+just cruise along a ways until we come to some
+place or other and then head in.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s a good idea, too,&#8221; agreed Frank.
+&#8220;When we get to a port we can turn the submarine
+over to the English authorities as a
+prize of war. They&#8217;ll probably be glad enough
+to get the machine.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Then we&#8217;ll head for the little old U. S. A.!&#8221;
+cried Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You&#8217;re right we will. When we get there,
+we&#8217;ll chase ourselves out to Long Island. The
+first thing I&#8217;ll do will be to get the factory
+started on another engine like the Grey
+Eagle&#8217;s!&#8221; declared Harry.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Good enough! Now let&#8217;s be &#8216;wenting&#8217;!&#8221;
+added Jimmie.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_170' name='page_170'></a>170</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;But, boys,&#8221; objected Ned, &#8220;this hit or
+miss fashion of navigating is not correct.
+Something may happen to change our course.
+If we don&#8217;t know what we are doing, we might
+get into lots of trouble!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe you&#8217;re right, Ned!&#8221; assented Frank.
+&#8220;What shall we do?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I think we&#8217;d better cruise carefully along
+on the surface until we see a ship. We can
+ask them for our latitude and longitude. From
+that we&#8217;ll be able to lay a course to any point.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe they&#8217;ll give us a chart, too!&#8221; put
+in Harry.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;All right, then, here goes!&#8221; shouted
+Jimmie preparing to slide down the ladder.
+&#8220;Somebody&#8217;ll have to keep on deck.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Harry at once followed Jimmie into the
+interior. The engines responded to his touch.
+The new &#8220;U-13&#8221; sprang forward half submerged.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ve got plenty of gas in the tanks,
+Harry,&#8221; stated Jimmie to his chum as the
+latter moved about the interior looking after
+the machinery. &#8220;We&#8217;re making only about
+fifteen miles now by this log.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll give them another touch,&#8221; responded
+Harry. &#8220;The sooner we get there, the quicker
+we&#8217;ll arrive, so here goes!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>The increased speed of the engines urged
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_171' name='page_171'></a>171</span>
+the submarine ahead at a goodly rate. Jimmie
+presently declared that the log indicator
+showed a good twenty-five miles an hour.
+Those on the little deck above the conning
+tower found the increased speed uncomfortable
+by reason of the dashing spray, but all
+felt that this was not unendurable.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sail, ho!&#8221; Ned presently called down the
+hatchway.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Where away?&#8221; asked Harry, looking up at
+his comrade.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Almost dead ahead!&#8221; replied Ned. &#8220;We&#8217;re
+overhauling them fast. It looks to be a three
+masted ship as nearly as I can make out!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Hold your course, Jimmie!&#8221; directed Jack.
+&#8220;We&#8217;ll come up close enough to hail them in
+a little while just as we are heading!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>In a few minutes the ship was so close that
+all could make out the details of her rigging.
+It was a large three masted square-rigged
+vessel evidently in ballast for the hull was
+high out of water.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I believe they see us!&#8221; announced Frank,
+using a pair of binoculars he had found
+among the fittings of the submarine.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Can you make out the flag at the peak?&#8221;
+asked Jack.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes, I think so. I believe it is the British
+flag.&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_172' name='page_172'></a>172</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Then, they&#8217;ll be glad to help us out, especially
+if they find that we intend to turn the
+&#8216;U-13&#8217; over to their government!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know about that!&#8221; doubted Frank.
+&#8220;I see men running aloft. It looks as if they&#8217;re
+rigging out studding sail booms on the main
+yards. And I see others on the topsail yards,&#8221;
+declared the boy.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Why, in that case, they&#8217;re trying to get
+away from us!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It certainly looks that way. Now I can
+see men setting the studding sails on the
+booms. They are putting on every rag the
+old hooker will carry!&#8221; cried the lad excitedly.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I know why,&#8221; stated Harry. &#8220;They think
+we&#8217;re a German submarine chasing them and
+they&#8217;re trying to get away!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s run up a white flag, then,&#8221; urged
+Ned. &#8220;They ought to know what that means.
+They&#8217;ll stop for that!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>In response to this suggestion the lads
+quickly overhauled the flag locker finding just
+what they sought. The white flag was at once
+brought to the deck where it was bent on to
+the halliards. It fluttered gaily at the top of
+the short flagstaff. Some difficulty was experienced
+in securing the staff because of an
+improperly fitting socket.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_173' name='page_173'></a>173</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Do they seem to be making any change?&#8221;
+inquired Harry presently.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; answered Ned. &#8220;They&#8217;re crowding
+on more sail!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Then we might as well give it up!&#8221; stated
+the other. &#8220;They&#8217;ll never stop for us. Our
+only hope is to dive and come up close to some
+vessel so they can&#8217;t get away before we ask
+the questions.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe that would be a good idea,&#8221; admitted
+Ned. &#8220;Anyhow, we&#8217;ll have to take down
+this flag. The signal staff don&#8217;t fit!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Disappointed because their efforts had been
+unavailing, the lads regretfully folded the flag.
+It was restored to its proper place.
+</p>
+<p>Harry, however, continued to urge the engines
+forward in the hope of eventually overhauling
+the ship. This seemed to be within
+the range of possibilities, but the boys all knew
+the maxim concerning a stern chase, and were
+somewhat discouraged. Knowing that their
+intentions were of the best, they felt slightly
+aggrieved that the other did not stop.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I see a smoke away ahead of the ship!&#8221; announced
+Frank after a few moments. &#8220;I can&#8217;t
+tell which way they are headed, though!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;At this rate of traveling, we&#8217;ll soon find
+out!&#8221; declared Jack.
+</p>
+<p>Evidently the smoke had been discovered
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_174' name='page_174'></a>174</span>
+by those aboard the sailing vessel, for the
+course was altered slightly in that direction.
+</p>
+<p>This change was noted by the boys. Jimmie
+shifted the helm slightly in order to keep
+the submarine directly in the track of the ship.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I wonder what that other vessel can be,&#8221;
+puzzled Ned. &#8220;Let me take the glasses a moment,
+Frank. I wish we were higher in the
+water,&#8221; he added, &#8220;then we could get a better
+range of vision.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Long and earnestly the boy inspected the
+strange vessel. Presently he returned the
+glasses to Frank with a sigh.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What is it?&#8221; asked Jack with keen interest.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I believe it is a warship of some sort!&#8221; replied
+Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Then they&#8217;ll capture us and take us to port
+mighty quick!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I guess they&#8217;ll capture us all right!&#8221; put
+in Frank. &#8220;I can see the sailing vessel making
+signals. They&#8217;ve got a string of flags flying
+from the foretopmast head. I don&#8217;t know
+what they mean, but they&#8217;re calls for help,
+or I&#8217;ll miss my guess! They are something
+like the U. S. flags!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Those on board the steamer had evidently
+seen the string of flags or else by the peculiar
+actions of the sailing vessel guessed that something
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_175' name='page_175'></a>175</span>
+was wrong, for the boys saw that their
+course was at once altered. From the clouds
+of dense black smoke pouring from the funnels
+they knew that the stokers were being
+urged to their best efforts.
+</p>
+<p>In a short space of time the combined speeds
+of the two vessels brought them close together.
+As the other approached, Harry shut off the
+power of the engines, checking them to little
+more than steerageway.
+</p>
+<p>As the steamer passed the ship Ned could
+see that some communication had been made
+between the two. The steamer came quickly on.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Pass me up that white flag again, Harry,&#8221;
+requested Ned. &#8220;I think they&#8217;re coming up
+to speak to us, and I&#8217;d just as soon have that
+handy. Maybe these fellows might misunderstand
+our motives, too!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I wish now I hadn&#8217;t painted that &#8216;U-13&#8217;
+quite so plainly on the sides!&#8221; grumbled Jimmie.
+&#8220;I&#8217;ll bet they&#8217;ve seen that!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Of course, they&#8217;ve seen it, but if we show
+a white flag they won&#8217;t do anything to us.
+They&#8217;ll let us ask questions!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>In answer to this statement, a shot echoed
+across the water. A ball striking the crest of
+a wave sent a cloud of spray over the &#8220;U-13.&#8221;
+</p>
+<hr class='major' />
+<div style='margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 2em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='XVI_A_STRANGE_DISCOVERY' id='XVI_A_STRANGE_DISCOVERY'></a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_176' name='page_176'></a>176</span>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVI</h2>
+<h3>A STRANGE DISCOVERY</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Get down that hatchway!&#8221; ordered Ned,
+wiping the spray from his face. &#8220;Those fellows
+see the name &#8216;U-13&#8217;!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Won&#8217;t they observe the white flag if we
+put it up?&#8221; asked Jack.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t believe they will!&#8221; Ned stated.
+&#8220;Better get below!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>As if to emphasize the boy&#8217;s opinion another
+report echoed over the space of water separating
+the battleship from the new &#8220;U-13.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>This time the shell had been aimed a trifle
+too high. It went directly over the lads on the
+diminutive deck. Instinctively they all ducked
+their heads as the missile screamed wickedly
+in its useless flight.
+</p>
+<p>If anything was needed to decide the matter,
+this last offering seemed to serve the purpose.
+All three lads hastened down the ladder
+without further parley. Ned lingered a
+moment to close the hatch.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Hang onto your hats!&#8221; cried Jimmie the
+next instant.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s get down quick!&#8221; urged Jack.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_177' name='page_177'></a>177</span>
+&#8220;Those fellows up there seem to mean business.
+My stars!&#8221; he added breathlessly, &#8220;that
+last one was certainly a beauty! They are getting
+the range, too!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Already Harry had started the pumps, filling
+the ballast tanks with water to assist the
+&#8220;U-13&#8221; in the evolution of the dive. The rudders
+were deflected to their extreme range.
+With decks inclined to an alarming angle, the
+submarine fled toward the bottom like a hunted
+creature. Until the gauges showed a
+depth of twelve fathoms, Jimmie held the levers
+in position. Then he brought the craft to
+an even keel.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s plain to be seen that we&#8217;ll not get much
+help from any ship on the North Sea!&#8221; declared
+Jack at length, as the ballast tanks were
+found to trim the vessel. &#8220;They&#8217;re scared of
+us, I believe!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;They haven&#8217;t any reason to be scared of
+us!&#8221; stoutly protested Jimmie. &#8220;We have
+never done a thing to them. We&#8217;re absolutely
+neutral!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It seems to be one thing to be neutral,&#8221;
+laughed Ned, &#8220;and quite another thing to convince
+other folks of the fact!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;They might at least have given us a chance
+to explain!&#8221; grumbled Jimmie. &#8220;We had a
+white flag flying for them to see!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_178' name='page_178'></a>178</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; argued Ned, &#8220;but did you stop to
+think that we were showing ourselves in a
+bad light? Remember the newspaper accounts
+of all the damage done by a submarine? I&#8217;m
+not surprised they ran away.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And then we come along in a submarine!
+Of course, we couldn&#8217;t expect them to wait for
+a German undersea craft to come popping out
+of the ocean and waltz up alongside so they
+could say: &#8216;Good morning, Mr. Dutchman!
+Won&#8217;t you please accept this fine ship?&#8217;&#8221;
+added Jack.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, I&#8217;m it!&#8221; declared Jimmie, joining in
+the laugh that followed Jack&#8217;s facetious remark.
+&#8220;The joke&#8217;s on me, all right! If I
+hadn&#8217;t painted that figure &#8216;three&#8217; in the name,
+we would have been on our way to England
+by this time! Oh, well,&#8221; the boy added, &#8220;we&#8217;ll
+get to England before long, anyhow, so I
+should worry!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It all shows, boys,&#8221; spoke up Ned, &#8220;that
+we&#8217;ve got to be mighty careful about our appearance
+and the company we keep. We have
+gotten into this scrape largely because we were
+found in possession of goods we had no business
+to have. This last incident came about
+because we pretended to be something we were
+not!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I think that ought to be a good lesson to
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_179' name='page_179'></a>179</span>
+us,&#8221; stated Jimmie. &#8220;It will be for me, I
+know! I&#8217;m sure I&#8217;ll take it to heart!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m mighty glad we&#8217;re away from that inquisitive
+gunboat!&#8221; put in Frank. &#8220;Now,
+what&#8217;s the next thing for us to do?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I move that we keep below the surface
+for a while. If we hold on a general southeasterly
+course, as has been suggested, we
+can&#8217;t fail to bring up somewhere on the English
+coast.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That sounds like the most reasonable
+plan,&#8221; agreed Frank. &#8220;I propose that we put
+on speed and hurry along. Let&#8217;s get somewhere!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Here we go!&#8221; cried Harry, increasing the
+speed with a touch on the levers. &#8220;Let&#8217;s keep
+a sharp lookout, though!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>About half past three o&#8217;clock the boys decided
+to rise to the surface for the necessary
+airing of the vessel and storing of another supply
+of fresh air in the tanks provided for that
+purpose.
+</p>
+<p>In furtherance of this plan, the rudders were
+shifted while Harry slowed the engines. Directly
+the craft ascended. The gauges indicated
+a depth of about eight fathoms when
+Jimmie, who was at the helm, requested that
+the rudders be again deflected.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_180' name='page_180'></a>180</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s the matter?&#8221; questioned Ned, stepping
+forward.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I can see the light reflected down through
+the water, and there&#8217;s a big shadow up there!&#8221;
+declared Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What do you think it can be?&#8221; asked Ned
+wonderingly.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Probably it&#8217;s a big vessel of some sort. It
+may be a war ship, or it may be only a cargo
+carrier. In either event I don&#8217;t want to get
+tangled up in the propellers. Let&#8217;s sheer off
+a bit.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;All right,&#8221; agreed Ned. &#8220;I&#8217;ll go to the
+periscope. Maybe I can find out something
+as we rise slowly to the surface.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Cautiously creeping nearer the surface, the
+lads put the periscope into action. By its
+aid Ned made out that the craft was an armed
+vessel. The new &#8220;U-13&#8221; lay just submerged
+about a ship&#8217;s length to starboard of the
+stranger. They maintained about the same
+speed.
+</p>
+<p>Ned declared that he could make out the
+British flag at the stern of the other vessel.
+He stated that he could also notice a number
+of people aboard the steamer.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Can you see what they look like?&#8221; asked
+Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;They are regular sailors and marines,&#8221; answered
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_181' name='page_181'></a>181</span>
+Ned. &#8220;Why,&#8221; went on the lad excitedly,
+&#8220;that looks like Mackinder at the rail!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Curiously the others crowded about the object
+glass of the periscope. Each declared in
+turn that they recognized Mackinder.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Now, I wonder what he&#8217;s doing aboard that
+vessel!&#8221; mused Jack.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Quite likely this ship met the fishing boat
+and took him off so as to save the other the
+trouble of going clear back to England!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;No doubt that&#8217;s it,&#8221; agreed Jack. &#8220;But
+look!&#8221; he continued, &#8220;he&#8217;s discovered us! See
+him pointing toward us!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Better get ready to dive, then,&#8221; cautioned
+Harry. &#8220;If he&#8217;s able, he&#8217;ll get them to shoot
+at us. If they hit the &#8216;U-13&#8217; it&#8217;ll be a long way
+to Tipperary for us! We don&#8217;t know how
+thick this armor is!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Down we go!&#8221; shouted Jimmie, seizing the
+wheel. &#8220;Lively, now!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Even as the boy spoke, a muffled roar was
+distinctly heard by the lads in the submarine.
+A crash that reverberated through every portion
+of the vessel told that they had been hit
+by a projectile.
+</p>
+<p>With a quick, startled glance at his companions,
+Ned hastened aft to examine the possible
+damage. He could discover no leak.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I guess we&#8217;re lucky, after all!&#8221; he stated
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_182' name='page_182'></a>182</span>
+presently. &#8220;We&#8217;re not taking in water, so I&#8217;m
+sure they didn&#8217;t do very much damage.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It might have been more serious, though!&#8221;
+commented Jack.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe the shot just carried away some
+of the light work like railings and so on around
+the deck. I don&#8217;t think the shot struck the
+hull, or we&#8217;d have heard more racket,&#8221; went
+on Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s keep below the surface for a while.
+Maybe we can get away from those fellows
+far enough to be out of their sight while we
+change air. They&#8217;re not the least bit sociable!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Full speed ahead, Harry!&#8221; cried Frank.
+&#8220;Let&#8217;s hurry on!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Better take it easy,&#8221; cautioned Jimmie.
+&#8220;We may not be out of the woods yet. Let&#8217;s
+just go along slowly for a while.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Aw, go on!&#8221; scorned Frank. &#8220;What&#8217;s
+there out here to bother?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sure!&#8221; chimed in Jack. &#8220;We&#8217;re away out
+in the North Sea where we can find nothing
+but warships and sailing vessels and such!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe we might run into the real &#8216;U-13&#8217;,&#8221;
+countered Jimmie. &#8220;Then, what would you do
+if you should meet that fellow?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Why, put on steam and run away from
+him, of course!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_183' name='page_183'></a>183</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;All right, go ahead if you want to,&#8221; submitted
+Jimmie unwillingly, &#8220;but I don&#8217;t think
+it wise. It&#8217;s taking considerable risk!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Since the majority seemed to be in favor of
+more speed, the engines were again urged to
+greater effort. Suddenly all were startled by
+a cry from Jimmie. The boat swerved sharply
+to starboard, rolling until the deck was at
+an acute angle. Harry reached for the levers,
+prepared to stand by the engines for orders
+from the pilot.
+</p>
+<p>Directly Jimmie rang a stop bell. The vessel
+came again to an even keel. The boys were
+once more able to stand upright.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s the matter, Jimmie?&#8221; cried Ned, as
+he scrambled to his feet. &#8220;Is it a whale, or did
+you nearly have a collision?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Collision is exactly the word!&#8221; declared
+the other. &#8220;I saw the masts of a ship standing
+right in our path. I got this little craft turned
+just in time! That&#8217;s what we get for blundering
+along so fast!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What kind of a ship is it?&#8221; asked Frank,
+peering from one porthole after another. &#8220;Are
+you sure it was the mast of a vessel?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Why, certainly, I am sure!&#8221; was Jimmie&#8217;s
+decisive answer. &#8220;Don&#8217;t I know a ship&#8217;s
+masts? I surely do!&#8221; the lad answered his
+own question.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_184' name='page_184'></a>184</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s swing around and see what it was,&#8221;
+proposed Frank.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;All right, turn the deflecting rudders and
+down we go!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Swinging in a broad circle, the submarine
+was directed downward to a level equal with
+that of the hull of the ship, whose masts had
+so nearly proven disastrous to the boys. As
+the craft sank deeper the crew watched with
+a great deal of curiosity from the thick glasses
+over the portholes. Carefully they studied
+every detail of rig.
+</p>
+<p>Although the sunshine penetrated to some
+distance below the surface, they found that
+at the depth where the hull lay a semi-twilight
+prevailed. The upper portions of the masts
+had been clearly visible, but the decks lay
+in a haze that prevented their seeing well.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Looks like the ship is almost new!&#8221; stated
+Frank.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Possibly it has been sunk only a short
+time,&#8221; ventured Jack.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Can you make out what ship it is?&#8221; asked
+Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Wait a minute until we pass the stern
+again,&#8221; said Frank.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I can see it!&#8221; declared Harry in a moment.
+&#8220;It&#8217;s the Wanderer of Sydney! That
+will be an Australian vessel!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_185' name='page_185'></a>185</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;And that great gap in the port side indicates
+that the sinking was the work of our
+namesake!&#8221; stated Ned. &#8220;This is another victim
+of the German &#8216;U-13&#8217;. Probably it is only
+one of many!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;No wonder the other fellows don&#8217;t seem
+inclined to be any too sociable!&#8221; said Jack.
+&#8220;They really cannot be blamed!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Right you are, Jack,&#8221; responded Ned.
+&#8220;When anyone hits at the pocketbook we&#8217;re
+apt to consider everybody under suspicion.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s get closer and examine the damage
+done by the torpedo,&#8221; suggested Frank. &#8220;I&#8217;d
+like to observe the effects of the attack.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Shortly the misnamed &#8220;U-13&#8221; was creeping
+alongside the hull of the sunken vessel. Jimmie
+handled the wheel dexterously, ever alert
+for possible danger. Harry stood by the engines,
+ready at a moment&#8217;s notice to assist in
+executing any maneuver desired.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Looks as if the whole side of the ship had
+been torn away,&#8221; stated Ned, as the submarine
+crept slowly past the jagged wound.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Those torpedoes surely are powerful,&#8221;
+agreed Frank. &#8220;I hope everybody got away
+from the ship before the explosion took place.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;They probably gave the crew plenty of
+time to escape if this is the work of the
+&#8216;U-13&#8217;,&#8221; commented Ned. &#8220;You say they gave
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_186' name='page_186'></a>186</span>
+the crew on your vessel ample time to get
+safely away?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes, but the men let themselves become
+panic-stricken. They lost their heads and consumed
+a good deal of time. Besides that, they
+forgot they were civilized. One of them hit
+me an awful clip.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And pretty nearly left you on board to be
+drowned!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;These fellows did the same thing!&#8221; announced
+Jack, peering out.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Did what?&#8221; queried Ned, wondering what
+the other meant.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Left a man aboard when the ship sank,&#8221;
+stated Jack, pointing through the little port
+hole. &#8220;There he is, walking about!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Clearly the boys saw a figure apparently
+crossing the deck.
+</p>
+<hr class='major' />
+<div style='margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 2em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='XVII_ALONE_AND_HELPLESS' id='XVII_ALONE_AND_HELPLESS'></a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_187' name='page_187'></a>187</span>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVII</h2>
+<h3>ALONE AND HELPLESS</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good night!&#8221; almost shrieked Frank.
+&#8220;That&#8217;s uncanny! Whoever heard of a man
+walking about at the bottom of the ocean?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Where did he come from, Jack?&#8221; asked
+Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I saw that figure come out of the companionway,&#8221;
+stated Jack. &#8220;I thought I was mistaken
+at first, because of the dim light. I
+looked again as you boys were talking. Then
+I saw that it was the figure of a man, apparently.
+He seems to be carrying something in
+his arms!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;There he goes over the side of the vessel!&#8221;
+whispered Harry in an awestruck voice.
+&#8220;What sort of deal is this, anyway?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Did you notice the knapsack thing he was
+wearing on his back?&#8221; asked Frank. &#8220;If I
+was superstitious, I&#8217;d say it was the ghost of
+a soldier who had been drowned and was seeking
+his way back home!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We don&#8217;t take any stock in that ghost business!&#8221;
+declared Ned stoutly. &#8220;Some things
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_188' name='page_188'></a>188</span>
+may look supernatural because we don&#8217;t understand
+them, but there&#8217;s always an explanation
+if we seek it!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What is your explanation of this thing,
+Ned?&#8221; questioned Jack.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Probably some mass of seaweed or some
+other substance got caught in a current and
+lodged against the cabin on the Wanderer.
+When we circled about the wreck we set up
+counter currents that may have released this
+mass. It then floated along in the current to
+finally sink on the other side of this submerged
+hull. That&#8217;s all there is to it!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I wonder what sort of a current is bringing
+the bloomin&#8217; thing back again!&#8221; announced
+Jack as Ned concluded his explanation. &#8220;It&#8217;s
+moving its lower edges most remarkably like a
+man walking!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Ned&#8217;s look of bewilderment increased.
+Clearly the boy was puzzled. Even he, himself,
+was not quite satisfied with the explanation
+of the strange sight which had greeted the
+boys.
+</p>
+<p>Slowly forging ahead, the submarine passed
+toward the stern of the Wanderer, shutting
+the strange figure out of sight.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Turn around the stern again, Jimmie,&#8221; requested
+Ned. &#8220;Go easy on the engines, and
+we&#8217;ll have a look from a new angle. This is
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_189' name='page_189'></a>189</span>
+getting rather spooky, I must say. I want to
+examine into it!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Again the false &#8220;U-13&#8221; rounded the stern
+of the wreck. Slowly the craft nosed along
+the port side to a point abreast the mizzen
+chains. Directly at a signal from the pilot,
+Harry shut off power altogether.
+</p>
+<p>The strange magnetism that seems to exist
+in all objects at sea slowly drew the submarine
+toward the ship. Its drift had been sufficient
+to bring the vessel to a point abreast the main
+rigging before it stopped.
+</p>
+<p>By this time the craft had approached close
+to the wreck. A very slight jar told the boys
+that their vessel had touched the other. Eagerly
+all watched from the portholes, now but
+a short space above the level of the rail across
+which they looked. Directly all was still. At
+this depth, no movement of water was discernible.
+</p>
+<p>Feeling awed by the strangeness of the situation,
+the boys refrained from speech. They
+watched for the reappearance of the strange
+figure.
+</p>
+<p>Soon Jimmie hissed a warning. He reached
+out a hand to turn the switch controlling the
+lights. The boat lay in utter darkness.
+</p>
+<p>A figure stepped out of the Wanderer&#8217;s companionway.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_190' name='page_190'></a>190</span></p>
+<p>It appeared to be that of a person of medium
+build. The boys could now see that it was
+clothed in what seemed to be a diver&#8217;s suit.
+The helmet, however, was not connected to any
+air pipe. Neither was there a line leading
+upward to indicate the presence of assistance.
+A hump on the shoulders, giving the impression
+of a knapsack, afforded much wonderment
+and increased the mysterious look of the newcomer.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sh-h-h!&#8221; warned Ned in a sibilant hiss, as
+the figure came directly toward their position.
+&#8220;Keep quiet!&#8221; he whispered.
+</p>
+<p>A few steps carried the stranger to the rail.
+The boys saw him give a start of amazement
+as he prepared to go over the side of the ship.
+Clearly the strange diver was surprised to see
+the craft in that position. He stepped back
+a pace, then came gingerly forward.
+</p>
+<p>Evidently the man was astonished to observe
+the &#8220;U-13&#8221;. He climbed slowly into the
+main shrouds. From that position he surveyed
+the craft more completely. Again he
+returned to the deck.
+</p>
+<p>During this examination the lads had remained
+quietly at their posts, not caring to
+make their presence known until they were
+sure of the identity of the other. They still
+remained with their faces at the portholes,
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_191' name='page_191'></a>191</span>
+where they observed, so far as possible, every
+move of the stranger.
+</p>
+<p>Directly they observed the diver pick up
+the burden he had brought from the cabin. He
+hastened to the rail of the wreck. In a moment
+he had clambered overboard, letting himself
+down by means of a line secured to a belaying
+pin at the mainmast.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s funny!&#8221; observed Ned, as the other
+disappeared from view. &#8220;What do you suppose
+made him scuttle out of sight so hurriedly?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe he, like the warship, saw our name&mdash;&#8216;U-13&#8217;&mdash;on
+the side of the vessel!&#8221; ventured
+Jimmie. &#8220;They all run away from that!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It surely doesn&#8217;t make us many friends!&#8221;
+declared Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You&#8217;re right!&#8221; answered the other. &#8220;It&#8217;s
+the original killjoy!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s dive a little deeper,&#8221; suggested Jack.
+&#8220;Perhaps we can find out where this new
+chap is going with those bundles.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps we&#8217;ll find out how he got here!&#8221;
+added Frank.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And while you fellows are &#8216;perhapsing&#8217;,&#8221;
+put in Jimmie, &#8220;I&#8217;ll say that perhaps we&#8217;d better
+stick out! Perhaps he doesn&#8217;t want us nosing
+around his property, and perhaps he&#8217;ll
+touch off a bomb!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_192' name='page_192'></a>192</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s the matter with you lately?&#8221; inquired
+Frank. &#8220;You&#8217;re getting to be a regular
+little &#8216;fraid-cat&#8217;! You never used to be
+so timid about sticking your nose into other
+people&#8217;s business!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m not afraid to go looking into things
+now, only I&#8217;ve got a hunch that we&#8217;d better
+not do it, that&#8217;s all!&#8221; answered the lad. &#8220;Just
+because I happen to want to leave a fellow
+alone is no sign I&#8217;m a &#8216;fraid-cat&#8217;. If you lads
+want to go anywhere, you tell me the name of
+the place. I&#8217;m game to stick with you until
+they turn out the lights!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Spoken like a man, Jimmie!&#8221; declared
+Frank. &#8220;That sounds like the old Jimmie
+we used to know. Now, let&#8217;s go down a
+ways.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Harry sprang to the levers. A few shifts
+of the control brought the storage batteries to
+work operating the pumps. With the additional
+water admitted by this process, the false
+&#8220;U-13&#8221; sank until far below the level of the
+rail of the wreck. Still deeper and deeper it
+settled.
+</p>
+<p>Presently the boys at the port holes could
+discover the bends of the sides, indicating that
+they were nearly to the ocean floor. In another
+moment a slight bump told them that the
+craft rested on bottom.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_193' name='page_193'></a>193</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;I saw a flash of light just now!&#8221; stated
+Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Where did it come from?&#8221; asked Ned,
+stepping forward.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Just ahead of us on this side of the ship.
+The shadow lies heavily there, so I can&#8217;t make
+out what&#8217;s located in that place!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>The boys had not long to wait, however, to
+discover the cause of the flash which Jimmie
+had seen. Almost following the boy&#8217;s words
+came a dazzling beam of light, piercing the
+dark shadow like an arrow. For a moment
+the boys were blinded as the searchlight&#8217;s
+flame played on the forward part of their vessel.
+</p>
+<p>Presently the light shifted. It was turned
+against the side of the sunken Wanderer. Up
+and down the light traveled, revealing the
+rugged sides of the hull, with its covering of
+barnacles below what had been the water line.
+Outward the beam went, showing nothing but
+ocean floor. Fishes were illuminated and dazzled
+by the strong ray.
+</p>
+<p>Finally the light returned to the false
+&#8220;U-13&#8221;, where it settled for a moment. Directly
+the light was turned off.
+</p>
+<p>Jimmie had been shading his eyes with a
+protecting hand. He was, therefore, not so
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_194' name='page_194'></a>194</span>
+much blinded by the glare as the others had
+been.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;There they go!&#8221; he cried, as the light
+was removed from the port hole through which
+it had been shining. &#8220;They&#8217;re rising!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Who can it be, I wonder?&#8221; questioned Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll never tell you!&#8221; declared Jimmie. &#8220;Oh,
+yes, I will, too!&#8221; he amended his statement.
+&#8220;If you want to know, it&#8217;s the &#8216;U-13&#8217;!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The &#8216;U-13&#8217;?&#8221; questioned the lads in chorus.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The &#8216;U-13&#8217;!&#8221; positively stated Jimmie.
+&#8220;Here,&#8221; he cried, turning a switch leading to
+the searchlight. &#8220;Take a look!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>The powerful storage batteries on the vessel
+occupied by the boys generated a ray of light
+that pierced the darkness of the undersea
+world with ease. Sharply outlined in the circle
+of flame the lads clearly saw the form of a
+submarine vessel similar in many respects to
+their own. There was the same sharp prow,
+the same tapering stern with conning tower,
+keel, port lights, and every essential feature
+of the vessel upon which they were located.
+</p>
+<p>Outlined upon the side, in letters fully the
+same size as those upon their own vessel, the
+lads saw distinctly the mark &#8220;U-13.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What do you know about that?&#8221; gasped
+Frank. &#8220;That&#8217;s fierce!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_195' name='page_195'></a>195</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Is it the same vessel you saw off Land&#8217;s
+End, Frank?&#8221; asked Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m sure I can&#8217;t say,&#8221; returned the other.
+&#8220;I think it is! Of course, we&#8217;re somewhat below
+it. Besides the difference in perspective
+from this angle the water has a great deal to
+do with changing the appearance of everything.
+The general outlines appear similar,
+however.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Then we&#8217;re in a ticklish position!&#8221; declared
+Ned. &#8220;Suppose those fellows take it
+into their head to torpedo us?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;If they do,&#8221; stated Frank decisively,
+&#8220;they&#8217;ll play havoc!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;They&#8217;re going over the wreck!&#8221; stated
+Jimmie in a whisper.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s rise a little and see which way they
+head for,&#8221; proposed Frank. &#8220;We can then go
+in the opposite direction for a while.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I think we&#8217;d better slide right along to
+the southwest,&#8221; stated Jimmie. &#8220;I know I&#8217;m
+meeting a good deal of opposition, but I&#8217;ve a
+hunch that we&#8217;ll be better off if we get right
+away from this spot!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Been reading that dream book again, little
+man?&#8221; asked Ned, with a laugh. &#8220;Sorry,
+Jimmie, but the majority seems to be against
+you!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;All right, Boss!&#8221; returned Jimmie with
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_196' name='page_196'></a>196</span>
+a smile. &#8220;I&#8217;m game to stick with the bunch!
+You&#8217;ll find me right here smiling all the
+while!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Jimmie,&#8221; gravely stated Ned, &#8220;I wish we
+could all get some of that sunny disposition
+of yours. We need a lot of your optimism.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Thanks!&#8221; was Jimmie&#8217;s reply, delivered
+with an excess of politeness. &#8220;Now, I&#8217;m at
+the wheel, Captain. Where to, sir?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s rise first and see what the other is
+doing!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Ding, ding!&#8221; cried Jimmie. &#8220;Touch up
+the mule, Harry!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Harry&#8217;s manipulations of the levers brought
+the false &#8220;U-13&#8221; rapidly to a level with the
+Wanderer&#8217;s deck. Through the port lights
+the boys could see the other submarine across
+the sunken ship. It seemed to be gradually
+descending toward the bottom.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s follow them and see where they go!&#8221;
+proposed Jack.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;At your service, sir!&#8221; cried Jimmie, saluting.
+&#8220;We&#8217;ll proceed to proceed!&#8221; he added
+with a grin. &#8220;Here goes after the real
+&#8216;U-13&#8217;!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Go ahead slowly, Harry,&#8221; cautioned Ned.
+&#8220;We don&#8217;t want to overtake them yet. We&#8217;re
+in the shadow here, so they probably won&#8217;t
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_197' name='page_197'></a>197</span>
+see us if we hang back a little. Just give
+the wheel a little kick.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Slowly the vessel carried the boys over the
+sunken Australian. They were passing between
+the main and mizzen rigging at a level
+slightly lower than that of the main yard.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s that just ahead of us?&#8221; queried
+Jack, at the porthole.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t see anything,&#8221; replied Ned.
+&#8220;What and where is it?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Right here,&#8221; declared Jack, pointing.
+&#8220;No, you&#8217;re too late! I thought it looked like
+a snake in the water at first, but I see it was
+only a piece of rope hanging from the rigging.
+It&#8217;s all right!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Possibly it has been hanging down all the
+time but the current caused by the passage of
+the other vessel swung it outward,&#8221; ventured
+Ned. &#8220;It will no doubt slip past in a moment!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>But this prediction was not fulfilled. With
+a sudden lurch, the stern of the false &#8220;U-13&#8221;
+rose, tilting the deck sharply forward.
+</p>
+<p>With a groan the propellers stopped.
+</p>
+<hr class='major' />
+<div style='margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 2em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='XVIII_HELP_FROM_A_STRANGER' id='XVIII_HELP_FROM_A_STRANGER'></a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_198' name='page_198'></a>198</span>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVIII</h2>
+<h3>HELP FROM A STRANGER</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Harry uttered a sharp cry as he stumbled
+forward along the steep incline of the floor. It
+seemed as if some huge power had grasped
+the stern of the craft, raising it until the vessel
+tilted forward at an angle which rendered
+walking impossible.
+</p>
+<p>All the boys were thrown toward the forward
+end of the vessel, where Jimmie was located.
+Ned and Jack lost their footing. They
+rolled awkwardly to the forward bulkhead.
+Harry and Frank managed to remain upright
+by hurriedly grasping at parts of the machinery
+or at stanchions. Their progress was undignified
+as well as sudden.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s up?&#8221; sharply questioned Jimmie,
+regaining his feet.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The stern&#8217;s up!&#8221; facetiously replied Jack,
+also struggling to a standing position. &#8220;Is
+anybody hurt?&#8221; the boy continued.
+</p>
+<p>A brief examination disclosed the fact that
+beyond a few minor bruises none of the boys
+had been seriously injured. Their first care
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_199' name='page_199'></a>199</span>
+was for each other. All were glad to find no
+one badly hurt.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What on earth can have happened to us?&#8221;
+asked Ned, peering from a port light on the
+starboard side. &#8220;Did we collide with something?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t believe we did,&#8221; returned Harry.
+&#8220;There wasn&#8217;t any bump as if we&#8217;d run into
+another object. We just stopped!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And then the stern went up into the air
+and stayed there!&#8221; put in Jack. &#8220;Something&#8217;s
+got us by the stern and won&#8217;t let go!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I think I know what it is!&#8221; announced
+Frank. &#8220;What is it they call these fishermen
+with a big net dragging around?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Fishermen!&#8221; answered Jimmie, with a
+grin.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Stop your nonsense!&#8221; ordered Frank, administering
+a friendly punch to his red-headed
+comrade. &#8220;I mean the fellows with a big drag
+net!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Trawlers is the word you want, Frank!&#8221;
+said Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s it!&#8221; agreed Frank. &#8220;I&#8217;ll bet we&#8217;re
+tangled in one of their nets. Maybe we can&#8217;t
+get loose again, either,&#8221; he added.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t you believe it!&#8221; scorned Jimmie. &#8220;If
+it was a fisherman had hold of us, we&#8217;d be
+yanked around pretty lively. I think it is
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_200' name='page_200'></a>200</span>
+that rope we saw hanging in front of the port
+light!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I believe you&#8217;re right, Jimmie!&#8221; Ned put
+in as he gazed through the heavy glass on the
+port side. &#8220;I can see that we&#8217;re swinging
+close to the mainmast. There is no motion
+to the boat, so that makes me think your solution
+is about right. Now to get loose!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes, I agree with you!&#8221; stated Harry.
+&#8220;But how? If your assumption is correct,
+we&#8217;ve got a big piece of line wound around
+the outboard end of the shaft. It is probably
+more or less tangled up in the propeller
+also. We can&#8217;t turn the engines over!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe we could throw out the clutch and
+turn the shaft backwards enough to unwind
+the line!&#8221; suggested Frank.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m in favor of rising to the surface if the
+slack of line will permit,&#8221; offered Jack. &#8220;We
+could then open the hatchway. It would be
+easy enough from there to clear the line from
+the screw.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s probably the best way out of it,&#8221;
+commented Ned. &#8220;Suppose we try that.
+Harry, can we rise as Jack suggests?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; came Harry&#8217;s hesitating
+reply. &#8220;I&#8217;ll try!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Accordingly the boy clambered from his position
+near the forward bulkhead to the compartment
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_201' name='page_201'></a>201</span>
+amidships, where the pumps were
+located. A shift of valves followed by a touch
+on the levers connecting the storage batteries
+with the electric pumps started the process of
+emptying the ballast tanks.
+</p>
+<p>Almost instantly the forward end of the
+craft began to rise. Very shortly the deck was
+in a level position. Then, as Harry continued
+to empty the water ballast, Frank and Ned,
+assisted by Jimmie and Jack, threw the clutch
+on the propeller shaft out of contact in order
+to permit the tail shaft to turn without moving
+the engines.
+</p>
+<p>They then endeavored to turn the portion
+of the shaft which projected through the stern
+bearing in the back up motion to free the
+propeller. They hoped thus to release the
+rope which they believed to be wound around
+the outboard portion of the shaft.
+</p>
+<p>Strive as they might, however, the shaft
+stubbornly refused to move. Their utmost
+efforts were unavailing.
+</p>
+<p>At length, out of breath and exhausted, Ned
+sank back upon a locker. He looked at his
+companions with a curious expression.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s the matter, Ned?&#8221; inquired Jack
+anxiously. &#8220;Are you ill?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I feel badly, boys,&#8221; replied Ned. &#8220;Unless
+we can devise some means to free that
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_202' name='page_202'></a>202</span>
+line from the shaft, we are in a pretty tight
+fix!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;How near the surface can you bring the
+boat, Harry?&#8221; asked Frank.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The gauges show that we&#8217;re about two and
+a half fathoms down at present,&#8221; replied
+Harry. &#8220;I have pumped a lot more water out
+than would ordinarily be required to bring us
+to the surface.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Then we must be held by that line!&#8221; declared
+Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s try some other maneuver with the
+ship before we give up!&#8221; put in Jack. &#8220;We&#8217;re
+not half though our experiments yet!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;All right, what&#8217;ll you try?&#8221; asked Ned in
+a despairing tone.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; was the answer. &#8220;But we&#8217;re
+going to do something to help get us out of
+this fix. How would it do to fill the tanks
+to sink us as far as we can go? Then we could
+empty them in a hurry, which would make
+the boat rise swiftly. The jounce would perhaps
+break the line and let us up so we could
+get some fresh air.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;If we don&#8217;t get some fresh air pretty soon,
+we&#8217;ll have to do something desperate. The
+reserve tank is nearly exhausted!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>In compliance with Jack&#8217;s suggestion, the
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_203' name='page_203'></a>203</span>
+ballast tanks were again filled. Gradually the
+&#8220;U-13&#8221; descended to the bottom. As the
+deck began to tilt forward, as it had done
+when the craft was first stopped, Harry threw
+into operation every pump that could be used
+to empty the water from the ballast tanks. The
+boat rose rapidly.
+</p>
+<p>With a jerk that nearly threw the boys off
+their feet, the &#8220;U-13&#8221; came to a rest. The
+gauges still showed the same depth as before.
+</p>
+<p>Ned&#8217;s face turned ashen as he sank upon a
+locker. The others gathered around him, expressing
+sympathy. The boy was clearly distressed.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Never mind, Ned!&#8221; spoke up Frank.
+&#8220;We&#8217;re coming out all right! The only trouble
+is that we haven&#8217;t tried the right thing yet!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But I can&#8217;t seem to think of a thing to do
+in this case,&#8221; protested the other. &#8220;I&#8217;m all
+out of ideas! I&#8217;m sorry that we tried to follow
+that other submarine. I wish we had taken
+Jimmie&#8217;s advice!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Never mind that now, Ned. We&#8217;re close
+to the surface. If it becomes necessary, I will
+volunteer to be shot out of the torpedo tube.
+I can rise to the surface, swim about until
+I get my wind again, and then dive and cut
+the rope. That will release the whole ship!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Jimmie, that&#8217;s awfully good of you to offer
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_204' name='page_204'></a>204</span>
+that, but I feel that I should be the one to
+do it,&#8221; was Ned&#8217;s reply.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;No, sir!&#8221; declared Jimmie promptly.
+&#8220;You&#8217;re in no condition to attempt anything
+like that. You&#8217;re worried, and your heart action
+is not right just now. My mind is a blank,
+and my heart is as sound as a bullet! I&#8217;m
+just the one for the job!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>As if the matter were understood, Jimmie
+began divesting himself of his clothing. He
+deposited his jacket on the locker beside Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Harry,&#8221; he said, turning to his chum,
+&#8220;will you see that the torpedo tube is connected
+up and in working order? You might
+try a discharge for practice. We can spare
+a little of this air!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>By the time Jimmie had stripped and secured
+a knife to a belt about his waist, Harry
+pronounced the tube ready for operation.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Now, fellows,&#8221; said Jimmie, shaking hands
+with his chums, &#8220;there&#8217;s about one chance in
+a million that I won&#8217;t get through this all
+right. If you are not up to the surface in five
+minutes, you may know that I&#8217;ve failed. Then
+you&#8217;d better send out another lad!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Me next!&#8221; shouted Jack, beginning to remove
+his shoes.
+</p>
+<p>Harry was peering from the heavy glass
+protecting the forward porthole. As Jimmie
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_205' name='page_205'></a>205</span>
+stepped forward to enter the torpedo tube,
+Harry held up a warning hand. He turned
+an anxious face to his friends.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;There&#8217;s something outside here!&#8221; he announced
+in an anxious tone. &#8220;I saw it once,
+but didn&#8217;t get a clear view!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What did it look like?&#8221; asked Jimmie.
+&#8220;Is it alive?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m not sure, but I think it&#8217;s another submarine!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Probably the real &#8216;U-13&#8217; come up to look
+us over. Never mind those fellows. I&#8217;m going
+ahead and cut this wagon loose!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Wait a minute!&#8221; cried Ned. &#8220;I see the
+craft over here to starboard. It&#8217;s a peculiar
+vessel, too! I think I see a man!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I see him, too!&#8221; declared Frank from a
+porthole a short distance aft. &#8220;Do you suppose
+he&#8217;s trying to get us to descend again?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe that&#8217;s it! Let&#8217;s try it, anyway!&#8221;
+offered Harry.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Go ahead!&#8221; agreed Ned in a tone that
+showed he was again taking heart. &#8220;Let&#8217;s act
+on the suggestion. We can try our scheme
+later!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Harry&#8217;s hand had already found the levers.
+In a moment the ballast tanks were being filled
+with water. Gradually the vessel sank.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_206' name='page_206'></a>206</span></p>
+<p>As the light grew more dim at the increased
+depth, Jimmie declared he could see the other
+vessel descending at about the same speed.
+</p>
+<p>Presently the two craft were at the limit of
+their travel. The visitor rested on the deck
+of the Wanderer, while the &#8216;U-13&#8217;, in which
+the boys were imprisoned, hung again at an
+angle from the line.
+</p>
+<p>Directly the lads saw the figure that had
+formerly attracted their attention. It was
+climbing the main shrouds of the wrecked
+ship. When the man reached a position level
+with their craft he began making signs and
+motions. In his hand he flourished a knife.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Looks rather bad for us!&#8221; commented
+Jack.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t you get him?&#8221; asked Jimmie impatiently.
+&#8220;He understands our predicament
+and intends to help us! He motioned out that
+he is going to climb the rigging until he can
+find the rope. Then he&#8217;ll slide down it until
+he lands on our stern. If we&#8217;ll agree not to
+start the engines while he&#8217;s there, he&#8217;ll cut
+the rope. But we must be ready at the ballast
+tanks to let the vessel settle slowly to the
+deck of the ship, so he can get off and clear
+the line from the propeller!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t believe it!&#8221; stated Jack. &#8220;I think
+he meant to cut the line as soon as he gets to
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_207' name='page_207'></a>207</span>
+it and let us settle down slowly. What would
+be the sense of his riding around the ocean
+seated on the stern of a disabled submarine?
+He&#8217;s got too much sense for that!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe you&#8217;re right!&#8221; admitted Jimmie.
+&#8220;Let&#8217;s float the boat on an even keel and see.
+I&#8217;m going to dress again!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Even as the lad hastened to put on his
+clothes the boys felt a sudden dip made by the
+submarine. Gradually they descended.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Hurrah, he did it!&#8221; exultantly cried Ned.
+&#8220;Now, where has he gone? I do hope he&#8217;ll free
+the propeller wheel at once!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We could rise to the surface even if the
+propeller is stuck!&#8221; declared Harry. &#8220;I can
+pump the ballast all out of the tanks!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But if we do that we&#8217;ll have to dive overboard
+to clear the wheel!&#8221; protested Frank.
+&#8220;I know that water is good and cold!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Wait a minute, boys, and see what the
+fellow does,&#8221; cautioned Ned. &#8220;Maybe he
+wants to help us, so it wouldn&#8217;t be nice to run
+away!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Here he is, now!&#8221; cried Jack from his
+position near a porthole. &#8220;He&#8217;s looking
+through the glass, and making motions
+again!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I know what he wants!&#8221; declared Harry.
+&#8220;He&#8217;s making motions for us to unscrew a
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_208' name='page_208'></a>208</span>
+pipe! He wants us to let in a lot of the
+ocean!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Wait a minute, Harry!&#8221; put in Ned. &#8220;He&#8217;s
+walking toward his own boat. Let&#8217;s see what
+he&#8217;s going to do!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>In a short time their rescuer had reached
+the side of his own vessel. He stepped into
+an open door in the side and disappeared.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;An air lock!&#8221; cried Ned. &#8220;Did you see
+that, boys?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Just like the little old Sea Lion we used
+in the China Sea!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Here he comes again with a line!&#8221; announced
+Harry. &#8220;Now what?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>The boys heard a hammering and thumping
+near one of the sea cocks.
+</p>
+<hr class='major' />
+<div style='margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 2em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='XIX_MACKINDER_AGAIN' id='XIX_MACKINDER_AGAIN'></a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_209' name='page_209'></a>209</span>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIX</h2>
+<h3>MACKINDER AGAIN</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Even as the five boys glanced at each other
+with startled and wondering looks, the thumping
+ceased abruptly. In a short space it was
+resumed. Instinctively the boys gathered
+near the spot.
+</p>
+<p>While they stood there trying to determine
+the cause for the strange procedure, the noise
+ceased. They heard a tapping at one of the
+portholes. Jimmie rushed across the compartment
+to investigate.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Hey, fellows, come over here a minute!&#8221; he
+called out.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What have you found now?&#8221; questioned
+Ned, obeying the request.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Here&#8217;s this chap, and he&#8217;s making all sorts
+of signals!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s funny!&#8221; puzzled Ned. &#8220;Can you
+make out what he wants?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;He&#8217;s making his hands go in the strangest
+way! I&#8217;m sure I can&#8217;t interpret such motions
+unless he wants us to turn around while he
+places a bomb or something close enough to
+blow us out of the water.&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_210' name='page_210'></a>210</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;I know what he wants!&#8221; shouted Harry,
+who had been closely observing the stranger&#8217;s
+repetition of the strange motions. &#8220;He wants
+us to open the valve leading from that sea
+cock where he has been working!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Fine business!&#8221; scorned Jimmie. &#8220;Open
+up the sea cock and let the ocean come running
+all over our nice carpets! I guess not!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m going to try it, anyway!&#8221; declared
+Harry. &#8220;If a little water does come in, the
+pumps will take care of it before it becomes
+dangerous. At least, it&#8217;s well worth trying!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Go ahead, then, but don&#8217;t blame me if
+anything happens!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Harry moved to the vicinity of the spot
+where the stranger had been occupied but
+a few moments before. Jimmie was at the
+porthole.
+</p>
+<p>A turn of the valve resulted in a sudden
+short inrush of water.
+</p>
+<p>This ceased abruptly, bringing forth an exultant
+cry from Harry, while the other boys
+crowded around, speculating on the cause.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve got it!&#8221; cried Harry, dancing about
+the compartment. &#8220;I know what he&#8217;s going
+to do. Go to the porthole, Jimmie, and see
+where our friend is now. Tell me just what
+he&#8217;s doing. I&#8217;m going to stand guard over
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_211' name='page_211'></a>211</span>
+this valve here for a while in case something
+happens.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;He&#8217;s going back into his little cage!&#8221;
+stated Jimmie from his position. &#8220;He&#8217;s just
+shutting the outer door.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Stand by to see something happen now,
+boys!&#8221; announced Harry.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s going to happen, Harry?&#8221; asked
+Jack.
+</p>
+<p>Before Harry could answer, a sputter of
+water and air was observed at the open valve.
+A small quantity of water was blown out of
+the pipe. Following this came a rush of
+sweet, pure air that was very grateful to the
+boys after they had been using the vitiated atmosphere
+of their craft.
+</p>
+<p>In fact, the lads were much nearer the complete
+exhaustion of their supply of usable atmosphere
+than they really comprehended.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Um-m-m!&#8221; exclaimed Jimmie, inhaling
+great draughts of the incoming current.
+&#8220;Smell that, will you? It&#8217;s just like a posy
+bed!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s quite remarkable!&#8221; declared Ned,
+as he, too, sniffed the new atmosphere. &#8220;It
+does really seem to carry the odor of flowers!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe it&#8217;s a sort of gas that he&#8217;s unloading
+on us to render us unconscious, so he can
+capture the whole outfit!&#8221; conjectured Jack.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_212' name='page_212'></a>212</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t believe it!&#8221; protested Ned. &#8220;I&#8217;m
+quite convinced that this is pure air. He
+seems to have quite a lot of it stored up!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s pump out some of this foul air and
+change with the new!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Go ahead!&#8221; consented Ned. &#8220;It&#8217;s a good
+move, I&#8217;m sure!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>In a short time the boys began to feel the
+effects of the inflow of vitalized atmosphere.
+They were livelier, with less depression.
+</p>
+<p>Directly their attention was attracted to the
+porthole again by a tapping. The stranger
+was once more trying to convey some information
+by signs. He repeated the motions
+of a short time before.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I got you!&#8221; cried Harry, holding up a hand
+as a sign of understanding. &#8220;He wants us
+to shut the valve off. Perhaps he&#8217;s given us
+all the nice fresh air that he feels it possible to
+spare!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Shut the valve, then,&#8221; directed Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s next?&#8221; spoke up Jimmie, listening
+to a slight hammering outside of the hull.
+&#8220;He&#8217;s disconnecting the pipe now!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Better wait a bit and see what he wants
+us to do,&#8221; cautioned Ned. &#8220;Maybe he&#8217;s going
+to cut the line out of our propeller.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>The lad&#8217;s prediction was correct. In a very
+few moments they could hear the stranger
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_213' name='page_213'></a>213</span>
+working away at the encumbering line which
+held their propeller in a vise-like grip.
+</p>
+<p>Not many minutes passed before the
+stranger again appeared at the porthole.
+Making a few signals easily comprehended by
+all, he repaired to his own craft, entering and
+closing the door of the air lock.
+</p>
+<p>Almost immediately the other craft began
+to ascend perpendicularly.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Guess we may as well make a mooch!&#8221;
+stated Jimmie, as he watched the other submarine
+rise out of their range of vision.
+&#8220;We&#8217;re done here!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;All right, let&#8217;s get going!&#8221; agreed Harry,
+stepping toward the levers and preparing to
+start the motors at the pilot&#8217;s command.
+</p>
+<p>At once Jimmie sprang to the wheel. He
+gave a pull at the bell cord, jangling out a
+&#8220;go ahead&#8221; signal to Harry. As the latter
+touched the levers a startling crash at the
+stern of the craft was heard.
+</p>
+<p>The motors spun the shaft around futilely
+without making headway.
+</p>
+<p>With blanched faces the lads glanced about
+the craft. Harry&#8217;s hand instinctively sought
+the levers again to turn off the current.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s the matter?&#8221; called Jimmie from
+his position.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_214' name='page_214'></a>214</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know!&#8221; declared Harry. &#8220;It
+sounded as if that fellow had tied a can to us
+and we&#8217;d set it going! What did he do?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s pump the ballast out and rise
+straight to the surface,&#8221; suggested Ned. &#8220;I
+noticed that he did that. Maybe there&#8217;s a
+reason!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Harry lost no time in acting on this suggestion.
+The electric pumps were not long in
+emptying the ballast tanks. With this weight
+removed, the boat quickly shot upward to the
+surface.
+</p>
+<p>As the conning tower portholes rose above
+the surface, the boys noticed that the afternoon
+was far spent. Darkness already was
+gathering.
+</p>
+<p>Ned was working frantically at the clamps
+securing the hatch cover. With a cry of delight
+he swung the cover out of position, admitting
+a cool breeze. The wind had died
+down, leaving the surface of the ocean comparatively
+smooth. Sufficient breeze was moving,
+however, to serve the purpose of airing
+out the interior of the craft without putting
+the great fans into commission. All the boys
+came to the tiny deck.
+</p>
+<p>Lying but a few fathoms from their port
+side they discerned the other submarine.
+Clearly distinguishable on the sides were the
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_215' name='page_215'></a>215</span>
+great letters &#8220;U-13&#8221; painted in almost exact
+duplicate of those on their own boat.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What do you know about that?&#8221; was Jimmie&#8217;s
+surprised exclamation. &#8220;If that fellow
+isn&#8217;t a dead ringer for this ship, I&#8217;m a Dutchman!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;He surely does look a whole lot like us!&#8221;
+agreed Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I say, Frank,&#8221; put in Harry eagerly, &#8220;is
+that the fellow that sank the ship you were
+on? Can you identify it now?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Frank shook his head hesitatingly before
+he answered slowly: &#8220;Boys, I hate to say it,
+but it looks as like the other as two peas. I
+would not like to make an affidavit, but I&#8217;m
+willing to say that it bears a most remarkable
+resemblance to that other one, if it is &#8216;other&#8217;!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Then, I guess we&#8217;re done for!&#8221; despaired
+Jack. &#8220;If that&#8217;s a German craft, we may as
+well hoist the white flag now and surrender!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Think they&#8217;ll take us back to Germany?&#8221;
+asked Ned quizzically.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m sure of it!&#8221; declared the boy. &#8220;And
+we won&#8217;t stand much show, either, when they
+find that we&#8217;ve stolen this ship away from
+Helgoland!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Goodness!&#8221; exclaimed Ned suddenly. &#8220;I
+declare I&#8217;d actually forgotten that we were on
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_216' name='page_216'></a>216</span>
+board a stolen submarine. That does make
+it look rather dubious for us. We are in a
+pretty mess!&#8221; he added.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Here comes someone now!&#8221; announced
+Jimmie. &#8220;Watch the hatch!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>A movement of the hatch cover on the other
+vessel indicated that someone was about to appear
+on deck. Slowly a figure stepped forth.
+</p>
+<p>The stranger was of medium build, and wore
+a suit of blue with a round hat to match. He
+was carefully dressed. After taking a long
+survey of the group on the deck of the false
+&#8220;U-13,&#8221; he waved a hand in welcome.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;He wants us to come over and pay him a
+visit!&#8221; stated Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Why don&#8217;t you accept, then?&#8221; inquired
+Ned. &#8220;We&#8217;re into it now and may as well
+be sociable. Being balky won&#8217;t help matters
+any!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I would if we had a boat,&#8221; announced the
+other.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Maybe the real &#8216;U-13&#8217; there has a boat
+they&#8217;d spare,&#8221; suggested Jack. &#8220;Why don&#8217;t
+you hail and ask him if he won&#8217;t send a boat?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Hail him yourself if you want to! Maybe
+he don&#8217;t talk English!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Try him on United States then!&#8221; laughed
+Jack. &#8220;I would!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_217' name='page_217'></a>217</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Help yourself!&#8221; said Jimmie, leaning back
+against the rail.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Ahoy the submarine!&#8221; shouted Jack in response
+to this suggestion. &#8220;We haven&#8217;t a
+boat or we&#8217;d come over. Can you send a boat
+to us?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Waving an arm as if comprehending the
+lad&#8217;s statement and inquiry the figure on
+the other vessel clambered quickly to the after
+deck. After a moment&#8217;s fumbling at what appeared
+to be a lock, he lifted a cover. In a
+short time the boys saw him drag from its
+place a small, light, steel boat.
+</p>
+<p>This was at once launched over the side.
+Running out upon a light iron ladder the man
+dropped into the rowboat. He sculled the
+small craft quickly over the intervening distance
+and was soon alongside.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Come aboard, sir,&#8221; invited Ned, reaching
+out a hand to assist.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Good night!&#8221; ejaculated Jimmie. &#8220;How
+did you ever get here so quickly, Mackinder?
+We thought you were aboard that warship!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve been here a long time!&#8221; laughed the
+other, looking at the lad.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You&#8217;ve made a quick trip, all right!&#8221; returned
+Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>The others crowded forward with eager,
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_218' name='page_218'></a>218</span>
+questioning looks. Upon the face of each was
+to be seen amazement, wonder and perplexity.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Come aboard, Mackinder,&#8221; invited Ned.
+&#8220;We&#8217;d like to hear an explanation of the
+strange goings on hereabouts. Can you help
+us?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;First, I&#8217;d like to hear your explanations,&#8221;
+stated the newcomer. &#8220;But before you start
+your story, please tell me why you call me
+Mackinder.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Isn&#8217;t that your name?&#8221; asked Jimmie.
+&#8220;Tell us that!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes, that&#8217;s my name, you know!&#8221; replied
+the stranger, smilingly. &#8220;But how did you
+happen to know it? I&#8217;m rather puzzled, you
+know!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Why, you told us yourself on the train
+running into Amsterdam!&#8221; stated Jimmie,
+with rising indignation. &#8220;Then we called you
+by that name while you were trying to delay
+our start. Also Captain von Kluck used that
+name when he referred to you. I guess it&#8217;s
+your name all right!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t deny that!&#8221; stated the newcomer.
+&#8220;What puzzles me is how you chaps know it
+so quickly, don&#8217;t you know.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It don&#8217;t make much difference how we
+know the name so quickly,&#8221; went on Jimmie.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_219' name='page_219'></a>219</span>
+&#8220;We&#8217;d know you anywhere we saw you. We&#8217;d
+especially recognize that hand with the scar!
+That&#8217;s a dead giveaway!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>The newcomer glanced quickly at his right
+hand, which Jimmie had indicated. As he
+brought it up to view, the boys could see
+a jagged scar running clear across the back.
+They had seen such a scar before.
+</p>
+<p>With an accusing finger pointing at the disfigurement,
+Jimmie snapped out in crisp accents
+that indicated plainly his excitement:
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s the same hand that tied and gagged
+me in the warehouse in Amsterdam, and the
+same hand that I saw shoved into the window
+of the frontier hut to get the &#8216;U-13&#8217; package.
+Deny it if you can!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I am not going to deny anything, you
+know!&#8221; returned the other coolly. &#8220;You seem
+so positive about it there&#8217;s little use denying!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You bet there&#8217;s no use denying anything
+like that!&#8221; declared Jimmie with some heat.
+&#8220;You can&#8217;t deny that you tried to sic the
+German torpedo boat destroyer onto us, either.
+You can&#8217;t deny that you sneaked away from
+this very submarine when I was painting the
+name on the bow. You&#8217;d better not try to
+deny that you showed us to the British gunboat
+a while ago and got them to fire at us. If
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_220' name='page_220'></a>220</span>
+you start denying anything,&#8221; the boy went on,
+&#8220;I&#8217;m going to deny that I&#8217;m neutral!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>With a laugh the newcomer threw back his
+head in amused fashion.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Have your own way about it, you know,&#8221;
+he replied, &#8220;but I&#8217;m going to tell you one
+thing. I&#8217;m not Mackinder!&#8221;
+</p>
+<hr class='major' />
+<div style='margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 2em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='XX_A_MYSTERIOUS_CRAFT' id='XX_A_MYSTERIOUS_CRAFT'></a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_221' name='page_221'></a>221</span>
+<h2>CHAPTER XX</h2>
+<h3>A MYSTERIOUS CRAFT</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>The surprise of the lads at this declaration
+of their visitor was profound. They stared at
+the stranger who bore such a striking resemblance
+to Mackinder and who had just declared
+that he was not that person. Speechless
+at the apparent untruth, they could only
+stare.
+</p>
+<p>Seeing their looks of astonishment at his
+declaration, the man laughed loudly, apparently
+enjoying hugely the joke that the boys
+could not see. Supporting himself against the
+rail, he gave vent to peals of merriment at the
+expense of the five young lads.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;So you don&#8217;t believe me, eh?&#8221; he inquired
+at length, controlling himself with an effort.
+&#8220;I can&#8217;t blame you, don&#8217;t you know!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Say, Mackinder, you ought to be in vaudeville!&#8221;
+declared Jimmie in reply. &#8220;For a
+lightning change artist, you&#8217;re decidedly it!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Thank you!&#8221; acknowledged Mackinder,
+choosing to accept the boy&#8217;s words as a compliment.
+&#8220;You&#8217;re almost too kind, don&#8217;t you
+know!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_222' name='page_222'></a>222</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;And then,&#8221; the boy went on, &#8220;as a monologue
+artist, you&#8217;d certainly have them all
+backed off the boards. I know a place in New
+York where you could draw down your two
+fifty per without half trying!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;An engagement, do you mean?&#8221; queried
+the man, with interest.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Just that!&#8221; stated Jimmie. &#8220;And then,
+there&#8217;s another place up the Hudson a ways
+where you ought to be making little ones out
+of big ones. They give a fellow a long engagement
+there and supply costumes!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;All of which means that you&#8217;re spoofing
+me a bit, don&#8217;t you know!&#8221; returned their visitor
+without resentment. He was apparently
+enjoying the situation hugely, and meant to
+make the most of it.
+</p>
+<p>Seeing that his words failed to arouse or
+draw out the other, Jimmie turned disgustedly
+away to lean over the rail.
+</p>
+<p>Ned began to question their guest, but was
+interrupted by Jimmie, who announced that
+he saw a steamer&#8217;s smoke on the horizon.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;This water is quite thickly sprinkled with
+vessels of all sorts,&#8221; said the alleged Mackinder.
+&#8220;Perhaps we&#8217;d better get out, you
+know!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What do you make that vessel out to be?&#8221;
+asked Ned.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_223' name='page_223'></a>223</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;It doesn&#8217;t make any difference what it is,&#8221;
+replied the other, &#8220;we shall be better off if
+they don&#8217;t find us! We don&#8217;t need them!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Very well,&#8221; put in Jimmie, &#8220;then we&#8217;ll
+get up steam on this wagon and slide along.
+I&#8217;m going to say this to you, though, that
+Mackinder or no Mackinder, we&#8217;re very grateful
+for your help. If we get an opportunity
+to reciprocate, we&#8217;ll be only too glad to do it!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>With this, the boy turned and offered his
+hand to the man. It was grasped with a hearty
+grip that conveyed a sense of friendliness.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You can help me right now,&#8221; was the response.
+&#8220;Come aboard my vessel and give
+me a hand on a little project I have under
+way.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t think we&#8217;d better do that right
+now,&#8221; stated Jimmie. &#8220;You see, we&#8217;re neutral,
+and we don&#8217;t want to take sides either
+way!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;So am I neutral! I care nothing for this
+awful war except to see it stop. I shall do
+nothing for either side, so rest easy on that
+score. But your propellor is broken by having
+that line jammed in it. You cannot navigate
+your vessel, and would better come aboard
+mine!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Doubting this statement, Jimmie clambered
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_224' name='page_224'></a>224</span>
+into the small boat and sculled toward the
+stern of the false &#8220;U-13&#8221;. There he could look
+into the water to a depth sufficient to confirm
+the other&#8217;s statement.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s no use, boys,&#8221; he declared, returning
+to the conning tower. &#8220;The blades of the propellor
+are damaged beyond use. We might as
+well go!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Securing a line to the bow of the false &#8220;U-13&#8221;
+the man proposed to tow it to a safe place
+where it could be anchored to await repairs.
+Two trips were necessary to transfer the boys
+to the craft which had been of such signal service
+in their hour of extreme need.
+</p>
+<p>Led by their recent guest, who was now
+their host, the lads descended into the interior
+of the vessel. Here a strange sight met their
+gaze. In cages canaries were twittering gaily
+while all about the bulkheads had been fastened
+pots of plants, some of which were in
+bloom.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Now I understand why the air you so kindly
+pumped into our vessel had the odor of
+flowers and growing things!&#8221; declared Ned as
+he turned to their host. &#8220;You have things
+fixed pretty cozy here!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Just a touch now and again to make it look
+home-like!&#8221; said the man. &#8220;I prefer the sight
+of a flower to that of a cold steel bulkhead.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_225' name='page_225'></a>225</span>
+Besides, it&#8217;s more healthful to have a few
+plants about.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Harry was lost in admiration of the machinery
+which he declared to be far superior
+to that of the vessel they had lately abandoned.
+</p>
+<p>With a touch their strange host sent the
+craft forward at a good speed. He explained
+to the lads a gyroscope arrangement by which
+he controlled the steering gear that kept the
+vessel on any chosen course and at any desired
+depth after once being adjusted.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And now, if you please, Mr. Mackinder,&#8221;
+questioned Jimmie at length, &#8220;will you be so
+good as to tell us what your mission may be?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Certainly!&#8221; replied the other frankly. &#8220;I
+see the steamer is not following us so I will
+take plenty of time to give you details.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Thanks!&#8221; drily responded the lad. &#8220;We&#8217;ll
+appreciate it!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>With a laugh the man seated himself on a
+locker and motioned the lads to do likewise.
+They listened intently as he proceeded:
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You perhaps all realize that the possession
+of wealth is the desire of almost every
+human being. I am not different from the
+rest in that respect at least. Owing to some
+family trouble which I shall not at this time
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_226' name='page_226'></a>226</span>
+detail, I was not given the advantages that
+accrue ordinarily to heirs. I think you will
+understand what I mean?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You were left out in the cold when they
+passed the dough?&#8221; asked Jimmie with a
+knowing look. &#8220;Just shoved one side?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s about it!&#8221; replied the man. &#8220;But I
+resolved to get some money, nevertheless. I
+had a fertile imagination, some education and
+a very small amount of money. I did not want
+to take so cheap a way as to rob or cheat my
+fellow men. I was not shrewd enough to enter
+the business world. Therefore, I turned my
+attention to lost or buried treasure.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Jimmie delivered a broad wink toward Ned.
+It was not lost by their observant entertainer,
+who laughed much to the boy&#8217;s confusion.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Amongst other inventions that were in
+my brain was an instrument for detecting the
+presence of gold similar to the instrument
+called a compass. In this instance electricity
+had nothing to do with its action.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;To make a long story short, you know, I
+finally succeeded in perfecting the arrangement.
+It was an amusing circumstance that
+I had a very hard struggle preserving my last
+gold piece with which to test the device,&#8221; he
+went on with a laugh at the recollection of his
+trials.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_227' name='page_227'></a>227</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;At last, I thought I had my instrument
+perfected. I next needed only something on
+which to practice. With my precious treasure
+carefully guarded I succeeded in reaching the
+Gulf of Mexico, where it is said so much pirate
+gold has been buried. Wonderful to relate, I
+actually located and recovered a small amount.
+It was not large but helped me to fit out a vessel
+in which to make other cruises.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And it really worked?&#8221; inquired Jimmie
+in a tone of unbelief.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;How well I shall presently demonstrate,
+you know,&#8221; was the reply. &#8220;But I found that
+the crew was tricky. They helped me get a
+treasure aboard then calmly turned pirates
+themselves and ran away with the treasure.
+For nearly a year I had hard luck. Then I
+succeeded in locating a large sum of gold that
+had been buried by a man&#8217;s grandfather.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;My past experiences had taught me that
+I could not trust anyone. Therefore I determined
+to prosecute my search in other channels.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piece by piece in different shops I had
+this vessel constructed after my own designs.
+The pieces were assembled in a part of the
+Gulf of Mexico little frequented. There I
+tried out the undersea boat, named it the
+&#8216;U-13&#8217;&mdash;the &#8216;U&#8217; standing for Undersea and
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_228' name='page_228'></a>228</span>
+the &#8216;13&#8217; in defiance of the popular superstition.
+But I found a new difficulty.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The instrument, although working perfectly
+on land, was not reliable under the
+ocean, for as you know there is a large
+amount of suspended gold in sea water. That
+made the instrument unreliable.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What did you want to go under water for,
+anyway?&#8221; asked Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Gold!&#8221; was the curt reply. &#8220;So I had to
+construct another device that would neutralize
+the local attraction of the sea water just
+on the same principle that the mariner has the
+two iron balls near his compass to overcome
+the local attraction on his vessel.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Then I was prepared to pursue my quest
+for treasure undisturbed. My first venture
+was the recovery of a large sum from a sunken
+ship in Havana harbor. This provided me sufficient
+funds so that I put stores aboard and
+came across to seek for the vessels of the
+Spanish Armada.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;How did you get across the Atlantic?&#8221;
+asked Jimmie incredulously.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;In this vessel!&#8221; was the reply. &#8220;And most
+of the way under water, too, you know! I
+didn&#8217;t want anyone to see me!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But you had to come up once in a while
+to get air!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_229' name='page_229'></a>229</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Oh, no! Here is a contrivance,&#8221; indicating
+a huge box-like affair, &#8220;with which I separate
+the oxygen from the hydrogen by electricity.
+Water, as you know, is composed of
+two gases&mdash;oxygen and hydrogen. Two atoms
+of hydrogen combined with one atom of oxygen
+and make a tiny bit of water. By the
+aid of this special device I segregate the two
+gases, use the oxygen and discharge the hydrogen
+overboard.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m going to take my hat off to you!&#8221; declared
+Jimmie. &#8220;But you had to have some
+means to prevent discomfort from the storage
+batteries!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Not with these!&#8221; smiled the other. &#8220;I&#8217;m
+using, without permission, of course, a new
+storage battery that does away with the lead-sulphuric
+acid type of battery. The inventor
+is a man whose name is familiar to you all.
+He uses a nickel, iron oxide and steel combination
+in a solution of potash. This battery,
+instead of causing inflammation or even proving
+deadly as is the case with the old type,
+is actually a benefit to a person. It is exactly
+opposite in its effect to the old style.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And you manage to make a cruise of days
+and days under water?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Surely!&#8221; smiled their host. &#8220;There&#8217;s
+nothing to prevent it!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_230' name='page_230'></a>230</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s going some!&#8221; declared Jimmie.
+&#8220;But I don&#8217;t believe you managed to dig up a
+lot of gold from the bottom of the ocean!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What is there to hinder?&#8221; questioned the
+other.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Everything!&#8221; declared Jimmie. &#8220;In the
+first place there is all the water about. Then,
+too, it would be easier to take this instrument
+into the regions where gold is usually discovered
+on land. You could prospect with it in
+almost the positive knowledge that you would
+locate a vein. Digging then would be easy.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes, but I don&#8217;t like to dig!&#8221; laughed the
+other. &#8220;Perhaps I&#8217;m too lazy to do that sort
+of thing!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;There&#8217;s something queer here that I don&#8217;t
+quite get,&#8221; stated Jimmie. &#8220;Can&#8217;t you explain
+a little more in detail?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Why, certainly, I&#8217;ll be glad to elucidate!&#8221;
+was the answer. &#8220;You have in mind the securing
+of free gold in nuggets and dust. I go
+about it in quite another way. My purpose is
+to recover the minted coins that have been
+placed aboard ships. When the ships sink, no
+diver yet has been able to reach those in deep
+water. Therefore, most of the gold that has
+been carried to the bottom in sunken vessels
+is forever lost. I intend to recover a great
+deal of it!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_231' name='page_231'></a>231</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Then when you know approximately
+where the vessel was wrecked or sunk,&#8221; put
+in Ned, &#8220;you go to that neighborhood. Your
+instrument indicates the presence of gold and
+you follow its directions until the exact spot
+is reached. Then you step out and carry the
+money aboard your own craft. Is that the correct
+explanation?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You have it exactly. And I have done
+pretty well so far!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t believe it!&#8221; declared Jimmie flatly.
+&#8220;The whole thing sounds mighty fishy&mdash;not
+meaning any disrespect,&#8221; he added addressing
+the man who sat leaning back against a bulkhead.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But I assure you that what I have said is
+absolutely true!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m from Missouri!&#8221; stated Jimmie in a
+tone of doubt.
+</p>
+<p>Their host stepped to a locker which he
+opened.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Great Frozen Hot Boxes!&#8221; cried Jimmie.
+</p>
+<hr class='major' />
+<div style='margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 2em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='XXI_A_MYSTERY_EXPLAINED' id='XXI_A_MYSTERY_EXPLAINED'></a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_232' name='page_232'></a>232</span>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXI</h2>
+<h3>A MYSTERY EXPLAINED</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, boys, look at this!&#8221; cried Jimmie,
+his voice rising to a shriek then trailing off into
+a whisper. &#8220;Did you ever see the like?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s see!&#8221; put in Frank, crowding forward.
+&#8220;What is it?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Eagerly the boys gathered around the open
+compartment. They heard distinctly the tinkle
+of coins as Jimmie seized a handful and let
+them slip one by one back into place. Again
+and again the boy dived his hands into the
+yellow mass of metal. He raised handfuls of
+coin to look at them a moment, then let them
+drop from his grasp.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Good Night!&#8221; he ejaculated at length,
+turning a round-eyed face to the man who
+stood smiling beside the group. &#8220;Why, you
+must have enough here to buy a farm and
+build a fence clear around it!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Quite likely I have!&#8221; declared the other
+quietly. &#8220;But there are two or three other
+wrecked vessels that I wish to visit before I
+stop. I have the exact locations charted and
+have examined the interiors.&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_233' name='page_233'></a>233</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Why didn&#8217;t you take the gold away with
+you, then?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;For the very simple reason that I found
+one pair of hands not enough to perform the
+task. I could have taken the gold away from
+the sunken wrecks, but the matter of getting
+it ashore was another thing!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Why, what&#8217;s to prevent?&#8221; asked Ned wonderingly.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Several things!&#8221; declared the other. &#8220;In
+the first place the peculiar phase of human nature
+that makes every man mad when he sees
+a lot of money would operate against my plan
+of taking the gold ashore. Who could I hire
+to move the heavy stuff with any assurance
+of their honesty if they once found out what
+might be in the packages?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s so!&#8221; admitted Ned thoughtfully.
+&#8220;Human nature is crooked!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;My plan has been to find some one who
+needs the money and who would work on a
+percentage basis&mdash;share and share alike. We
+can then get the money ashore, negotiate the
+older coins that possess more than their face
+value, bank the current coins and be prepared
+to use the wealth exactly as we see fit. So
+long as it remains under water it is safe.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But I can&#8217;t understand how you get it
+aboard!&#8221; declared Jimmie.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_234' name='page_234'></a>234</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;I have a tank of compressed air fixed to
+the back of a special diving suit,&#8221; explained
+the man. &#8220;There&#8217;s also a search light and a
+small storage battery provided. In this suit I
+step out through the air lock onto the wreck.
+The rest is easy. I return with the load of
+gold the same way I went out. The submarine
+is anchored. The whole thing is simple!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sure enough!&#8221; exclaimed Jimmie. &#8220;Why
+didn&#8217;t I remember our arrangement on the Sea
+Lion? And then, too, we saw you walking
+about on the decks of the Wanderer! I guess
+I&#8217;m going daffy!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What do you say, boys, will you join the
+expedition?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We don&#8217;t stand much chance of getting
+home right away,&#8221; stated Ned. &#8220;I guess we
+might as well&mdash;&#8221; what he would say was cut
+short by the sound of a cannon shot booming
+through the gathering darkness.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s that?&#8221; inquired Jack anxiously,
+jumping to his feet.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll bet it&#8217;s that bloomin&#8217; steamer we
+saw!&#8221; cried Jimmie. &#8220;That must be another
+of those gun boats and they&#8217;re chasing us!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll go up to the deck and see!&#8221; offered
+Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Be careful, don&#8217;t let them get you!&#8221;
+warned Jack.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_235' name='page_235'></a>235</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll watch out for that,&#8221; laughed Ned,
+mounting the iron ladder.
+</p>
+<p>Directly the little group at the foot of the
+ladder were startled to hear their companion&#8217;s
+voice. A note of anxiety vibrated through his
+words.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Boys,&#8221; Ned cried, &#8220;there&#8217;s a gunboat out
+there, and I think I see another submarine.
+It looks to be like the &#8216;U-13&#8217; for all the world.
+What shall we do?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Here,&#8221; urged Jimmie, &#8220;take the glasses
+and have a good look. If it is that Dutchman,
+I&#8217;m for beating it out of here mighty quick!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>For a tense moment Ned gazed through the
+glasses at the strange vessels. At length he
+lowered the binoculars and turned toward his
+companions. With a shake of his head and a
+quick indrawing of breath, he said:
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s the &#8216;U-13&#8217; as sure as can be!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s go!&#8221; was Jimmie&#8217;s only comment as
+he turned toward the switchboard with outstretched
+hand.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m with you!&#8221; declared Ned, quickly descending
+the ladder to join the group. &#8220;Go
+ahead slow, though. Don&#8217;t break the hawser,
+or we&#8217;d lose the other vessel.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps we would do better to abandon
+your vessel,&#8221; Mackinder suggested as he prepared
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_236' name='page_236'></a>236</span>
+to go on deck. &#8220;Let me have the glasses,
+if you please. I&#8217;ll look them over.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Jimmie paused, with his hand on the starting
+switch.
+</p>
+<p>Suddenly all were startled by a cry from
+their host.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Go ahead! go ahead!&#8221; he shouted down
+the hatchway. &#8220;That other fellow has
+launched a torpedo at us!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let go the line, then!&#8221; urged Ned. &#8220;We&#8217;ll
+have to run for it! Full speed, Jimmie!&#8221; he
+added.
+</p>
+<p>Mackinder was casting off the hawser with
+rapid motions. Jimmie, in response to Ned&#8217;s
+command, threw the switch over. The &#8220;U-13&#8221;
+began to gather headway.
+</p>
+<p>All were startled to hear the report of a
+cannon shot. This was followed almost instantly
+by a shriek from the man on deck.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Mackinder&#8217;s hit!&#8221; gasped Ned, turning a
+blanched face to his chums. &#8220;What shall we
+do?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>As if in answer to his query, the voice of
+Mackinder reached the ears of the lads.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Bring an axe!&#8221; he shouted. &#8220;I&#8217;m fast in
+the bight!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Wrenching an axe from its pocket on the
+bulkhead, Ned sprang up the ladder at his
+best speed. On deck he found Mackinder
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_237' name='page_237'></a>237</span>
+caught in a bight of the hawser by which the
+other vessel had been towed. His leg was
+jammed against the fairleader. Only one
+glance was required to show the boy that serious
+injury had been done.
+</p>
+<p>Without waiting for words, the lad stepped
+to the side of the fallen man. Swinging his
+axe quickly, he struck at the taut bond of hemp.
+A shower of sparks followed the ringing thud
+of the axe upon the steel deck.
+</p>
+<p>Mackinder dropped back upon the deck,
+limp and helpless, as the singing of the parted
+line told of his release.
+</p>
+<p>With tender solicitude the boys mounted the
+ladder to assist their injured friend to the room
+below. Scarcely had the boys gained the deck
+when they were startled by a terrific explosion.
+As Ned afterward declared, it seemed as if
+they had been caught in a volcano of water.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What has happened?&#8221; queried Jack, releasing
+his hold upon Mackinder.
+</p>
+<p>A flood of sea water descending upon the
+little deck prevented an answer to his question.
+In a moment the lads were able to look about.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Where&#8217;s our &#8216;U-13&#8217;?&#8221; asked Harry.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Gone!&#8221; stated Ned, his voice trembling.
+&#8220;I&#8217;ll bet that German torpedoed it! I&#8217;m glad
+we are on this &#8216;U-13&#8217;!&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_238' name='page_238'></a>238</span></p>
+<p>Echoing this sentiment, the lads hastily proceeded
+to lower Mackinder through the hatchway.
+This done, the injured man was deposited
+on a couch, the hatch was closed, and Ned
+began first-aid ministrations.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What course shall I hold?&#8221; asked Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Better head on a southwest course,&#8221; stated
+Ned, briefly glancing up from his work over
+Mackinder&#8217;s leg.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I can do that all right,&#8221; responded Jimmie.
+&#8220;The gunboat and the submarine can fight it
+out alone.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ve got a clear field, Jimmie, so shove
+the little wagon along for all she&#8217;s worth,&#8221; put
+in Jack.
+</p>
+<p>Mackinder had been exercising wonderful
+command of himself, but in spite of his best
+efforts a groan now and again escaped. The
+injured leg was proving a painful matter.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ll do all we can for you, Mackinder,&#8221;
+Ned offered, &#8220;but we need better skill than is
+available here. Would it not be best to make
+at once for some port where we can secure the
+services of a surgeon?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Mackinder&#8217;s only reply was a nod. His
+teeth were closed tightly to suppress the cry
+of anguish from his hurt.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Keep on the surface, boys,&#8221; urged Ned as
+he went about making the man comfortable
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_239' name='page_239'></a>239</span>
+with such simple means as were at hand. &#8220;I
+believe we are not far from the coast.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Surrendering the wheel to Frank, and with
+Jack at the engines, Jimmie insisted upon
+mounting to the deck again to look about them.
+</p>
+<p>Cool and sweet the air gushed down the little
+open hatchway upon the injured man. Under
+its influence and aided by the ministrations of
+Ned, the proprietor of the third &#8220;U-13&#8221; rapidly
+gained control of himself.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Head west southwest,&#8221; he instructed Ned.
+&#8220;We&#8217;ll be mighty apt to find the mouth of the
+Thames on that course. There are many places
+I&#8217;d rather go, but you are right&mdash;we must
+have a surgeon!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Giving the course to Harry, Ned proceeded
+to do everything in his power to ease the hurt
+of their friend.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;On deck, there!&#8221; announced Jimmie presently,
+his face at the hatchway.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Hello!&#8221; answered Ned. &#8220;What is it?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I see a light about a point off the port
+bow!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What do you make it out to be?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I think it is a lighthouse!&#8221; declared
+Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Margate!&#8221; murmured Mackinder. &#8220;We
+are safe enough now, but be careful about the
+money, boys!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sail ho!&#8221; rang out Jimmie&#8217;s voice again.
+</p>
+<hr class='major' />
+<div style='margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 2em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='XXII_MORE_MYSTERY' id='XXII_MORE_MYSTERY'></a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_240' name='page_240'></a>240</span>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXII</h2>
+<h3>MORE MYSTERY</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;What do you see now, Jimmie?&#8221; asked
+Ned anxiously, stepping to the foot of the
+ladder.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;There&#8217;s a small steamer coming up rapidly
+from the starboard side,&#8221; replied the lookout.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps we&#8217;d better dive again,&#8221; suggested
+Ned.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Aw, go on!&#8221; protested Jimmie. &#8220;What&#8217;s
+the use of diving every time anything comes
+along? We&#8217;re neutral!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We are, yes,&#8221; agreed Ned, &#8220;but this &#8216;U-13&#8217;
+name is not neutral, and if the steamer is an
+English vessel they&#8217;ll probably not stop to ask
+questions.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Why not swing a white light at &#8217;em, then?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s a good idea, too!&#8221; agreed Ned. &#8220;If
+they seem to be heading toward us, just get a
+white flag going.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;They are not showing any light at all,&#8221;
+announced Jimmie. &#8220;They&#8217;re just sneaking
+along like an express train.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let us know at once if anything happens,&#8221;
+Ned responded, turning back to his patient.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_241' name='page_241'></a>241</span></p>
+<p>The boys had not long to wait.
+</p>
+<p>Out of the gathering darkness Jimmie saw
+a burst of flame which lighted up a portion
+of the approaching steamer. A bright flash in
+a wave some distance in advance of the &#8220;U-13&#8221;
+next attracted his attention. The sharp roar
+of a cannon came to the ears of all.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Are they shooting at us?&#8221; asked Ned, again
+approaching the ladder.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t know!&#8221; Jimmie replied briefly. &#8220;I
+saw the flash and heard the noise. There was
+a splash some distance ahead of us in the water.
+Maybe they can&#8217;t aim straight.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Ned mounted the rungs of the ladder without
+further delay. He closed his eyes as he
+did so, the better to accommodate his vision to
+the change from the light below to the darkness
+outside. In a moment he was peering in
+the direction indicated by Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Can you make her out?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; replied Ned. &#8220;I can just see a sort
+of thick place in the darkness. My eyes will
+be all right soon.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t believe they were shooting at us at
+all!&#8221; commented Jimmie, musingly. &#8220;They
+can&#8217;t see us!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>As if to disprove this statement, another
+flash lighted up the forward portion of the
+other vessel.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_242' name='page_242'></a>242</span></p>
+<p>Ned grasped Jimmie&#8217;s arm and pointed
+straight ahead.
+</p>
+<p>Skipping from wave to wave, throwing up a
+fountain of spray from each, the shot from the
+steamer plowed its way across the path of the
+&#8220;U-13,&#8221; passing so close that the boys were
+struck by the flying drops of water.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That means that we are to stop!&#8221; declared
+Ned. &#8220;Next time they&#8217;ll shoot <i>at</i> us!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And hit us, too!&#8221; excitedly put in the other.
+</p>
+<p>Without waiting for orders from Ned, the
+lad leaned over the coaming of the little hatch.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Shut her off, Jack!&#8221; he cried. &#8220;Back on
+your engines. That guy thinks we are Germans!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Jack at once complied with the request, and
+soon the &#8220;U-13&#8221; was gently rolling in the
+trough of the sea.
+</p>
+<p>Frank sprang from the wheel to the ladder,
+mounting to the deck just as a beam of
+flame from a powerful searchlight aboard the
+steamer swept the &#8220;U-13&#8221; from end to end.
+</p>
+<p>In the glare of the light the three boys stood
+plainly visible. They could not, however, distinguish
+the details of the other vessel because
+of the flaming eye regarding them with unwinking
+stare.
+</p>
+<p>For a few moments they stood close to each
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_243' name='page_243'></a>243</span>
+other, uncertain what to do. At length a voice
+hailed them.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Submarine, ahoy! What vessel is that?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Shall I tell them our name?&#8221; asked Ned
+anxiously.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; urged Jimmie. &#8220;Don&#8217;t say &#8216;U-13&#8217;!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;They&#8217;ve seen it on the side, anyhow!&#8221;
+scorned Frank.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t let them think we&#8217;re Germans. Don&#8217;t
+you see they&#8217;re English?&#8221; queried Jimmie.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It doesn&#8217;t signify they&#8217;re English, even if
+they do speak the language,&#8221; returned Ned.
+&#8220;Can&#8217;t you answer?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Ahoy, there!&#8221; came an impatient voice.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Steamer, ahoy!&#8221; replied Ned. &#8220;We&#8217;re a
+peaceful submarine manned by neutral noncombatants!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;A likely yarn, indeed!&#8221; laughed the
+stranger. &#8220;Stand by to receive a boat. I shall
+send an officer aboard to investigate.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;All right, Captain,&#8221; consented Ned. &#8220;Glad
+to meet you!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Still standing under the unwinking eye of
+the searchlight, the little group waited expectantly
+for the arrival of the boarding party.
+</p>
+<p>A splash of oars preceded the boat which
+soon shot out of the darkness.
+</p>
+<p>In another moment an officer in uniform had
+mounted the little deck. Wonderingly he
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_244' name='page_244'></a>244</span>
+glanced about the group, now augmented by
+the arrival of Jack and Harry.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Where is your commander?&#8221; he inquired
+somewhat stiffly, addressing no one in particular.
+</p>
+<p>Indicating Ned, the boys silently waited.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Are you in charge of this vessel?&#8221; asked
+the officer, with just a trace of amusement.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I am and I am not,&#8221; replied Ned, with
+dignity.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s very enlightening, I&#8217;m sure,&#8221; returned
+the other. &#8220;But time is short, and I
+must see the person who is in charge, and that
+at once.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The owner is lying in the cabin with a
+broken leg which he received as we were escaping
+from a German submarine,&#8221; explained
+Ned. &#8220;We boys are trying to get to some port
+where we can secure the services of a surgeon.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Oh,&#8221; exclaimed the officer, &#8220;escaping from
+a German?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes, sir. They torpedoed another submarine
+that we were towing, and in casting off
+the towing line the gentleman below was caught
+in the line. His leg is badly broken.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Who is this other person?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;He gave us the name of Mackinder.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>A frown settled over the face of their questioner.
+Stepping forward, with flashing eyes
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_245' name='page_245'></a>245</span>
+he addressed Ned in a low voice vibrant with
+emotion.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Now, if you have all the lies out of your
+system,&#8221; he gritted, &#8220;we&#8217;ll listen to the real
+story.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That is the real story!&#8221; protested Ned.
+&#8220;Step below, if you don&#8217;t believe me, and you
+may see for yourself.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We have already seen enough to discredit
+such a wild yarn as that!&#8221; declared the other.
+&#8220;Too many of our brave sailors have been
+killed and set adrift by the &#8216;U-13.&#8217; Besides,
+the man you mention is certainly not in the
+cabin. I can swear to that. Now, will you
+tell me the truth?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I say, Mister,&#8221; put in Jimmie, &#8220;suppose
+you go fifty-fifty with us. Who are you, and
+what right have you to stop us?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>A short laugh was the man&#8217;s only answer.
+He turned to hail the vessel from which he
+had just come.
+</p>
+<hr class='major' />
+<div style='margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 2em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='XXIII_THE_MYSTERY_OF_THE__U13' id='XXIII_THE_MYSTERY_OF_THE__U13'></a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_246' name='page_246'></a>246</span>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXIII</h2>
+<h3>THE MYSTERY OF THE &#8220;U-13&#8221;</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ahoy!&#8221; his hail rang out over the waters.
+&#8220;Send another boat aboard us. I will transfer
+the crew of this vessel!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes, you will!&#8221; scornfully replied Jimmie.
+&#8220;You&#8217;ll do a lot, you will. We have something
+to say about that!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I am more astonished than I can say,&#8221; the
+officer replied as he gazed at the lad. &#8220;I had
+supposed that Boy Scouts would not under any
+circumstances lend themselves to a project of
+an unworthy character.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, who has done all that?&#8221; bristled
+Jimmie, wrinkling a freckled nose at the man.
+&#8220;You&#8217;re taking a lot for granted, I must say!
+Who are you, anyhow?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You&#8217;ll find out quickly enough!&#8221; was the
+answer.
+</p>
+<p>Turning at the sound of approaching oars,
+the officer quickly issued a few short commands.
+</p>
+<p>In obedience to his orders, the boys were
+required to enter the small boat without even
+an opportunity of going below.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_247' name='page_247'></a>247</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Dodson,&#8221; ordered the officer, &#8220;take a
+couple of men and search the vessel for others.
+We were informed there were but five, but
+they may have confederates.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Wonderingly the lads sat in the boat as they
+were rowed across the intervening distance to
+the steamer. Scarcely had they set foot on
+deck before a line was passed to the submarine
+and the vessel was under way, towing their
+recent habitation.
+</p>
+<p>An orderly conducted the lads directly to
+the cabin, where they were greeted by an officer
+seated at the head of a table. He arose as they
+entered and extended a hand to each.
+</p>
+<p>Motioning to seats, the officer again busied
+himself with some papers on the table. For
+some time the boys glanced expectantly at each
+other, waiting for the officer to open the anticipated
+conversation.
+</p>
+<p>Impatiently the boys waited, listening to the
+regular throbbing of the steamer&#8217;s propellers
+that told they were again under way.
+</p>
+<p>At length the silence was broken by the arrival
+of an orderly. Saluting, he reported
+briefly to the officer. A nod dismissed him.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Boys,&#8221; began the officer in a kindly tone,
+&#8220;we find ourselves rather puzzled by some mysterious
+circumstances which we hope you can
+explain. Will you assist us?&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_248' name='page_248'></a>248</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;I assume from the looks of things aboard
+that you are English,&#8221; answered Ned. &#8220;Am I
+correct?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You are. This is a scout vessel doing patrol
+duty along the coast. In common with others,
+we have been on the sharp lookout for a submarine
+named &#8216;U-13,&#8217; which has been doing
+considerable damage to our shipping. We capture
+it without difficulty, to find it manned by
+Boy Scouts instead of Germans, as we had
+expected. Can you explain that?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes!&#8221; laughed Ned. &#8220;That is easy. The
+boat you have captured is owned by a private
+individual named Mackinder, who has been
+amusing himself in a perfectly innocent pastime.
+He, like ourselves, is neutral, but unfortunately
+has gotten into rather compromising
+situations.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Mackinder?&#8221; repeated the officer, wonderingly.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes, sir,&#8221; continued Ned. &#8220;He rescued us
+from our disabled submarine. He is now
+aboard his vessel with a broken leg.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We had him brought aboard this vessel,
+and find that his leg is really broken,&#8221; explained
+the officer. &#8220;But,&#8221; he continued,
+&#8220;you have not quite explained your presence
+on a submarine.&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_249' name='page_249'></a>249</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;That is easy&mdash;&#8221; began Ned. He was interrupted
+by a sign from the officer.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Just a moment,&#8221; the other said. &#8220;We will
+have Mackinder in here, and perhaps he can
+explain a little of the mystery himself.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>At a command from the man two orderlies
+approached. In a few moments the boys observed
+four sailors bearing a mattress upon
+which lay their late host.
+</p>
+<p>At the same moment a group approached
+from the after part of the cabin. Glancing
+from one group to the other, the boys rose to
+their feet with exclamations of surprise.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, Great Frozen Hot Boxes!&#8221; cried
+Jimmie. &#8220;How did you get here, Mackinder?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>A man from the small group behind the officer
+stepped forward, smiling.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I was picked up by the fishing boat you
+probably saw when I swam away from the submarine
+you captured. They transferred me
+to this craft. We have since been looking for
+you.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, I&#8217;m glad to see you, anyway,&#8221; returned
+the lad. &#8220;But you couldn&#8217;t prevent
+our leaving Holland, even if you did try good
+and hard. Have you found that package yet?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>The smile quickly faded from the face of the
+other.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_250' name='page_250'></a>250</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;No, I haven&#8217;t,&#8221; he answered in a low voice.
+&#8220;I find that you boys have gotten me into a
+lot of trouble, too.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Trouble?&#8221; puzzled Ned. &#8220;How have we
+done that?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;By secreting that package,&#8221; explained
+Mackinder. &#8220;You see, I was detailed to duty
+on the Holland frontier. When I saw that
+package, and knew that you had recently come
+from the German lines, I assumed, of course,
+that it contained information for the German
+submarine that has been causing so much havoc
+amongst the English shipping. Without waiting
+for orders, I tried to follow you and gain
+possession of the object. Now it seems I am
+disobeying regulations by absenting myself
+from my post of duty without leave. Further,
+I was seen aboard or coming from a German
+vessel. Hence circumstances look bad for me.
+I&#8217;m due for a court martial as soon as we land
+at Margate, which must be close aboard by
+now.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>All were startled to hear a groan escape the
+man lying upon the mattress. He had raised
+himself upon one elbow.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Oh, Robert!&#8221; he cried. &#8220;Not that!&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Tom!&#8221; gasped Mackinder. Soon the two
+men were shaking hands at a great rate, tears
+in their eyes.
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_251' name='page_251'></a>251</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Boys,&#8221; Mackinder announced at length,
+&#8220;I must introduce my brother Tom.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We have had the pleasure of meeting the
+gentleman,&#8221; stated Ned. &#8220;In fact, we owe our
+lives to his kindness.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But, see here,&#8221; demanded Jimmie, stepping
+forward, &#8220;this needs an explanation.
+Which one of you fellows was at the little cabin
+on the Holland border?&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>Tom Mackinder smiled, in spite of the pain
+of his crushed leg. He turned his glance
+toward his brother, whose hand he held.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We both were there, Jimmie,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I
+took the package from the window. You see,&#8221;
+he continued, &#8220;it contained plans of my submarine,
+with which you are familiar. I tried
+to sell the plans to Germany, but found they
+had beaten me. So upon my return trip I
+slipped the package into your baggage, thinking
+to escape search and detention at the border.
+I have it here now.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>As he ceased speaking he drew from his
+pocket the same flat package the boys had seen
+before.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Hurrah!&#8221; cried Jimmie. &#8220;Now we can
+explain how your brother came to be captured
+by the Germans, and how under his direction
+we stole the other &#8216;U-13&#8217; and escaped from
+Helgoland.&#8221;
+<span class='pagenum'><a id='page_252' name='page_252'></a>252</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;If what you say is true, young man,&#8221; put
+in the officer, &#8220;the anticipated court martial
+may never convene.&#8221;
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We can prove it!&#8221; protested Jimmie
+vigorously.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Then we have solved the Mystery of the
+&#8216;U-13&#8217;!&#8221; declared the officer, with evident
+relief.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And now we&#8217;ll head for the little old U. S. A.
+and peaceful neutrality!&#8221; was Jimmie&#8217;s joyful
+comment.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But you&#8217;ll first arrange to care for your
+share of the cargo aboard my boat,&#8221; interposed
+the injured Mackinder.
+</p>
+<p>He would not entertain any of the objections
+raised by the boys, but insisted that they share
+in the treasure which had been recovered from
+the ocean&#8217;s grasp.
+</p>
+<p>A few days later as the boys watched the
+chalk cliffs of Dover slip away into the eastern
+horizon Jimmie turned from the rail of the
+steamer upon which they had taken passage.
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Good by, England, and good by the Mackinders,&#8221;
+he said. &#8220;I&#8217;m glad we are out of
+the war zone at last and that we solved the
+Mystery of the &#8216;U-13&#8217;.&#8221;
+</p>
+<div class='ce'>
+<p style=' margin-top:2em;'>THE END</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class='full' />
+
+<div class='ce'>
+<p style=' font-size:1.4em;'>The Aeroplane Series</p>
+<p style=' font-size:1.2em;'>By John Luther Langworthy</p>
+</div>
+
+<table summary='poetry' style='margin: 0 auto 0 ; '><tr><td>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>1. The Aeroplane Boys; or, The Young Pilots First Air Voyage</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>2. The Aeroplane Boys on the Wing; or, Aeroplane Chums in the Tropics</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>3. The Aeroplane Boys Among the Clouds; or, Young Aviators in a Wreck</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>4. The Aeroplane Boys&#8217; Flights; or, A Hydroplane Round-up</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>5. The Aeroplane Boys on a Cattle Ranch</p>
+</td></tr></table>
+
+<hr class='minor' />
+
+<div class='ce'>
+<p style=' font-size:1.4em; margin-top:2em;'>The Girl Aviator Series</p>
+<p style=' font-size:1.2em;'>By Margaret Burnham</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Just the type of books that delight and fascinate the wide awake girls
+of the present day who are between the ages of eight and fourteen years.
+The great author of these books regards them as the best products of
+her pen. Printed from large clear type on a superior quality of paper;
+attractive multi-color jacket wrapper around each book. Bound in cloth.
+</p>
+<table summary='poetry' style='margin: 0 auto 0 ; '><tr><td>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>1. The Girl Aviators and the Phantom Airship</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>2. The Girl Aviators on Golden Wings</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>3. The Girl Aviators&#8217; Sky Cruise</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>4. The Girl Aviators&#8217; Motor Butterfly</p>
+</td></tr></table>
+
+<div class='ce' style=' font-size:0.8em; margin-top:1em; font-style:italic;'>
+<p>For sale by all book-sellers or sent postpaid on receipt of 75c.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class='ce' style=' margin-top:1em;'>
+<p>M. A. DONOHUE &amp; COMPANY</p>
+<p>701-733 S. DEARBORN STREET&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;::&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CHICAGO</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class='silver' />
+
+<div class='ce'>
+<p style=' font-size:1.4em;'>SELECT</p>
+<p style=' font-size:1.4em;'>READING SERIES</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Only the most popular of children&#8217;s books are
+included in this series. Each title is complete
+and unabridged. Printed from large, clear
+type. Each wrapped in a colored jacket.
+</p>
+<table summary=''>
+<tr><td>1.</td><td>Alice&#8217;s Adventures in Wonderland     </td><td align='right'><i>Carroll</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>2.</td><td>Andersen&#8217;s Fairy Tales              </td><td align='right'><i>Andersen</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>3.</td><td>Black Beauty                          </td><td align='right'><i>Sewell</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>4.</td><td>Dog of Flanders                        </td><td align='right'><i>Ouida</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>5.</td><td>Elsie Dinsmore                        </td><td align='right'><i>Finley</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>6.</td><td>Grimms Fairy Tales                    </td><td align='right'><i>Grimms</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>7.</td><td>Hans Brinker                           </td><td align='right'><i>Dodge</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>8.</td><td>Heidi                                  </td><td align='right'><i>Spyri</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>9.</td><td>Helen&#8217;s Babies                     </td><td align='right'><i>Habberton</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>10.</td><td>Little Lame Prince                   </td><td align='right'><i>Mulock</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>11.</td><td>Pinocchio                            </td><td align='right'><i>Collodi</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>12.</td><td>Treasure Island                    </td><td align='right'><i>Stevenson</i></td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<div class='ce' style=' font-size:0.8em; margin-top:1em; font-style:italic;'>
+<p>For sale by all book-sellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 40 cents.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class='ce' style=' margin-top:1em;'>
+<p>M · A · DONOHUE · &amp; · COMPANY</p>
+<p>711 · SOUTH · DEARBORN · STREET&nbsp;&nbsp;·&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;CHICAGO</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class='silver' />
+
+<div class='ce'>
+<p style=' font-size:1.4em;'>Boy Inventors&#8217; Series</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>The author knows these subjects from a practical standpoint. Each
+book is printed from new plates on a good quality of paper and
+bound in cloth. Each book wrapped in a jacket printed in colors.
+</p>
+<div class='ce'>
+<p><i>Price 60c each</i></p>
+</div>
+
+<table summary='poetry' style='margin: 0 auto 0 ; '><tr><td>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>1....Boy Inventors&#8217; Wireless Triumph</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>2....Boy Inventors and the Vanishing Sun</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>3....Boy Inventors&#8217; Diving Torpedo Set</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>4....Boy Inventors&#8217; Flying Ship</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>5....Boy Inventors&#8217; Electric Ship</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>6....Boy Inventors&#8217; Radio Telephone</p>
+</td></tr></table>
+
+<hr class='minor' />
+
+<div class='ce'>
+<p style=' font-size:1.4em;'>The &#8220;How-to-do-it&#8221; Books</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>These books teach the use of tools; how to sharpen them; to design
+and layout work. Printed from new plates and bound in cloth.
+Profusely illustrated. Each book is wrapped in a printed jacket.
+</p>
+<div class='ce'>
+<p><i>Price $1.00 each</i></p>
+</div>
+
+<table summary='poetry' style='margin: 0 auto 0 ; '><tr><td>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>1....Carpentry for Boys</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>2....Electricity for Boys</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>3....Practical Mechanics for Boys</p>
+</td></tr></table>
+
+<div class='ce' style=' font-size:0.8em; margin-top:1em; font-style:italic;'>
+<p>For Sale by all Book-sellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of</p>
+<p>the above price.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class='ce' style=' margin-top:1em;'>
+<p>M · A · DONOHUE · &amp; · COMPANY</p>
+<p>711 · SOUTH · DEARBORN · STREET&nbsp;&nbsp;·&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;CHICAGO</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class='silver' />
+
+<div class='ce'>
+<p style=' font-size:1.4em;'>BOY SCOUT SERIES</p>
+<p style=' font-size:1em;'>By</p>
+<p style=' font-size:1.2em;'>G. HARVEY RALPHSON</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Just the type of books that delight and fascinate the wide awake
+boys of today. Clean, wholesome and interesting; full of mystery
+and adventure. Each title is complete and unabridged. Printed
+on a good quality of paper from large, clear type and bound in
+cloth. Each book is wrapped in a special multi-colored jacket.
+</p>
+<table summary='poetry' style='margin: 0 auto 0 ; '><tr><td>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>&nbsp;&nbsp;1....Boy Scouts in Mexico; or, On Guard with Uncle Sam</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>&nbsp;&nbsp;2....Boy Scouts in the Canal Zone; or, the Plot against Uncle Sam</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>&nbsp;&nbsp;3....Boy Scouts in the Philippines; or, the Key to the Treaty Box</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>&nbsp;&nbsp;4....Boy Scouts in the Northwest; or, Fighting Forest Fires</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>&nbsp;&nbsp;5....Boy Scouts in a Motor Boat; or Adventures on Columbia River</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>&nbsp;&nbsp;6....Boy Scouts in an Airship; or, the Warning from the Sky</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>&nbsp;&nbsp;7....Boy Scouts in a Submarine; or, Searching an Ocean Floor</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>&nbsp;&nbsp;8....Boy Scouts on Motorcycles; or, With the Flying Squadron</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>&nbsp;&nbsp;9....Boy Scouts beyond the Arctic Circle; or, the Lost Expedition</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>10....Boy Scout Camera Club; or, the Confessions of a Photograph</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>11....Boy Scout Electricians; or, the Hidden Dynamo</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>12....Boy Scouts in California; or, the Flag on the Cliff</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>13....Boy Scouts on Hudson Bay; or, the Disappearing Fleet</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>14....Boy Scouts in Death Valley; or, the City in the Sky</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>15....Boy Scouts on Open Plains; or, the Round-up not Ordered</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>16....Boy Scouts in Southern Waters; or the Spanish Treasure Chest</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>17....Boy Scouts in Belgium; or, Imperiled in a Trap</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>18....Boy Scouts in the North Sea; or, the Mystery of a Sub</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>19....Boy Scouts Mysterious Signal or Perils of the Black Bear Patrol</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>20....Boy Scouts with the Cossacks; or, a Guilty Secret</p>
+</td></tr></table>
+
+<div class='ce' style=' font-size:0.8em; margin-top:1em; font-style:italic;'>
+<p>For Sale by all Book-sellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 60 cents</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class='ce' style=' margin-top:1em;'>
+<p>M · A · DONOHUE · &amp; · COMPANY</p>
+<p>711 · SOUTH · DEARBORN · STREET&nbsp;&nbsp;·&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;CHICAGO</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class='silver' />
+
+<div class='ce'>
+<p style=' font-size:1.4em;'>BOYS</p>
+<p style=' font-size:1.4em;'>PRIZE LIBRARY</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>A desirable assortment of boys&#8217; books. All
+books in this series are copyrighted. Printed
+on a good quality of paper from large clear
+type. Cloth bound. Jacket printed in colors.
+</p>
+<table summary=''>
+<tr><td>1.</td><td>At Whispering Pine Lodge              </td><td align='right'><i>Leslie</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>2.</td><td>Boy Inventors&#8217; Diving Torpedo Boat    </td><td align='right'><i>Bonner</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>3.</td><td>Boy Inventors&#8217; Flying Ship            </td><td align='right'><i>Bonner</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>4.</td><td>Chums of the Campfire                 </td><td align='right'><i>Leslie</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>5.</td><td>Jack Winter&#8217;s Campmates              </td><td align='right'><i>Overton</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>6.</td><td>Jack Winter&#8217;s Gridiron Chums         </td><td align='right'><i>Overton</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>7.</td><td>Motor Boat Boys Mississippi Cruise   </td><td align='right'><i>Arundel</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>8.</td><td>Phil Bradley&#8217;s Winning Way             </td><td align='right'><i>Boone</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>9.</td><td>Radio Boy&#8217;s Cronies                  </td><td align='right'><i>Whipple</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>10.</td><td>Rivals of the Trail                  </td><td align='right'><i>Leslie</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>11.</td><td>Young Oarsman of Lake View         </td><td align='right'><i>Bonehill</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>12.</td><td>Young Hunters in Porto Rico        </td><td align='right'><i>Bonehill</i></td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<div class='ce' style=' font-size:0.8em; margin-top:1em; font-style:italic;'>
+<p>For Sale by all Book-sellers, or sent postpaid on</p>
+<p>receipt of 40 cents.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class='ce' style=' margin-top:1em;'>
+<p>M · A · DONOHUE · &amp; · COMPANY</p>
+<p>711 · SOUTH · DEARBORN · STREET&nbsp;&nbsp;·&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;CHICAGO</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class='silver' />
+
+<div class='ce'>
+<p style=' font-size:1.4em;'>VICTORY</p>
+<p style=' font-size:1.4em;'>ALGER SERIES</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>A select assortment of books by Horatio Alger, Jr.
+Printed on a good quality of paper and bound in cloth.
+Each book wrapped in a decorative jacket printed in colors.
+</p>
+<table summary='poetry' style='margin: 0 auto 0 ; '><tr><td>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>1. Adrift in New York; or, Tom and Florence Braving the World</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>2. Andy Grant&#8217;s Pluck and How He Won Out</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>3. Driven from Home; or, Carl Crawford&#8217;s Experience</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>4. In a New World; or, Among the Gold Fields of Australia</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>5. Jed, the Poorhouse Boy; or, From Poverty to Title</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>6. Luke Walton; or, the Chicago Newsboy</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>7. Risen from the Ranks; or, Harry Walton&#8217;s Success</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>8. Shifting for Himself; or, Gilbert Greyson&#8217;s Fortune</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>9. Sink or Swim; or, Harry Raymond&#8217;s Resolve</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>10. Store Boy; or, the Fortunes of Ben Barclay</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>11. Tony, the Tramp, or, Right is Might</p>
+<p  style='margin: 0 0 0 0em;'>12. Young Explorer; or, Among the Sierras</p>
+</td></tr></table>
+
+<div class='ce' style=' font-size:0.8em; margin-top:1em; font-style:italic;'>
+<p>For sale by all book-sellers or sent postpaid on receipt of 40c</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class='ce' style=' margin-top:1em;'>
+<p>M · A · DONOHUE · &amp; · COMPANY</p>
+<p>711 · SOUTH · DEARBORN · STREET&nbsp;&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;CHICAGO</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="pg" />
+<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOY SCOUTS IN THE NORTH SEA***</p>
+<p>******* This file should be named 25798-h.txt or 25798-h.zip *******</p>
+<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br />
+<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/5/7/9/25798">http://www.gutenberg.org/2/5/7/9/25798</a></p>
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Boy Scouts in the North Sea, by G. Harvey
+Ralphson
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Boy Scouts in the North Sea
+       The Mystery of a Sub
+
+
+Author: G. Harvey Ralphson
+
+
+
+Release Date: June 15, 2008  [eBook #25798]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOY SCOUTS IN THE NORTH SEA***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Roger Frank and the Project Gutenberg Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustration.
+      See 25798-h.htm or 25798-h.zip:
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/5/7/9/25798/25798-h/25798-h.htm)
+      or
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/5/7/9/25798/25798-h.zip)
+
+
+
+
+
+BOY SCOUTS IN THE NORTH SEA
+
+Or
+
+"The Mystery of a Sub"
+
+by
+
+G. HARVEY RALPHSON
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: The young divers went below and attached their
+chains to sunken U-13.]
+
+
+
+Made in U. S. A
+
+M. A. Donohue & Company
+Chicago :: New York
+
+Copyright, 1915,
+By
+M. A. Donohue & Co., Chicago
+
+Made in U. S. A.
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+CHAPTER                             PAGE
+      I  A Package Vanishes            7
+     II  Difficulties And Dangers     18
+    III  The Man With The Scar        30
+     IV  the Lena Knobloch            42
+      V  Two Mysterious Changes       54
+     VI  A Difficult Departure        65
+    VII  A Warning From The Sea       76
+   VIII  More About The "U-13"        87
+     IX  A Strange Visit              98
+      X  Shipwreck And Rescue        109
+     XI  A Fleet Of Submarines       120
+    XII  A New "U-13" Appears        131
+   XIII  A Threatening Situation     142
+    XIV  Helped By An Enemy          153
+     XV  Mistaken Identity           165
+    XVI  A Strange Discovery         176
+   XVII  Alone And Helpless          187
+  XVIII  Help From A Stranger        198
+    XIX  Mackinder Again             209
+     XX  A Mysterious Craft          221
+    XXI  A Mystery Explained         232
+   XXII  More Mystery                240
+  XXIII  The Mystery Of The "U-13"   246
+
+
+
+
+
+
+BOY SCOUTS IN THE NORTH SEA;
+or,
+"THE MYSTERY OF A SUB"
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+A PACKAGE VANISHES
+
+
+"Good night!" exclaimed a lad of about eighteen peering from the window
+in a railway coach. "This train's running on a regular lake!"
+
+"What's that, Jimmie?" asked a companion approaching the first speaker.
+"Are we on a ferry? I still feel the wheels hit the rail joints."
+
+"Oh, yes, now and again we crawl along a rail's length or two," admitted
+the boy, "but it's mighty slow work! I'm getting tired!"
+
+"What place is this, anyway?" inquired a third boy coming to the window.
+"It looks as if we're going out into the ocean!"
+
+"We can't be headed for Holland at this rate!"
+
+"We surely are!" assured the one addressed as Jimmie. "I'll bet I can
+tell you what that is! The Belgians cut their dikes and flooded the
+country to drive out the Germans. My dream book says that's it!"
+
+A general laugh greeted this assertion. Moving about in the limits of the
+none too commodious compartment of a European railway carriage four boys
+dressed in the well-known khaki uniforms of the Boy Scouts of America
+endeavored to observe the scenery through the windows.
+
+To those of our readers who have followed the adventures of this group of
+boys as related in the previous volumes of this series no introduction is
+necessary. However, for the benefit of those who have not been so
+fortunate, a word of explanation may not be out of place at this time.
+The lads had very recently been engaged in a man hunt that led through
+parts of France and Belgium. They had visited the trenches of both the
+French and German forces and had several times faced death.
+
+Just now they were practically prisoners, having been accorded passage
+from the German lines to a neutral port in Holland, where they expected
+to take ship for their home town of New York.
+
+Ned Nestor, a fine, manly lad, was the Leader of the Wolf Patrol of New
+York City, Boy Scouts of America. He had been often selected for
+difficult work by the Chief of the United States Secret Service because
+of his aptitude for the work. His coolness and sound judgment had carried
+himself and his companions through many difficulties. It was a mission of
+this character upon which the boys had recently engaged and from which
+they were now returning.
+
+Jimmie McGraw, freckle-faced and red-headed, was a member of the Wolf
+Patrol of which Ned was leader. He was an ardent adherent of Ned's.
+Brought up a newsboy on the Bowery of New York the boy had come under the
+observation of the older lad, who had found him indeed worthy of all the
+care which had been bestowed.
+
+Jack Bosworth, the son of a prominent corporation attorney, and Harry
+Stevens, whose father was a well-known automobile manufacturer, were the
+other members of the group. These latter two were members of the Black
+Bear Patrol of New York. All the lads appeared to be about eighteen years
+old. Their tidy uniforms, their well-knit frames and their alert
+attitudes bespoke the constant training of their leader.
+
+As they looked from the windows of the car in which they now found
+themselves they discovered that the situation was even as Jimmie had
+stated. The country was flooded with water released from the dikes.
+
+"Tell you what," declared Jack Bosworth, after a prolonged inspection of
+the landscape, if it may be so called, "this is some wet!"
+
+"You win the argument," announced Jimmie, wrinkling his freckled nose at
+his companion. "I always said you were the wise little fox!"
+
+Jack's answer to this pleasantry was an attempt to box the younger lad's
+ears. Jimmie's resentment of the procedure drew the others into a
+friendly scuffle that terminated only when the contestants paused for
+breath.
+
+"I wish they'd hurry up and let us get onto dry land again!" said Jimmie,
+when he next found himself able to draw a long breath.
+
+"You won't find much dry land when it rains like it's going to right
+now!" stated Harry, pointing out of the window. "Watch it come down!"
+
+"I hope they don't get to the border while it rains like this," answered
+Ned, with an involuntary shiver. "I don't fancy standing out in such a
+drizzle as this appears to be. We'd be wet through in no time!"
+
+"Why, do they make us get out?" queried Harry.
+
+"Yes, I understand from what the officer said back there at the old
+castle that we'll be searched body, boots and baggage."
+
+"And what if they find something they don't like?"
+
+"Perhaps they'll put us in jail for a few months or until the war has
+ceased," replied Ned. "I'm sure I don't know what they'll do."
+
+"Br-r-rh!" shivered Jimmie. "I wouldn't turn our old friend The Rat out
+into a rain like this! That would be cruelty to animals!"
+
+"Small chance anyone'll have to turn him out now!" spoke up Jack. "That
+dynamite fixed him so he won't be turned out for some time!"
+
+"Don't speak of it, boys," protested Ned. "I see him yet!"
+
+"Let's change the subject," proposed Jimmie, out of consideration for his
+chum's feelings. "I think I see some land. Can we be coming to the border
+I wonder? I hope we are and that we can soon be starting home!"
+
+"Train's slackening speed," announced Harry. "They're stopping!"
+
+It was even as the boy had said. With many a bump and groan of grinding
+brakes the train crawled to a standstill beside a hut built upon a rise
+of ground. Here was stationed a force of soldiers detailed to the work of
+searching and examining all who attempted to pass from Belgium to
+Holland. Those who were not certified as refugees or in other ways vested
+with proper authority to pass were promptly rejected and turned back.
+
+A guard came running along the foot board opening doors. He shouted
+instructions to the inmates of the carriages, who promptly began
+scrambling out of the uncomfortable cars. All baggage was placed along
+the track to facilitate examination. The train itself was searched.
+
+Gesticulating and conversing rapidly two soldiers approached the little
+group of Boy Scouts. Apparently an argument of some sort was in progress,
+but the boys could not determine the nature of it.
+
+One of the men pointed to the uniforms and to the medals upon the sleeves
+of the boys' jackets. Gradually his companion seemed to be convinced by
+the flow of words. At length he nodded his head, as if surrendering his
+last doubts. The two men fell to examining the luggage.
+
+"Go as far as you like, Old Scout!" scorned Jimmie, as he observed the
+rough manner in which his belongings were being tossed about. "I'll bet
+I'd punch your dome a little, though, if you could talk English!"
+
+"Ah, ha!" cried one of the soldiers, tapping his comrade on the shoulder,
+as if his argument had been conclusively supported. "Anglaise!"
+
+A torrent of words from the other seemed to meet a receptive ear. The
+first speaker nodded energetically. His satisfaction was all too evident.
+From his appearance he was expecting nothing short of a medal.
+
+"Judging from their motions," Jimmie remarked, "these two fellows are
+about to fight a duel. I'll bet on the shorter one!"
+
+"Not much!" declared Harry. "They're merely telling one another what a
+nice day it was yesterday and how fine the weather'll be when it clears
+up. They are using the sign language, that's all!"
+
+"Don't you kid yourself!" protested Jimmie, uneasily. "I smell Old Man
+Trouble coming around the corner right now!"
+
+"Go on, Jimmie!" scorned Jack. "You're dreaming again!"
+
+"I know I am!" replied the younger lad. "Last night I dreamed of eating
+salt mackerel and my dream book says that means trouble!"
+
+"Here they come now!" cautioned Ned. "Hush a minute, boys!"
+
+Addressing the boys in German the soldier was evidently asking some
+question which demanded an answer. Ned as spokesman shook his head. The
+other soldier spoke rapidly in the French language.
+
+"Excuse me, gentlemen," Ned said, lifting a protesting hand, "we cannot
+understand the language you are using. We speak only English!"
+
+"Ah, ha! Anglaise!" cried the soldier, gesticulating.
+
+"There, you put your foot in it!" declared Jimmie. "Why didn't you say:
+'Come across with some good old United States, Bo'?"
+
+"They probably don't understand your slang, Jimmie!" replied Ned.
+
+"So-o-o," exclaimed one of the men in poor English, "you speak English,
+do you? And from what part of England do you come?"
+
+"We are not from England at all," explained Ned, "but from the United
+States. We are being sent home by the kindness of a German officer, who
+has been most considerate. See, here are our passports!"
+
+"Bah!" scornfully protested the man. "Passports are most easily forged.
+And information may be carried still more easily!"
+
+"But I assure you," continued Ned, "we are speaking the truth!"
+
+"So say all spies!" replied the other. "We shall see for ourselves just
+what information you have in your possessions!"
+
+"Go as far as you like," replied Ned, somewhat nettled at the soldier's
+insolence. "You won't find a thing that shouldn't be there!"
+
+One of the men was already bending over the bags containing such articles
+as the boys had deemed necessary for their trip. Without regard for the
+owners' rights he was rapidly taking out every piece separately. After
+carefully examining it he threw the article on the ground. He was
+evidently annoyed at not finding something incriminating.
+
+Submitting to the search with poorly concealed dislike of the man and his
+methods, the boys waited with what patience they could muster until the
+ordeal should be ended. Ned endeavored to distract their thoughts by
+commenting on the others, who were meeting similar treatment.
+
+He was interrupted by an exclamation of delight from the searcher.
+
+"Ah!" cried that worthy, standing upright. "Nothing contraband! Nothing
+to be concealed! No information! These are not spies!"
+
+He held in his hand a flat packet wrapped in heavy oiled silk, tied with
+many wrappings of stout twine and sealed carefully with wax.
+
+"Gather your possessions quickly and follow me!" commanded the soldier
+triumphantly, drawing a revolver. "We shall visit the commander!"
+
+"What is that thing and where did it come from?" questioned Ned.
+
+"Search me!" declared Jimmie, excitedly. "Maybe this gink had it up his
+little sleeve and dropped it in there at the right minute!"
+
+"He looks equal to it!" stated Jack stoutly. "He's a villain!"
+
+"Better be careful what you say!" cautioned Ned. "We are not out of the
+woods, and these fellows understand English pretty well!"
+
+"I wish I had my automatic and about ten yards start!" stormed Jimmie,
+gathering up wearing apparel and jamming it into his kit. "I could beat
+that slow-footed camel in a straightaway without half trying!"
+
+"Better wait and see it out," advised Ned, replacing his own belongings.
+"It's only a mistake and can surely be explained."
+
+"Maybe we can be examined and go ahead on this same train," offered Jack
+consolingly. "Anyhow, we won't gain anything by arguing with these
+fellows. They have no sense of humor and don't want one!"
+
+Following their two captors the lads trudged down the track toward the
+hut. Carefully they picked their way between groups of genuine refugees
+rearranging their meagre possessions in the coaches.
+
+In a short time the boys were duly presented before a gray-haired officer
+seated at a table placed against the wall of the hut. It was darker in
+the room than out of doors. A single oil lamp served to dispel the
+gathering gloom of the early twilight.
+
+Reporting volubly in German, with many gesticulations, the soldier
+presented the four boys. At the conclusion of his recital he laid the
+parcel upon the table. Drawing himself to his full height and assuming a
+tragic air he surveyed his captives with complacency.
+
+"Look at that mark!" whispered Jimmie hoarsely. "What is it?"
+
+"It says 'U-13' as plainly as the freckles on your nose," replied Harry,
+who stood nearest the table. "I don't know what it means!"
+
+A challenge from the sentry at the door drew the attention of those
+within the hut. For a moment every eye turned toward the entrance.
+
+Ever on the alert, Jimmie saw a hand thrust through the open window. It
+seized the package and noiselessly disappeared.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+DIFFICULTIES AND DANGERS
+
+
+Finding that the disturbance had been caused by the approach of one of
+the refugees, who demanded an audience with the commander, but who had
+quickly been satisfied by the explanation of the sentry, the officer
+again gave his attention to the group before him.
+
+"Proceed!" he ordered. "You may speak English for the benefit of these
+young gentlemen. Let us have the story, now!"
+
+"Myself and my comrade searched the baggage of these fellows," began the
+soldier, directing a contemptuous glance at the boys. "When we reached
+the kit of that one there," here he pointed at Ned, "we discovered what
+seemed to us to be suspicious goods. Here it is--!"
+
+A gasp of astonishment terminated the triumphant recital.
+
+"Go on!" ordered the officer without emotion.
+
+"But a moment ago the package was lying on your table!" almost shouted
+the soldier. "Now it is gone!"
+
+"So I perceive!" replied the officer. "If you have evidence, please
+produce it. Otherwise I shall examine the passports of the young
+gentlemen, and if they are found correct I shall permit them to depart."
+
+He reached out a hand for the passports, which were quickly presented.
+After a minute scrutiny and careful comparison of descriptions he
+returned them to the lads. Again he turned to the soldier.
+
+"Have you any evidence of their guilt?" he inquired.
+
+"I believe they have stolen the package!" stormed the soldier.
+
+"Search them!" commanded the officer. "With respect!" he added.
+
+During the hasty but thorough search of the lads' clothing Jimmie grinned
+maliciously into the faces of the soldiers. His delight knew no bounds.
+Their discomfiture upon failing to find the package was exceeded only by
+the delight of the lad, who prudently held his own counsel.
+
+"There must have been a mistake!" at length declared the officer
+impatiently. "We cannot delay the train longer. Permit them to proceed!"
+
+"But I swear I discovered in their luggage a suspicious parcel!"
+
+"It is not here! The young gentlemen do not seem to have it! In the face
+of their apparently correct passports and this courteous request from
+their friend, von Moltke, I am not justified in holding them longer!
+Young men, you may resume your journey!"
+
+Thanking the officer in grateful acknowledgment of his courtesy the lads
+again found their compartment. Scarcely had they regained their former
+position before the train again began to move.
+
+"Now, Ned," began Harry, as the wheels once more clicked over the rail
+joints, "produce! Let's have the secret!"
+
+"Produce nothing!" declared Ned. "I have nothing to produce!"
+
+"The package, man, the mysterious package of contraband spy literature!"
+demanded Harry in a serious tone. "What secrets are you carrying out of
+this country to help the English?"
+
+"I tell you I have nothing at all! I don't know what that package
+contained, nor do I know where it came from!"
+
+"That's all right, too!" declared Jack. "But where did it go to so
+suddenly? That's the interesting part! What did you do with it?"
+
+"Honestly, boys," protested Ned, "I haven't got it. I saw that fellow
+fish it out of my kit. I saw him put it on the table. When I turned back
+after glancing at the door the package was gone!"
+
+"We know that!" continued Harry. "Now, who took it?"
+
+"I'd give a good deal to know that myself!" declared Ned.
+
+"Just how much would you give?" queried Jimmie from his seat in a corner
+from whence he had been listening. "I'd like to make a stake!"
+
+"Jimmie pinched it!" cried Harry, pouncing upon his comrade.
+
+"Deliver that package!" shouted Jack, going to the assistance of his
+chum. "Search him, Ned!" he continued, as Jimmie was dragged to his feet.
+"Go through him carefully while we hold him."
+
+"Go as far as you like," grinned Jimmie teasingly. "It's not here!"
+
+"Where is it, Jimmie?" questioned Ned, seriously, "let's have it!"
+
+"I tell you I haven't got it!" declared Jimmie, still grinning. "But I
+saw it when it disappeared and I know where it went!"
+
+"Hurry up!" shouted Jack, impatiently. "Say something!"
+
+"It went out of the window of the shanty!" declared Jimmie.
+
+"Aw, go on!" scorned Harry. "Just jumped up and flew away!"
+
+With a laugh Jimmie then related what he had seen at the moment when all
+the other occupants of the hut had been giving their attention to the
+disturbance at the front door. The tale astonished his chums.
+
+"I saw the hand as plainly as I see my own!" declared Jimmie, holding his
+hand up to the light of the single oil lamp. "It was the hand of a
+gentleman, I should say. I mean by that, it was soft and well kept--not
+hard and calloused. The peculiar mark by which I shall know it again if I
+see it was a scar extending clear across the back. I somehow connected
+that scar with a saber or sword cut. It was an ugly wound."
+
+"Did you see anything of the man?" asked Ned, eagerly.
+
+"No, I wasn't turned far enough and I didn't dare move," replied Jimmie.
+"All at once I seemed to comprehend that the thief was saving us a lot of
+troublesome delay, and I just let him make his getaway without raising a
+holler! I thought he was helping us as well as himself!"
+
+"I think we ought to vote Jimmie a credit mark!" declared Ned.
+
+"He certainly exercised wonderful self-control in not making a noise at a
+critical time," added Jack. "I wonder, now, if the chap at the door made
+the disturbance to assist the other fellow in grabbing the parcel. It
+would almost seem as if they were working together!"
+
+"It does seem like that!" stated Ned, thoughtfully. "But what puzzles me
+most is the fact that the package was in our baggage!"
+
+"I wonder what on earth could have been in the old 'U-13'!"
+
+But ponder and speculate as they might the lads were unable to arrive at
+a solution of the mysterious presence and disappearance of the package
+bearing the curious mark. Weary with the exertion of attempting to solve
+the problem the boys at length composed themselves for sleep.
+
+Mile after mile the train bumped jerkily along the uneven track.
+Occasionally a guard opened the door to scrutinize the compartment, but
+upon finding the little party at rest he again proceeded to his duties.
+
+Gradually the train drew away from the inundated section. To the
+southward, whence they had come, the boys were leaving the scene of the
+mighty conflict, the like of which history had never seen. Behind them
+were the trenches filled with soldiers--some happy and gay even in the
+presence of death, others disheartened and downcast. There, too, they
+were leaving the great cannon with their roaring, screaming shells, the
+vicious crack of rifles and the wasp-like singing of bullets.
+
+Before them in fancy they saw a great ship upon which they would take
+passage to the peace and quietness of their own country. Their dreams
+were filled with scenes of New York and their beloved club room, hung
+with trophies of the prowess of the members of their patrol.
+
+At Amsterdam they would embark speedily, and after a week or ten days of
+ocean travel would see again the Goddess of Liberty holding up to the
+world a beacon to guide their ships into a haven of peace and plenty.
+
+Could the boys have pierced the veil and looked upon the scenes through
+which they were soon to pass their rest that night might not have been so
+tranquil, their dreams would perhaps have been less pleasant.
+
+Thanks to the consideration extended them at the instance of their
+friend, von Moltke, the German officer in whose charge they had been
+placed during the last exciting scenes of their stay in the war zone, the
+lads had been accorded the privilege of a whole compartment. Due to this
+fact they found room in which to stretch out as they slept. This
+exceptional advantage was fully appreciated.
+
+Toward morning the boys were awakened by the bustle surrounding the
+arrival of the train at Utrecht. At this point another passenger was
+thrust unceremoniously into the compartment. After performing this duty
+the guard hastened away to perform similar services for others.
+
+"Good morning, gentlemen," said the newcomer pleasantly.
+
+"Top of the morning to you!" smiled Jimmie, rising and endeavoring to
+smooth out the wrinkles in his uniform. "How's the weather outside?"
+
+"Clearing rapidly, but there's promise of some wind," replied the
+newcomer. "May I ask how far you are going?"
+
+"New York!" declared Jimmie with a grin. "That is," his added, "if this
+old ark holds together until we get to Amsterdam and we can find a ship
+there. It would be just our luck to find the last canal boat gone!"
+
+"Been having tough luck?" inquired the other solicitously.
+
+"Rotten!" stated the boy. "How far do you go?" he asked.
+
+"Amsterdam is my present destination," was the reply. "My name's
+Mackinder--Robert Mackinder, and I'm trying to get out of this forsaken
+country, don't you know. I'm in hopes I'll be able to find some craft
+destined to a point where I'll be able to get home."
+
+Introductions of the four lads followed. Mackinder proved himself an
+entertaining talker. Listening to his tales of adventure in various lands
+the boys were soon at ease. The man apparently had traveled over the
+whole world for he seemed familiar with all lands.
+
+"I say," declared Jimmie, as their new found friend concluded a tale of
+privation through which he had passed in South Africa, "that story of
+starvation reminds me that I am hungry. I haven't eaten in a week!"
+
+"Jimmie, Jimmie!" cautioned Ned. "Get down to recent dates!"
+
+"Well, it feels that way, anyhow," persisted the boy.
+
+"Can you tell us where we'll be able to find a lunch counter?" asked Ned.
+"We have nothing in our kits except some hard tack."
+
+"There is no place short of Amsterdam where one can get anything like a
+decent meal," replied Mackinder. "There I can show you the way to a
+restaurant that is all right. It is not far from the docks."
+
+"Then we'll get one good, solid, square meal!" shouted Jimmie.
+
+"And after breakfast," put in Harry, "we'll go aboard the steamer and let
+'em sail as soon as they like! What shall we eat?"
+
+"I want a limburger cheese sandwich," announced Jimmie. "I'd like it to
+be on rye bread with plenty of mustard. Then with a couple of cups of
+real old Dutch coffee I guess I'd last until noon."
+
+"By noon we'll be out on the North Sea, I hope," stated Harry.
+
+"You don't get onto the North Sea direct from Amsterdam!" scorned Jack.
+"You have to go through some sort of lake or bay first!"
+
+"Leave it to Mr. Mackinder here!" protested Harry.
+
+"Your friend is right, Harry," smiled Mackinder, thus appealed to.
+"Amsterdam is on the Zuider Zee. If we get a vessel at that place we will
+pass northward through that water, thence between some of the Friesian
+Islands into the North Sea. From that point it is but a short distance to
+my destination. Any port in England will be suitable for my purpose."
+
+"Nix on England for mine!" declared Jimmie. "I'm for the little old
+United States every time. We are neutral there without having to think
+about it. I'm about done with war. I've seen enough!"
+
+"Too much is plenty, as the Dutchman says," put in Harry. "But about this
+Amsterdam place, now. Do you know the town, Mr. Mackinder?"
+
+"Indeed I do!" was the reply. "I have been there many times."
+
+"Then perhaps you'd be good enough to give us a little help. You see,
+we're strangers there and since we've lost our airship we're almost
+helpless. We're not accustomed to finding our way about where the
+inhabitants don't speak English. Besides, we're not provided with a map."
+
+"I shall be delighted to help you in any way possible," continued the
+man. "I think that if you follow me you'll have little trouble."
+
+The lads gladly availed themselves of this offer, and shortly after their
+arrival at the city they found themselves in a room plainly but
+comfortably furnished. From their windows they could see the shipping in
+the harbor. Before them a busy street teemed with traffic.
+
+Watching the strange sights below the boys were startled to hear:
+
+"I'll trouble you now for the 'U-13' package!"
+
+Wheeling quickly they were frightened to observe that Mackinder had them
+covered with a revolver. His look was stern and determined.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE MAN WITH THE SCAR
+
+
+"What package is it you want?" inquired Ned in amazement as he saw that
+Mackinder evidently intended to enforce his demand at all costs.
+
+"I shall countenance no delay!" spoke the man sharply. "You may step to
+your luggage there and produce that package instantly. If you refuse I
+shall summon assistance and it will be taken forcibly."
+
+"You have the wrong pig by the ear this time, partner!" put in Jimmie.
+"Just put up your little cannon. It won't do you any good here."
+
+"Enough!" snapped Mackinder. "You will gain nothing by attempting such
+methods. I am not to be balked by trivialities!"
+
+"Well, Boss," smiled Jimmie, "we haven't got any 'U-13' package and we
+haven't got any of those other things, either!"
+
+"I warn you," went on Mackinder in a menacing tone, "it has become known
+to the authorities that you have this package. I have been commissioned
+to secure it. If you surrender it before leaving this country you will
+lose nothing. If you refuse it will be taken by force. In that case you
+need not expect to receive any degree of clemency in the matter!"
+
+"Mr. Mackinder," began Ned with dignity, "we don't understand what you
+mean. If you intend to infer that we have some mysterious package that we
+should not have you are not fair to us. Perhaps you would like to examine
+our luggage and be sure it is not there."
+
+"Very well," stated Mackinder grimly. "If you insist."
+
+Keeping the revolver leveled in the direction of the group the man
+stepped to the side of the room. He grasped the old-fashioned bell-pull.
+In answer to his summons steps were heard approaching the door.
+
+"Ah, there you are, Norton," sighed Mackinder in a relieved tone as a man
+in uniform appeared. "Just keep an eye on these chaps, will you. I'm
+going through their luggage. Look sharp, now!"
+
+From Norton's appearance the boys judged that the task was much to his
+liking. He fingered a wicked looking revolver, as if anticipating trouble
+and hoping that would come quickly. His manner was that of an eager
+hunting dog scenting game and only waiting a command to attack.
+
+Thinking it best to offer no resistance and understanding that arguments
+would not avail under the present circumstances Ned seated himself in a
+convenient chair. He began to divert the minds of his comrades by talking
+of the shipping and the traffic which they could see.
+
+Hastily Mackinder tossed the luggage about in his efforts to locate the
+article he sought. Finally he turned to Ned.
+
+"Where have you concealed it?" he asked with some display of anger.
+
+"Concealed what?" asked Ned impatiently. "I tell you, Mr. Mackinder, I
+don't like this idea of your holding us up in this manner without
+apparent authority. You are imposing on good nature!"
+
+"Perhaps I have been a little hasty," stated Mackinder, "but I have been
+commissioned to secure a certain package which is alleged to contain
+information vital to two countries. It may possibly concern more. You are
+said to have had possession of this package at the time you left the
+castle in Flanders. Where is it now?"
+
+"Do you mean the flat package the soldier found in our baggage at the
+frontier where we were searched?" inquired Jimmie.
+
+"No doubt it is the same one," stated Mackinder.
+
+"Then," declared the boy, pointing at Mackinder's hand, "I have every
+reason to believe that you know more about the whereabouts of that
+package than do we. I recognize that peculiar scar on your hand!"
+
+Quick glances of inquiry were directed by the boys at the hand toward
+which Jimmie was pointing. It bore a scar running clear across the
+back--an ugly, jagged scar that they had heard Jimmie describe.
+
+"What did you mean by coming here and trying to throw a bluff into us
+about the package still being in our kits when you yourself took it from
+the table in the hut?" demanded Jimmie aggressively.
+
+"You're mistaken, boys, I don't know what you're talking about!"
+
+"Then you've got a mighty poor memory!" declared the lad.
+
+"Mr. Mackinder," Ned said in a low tone vibrant with indignation, "if
+you've quite satisfied yourself that we have not got the package you seem
+to be seeking we'll excuse you. We don't want your company any more, and
+we shall try to proceed upon our journey alone."
+
+"But, see here, boys--" Mackinder attempted to explain.
+
+"Not another word!" cried Ned rising. "There is the door and you are at
+liberty to use it quickly. You are welcome to the package!"
+
+"You will find out later on," Mackinder said, as he started to leave the
+room in company with Norton, "that I've been trying to help you out of
+mighty suspicious circumstances. You are ungrateful!"
+
+"Good-bye!" called out Jimmie. "Don't slam the door!"
+
+For a moment the boys gazed at one another in amazement after the two men
+had left the room. They were excited and puzzled.
+
+"Well, this is a stunner!" declared Ned at length.
+
+"Who is this Mackinder, who is Norton, what is in this 'U-13' package
+that he wants, how did it get into our baggage, why was it put there,
+where are we going, when do we eat!" demanded Jimmie in a breath.
+
+"That's the way to talk, Jimmie!" cried Harry, laughing in spite of the
+situation that the boys all felt to be a serious one.
+
+"The last question is the most important!" stated Jack. "I'm in favor of
+the eats part and that without further delay."
+
+"Come on, boys," suggested Ned. "Let's eat first and talk things over
+afterward. I'm nearly famished myself, and Jimmie is hungry, too!"
+
+In a short time the lads were seated in a quaint restaurant ordering
+strange dishes. They were hungry, as only healthy, active boys can be.
+The food was well cooked and appetizing. They ate heartily.
+
+"Now, I'm in favor of getting to the docks as quick as possible,"
+announced Jimmie, pushing his plate away. "Let's get our passage
+settled."
+
+All were in favor of this arrangement. After paying for their breakfast
+the lads set out in search of a ship upon which they might secure passage
+to the United States. But they were not to secure this easily.
+
+Extended inquiry during the forenoon elicited the information that there
+was no vessel clearing from the port of Amsterdam for any place in
+America. Although they made every effort to find a steamer which would
+afford them the accommodations they sought none was found.
+
+Inquiry at the railway station disclosed the fact that their airship, the
+Grey Eagle, now dismantled and packed in boxes, was at the freight sheds
+waiting a claimant. Until they could find a vessel to carry it home the
+boys preferred to let it remain in its present location.
+
+After dinner they continued their inquiries for a vessel. At length they
+learned of a full-rigged three-masted ship that was to clear in a few
+days for New York. Regretting even this short delay the lads decided to
+attempt to secure passage, although the journey would be a long one.
+
+Ned secured the services of a boatman, who offered to row them out to the
+ship, which lay at anchor in the harbor. The man charged them what the
+boys considered an extraordinary price for the service, but explained
+that the weather was unfavorable and that at any moment a storm might
+break. To this the boys could but agree. A glance at the sky convinced
+them that a storm of rather unusual violence was gathering.
+
+"Take him up, anyhow, Ned!" urged Harry. "We want to get home!"
+
+"All right, then, here goes!" declared Ned, stepping aboard the
+waterman's craft. "Pull away, my friend, we're all aboard."
+
+In a short time the man was threading his way amongst the shipping in the
+harbor. From their position so low upon the water the masts and spars of
+the vessels looked to be of extraordinary height to the boys, who viewed
+every object with keen interest.
+
+A hail from the boatman was answered by a man from the deck of the ship.
+He thrust his head over the rail inquiringly.
+
+"Where's your captain?" asked Ned, as the man appeared.
+
+"What do you want of the captain?" asked the man in a surly voice.
+
+"We want to talk with him," replied Ned. "We'll explain to him."
+
+"He's busy now and don't want to be disturbed. Tell me what you want and
+I'll give him your message. Maybe he'll see you!"
+
+"We want to arrange passage on your ship to the United States."
+
+"I'll see what he's got to say," replied the man, moving away.
+
+While he was gone the boys examined the vessel closely. Jimmie pronounced
+the vessel very much to his liking. He admired the lines and pointed with
+pride to the modeling of the stern.
+
+"Hello!" the boy cried excitedly, his arm extended still in the act of
+indicating the ship, "there goes our friend Mackinder in a launch!"
+
+"Where?" asked Ned eagerly, turning about in his seat.
+
+"Right astern of us!" replied Jimmie. "I wonder what he was doing aboard
+this ship. He seems to be in a hurry to get ashore."
+
+"Maybe he wasn't on this ship at all," was Harry's objection. "He might
+have been out on the harbor for a pleasure ride."
+
+"Sure, he's just the chap to take a pleasure ride on the harbor with a
+storm brewing! I've got a picture of that chap joy-riding!"
+
+"I hope he doesn't see us," declared Jack. "He might have enough
+influence with the captain to prevent our securing passage on this ship."
+
+The conversation was interrupted by the advent of the captain, who looked
+over the rail at the little craft riding alongside.
+
+"What do you want?" he inquired in a business-like tone.
+
+"We want to arrange passage on your ship to New York, Captain," stated
+Ned respectfully. "We understand you are to sail soon. We are citizens of
+the United States homeward bound. Can you help us out?"
+
+"Not this trip!" decided the captain instantly.
+
+"We are able to pay well for our accommodations," continued the boy. "It
+is rather important that we get home as quickly as possible."
+
+"Possibly," returned the captain shortly.
+
+Nonplussed, Ned was at a loss to find words with which to urge his
+request further. The captain's distant manner gave him no encouragement.
+
+"We'll not be the slightest trouble, Captain," the lad presently
+continued. "We understand you'll be loaded in a few days and will sail
+for New York direct. Cannot you arrange to accommodate us?"
+
+"This isn't a passenger vessel," stated the captain.
+
+"Well, then, couldn't we sign articles and work our way over? We'd be
+willing to pay whatever you think is right for that privilege."
+
+"You want to get me into trouble with the authorities, don't you?"
+replied the other, preparing to move away.
+
+"But, Captain, just think a moment. There must be some way in which you
+can arrange it. Don't leave us in a foreign country!"
+
+"You seem to have done pretty well in foreign countries as it is! If you
+can pull off the stunts you have just done I guess you'll get over to New
+York all right--if that's where you want to go!"
+
+"What do you mean? I don't understand you!"
+
+"Oh, you don't, eh? Well, to put it plainly, this is a peaceable, neutral
+ship doing honest trading. I carry freight, not spies!"
+
+With these words the captain disappeared. The boys gasped in astonishment
+at the words and looked at each other speechless.
+
+Ned motioned to the boatman to return to the dock. His puzzled frown
+showed plainly that the boy was at a loss to understand the situation.
+
+"I've got it!" almost shouted Jimmie, as the lads were once more on land.
+"I know what the answer is! I've been reading my little dream book!"
+
+"All right, wise man, let's have it! Don't keep it bottled up!"
+
+"Mackinder!" declared Jimmie impressively.
+
+"You don't mean to say that he beat us to the ship and managed to get the
+captain to refuse us passage on his vessel?" asked Ned.
+
+"I believe I'm right at that!" maintained Jimmie, stoutly.
+
+"Then the only thing we can do is to try to find some coasting vessel to
+carry us out of the Zuider Zee into the North Sea and make a port in
+England. We can then go overland to Liverpool and get a ship from there
+home. Suppose we try that?" offered Ned.
+
+The boys were passing along a covered dock at the moment. As they turned
+a corner they saw Mackinder standing near. A smile of triumph lighted his
+face.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE LENA KNOBLOCH
+
+
+"What did I tell you?" inquired Jimmie, as the boys passed the man.
+"There he stands with his arms folded and grins like a cream stealing
+cat! I wish I had a half a brick! We'll have to watch out for him!"
+
+"It surely looks as if you were right, Jimmie!" assented Ned.
+
+"But what gets me," put in Harry, "is why he should be after us! What
+have we done? He seems to have information that we're criminals!"
+
+"It looks mighty strange that he should have stolen the package out of
+that hut and then continue to insist that we have it," remarked Ned. "Are
+you sure he's the same fellow, Jimmie?"
+
+"It's the very same hand," declared the lad, "and that hand is a dead
+give away! I wonder he didn't wear a glove or bandage!"
+
+"Maybe he didn't have time when he got the package," explained Jack. "Can
+anyone tell me how the thing got into our kits?"
+
+This question was unanswerable by any of the lads. Puzzling over the
+strange adventures they had recently encountered the lads proceeded to
+their hotel, where they spent some time in freshening both themselves and
+their uniforms and in rearranging their baggage.
+
+At supper time they were tired and very hungry. At the first opportunity
+they proceeded to the restaurant where they had formerly eaten.
+
+Jimmie's spirits revived as food was set before them. In a moment he was
+laughing and chatting away without a care in the world. His good humor
+was infectious. Soon all four boys were in a merry mood.
+
+"I wish we could get a civilized paper," declared Jack at length. "I'd
+really like to see what's going on in the world."
+
+"Maybe we can get one at the desk. Or possibly the cashier can tell us
+where they will have English papers for sale," suggested Harry.
+
+"Here comes a man who looks as if he were a native," spoke up Jimmie.
+"I'll bet he can tell us a whole lot of things we want to know!"
+
+The boys glanced up to observe a man approaching their table. He was
+evidently a seafaring man. His dress and manner betokened the deep sea
+mariner. A decided air of the ocean marked him to the boys' eyes.
+
+"Goot efening, Chentlemen!" the stranger said as he approached.
+
+"Howdy!" replied Jimmie, with a wave of his hand. "What'll you have?"
+
+"Vell," replied the visitor, "schnapps vas goot, but you couldn't get 'em
+here. Dis isn't no blace for dot! No, sir!"
+
+"I wasn't inviting you to have a drink," snapped Jimmie somewhat
+confusedly, "I meant to ask you what's on your mind."
+
+"So-o-o-o!" exclaimed the newcomer with a long drawn expression of
+surprise. His shaggy eyebrows raised as he extended his chin and shrugged
+his shoulders, pantomiming an apology. "So, dot's it, eh?"
+
+"Sure thing!" answered Jimmie, regaining his composure in a measure but
+with his face still flushed. "We want to know what you're after."
+
+"Vell," went on the visitor, "my name's Captain Johannes von Kluck. Don'd
+forgot dot 'Captain' part, eider. Und I haf learned dot you chentlemans
+vas lookin' for a fine, fast ship. Und I have chust dot!"
+
+As he made this announcement Captain von Kluck smiled a wide look of
+friendship at the entire party. It was a wonderful smile, beginning at
+the tiny wrinkles surrounding the corners of his eyes. From there it
+spread all over his face, gradually distorting the features until, as
+Jimmie afterward declared, the boys were forced to smile in spite of
+themselves.
+
+"And where does your fine ship go, Captain von Kluck?" asked Ned.
+
+"Chust vherefer you vant to go!" declared the captain solemnly. "Me, I am
+a goot navigator, und mine mate he is, too, a goot von!"
+
+"We want to go to New York," continued Ned. "If you can arrange to
+furnish us passage to that port, we'll pay you well."
+
+To this the captain answered by spreading his hands and shrugging his
+shoulders until they nearly reached his ears. Over his beaming face
+spread a look of despair. He slowly shook his head.
+
+"To New York I cannot go!" he answered dolefully. "Bud I vill put you
+ashore in England, und from dere you can easy get a ship!"
+
+"Well, that's better than nothing at all!" admitted Ned.
+
+"Sure!" declared Jimmie. "Anything to get out of this place!"
+
+"When can you be ready to sail, Captain?" inquired Ned.
+
+"Who, me?" questioned the captain in a tone of surprise.
+
+"Nobody else but you, your crew and we boys!" laughed Ned.
+
+"Sure! Dot's all ridt!" nodded von Kluck. "Vhell, I'm ready now. Yet I
+haf some cheeses on board to put, und some odder tings!"
+
+"Can you accommodate the boxes containing our airship?" asked Jimmie. "We
+have the Grey Eagle over here at the railroad station and don't want to
+leave it behind us when we leave the country."
+
+"Maybe it vould on de schip go!" consented von Kluck.
+
+"Hurrah!" exultantly cried the lads. "That's fine!"
+
+"How big is your ship, Captain?" asked Ned, "and what's her name?"
+
+"Mine schip is der Lena Knobloch!" smiled the captain. "Dot's vot you
+English beoples call garlic. Und id vas a goot schip alreaty!"
+
+"Well, then," suggested Ned, "suppose the captain takes supper here as
+our guest. Two of us will remain with him to arrange details while the
+other two hasten away and get a truck to take the boxes to the dock. Can
+you give us directions for reaching the vessel, Captain?"
+
+"Sure," assented the captain, seating himself. "Und I know a man vot
+vould haul your goots, too. I get him," he added.
+
+"In that case, we'll all go over together," proposed Jack. "I don't like
+the idea of separating while we're in a strange town."
+
+"Perhaps the captain can tell us where we can get some English papers,"
+ventured Jimmie. "We'd like to get the latest news."
+
+Wheeling in his chair the captain bawled out an order in Dutch. A waiter
+came bustling up with an air of deference. Evidently he knew the captain
+and understood that no delay would be tolerated.
+
+A few words were rapidly spoken, whereupon the waiter hastened away to
+return presently with several newspapers. These were spread upon the
+table before the boys, who began a perusal of their contents.
+
+"Gee whiz!" exclaimed Jimmie, glancing at the headlines of the paper
+which had fallen to his lot. "Listen to this--three vessels sunk in the
+mouth of the Mersey river by a German submarine identified as the 'U-13.'
+Then there's been two vessels sunk at the mouth of the Thames!"
+
+"What sunk them?" inquired Harry.
+
+"It says here that they were sunk by a German submarine. In each case the
+diver has been identified as the 'U-13' by the crews of the ill-fated
+vessels. Now, that's going some!"
+
+"Let's see," pondered Harry, "the Thames is the river leading to London,
+while the Mersey is the river leading to Liverpool."
+
+"Right you are, Old Scout, go to the head of the class!"
+
+"Hush, Jimmie, no nonsense!" cautioned Ned.
+
+"What I was thinking about," continued Harry, "is the distance a boat
+would have to travel to get from one place to the other. It must be all
+of seven hundred miles around Land's End. A boat would have to be speedy
+to cover that distance so quickly!"
+
+"How quickly?" demanded Jimmie. "The paper says the three ships were sunk
+at the Mersey on Wednesday morning. Those at the Thames, or rather 'off
+Margate,' as the article states, were sunk Thursday afternoon. That
+wouldn't be such an impossible feat after all!"
+
+"Twenty miles an hour sustained speed for about twenty-eight hours is
+running along at a pretty good clip, just the same!"
+
+"Well, the vessel did it!" declared Jimmie. "The paper says that about
+six o'clock Wednesday morning the Wanderer, a vessel laden with
+foodstuffs from Australia, was hailed by the crew of a submarine. They
+were permitted to take to the small boats and then the Wanderer was
+torpedoed, going down at once. The submarine was positively identified as
+the 'U-13.' Then the other paragraph says that at about eight o'clock on
+Thursday evening the steamer Adventure from Buenos Ayres with a cargo of
+flour for London was treated in the same manner off Margate by the
+'U-13'!"
+
+"Isn't it a little strange that the submarine should have attacked a
+peaceful merchant vessel?" inquired Jack. "That isn't war!"
+
+"Evidently it is the intention to blockade all English ports and shut off
+the food supply of the nation," ventured Ned. "You see the article
+relates that all the ships were loaded with food and destined to English
+ports. It must be a blockade movement!"
+
+"Here's an account," announced Harry, "that says a steamer was hailed by
+a submarine a few miles off the Lizard Head. It escaped by its superior
+speed, but only by a narrow margin, for the submarine launched a torpedo
+that barely missed striking the after portion of the ship!"
+
+"Maybe it was the same little old 'U-13,'" suggested Jimmie.
+
+"Oh, you 'U-13'!" laughed Jack. "You're some boat, all right!"
+
+"Say!" shouted Jimmie, jumping quickly to his feet. The boy glanced about
+the group with startled looks. "What about that 'U-13' package? Do you
+suppose it was intended for the submarine?"
+
+The boys exchanged puzzled looks. Perplexity was expressed in every face.
+A look of worry began to appear on Ned's countenance.
+
+"I wonder who Mackinder is and what he has to do with that package," the
+lad said presently. "Boys, we're surely stumbling into a mess of
+something. We'll have to be careful!"
+
+"Captain," demanded Jimmie, turning to von Kluck, "what do you know about
+this 'U-13' business? What is the 'U-13'?"
+
+Leaning back in his chair the captain drew a long breath. He filled a
+great pipe from a capacious pouch. Gravely he packed the tobacco into the
+immense bowl, accompanying the procedure with sundry shakes of his head.
+Not until the pipe was drawing freely did he reply.
+
+"Ach, id vas vot der Deutsch say it 'Unterseeboot'! You English say it
+submarine! Und dot liddle schip goes 'Boom'! und down goes der big schips
+under der vasser! Und dey stay, too!" he concluded.
+
+"Yes, we know that," assented Jimmie, punctuating his statement with a
+poke at the paragraph he had just read, "but who owns it?"
+
+"Vhell, der Chermans dey claim to haf a big share in id!"
+
+"Then if we start out for England in this Lena Knobloch of yours how do
+we know that the 'U-13' won't come along and take a poke at us just out
+of pure spite?" questioned the lad.
+
+"Vhell, maybe she vill," agreed von Kluck, between puffs. "Bud if you
+vhas like me, you iss willing to took a chance. I go, und das Lena goes,
+und by und by maybe we make blenty money und go ashore to shtay."
+
+"You take it easy, I must say!" returned Jimmie, somewhat amused.
+
+"Are you going out just the same, Captain?" inquired Jack.
+
+"Sure!" proclaimed the captain, in no uncertain tones.
+
+"Then let's be getting that truck and take the Grey Eagle boxes aboard
+the Lena Knobloch!" cried Jack. "The sooner it's over the easier I'll
+feel. I'm beginning to get nervous about all this 'U-13' business!"
+
+After paying their bill the boys set out in company with the captain to
+find the trucker. That individual put up a strong protest at taking out
+his horses at the unseemly hour, but a piece of coin slipped into his
+hand at the opportune moment by Ned soon changed his mind.
+
+Another piece of money changing hands at the proper moment secured the
+consent of the official in charge of the freight sheds to the delivery of
+the boxes containing the precious Grey Eagle.
+
+Making the affair a pleasure jaunt the lads lost no time in loading the
+cases aboard the truck. Merrily they set off for the dock.
+
+Upon arriving in the vicinity of his vessel the captain shed his jovial
+air like an overcoat. He bawled out orders to his crew, emphasizing his
+commands with sundry fistic punctuations. The men evidently knew with
+whom they had to deal, for they fell to the work with a will.
+
+The boys turned back to the hotel to secure their hand baggage.
+
+A small cart drawn by two huge dogs was approaching. In the vehicle were
+some milk cans. The figure of a woman guided the strange team.
+
+"This is rather early for the milklady!" laughed Jimmie.
+
+"That's no woman!" declared Jack. "Look at that walk!"
+
+"That's Mackinder!" Jimmie cried. "See the scar on his hand!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+TWO MYSTERIOUS CHANGES
+
+
+"Hey, you!" shouted Jimmie, dashing across the street in the direction of
+the queer outfit. "Come here! I want to see you!"
+
+The pseudo milk vendor gave a quick glance at the approaching boy. A
+street lamp cast a flickering glare upon the automatic which Jimmie had
+drawn from his pocket. Without waiting to explain or ask questions the
+person addressed deserted the dog team instantly.
+
+With but a single look over its shoulder the figure darted toward a
+building at the head of the quay. Boots clattered on the pavement, while
+the long stride clearly indicated to the boys that Jimmie and Jack had
+been correct in their surmise that the garb of a woman milk vendor had
+been assumed as a disguise.
+
+Although Jimmie's speed was great, the lad's sprint was not sufficient to
+permit him to overtake his quarry.
+
+"He'll never make it!" declared Jack, tugging away at his own automatic
+and preparing to follow his comrade.
+
+"Come on, fellows, let's get a move on!" suggested Harry. "That fellow
+will just about get into a corner somewhere and knock Jimmie over the
+head. He's capable of worse than that, I believe!"
+
+All three lads hastened after the fleeing figure of their red-headed chum
+and the one whom he was pursuing.
+
+An open door in the building indicated that the race had turned in that
+direction. Producing an electric searchlight Ned urged caution. Directly
+the lads heard the sound of a falling body. This was at once followed by
+an exclamation of surprise and disgust. They recognized the tones as
+those of their companion.
+
+"Are you there, Jimmie?" called Ned, swinging the beam from his
+searchlight about the interior, lighting up a collection of merchandise
+piled in the warehouse. Jimmie was nowhere to be seen.
+
+"Where could he have gone so suddenly?" queried Harry.
+
+"Maybe Mackinder hit him over the head!" ventured Jack.
+
+"Mackinder better be careful how he monkeys with this crew!" was Harry's
+belligerent comment. "Maybe that guy'll get all that's coming to him and
+get it right in the neck!"
+
+For a moment the boys stood listening intently for some indication of the
+presence of their comrade. Once Ned thought he heard a soft footfall. He
+put out his hand to touch Jack on the arm.
+
+"Ss-s-sh!" he hissed. "What was that?"
+
+"Rat, maybe!" suggested Jack. "Turn your searchlight this way a minute. I
+want to see where this passage leads."
+
+Ned swung the searchlight in the direction indicated. Its lance of flame
+pierced the gloom, revealing tiers of boxes and piles of bags and bales
+heaped up in orderly array. Sufficient space had been left between the
+heaps of merchandise to provide passageway.
+
+"Come on," cried Jack, "we're losing time standing here!"
+
+Scarcely had the boy uttered the words ere an object came hurtling
+through the air. It struck the searchlight fairly upon the lens. There
+was a quick cry of distress from Ned, a rattle of broken glass, the
+tinkle of the falling searchlight. For a moment complete silence reigned.
+The next instant there was a rush of a heavy body.
+
+Taken by surprise the boys were not prepared for the onslaught. They went
+down like ten pins. Harry received a blow on the jaw that nearly put him
+out for the count. Jack declared afterwards that his stomach would never
+cease aching from the punch that landed there.
+
+Ned had been bringing up the rear of the little party, hence suffered
+least. He felt about quickly for the searchlight as he lay on the floor.
+Before he could recover it the boys heard the outer door slam and knew
+that someone had passed out of the building after the sudden attack. Who
+it might have been they could only conjecture.
+
+"Oh, my poor jaw!" groaned Harry. "I'm knocked out!"
+
+"No, you're not!" protested Ned. "That only shook you up!"
+
+"Sure!" agreed Jack. "Shook us all up so we'll get a little more 'pep'.
+Let's hurry up and follow that guy!"
+
+"Wait a minute," objected Ned. "We want to find Jimmie first!"
+
+"Right-O!" agreed Harry. "I think my jaw is better now. Where are we
+going, anyway? Do you suppose that was Jimmie that floored us just now?
+Maybe he thought Mackinder had pals coming in!"
+
+"I don't believe it," stated Ned. "Jimmie must have known that Mackinder
+was alone with the milk wagon. He also knew that we would follow him
+here. Possibly the lad is farther along in the warehouse, lost amongst
+this merchandise. That must have been Mackinder!"
+
+"You're right, Ned!" declared Jack. "He probably misled Jimmie in here
+and then dashed out as we came in!"
+
+"But where is Jimmie now?" queried Harry. "I don't hear him!"
+
+"Oh, Jimmie!" called Ned in a loud tone.
+
+To this hail there was no answer. Complete silence reigned.
+
+"That's mighty funny!" puzzled Harry. "Get your searchlight and let's
+hunt him up. He can't have gotten far away."
+
+A short search by all three boys resulted in the recovery of the
+searchlight. Beyond the damaged lens the instrument had suffered no
+injury. It was still serviceable and cast a strong beam of light.
+
+By its aid the lads followed the passage, stepping rapidly forward. They
+were becoming alarmed over the failure of their chum to respond to their
+calls. All feared that Mackinder might have done the lad harm.
+Momentarily their anxiety increased.
+
+"Here's a side passage!" declared Harry, who brought up the rear of the
+little procession. "Where does this go?"
+
+"Wait a minute with that searchlight, Ned!" called Jack, who followed Ned
+closely. "Throw it back here a minute for Harry!"
+
+Before the light could be brought into service Harry had taken a step
+into the passage he had just discovered. A sharp cry of surprise brought
+Jack and Ned to his side in an instant.
+
+The lads saw Harry bending over the form of their missing chum. Jimmie
+lay in a heap, blocking the passageway.
+
+Fearful that their first suspicions had been correct, the boys scarcely
+dared investigate. Jack began growling out uncomplimentary remarks
+concerning Mackinder. Ned quickly forced his way to Harry's side.
+
+"Here, let me see him!" Ned cried, throwing the flame of his searchlight
+on the recumbent form. "Why, he's all huddled up!"
+
+"All in a bunch!" agreed Harry. "I wonder if he's hurt!"
+
+"Roll him over," directed Ned. "Let's get him out of here!"
+
+"Why, he's tied!" cried Harry, in a startled voice.
+
+"Tied?" questioned Jack, pushing forward. "Who tied him?"
+
+"And gagged!" went on Harry, his voice vibrating with indignation.
+"Mackinder will pay for this!" the lad continued. "We'll get him!"
+
+Without the loss of a moment Harry was swiftly relieving Jimmie of the
+object which prevented speech. A small block of wood had been forced
+between Jimmie's teeth. This had been secured in place by tying a
+handkerchief over his face. The gag had been extremely effective, even
+though it was uncomfortable and crude.
+
+As the gag was removed Jimmie wagged his jaw a few times to relieve the
+strained muscles. He nodded his appreciation.
+
+"How are you feeling, Jimmie?" was Ned's solicitous inquiry.
+
+"All right," replied the lad. "Untie my hands, will you?"
+
+"Gee, but you're an artist, Jimmie!" cried Jack. "We'll get you a job as
+'Tricko, The Handcuff King'! I want to say right now," the boy went on in
+mock seriousness, "there are very few people who can tie themselves up so
+completely and so quickly as this job has been done!"
+
+"You win the argument!" decided Jimmie, ironically. "If I get my tutor
+where I can lay hands on him I'll show him a trick or two that wasn't in
+the first chapter. He's in for some instruction all right!"
+
+"What happened, Jimmie?" asked Ned, carefully passing his knife through
+the bonds that confined the other's hands and feet.
+
+"Well, when I came slamming along into the warehouse I was only a few
+feet behind the milk maid!" began Jimmie. "I at once crept in on tiptoe,
+because I reasoned that he would be slugging along, making considerable
+noise. I didn't know that there were goods in here.
+
+"I couldn't see him anywhere. From that I concluded that he had either
+stopped or had taken to tiptoeing, too. I had my 'gat' ready and started
+in. I felt along the bales and boxes a ways. Just as I heard you fellows
+come into the door something tripped me and down I went.
+
+"Before I could say a word he had shoved that thing into my mouth, pulled
+a handkerchief out of my pocket, tied it around my face and then tied my
+hands together under my knees. Say," the lad continued earnestly, "that
+guy never got his knowledge out of a correspondence course! He's been
+there and helped skin 'em! He's smooth!"
+
+"Where's your automatic?" asked Harry.
+
+"I don't know," replied Jimmie. "Let's have the bug a minute. I'm sure I
+heard it fall, but I can't say whether Mackinder got it or not!"
+
+"Mackinder?" questioned Ned. "How do you know it was he?"
+
+"Because as he was tying my hands together I had a chance to feel of the
+back of his right hand. I could feel the scar as plainly as could be. It
+was the same scar I saw before he started to run and the same scar I saw
+when the 'U-13' package was pinched!"
+
+"I'd like to take a poke at him just for luck!" declared Jack.
+
+"I don't know about that," stated Jimmie. "I can't help but admire a
+fellow as capable as he is. He tied me up so quickly and cleverly and yet
+so effectively. I'd like to take lessons of him!"
+
+"Here's your gun!" joyously announced Harry. "And here's the milkmaid's
+dress he shed in here after he trussed you up."
+
+"Now, then," began Ned, as the party was again complete and ready for
+action, "let's get out of here and get our baggage."
+
+"Let's get Mackinder first," proposed Jack.
+
+"I vote 'No' on that question, Mr. Chairman!" declared Jimmie.
+
+"Why?" questioned Jack, with surprise. "What's the matter?"
+
+"Well, there are several matters!" declared Jimmie. "I don't feel that
+we'd gain anything by chasing him. The 'U-13' package is not in our
+possession and he knows it. Besides, he's a clever guy and we might get
+the worst of it if we step out of our way to go after him."
+
+"I agree with Jimmie," announced Ned. "Let's get aboard the Lena Garlic
+and get started on our way as soon as possible."
+
+"You mean Lena Knobloch!" corrected Harry.
+
+"It's the same thing!" declared Ned. "Knobloch means garlic!"
+
+"All right, then, let's get going!" agreed Jack.
+
+The boys lost little time in proceeding to their hotel, where they went
+directly to their room. Here a scene of confusion awaited them. Their
+possessions lay scattered around in disorder.
+
+"Well, Great Frozen Hot Boxes!" cried Jimmie. "What's this?"
+
+"Mackinder and Norton again, I'll bet my head!" said Jack.
+
+"Weren't satisfied with their first search," agreed Jimmie.
+
+"Came back here and went through everything. Then I'll bet Mackinder
+grabbed that milk cart and dogs, slipped on an old lady's dress and
+chased down to the dock to see if he could stop us!" put in Jack. "When
+he found we were armed he just cut it and ran away!"
+
+"Boys, we will do well to pack up and get aboard that vessel as quickly
+as possible!" declared Ned. "Through a mistake we're under suspicion, and
+it won't pay us to remain here another minute!"
+
+Replacing their belongings in the bags with skill and despatch the lads
+were soon ready. They at once proceeded to the dock.
+
+Tramping aboard they proceeded to the cabin at the after end of the
+vessel. Entering they discovered Captain von Kluck seated at the little
+table. Before him was a bottle and a glass.
+
+"Well, Captain," began Ned, "we're here and ready to go!"
+
+"So-o-o?" queried von Kluck. "Vhell, if you're reatty to go, vhy go! But
+you don'd go on dis schip. Vhe don'd carry bassengers!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+A DIFFICULT DEPARTURE
+
+
+Astounded at the statement of the captain, whom they had begun to regard
+as a friend but whose present manner indicated anything but friendship,
+the boys glanced at each other in some degree of alarm.
+
+"Just what do you mean by that, Captain?" inquired Ned. "I thought it was
+understood that we were to have passage on your boat!"
+
+"Vhell, den I forgot dot vhe don'd carry bassengers!"
+
+"And I suppose it took Mackinder to refresh your memory!" snapped Jimmie,
+stepping forward with an outward thrust of his chin.
+
+At the mention of Mackinder's name the captain gave a quick start. His
+glance at Jimmie was one of uneasiness and alarm.
+
+"Vot do you know about Mackinter?" he inquired.
+
+"I know this," stated Jimmie, angrily. "He's a fake and if you know when
+you're well off you'll let go your lines right now!"
+
+"Yes, Captain," added Ned, "we found Mackinder trying to detain us
+because he fancies we have done something wrong or because he thinks we
+have something he wants. Who he may be we don't know!"
+
+"I know!" stated the captain, stoutly. "I know dot feller is a officer in
+der British army, und vhen he says shtay, den I shtay!"
+
+"An officer in the British army!" gasped Jimmie.
+
+"I think I see now why he wants that package!" declared Ned. "He thinks
+that we are bringing some instructions or something to the submarine
+named 'U-13' and he's trying to intercept the despatches!"
+
+"Well, he's welcome to the 'U-13' package as far as we're concerned!"
+maintained Jimmie. "What we want is to get home to the little old U. S.
+A., and that right quick. So, Captain, we'll go now, if you please!"
+
+"No!" decided the captain bluntly. "Vhe don'd go!"
+
+"But you may listen to reason!" said Jimmie, drawing his automatic. "I
+don't like to hold you up, but you're going to get out of town right now
+and we're going with you!"
+
+"Put dot gun oop!" cried the captain, starting from his seat.
+
+"I will on one condition!" declared the boy. "If you get under way at
+once without any more monkey business I'll keep it in my pocket. If you
+don't I'll use it! We are neutral and we're going to remain neutral if we
+have to fight to do so!"
+
+"Vhell, I guess dere's no real goot reason vhy vhe shouldn't go, anyhow!"
+decided the captain. "Mackinter don'd got no license to shtop us. Aber he
+don'd like id, he couldt lump id!"
+
+"Now you're talking sense!" declared Jimmie. "But, remember! No tricks,
+or we'll feel like starting something ourselves!"
+
+"All right!" consented von Kluck, secretly anxious to help the boys.
+"Chust come along und make me leaf port. Dot let's me ouid!"
+
+Upon von Kluck's appearing at the companionway the crew immediately
+assumed an air of attention. Some were grouped about the capstan, where
+they were watching the sky and speculating on the character of the
+approaching storm. Others were occupied at various duties about the
+vessel. Every man seemed to stand in fear of the captain.
+
+Bawling out a hoarse order, von Kluck at once assumed command of the
+deck. Lines were thrown down from the belaying pins. A group of men
+tailed onto the halyards, hoisting the foresail, staysail and jib.
+
+The Lena Knobloch was a schooner-rigged vessel with two masts. The boys
+noted with a considerable degree of satisfaction that she was built along
+clipper lines, vastly different from the round-bowed type of vessel
+commonly seen in those waters.
+
+Under jib, staysail and foresail the vessel swung around as the dock
+lines were let go. Gathering speed with the force of a favorable wind the
+little vessel plunged ahead. Von Kluck was evidently planning on leaving
+the harbor without the use of a tug--a somewhat difficult, if not
+dangerous, experiment.
+
+Urged by the vociferous driving of the mate men were already hauling on
+the halyards of the mainsail. With the added press of sail the Lena
+Knobloch heeled over until her lee rail was nearly awash.
+
+A strong wind was coming out of the northwest, favoring the maneuver of
+von Kluck, but kicking up considerable commotion on the harbor. Waves
+were running so high as to make navigation of small craft exceedingly
+difficult if not dangerous.
+
+Carrying full staysail, jib, foresail and mainsail the schooner plunged
+into the waves, sending cascades of water over her forecastle with every
+leap. She was loaded deeply and the boys could see that she would prove
+to be what the sailors term a "wet ship."
+
+Every moment the speed was increasing. The mate had trimmed the sheets to
+the exact point for greatest efficiency.
+
+Suddenly all hands were startled by a hail from a point on the starboard
+bow. They saw a small motor boat riding dizzily upon the crest of a wave
+one moment to be dropped out of sight in the trough the next.
+
+"Ahoy, the Knobloch!" came a cry.
+
+"Ahoy, the launch!" bawled out the mate in a voice of thunder. "What do
+you want? Stand off or we'll run you down!"
+
+"We want those passengers of yours!" was the reply.
+
+"All right, come on and get 'em!" yelled the mate above the noise of
+singing wind in the rigging. "We can't stop now!"
+
+"If you don't heave to I'll fire!" was the answer.
+
+"Good night!" cried Jimmie from a position near the lee rail, where he
+could look out beneath the main boom. "That's Mackinder!"
+
+A revolver shot sounded amidst the tumult of rushing waters and singing
+rigging. The echo was quickly bitten off by the rising wind. The shot
+sounded dully above the humming and roaring.
+
+Before Ned could detain him Jimmie fired. Faintly the boys heard a crash
+aboard the motor boat. The green starboard sidelight of the launch
+disappeared. Urged on by the tremendous press of wind in her sails the
+Lena Knobloch was fast dropping the launch astern.
+
+No other shots were fired at the schooner. Scrambling from his position
+at the starboard rail Jimmie made his way aft to a point beside the
+helmsman. Here he peered eagerly into the darkness astern.
+
+"I can't see them at all!" he announced, turning presently to his
+companions, who were grouped about the little skylight.
+
+"Perhaps we've shaken them off for keeps!" ventured Jack. "Did you see
+who that was with Mackinder?"
+
+"I thought," said Harry, "that it was his pal, Norton!"
+
+"Well, they're safely out of reach now!" declared Ned. "I'm glad of it,
+too! If we can hold on at this gait we'll soon reach a port in England,
+where we can transship the Grey Eagle and get home."
+
+"I only hope the real 'U-13' doesn't come along and demand that package
+from us!" laughed Harry. "They might take a notion to send us to the
+bottom if we don't deliver it on demand!"
+
+"Let us hope they're busy on the west coast of England by this time!"
+suggested Jack. "I don't want any more 'U-13' in mine!"
+
+"Vhat's dot about der 'U-13'?" inquired von Kluck, coming up to the
+little group. "Is id der 'U-13' dot you're skipping?"
+
+In a few words Ned related the important details of their experience with
+the 'U-13' package and with Mackinder.
+
+"And so," the boy concluded, "we were just hoping that the real 'U-13'
+wouldn't show up and claim the package that we haven't got!"
+
+"No danger!" reassured von Kluck. "Dis vindt keeps dose fellers under
+vasser deep! Dey like rough vedder not at all!"
+
+"Hurrah!" joyfully cried Jimmie. "Blow, winds; blow hard!" the lad
+continued, stretching his hands to windward in an appealing attitude.
+"Blow hard enough to keep the submarines submarooned!"
+
+A laugh went round as the boys listened to Jimmie's coined word. They
+were all heartily in sympathy with the expressed wish that the wind would
+blow hard enough to keep the submarines from the surface.
+
+"But, den," continued von Kluck, with a frown that wrinkled his heavy
+brows, "dot's not all. Dere's mines floatin' round der Nord Sea dot dem
+verdom Deutsches blanted. Maybe vhe hit one of dem und if vhe do--"
+
+Here the captain shrugged his shoulders, spreading his hands palm upward
+and extending them with a final toss aloft to indicate the hopelessness
+of a situation such as he intimated might befall them.
+
+"Can't we dodge a mine?" queried Jimmie.
+
+"Sure, if vhe can see id!" declared von Kluck.
+
+"That's the trouble," explained Ned. "These mines float deep and before a
+ship can know of its danger--Bang!"
+
+"Well, Ned," announced Jimmie with a grin, as he wrinkled his freckled
+nose, "I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll bet you my old hat that if we do
+hit a mine and get blown up I go higher than you do!"
+
+"All right," agreed Ned, laughing in spite of the seriousness of the
+situation. "We'll ask von Kluck to be the judge."
+
+"Von Kluck don't seem to be very much worried over the prospect of
+hitting a mine!" declared Jimmie. "I guess we're all right!"
+
+"Und now," announced the captain, "come to der cabin und eat!"
+
+The boys needed no second invitation. They were soon seated about the
+little table, where they found great slabs of cheese set out on a plate.
+Loaves of hard, black bread were placed upon the table by the steward,
+who withdrew to presently reappear bearing a great pot of steaming
+coffee. Von Kluck refreshed himself with a glass of his beloved
+"schnapps," then fell to heartily upon the bread and cheese, motioning to
+the boys to do likewise.
+
+With considerable relish the lads made a good lunch off the bread and
+cheese and coffee. Hard and dark, but possessing considerable nutriment,
+the bread was not at all unpleasant to the taste. It had been plentifully
+seasoned with small seeds, which lent an appetizing flavor.
+
+Shortly after finishing their lunch the boys again gained the deck, to
+find the mate actively driving the men in their various duties. The wind
+still came out of the northwest with a stinging snap. Ned declared that
+he could feel rain approaching.
+
+"Feels to me more like snow!" stated Jimmie, sniffing to windward. "We'll
+be getting outside the Friesian Islands soon and then we'll find out
+what's coming. We're somewhat protected here."
+
+"How long will it be before we pass into the North Sea, Captain von
+Kluck?" asked Ned of the captain, who approached.
+
+"Vhe might make id by morning," stated the captain. "I vish I make a
+swift voyage dis time. If Mackinter gets news to England ahead of me,
+maybe he makes droubles by das Lena Knobloch."
+
+"So you're carrying all the canvas you dare?" asked Harry.
+
+"Chust now, yes! Maybe vhen vhe come about und head up into der vindt vhe
+get oop der tops'ls und put oop uuder vun chib. I reach off a goot vays
+und leaf Amsterdam und der vest coast of der Zuider Zee, den I make vun
+straight reach und run ouid by Eijerlandsche Gut."
+
+"Then I'm going below to try for a little sleep!" declared Jimmie. "I'm
+not needed on deck and this wind is too cold for comfort!"
+
+"I'll go with you and keep you company," volunteered Jack.
+
+"We'll all go," added Harry. "Come on, Ned."
+
+Clinging to hand rails the lads scrambled below. The deck leaned at an
+angle that made walking almost impossible. Every plunge sent shivers
+through the little vessel. Tons of water broke over the bows and dashed
+along the planks to rush hissing through the scuppers.
+
+In the cabin a lamp swung wildly from a beam overhead, throwing weird,
+dancing shadows on the bulkheads. Here the noises of the wind were
+hushed. Only a moaning from the taut rigging reached the ears of the four
+lads. But the cabin was full of eerie sounds of creaking timbers and
+straining planks. For some time the boys lay on lockers listening to the
+confusion of noises. Presently they fell asleep.
+
+They were wakened by the sound of tramping feet on deck, and knew that
+some maneuver was about to be executed. Coils of rigging were flung on
+deck. The stentorian voice of the mate bawled out orders.
+
+"Stand by to come about!" roared you Kluck over their heads.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+A WARNING FROM THE SEA
+
+
+Springing from their resting places the four boys staggered up the
+unsteady companionway. As they gained the deck they were assailed by
+terrific gusts of wind carrying sleet and snow. During their stay below
+the weather had turned colder, bringing fitful dashes of sleet out of the
+north. The schooner presently rode easier.
+
+A hoarse order from forward was followed by a clanking of the cable
+through the hawse pipes. The sails rattled with great slapping noises as
+the Lena Knobloch rode to her anchor.
+
+Men were instantly aloft securing the lighter topsails. With a run the
+foresail and mainsail were lowered and furled. The staysail and jib had
+but a moment before been lowered as the schooner was headed into the
+wind. Under bare poles they rode on gentler swells.
+
+"Where are we?" asked Harry, throwing up an arm to protect his face.
+"Have we reached England yet? Where is the captain?"
+
+"Vhell, how do you like id now?" roared the voice of von Kluck almost at
+Harry's elbow. "Vhat you tink of dis for some shtorm?"
+
+"This is fierce!" replied the lad, bracing himself against the wind.
+"Where are we now, Captain von Kluck?"
+
+"Under der lee of one of der Friesian Islands," replied the captain. "I
+see some rocks aheadt und dere is a big shteamer in drouble oop to
+vindvard. I hope she makes id into safety, bud I don'd know!"
+
+Shaking his head doubtfully the captain went away forward. Presently he
+returned, still shaking his head. The crew except the captain and the
+mate were gathered forward round the capstan.
+
+"Dere's rocks dere--lots of dem!" announced von Kluck. "Dot wessel looks
+like she's lost her rutter, und if she gets off dem rocks dot captain
+needs a medal. I tink he's a goner, sure!"
+
+It did, indeed, appear as if von Kluck was right. A big cargo steamer,
+now dimly discernible to the boys, was rolling in the trough of a heavy
+sea, urged on by a vicious wind from the northwest. Her range lights
+showed clearly at the mast heads. A gleam of red indicated that the
+vessel was showing her port side. With every roll great masses of water
+boarded the weather rail, sweeping the decks of every movable object.
+
+"Look!" cried the mate, excitedly pointing toward the steamer.
+
+There was no need of explanation. A great mass of rock directly in the
+path upon which the steamer was drifting sent gigantic columns of water
+into the air with every wave. Although the eastern sky showed a tinge of
+gray the blackness upon the water was intense. It was lightened
+momentarily by the white smother of spray and foam cast upward as wave
+after wave broke upon the black and threatening menace lying immediately
+before the apparently doomed vessel.
+
+"Py golly, he's all right!" yelled von Kluck in a moment. "He's lost dot
+rutter und he's backing on his enchines! He'll make id!"
+
+Surely enough the steamer's captain was executing the very maneuver at
+which von Kluck had guessed. By backing on his engines he succeeded in
+drawing the vessel so far to one side of the dangerous rock that it was
+passed. Only a margin extremely narrow intervened.
+
+But the danger had not passed. Another rock threatened to tear to pieces
+the all but helpless vessel. With straining eyes and beating hearts the
+lads watched anxiously as this danger was also cleared.
+
+They clung to the weather shrouds in spite of the whip-like sting of
+sleet and spray, watching the struggle against wind, wave and rock.
+
+At length the vessel won through the dangerous places. It was now so
+close that the boys could make out the details of the rigging. Ned
+procured a pair of binoculars and spelled out the name.
+
+"That steamer is the Anne of Melbourne," he announced. "I wonder if it
+isn't an Australian vessel. They have had a hard time of it."
+
+"She's close to us now," cried Harry. "I wonder what they'll do."
+
+"If they're wise they'll let go an anchor and ride it out," answered
+Jimmie. "If I had sense enough to bring a vessel through a tight place
+like that I'd get a hook overboard as soon as I could."
+
+"That's just what they are doing!" announced Ned. "There's a group of men
+at the forward end preparing to get the anchor over."
+
+Directly the boys heard the rattle of the cable in the steamer's hawse
+pipes, followed instantly by a great splash at the bow that told as
+plainly as words that the ground tackle was out.
+
+Still feeling the heave of waves surging around the head of the island
+the steamer slowly swung to her cable. The range lights shifted their
+position. The red side light disappeared.
+
+"She's safe now!" cried Ned, in a tone of relief. "I'm glad they made it
+all right. I wonder how they got crippled."
+
+"Let me take the glasses a minute, Ned," requested Harry.
+
+"Can you see what's the matter with her?" queried Jimmie.
+
+"Yes," replied the boy, with the glasses to his eye. "Von Kluck was
+right. It looks as if the rudder stock is twisted and bent badly out of
+shape. As the stern lifts I can see the blades of the propeller all
+right, but the rudder seems to be missing."
+
+"The Anne of Melbourne," mused Ned. "I wonder now what that vessel is
+doing away off up here. If they had a cargo destined for an English port
+they should have been much farther south."
+
+"You don't suppose the captain lost his reckoning and got this far out of
+his course, do you?" suggested Jimmie.
+
+"I don't know," replied Ned. Then turning to Captain von Kluck the lad
+continued: "Captain, what do you think about it?"
+
+"Mit der var doing so many tings, I don'd know what to tink!"
+
+"I can see men moving about on deck now, apparently clearing up the
+recent damage," stated Harry. "And I see a Boy Scout, too!"
+
+"No!" objected Jimmie. "Don't say that! I don't want any more Boy Scouts
+mixed up in this! It isn't fair!"
+
+"Just the same, he's there!" laughed Harry.
+
+"Well, then," stated Jimmie, with a sigh of resignation, "we are in for
+another siege of it. I never knew it to fail! Just as quickly as we get
+going somewhere and a Boy Scout shows up there's trouble ahead and lots
+of it! Why can't they stay home?"
+
+"Now, Jimmie," cautioned Ned, "you know we've never in all our adventures
+found a Boy Scout that really brought us ill luck. Sometimes they've
+caused us a lot of trouble, but usually they help!"
+
+"That's true, too, but I wish we could get home to the little old U. S.
+A. without mixing up in this 'U-13' business with the Boy Scouts!"
+
+"Maybe it'll come out all right after all," soothed Ned.
+
+"Maybe," reluctantly agreed Jimmie. "I say, Harry," he continued, "let me
+take those glasses. I want to see what that fellow's like."
+
+Long and eagerly the lad peered through the binoculars.
+
+"I see him!" he cried, presently. "He's going up the foreshrouds! I'll
+bet he's working his passage on that steamer!"
+
+"What's he doing on the foreshrouds?" asked Ned.
+
+"It looks as if something had fouled at the fore top," replied Jimmie.
+"He's going up to clear it, I guess. Oh, look!" the boy shouted. "He's
+falling! He's broken one of the ratlines and is falling!"
+
+"I see him!" cried Ned. "I can see him!"
+
+"Oh, good!" exclaimed Jimmie, the next moment. "He hit the shrouds and
+the steamer rolled at the right minute, throwing him clear of the deck.
+See that splash in the water?"
+
+"I see it!" answered the others, together.
+
+"Are they trying to help him?" asked Harry.
+
+"Yes, they are," stated Jimmie. "They've thrown him a ring buoy!"
+
+"Can you see him now?" asked Ned.
+
+"Yes, and he's swimming. There must be a current in here that's dragging
+him away from the steamer. The buoy fell short and he's swimming directly
+away from the steamer. He's coming towards us!"
+
+Intently the lad watched the one in the water. He swam a good stroke
+resting easily, even though somewhat impeded by his clothing.
+
+Now and again as the crest of a wave approached the swimmer his head was
+submerged, only to reappear again in the yeasty froth following the
+racing monster. Eagerly his progress was noted by all on board the
+schooner. They were at a loss to understand why he had left his own
+vessel to swim toward a strange craft.
+
+Presently, however, as he approached the Lena Knobloch the lad's strokes
+became more feeble. He was evidently tiring rapidly.
+
+"Captain, what do you say to getting a boat over?" asked Ned.
+
+"Vhait!" grunted von Kluck. "Id's lots of vork to do id!"
+
+"But the lad may need help!" urged Ned, eagerly.
+
+"Vhell, if he needs id, I put him ofer. Nod before!"
+
+Jimmie ran forward into the very eyes of the schooner. In his hands he
+grasped a ring buoy, to which was attached a goodly length of line. This
+he coiled ready to heave the buoy to the one in the water as soon as he
+should come within reach.
+
+Just as Jimmie was measuring with his eye the distance separating the
+swimmer from his goal and preparing for a mighty throw of the buoy he
+noted that the other's stroke was fast weakening.
+
+With a jerk the Wolf unfastened and kicked loose a shoe. In an instant
+the other followed. A rapid movement loosened his jacket. A backward
+twist of his shoulders helped him slip from the garment.
+
+One look over the rail showed that the swimmer was losing control of his
+muscles. Both hands went up into the air only to disappear beneath the
+crest of an oncoming wave. The boy stayed under.
+
+"Stand by to get me, boys!" shouted Jimmie.
+
+A splash told that he had gone overboard. His companions crowded eagerly
+to the rail, watching for his reappearance. In a moment they were
+relieved to see his red head come up close to the spot where the other
+had sunk. Emptying his lungs of the pent up air with a loud "Whoosh!" the
+boy instantly refilled them to plunge again under water.
+
+To the intense satisfaction of those on board the schooner he again came
+quickly to the surface, this time dragging by the hair the boy to whose
+rescue he had gone. Swimming on his back, using but one hand, Jimmie
+slowly brought the other lad to a position where he could reach the buoy
+flung to him by Ned's strong arm.
+
+Harry had already made a bowline in a bight at the end of a line. This he
+passed over the side to Jimmie, who succeeded without difficulty in
+getting the loop over the shoulders of the rescued lad.
+
+Soon both were on deck, where they received the attentions of all hands.
+Captain von Kluck insisted upon giving the newcomer a draught of
+"schnapps" to assist in the reviving process. As the fiery liquor burned
+its way down his throat the lad coughed violently.
+
+Choking and spitting the lad clawed at his burning mouth and throat.
+Evidently he thought the cure worse than the disease.
+
+"Let's get into the cabin," suggested Jimmie. "I'm freezing!"
+
+"Sure enough!" cried Ned. "How thoughtless of us! Captain," he added,
+"can you have the steward bring us some coffee?"
+
+Roaring for the steward to perform this service, the captain picked up
+the nearly drowned lad in his strong arms. He deposited the boy on a
+locker in the cabin, then stood aside to permit his passengers to
+administer such assistance as they might.
+
+Ned stepped forward to begin operations. With a cry he bent over the boy.
+Wonderingly the others crowded forward.
+
+"Frank!" cried Ned, seizing the lad by the shoulders. "Frank! Speak to
+me! Frank, how did you get here?"
+
+"Who is it?" asked Jimmie, elbowing his way into the group to a position
+where he could see the recumbent figure. "Why," continued the boy in a
+tone of amazement, "if it ain't old Frank Shaw of New York!"
+
+A cup of steaming coffee at this moment brought by the steward was
+offered to the newcomer, who drank eagerly. He glanced about the group
+with a faint smile in answer to their puzzled looks.
+
+"Look out for the 'U-13', boys!" he said.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+MORE ABOUT THE "U-13"
+
+
+"Frank Shaw!" cried Jimmie, crowding close to the lad lying on the
+locker. "What's that you're saying about the 'U-13'?"
+
+"I say 'Look out for it,' that's all!"
+
+"No, it isn't all!" protested the boy. "Take another drink of this coffee
+and then brace up and tell us what you know! How did you get here and
+what and who and where and why is this 'U-13'?"
+
+Frank smiled as he struggled to a sitting posture.
+
+"If you'll rub the cramp out of that leg, boys, I'll 'fess up'
+everything," he began. "That leg feels as if some one were trying to pull
+some teeth out of it by the roots. A cramp is fierce."
+
+Two lads began massaging the offending member.
+
+"If I'd known it was you swimming to us, I'd have lowered a boat myself
+and come to your assistance!" declared Jimmie.
+
+"And if I'd known you were on board this schooner," replied Frank, "I'd
+have left that ship long before I did!"
+
+"Why, what's the matter on that ship, Frank?" asked Ned.
+
+"Oh, nothing, only it's one of these 'work-houses' just exactly like we
+have read of. The captain is a hard nut and the mates are both of the
+'bucko' type. There isn't a man aboard who hasn't got a mark from one or
+the other of the mates. They're a tough crowd!"
+
+"I'll bet you didn't just fall overboard, then!" shrewdly guessed Jimmie.
+"You missed your footing purposely! You know you did!"
+
+"How do you know?" grinned Frank, nursing his cramped leg.
+
+"I was watching through the binoculars," answered Jimmie. "But go ahead
+and tell us something. We're dying from curiosity!"
+
+"Well," began Frank, "you know I wasn't quite satisfied to be left behind
+when you four lads left in chase of the fellow who had stolen the Panama
+plans. I wanted to go along in the Grey Eagle."
+
+"We know that, and we're sorry we didn't take you!" cried Ned.
+
+"I went to see Mr. Bosworth about following you," continued young Shaw.
+"He was opposed to that plan, but you know I usually get my own way
+somehow. I put together a kit and started out. I had little difficulty in
+securing passage on a ship loaded with miscellaneous cargo for England.
+The vessel was a British tramp--a 'bucko' ship.
+
+"We got close to Land's End after a rather uneventful voyage across the
+Atlantic. I was dreaming of getting ashore in a short time and then
+hiking across the channel into France to hunt you up.
+
+"One fine morning we were all startled to hear a hail from the lookout
+informing the deck that a submarine was approaching. We hove to at the
+command of the submarine people. They commanded our captain to get his
+crew into the boats as quickly as possible, for in five minutes they
+intended torpedoing the ship. They wouldn't take 'No' for an answer."
+
+"That was going some, I must say!" put in Jimmie.
+
+"You needn't be told, of course," went on Frank, "that we lost little
+time making preparations. One of the sailors disputed my right to take my
+kit into the small boat. I objected and he cracked me on the jaw. When I
+recovered I was alone on the vessel. The boats were at some little
+distance away, with the crew pulling like racers.
+
+"For a moment I was quite desperate, not knowing how to escape. I thought
+of trying to signal the submarine, but could see the vessel just
+launching a torpedo. Seemingly the whole after end of the ship was
+shattered by the explosion. As soon as I could I tried to signal the
+enemy, but they were just turning about to leave the spot.
+
+"Maybe I didn't hustle about some. The ship was already filling rapidly.
+The stern was settling fast. All the boats were gone. I could see nothing
+to serve as a float. Desperately I seized a capstan bar and knocked the
+wedges and battens off a hatch cover. Then I got a small piece of line. I
+passed it through a ring bolt and made fast. I figured that when the ship
+went down the cover would float free for a raft on which I could keep up.
+Before I was fully ready the compressed air blew the cover off with a
+'boom'. It landed close to the rail.
+
+"Just as the hull took a last slant I jumped overboard. After swimming
+quite a distance away I saw the ship go down. I turned back. There was my
+hatch cover floating just as I expected."
+
+Here Frank paused to extend his hand for another cup of coffee.
+
+"You're the wise little Scout!" declared Jimmie, admiringly.
+
+"Sure!" agreed Frank. "Then," he continued, "I floated around for the
+rest of the day on that hatch cover. Toward evening I saw a smoke off to
+the southwest. It was just out of the glare of the sun. When it got
+nearer I knew it was a steamer bound for England or some nearby place. It
+was the Anne of Melbourne. So here I am!"
+
+"But what about this 'U-13'?" inquired Harry, eagerly.
+
+"Oh, yes, I nearly forgot," said Frank. "The submarine that torpedoed the
+ship was marked 'U-13' on the side!"
+
+"They've been doing a lot of that, according to the newspapers!" stated
+Ned. "But why do you warn us to look out for her?" he asked.
+
+"When I told the captain of the Anne of my experience," went on Frank,
+"he decided to head north, intending to go to the westward of Ireland,
+around between Scotland and the Shetland Island into the North Sea, in
+the hopes of dodging the submarine, which seemed to be working the waters
+of the English Channel. Yesterday morning we were hailed by a submarine.
+I could see that it was the same old 'U-13'!"
+
+"How did it get way up here?" questioned Ned, incredulously.
+
+"Search me!" replied Frank. "They ordered us to heave to, but that
+captain is a daredevil. He cracked on all steam full speed ahead,
+declaring that if they took him they'd have to catch him.
+
+"The submarine launched a torpedo at us, but it only smashed our rudder.
+We had good headway on. That, of course, put us in a mighty bad fix, as
+the submarine could then have easily sent a torpedo into us, but for some
+unknown reason they turned and left us.
+
+"The captain was nearly crazy when he discovered what damage had been
+done. The vessel had been bad enough before, but it became ten times
+worse. I got a crack or two with a rope's end that sting yet!"
+
+"How could they navigate?" asked Jimmie.
+
+"They couldn't!" answered Frank. "We just lay in the trough of the seas
+and let the old tub roll. They even put preventer stays on the masts and
+on the boilers to keep them from rolling out of the crazy old wagon. You
+never saw such a place as that ship was!"
+
+"And then when the captain got her under the lee of this land and you saw
+this schooner you just concluded that you'd jump the ship?"
+
+"Exactly!" agreed Frank. "I had lost my kit when the sailing vessel went
+down, so I left nothing on the steamer."
+
+"I'm awful glad you got here safely," stated Ned, grasping Frank's hand
+in a hearty clasp that spoke eloquently of the friendship between the two
+boys. "But you're too late to help capture the Panama Canal plan thief.
+He's out of his misery quite a while ago!"
+
+"But he's just in time to get mixed up in this 'U-13' business!" urged
+Jimmie. "He's right in the midst of the excitement!"
+
+"But since you don't want any more Boy Scouts along we'll pitch Frank
+overboard again!" declared Harry, with mock gravity.
+
+"Aw, you go on!" scorned Jimmie. "I didn't know it was Frank!"
+
+Laughing at Jimmie's confusion the boys related to their chum the salient
+points of their experience up to the time of their strange meeting. Frank
+was greatly puzzled over the circumstances of the strange package, for
+the presence of which in their kits the boys could not account.
+
+For some time the lads remained in the cabin, drying the uniforms of the
+swimmers and exchanging experiences. It was the opinion of all that they
+would be adopting a wise course to return at once to New York.
+
+Captain von Kluck was greatly interested in his strange passengers. He
+listened eagerly to Frank's account of the doings of the strange
+submarine. At the conclusion of the recital he paced the deck nervously.
+
+Not until midafternoon did the wind decrease sufficiently to permit the
+Lena Knobloch to venture forth from her position of shelter.
+
+Through the binoculars the boys made long examinations of the steamer
+lying to windward of their position. They determined that preparations
+were being made to send a boat's crew to some port for assistance in
+towing the crippled vessel to a harbor.
+
+At one bell, or half past four o'clock, Captain von Kluck came from his
+cabin. He stepped to the rail, sniffing at the wind. Presently he turned
+to join the mate in his walk across the deck.
+
+For some minutes the two conversed in low tones. Directly the mate
+stepped forward, bawling out orders to his men.
+
+At once all was commotion on the Knobloch's decks. Men tumbled eagerly
+about, hauling a line here, letting go another there, until they had set
+the double reefed mainsail, foresail and a mere rag of jib.
+
+When this had been accomplished all hands seized capstan bars. To the
+tune of a Dutch sailors' "chanty" the links of the cable slowly clanked
+inboard. With a lurch the Lena Knobloch swung as the anchor broke ground.
+Like a storm driven bird she was off in the wings of a northwester, lying
+far over even under the greatly reduced sail.
+
+"Where to now, Captain?" asked Ned as von Kluck stepped along the deck
+with head bent forward. By his manner of nervous intentness Ned guessed
+that the captain was carrying a load on his mind.
+
+Von Kluck's only response was a growl as he passed the boys.
+
+"Captain's grouchy!" declared Jimmie. "Leave him alone, Ned!"
+
+"Sure, don't bother him!" added Frank. "He's worried enough!"
+
+"Just the same, I don't like his looks!" stated Ned with some degree of
+apprehension. "He seems to have soured after hearing about the 'U-13.'
+Didn't you fellows notice how he listened to Frank's story?"
+
+"Sure we did," Jimmie replied, "but then, it's only natural that he
+should be worried over the possibility of losing his vessel!"
+
+"Well, his getting under way in this weather shows that he intends to be
+square and land us in an English port as he agreed!"
+
+"I guess von Kluck is a pretty good sort of a chap, after all!" ventured
+Harry. "He has tried to treat us as right as he could!"
+
+"I think you're right. We can't blame him for feeling somewhat worried
+under the circumstances. We'd be grouchy, too!"
+
+Under a port helm the Lena Knobloch swung to starboard leaping forward
+into the waves as if glad to again be battling with the sea.
+
+Ned and his companions felt that they could be of no service in handling
+the schooner. They, therefore, retired to the shelter of the cabin, where
+they were protected from the stinging blasts of sleet and snow that came
+screaming out of the northwest.
+
+Scarcely had the schooner won clear of the jagged ledges when the full
+force of the tumbling waves was felt. It seemed to the boys that the
+stern of the little vessel was hurled to an unbelievable height only to
+drop so far they feared nothing could save them.
+
+But Captain von Kluck and his mate were expert navigators. They had
+sailed the ocean since large enough to handle a line. They knew the Lena
+Knobloch's ability to withstand the buffeting of the elements.
+
+As night drew on the boys expected to witness a cessation of the storm.
+Their prediction was fulfilled. Gradually the gale blew itself out,
+leaving but a strong sailing breeze, although the water still continued
+rough. Captain von Kluck took advantage of this change to shake out the
+reefs in his canvas and to spread more sail.
+
+Just as the moon showed in the east between masses of cloud the lookout
+reported a ship in sight off the port bow. In a short time the two
+vessels had approached within about two miles of each other.
+
+"They're apparently heaving to!" cried Ned who had been using the
+binoculars. "It looks as if they're getting the boats over!"
+
+From the waist of the other vessel the boys saw a great cloud of dark
+smoke appear. The small boats had scarcely gone a ship's length away from
+the scene. The crew were rowing with the greatest haste.
+
+"I see the conning tower of a submarine!" cried Ned.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+A STRANGE VISIT
+
+
+Clearly visible to the members of the crew on the Lena Knobloch the great
+cloud of smoke slowly spread over the vessel.
+
+Directly a sullen "Boom" reached their ears. As the smoke spread away the
+lads could see a great rent in the side through which water was rushing.
+Already the ship was listing heavily.
+
+Two small boats were being pulled away from the vicinity by the crew of
+the doomed vessel. The small craft were handled in a seamanlike manner.
+They made good progress in spite of the still heavy sea.
+
+"By golly!" ejaculated Von Kluck, drawing a long breath. "Maybe vhe get
+id next, vhat? Dere ain'd no vay of tellin'!"
+
+"Why do you think that, Captain?" questioned Ned.
+
+"Dot verdom 'U-13'!" grunted Von Kluck. "Vhe'll pe lucky,"--here his
+excitement grew so intense that he delivered himself of several great
+sailor's oaths--"if vhe make a port in England alretty!"
+
+"Keep a sharp lookout, boys," said Ned. "Maybe we can get a sight of the
+'U-13' if it's still in this neighborhood."
+
+Scarcely had the boy uttered the words before the lookout hailed the
+deck. His voice vibrated with excitement and fear.
+
+"Vot is, aloft, dere?" roared Von Kluck.
+
+Excitedly jabbering in his intense emotion the lookout frantically
+pointed in the direction of the sinking ship. Without waiting for orders
+he came sliding down the halliards. As he landed on deck he turned an
+ashen face toward the captain. Again he pointed seaward.
+
+"The 'U-13'!" he gasped in an agony of terror.
+
+A glance in the direction indicated showed the boys an object like a spar
+buoy apparently standing upright in the water. The next moment a swell
+rolled over something beneath the upright object.
+
+The next wave disclosed a long, rounded steel hull. In the center the
+conning tower showed plainly. A moment later the outlines of the dreaded
+submarine were distinguishable as the craft was propelled to the surface.
+Each wave broke clear over the arched back of this terror of the seas
+leaving the black hull gleaming in the faint light. Only the upper
+portion of the conning tower escaped a ducking.
+
+Presently the hatch was opened. A man in uniform stepped out onto the
+narrow confines of the small deck. His attention was directed toward the
+schooner. After what seemed to the boys to be an almost endless
+examination of their vessel the man turned to address a remark to some
+one evidently close to the hatch but out of their vision.
+
+"What is he saying?" Ned asked von Kluck.
+
+"He iss telling dot odder feller dot vhe iss das Lena Knobloch!"
+
+"What next, I wonder?" speculated Jimmie aloud.
+
+"Next?" almost screamed von Kluck. "Next, vhe iss ordered to get by our
+boats into und row far enough avhay so dey couldt blow up us!"
+
+In his intense agitation the captain began pacing up and down the deck.
+The submarine drew close alongside the schooner easily keeping pace with
+the sailing vessel at the rate they were progressing.
+
+"Von Kluck is certainly worked up about it," remarked Harry as he noted
+the captain's distracted manner. "He's almost bughouse!"
+
+"Well, so would you be, too, if all you had were about to be sent to the
+bottom of the ocean!" declared Ned. "It's tough luck!"
+
+"Maybe we'd better be getting our kits in shape," suggested Jack moving
+toward the cabin. "I don't want to leave everything!"
+
+"I had to leave everything," put in Frank, "when they sunk the ship I was
+on. I felt lucky to get away with my life!"
+
+"Let's make a try for it, anyway," continued Jack.
+
+"Wait a minute!" cried Ned, "let's see what they're going to do. The man
+is going below again! Why don't he hail us?"
+
+Strangely enough the officer was descending the hatchway without speaking
+a word to those on board the schooner.
+
+This procedure puzzled von Kluck, but did not serve to reduce in any
+degree the excitement under which he was laboring.
+
+"Lay aft a couble of handts und make reaty der boats!" he shouted. "Come
+on, hurry oop! Lifely, now, men!"
+
+In obedience to this command two members of the crew sprang towards the
+stern of the schooner to make preparations for launching the boat lashed
+at the stern. Two others frantically loosened the lashings of the
+upturned boat lying amidships.
+
+A clanking sound indicating that the hatchway of the "U-13" had been
+closed attracted the attention of the boys in that direction.
+
+"What are they going to do now?" questioned Jimmie eagerly.
+
+"I fancy they are going to pull away a little so as to launch a torpedo
+at us," stated Ned. "It don't look as if they're going to be kind enough
+to let us get off the vessel before they blow it up!"
+
+"Then it isn't the same crew I met!" declared Frank firmly. "They treated
+the men fine! While I must admit that I don't admire their way of sinking
+merchant ships, I will have to say that they gave the people a chance to
+get out of danger!"
+
+"Well, is it the same submarine you saw?" asked Ned.
+
+"It looks exactly like it. Besides," the boy continued, "I see the
+figures 'U-13' painted on the side of this one, too. I believe it is the
+very same vessel. Maybe they won't sink us!"
+
+With hatch closed the submarine was preparing to execute some maneuver.
+Gathering speed the craft plunged ahead quickly leaving the schooner
+alone. Scarcely had the bow of the sailing vessel been passed ere the
+submarine was so far beneath the water as to show only the periscope. In
+a moment there was but a swirl to indicate where that had been. Presently
+it, too, disappeared. The "U-13" was gone.
+
+For some time the boys stood at the rail eagerly scanning the water to
+discover evidence of the submarine's return. Their search was fruitless.
+Nothing was found to indicate the presence of their late visitor. The
+waves rose and fell without hint of its location.
+
+"Oh, Captain von Kluck!" Ned called. "They have gone!"
+
+"Vhat?" asked the captain in a tone expressing doubt.
+
+"Yes," continued the boy. "They have slipped back into the ocean again
+and have left us. Possibly they think we're too small for them to waste a
+torpedo on. Torpedoes cost a lot of money, you know!"
+
+"Vhell, dot's lucky!" answered the captain, much relieved.
+
+"Sure is!" assented Jimmie, throwing out his chest. "You see, Captain,
+we're mascots for you. We've brought you good luck!"
+
+Joining in the laugh that greeted this remark the captain ordered the men
+who had been at work upon the boats to cease their operations. A hand was
+again posted aloft to act as lookout.
+
+After a short consultation between von Kluck and the mate it was decided
+to proceed on the course traveled by the steamer from which Frank Shaw
+had recently escaped. They intended to pass between the Shetland islands
+and the coast of Scotland in an attempt to make a port on the west side
+of England, believing that there would be less danger in this procedure.
+Accordingly all sail possible was made.
+
+As if understanding the necessity for haste the vessel leaned far over
+under the press of canvas and sprang forward with increased speed.
+
+"We ought to make the west coast of England in a short time, Captain, at
+this rate," said Ned as he noted with satisfaction the rate at which the
+Lena Knobloch was traveling through the water.
+
+"I don'd know!" declared von Kluck. "Dere's nasty vedder oop dere!" he
+added, pointing to the western sky. "I don'd like id!"
+
+"It can't very well blow hard enough to stop us, can it?"
+
+"Don'd you tink it can't blow hard in dese vatters! Ask me--I know!"
+replied the captain sagely wagging his head.
+
+With eager looks the boys watched the gathering clouds to westward. The
+captain's prediction seemed about to be verified.
+
+An uncommonly strong puff of wind struck the schooner heeling her far
+over to starboard. The blast bore a chill as of ice.
+
+"Oh, boys," cried Jimmie turning his head away from the biting blast,
+"look up to windward and see how smooth the ocean is getting!"
+
+"That's wind coming!" shouted Ned.
+
+An order was roared out by von Kluck. Men sprang to the lines. The sails
+were stowed with a speed that seemed scarcely credible. Heeling round on
+a port helm the Lena Knobloch turned from the approaching blast.
+
+Leaving only the shortened jib von Kluck and the mate stood on the after
+deck peering anxiously at the violent disturbance overtaking the little
+vessel. Now and again the mate glanced apprehensively at the schooner's
+masts or along the decks.
+
+With a shriek the storm struck. For a moment the very weight of wind
+seemed to settle the schooner farther into the water. The next instant
+they were tearing along with the speed of a race horse.
+
+Flattened by the pressure of the wind the waves no longer gave her
+motion. By reason of her being headed directly away from the blast the
+schooner rode on an even keel. Every line, every shroud hummed like the
+strings of a gigantic harp. The noise was terrific.
+
+A glance at the compass in the binnacle showed Ned that they were headed
+nearly northeast. They were fast leaving England astern.
+
+Conversation was almost impossible in the howling gale that tore and
+fretted at the vessel. Yet Ned managed to shout to the captain:
+
+"How much sea room have we got in this direction?"
+
+A shrug of the shoulders indicated the captain's doubt. He accompanied
+this movement with a wagging of the head.
+
+"Vhe'll get into der lee of somedings bretty soon," he replied.
+
+"I surely hope so!" declared Ned, cupping his hands to carry his voice to
+the other's ear. "I'd hate to hit anything at this rate!"
+
+Nodding an acknowledgment to this assertion the captain by signs
+indicated to the mate that he desired a hand sent aloft as lookout.
+
+In a short time it seemed to the boys that the terrific force of the gale
+had somewhat spent itself. Waves began to toss the vessel at an alarming
+rate. Each mountain of water appeared about to board the schooner at the
+stern, threatening to crush the craft by its weight.
+
+Anxious for the safety of the vessel and for their own welfare the lads,
+nevertheless, understood that they could do little good on deck. They,
+therefore, made their way into the cabin, where they sat on lockers.
+
+Here the noises of the tempest were somewhat stilled, but the creaking
+and groaning of the timbers was far more noticeable. It seemed to the
+lads that the vessel was being torn asunder by every billow.
+
+"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_
+countrymen 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 hardtack, 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.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+HELPED BY AN ENEMY
+
+
+"What's that?" inquired Ned, startled at the unexpected sound.
+
+"Loose board, I guess," replied Jimmie, rather disgruntled at the turn
+affairs had taken. "The wind's ripping everything loose!"
+
+Again the tapping was repeated in an insistent manner.
+
+"I'm going to see what's going on here!" declared Ned, rising from his
+position. "Some one is trying to communicate with us!"
+
+"Some bloomin' Dutchman's tryin' to ask us whether we want sausage with
+our pancakes for breakfast!" growled Jimmie. "Let 'em alone!"
+
+Disregarding this statement the older lad proceeded toward the window,
+where fitful gusts of sleet beat. Outside the darkness covered
+everything. Only an occasional point of light indicated a sentry hut.
+
+"Who's there?" demanded Ned in a low tone.
+
+"Sh-h-h!" came a hiss from the darkness. "Open the window!"
+
+Ned fumbled a moment at the fastening. Presently he found the catch
+sliding the sash back in its channel. An exclamation escaped him as he
+did so. The face of the visitor was none other than that of their missing
+acquaintance, Mackinder. Ned was astounded.
+
+"Thought you were dead!" he cried in amazement.
+
+"Hush!" cautioned the other. "Not so loud. Now, if you lads want to get
+out of here this is your time. Everybody's busy or asleep!"
+
+"How do you know we want to get out of here?" demanded Jimmie in a low
+tone as he approached the opening.
+
+"Don't you suppose I have eyes? I saw what you were up to!"
+
+"Oh, you did, eh? Then what do you want us to do?"
+
+"If you want to get away from this place according to your plan, now is
+the time to take action," replied Mackinder in a whisper. "If you prefer
+to wait until tomorrow and stand trial for an offense of which you are
+innocent I cannot offer any objection of course."
+
+"Ned, I think we'd better make our getaway while the going's good!"
+
+"Second the motion!" declared Harry, who had softly approached the
+window. "Let's make a noise like a drum!"
+
+"I'm with you!" stated Frank, raising a foot to the window sill.
+
+"Easy there!" cautioned Jimmie. "Mind your step!"
+
+Frank was through the window in an instant. He landed on the earth with
+Mackinder's assistance without noise. Quickly the others followed. Ned
+took the precaution to slide the window shut.
+
+Cautiously the little group of six made their way in the direction of the
+wharf where the submarines were moored. Mackinder took the lead as if
+familiar with the ground. Once he paused, extending a warning hand to
+Jimmie, who was directly behind him. The lad performed a similar service
+for those in the rear. A sentry was approaching.
+
+Mackinder sank upon the ground. Although the night was too dark for the
+lads to see this action they were close enough to be aware of the
+movement. Instantly all followed suit.
+
+In a moment they breathed more freely. The sentry had passed within a few
+paces of their position. Evidently his feeling of security in the
+isolation of the island had made him somewhat negligent of his duties. He
+proceeded against the storm with head bent low.
+
+Again Mackinder rose to his feet. Cautiously he crept forward.
+
+On tiptoe the party gained the shelter of the warehouse.
+
+"Gee!" declared Jimmie as the edge of the wharf was gained, "I clean
+forgot my kit! What shall we do?"
+
+"Hush!" warned Ned. "Don't even dare think of your kit!"
+
+"I should say not!" put in Harry. "Think of your head instead!"
+
+"And the mines at the harbor entrance," added Frank.
+
+"All right!" submissively agreed Jimmie. "I'll keep quiet!"
+
+The wind had risen to such an extent that walking on the narrow planking
+was not only uncertain but extremely dangerous. Mackinder solved the
+problem by dropping to all fours. The boys followed suit.
+
+Directly they gained the submarine, the hatch was placed quietly in
+position for prompt closing and the lines which held the boat were let
+go.
+
+Owing to the movement of the boats caused by the roughened surface of the
+harbor creakings and groanings of the fenders had served to drown any
+noise the party had made in crossing the narrow bridge of planks.
+
+Jimmie held the wheel as Ned gave the signal for casting off the lines. A
+touch of Harry's hand on the lever started the engines. The submarine
+began to move. Suddenly a loud splash alongside attracted the attention
+of all. Frank came scuttling down the ladder.
+
+"Now I've done it!" he gasped. "I forgot to shove the plank back onto the
+next boat and it fell into the water as we started!"
+
+"Wonder if the guard has heard it!" speculated Ned. "Let me up!"
+
+Under protests from his companions the lad mounted the iron ladder and
+thrust his head through the hatch.
+
+"I hear someone running along the dock!" he announced presently. "I'll
+bet they have heard that noise! I see a light!" he added.
+
+"What are they doing?" inquired Jimmie, holding the boat directly in the
+center of the channel as he peered anxiously ahead.
+
+"A fellow with a lantern is running out along the planks," replied Ned.
+"They've got to the outside boat now. Now they're turning back."
+
+"Better get that hatch closed so we can dive," admonished Jimmie. "This
+is our time for getting out of sight in a hurry!"
+
+"There goes their searchlight!" shouted Frank, who had crowded up the
+ladder close beside Ned. "They're going to spot us in a hurry!"
+
+"Ah," cried Ned as a sullen roar came to their ears. "They're taking a
+chance shot at us from that cannon on the hill. Let's dive!"
+
+Quickly the two boys adjusted the hatch. As they signaled to their
+companions that this task was completed Harry and Jack turned the
+deflecting rudders. The half-manned submarine slowly began to descend.
+
+"Get some water into the tanks quick, Harry!" called Jimmie.
+
+"Pump's going right now!" declared the other. "We're going down!"
+
+"Take a look through the periscope, Ned," requested the pilot, "and let
+me know what you can make out. Can you see any buoys ahead?"
+
+"Try to see if they've located us with their searchlight," suggested
+Mackinder. "Maybe they are getting our range with that gun!"
+
+"Never mind about that searchlight," snapped Jimmie. "I want to find out
+what's ahead, not what's behind us. We'll run this boat!"
+
+"I simply wanted to know," objected Mackinder somewhat ruffled at the
+lad's peremptory manner. "No objection, is there?"
+
+"All the objection in the world!" declared Jimmie. "You're quite welcome
+aboard as a passenger, but we'll navigate the vessel, please!"
+
+Scarcely knowing whether to be amused or defiant at this attitude
+Mackinder chose the wiser course and refrained from further comment.
+
+Although the boys could not be sure that the persons on the island were
+making efforts to hinder their escape they felt the better course was to
+remain beneath the surface until well out of the harbor.
+
+Directly Jimmie called the attention of his comrades to an object in the
+water at no great distance ahead. The rays of the searchlight with which
+the submarine was provided indistinctly revealed a huge bulk slightly
+above the level at which they were traveling.
+
+"What is that, a ship?" asked Harry wonderingly.
+
+"I'll bet a cookie that's a mine!" declared Jimmie positively. "I'm going
+to give it a little more leeway, anyhow. It pays to be safe!"
+
+Ned was working the periscope in an effort to locate the buoys as
+directed by Jimmie. Occasionally he turned the glass toward the group of
+buildings they had just left.
+
+"They're shooting at us, I guess!" he stated presently. "I can see the
+flash of that cannon. It seems to be pointed this way!"
+
+"Let 'em shoot, they can't see anything but the periscope and they'd have
+an awful time hitting that!" boasted Jimmie.
+
+Scarcely had the lad spoken before the vessel was shaken by the force of
+a mighty concussion. A gigantic wave tossed the craft up and forward with
+a heave that threw the boys off their feet.
+
+"What was that?" gasped Jimmie glancing at his companions with a
+terrified face. "Has one of the fuel tanks blown up?"
+
+"Nothing doing!" replied Harry. "I think that cannon hit the mine we just
+passed. I'm glad we were no closer!"
+
+"We'll soon be out of their range!" stated Jimmie. "Shut up your
+periscope and we'll go deeper. Give us a little more speed, Harry!"
+
+In an hour Jimmie declared that they should be out of sight of the island
+altogether. The engines had been working at full speed ahead. Harry
+nursed the machinery constantly, knowing that it was new and would,
+therefore, require considerable care. Their urgent need for speed induced
+the lads to crowd the machinery to the limit, and Harry was gratified to
+note that every part responded properly to its task.
+
+"Well, Mackinder," stated Ned as the tension on their nerves began to
+relax with the increasing distance traveled, "we're surely grateful to
+you for suggesting that we get away as you did!"
+
+"My motive was largely a selfish one, I must confess," returned
+Mackinder. "I wanted very badly to get away from that island."
+
+"How did they ever get hold of you, anyhow?" questioned Jack.
+
+"I left Amsterdam the same evening you did. After the Lena Knobloch went
+past us as she did I knew there was little use trying to delay you.
+Therefore, my aide and myself left at once on a train for Rotterdam.
+There we found a fishing boat which we thought would answer our purpose.
+We induced the captain to take us aboard, intending to cross to England.
+After traveling some distance the storm overtook us. We were blown far
+out of our course. The vessel was badly battered. The crew left in a
+panic, leaving me on board. Just in time the German destroyer came along
+and took me off. That's it in a nutshell."
+
+"Yes, and then when you discovered us in our little boat you went and
+told the captain of the destroyer a lot of nonsense, didn't you?"
+questioned Jimmie in a somewhat aggressive manner. "Why did you do it?"
+
+"I only told him that you had at one time a package that belonged to me.
+I wanted the package badly. I thought he would assist me."
+
+"That wasn't a very nice way to go about it," declared Jimmie with
+emphasis. "After searching our baggage twice, and after we had told you
+how the package was in our kits without our knowledge, also that it had
+been stolen away from our possession, why didn't you believe us?"
+
+"There is an old saying that all is fair in love and war!" replied
+Mackinder. "You know that my country and Germany are at war. As an
+officer in the British army, it is my duty to do everything possible to
+assist my country. I believe that package contains information that my
+country could use. That is my justification for my acts, and I hope you
+boys are fair-minded enough to hold no resentment."
+
+"I'm just fair-minded enough to be neutral," declared Jimmie, "if I have
+to fight for the right to remain that way. I'm just a little sore at you
+for supposing that four boys who are citizens of a neutral country would
+be carrying information around for another country at war!"
+
+"I'm sorry you feel that way," said Mackinder. "I assure you there was
+nothing personal in my acts. I simply tried to do my best!"
+
+"Well, you did a lot, at that!" returned the lad.
+
+"All right, folks, let's drop the subject," spoke up Ned. "I feel that
+the air in here is getting bad. Suppose we go to the surface."
+
+"Right you are," agreed Harry. "Let's rise and fill the tanks!"
+
+Jimmie, in compliance with this wish, steered the craft upward.
+
+At the surface the boys found the water much smoother than they had
+expected would be the case. Jimmie declared that he intended painting the
+balance of the name "U-13" on the vessel while the other lads were
+occupied in airing out the vessel and refilling the compressed air tanks.
+
+Slung in a boatswain's chair over the sloping deck the lad soon completed
+this task. Feeling a considerable degree of elation at the success of his
+undertaking Jimmie returned with his brush and paint.
+
+"If you're ready now we'll dive again and proceed!"
+
+"Wait a minute, Mackinder's still on deck!" stated Jack.
+
+"He wasn't there when I came below!" protested Jimmie.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+MISTAKEN IDENTITY
+
+
+Ned looked at Jimmie in astonishment. He could scarcely credit his
+senses. He began ascending the iron ladder leading to the deck.
+
+Eagerly the lad glanced about the upper portion of the submarine which
+now showed black and gleaming above the surface of the water.
+
+"Harry," he called down the hatchway, "didn't Mackinder say he was coming
+on deck to see if he could be of service to Jimmie?"
+
+"He certainly did!" answered Harry. "Then we went on working at the
+pumps. I was busy with the starboard pump because it wasn't working just
+as it should. I saw him start up the ladder!"
+
+"And I saw him when he was about half way up!" put in Jack.
+
+"I'm equally certain he didn't return, but it may be well enough to stop
+a minute to search the interior. Perhaps he came back."
+
+In a moment all five boys were busily going over every corner of the
+craft. From stem to stern they ransacked every place where it would have
+been at all possible for their guest to have hidden.
+
+At length they met in the space directly below the hatchway.
+
+"Find anything?" queried Ned glancing about the group.
+
+"Not a hint of anything at all resembling an Englishman!" stated Jimmie.
+"Perhaps it would be a good idea to put an ad. in the paper."
+
+"Yes," scorned Jack. "Like this: 'Lost--one perfectly good Englishman.
+Finder please return to the "U-13" and receive reward'!"
+
+"Sure!" agreed Jimmie. "Have them charge it, please!"
+
+"Hush this nonsense, boys!" cried Ned. "This may be serious!"
+
+"Well, where is he?" protested Jimmie. "We haven't got him!"
+
+"Maybe he fell overboard!" suggested Ned. "Let's have a look."
+
+Again the lad mounted the ladder. As he reached the small deck he peered
+anxiously about the vessel seeking what he hoped he might not find.
+
+The others came crowding after their chum, filling the space.
+
+"There he goes!" cried Jimmie pointing away to the north.
+
+"Where?" inquired Ned looking in the direction indicated. "Oh, I see
+him," the lad went on. "He's swimming a good stroke, too!"
+
+"Is he crazy or just disgusted with the company on board the 'U-13'?"
+
+"Perhaps he thinks he'll be picked up by that boat!" stated Jimmie again
+directing the attention of his comrades to a small fishing craft. "They
+seem to be heading a course that will reach Mackinder."
+
+"He was wise enough to take one of the life preservers," said Harry
+indicating a space from which a buoy was missing.
+
+"Sure enough!" agreed Ned. "He's no fool at any rate!"
+
+"Let's wait a while to see if they pick him up," suggested Jimmie.
+
+"If they don't get him, we'll chase over there and take him aboard again.
+What do you say?" asked Ned of the others.
+
+There was no dissenting voice raised to this suggestion. Eagerly the lads
+watched the boat momentarily drawing nearer the swimmer.
+
+In a short time the boat rounded to, losing her way in the water. A sharp
+skiff was quickly launched over the side. Into this tumbled two men. They
+soon covered the distance between their vessel and the swimmer. Without
+difficulty they succeeded in assisting Mackinder into the skiff, then put
+quickly back to the sailing vessel.
+
+"Ah, he's safe at any rate!" gladly stated Ned. "Now we can go on and
+finish our voyage in peace! I'm glad he's gone!"
+
+"So am I!" declared Jimmie. "He's a good fellow as one might say, but
+he's too awfully stuck on getting some information for that bloomin'
+Hinglish Harmy, don't you know!"
+
+"That's hardly fair, Jimmie!" laughed Ned. "He didn't drop his 'H's' and
+he did only what he considered his duty."
+
+"He will probably get that fisherman to set him ashore on English soil as
+soon as possible," conjectured Jack. "Suppose we follow them."
+
+"What for?" asked Harry. "Why should we chase after those chaps?"
+
+"Unless we do something of the sort, we'll have to go at it blindly!"
+urged Jack. "We don't really know where we are!"
+
+"That's so," admitted Harry reluctantly. "We haven't a chart nor a
+course. We don't know how far we are from anywhere at all!"
+
+"We might keep on steering just as we started," stated Frank. "I believe
+southeast was the course we used coming away from Helgoland."
+
+"That course would surely bring us up somewhere," put in Ned, "but it
+would be much better if we could find out exactly where we are. Then we
+could steer a course with intelligence."
+
+"Aw, what do we need of a chart?" scorned Jimmie. "We know that England
+lies to the southwest of us. It's big enough so we can't miss it. If we
+blunder into the coast we can just cruise along a ways until we come to
+some place or other and then head in."
+
+"That's a good idea, too," agreed Frank. "When we get to a port we can
+turn the submarine over to the English authorities as a prize of war.
+They'll probably be glad enough to get the machine."
+
+"Then we'll head for the little old U. S. A.!" cried Jimmie.
+
+"You're right we will. When we get there, we'll chase ourselves out to
+Long Island. The first thing I'll do will be to get the factory started
+on another engine like the Grey Eagle's!" declared Harry.
+
+"Good enough! Now let's be 'wenting'!" added Jimmie.
+
+"But, boys," objected Ned, "this hit or miss fashion of navigating is not
+correct. Something may happen to change our course. If we don't know what
+we are doing, we might get into lots of trouble!"
+
+"Maybe you're right, Ned!" assented Frank. "What shall we do?"
+
+"I think we'd better cruise carefully along on the surface until we see a
+ship. We can ask them for our latitude and longitude. From that we'll be
+able to lay a course to any point."
+
+"Maybe they'll give us a chart, too!" put in Harry.
+
+"All right, then, here goes!" shouted Jimmie preparing to slide down the
+ladder. "Somebody'll have to keep on deck."
+
+Harry at once followed Jimmie into the interior. The engines responded to
+his touch. The new "U-13" sprang forward half submerged.
+
+"We've got plenty of gas in the tanks, Harry," stated Jimmie to his chum
+as the latter moved about the interior looking after the machinery.
+"We're making only about fifteen miles now by this log."
+
+"I'll give them another touch," responded Harry. "The sooner we get
+there, the quicker we'll arrive, so here goes!"
+
+The increased speed of the engines urged the submarine ahead at a goodly
+rate. Jimmie presently declared that the log indicator showed a good
+twenty-five miles an hour. Those on the little deck above the conning
+tower found the increased speed uncomfortable by reason of the dashing
+spray, but all felt that this was not unendurable.
+
+"Sail, ho!" Ned presently called down the hatchway.
+
+"Where away?" asked Harry, looking up at his comrade.
+
+"Almost dead ahead!" replied Ned. "We're overhauling them fast. It looks
+to be a three masted ship as nearly as I can make out!"
+
+"Hold your course, Jimmie!" directed Jack. "We'll come up close enough to
+hail them in a little while just as we are heading!"
+
+In a few minutes the ship was so close that all could make out the
+details of her rigging. It was a large three masted square-rigged vessel
+evidently in ballast for the hull was high out of water.
+
+"I believe they see us!" announced Frank, using a pair of binoculars he
+had found among the fittings of the submarine.
+
+"Can you make out the flag at the peak?" asked Jack.
+
+"Yes, I think so. I believe it is the British flag."
+
+"Then, they'll be glad to help us out, especially if they find that we
+intend to turn the 'U-13' over to their government!"
+
+"I don't know about that!" doubted Frank. "I see men running aloft. It
+looks as if they're rigging out studding sail booms on the main yards.
+And I see others on the topsail yards," declared the boy.
+
+"Why, in that case, they're trying to get away from us!"
+
+"It certainly looks that way. Now I can see men setting the studding
+sails on the booms. They are putting on every rag the old hooker will
+carry!" cried the lad excitedly.
+
+"I know why," stated Harry. "They think we're a German submarine chasing
+them and they're trying to get away!"
+
+"Let's run up a white flag, then," urged Ned. "They ought to know what
+that means. They'll stop for that!"
+
+In response to this suggestion the lads quickly overhauled the flag
+locker finding just what they sought. The white flag was at once brought
+to the deck where it was bent on to the halliards. It fluttered gaily at
+the top of the short flagstaff. Some difficulty was experienced in
+securing the staff because of an improperly fitting socket.
+
+"Do they seem to be making any change?" inquired Harry presently.
+
+"Yes," answered Ned. "They're crowding on more sail!"
+
+"Then we might as well give it up!" stated the other. "They'll never stop
+for us. Our only hope is to dive and come up close to some vessel so they
+can't get away before we ask the questions."
+
+"Maybe that would be a good idea," admitted Ned. "Anyhow, we'll have to
+take down this flag. The signal staff don't fit!"
+
+Disappointed because their efforts had been unavailing, the lads
+regretfully folded the flag. It was restored to its proper place.
+
+Harry, however, continued to urge the engines forward in the hope of
+eventually overhauling the ship. This seemed to be within the range of
+possibilities, but the boys all knew the maxim concerning a stern chase,
+and were somewhat discouraged. Knowing that their intentions were of the
+best, they felt slightly aggrieved that the other did not stop.
+
+"I see a smoke away ahead of the ship!" announced Frank after a few
+moments. "I can't tell which way they are headed, though!"
+
+"At this rate of traveling, we'll soon find out!" declared Jack.
+
+Evidently the smoke had been discovered by those aboard the sailing
+vessel, for the course was altered slightly in that direction.
+
+This change was noted by the boys. Jimmie shifted the helm slightly in
+order to keep the submarine directly in the track of the ship.
+
+"I wonder what that other vessel can be," puzzled Ned. "Let me take the
+glasses a moment, Frank. I wish we were higher in the water," he added,
+"then we could get a better range of vision."
+
+Long and earnestly the boy inspected the strange vessel. Presently he
+returned the glasses to Frank with a sigh.
+
+"What is it?" asked Jack with keen interest.
+
+"I believe it is a warship of some sort!" replied Ned.
+
+"Then they'll capture us and take us to port mighty quick!"
+
+"I guess they'll capture us all right!" put in Frank. "I can see the
+sailing vessel making signals. They've got a string of flags flying from
+the foretopmast head. I don't know what they mean, but they're calls for
+help, or I'll miss my guess! They are something like the U. S. flags!"
+
+Those on board the steamer had evidently seen the string of flags or else
+by the peculiar actions of the sailing vessel guessed that something was
+wrong, for the boys saw that their course was at once altered. From the
+clouds of dense black smoke pouring from the funnels they knew that the
+stokers were being urged to their best efforts.
+
+In a short space of time the combined speeds of the two vessels brought
+them close together. As the other approached, Harry shut off the power of
+the engines, checking them to little more than steerageway.
+
+As the steamer passed the ship Ned could see that some communication had
+been made between the two. The steamer came quickly on.
+
+"Pass me up that white flag again, Harry," requested Ned. "I think
+they're coming up to speak to us, and I'd just as soon have that handy.
+Maybe these fellows might misunderstand our motives, too!"
+
+"I wish now I hadn't painted that 'U-13' quite so plainly on the sides!"
+grumbled Jimmie. "I'll bet they've seen that!"
+
+"Of course, they've seen it, but if we show a white flag they won't do
+anything to us. They'll let us ask questions!"
+
+In answer to this statement, a shot echoed across the water. A ball
+striking the crest of a wave sent a cloud of spray over the "U-13."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+A STRANGE DISCOVERY
+
+
+"Get down that hatchway!" ordered Ned, wiping the spray from his face.
+"Those fellows see the name 'U-13'!"
+
+"Won't they observe the white flag if we put it up?" asked Jack.
+
+"I don't believe they will!" Ned stated. "Better get below!"
+
+As if to emphasize the boy's opinion another report echoed over the space
+of water separating the battleship from the new "U-13."
+
+This time the shell had been aimed a trifle too high. It went directly
+over the lads on the diminutive deck. Instinctively they all ducked their
+heads as the missile screamed wickedly in its useless flight.
+
+If anything was needed to decide the matter, this last offering seemed to
+serve the purpose. All three lads hastened down the ladder without
+further parley. Ned lingered a moment to close the hatch.
+
+"Hang onto your hats!" cried Jimmie the next instant.
+
+"Let's get down quick!" urged Jack. "Those fellows up there seem to mean
+business. My stars!" he added breathlessly, "that last one was certainly
+a beauty! They are getting the range, too!"
+
+Already Harry had started the pumps, filling the ballast tanks with water
+to assist the "U-13" in the evolution of the dive. The rudders were
+deflected to their extreme range. With decks inclined to an alarming
+angle, the submarine fled toward the bottom like a hunted creature. Until
+the gauges showed a depth of twelve fathoms, Jimmie held the levers in
+position. Then he brought the craft to an even keel.
+
+"It's plain to be seen that we'll not get much help from any ship on the
+North Sea!" declared Jack at length, as the ballast tanks were found to
+trim the vessel. "They're scared of us, I believe!"
+
+"They haven't any reason to be scared of us!" stoutly protested Jimmie.
+"We have never done a thing to them. We're absolutely neutral!"
+
+"It seems to be one thing to be neutral," laughed Ned, "and quite another
+thing to convince other folks of the fact!"
+
+"They might at least have given us a chance to explain!" grumbled Jimmie.
+"We had a white flag flying for them to see!"
+
+"Yes," argued Ned, "but did you stop to think that we were showing
+ourselves in a bad light? Remember the newspaper accounts of all the
+damage done by a submarine? I'm not surprised they ran away."
+
+"And then we come along in a submarine! Of course, we couldn't expect
+them to wait for a German undersea craft to come popping out of the ocean
+and waltz up alongside so they could say: 'Good morning, Mr. Dutchman!
+Won't you please accept this fine ship?'" added Jack.
+
+"Well, I'm it!" declared Jimmie, joining in the laugh that followed
+Jack's facetious remark. "The joke's on me, all right! If I hadn't
+painted that figure 'three' in the name, we would have been on our way to
+England by this time! Oh, well," the boy added, "we'll get to England
+before long, anyhow, so I should worry!"
+
+"It all shows, boys," spoke up Ned, "that we've got to be mighty careful
+about our appearance and the company we keep. We have gotten into this
+scrape largely because we were found in possession of goods we had no
+business to have. This last incident came about because we pretended to
+be something we were not!"
+
+"I think that ought to be a good lesson to us," stated Jimmie. "It will
+be for me, I know! I'm sure I'll take it to heart!"
+
+"I'm mighty glad we're away from that inquisitive gunboat!" put in Frank.
+"Now, what's the next thing for us to do?"
+
+"I move that we keep below the surface for a while. If we hold on a
+general southeasterly course, as has been suggested, we can't fail to
+bring up somewhere on the English coast."
+
+"That sounds like the most reasonable plan," agreed Frank. "I propose
+that we put on speed and hurry along. Let's get somewhere!"
+
+"Here we go!" cried Harry, increasing the speed with a touch on the
+levers. "Let's keep a sharp lookout, though!"
+
+About half past three o'clock the boys decided to rise to the surface for
+the necessary airing of the vessel and storing of another supply of fresh
+air in the tanks provided for that purpose.
+
+In furtherance of this plan, the rudders were shifted while Harry slowed
+the engines. Directly the craft ascended. The gauges indicated a depth of
+about eight fathoms when Jimmie, who was at the helm, requested that the
+rudders be again deflected.
+
+"What's the matter?" questioned Ned, stepping forward.
+
+"I can see the light reflected down through the water, and there's a big
+shadow up there!" declared Jimmie.
+
+"What do you think it can be?" asked Ned wonderingly.
+
+"Probably it's a big vessel of some sort. It may be a war ship, or it may
+be only a cargo carrier. In either event I don't want to get tangled up
+in the propellers. Let's sheer off a bit."
+
+"All right," agreed Ned. "I'll go to the periscope. Maybe I can find out
+something as we rise slowly to the surface."
+
+Cautiously creeping nearer the surface, the lads put the periscope into
+action. By its aid Ned made out that the craft was an armed vessel. The
+new "U-13" lay just submerged about a ship's length to starboard of the
+stranger. They maintained about the same speed.
+
+Ned declared that he could make out the British flag at the stern of the
+other vessel. He stated that he could also notice a number of people
+aboard the steamer.
+
+"Can you see what they look like?" asked Jimmie.
+
+"They are regular sailors and marines," answered Ned. "Why," went on the
+lad excitedly, "that looks like Mackinder at the rail!"
+
+Curiously the others crowded about the object glass of the periscope.
+Each declared in turn that they recognized Mackinder.
+
+"Now, I wonder what he's doing aboard that vessel!" mused Jack.
+
+"Quite likely this ship met the fishing boat and took him off so as to
+save the other the trouble of going clear back to England!"
+
+"No doubt that's it," agreed Jack. "But look!" he continued, "he's
+discovered us! See him pointing toward us!"
+
+"Better get ready to dive, then," cautioned Harry. "If he's able, he'll
+get them to shoot at us. If they hit the 'U-13' it'll be a long way to
+Tipperary for us! We don't know how thick this armor is!"
+
+"Down we go!" shouted Jimmie, seizing the wheel. "Lively, now!"
+
+Even as the boy spoke, a muffled roar was distinctly heard by the lads in
+the submarine. A crash that reverberated through every portion of the
+vessel told that they had been hit by a projectile.
+
+With a quick, startled glance at his companions, Ned hastened aft to
+examine the possible damage. He could discover no leak.
+
+"I guess we're lucky, after all!" he stated presently. "We're not taking
+in water, so I'm sure they didn't do very much damage."
+
+"It might have been more serious, though!" commented Jack.
+
+"Maybe the shot just carried away some of the light work like railings
+and so on around the deck. I don't think the shot struck the hull, or
+we'd have heard more racket," went on Ned.
+
+"Let's keep below the surface for a while. Maybe we can get away from
+those fellows far enough to be out of their sight while we change air.
+They're not the least bit sociable!"
+
+"Full speed ahead, Harry!" cried Frank. "Let's hurry on!"
+
+"Better take it easy," cautioned Jimmie. "We may not be out of the woods
+yet. Let's just go along slowly for a while."
+
+"Aw, go on!" scorned Frank. "What's there out here to bother?"
+
+"Sure!" chimed in Jack. "We're away out in the North Sea where we can
+find nothing but warships and sailing vessels and such!"
+
+"Maybe we might run into the real 'U-13'," countered Jimmie. "Then, what
+would you do if you should meet that fellow?"
+
+"Why, put on steam and run away from him, of course!"
+
+"All right, go ahead if you want to," submitted Jimmie unwillingly, "but
+I don't think it wise. It's taking considerable risk!"
+
+Since the majority seemed to be in favor of more speed, the engines were
+again urged to greater effort. Suddenly all were startled by a cry from
+Jimmie. The boat swerved sharply to starboard, rolling until the deck was
+at an acute angle. Harry reached for the levers, prepared to stand by the
+engines for orders from the pilot.
+
+Directly Jimmie rang a stop bell. The vessel came again to an even keel.
+The boys were once more able to stand upright.
+
+"What's the matter, Jimmie?" cried Ned, as he scrambled to his feet. "Is
+it a whale, or did you nearly have a collision?"
+
+"Collision is exactly the word!" declared the other. "I saw the masts of
+a ship standing right in our path. I got this little craft turned just in
+time! That's what we get for blundering along so fast!"
+
+"What kind of a ship is it?" asked Frank, peering from one porthole after
+another. "Are you sure it was the mast of a vessel?"
+
+"Why, certainly, I am sure!" was Jimmie's decisive answer. "Don't I know
+a ship's masts? I surely do!" the lad answered his own question.
+
+"Let's swing around and see what it was," proposed Frank.
+
+"All right, turn the deflecting rudders and down we go!"
+
+Swinging in a broad circle, the submarine was directed downward to a
+level equal with that of the hull of the ship, whose masts had so nearly
+proven disastrous to the boys. As the craft sank deeper the crew watched
+with a great deal of curiosity from the thick glasses over the portholes.
+Carefully they studied every detail of rig.
+
+Although the sunshine penetrated to some distance below the surface, they
+found that at the depth where the hull lay a semi-twilight prevailed. The
+upper portions of the masts had been clearly visible, but the decks lay
+in a haze that prevented their seeing well.
+
+"Looks like the ship is almost new!" stated Frank.
+
+"Possibly it has been sunk only a short time," ventured Jack.
+
+"Can you make out what ship it is?" asked Ned.
+
+"Wait a minute until we pass the stern again," said Frank.
+
+"I can see it!" declared Harry in a moment. "It's the Wanderer of Sydney!
+That will be an Australian vessel!"
+
+"And that great gap in the port side indicates that the sinking was the
+work of our namesake!" stated Ned. "This is another victim of the German
+'U-13'. Probably it is only one of many!"
+
+"No wonder the other fellows don't seem inclined to be any too sociable!"
+said Jack. "They really cannot be blamed!"
+
+"Right you are, Jack," responded Ned. "When anyone hits at the pocketbook
+we're apt to consider everybody under suspicion."
+
+"Let's get closer and examine the damage done by the torpedo," suggested
+Frank. "I'd like to observe the effects of the attack."
+
+Shortly the misnamed "U-13" was creeping alongside the hull of the sunken
+vessel. Jimmie handled the wheel dexterously, ever alert for possible
+danger. Harry stood by the engines, ready at a moment's notice to assist
+in executing any maneuver desired.
+
+"Looks as if the whole side of the ship had been torn away," stated Ned,
+as the submarine crept slowly past the jagged wound.
+
+"Those torpedoes surely are powerful," agreed Frank. "I hope everybody
+got away from the ship before the explosion took place."
+
+"They probably gave the crew plenty of time to escape if this is the work
+of the 'U-13'," commented Ned. "You say they gave the crew on your vessel
+ample time to get safely away?"
+
+"Yes, but the men let themselves become panic-stricken. They lost their
+heads and consumed a good deal of time. Besides that, they forgot they
+were civilized. One of them hit me an awful clip."
+
+"And pretty nearly left you on board to be drowned!"
+
+"These fellows did the same thing!" announced Jack, peering out.
+
+"Did what?" queried Ned, wondering what the other meant.
+
+"Left a man aboard when the ship sank," stated Jack, pointing through the
+little port hole. "There he is, walking about!"
+
+Clearly the boys saw a figure apparently crossing the deck.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+ALONE AND HELPLESS
+
+
+"Good night!" almost shrieked Frank. "That's uncanny! Whoever heard of a
+man walking about at the bottom of the ocean?"
+
+"Where did he come from, Jack?" asked Ned.
+
+"I saw that figure come out of the companionway," stated Jack. "I thought
+I was mistaken at first, because of the dim light. I looked again as you
+boys were talking. Then I saw that it was the figure of a man,
+apparently. He seems to be carrying something in his arms!"
+
+"There he goes over the side of the vessel!" whispered Harry in an
+awestruck voice. "What sort of deal is this, anyway?"
+
+"Did you notice the knapsack thing he was wearing on his back?" asked
+Frank. "If I was superstitious, I'd say it was the ghost of a soldier who
+had been drowned and was seeking his way back home!"
+
+"We don't take any stock in that ghost business!" declared Ned stoutly.
+"Some things may look supernatural because we don't understand them, but
+there's always an explanation if we seek it!"
+
+"What is your explanation of this thing, Ned?" questioned Jack.
+
+"Probably some mass of seaweed or some other substance got caught in a
+current and lodged against the cabin on the Wanderer. When we circled
+about the wreck we set up counter currents that may have released this
+mass. It then floated along in the current to finally sink on the other
+side of this submerged hull. That's all there is to it!"
+
+"I wonder what sort of a current is bringing the bloomin' thing back
+again!" announced Jack as Ned concluded his explanation. "It's moving its
+lower edges most remarkably like a man walking!"
+
+Ned's look of bewilderment increased. Clearly the boy was puzzled. Even
+he, himself, was not quite satisfied with the explanation of the strange
+sight which had greeted the boys.
+
+Slowly forging ahead, the submarine passed toward the stern of the
+Wanderer, shutting the strange figure out of sight.
+
+"Turn around the stern again, Jimmie," requested Ned. "Go easy on the
+engines, and we'll have a look from a new angle. This is getting rather
+spooky, I must say. I want to examine into it!"
+
+Again the false "U-13" rounded the stern of the wreck. Slowly the craft
+nosed along the port side to a point abreast the mizzen chains. Directly
+at a signal from the pilot, Harry shut off power altogether.
+
+The strange magnetism that seems to exist in all objects at sea slowly
+drew the submarine toward the ship. Its drift had been sufficient to
+bring the vessel to a point abreast the main rigging before it stopped.
+
+By this time the craft had approached close to the wreck. A very slight
+jar told the boys that their vessel had touched the other. Eagerly all
+watched from the portholes, now but a short space above the level of the
+rail across which they looked. Directly all was still. At this depth, no
+movement of water was discernible.
+
+Feeling awed by the strangeness of the situation, the boys refrained from
+speech. They watched for the reappearance of the strange figure.
+
+Soon Jimmie hissed a warning. He reached out a hand to turn the switch
+controlling the lights. The boat lay in utter darkness.
+
+A figure stepped out of the Wanderer's companionway.
+
+It appeared to be that of a person of medium build. The boys could now
+see that it was clothed in what seemed to be a diver's suit. The helmet,
+however, was not connected to any air pipe. Neither was there a line
+leading upward to indicate the presence of assistance. A hump on the
+shoulders, giving the impression of a knapsack, afforded much wonderment
+and increased the mysterious look of the newcomer.
+
+"Sh-h-h!" warned Ned in a sibilant hiss, as the figure came directly
+toward their position. "Keep quiet!" he whispered.
+
+A few steps carried the stranger to the rail. The boys saw him give a
+start of amazement as he prepared to go over the side of the ship.
+Clearly the strange diver was surprised to see the craft in that
+position. He stepped back a pace, then came gingerly forward.
+
+Evidently the man was astonished to observe the "U-13". He climbed slowly
+into the main shrouds. From that position he surveyed the craft more
+completely. Again he returned to the deck.
+
+During this examination the lads had remained quietly at their posts, not
+caring to make their presence known until they were sure of the identity
+of the other. They still remained with their faces at the portholes,
+where they observed, so far as possible, every move of the stranger.
+
+Directly they observed the diver pick up the burden he had brought from
+the cabin. He hastened to the rail of the wreck. In a moment he had
+clambered overboard, letting himself down by means of a line secured to a
+belaying pin at the mainmast.
+
+"That's funny!" observed Ned, as the other disappeared from view. "What
+do you suppose made him scuttle out of sight so hurriedly?"
+
+"Maybe he, like the warship, saw our name--'U-13'--on the side of the
+vessel!" ventured Jimmie. "They all run away from that!"
+
+"It surely doesn't make us many friends!" declared Ned.
+
+"You're right!" answered the other. "It's the original killjoy!"
+
+"Let's dive a little deeper," suggested Jack. "Perhaps we can find out
+where this new chap is going with those bundles."
+
+"Perhaps we'll find out how he got here!" added Frank.
+
+"And while you fellows are 'perhapsing'," put in Jimmie, "I'll say that
+perhaps we'd better stick out! Perhaps he doesn't want us nosing around
+his property, and perhaps he'll touch off a bomb!"
+
+"What's the matter with you lately?" inquired Frank. "You're getting to
+be a regular little 'fraid-cat'! You never used to be so timid about
+sticking your nose into other people's business!"
+
+"I'm not afraid to go looking into things now, only I've got a hunch that
+we'd better not do it, that's all!" answered the lad. "Just because I
+happen to want to leave a fellow alone is no sign I'm a 'fraid-cat'. If
+you lads want to go anywhere, you tell me the name of the place. I'm game
+to stick with you until they turn out the lights!"
+
+"Spoken like a man, Jimmie!" declared Frank. "That sounds like the old
+Jimmie we used to know. Now, let's go down a ways."
+
+Harry sprang to the levers. A few shifts of the control brought the
+storage batteries to work operating the pumps. With the additional water
+admitted by this process, the false "U-13" sank until far below the level
+of the rail of the wreck. Still deeper and deeper it settled.
+
+Presently the boys at the port holes could discover the bends of the
+sides, indicating that they were nearly to the ocean floor. In another
+moment a slight bump told them that the craft rested on bottom.
+
+"I saw a flash of light just now!" stated Jimmie.
+
+"Where did it come from?" asked Ned, stepping forward.
+
+"Just ahead of us on this side of the ship. The shadow lies heavily
+there, so I can't make out what's located in that place!"
+
+The boys had not long to wait, however, to discover the cause of the
+flash which Jimmie had seen. Almost following the boy's words came a
+dazzling beam of light, piercing the dark shadow like an arrow. For a
+moment the boys were blinded as the searchlight's flame played on the
+forward part of their vessel.
+
+Presently the light shifted. It was turned against the side of the sunken
+Wanderer. Up and down the light traveled, revealing the rugged sides of
+the hull, with its covering of barnacles below what had been the water
+line. Outward the beam went, showing nothing but ocean floor. Fishes were
+illuminated and dazzled by the strong ray.
+
+Finally the light returned to the false "U-13", where it settled for a
+moment. Directly the light was turned off.
+
+Jimmie had been shading his eyes with a protecting hand. He was,
+therefore, not so much blinded by the glare as the others had been.
+
+"There they go!" he cried, as the light was removed from the port hole
+through which it had been shining. "They're rising!"
+
+"Who can it be, I wonder?" questioned Ned.
+
+"I'll never tell you!" declared Jimmie. "Oh, yes, I will, too!" he
+amended his statement. "If you want to know, it's the 'U-13'!"
+
+"The 'U-13'?" questioned the lads in chorus.
+
+"The 'U-13'!" positively stated Jimmie. "Here," he cried, turning a
+switch leading to the searchlight. "Take a look!"
+
+The powerful storage batteries on the vessel occupied by the boys
+generated a ray of light that pierced the darkness of the undersea world
+with ease. Sharply outlined in the circle of flame the lads clearly saw
+the form of a submarine vessel similar in many respects to their own.
+There was the same sharp prow, the same tapering stern with conning
+tower, keel, port lights, and every essential feature of the vessel upon
+which they were located.
+
+Outlined upon the side, in letters fully the same size as those upon
+their own vessel, the lads saw distinctly the mark "U-13."
+
+"What do you know about that?" gasped Frank. "That's fierce!"
+
+"Is it the same vessel you saw off Land's End, Frank?" asked Ned.
+
+"I'm sure I can't say," returned the other. "I think it is! Of course,
+we're somewhat below it. Besides the difference in perspective from this
+angle the water has a great deal to do with changing the appearance of
+everything. The general outlines appear similar, however."
+
+"Then we're in a ticklish position!" declared Ned. "Suppose those fellows
+take it into their head to torpedo us?"
+
+"If they do," stated Frank decisively, "they'll play havoc!"
+
+"They're going over the wreck!" stated Jimmie in a whisper.
+
+"Let's rise a little and see which way they head for," proposed Frank.
+"We can then go in the opposite direction for a while."
+
+"I think we'd better slide right along to the southwest," stated Jimmie.
+"I know I'm meeting a good deal of opposition, but I've a hunch that
+we'll be better off if we get right away from this spot!"
+
+"Been reading that dream book again, little man?" asked Ned, with a
+laugh. "Sorry, Jimmie, but the majority seems to be against you!"
+
+"All right, Boss!" returned Jimmie with a smile. "I'm game to stick with
+the bunch! You'll find me right here smiling all the while!"
+
+"Jimmie," gravely stated Ned, "I wish we could all get some of that sunny
+disposition of yours. We need a lot of your optimism."
+
+"Thanks!" was Jimmie's reply, delivered with an excess of politeness.
+"Now, I'm at the wheel, Captain. Where to, sir?"
+
+"Let's rise first and see what the other is doing!"
+
+"Ding, ding!" cried Jimmie. "Touch up the mule, Harry!"
+
+Harry's manipulations of the levers brought the false "U-13" rapidly to a
+level with the Wanderer's deck. Through the port lights the boys could
+see the other submarine across the sunken ship. It seemed to be gradually
+descending toward the bottom.
+
+"Let's follow them and see where they go!" proposed Jack.
+
+"At your service, sir!" cried Jimmie, saluting. "We'll proceed to
+proceed!" he added with a grin. "Here goes after the real 'U-13'!"
+
+"Go ahead slowly, Harry," cautioned Ned. "We don't want to overtake them
+yet. We're in the shadow here, so they probably won't see us if we hang
+back a little. Just give the wheel a little kick."
+
+Slowly the vessel carried the boys over the sunken Australian. They were
+passing between the main and mizzen rigging at a level slightly lower
+than that of the main yard.
+
+"What's that just ahead of us?" queried Jack, at the porthole.
+
+"I don't see anything," replied Ned. "What and where is it?"
+
+"Right here," declared Jack, pointing. "No, you're too late! I thought it
+looked like a snake in the water at first, but I see it was only a piece
+of rope hanging from the rigging. It's all right!"
+
+"Possibly it has been hanging down all the time but the current caused by
+the passage of the other vessel swung it outward," ventured Ned. "It will
+no doubt slip past in a moment!"
+
+But this prediction was not fulfilled. With a sudden lurch, the stern of
+the false "U-13" rose, tilting the deck sharply forward.
+
+With a groan the propellers stopped.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+HELP FROM A STRANGER
+
+
+Harry uttered a sharp cry as he stumbled forward along the steep incline
+of the floor. It seemed as if some huge power had grasped the stern of
+the craft, raising it until the vessel tilted forward at an angle which
+rendered walking impossible.
+
+All the boys were thrown toward the forward end of the vessel, where
+Jimmie was located. Ned and Jack lost their footing. They rolled
+awkwardly to the forward bulkhead. Harry and Frank managed to remain
+upright by hurriedly grasping at parts of the machinery or at stanchions.
+Their progress was undignified as well as sudden.
+
+"What's up?" sharply questioned Jimmie, regaining his feet.
+
+"The stern's up!" facetiously replied Jack, also struggling to a standing
+position. "Is anybody hurt?" the boy continued.
+
+A brief examination disclosed the fact that beyond a few minor bruises
+none of the boys had been seriously injured. Their first care was for
+each other. All were glad to find no one badly hurt.
+
+"What on earth can have happened to us?" asked Ned, peering from a port
+light on the starboard side. "Did we collide with something?"
+
+"I don't believe we did," returned Harry. "There wasn't any bump as if
+we'd run into another object. We just stopped!"
+
+"And then the stern went up into the air and stayed there!" put in Jack.
+"Something's got us by the stern and won't let go!"
+
+"I think I know what it is!" announced Frank. "What is it they call these
+fishermen with a big net dragging around?"
+
+"Fishermen!" answered Jimmie, with a grin.
+
+"Stop your nonsense!" ordered Frank, administering a friendly punch to
+his red-headed comrade. "I mean the fellows with a big drag net!"
+
+"Trawlers is the word you want, Frank!" said Jimmie.
+
+"That's it!" agreed Frank. "I'll bet we're tangled in one of their nets.
+Maybe we can't get loose again, either," he added.
+
+"Don't you believe it!" scorned Jimmie. "If it was a fisherman had hold
+of us, we'd be yanked around pretty lively. I think it is that rope we
+saw hanging in front of the port light!"
+
+"I believe you're right, Jimmie!" Ned put in as he gazed through the
+heavy glass on the port side. "I can see that we're swinging close to the
+mainmast. There is no motion to the boat, so that makes me think your
+solution is about right. Now to get loose!"
+
+"Yes, I agree with you!" stated Harry. "But how? If your assumption is
+correct, we've got a big piece of line wound around the outboard end of
+the shaft. It is probably more or less tangled up in the propeller also.
+We can't turn the engines over!"
+
+"Maybe we could throw out the clutch and turn the shaft backwards enough
+to unwind the line!" suggested Frank.
+
+"I'm in favor of rising to the surface if the slack of line will permit,"
+offered Jack. "We could then open the hatchway. It would be easy enough
+from there to clear the line from the screw."
+
+"That's probably the best way out of it," commented Ned. "Suppose we try
+that. Harry, can we rise as Jack suggests?"
+
+"I don't know," came Harry's hesitating reply. "I'll try!"
+
+Accordingly the boy clambered from his position near the forward bulkhead
+to the compartment amidships, where the pumps were located. A shift of
+valves followed by a touch on the levers connecting the storage batteries
+with the electric pumps started the process of emptying the ballast
+tanks.
+
+Almost instantly the forward end of the craft began to rise. Very shortly
+the deck was in a level position. Then, as Harry continued to empty the
+water ballast, Frank and Ned, assisted by Jimmie and Jack, threw the
+clutch on the propeller shaft out of contact in order to permit the tail
+shaft to turn without moving the engines.
+
+They then endeavored to turn the portion of the shaft which projected
+through the stern bearing in the back up motion to free the propeller.
+They hoped thus to release the rope which they believed to be wound
+around the outboard portion of the shaft.
+
+Strive as they might, however, the shaft stubbornly refused to move.
+Their utmost efforts were unavailing.
+
+At length, out of breath and exhausted, Ned sank back upon a locker. He
+looked at his companions with a curious expression.
+
+"What's the matter, Ned?" inquired Jack anxiously. "Are you ill?"
+
+"I feel badly, boys," replied Ned. "Unless we can devise some means to
+free that line from the shaft, we are in a pretty tight fix!"
+
+"How near the surface can you bring the boat, Harry?" asked Frank.
+
+"The gauges show that we're about two and a half fathoms down at
+present," replied Harry. "I have pumped a lot more water out than would
+ordinarily be required to bring us to the surface."
+
+"Then we must be held by that line!" declared Ned.
+
+"Let's try some other maneuver with the ship before we give up!" put in
+Jack. "We're not half though our experiments yet!"
+
+"All right, what'll you try?" asked Ned in a despairing tone.
+
+"I don't know," was the answer. "But we're going to do something to help
+get us out of this fix. How would it do to fill the tanks to sink us as
+far as we can go? Then we could empty them in a hurry, which would make
+the boat rise swiftly. The jounce would perhaps break the line and let us
+up so we could get some fresh air."
+
+"If we don't get some fresh air pretty soon, we'll have to do something
+desperate. The reserve tank is nearly exhausted!"
+
+In compliance with Jack's suggestion, the ballast tanks were again
+filled. Gradually the "U-13" descended to the bottom. As the deck began
+to tilt forward, as it had done when the craft was first stopped, Harry
+threw into operation every pump that could be used to empty the water
+from the ballast tanks. The boat rose rapidly.
+
+With a jerk that nearly threw the boys off their feet, the "U-13" came to
+a rest. The gauges still showed the same depth as before.
+
+Ned's face turned ashen as he sank upon a locker. The others gathered
+around him, expressing sympathy. The boy was clearly distressed.
+
+"Never mind, Ned!" spoke up Frank. "We're coming out all right! The only
+trouble is that we haven't tried the right thing yet!"
+
+"But I can't seem to think of a thing to do in this case," protested the
+other. "I'm all out of ideas! I'm sorry that we tried to follow that
+other submarine. I wish we had taken Jimmie's advice!"
+
+"Never mind that now, Ned. We're close to the surface. If it becomes
+necessary, I will volunteer to be shot out of the torpedo tube. I can
+rise to the surface, swim about until I get my wind again, and then dive
+and cut the rope. That will release the whole ship!"
+
+"Jimmie, that's awfully good of you to offer that, but I feel that I
+should be the one to do it," was Ned's reply.
+
+"No, sir!" declared Jimmie promptly. "You're in no condition to attempt
+anything like that. You're worried, and your heart action is not right
+just now. My mind is a blank, and my heart is as sound as a bullet! I'm
+just the one for the job!"
+
+As if the matter were understood, Jimmie began divesting himself of his
+clothing. He deposited his jacket on the locker beside Ned.
+
+"Harry," he said, turning to his chum, "will you see that the torpedo
+tube is connected up and in working order? You might try a discharge for
+practice. We can spare a little of this air!"
+
+By the time Jimmie had stripped and secured a knife to a belt about his
+waist, Harry pronounced the tube ready for operation.
+
+"Now, fellows," said Jimmie, shaking hands with his chums, "there's about
+one chance in a million that I won't get through this all right. If you
+are not up to the surface in five minutes, you may know that I've failed.
+Then you'd better send out another lad!"
+
+"Me next!" shouted Jack, beginning to remove his shoes.
+
+Harry was peering from the heavy glass protecting the forward porthole.
+As Jimmie stepped forward to enter the torpedo tube, Harry held up a
+warning hand. He turned an anxious face to his friends.
+
+"There's something outside here!" he announced in an anxious tone. "I saw
+it once, but didn't get a clear view!"
+
+"What did it look like?" asked Jimmie. "Is it alive?"
+
+"I'm not sure, but I think it's another submarine!"
+
+"Probably the real 'U-13' come up to look us over. Never mind those
+fellows. I'm going ahead and cut this wagon loose!"
+
+"Wait a minute!" cried Ned. "I see the craft over here to starboard. It's
+a peculiar vessel, too! I think I see a man!"
+
+"I see him, too!" declared Frank from a porthole a short distance aft.
+"Do you suppose he's trying to get us to descend again?"
+
+"Maybe that's it! Let's try it, anyway!" offered Harry.
+
+"Go ahead!" agreed Ned in a tone that showed he was again taking heart.
+"Let's act on the suggestion. We can try our scheme later!"
+
+Harry's hand had already found the levers. In a moment the ballast tanks
+were being filled with water. Gradually the vessel sank.
+
+As the light grew more dim at the increased depth, Jimmie declared he
+could see the other vessel descending at about the same speed.
+
+Presently the two craft were at the limit of their travel. The visitor
+rested on the deck of the Wanderer, while the 'U-13', in which the boys
+were imprisoned, hung again at an angle from the line.
+
+Directly the lads saw the figure that had formerly attracted their
+attention. It was climbing the main shrouds of the wrecked ship. When the
+man reached a position level with their craft he began making signs and
+motions. In his hand he flourished a knife.
+
+"Looks rather bad for us!" commented Jack.
+
+"Don't you get him?" asked Jimmie impatiently. "He understands our
+predicament and intends to help us! He motioned out that he is going to
+climb the rigging until he can find the rope. Then he'll slide down it
+until he lands on our stern. If we'll agree not to start the engines
+while he's there, he'll cut the rope. But we must be ready at the ballast
+tanks to let the vessel settle slowly to the deck of the ship, so he can
+get off and clear the line from the propeller!"
+
+"I don't believe it!" stated Jack. "I think he meant to cut the line as
+soon as he gets to it and let us settle down slowly. What would be the
+sense of his riding around the ocean seated on the stern of a disabled
+submarine? He's got too much sense for that!"
+
+"Maybe you're right!" admitted Jimmie. "Let's float the boat on an even
+keel and see. I'm going to dress again!"
+
+Even as the lad hastened to put on his clothes the boys felt a sudden dip
+made by the submarine. Gradually they descended.
+
+"Hurrah, he did it!" exultantly cried Ned. "Now, where has he gone? I do
+hope he'll free the propeller wheel at once!"
+
+"We could rise to the surface even if the propeller is stuck!" declared
+Harry. "I can pump the ballast all out of the tanks!"
+
+"But if we do that we'll have to dive overboard to clear the wheel!"
+protested Frank. "I know that water is good and cold!"
+
+"Wait a minute, boys, and see what the fellow does," cautioned Ned.
+"Maybe he wants to help us, so it wouldn't be nice to run away!"
+
+"Here he is, now!" cried Jack from his position near a porthole. "He's
+looking through the glass, and making motions again!"
+
+"I know what he wants!" declared Harry. "He's making motions for us to
+unscrew a pipe! He wants us to let in a lot of the ocean!"
+
+"Wait a minute, Harry!" put in Ned. "He's walking toward his own boat.
+Let's see what he's going to do!"
+
+In a short time their rescuer had reached the side of his own vessel. He
+stepped into an open door in the side and disappeared.
+
+"An air lock!" cried Ned. "Did you see that, boys?"
+
+"Just like the little old Sea Lion we used in the China Sea!"
+
+"Here he comes again with a line!" announced Harry. "Now what?"
+
+The boys heard a hammering and thumping near one of the sea cocks.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+MACKINDER AGAIN
+
+
+Even as the five boys glanced at each other with startled and wondering
+looks, the thumping ceased abruptly. In a short space it was resumed.
+Instinctively the boys gathered near the spot.
+
+While they stood there trying to determine the cause for the strange
+procedure, the noise ceased. They heard a tapping at one of the
+portholes. Jimmie rushed across the compartment to investigate.
+
+"Hey, fellows, come over here a minute!" he called out.
+
+"What have you found now?" questioned Ned, obeying the request.
+
+"Here's this chap, and he's making all sorts of signals!"
+
+"That's funny!" puzzled Ned. "Can you make out what he wants?"
+
+"He's making his hands go in the strangest way! I'm sure I can't
+interpret such motions unless he wants us to turn around while he places
+a bomb or something close enough to blow us out of the water."
+
+"I know what he wants!" shouted Harry, who had been closely observing the
+stranger's repetition of the strange motions. "He wants us to open the
+valve leading from that sea cock where he has been working!"
+
+"Fine business!" scorned Jimmie. "Open up the sea cock and let the ocean
+come running all over our nice carpets! I guess not!"
+
+"I'm going to try it, anyway!" declared Harry. "If a little water does
+come in, the pumps will take care of it before it becomes dangerous. At
+least, it's well worth trying!"
+
+"Go ahead, then, but don't blame me if anything happens!"
+
+Harry moved to the vicinity of the spot where the stranger had been
+occupied but a few moments before. Jimmie was at the porthole.
+
+A turn of the valve resulted in a sudden short inrush of water.
+
+This ceased abruptly, bringing forth an exultant cry from Harry, while
+the other boys crowded around, speculating on the cause.
+
+"I've got it!" cried Harry, dancing about the compartment. "I know what
+he's going to do. Go to the porthole, Jimmie, and see where our friend is
+now. Tell me just what he's doing. I'm going to stand guard over this
+valve here for a while in case something happens."
+
+"He's going back into his little cage!" stated Jimmie from his position.
+"He's just shutting the outer door."
+
+"Stand by to see something happen now, boys!" announced Harry.
+
+"What's going to happen, Harry?" asked Jack.
+
+Before Harry could answer, a sputter of water and air was observed at the
+open valve. A small quantity of water was blown out of the pipe.
+Following this came a rush of sweet, pure air that was very grateful to
+the boys after they had been using the vitiated atmosphere of their
+craft.
+
+In fact, the lads were much nearer the complete exhaustion of their
+supply of usable atmosphere than they really comprehended.
+
+"Um-m-m!" exclaimed Jimmie, inhaling great draughts of the incoming
+current. "Smell that, will you? It's just like a posy bed!"
+
+"That's quite remarkable!" declared Ned, as he, too, sniffed the new
+atmosphere. "It does really seem to carry the odor of flowers!"
+
+"Maybe it's a sort of gas that he's unloading on us to render us
+unconscious, so he can capture the whole outfit!" conjectured Jack.
+
+"I don't believe it!" protested Ned. "I'm quite convinced that this is
+pure air. He seems to have quite a lot of it stored up!"
+
+"Let's pump out some of this foul air and change with the new!"
+
+"Go ahead!" consented Ned. "It's a good move, I'm sure!"
+
+In a short time the boys began to feel the effects of the inflow of
+vitalized atmosphere. They were livelier, with less depression.
+
+Directly their attention was attracted to the porthole again by a
+tapping. The stranger was once more trying to convey some information by
+signs. He repeated the motions of a short time before.
+
+"I got you!" cried Harry, holding up a hand as a sign of understanding.
+"He wants us to shut the valve off. Perhaps he's given us all the nice
+fresh air that he feels it possible to spare!"
+
+"Shut the valve, then," directed Ned.
+
+"What's next?" spoke up Jimmie, listening to a slight hammering outside
+of the hull. "He's disconnecting the pipe now!"
+
+"Better wait a bit and see what he wants us to do," cautioned Ned. "Maybe
+he's going to cut the line out of our propeller."
+
+The lad's prediction was correct. In a very few moments they could hear
+the stranger working away at the encumbering line which held their
+propeller in a vise-like grip.
+
+Not many minutes passed before the stranger again appeared at the
+porthole. Making a few signals easily comprehended by all, he repaired to
+his own craft, entering and closing the door of the air lock.
+
+Almost immediately the other craft began to ascend perpendicularly.
+
+"Guess we may as well make a mooch!" stated Jimmie, as he watched the
+other submarine rise out of their range of vision. "We're done here!"
+
+"All right, let's get going!" agreed Harry, stepping toward the levers
+and preparing to start the motors at the pilot's command.
+
+At once Jimmie sprang to the wheel. He gave a pull at the bell cord,
+jangling out a "go ahead" signal to Harry. As the latter touched the
+levers a startling crash at the stern of the craft was heard.
+
+The motors spun the shaft around futilely without making headway.
+
+With blanched faces the lads glanced about the craft. Harry's hand
+instinctively sought the levers again to turn off the current.
+
+"What's the matter?" called Jimmie from his position.
+
+"I don't know!" declared Harry. "It sounded as if that fellow had tied a
+can to us and we'd set it going! What did he do?"
+
+"Let's pump the ballast out and rise straight to the surface," suggested
+Ned. "I noticed that he did that. Maybe there's a reason!"
+
+Harry lost no time in acting on this suggestion. The electric pumps were
+not long in emptying the ballast tanks. With this weight removed, the
+boat quickly shot upward to the surface.
+
+As the conning tower portholes rose above the surface, the boys noticed
+that the afternoon was far spent. Darkness already was gathering.
+
+Ned was working frantically at the clamps securing the hatch cover. With
+a cry of delight he swung the cover out of position, admitting a cool
+breeze. The wind had died down, leaving the surface of the ocean
+comparatively smooth. Sufficient breeze was moving, however, to serve the
+purpose of airing out the interior of the craft without putting the great
+fans into commission. All the boys came to the tiny deck.
+
+Lying but a few fathoms from their port side they discerned the other
+submarine. Clearly distinguishable on the sides were the great letters
+"U-13" painted in almost exact duplicate of those on their own boat.
+
+"What do you know about that?" was Jimmie's surprised exclamation. "If
+that fellow isn't a dead ringer for this ship, I'm a Dutchman!"
+
+"He surely does look a whole lot like us!" agreed Ned.
+
+"I say, Frank," put in Harry eagerly, "is that the fellow that sank the
+ship you were on? Can you identify it now?"
+
+Frank shook his head hesitatingly before he answered slowly: "Boys, I
+hate to say it, but it looks as like the other as two peas. I would not
+like to make an affidavit, but I'm willing to say that it bears a most
+remarkable resemblance to that other one, if it is 'other'!"
+
+"Then, I guess we're done for!" despaired Jack. "If that's a German
+craft, we may as well hoist the white flag now and surrender!"
+
+"Think they'll take us back to Germany?" asked Ned quizzically.
+
+"I'm sure of it!" declared the boy. "And we won't stand much show,
+either, when they find that we've stolen this ship away from Helgoland!"
+
+"Goodness!" exclaimed Ned suddenly. "I declare I'd actually forgotten
+that we were on board a stolen submarine. That does make it look rather
+dubious for us. We are in a pretty mess!" he added.
+
+"Here comes someone now!" announced Jimmie. "Watch the hatch!"
+
+A movement of the hatch cover on the other vessel indicated that someone
+was about to appear on deck. Slowly a figure stepped forth.
+
+The stranger was of medium build, and wore a suit of blue with a round
+hat to match. He was carefully dressed. After taking a long survey of the
+group on the deck of the false "U-13," he waved a hand in welcome.
+
+"He wants us to come over and pay him a visit!" stated Jimmie.
+
+"Why don't you accept, then?" inquired Ned. "We're into it now and may as
+well be sociable. Being balky won't help matters any!"
+
+"I would if we had a boat," announced the other.
+
+"Maybe the real 'U-13' there has a boat they'd spare," suggested Jack.
+"Why don't you hail and ask him if he won't send a boat?"
+
+"Hail him yourself if you want to! Maybe he don't talk English!"
+
+"Try him on United States then!" laughed Jack. "I would!"
+
+"Help yourself!" said Jimmie, leaning back against the rail.
+
+"Ahoy the submarine!" shouted Jack in response to this suggestion. "We
+haven't a boat or we'd come over. Can you send a boat to us?"
+
+Waving an arm as if comprehending the lad's statement and inquiry the
+figure on the other vessel clambered quickly to the after deck. After a
+moment's fumbling at what appeared to be a lock, he lifted a cover. In a
+short time the boys saw him drag from its place a small, light, steel
+boat.
+
+This was at once launched over the side. Running out upon a light iron
+ladder the man dropped into the rowboat. He sculled the small craft
+quickly over the intervening distance and was soon alongside.
+
+"Come aboard, sir," invited Ned, reaching out a hand to assist.
+
+"Good night!" ejaculated Jimmie. "How did you ever get here so quickly,
+Mackinder? We thought you were aboard that warship!"
+
+"I've been here a long time!" laughed the other, looking at the lad.
+
+"You've made a quick trip, all right!" returned Jimmie.
+
+The others crowded forward with eager, questioning looks. Upon the face
+of each was to be seen amazement, wonder and perplexity.
+
+"Come aboard, Mackinder," invited Ned. "We'd like to hear an explanation
+of the strange goings on hereabouts. Can you help us?"
+
+"First, I'd like to hear your explanations," stated the newcomer. "But
+before you start your story, please tell me why you call me Mackinder."
+
+"Isn't that your name?" asked Jimmie. "Tell us that!"
+
+"Yes, that's my name, you know!" replied the stranger, smilingly. "But
+how did you happen to know it? I'm rather puzzled, you know!"
+
+"Why, you told us yourself on the train running into Amsterdam!" stated
+Jimmie, with rising indignation. "Then we called you by that name while
+you were trying to delay our start. Also Captain von Kluck used that name
+when he referred to you. I guess it's your name all right!"
+
+"I don't deny that!" stated the newcomer. "What puzzles me is how you
+chaps know it so quickly, don't you know."
+
+"It don't make much difference how we know the name so quickly," went on
+Jimmie. "We'd know you anywhere we saw you. We'd especially recognize
+that hand with the scar! That's a dead giveaway!"
+
+The newcomer glanced quickly at his right hand, which Jimmie had
+indicated. As he brought it up to view, the boys could see a jagged scar
+running clear across the back. They had seen such a scar before.
+
+With an accusing finger pointing at the disfigurement, Jimmie snapped out
+in crisp accents that indicated plainly his excitement:
+
+"That's the same hand that tied and gagged me in the warehouse in
+Amsterdam, and the same hand that I saw shoved into the window of the
+frontier hut to get the 'U-13' package. Deny it if you can!"
+
+"I am not going to deny anything, you know!" returned the other coolly.
+"You seem so positive about it there's little use denying!"
+
+"You bet there's no use denying anything like that!" declared Jimmie with
+some heat. "You can't deny that you tried to sic the German torpedo boat
+destroyer onto us, either. You can't deny that you sneaked away from this
+very submarine when I was painting the name on the bow. You'd better not
+try to deny that you showed us to the British gunboat a while ago and got
+them to fire at us. If you start denying anything," the boy went on, "I'm
+going to deny that I'm neutral!"
+
+With a laugh the newcomer threw back his head in amused fashion.
+
+"Have your own way about it, you know," he replied, "but I'm going to
+tell you one thing. I'm not Mackinder!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+A MYSTERIOUS CRAFT
+
+
+The surprise of the lads at this declaration of their visitor was
+profound. They stared at the stranger who bore such a striking
+resemblance to Mackinder and who had just declared that he was not that
+person. Speechless at the apparent untruth, they could only stare.
+
+Seeing their looks of astonishment at his declaration, the man laughed
+loudly, apparently enjoying hugely the joke that the boys could not see.
+Supporting himself against the rail, he gave vent to peals of merriment
+at the expense of the five young lads.
+
+"So you don't believe me, eh?" he inquired at length, controlling himself
+with an effort. "I can't blame you, don't you know!"
+
+"Say, Mackinder, you ought to be in vaudeville!" declared Jimmie in
+reply. "For a lightning change artist, you're decidedly it!"
+
+"Thank you!" acknowledged Mackinder, choosing to accept the boy's words
+as a compliment. "You're almost too kind, don't you know!"
+
+"And then," the boy went on, "as a monologue artist, you'd certainly have
+them all backed off the boards. I know a place in New York where you
+could draw down your two fifty per without half trying!"
+
+"An engagement, do you mean?" queried the man, with interest.
+
+"Just that!" stated Jimmie. "And then, there's another place up the
+Hudson a ways where you ought to be making little ones out of big ones.
+They give a fellow a long engagement there and supply costumes!"
+
+"All of which means that you're spoofing me a bit, don't you know!"
+returned their visitor without resentment. He was apparently enjoying the
+situation hugely, and meant to make the most of it.
+
+Seeing that his words failed to arouse or draw out the other, Jimmie
+turned disgustedly away to lean over the rail.
+
+Ned began to question their guest, but was interrupted by Jimmie, who
+announced that he saw a steamer's smoke on the horizon.
+
+"This water is quite thickly sprinkled with vessels of all sorts," said
+the alleged Mackinder. "Perhaps we'd better get out, you know!"
+
+"What do you make that vessel out to be?" asked Ned.
+
+"It doesn't make any difference what it is," replied the other, "we shall
+be better off if they don't find us! We don't need them!"
+
+"Very well," put in Jimmie, "then we'll get up steam on this wagon and
+slide along. I'm going to say this to you, though, that Mackinder or no
+Mackinder, we're very grateful for your help. If we get an opportunity to
+reciprocate, we'll be only too glad to do it!"
+
+With this, the boy turned and offered his hand to the man. It was grasped
+with a hearty grip that conveyed a sense of friendliness.
+
+"You can help me right now," was the response. "Come aboard my vessel and
+give me a hand on a little project I have under way."
+
+"I don't think we'd better do that right now," stated Jimmie. "You see,
+we're neutral, and we don't want to take sides either way!"
+
+"So am I neutral! I care nothing for this awful war except to see it
+stop. I shall do nothing for either side, so rest easy on that score. But
+your propellor is broken by having that line jammed in it. You cannot
+navigate your vessel, and would better come aboard mine!"
+
+Doubting this statement, Jimmie clambered into the small boat and sculled
+toward the stern of the false "U-13". There he could look into the water
+to a depth sufficient to confirm the other's statement.
+
+"It's no use, boys," he declared, returning to the conning tower. "The
+blades of the propellor are damaged beyond use. We might as well go!"
+
+Securing a line to the bow of the false "U-13" the man proposed to tow it
+to a safe place where it could be anchored to await repairs. Two trips
+were necessary to transfer the boys to the craft which had been of such
+signal service in their hour of extreme need.
+
+Led by their recent guest, who was now their host, the lads descended
+into the interior of the vessel. Here a strange sight met their gaze. In
+cages canaries were twittering gaily while all about the bulkheads had
+been fastened pots of plants, some of which were in bloom.
+
+"Now I understand why the air you so kindly pumped into our vessel had
+the odor of flowers and growing things!" declared Ned as he turned to
+their host. "You have things fixed pretty cozy here!"
+
+"Just a touch now and again to make it look home-like!" said the man. "I
+prefer the sight of a flower to that of a cold steel bulkhead. Besides,
+it's more healthful to have a few plants about."
+
+Harry was lost in admiration of the machinery which he declared to be far
+superior to that of the vessel they had lately abandoned.
+
+With a touch their strange host sent the craft forward at a good speed.
+He explained to the lads a gyroscope arrangement by which he controlled
+the steering gear that kept the vessel on any chosen course and at any
+desired depth after once being adjusted.
+
+"And now, if you please, Mr. Mackinder," questioned Jimmie at length,
+"will you be so good as to tell us what your mission may be?"
+
+"Certainly!" replied the other frankly. "I see the steamer is not
+following us so I will take plenty of time to give you details."
+
+"Thanks!" drily responded the lad. "We'll appreciate it!"
+
+With a laugh the man seated himself on a locker and motioned the lads to
+do likewise. They listened intently as he proceeded:
+
+"You perhaps all realize that the possession of wealth is the desire of
+almost every human being. I am not different from the rest in that
+respect at least. Owing to some family trouble which I shall not at this
+time detail, I was not given the advantages that accrue ordinarily to
+heirs. I think you will understand what I mean?"
+
+"You were left out in the cold when they passed the dough?" asked Jimmie
+with a knowing look. "Just shoved one side?"
+
+"That's about it!" replied the man. "But I resolved to get some money,
+nevertheless. I had a fertile imagination, some education and a very
+small amount of money. I did not want to take so cheap a way as to rob or
+cheat my fellow men. I was not shrewd enough to enter the business world.
+Therefore, I turned my attention to lost or buried treasure."
+
+Jimmie delivered a broad wink toward Ned. It was not lost by their
+observant entertainer, who laughed much to the boy's confusion.
+
+"Amongst other inventions that were in my brain was an instrument for
+detecting the presence of gold similar to the instrument called a
+compass. In this instance electricity had nothing to do with its action.
+
+"To make a long story short, you know, I finally succeeded in perfecting
+the arrangement. It was an amusing circumstance that I had a very hard
+struggle preserving my last gold piece with which to test the device," he
+went on with a laugh at the recollection of his trials.
+
+"At last, I thought I had my instrument perfected. I next needed only
+something on which to practice. With my precious treasure carefully
+guarded I succeeded in reaching the Gulf of Mexico, where it is said so
+much pirate gold has been buried. Wonderful to relate, I actually located
+and recovered a small amount. It was not large but helped me to fit out a
+vessel in which to make other cruises."
+
+"And it really worked?" inquired Jimmie in a tone of unbelief.
+
+"How well I shall presently demonstrate, you know," was the reply. "But I
+found that the crew was tricky. They helped me get a treasure aboard then
+calmly turned pirates themselves and ran away with the treasure. For
+nearly a year I had hard luck. Then I succeeded in locating a large sum
+of gold that had been buried by a man's grandfather.
+
+"My past experiences had taught me that I could not trust anyone.
+Therefore I determined to prosecute my search in other channels.
+
+"Piece by piece in different shops I had this vessel constructed after my
+own designs. The pieces were assembled in a part of the Gulf of Mexico
+little frequented. There I tried out the undersea boat, named it the
+'U-13'--the 'U' standing for Undersea and the '13' in defiance of the
+popular superstition. But I found a new difficulty.
+
+"The instrument, although working perfectly on land, was not reliable
+under the ocean, for as you know there is a large amount of suspended
+gold in sea water. That made the instrument unreliable."
+
+"What did you want to go under water for, anyway?" asked Ned.
+
+"Gold!" was the curt reply. "So I had to construct another device that
+would neutralize the local attraction of the sea water just on the same
+principle that the mariner has the two iron balls near his compass to
+overcome the local attraction on his vessel.
+
+"Then I was prepared to pursue my quest for treasure undisturbed. My
+first venture was the recovery of a large sum from a sunken ship in
+Havana harbor. This provided me sufficient funds so that I put stores
+aboard and came across to seek for the vessels of the Spanish Armada."
+
+"How did you get across the Atlantic?" asked Jimmie incredulously.
+
+"In this vessel!" was the reply. "And most of the way under water, too,
+you know! I didn't want anyone to see me!"
+
+"But you had to come up once in a while to get air!"
+
+"Oh, no! Here is a contrivance," indicating a huge box-like affair, "with
+which I separate the oxygen from the hydrogen by electricity. Water, as
+you know, is composed of two gases--oxygen and hydrogen. Two atoms of
+hydrogen combined with one atom of oxygen and make a tiny bit of water.
+By the aid of this special device I segregate the two gases, use the
+oxygen and discharge the hydrogen overboard."
+
+"I'm going to take my hat off to you!" declared Jimmie. "But you had to
+have some means to prevent discomfort from the storage batteries!"
+
+"Not with these!" smiled the other. "I'm using, without permission, of
+course, a new storage battery that does away with the lead-sulphuric acid
+type of battery. The inventor is a man whose name is familiar to you all.
+He uses a nickel, iron oxide and steel combination in a solution of
+potash. This battery, instead of causing inflammation or even proving
+deadly as is the case with the old type, is actually a benefit to a
+person. It is exactly opposite in its effect to the old style."
+
+"And you manage to make a cruise of days and days under water?"
+
+"Surely!" smiled their host. "There's nothing to prevent it!"
+
+"That's going some!" declared Jimmie. "But I don't believe you managed to
+dig up a lot of gold from the bottom of the ocean!"
+
+"What is there to hinder?" questioned the other.
+
+"Everything!" declared Jimmie. "In the first place there is all the water
+about. Then, too, it would be easier to take this instrument into the
+regions where gold is usually discovered on land. You could prospect with
+it in almost the positive knowledge that you would locate a vein. Digging
+then would be easy."
+
+"Yes, but I don't like to dig!" laughed the other. "Perhaps I'm too lazy
+to do that sort of thing!"
+
+"There's something queer here that I don't quite get," stated Jimmie.
+"Can't you explain a little more in detail?"
+
+"Why, certainly, I'll be glad to elucidate!" was the answer. "You have in
+mind the securing of free gold in nuggets and dust. I go about it in
+quite another way. My purpose is to recover the minted coins that have
+been placed aboard ships. When the ships sink, no diver yet has been able
+to reach those in deep water. Therefore, most of the gold that has been
+carried to the bottom in sunken vessels is forever lost. I intend to
+recover a great deal of it!"
+
+"Then when you know approximately where the vessel was wrecked or sunk,"
+put in Ned, "you go to that neighborhood. Your instrument indicates the
+presence of gold and you follow its directions until the exact spot is
+reached. Then you step out and carry the money aboard your own craft. Is
+that the correct explanation?"
+
+"You have it exactly. And I have done pretty well so far!"
+
+"I don't believe it!" declared Jimmie flatly. "The whole thing sounds
+mighty fishy--not meaning any disrespect," he added addressing the man
+who sat leaning back against a bulkhead.
+
+"But I assure you that what I have said is absolutely true!"
+
+"I'm from Missouri!" stated Jimmie in a tone of doubt.
+
+Their host stepped to a locker which he opened.
+
+"Great Frozen Hot Boxes!" cried Jimmie.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+A MYSTERY EXPLAINED
+
+
+"Why, boys, look at this!" cried Jimmie, his voice rising to a shriek
+then trailing off into a whisper. "Did you ever see the like?"
+
+"Let's see!" put in Frank, crowding forward. "What is it?"
+
+Eagerly the boys gathered around the open compartment. They heard
+distinctly the tinkle of coins as Jimmie seized a handful and let them
+slip one by one back into place. Again and again the boy dived his hands
+into the yellow mass of metal. He raised handfuls of coin to look at them
+a moment, then let them drop from his grasp.
+
+"Good Night!" he ejaculated at length, turning a round-eyed face to the
+man who stood smiling beside the group. "Why, you must have enough here
+to buy a farm and build a fence clear around it!"
+
+"Quite likely I have!" declared the other quietly. "But there are two or
+three other wrecked vessels that I wish to visit before I stop. I have
+the exact locations charted and have examined the interiors."
+
+"Why didn't you take the gold away with you, then?"
+
+"For the very simple reason that I found one pair of hands not enough to
+perform the task. I could have taken the gold away from the sunken
+wrecks, but the matter of getting it ashore was another thing!"
+
+"Why, what's to prevent?" asked Ned wonderingly.
+
+"Several things!" declared the other. "In the first place the peculiar
+phase of human nature that makes every man mad when he sees a lot of
+money would operate against my plan of taking the gold ashore. Who could
+I hire to move the heavy stuff with any assurance of their honesty if
+they once found out what might be in the packages?"
+
+"That's so!" admitted Ned thoughtfully. "Human nature is crooked!"
+
+"My plan has been to find some one who needs the money and who would work
+on a percentage basis--share and share alike. We can then get the money
+ashore, negotiate the older coins that possess more than their face
+value, bank the current coins and be prepared to use the wealth exactly
+as we see fit. So long as it remains under water it is safe."
+
+"But I can't understand how you get it aboard!" declared Jimmie.
+
+"I have a tank of compressed air fixed to the back of a special diving
+suit," explained the man. "There's also a search light and a small
+storage battery provided. In this suit I step out through the air lock
+onto the wreck. The rest is easy. I return with the load of gold the same
+way I went out. The submarine is anchored. The whole thing is simple!"
+
+"Sure enough!" exclaimed Jimmie. "Why didn't I remember our arrangement
+on the Sea Lion? And then, too, we saw you walking about on the decks of
+the Wanderer! I guess I'm going daffy!"
+
+"What do you say, boys, will you join the expedition?"
+
+"We don't stand much chance of getting home right away," stated Ned. "I
+guess we might as well--" what he would say was cut short by the sound of
+a cannon shot booming through the gathering darkness.
+
+"What's that?" inquired Jack anxiously, jumping to his feet.
+
+"I'll bet it's that bloomin' steamer we saw!" cried Jimmie. "That must be
+another of those gun boats and they're chasing us!"
+
+"I'll go up to the deck and see!" offered Ned.
+
+"Be careful, don't let them get you!" warned Jack.
+
+"I'll watch out for that," laughed Ned, mounting the iron ladder.
+
+Directly the little group at the foot of the ladder were startled to hear
+their companion's voice. A note of anxiety vibrated through his words.
+
+"Boys," Ned cried, "there's a gunboat out there, and I think I see
+another submarine. It looks to be like the 'U-13' for all the world. What
+shall we do?"
+
+"Here," urged Jimmie, "take the glasses and have a good look. If it is
+that Dutchman, I'm for beating it out of here mighty quick!"
+
+For a tense moment Ned gazed through the glasses at the strange vessels.
+At length he lowered the binoculars and turned toward his companions.
+With a shake of his head and a quick indrawing of breath, he said:
+
+"It's the 'U-13' as sure as can be!"
+
+"Let's go!" was Jimmie's only comment as he turned toward the switchboard
+with outstretched hand.
+
+"I'm with you!" declared Ned, quickly descending the ladder to join the
+group. "Go ahead slow, though. Don't break the hawser, or we'd lose the
+other vessel."
+
+"Perhaps we would do better to abandon your vessel," Mackinder suggested
+as he prepared to go on deck. "Let me have the glasses, if you please.
+I'll look them over."
+
+Jimmie paused, with his hand on the starting switch.
+
+Suddenly all were startled by a cry from their host.
+
+"Go ahead! go ahead!" he shouted down the hatchway. "That other fellow
+has launched a torpedo at us!"
+
+"Let go the line, then!" urged Ned. "We'll have to run for it! Full
+speed, Jimmie!" he added.
+
+Mackinder was casting off the hawser with rapid motions. Jimmie, in
+response to Ned's command, threw the switch over. The "U-13" began to
+gather headway.
+
+All were startled to hear the report of a cannon shot. This was followed
+almost instantly by a shriek from the man on deck.
+
+"Mackinder's hit!" gasped Ned, turning a blanched face to his chums.
+"What shall we do?"
+
+As if in answer to his query, the voice of Mackinder reached the ears of
+the lads.
+
+"Bring an axe!" he shouted. "I'm fast in the bight!"
+
+Wrenching an axe from its pocket on the bulkhead, Ned sprang up the
+ladder at his best speed. On deck he found Mackinder caught in a bight of
+the hawser by which the other vessel had been towed. His leg was jammed
+against the fairleader. Only one glance was required to show the boy that
+serious injury had been done.
+
+Without waiting for words, the lad stepped to the side of the fallen man.
+Swinging his axe quickly, he struck at the taut bond of hemp. A shower of
+sparks followed the ringing thud of the axe upon the steel deck.
+
+Mackinder dropped back upon the deck, limp and helpless, as the singing
+of the parted line told of his release.
+
+With tender solicitude the boys mounted the ladder to assist their
+injured friend to the room below. Scarcely had the boys gained the deck
+when they were startled by a terrific explosion. As Ned afterward
+declared, it seemed as if they had been caught in a volcano of water.
+
+"What has happened?" queried Jack, releasing his hold upon Mackinder.
+
+A flood of sea water descending upon the little deck prevented an answer
+to his question. In a moment the lads were able to look about.
+
+"Where's our 'U-13'?" asked Harry.
+
+"Gone!" stated Ned, his voice trembling. "I'll bet that German torpedoed
+it! I'm glad we are on this 'U-13'!"
+
+Echoing this sentiment, the lads hastily proceeded to lower Mackinder
+through the hatchway. This done, the injured man was deposited on a
+couch, the hatch was closed, and Ned began first-aid ministrations.
+
+"What course shall I hold?" asked Jimmie.
+
+"Better head on a southwest course," stated Ned, briefly glancing up from
+his work over Mackinder's leg.
+
+"I can do that all right," responded Jimmie. "The gunboat and the
+submarine can fight it out alone."
+
+"We've got a clear field, Jimmie, so shove the little wagon along for all
+she's worth," put in Jack.
+
+Mackinder had been exercising wonderful command of himself, but in spite
+of his best efforts a groan now and again escaped. The injured leg was
+proving a painful matter.
+
+"We'll do all we can for you, Mackinder," Ned offered, "but we need
+better skill than is available here. Would it not be best to make at once
+for some port where we can secure the services of a surgeon?"
+
+Mackinder's only reply was a nod. His teeth were closed tightly to
+suppress the cry of anguish from his hurt.
+
+"Keep on the surface, boys," urged Ned as he went about making the man
+comfortable with such simple means as were at hand. "I believe we are not
+far from the coast."
+
+Surrendering the wheel to Frank, and with Jack at the engines, Jimmie
+insisted upon mounting to the deck again to look about them.
+
+Cool and sweet the air gushed down the little open hatchway upon the
+injured man. Under its influence and aided by the ministrations of Ned,
+the proprietor of the third "U-13" rapidly gained control of himself.
+
+"Head west southwest," he instructed Ned. "We'll be mighty apt to find
+the mouth of the Thames on that course. There are many places I'd rather
+go, but you are right--we must have a surgeon!"
+
+Giving the course to Harry, Ned proceeded to do everything in his power
+to ease the hurt of their friend.
+
+"On deck, there!" announced Jimmie presently, his face at the hatchway.
+
+"Hello!" answered Ned. "What is it?"
+
+"I see a light about a point off the port bow!"
+
+"What do you make it out to be?"
+
+"I think it is a lighthouse!" declared Jimmie.
+
+"Margate!" murmured Mackinder. "We are safe enough now, but be careful
+about the money, boys!"
+
+"Sail ho!" rang out Jimmie's voice again.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+MORE MYSTERY
+
+
+"What do you see now, Jimmie?" asked Ned anxiously, stepping to the foot
+of the ladder.
+
+"There's a small steamer coming up rapidly from the starboard side,"
+replied the lookout.
+
+"Perhaps we'd better dive again," suggested Ned.
+
+"Aw, go on!" protested Jimmie. "What's the use of diving every time
+anything comes along? We're neutral!"
+
+"We are, yes," agreed Ned, "but this 'U-13' name is not neutral, and if
+the steamer is an English vessel they'll probably not stop to ask
+questions."
+
+"Why not swing a white light at 'em, then?"
+
+"That's a good idea, too!" agreed Ned. "If they seem to be heading toward
+us, just get a white flag going."
+
+"They are not showing any light at all," announced Jimmie. "They're just
+sneaking along like an express train."
+
+"Let us know at once if anything happens," Ned responded, turning back to
+his patient.
+
+The boys had not long to wait.
+
+Out of the gathering darkness Jimmie saw a burst of flame which lighted
+up a portion of the approaching steamer. A bright flash in a wave some
+distance in advance of the "U-13" next attracted his attention. The sharp
+roar of a cannon came to the ears of all.
+
+"Are they shooting at us?" asked Ned, again approaching the ladder.
+
+"Don't know!" Jimmie replied briefly. "I saw the flash and heard the
+noise. There was a splash some distance ahead of us in the water. Maybe
+they can't aim straight."
+
+Ned mounted the rungs of the ladder without further delay. He closed his
+eyes as he did so, the better to accommodate his vision to the change
+from the light below to the darkness outside. In a moment he was peering
+in the direction indicated by Jimmie.
+
+"Can you make her out?"
+
+"Yes," replied Ned. "I can just see a sort of thick place in the
+darkness. My eyes will be all right soon."
+
+"I don't believe they were shooting at us at all!" commented Jimmie,
+musingly. "They can't see us!"
+
+As if to disprove this statement, another flash lighted up the forward
+portion of the other vessel.
+
+Ned grasped Jimmie's arm and pointed straight ahead.
+
+Skipping from wave to wave, throwing up a fountain of spray from each,
+the shot from the steamer plowed its way across the path of the "U-13,"
+passing so close that the boys were struck by the flying drops of water.
+
+"That means that we are to stop!" declared Ned. "Next time they'll shoot
+_at_ us!"
+
+"And hit us, too!" excitedly put in the other.
+
+Without waiting for orders from Ned, the lad leaned over the coaming of
+the little hatch.
+
+"Shut her off, Jack!" he cried. "Back on your engines. That guy thinks we
+are Germans!"
+
+Jack at once complied with the request, and soon the "U-13" was gently
+rolling in the trough of the sea.
+
+Frank sprang from the wheel to the ladder, mounting to the deck just as a
+beam of flame from a powerful searchlight aboard the steamer swept the
+"U-13" from end to end.
+
+In the glare of the light the three boys stood plainly visible. They
+could not, however, distinguish the details of the other vessel because
+of the flaming eye regarding them with unwinking stare.
+
+For a few moments they stood close to each other, uncertain what to do.
+At length a voice hailed them.
+
+"Submarine, ahoy! What vessel is that?"
+
+"Shall I tell them our name?" asked Ned anxiously.
+
+"No," urged Jimmie. "Don't say 'U-13'!"
+
+"They've seen it on the side, anyhow!" scorned Frank.
+
+"Don't let them think we're Germans. Don't you see they're English?"
+queried Jimmie.
+
+"It doesn't signify they're English, even if they do speak the language,"
+returned Ned. "Can't you answer?"
+
+"Ahoy, there!" came an impatient voice.
+
+"Steamer, ahoy!" replied Ned. "We're a peaceful submarine manned by
+neutral noncombatants!"
+
+"A likely yarn, indeed!" laughed the stranger. "Stand by to receive a
+boat. I shall send an officer aboard to investigate."
+
+"All right, Captain," consented Ned. "Glad to meet you!"
+
+Still standing under the unwinking eye of the searchlight, the little
+group waited expectantly for the arrival of the boarding party.
+
+A splash of oars preceded the boat which soon shot out of the darkness.
+
+In another moment an officer in uniform had mounted the little deck.
+Wonderingly he glanced about the group, now augmented by the arrival of
+Jack and Harry.
+
+"Where is your commander?" he inquired somewhat stiffly, addressing no
+one in particular.
+
+Indicating Ned, the boys silently waited.
+
+"Are you in charge of this vessel?" asked the officer, with just a trace
+of amusement.
+
+"I am and I am not," replied Ned, with dignity.
+
+"That's very enlightening, I'm sure," returned the other. "But time is
+short, and I must see the person who is in charge, and that at once."
+
+"The owner is lying in the cabin with a broken leg which he received as
+we were escaping from a German submarine," explained Ned. "We boys are
+trying to get to some port where we can secure the services of a
+surgeon."
+
+"Oh," exclaimed the officer, "escaping from a German?"
+
+"Yes, sir. They torpedoed another submarine that we were towing, and in
+casting off the towing line the gentleman below was caught in the line.
+His leg is badly broken."
+
+"Who is this other person?"
+
+"He gave us the name of Mackinder."
+
+A frown settled over the face of their questioner. Stepping forward, with
+flashing eyes he addressed Ned in a low voice vibrant with emotion.
+
+"Now, if you have all the lies out of your system," he gritted, "we'll
+listen to the real story."
+
+"That is the real story!" protested Ned. "Step below, if you don't
+believe me, and you may see for yourself."
+
+"We have already seen enough to discredit such a wild yarn as that!"
+declared the other. "Too many of our brave sailors have been killed and
+set adrift by the 'U-13.' Besides, the man you mention is certainly not
+in the cabin. I can swear to that. Now, will you tell me the truth?"
+
+"I say, Mister," put in Jimmie, "suppose you go fifty-fifty with us. Who
+are you, and what right have you to stop us?"
+
+A short laugh was the man's only answer. He turned to hail the vessel
+from which he had just come.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+THE MYSTERY OF THE "U-13"
+
+
+"Ahoy!" his hail rang out over the waters. "Send another boat aboard us.
+I will transfer the crew of this vessel!"
+
+"Yes, you will!" scornfully replied Jimmie. "You'll do a lot, you will.
+We have something to say about that!"
+
+"I am more astonished than I can say," the officer replied as he gazed at
+the lad. "I had supposed that Boy Scouts would not under any
+circumstances lend themselves to a project of an unworthy character."
+
+"Well, who has done all that?" bristled Jimmie, wrinkling a freckled nose
+at the man. "You're taking a lot for granted, I must say! Who are you,
+anyhow?"
+
+"You'll find out quickly enough!" was the answer.
+
+Turning at the sound of approaching oars, the officer quickly issued a
+few short commands.
+
+In obedience to his orders, the boys were required to enter the small
+boat without even an opportunity of going below.
+
+"Dodson," ordered the officer, "take a couple of men and search the
+vessel for others. We were informed there were but five, but they may
+have confederates."
+
+Wonderingly the lads sat in the boat as they were rowed across the
+intervening distance to the steamer. Scarcely had they set foot on deck
+before a line was passed to the submarine and the vessel was under way,
+towing their recent habitation.
+
+An orderly conducted the lads directly to the cabin, where they were
+greeted by an officer seated at the head of a table. He arose as they
+entered and extended a hand to each.
+
+Motioning to seats, the officer again busied himself with some papers on
+the table. For some time the boys glanced expectantly at each other,
+waiting for the officer to open the anticipated conversation.
+
+Impatiently the boys waited, listening to the regular throbbing of the
+steamer's propellers that told they were again under way.
+
+At length the silence was broken by the arrival of an orderly. Saluting,
+he reported briefly to the officer. A nod dismissed him.
+
+"Boys," began the officer in a kindly tone, "we find ourselves rather
+puzzled by some mysterious circumstances which we hope you can explain.
+Will you assist us?"
+
+"I assume from the looks of things aboard that you are English," answered
+Ned. "Am I correct?"
+
+"You are. This is a scout vessel doing patrol duty along the coast. In
+common with others, we have been on the sharp lookout for a submarine
+named 'U-13,' which has been doing considerable damage to our shipping.
+We capture it without difficulty, to find it manned by Boy Scouts instead
+of Germans, as we had expected. Can you explain that?"
+
+"Yes!" laughed Ned. "That is easy. The boat you have captured is owned by
+a private individual named Mackinder, who has been amusing himself in a
+perfectly innocent pastime. He, like ourselves, is neutral, but
+unfortunately has gotten into rather compromising situations."
+
+"Mackinder?" repeated the officer, wonderingly.
+
+"Yes, sir," continued Ned. "He rescued us from our disabled submarine. He
+is now aboard his vessel with a broken leg."
+
+"We had him brought aboard this vessel, and find that his leg is really
+broken," explained the officer. "But," he continued, "you have not quite
+explained your presence on a submarine."
+
+"That is easy--" began Ned. He was interrupted by a sign from the
+officer.
+
+"Just a moment," the other said. "We will have Mackinder in here, and
+perhaps he can explain a little of the mystery himself."
+
+At a command from the man two orderlies approached. In a few moments the
+boys observed four sailors bearing a mattress upon which lay their late
+host.
+
+At the same moment a group approached from the after part of the cabin.
+Glancing from one group to the other, the boys rose to their feet with
+exclamations of surprise.
+
+"Well, Great Frozen Hot Boxes!" cried Jimmie. "How did you get here,
+Mackinder?"
+
+A man from the small group behind the officer stepped forward, smiling.
+
+"I was picked up by the fishing boat you probably saw when I swam away
+from the submarine you captured. They transferred me to this craft. We
+have since been looking for you."
+
+"Well, I'm glad to see you, anyway," returned the lad. "But you couldn't
+prevent our leaving Holland, even if you did try good and hard. Have you
+found that package yet?"
+
+The smile quickly faded from the face of the other.
+
+"No, I haven't," he answered in a low voice. "I find that you boys have
+gotten me into a lot of trouble, too."
+
+"Trouble?" puzzled Ned. "How have we done that?"
+
+"By secreting that package," explained Mackinder. "You see, I was
+detailed to duty on the Holland frontier. When I saw that package, and
+knew that you had recently come from the German lines, I assumed, of
+course, that it contained information for the German submarine that has
+been causing so much havoc amongst the English shipping. Without waiting
+for orders, I tried to follow you and gain possession of the object. Now
+it seems I am disobeying regulations by absenting myself from my post of
+duty without leave. Further, I was seen aboard or coming from a German
+vessel. Hence circumstances look bad for me. I'm due for a court martial
+as soon as we land at Margate, which must be close aboard by now."
+
+All were startled to hear a groan escape the man lying upon the mattress.
+He had raised himself upon one elbow.
+
+"Oh, Robert!" he cried. "Not that!"
+
+"Tom!" gasped Mackinder. Soon the two men were shaking hands at a great
+rate, tears in their eyes.
+
+"Boys," Mackinder announced at length, "I must introduce my brother Tom."
+
+"We have had the pleasure of meeting the gentleman," stated Ned. "In
+fact, we owe our lives to his kindness."
+
+"But, see here," demanded Jimmie, stepping forward, "this needs an
+explanation. Which one of you fellows was at the little cabin on the
+Holland border?"
+
+Tom Mackinder smiled, in spite of the pain of his crushed leg. He turned
+his glance toward his brother, whose hand he held.
+
+"We both were there, Jimmie," he said. "I took the package from the
+window. You see," he continued, "it contained plans of my submarine, with
+which you are familiar. I tried to sell the plans to Germany, but found
+they had beaten me. So upon my return trip I slipped the package into
+your baggage, thinking to escape search and detention at the border. I
+have it here now."
+
+As he ceased speaking he drew from his pocket the same flat package the
+boys had seen before.
+
+"Hurrah!" cried Jimmie. "Now we can explain how your brother came to be
+captured by the Germans, and how under his direction we stole the other
+'U-13' and escaped from Helgoland."
+
+"If what you say is true, young man," put in the officer, "the
+anticipated court martial may never convene."
+
+"We can prove it!" protested Jimmie vigorously.
+
+"Then we have solved the Mystery of the 'U-13'!" declared the officer,
+with evident relief.
+
+"And now we'll head for the little old U. S. A. and peaceful neutrality!"
+was Jimmie's joyful comment.
+
+"But you'll first arrange to care for your share of the cargo aboard my
+boat," interposed the injured Mackinder.
+
+He would not entertain any of the objections raised by the boys, but
+insisted that they share in the treasure which had been recovered from
+the ocean's grasp.
+
+A few days later as the boys watched the chalk cliffs of Dover slip away
+into the eastern horizon Jimmie turned from the rail of the steamer upon
+which they had taken passage.
+
+"Good by, England, and good by the Mackinders," he said. "I'm glad we are
+out of the war zone at last and that we solved the Mystery of the
+'U-13'."
+
+THE END
+
+
+      *      *      *      *      *
+
+
+The Aeroplane Series
+By John Luther Langworthy
+
+1. The Aeroplane Boys; or, The Young Pilots First Air Voyage
+2. The Aeroplane Boys on the Wing; or, Aeroplane Chums in the Tropics
+3. The Aeroplane Boys Among the Clouds; or, Young Aviators in a Wreck
+4. The Aeroplane Boys' Flights; or, A Hydroplane Round-up
+5. The Aeroplane Boys on a Cattle Ranch
+
+The Girl Aviator Series
+By Margaret Burnham
+
+Just the type of books that delight and fascinate the wide awake girls of
+the present day who are between the ages of eight and fourteen years. The
+great author of these books regards them as the best products of her pen.
+Printed from large clear type on a superior quality of paper; attractive
+multi-color jacket wrapper around each book. Bound in cloth.
+
+1. The Girl Aviators and the Phantom Airship
+2. The Girl Aviators on Golden Wings
+3. The Girl Aviators' Sky Cruise
+4. The Girl Aviators' Motor Butterfly
+
+For sale by all book-sellers or sent postpaid on receipt of 75c.
+
+M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+701-733 S. DEARBORN STREET    ::    CHICAGO
+
+      *      *      *      *      *
+
+SELECT
+READING SERIES
+
+Only the most popular of children's books are included in this series.
+Each title is complete and unabridged. Printed from large, clear type.
+Each wrapped in a colored jacket.
+
+ 1. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland     _Carroll_
+ 2. Andersen's Fairy Tales              _Andersen_
+ 3. Black Beauty                          _Sewell_
+ 4. Dog of Flanders                        _Ouida_
+ 5. Elsie Dinsmore                        _Finley_
+ 6. Grimms Fairy Tales                    _Grimms_
+ 7. Hans Brinker                           _Dodge_
+ 8. Heidi                                  _Spyri_
+ 9. Helen's Babies                     _Habberton_
+10. Little Lame Prince                   _Mulock_
+11. Pinocchio                            _Collodi_
+12. Treasure Island                    _Stevenson_
+
+For sale by all book-sellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 40 cents.
+
+M . A . DONOHUE . & . COMPANY
+711 . SOUTH . DEARBORN . STREET  . .  CHICAGO
+
+      *      *      *      *      *
+
+Boy Inventors' Series
+
+The author knows these subjects from a practical standpoint. Each book is
+printed from new plates on a good quality of paper and bound in cloth.
+Each book wrapped in a jacket printed in colors.
+
+_Price 60c each_
+
+1....Boy Inventors' Wireless Triumph
+2....Boy Inventors and the Vanishing Sun
+3....Boy Inventors' Diving Torpedo Set
+4....Boy Inventors' Flying Ship
+5....Boy Inventors' Electric Ship
+6....Boy Inventors' Radio Telephone
+
+The "How-to-do-it" Books
+
+These books teach the use of tools; how to sharpen them; to design and
+layout work. Printed from new plates and bound in cloth. Profusely
+illustrated. Each book is wrapped in a printed jacket.
+
+_Price $1.00 each_
+
+1....Carpentry for Boys
+2....Electricity for Boys
+3....Practical Mechanics for Boys
+
+For Sale by all Book-sellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of
+the above price.
+
+M . A . DONOHUE . & . COMPANY
+711 . SOUTH . DEARBORN . STREET  . .  CHICAGO
+
+      *      *      *      *      *
+
+BOY SCOUT SERIES
+By
+G. HARVEY RALPHSON
+
+Just the type of books that delight and fascinate the wide awake boys of
+today. Clean, wholesome and interesting; full of mystery and adventure.
+Each title is complete and unabridged. Printed on a good quality of paper
+from large, clear type and bound in cloth. Each book is wrapped in a
+special multi-colored jacket.
+
+ 1....Boy Scouts in Mexico; or, On Guard with Uncle Sam
+ 2....Boy Scouts in the Canal Zone; or, the Plot against Uncle Sam
+ 3....Boy Scouts in the Philippines; or, the Key to the Treaty Box
+ 4....Boy Scouts in the Northwest; or, Fighting Forest Fires
+ 5....Boy Scouts in a Motor Boat; or Adventures on Columbia River
+ 6....Boy Scouts in an Airship; or, the Warning from the Sky
+ 7....Boy Scouts in a Submarine; or, Searching an Ocean Floor
+ 8....Boy Scouts on Motorcycles; or, With the Flying Squadron
+ 9....Boy Scouts beyond the Arctic Circle; or, the Lost Expedition
+10....Boy Scout Camera Club; or, the Confessions of a Photograph
+11....Boy Scout Electricians; or, the Hidden Dynamo
+12....Boy Scouts in California; or, the Flag on the Cliff
+13....Boy Scouts on Hudson Bay; or, the Disappearing Fleet
+14....Boy Scouts in Death Valley; or, the City in the Sky
+15....Boy Scouts on Open Plains; or, the Round-up not Ordered
+16....Boy Scouts in Southern Waters; or the Spanish Treasure Chest
+17....Boy Scouts in Belgium; or, Imperiled in a Trap
+18....Boy Scouts in the North Sea; or, the Mystery of a Sub
+19....Boy Scouts Mysterious Signal or Perils of the Black Bear Patrol
+20....Boy Scouts with the Cossacks; or, a Guilty Secret
+
+For Sale by all Book-sellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 60 cents
+
+M . A . DONOHUE . & . COMPANY
+711 . SOUTH . DEARBORN . STREET  . .  CHICAGO
+
+      *      *      *      *      *
+
+BOYS
+PRIZE LIBRARY
+
+A desirable assortment of boys' books. All books in this series are
+copyrighted. Printed on a good quality of paper from large clear type.
+Cloth bound. Jacket printed in colors.
+
+1. At Whispering Pine Lodge              Leslie
+2. Boy Inventors' Diving Torpedo Boat    Bonner
+3. Boy Inventors' Flying Ship            Bonner
+4. Chums of the Campfire                 Leslie
+5. Jack Winter's Campmates              Overton
+6. Jack Winter's Gridiron Chums         Overton
+7. Motor Boat Boys Mississippi Cruise   Arundel
+8. Phil Bradley's Winning Way             Boone
+9. Radio Boy's Cronies                  Whipple
+10. Rivals of the Trail                  Leslie
+11. Young Oarsman of Lake View         Bonehill
+12. Young Hunters in Porto Rico        Bonehill
+
+For Sale by all Book-sellers, or sent postpaid on
+receipt of 40 cents.
+
+M . A . DONOHUE . & . COMPANY
+711 . SOUTH . DEARBORN . STREET  . .  CHICAGO
+
+      *      *      *      *      *
+
+VICTORY
+ALGER SERIES
+
+A select assortment of books by Horatio Alger, Jr. Printed on a good
+quality of paper and bound in cloth. Each book wrapped in a decorative
+jacket printed in colors.
+
+1. Adrift in New York; or, Tom and Florence Braving the World
+2. Andy Grant's Pluck and How He Won Out
+3. Driven from Home; or, Carl Crawford's Experience
+4. In a New World; or, Among the Gold Fields of Australia
+5. Jed, the Poorhouse Boy; or, From Poverty to Title
+6. Luke Walton; or, the Chicago Newsboy
+7. Risen from the Ranks; or, Harry Walton's Success
+8. Shifting for Himself; or, Gilbert Greyson's Fortune
+9. Sink or Swim; or, Harry Raymond's Resolve
+10. Store Boy; or, the Fortunes of Ben Barclay
+11. Tony, the Tramp, or, Right is Might
+12. Young Explorer; or, Among the Sierras
+
+For sale by all book-sellers or sent postpaid on receipt of 40c
+
+M . A . DONOHUE . & . COMPANY
+711 . SOUTH . DEARBORN . STREET  .  CHICAGO
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOY SCOUTS IN THE NORTH SEA***
+
+
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