"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.