Part 16 (2/2)
”It looks to me like a tug!” stated Jimmie, presently.
”A tug wouldn't come smas.h.i.+ng along at that rate!” objected Ned.
”Well, then, what can it be?” queried the other. ”It is too low in the water for a battles.h.i.+p 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 s.h.i.+p 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 s.h.i.+rt and wave that at 'em!”
”Just the idea!” agreed Jimmie, proceeding to follow the advice.
Bracing himself against a thwart amids.h.i.+ps 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 gla.s.ses. They're s.h.i.+fting 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.
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