Part 17 (1/2)
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 k.n.o.bloch, 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 pa.s.sage 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 airs.h.i.+p!” he added.
”An airs.h.i.+p?” was the questioning response. ”An airs.h.i.+p?”