Part 17 (2/2)
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 airs.h.i.+p 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 n.o.ble 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 pa.s.sports!”
”I beg your pardon!” apologized the commander. ”Circ.u.mstances 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.
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