Part 19 (1/2)

”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 pa.s.senger. You must behave, though!”

”Ah!” smiled Ned, thinking Jimmie was indulging in another of his jokes.

”May I ask when your s.h.i.+p 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 pa.s.sage!”

”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 circ.u.mstances 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.