Part 19 (2/2)

”Then maybe some other vessel will call and we can get pa.s.sage on it? We are not particular about the cla.s.s 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 a.s.sured 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 ash.o.r.e 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 k.n.o.bloch. 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 circ.u.mstance 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 airs.h.i.+p 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 a.s.sist 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 a.s.sist us to return to the United States!”

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