Part 42 (1/2)
”Not a very cheerful prospect, sir,” said Frank, quietly.
”I agree with you. However, they haven't caught us yet. We'll give them a hard race.”
”Is the vessel armed, sir?”
”It should be, if I have been informed correctly. I'll have a look about. Hold to your course until I return.”
He moved away. He was back in a few moments, however, with the announcement that there were four 12-pounders aft, as well as four forward.
”Enough to fight with,” he announced gravely.
”But we haven't the men to man them, sir,” protested Frank.
”We'll impress our prisoners into service if it's necessary. With a man to guard them they can handle the engine room.”
”I am afraid it will come to that, sir,” said Frank.
Von Ludwig shrugged.
”What will be, will be,” he replied quietly.
And it did come to that, as Frank had predicted As the vessel still flew through the water at full speed, there came a sudden cry from the lookout forward:
”Cruiser off our port bow, sir!”
Von Ludwig sprang forward. He gazed at the vessel quickly and then called to Frank:
”Port your helm hard!”
Frank obeyed without question and the _Bismarck_ swung about sharply.
Von Ludwig sprang to his side.
”They'll pick us up with their searchlight in a minute or two,” he cried. ”Come with me, Templeton! Chadwick, hold that course till I come back.”
Jack sprang after von Ludwig. The latter hurried to the cabin where the German prisoners were confined. He unloosened the bonds of five.
”You men,” he said sharply, ”will go before us to the engine room, where you will perform the necessary duties.”
Under the muzzles of the weapons of Jack and von Ludwig, the men obeyed, for there seemed nothing else to do. In the engine room von Ludwig explained:
”I want you men to put forth your best efforts. Any foolishness and you will be shot, for I will take no chances. Harris, can you guard them?”
”Yes, sir,” replied Harris, with a smile. ”Give me another gun, sir.”
Von Ludwig pa.s.sed a revolver to Harris.
”There must be no half way methods here,” he said quietly. ”Shoot the first man who makes a false move. Ask questions afterward. Our lives depend upon it.”
”I shall obey your instructions, sir.”
”Good!” Von Ludwig addressed the former engine-room crew. ”Follow me, men,” he exclaimed.