"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 ship 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.

"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 airship 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!"