Boy Scouts in the North Sea Part 17

A smile spread over the other's countenance as he noted Ned's look of wonder. But beneath the appearance of amused indifference the lad's quick eye detected a look of care. He was not the same Mackinder.

For a brief moment nothing was said. Then the officer saluted the commander, who recognized the act. The boys were presented.

"So, my friends," the commander began, "you were adrift on the North Sea in an open boat? Have you suffered greatly?"

"No, thank you," replied Ned, acting as spokesman. "We have not been adrift very long. The vessel on which we were riding struck something which we took to be a floating mine. The crew got away quickly in one of the boats, while we left a little later in another."

The shrewd eyes of the commander narrowed perceptibly.

"And what was the name and rig of the vessel?"

"The Lena k.n.o.bloch, a schooner, of Amsterdam," replied Ned.

"And the name of her captain?" continued the commander.

"Von Kluck," the boy answered.

"Ah, a Hollander! I believe he is a peaceful trader in small cargoes. He is what the English call a 'tramp' of the sea."

"May I ask what boat this is and where you are bound?" asked Ned. "We would like to get to the United States, you know," he added.

"Yes," smiled the commander. "But you are far from that country now and we think your company delightful. This vessel is the Sturmvogel, a destroyer of the German navy. We have been doing some small tasks upon the high seas and are returning to a base of supplies."

"Can you put us in touch with some means whereby we can secure pa.s.sage on a vessel leaving for the United States?" asked Ned.

"I am afraid that is impossible for the present," slowly replied the other, with apparent reluctance. "We like your company, you see. We also are favored with the presence of one of your countrymen," here he indicated Mackinder, "who has consented to pay us a brief visit."

"Pardon me, sir!" stated Mackinder, half rising. "These are _not_ countrymen of mine! I must disclaim that honor!"

"So-o-o?" drawled the other. "Then you do not know them?"

"No!" stated Mackinder positively. "They are strangers to me!"

"Then you did not mean what you said a few moments ago?"

"I was mistaken!" replied the other, briefly.

"As you please," responded the commander with a wave of his hand.

"Perhaps I misunderstood your statements concerning them!"

An order was given to the officer who had conducted the boys to the cabin. The German language was used. Saluting the officer approached Mackinder. Without a word that gentleman rose and stepped from the room.

As Mackinder was conducted from the apartment the commander motioned the boys to seats about the table. He smiled at them kindly.

"Do you know what von Kluck's cargo consisted of?" he asked.

"Mostly cheeses," replied Ned. "Also an airs.h.i.+p!" he added.

"An airs.h.i.+p?" was the questioning response. "An airs.h.i.+p?"

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.