"Keep off there!" he cried.
The Germans uttered exclamations of alarm; but they came closer.
"Keep back!" cried Jack, again.
"But you won't let us drown!" exclaimed one of the enemy.
"You stay there until my friends get aboard. Then I'll see what I can do for you," replied Jack.
With this the Germans were forced to be content; for they realized that Jack held the upper hand. It would be impossible for them to climb aboard while the lad stood there brandishing that oar.
Frank laid hold of the boat a moment later and clambered over the side.
Harris was close beside him. Jack called a consultation.
"There is plenty of room for those fellows in here," he said, "but— shall we let them in?"
"We can't see them drown," said Frank. "Still, there is no telling how long we shall be here. Is there sufficient water and food to go around?"
"I'll have a look," said Harris. "Enough for seven of us for about one drink apiece," he said, after an exploration. "There is no food."