Taken completely by surprise there was nothing for the German sailors to do but obey. Up went their hands. Von Ludwig called to Harris.
"Help me keep them covered," he said, "while you other two tie them up."
Under the muzzles of the revolvers levelled in steady hands by von Ludwig and Harris, Jack and Frank set to work binding the members of the crew. A few minutes later the work was done.
"Trundle them into that cabin there," said von Ludwig, motioning to an open door. "Tie them there so they cannot release their own bonds or the bonds of the others. Then report to me on deck."
The lads obeyed. It was the work of only a few moments, struggle as the
Germans did. Then Frank and Jack went on deck.
A short distance away a rowboat was coming rapidly toward the Bismarck—for such was the name of the vessel on which the lads found themselves.
Von Ludwig pointed to it.
"My crew!" he said quietly.