Frank made no reply, but continued to tinker with the engine.
A second shot from the German torpedo boat. It skimmed the water ahead of the hydroplane. Jack gazed toward the vessel. As he did so a small boat put off from the German and headed toward them.
"They're coming after us, Frank," said Jack, "a whole boatload of 'em.
How long will it take you to fix that thing?"
Frank uttered an exclamation of satisfaction.
"I've found it," he cried. "Five minutes," he answered Jack's question.
"Five minutes is liable to be too late," returned Jack, measuring the distance to the rapidly approaching German boat with his eye. "However, hurry as much as you can."
Frank did not take his eye from his engine.
"How far away?" he asked as he worked.
"Three quarters of a mile," replied Jack, calmly.
"Lots of time for us, then," said Frank, still working as swiftly as possible.