Although a mass of wreckage, the German cruiser had not yet sunk, but it was plainly apparent that it was settling rapidly. On the bridge Jack made out the form of a man in uniform. It was undoubtedly the commander.
“By George,” declared Jack, “we must get him off!”
“It’s no use,” spoke up one of the German officers who had been picked up. “He refused to leave the ship. We tried to prevail upon him to jump, but he said he would stick to his post.”
“Even so,” replied Jack, “we must make an effort to save him.”
“It’s useless,” repeated the German.
The little boat was rowed closer in spite of the German’s words, and Jack called to the German commander:
“Jump, sir, and we will save you.”
The German looked at the lad, but made no reply, and Jack repeated:
“Jump. We will get you all right.”
Slowly the German commander drew a revolver, and, pointing it at the boat, exclaimed: