There were tears in Frank's eyes, and he was ashamed of them, as he said:
"Think of all the poor fellows aboard! Do you suppose any of them will be saved?"
"I am afraid not," replied Jack sadly. "And to think that we had to stand by unable even to warn them!"
"It is terrible!" said Frank, sinking into a chair.
For many minutes the lads were silent, each offering up a silent prayer for the brave men who had gone to death for their country.
The silence was at length broken by the entrance of Lieutenant
Stein. He noticed the boys' sadness, and spoke softly to them.
"It is the fortune of war," he said quietly. "Remember, there probably will be many German lives snuffed out just as easily. Come, brace up!"
The lads brushed the tears from their eyes and rose to their feet.
"I shall speak of it no more," said Jack, huskily.
"Nor I," said Frank.