"I have heard that before," said Frank dryly.
"Tell me, would you have blamed us had we put up a more stubborn fight below a while ago?"'
"No," was the reply. "I could blame you for nothing you did to an enemy in time of war and especially under such a stress of excitement."
Lieutenant Stein bade the boys good-night and went below. After some further talk, Captain Von Cromp followed him, and the boys were left alone on the submarine, save for the single man on look out.
Frank walked up to the latter and engaged him lit conversation. A few moments later he turned Away, saying to the sailor that he and his friend "would take a turn or two about before going below."
Walking swiftly up to Jack, Frank said in a low voice:
"See if you can't find that small boat they used to pick us up."
"What—?" began Jack, but Frank interrupted him.
"Never mind the reason," he said. "Help me find it, that's all.
We'll have to hurry. Where do you suppose they put it?"
A few moments later they came upon the little craft, now above water, placed where the sea could not reach it when the submarine was submerged. Luckily it was out of view of the German on the bridge, and the two lads succeeded in unloosening it and getting it overboard without being seen.