“Because,” answered Jerry slowly, “from what I heard, the accident was a premeditated one, and it looks suspicious.”
“Suspicious!” exclaimed his two chums.
“Hush! Yes! But not so loud. That’s why I gave you the high sign to let me have a word alone with you. There’s a rumor that some revengeful German may have set off a time bomb in the engine room. So far the damage is slight, but——”
Jerry paused, for another tremor ran through the ship and again the vessel came to a sudden stop.
[CHAPTER III]
THE LITTLE MAN
“Say, this is getting a bit more than interesting!” cried Ned, as he and Bob gazed at Jerry.
The stout lad looked up at the lifeboat near which he leaned on the rail.
“None of that!” warned Jerry. “Don’t start a rush. There’s no danger!”