“Say, I don’t see what we’ve got to complain of,” remarked Bob, with his mouth half full. “Here we are, warm and dry, even if we are under water, and we’ve got plenty to eat——”
“Which, I suppose, excuses many evils in your eyes, Bob, my boy,” interrupted his uncle. “Oh, Dr. Klauss will not starve us—of that Grace and I have had excellent proof.”
“Well, then we’ll be all right,” spoke Chunky, with a contented sigh, as he helped himself to some more cake, for the menu included even that. “They have a good cook here,” went on the stout lad.
“We must find time and the chance for a consultation,” remarked Mr. Sheldon, speaking rapidly, and in a low voice. “I want to explain certain things, and plan what to do.”
“Is there any danger?” asked Jerry.
“Yes—I think so—of a certain kind—though I do not mean that our lives are actually at stake. But our liberty certainly is.”
“You mean——” began Ned.
“I mean that this fanatic refuses to set Grace and me ashore, or to let us go aboard some other vessel. I want you boys to make that same request, when the time comes, and see what he says. Then we will have something to go on. But be very careful. Oh, it is good to be with friends again!” and Mr. Sheldon looked affectionately at the lads.
Dr. Klauss came in before the meal was finished. All this time the Sonderbaar was plowing along beneath the surface, but at what depth, or in what direction the boys could only guess. There were no indicators in this main cabin.
“Would you lads like to see something of my submarine?” asked the German.