“Hush!” spoke Jerry quickly. “Not so loud. Dr. Klauss may come upon us at any time.”
Ned looked around apprehensively, but the fanatical captain had not entered the darkened cabin.
“Well, I’m going to make a try, anyhow,” went on Jerry. “He can’t do more than order me out. Besides, I may get a chance to sound the crew.”
“I think it would be a good idea,” agreed Mr. Sheldon. “We have no time to lose. While we are fairly comfortable here, think of the anxiety of our friends and relatives—of the parents of you boys. We simply must get away from this madman!”
So far as the boys could tell they had the run of the ship. No restrictions had been placed on them, and they felt free to go where they liked. Especially were they anxious to observe how the strange craft was operated. It was knowledge that might be of vital necessity soon.
If their next request to be set free was met with a refusal, then it would be time to put their plot into execution.
Jerry, Ned and Bob had risen to go to the engine room, when Grace, who was standing near one of the glass windows in the side of the cabin gave a startled cry:
“What is it?” asked her father.
“Look!” she gasped. “A whale—a great whale, and he seems about to hit us! Oh, tell Dr. Klauss—quick!”
She pointed to the window where could be seen, keeping pace with the submarine, a monster whale that was fairly rubbing against the side of the boat.