“We are going up, now, and those who wish may go on deck. But be careful, for we are in the middle of the Atlantic and if you fall overboard I may not be able to rescue you.”
Jerry wondered if there was any significance in the grim words, or in the smile that accompanied them. But Dr. Klauss turned away.
There was a new motion to the Sonderbaar. She seemed to tilt her bow toward the surface, and soon she shot from the water, and lay inert on the bosom of the sea. There was a clank of metal and the German called:
“The hatch is open—those who wish may go up.”
“Me for some fresh air!” cried Jerry, and the others followed, one at a time, all glad to be in the open, and under the blue sky once more.
They looked about in wonder. The submarine, her deck only slightly above the surface, was in the midst of the boundless ocean. There was not another craft in sight, and no land visible. They were indeed in the middle of the Atlantic.
“Well, it’s good to get your nose outside; even if we are held by the enemy,” remarked Ned.
“Yes, and I think we must soon put our plan to the test,” spoke Mr. Sheldon. “I will again make a request of Dr. Klauss.”
Bob’s uncle was about to go down the hatchway to seek the German, but, at that moment, Dr. Klauss came up. He seemed to have forgotten all about his burst of passion, but when Mr. Sheldon, a moment later, made his request that he and his friends and daughter be set ashore, the doctor’s face flamed red, and in an excited manner he exclaimed:
“Now, that will do! No more of that! I told you that you would never see your country again—and you will not! I shall keep my word. I shall return and destroy all the Yankee ships, but you will not. I will maroon you on a desert island if I have to! I will not have my plans betrayed!”