“Now,” said Mr. Sheldon, a little later, when they had gone more into detail as to what they would do, “now, the question is, how shall we approach the crew—and when?”
“I think we had better take the first chance that offers itself,” spoke Jerry. “We haven’t any time to spare. Dr. Klauss is as crazy as ever—that’s sure, and there’s no telling what he may do.”
“He said something about landing us on a desert island,” remarked Bob.
“Well, if he’d do that it might not be so bad,” came from Ned. “We might escape from there. But the trouble is there’s no certainty that he’d do that. I think the best plan is to get possession of the submarine.”
“Providing the crew will help us,” added Mr. Sheldon. “If they will not we shall have to adopt another plan.”
There was a sudden motion to the submarine, and the little daylight that had filtered in through the top of the side windows of the main deck was dispelled.
“We are going down!” exclaimed Grace. “Oh dear! We are going under water again! Oh, Father, I can’t stand it!” and she sobbed on his shoulder.
“There, there, Grace, my girl,” he comforted her. “We are doing the best we can. Possibly in another day we will be our own masters.”
Jerry and his chums were indignant at Dr. Klauss for causing Grace so much anguish, but they realized that nothing could be gained by being rash. They must carefully work out their plans.
The Sonderbaar sank lower and lower in the water. Soon she was completely submerged and again, tightly closed, she surged ahead through the dark sea. Whither were they going? What had fate in store for the refugees? None could answer.