The matter was talked over by the cadets for fully ten minutes. At the place to which they had withdrawn they could talk freely, because the noises near the submarine continued, so there was little danger of their being overheard. While they talked they peeped out from time to time at the workmen, and saw that they were laboring over several sheets of steel and odd pieces of machinery, using a forge, a lathe, and a small drop hammer for that purpose. They had a gangplank leading over the waterway to the upper portion of the submarine, and from an open hatchway of the U-boat ran a number of coils of insulated wire, evidently carrying power to the electric lights and also to the machinery.
“They must be getting all their power from the engines of the submarine,” said Jack. “They’ve certainly got themselves pretty well fixed down here.”
“But how in the world did they manage to find this place?” questioned Spouter.
“That remains to be found out, Spouter. Probably the German authorities had some spies around here who found the place for them, or otherwise they paid some of the natives for the information.”
“You know my dad spoke about German U-boat bases along our coast, and also bases for secret wireless telegraphy plants,” put in Fred. “There is no telling what those rascals are up to.”
It was decided that Andy and Randy, accompanied by Spouter, should make their way back to the opening by which they had gained entrance to the underground waterway, and then return to Camp Barlight as quickly as possible and acquaint Captain Dale with what had been discovered. In the meanwhile, Jack, Fred, and Gif would remain behind on guard in case the Germans should attempt to make a sudden move.
“We don’t know how far along they are with their repairs,” declared the young captain. “It would be just our luck to have them sail away right under our noses.”
“Oh, Jack! couldn’t you stop them in some way from doing that?” questioned Andy quickly.
“I should hope so, Andy. That is, if they really did try to get away. Of course, they may not be anywhere near ready to leave—although they have been here for some time according to the noises we have heard. I’d like to find out something about the other end of the passageway.”
“Maybe you can find out by going out with us and around to the other end of the bay,” suggested Spouter.