“We’ll look around and see what we can do, anyway,” answered his cousin.
“There are plenty of chains around,” put in Gif. “Those are what made the awful clanking sounds we heard.”
Step by step the three cadets came up until they were at the spot where the Germans had set up their repair plant. Some of the things they had been working upon were still lying about, but other parts had been taken aboard the submarine.
“I guess they have all gone,” said Jack, after a look around. “I’m going aboard that craft and take a peep at her.”
The others were also anxious to do this, and all three were soon across the gangplank which led to the open hatch of the U-boat. They gazed down this hatch with some awe, and discovered that several electric lights had been left turned on below. A steel ladder ran down into the interior of the submersible.
“What do you say—shall we go below?” questioned Jack.
“I’m willing if you are,” answered his cousin.
“And so am I,” added Gif. “I don’t believe there is any one around.”
“Well, we’ll take a chance,” answered the young captain. “If there is any alarm, we’ll have to run for it.”
“Yes, and we may have to fight for it,” added Fred.