Evidently strict orders had been given to the crew of the other boat, for there was none of the customary interchange of salutations and jokes, such as might be expected. Those men knew who those aboard the submarine were. They possibly labored under the impression that they had been cheated out of more or less prize money by Captain Shooks’ shrewd policy in getting ahead of them on two occasions. Hence they felt a bitter animosity toward the crew of the Argonaut, and it was well for the sake of peace in the Canal Zone that the rivals were kept apart.
When the time came for their release from the lock, the boys hastened to once more get aboard. The captain was sitting on the little deck above the conning tower. Oscar believed he was holding some sort of weapon in his hands, though he could not be quite sure about this, for the skipper hastened to conceal whatever he had there.
“The expected storm didn’t break, eh, lads?” he remarked, as they joined him.
“If you mean trouble with those other chaps,” Ballyhoo quickly said, “we’re just shaking hands with ourselves that nothing happened. We’ve heard some one whooping things up aboard the other boat, which we kind of imagine must have been Captain Badger. The men seemed to jump every time he shouted anything, and it’s plain to be seen they’re afraid of him when his mad is up.”
“Yes, he was always reckoned a terror,” admitted the skipper, between his set teeth; “and I’ve half expected to be favored with a visit from him. But the sight of those boys in khaki along the walls of the lock must have kept him from bothering us.”
“But what about after we pass out of the lock, Captain?” remarked Ballyhoo; “it strikes me there may be places along the canal, or in the big lake we’ve got to pass through, where he might give us trouble, such as ramming into us, and claiming it was a sheer accident?”
“I’ve thought of all that,” the other admitted, “and when we pass out I mean to tie up here close by, and spend the balance of the night within touch of these same U. S. regulars. Then if we have any trouble, we can look to them for assistance.”
Somehow the boys all approved of this idea. It seemed both reasonable and prudent in their eyes. While ready at all times to defend themselves, as every American should, if they wish to maintain their self-respect, all the same they did not believe in going around with a “chip on their shoulder,” and inviting an attack.
So they remained there on the upper deck, watching all that took place. The boys knew that after the crew of the Dauntless had dispersed to their quarters, at the command of their captain, others were constantly watching the submarine. They could see dim figures flitting back and forth, and acting as though they were desirous of remaining under cover.
“Hope they’ll know us another time,” grunted Ballyhoo, after the captain had stepped ashore to see about a matter of business; for fees had to be paid to cover their passage through the locks, since the U. S. Government does not propose to run a “free show,” after going to such heavy expense.