“Insist that we stay together on the job,” returned Jimmie.
“You may be sure I shall do that!” came the answer instantly.
“I hope the storm increases!” was Jack’s contribution.
“Now, gentlemen,” announced the general, “if you are ready to proceed you may accompany this man. He will direct you to the work.”
Ned bowed in acknowledgment and the party turned to accompany the orderly, who appeared in answer to the summons of his superior.
They were led away from the dock at which the Sturmvogel lay. In a short time they had traversed a goodly distance toward the mouth of the harbor. Their destination proved to be the building adjacent to the group of submarine vessels. By inquiries both direct and indirect Ned and his companions decided that the orderly was unable to comprehend English, but for the sake of absolute safety they continued to use the sign language largely in their conversation as they proceeded.
In a short time they had been admitted to the outermost craft, which lay moored to its fellows. Communication had been established between the vessels by means of a row of planks laid from deck to deck.
Once inside the submarine the boys made a hurried yet thorough examination of every part, taking a complete inventory of the exact state of affairs. Frank and Jimmie managed to overhaul the stores. Harry and Jack looked over the mechanical equipment. Ned, with the plans in his hands, went carefully over every detail of the electric system.
“I say, fellows,” announced Ned at length, as all the lads met beneath the hatch, “this wagon is nearly complete. It looks a lot like the ‘U-13’!”
“That’s what it does!” agreed Jimmie. “What more is needed?”