A short time before darkness settled an orderly visited the craft. He was able to converse slightly in English.
“How are you getting along, boys?” he asked, as he stepped down the iron ladder. “Can we put the torpedoes aboard tomorrow?”
“Yes, I think you will be able to place the torpedoes after tomorrow morning,” replied Ned. “We will have our work all done then.”
“That is good!” was the other’s comment. “Where is Mackinder?” was his next question. “He will have to come ashore now!” he added.
“Mackinder?” was Ned’s startled response. “He’s not here.”
“But he was here!” firmly declared the orderly. “He was seen by one of the sentries to come aboard this vessel, and has not since been noticed going ashore, although a close watch has been kept!”
“We haven’t seen him at all!” stated Ned, just as firmly.
“We shall have to search the vessel!” affirmed the orderly. “You will please remain aboard for a short time.”
Quickly ascending the ladder the man summoned another soldier from the shore. Together the two made a hasty examination of the boat.
Unable to discover any trace of the missing prisoner they shook their heads as if greatly puzzled. Now and again they glanced at the boys, exchanging at the same time comments in German.