At length they met in the space directly below the hatchway.
“Find anything?” queried Ned glancing about the group.
“Not a hint of anything at all resembling an Englishman!” stated Jimmie. “Perhaps it would be a good idea to put an ad. in the paper.”
“Yes,” scorned Jack. “Like this: ‘Lost—one perfectly good Englishman. Finder please return to the “U-13” and receive reward’!”
“Sure!” agreed Jimmie. “Have them charge it, please!”
“Hush this nonsense, boys!” cried Ned. “This may be serious!”
“Well, where is he?” protested Jimmie. “We haven’t got him!”
“Maybe he fell overboard!” suggested Ned. “Let’s have a look.”
Again the lad mounted the ladder. As he reached the small deck he peered anxiously about the vessel seeking what he hoped he might not find.
The others came crowding after their chum, filling the space.