Frank shook his head hesitatingly before he answered slowly: “Boys, I hate to say it, but it looks as like the other as two peas. I would not like to make an affidavit, but I’m willing to say that it bears a most remarkable resemblance to that other one, if it is ‘other’!”
“Then, I guess we’re done for!” despaired Jack. “If that’s a German craft, we may as well hoist the white flag now and surrender!”
“Think they’ll take us back to Germany?” asked Ned quizzically.
“I’m sure of it!” declared the boy. “And we won’t stand much show, either, when they find that we’ve stolen this ship away from Helgoland!”
“Goodness!” exclaimed Ned suddenly. “I declare I’d actually forgotten that we were on board a stolen submarine. That does make it look rather dubious for us. We are in a pretty mess!” he added.
“Here comes someone now!” announced Jimmie. “Watch the hatch!”
A movement of the hatch cover on the other vessel indicated that someone was about to appear on deck. Slowly a figure stepped forth.
The stranger was of medium build, and wore a suit of blue with a round hat to match. He was carefully dressed. After taking a long survey of the group on the deck of the false “U-13,” he waved a hand in welcome.
“He wants us to come over and pay him a visit!” stated Jimmie.
“Why don’t you accept, then?” inquired Ned. “We’re into it now and may as well be sociable. Being balky won’t help matters any!”