“Perhaps we would do better to abandon your vessel,” Mackinder suggested as he prepared to go on deck. “Let me have the glasses, if you please. I’ll look them over.”
Jimmie paused, with his hand on the starting switch.
Suddenly all were startled by a cry from their host.
“Go ahead! go ahead!” he shouted down the hatchway. “That other fellow has launched a torpedo at us!”
“Let go the line, then!” urged Ned. “We’ll have to run for it! Full speed, Jimmie!” he added.
Mackinder was casting off the hawser with rapid motions. Jimmie, in response to Ned’s command, threw the switch over. The “U-13” began to gather headway.
All were startled to hear the report of a cannon shot. This was followed almost instantly by a shriek from the man on deck.
“Mackinder’s hit!” gasped Ned, turning a blanched face to his chums. “What shall we do?”
As if in answer to his query, the voice of Mackinder reached the ears of the lads.
“Bring an axe!” he shouted. “I’m fast in the bight!”