“All right, then, let’s get going!” agreed Jack.
The boys lost little time in proceeding to their hotel, where they went directly to their room. Here a scene of confusion awaited them. Their possessions lay scattered around in disorder.
“Well, Great Frozen Hot Boxes!” cried Jimmie. “What’s this?”
“Mackinder and Norton again, I’ll bet my head!” said Jack.
“Weren’t satisfied with their first search,” agreed Jimmie.
“Came back here and went through everything. Then I’ll bet Mackinder grabbed that milk cart and dogs, slipped on an old lady’s dress and chased down to the dock to see if he could stop us!” put in Jack. “When he found we were armed he just cut it and ran away!”
“Boys, we will do well to pack up and get aboard that vessel as quickly as possible!” declared Ned. “Through a mistake we’re under suspicion, and it won’t pay us to remain here another minute!”
Replacing their belongings in the bags with skill and despatch the lads were soon ready. They at once proceeded to the dock.
Tramping aboard they proceeded to the cabin at the after end of the vessel. Entering they discovered Captain von Kluck seated at the little table. Before him was a bottle and a glass.
“Well, Captain,” began Ned, “we’re here and ready to go!”