“No. We had not seen it until the time it was taken from our kits by the soldiers who were searching them. All we know is that it was marked ‘U-13’ on the outside. We have seen it but that once.”
“I cannot understand why Mackinder should be trying to take the package out of the possession of his own countrymen!”
“But I beg to say that we are not countrymen of his!” declared Ned. “We are citizens of the United States. Here are our passports!”
“I beg your pardon!” apologized the commander. “Circumstances seemed to indicate that you were Englishmen. The mistake is mine!”
“I admit that the mistake was natural,” said Ned. “But can you tell me if there is any connection between the package marked ‘U-13’ and the submarine vessel of the same name? If there is, why should Mackinder, an Englishman, have anything to do with the package?”
A smile greeted this query. Clearly the officer was amused.
“If, as I suspect,” he stated presently, “the package contained information valuable for the ‘U-13’ do you not understand why Mackinder would be glad to get possession of it? The ‘U-13’ is a German craft!”
“Oh, yes,” cried Ned. “And the two countries are at war!”
“And you will also understand why, under the circumstances, we must feel honored by your presence, as well as that of Mackinder, for a little time. Just now we should hate to see you go!”
“Then we are going to be prisoners?” asked Jimmie.