Since none of the members of the crew with whom they came in contact seemed able to speak English the boys were forced to content themselves with speculating on their destination.
They knew that the torpedo boat destroyer had been headed nearly northeast when it overhauled, and picked them up. They also knew that in this direction lay the entrance to the river Elbe and the Kiel ship canal, but whether the boat was making for some port in that vicinity they were unable to learn.
Keenly as the lads regretted their lack of definite information they were not inclined to become despondent. They found it possible by using signs to carry on a sort of desultory conversation with the members of the crew, who had gathered out of curiosity in their vicinity.
At length Frank jumped from his seat with an exclamation.
“I’ll bet I know where we’re going!” he announced, gleefully.
“So do I!” stated Jimmie in a nonchalant manner.
“Where?” asked Frank, somewhat crestfallen. “Aw, you don’t either!” he declared, after searching his comrade’s face intently.
“All right,” admitted Jimmie, laughing. “I just wanted to take some of that overconfidence out of your system, that’s all!”
“Where do you think we are bound for, Frank?” inquired Ned.
Frank placed a finger on his lips, glancing about to make sure that no one was close enough to overhear his whispered words.