“May we go along, too, Jimmie?” asked Harry.
“Sure, you may all go!” answered the lad. “But I warn you right now,” he added, “that you’ll have to work your passage!”
“That suits me!” returned Harry, greatly amused at carrying on what he considered as a pleasant joke to while away the time.
But to Jimmie, at least, the matter was not by any means to be regarded as anything but a serious proposition. The lad had quickly formulated a plan of escape. The very daring of his intended action was its best guarantee of success. Failure meant disaster, but Jimmie was prepared to risk all in the attempt.
For a time the lad said no more. His tightly shut jaws showed the determination that possessed him. The others became absorbed in observing and discussing the monster Zeppelin dirigibles, hence they said nothing more upon the subject. There was much to attract their attention.
Directly they were summoned before the commander. As they entered the cabin the Sturmvogel drew up alongside a dock.
“Young men,” the officer began as the lads entered the cabin, “I regret keenly the circumstances that seem to make it necessary for us to detain you. I understand how anxious you must be to reach your homes, but it is not possible to permit you to depart at this time. You will be given every consideration during your stay at this place.”
“Can’t we go with you when you leave here?” asked Frank.
“No, that is impossible!” the other replied, shaking his head.
“Then maybe some other vessel will call and we can get passage on it? We are not particular about the class of accommodations!”