Presently Jimmie located a first aid kit among the stores. He was not long in cleansing and bandaging the wound.
“There you are!” he stated. “Just as good as new! Now go lie down for a little while. I’ll finish this job if I know enough.”
Chatting together in a somewhat nervous manner the boys anxiously awaited the approach of evening. As the time wore on their restlessness increased. Again and again they carefully went over each detail of their proposed plan for escape in the submarine.
It was decided that Jimmie should take the wheel while Harry stood watch at the engines. The others were assigned to various other duties at favorable positions. Nothing remained except to wait for night.
A short time before darkness settled an orderly visited the craft. He was able to converse slightly in English.
“How are you getting along, boys?” he asked, as he stepped down the iron ladder. “Can we put the torpedoes aboard tomorrow?”
“Yes, I think you will be able to place the torpedoes after tomorrow morning,” replied Ned. “We will have our work all done then.”
“That is good!” was the other’s comment. “Where is Mackinder?” was his next question. “He will have to come ashore now!” he added.
“Mackinder?” was Ned’s startled response. “He’s not here.”
“But he was here!” firmly declared the orderly. “He was seen by one of the sentries to come aboard this vessel, and has not since been noticed going ashore, although a close watch has been kept!”