Jimmie, in compliance with this wish, steered the craft upward.
At the surface the boys found the water much smoother than they had expected would be the case. Jimmie declared that he intended painting the balance of the name “U-13” on the vessel while the other lads were occupied in airing out the vessel and refilling the compressed air tanks.
Slung in a boatswain’s chair over the sloping deck the lad soon completed this task. Feeling a considerable degree of elation at the success of his undertaking Jimmie returned with his brush and paint.
“If you’re ready now we’ll dive again and proceed!”
“Wait a minute, Mackinder’s still on deck!” stated Jack.
“He wasn’t there when I came below!” protested Jimmie.
CHAPTER XV
MISTAKEN IDENTITY
Ned looked at Jimmie in astonishment. He could scarcely credit his senses. He began ascending the iron ladder leading to the deck.