“Let’s get closer and examine the damage done by the torpedo,” suggested Frank. “I’d like to observe the effects of the attack.”
Shortly the misnamed “U-13” was creeping alongside the hull of the sunken vessel. Jimmie handled the wheel dexterously, ever alert for possible danger. Harry stood by the engines, ready at a moment’s notice to assist in executing any maneuver desired.
“Looks as if the whole side of the ship had been torn away,” stated Ned, as the submarine crept slowly past the jagged wound.
“Those torpedoes surely are powerful,” agreed Frank. “I hope everybody got away from the ship before the explosion took place.”
“They probably gave the crew plenty of time to escape if this is the work of the ‘U-13’,” commented Ned. “You say they gave the crew on your vessel ample time to get safely away?”
“Yes, but the men let themselves become panic-stricken. They lost their heads and consumed a good deal of time. Besides that, they forgot they were civilized. One of them hit me an awful clip.”
“And pretty nearly left you on board to be drowned!”
“These fellows did the same thing!” announced Jack, peering out.
“Did what?” queried Ned, wondering what the other meant.
“Left a man aboard when the ship sank,” stated Jack, pointing through the little port hole. “There he is, walking about!”