“Possibly it has been hanging down all the time but the current caused by the passage of the other vessel swung it outward,” ventured Ned. “It will no doubt slip past in a moment!”
But this prediction was not fulfilled. With a sudden lurch, the stern of the false “U-13” rose, tilting the deck sharply forward.
With a groan the propellers stopped.
CHAPTER XVIII
HELP FROM A STRANGER
Harry uttered a sharp cry as he stumbled forward along the steep incline of the floor. It seemed as if some huge power had grasped the stern of the craft, raising it until the vessel tilted forward at an angle which rendered walking impossible.
All the boys were thrown toward the forward end of the vessel, where Jimmie was located. Ned and Jack lost their footing. They rolled awkwardly to the forward bulkhead. Harry and Frank managed to remain upright by hurriedly grasping at parts of the machinery or at stanchions. Their progress was undignified as well as sudden.
“What’s up?” sharply questioned Jimmie, regaining his feet.
“The stern’s up!” facetiously replied Jack, also struggling to a standing position. “Is anybody hurt?” the boy continued.