“Maybe that’s it! Let’s try it, anyway!” offered Harry.
“Go ahead!” agreed Ned in a tone that showed he was again taking heart. “Let’s act on the suggestion. We can try our scheme later!”
Harry’s hand had already found the levers. In a moment the ballast tanks were being filled with water. Gradually the vessel sank.
As the light grew more dim at the increased depth, Jimmie declared he could see the other vessel descending at about the same speed.
Presently the two craft were at the limit of their travel. The visitor rested on the deck of the Wanderer, while the ‘U-13,’ in which the boys were imprisoned, hung again at an angle from the line.
Directly the lads saw the figure that had formerly attracted their attention. It was climbing the main shrouds of the wrecked ship. When the man reached a position level with their craft he began making signs and motions. In his hand he flourished a knife.
“Looks rather bad for us!” commented Jack.
“Don’t you get him?” asked Jimmie impatiently. “He understands our predicament and intends to help us! He motioned out that he is going to climb the rigging until he can find the rope. Then he’ll slide down it until he lands on our stern. If we’ll agree not to start the engines while he’s there, he’ll cut the rope. But we must be ready at the ballast tanks to let the vessel settle slowly to the deck of the ship, so he can get off and clear the line from the propeller!”
“I don’t believe it!” stated Jack. “I think he meant to cut the line as soon as he gets to it and let us settle down slowly. What would be the sense of his riding around the ocean seated on the stern of a disabled submarine? He’s got too much sense for that!”