“Yes, sir. They torpedoed another submarine that we were towing, and in casting off the towing line the gentleman below was caught in the line. His leg is badly broken.”
“Who is this other person?”
“He gave us the name of Mackinder.”
A frown settled over the face of their questioner. Stepping forward, with flashing eyes he addressed Ned in a low voice vibrant with emotion.
“Now, if you have all the lies out of your system,” he gritted, “we’ll listen to the real story.”
“That is the real story!” protested Ned. “Step below, if you don’t believe me, and you may see for yourself.”
“We have already seen enough to discredit such a wild yarn as that!” declared the other. “Too many of our brave sailors have been killed and set adrift by the ‘U-13.’ Besides, the man you mention is certainly not in the cabin. I can swear to that. Now, will you tell me the truth?”
“I say, Mister,” put in Jimmie, “suppose you go fifty-fifty with us. Who are you, and what right have you to stop us?”
A short laugh was the man’s only answer. He turned to hail the vessel from which he had just come.