“You will find out later on,” Mackinder said, as he started to leave the room in company with Norton, “that I’ve been trying to help you out of mighty suspicious circumstances. You are ungrateful!”
“Good-bye!” called out Jimmie. “Don’t slam the door!”
For a moment the boys gazed at one another in amazement after the two men had left the room. They were excited and puzzled.
“Well, this is a stunner!” declared Ned at length.
“Who is this Mackinder, who is Norton, what is in this ‘U-13’ package that he wants, how did it get into our baggage, why was it put there, where are we going, when do we eat?” demanded Jimmie in a breath.
“That’s the way to talk, Jimmie!” cried Harry, laughing in spite of the situation that the boys all felt to be a serious one.
“The last question is the most important!” stated Jack. “I’m in favor of the eats part and that without further delay.”
“Come on, boys,” suggested Ned. “Let’s eat first and talk things over afterward. I’m nearly famished myself, and Jimmie is hungry, too!”
In a short time the lads were seated in a quaint restaurant ordering strange dishes. They were hungry, as only healthy, active boys can be. The food was well cooked and appetizing. They ate heartily.
“Now, I’m in favor of getting to the docks as quick as possible,” announced Jimmie, pushing his plate away. “Let’s get our passage settled.”