“Boys, we will do well to pack up and get aboard that vessel as quickly as possible!” declared Ned. “Through a mistake we’re under suspicion, and it won’t pay us to remain here another minute!”
Replacing their belongings in the bags with skill and despatch the lads were soon ready. They at once proceeded to the dock.
Tramping aboard they proceeded to the cabin at the after end of the vessel. Entering they discovered Captain von Kluck seated at the little table. Before him was a bottle and a glass.
“Well, Captain,” began Ned, “we’re here and ready to go!”
“So-o-o?” queried von Kluck. “Vhell, if you’re reatty to go, vhy go! But you don’d go on dis schip. Vhe don’d carry bassengers!”
CHAPTER VI
A DIFFICULT DEPARTURE
Astounded at the statement of the captain, whom they had begun to regard as a friend but whose present manner indicated anything but friendship, the boys glanced at each other in some degree of alarm.
“Just what do you mean by that, Captain?” inquired Ned. “I thought it was understood that we were to have passage on your boat!”