Von Kluck’s only response was a growl as he passed the boys.
“Captain’s grouchy!” declared Jimmie. “Leave him alone, Ned!”
“Sure, don’t bother him!” added Frank. “He’s worried enough!”
“Just the same, I don’t like his looks!” stated Ned with some degree of apprehension. “He seems to have soured after hearing about the ‘U-13.’ Didn’t you fellows notice how he listened to Frank’s story?”
“Sure we did,” Jimmie replied, “but then, it’s only natural that he should be worried over the possibility of losing his vessel!”
“Well, his getting under way in this weather shows that he intends to be square and land us in an English port as he agreed!”
“I guess von Kluck is a pretty good sort of a chap, after all!” ventured Harry. “He has tried to treat us as right as he could!”
“I think you’re right. We can’t blame him for feeling somewhat worried under the circumstances. We’d be grouchy, too!”
Under a port helm the Lena Knobloch swung to starboard leaping forward into the waves as if glad to again be battling with the sea.