“Von Kluck,” the boy answered.
“Ah, a Hollander! I believe he is a peaceful trader in small cargoes. He is what the English call a ‘tramp’ of the sea.”
“May I ask what boat this is and where you are bound?” asked Ned. “We would like to get to the United States, you know,” he added.
“Yes,” smiled the commander. “But you are far from that country now and we think your company delightful. This vessel is the Sturmvogel, a destroyer of the German navy. We have been doing some small tasks upon the high seas and are returning to a base of supplies.”
“Can you put us in touch with some means whereby we can secure passage on a vessel leaving for the United States?” asked Ned.
“I am afraid that is impossible for the present,” slowly replied the other, with apparent reluctance. “We like your company, you see. We also are favored with the presence of one of your countrymen,” here he indicated Mackinder, “who has consented to pay us a brief visit.”
“Pardon me, sir!” stated Mackinder, half rising. “These are not countryman of mine! I must disclaim that honor!”
“So-o-o?” drawled the other. “Then you do not know them?”
“No!” stated Mackinder positively. “They are strangers to me!”
“Then you did not mean what you said a few moments ago?”