“I admit that the mistake was natural,” said Ned. “But can you tell me if there is any connection between the package marked ‘U-13’ and the submarine vessel of the same name? If there is, why should Mackinder, an Englishman, have anything to do with the package?”
A smile greeted this query. Clearly the officer was amused.
“If, as I suspect,” he stated presently, “the package contained information valuable for the ‘U-13’ do you not understand why Mackinder would be glad to get possession of it? The ‘U-13’ is a German craft!”
“Oh, yes,” cried Ned. “And the two countries are at war!”
“And you will also understand why, under the circumstances, we must feel honored by your presence, as well as that of Mackinder, for a little time. Just now we should hate to see you go!”
“Then we are going to be prisoners?” asked Jimmie.
“Oh, no! Nothing so harsh as that!” reassured the other. “We will call it simply guests for the time being. That sounds better!”
“Would you mind telling us what Mackinder had to say about us?” inquired Ned. “We would like very much to know that!”
“Consider,” temporized the officer, “how little time there has been since we first sighted you for conversation of any sort!”
“Yes,” agreed the lad, “but he has told you something!”