Mr. Parker gripped Penny’s hand in an encouraging squeeze.
“Wish you were safe at the hotel,” he whispered. “I was a fool to let you come.”
Penny’s heart pounded but she shook her head vigorously. Not for anything would she have missed the adventure. However, she was cool headed enough to realize that the situation was not shaping up well for her father and Jerry.
There were two men visible in the rubber boat, unquestionably armed. Then George Emory must be reckoned with and the arrival of others might be expected at any moment. Jerry carried a revolver but her father had no weapon. Already it was too late for any member of the trio to safely go for help.
“That sub may intend to land Secret Agents here,” Jerry speculated. “But from the code message we deciphered, it’s more likely they plan to take aboard one or more passengers.”
“Perhaps that escaped flier,” Penny supplied.
“He’s a valuable man to them. Well worth the risk they’re taking to try to rescue him.”
“If passengers are to go aboard, where are they?” Penny whispered. “There’s no one here but George Emory.”
“We must wait and watch. We’ll soon see enough or I miss my guess.”
The rubber boat had reached the surf and was being churned by the waves. Two men in full military uniform, leaped out and guided the boat to the beach. George Emory waded out to meet them. Shaking the hand of each, he spoke rapidly in German. Though Mr. Parker understood the language, he was unable to catch a word.