"Not a trace," declared Denbigh. "Only, old man, remember you are rather hot-headed. Let's hope there won't be a premature explosion."
"There won't," said O'Hara emphatically. "Because I've no cartridges."
"That's something to be thankful for," remarked Stirling. "But what, might I ask, is the use of an automatic pistol, if you haven't any cartridges?"
"You never know your luck," replied O'Hara. "I may manage to pick up some on board. Whist!"
Von Langer, the fat ober-leutnant who had been in charge of the boarding-party, was approaching.
Possibly at a hint from his chief he had dropped his overbearing manner, for he addressed the prisoners in a mild tone.
"It is nearly sunset," he remarked. "You vos go below. I am sorry to tell you dis, but dese are orders. Wir mussen vorsichtig zu Werke gehen."
Denbigh gave no sign that he understood. Von Langer had hoped to trip the Englishman, but he had failed.
"What was that Johnny spouting about?" asked Stirling, when the three chums had retired to the cabin.
"That they had to be very careful," replied Denbigh. "That I don't doubt. I'll give them a week at the very outside. If we are not free men then, I reckon we're booked to Davy Jones his locker."